2016 Presidential Horse Race

2016 Presidential Horse Race


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Polish Leppy 22

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The GI Bill is "socialism" that helps/helped you and I so Webb isn't a "radical left winger?" But what makes the other Dems "radical left wingers"? Policies to help other groups of people? Not attacking you, but interested in hearing your distinction. I like Webb, too, but he is a centrist republican in terms of policy, IMO. He was outgunned in the debate for sure, but he is a reasonable fellow.

1) The GI bill could be labeled as socialism, but at least those men and women on the receiving end EARNED it. Your boy Bernie has taken it upon himself to deem this up and coming generation worthy of free college education. Why? What makes them so special? Why don't they have to work their asses off and take on thousands in debt like my generation did?

2) What makes the other Dems radical left wingers? A lot. But to keep it simple, the American government is not in place to ensure each citizen's needs are met. It is here to keep the citizens safe and allow the individual to pursue his/ her goals and aspirations.
 

woolybug25

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He's probably got a more impressive resume than the majority on that stage. He isn't a radical left winger, like the rest who happen to be in the race. He didn't have a great debate, at all, or even close to it.... but I would take him over the alternative.

He was my first Senate vote and the reason my GI BILL is much improved.

Webb might have looked like a weirdo creeper on the debate stage, but this guy is somebody I would love to sit down and buy a beer for. Total boss.

Here's the story on the fella he mentioned shooting during the debate.

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The citation for Webb’s Navy Cross explains how when his platoon discovered a complex of three bunkers in July 1969, Webb almost single-handedly apprehended the first one’s occupants; detonated a Claymore mine in the second, accounting for two enemy casualties; and then saved his fellow Marines in what reads like a scene from Rambo.

“[Webb] approached a third bunker and was preparing to fire into it when the enemy threw another grenade. Observing the grenade land dangerously close to his companion, First Lieutenant Webb simultaneously fired his weapon at the enemy, pushed the Marine away from the grenade, and shielded him from the explosion with his own body. Although sustaining painful fragmentation wounds from the explosion, he managed to throw a grenade into the aperture and completely destroy the remaining bunker.”
e7a7ff1f2f2a8662ca44bfd6248cfd52fe36e54814567793b698effe9602a87e.jpg
 

BleedBlueGold

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1) The GI bill could be labeled as socialism, but at least those men and women on the receiving end EARNED it. Your boy Bernie has taken it upon himself to deem this up and coming generation worthy of free college education. Why? What makes them so special? Why don't they have to work their asses off and take on thousands in debt like my generation did?

2) What makes the other Dems radical left wingers? A lot. But to keep it simple, the American government is not in place to ensure each citizen's needs are met. It is here to keep the citizens safe and allow the individual to pursue his/ her goals and aspirations.

I'm completely taken aback when I read/hear comments like this. You probably think that anyone on welfare is a lazy drug addict too, right?
 

kmoose

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OK, but why was there an investigation about banging an intern? Who cared in the first place?

Because Clinton perjured himself in the Paula Jones lawsuit, by testifying that he had never had a sexual relationship with Lewinski(who was subpoenaed as a witness in the case). If he hadn't been such a slimy philanderer, and then lied about it, no one would have cared.
 

kmoose

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The citation for Webb’s Navy Cross explains how when his platoon discovered a complex of three bunkers in July 1969, Webb almost single-handedly apprehended the first one’s occupants; detonated a Claymore mine in the second, accounting for two enemy casualties; and then saved his fellow Marines in what reads like a scene from Rambo.

Does this sound odd to anyone else that has ever been around a claymore? Claymores are defensive weapons which are usually triggered by either tripwire or remote trigger. They are a mine with a relatively close-in kill zone, that is highly focused. It's not like a grenade, which is thrown and detonates in a full 360 degree arc. A claymore is shaped similar to one of those new curved TVs. If you tossed it into the bunker, there's no way to know if the business end is pointed at the enemy, or straight into the ground.

Not that any of the above has any bearing on Webb as a candidate; it just struck me as odd, when I read that part.
 

IrishinSyria

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Does this sound odd to anyone else that has ever been around a claymore? Claymores are defensive weapons which are usually triggered by either tripwire or remote trigger. They are a mine with a relatively close-in kill zone, that is highly focused. It's not like a grenade, which is thrown and detonates in a full 360 degree arc. A claymore is shaped similar to one of those new curved TVs. If you tossed it into the bunker, there's no way to know if the business end is pointed at the enemy, or straight into the ground.

Not that any of the above has any bearing on Webb as a candidate; it just struck me as odd, when I read that part.

Struck me as odd too, but I imagine him setting one up at the entrance of the bunker as part of a breach. Not SOP, but you do the best you can with the tools you've got when things go to sh!t.

That being said, when I was in one of my extra duties was battalion historian. I read a lot of MoH and Silver Star citations from Korea as part of the job, and they all sound like they were ripped out of a Rambo movie. I think it's a combination of genuinely heroic action, fog of war effects on memory, and people writing award recommendations in the most favorable light possible. I always applied a small reality discount when the awardee is an officer.
 

RDU Irish

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The GI Bill is "socialism" that helps/helped you and I so Webb isn't a "radical left winger?" But what makes the other Dems "radical left wingers"? Policies to help other groups of people? Not attacking you, but interested in hearing your distinction. I like Webb, too, but he is a centrist republican in terms of policy, IMO. He was outgunned in the debate for sure, but he is a reasonable fellow.

Care to rehash this comment in light of the details surrounding Webb's service?

Are you honestly equating the GI Bill to welfare or are you just trolling?
 

drayer54

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The GI Bill is "socialism" that helps/helped you and I so Webb isn't a "radical left winger?" But what makes the other Dems "radical left wingers"? Policies to help other groups of people? Not attacking you, but interested in hearing your distinction. I like Webb, too, but he is a centrist republican in terms of policy, IMO. He was outgunned in the debate for sure, but he is a reasonable fellow.

The post 9/11 GI Bill is an earned part of military service. Veterans paid into this and it was a part of the contract for enlistment. It is not a handout for all like one of the others proposes.

He isn't a gun grabber like the radicals. Hes the only candidate I would trust on day 1 with foreign policy. A quick flashback to where he was in the Vietnam War vice the others, plus he has served as a Secretary of the Navy. His record reflects that of a democrat in a red state. A moderate, who could actually work with both sides.

Hillary is Gridlock 2.0.
 

Polish Leppy 22

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I'm completely taken aback when I read/hear comments like this. You probably think that anyone on welfare is a lazy drug addict too, right?

I could are less about your feelings haha. Welfare is a safety net to get people back on their feet. It should not be a lifestyle.

Back to the original point: our veterans benefiting from the GI Bill EARNED it, and not by simply existing.
 

BleedBlueGold

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I could are less about your feelings haha. Welfare is a safety net to get people back on their feet. It should not be a lifestyle.

Back to the original point: our veterans benefiting from the GI Bill EARNED it, and not by simply existing.

So a person with a severe disability shouldn't get assistance? Last I checked their disability is a life style, one they can't help. You think it's wrong for them to get help?

Do you realize that out of the 20-30% of Americans who get assistance, only about 5% of them receive more than half their income via government programs? Which means that vast majority of them are working, they just need some help putting food on the table, getting medicine, or keeping a roof over their head. By the way, that help is only about $400 a month in food stamps and other benefits. They're hardly living the life of the wealthy.

Do you think it's wrong that poor kids get a free lunch at school because otherwise, they'd go hungry?
 

kmoose

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So a person with a severe disability shouldn't get assistance? Last I checked their disability is a life style, one they can't help. You think it's wrong for them to get help?

Do you realize that out of the 20-30% of Americans who get assistance, only about 5% of them receive more than half their income via government programs? Which means that vast majority of them are working, they just need some help putting food on the table, getting medicine, or keeping a roof over their head. By the way, that help is only about $400 a month in food stamps and other benefits. They're hardly living the life of the wealthy.

Do you think it's wrong that poor kids get a free lunch at school because otherwise, they'd go hungry?

You know there are people out there who have kids just because it increases their welfare payment? That those people receive cut rate housing, food stamps, almost free health care, and a free cell phone?

I'm just spitballing here, but I think THOSE are the people he was unhappy with. Not the people who are doing honest work and just looking for a little bit of help to get by.
 

BleedBlueGold

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You know there are people out there who have kids just because it increases their welfare payment? That those people receive cut rate housing, food stamps, almost free health care, and a free cell phone?

I'm just spitballing here, but I think THOSE are the people he was unhappy with. Not the people who are doing honest work and just looking for a little bit of help to get by.

I'm sure he is. And yea, there are people out there who exploit the system. But he shouldn't make comments that are so general because it's extremely ignorant and offensive. The sheer number of people I know who speak of welfare recipients in this manner is sickening to me.
 

IrishinSyria

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All empirical studies I've read show that welfare abuse is relatively rare. It's not a desirable lifestyle.
 

GoIrish41

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Care to rehash this comment in light of the details surrounding Webb's service?

Are you honestly equating the GI Bill to welfare or are you just trolling?

No. I was aware of Webb's significant service to the country prior to my comment. I am not equating the GI Bill to "welfare". I said it is a socialist program -- much the same as Social Security is. And folks who collect that also "earned it." I also know from personal experience that there are a great many people in the military who have nothing in their service record that demonstrates the kind of heroism and commitment that Webb exhibited in Vietnam Nam. Even the guys who are complete fvck ups get the same benefits that those who are great warriors get. Millions of vets have benefitted from the GI bill. Do you think they are all the best this country has to offer and have "earned" this special benefit while those who work hard every day to care for their families don't deserve any help?
 

BleedBlueGold

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I meant to reply to this too and forgot:

Your boy Bernie has taken it upon himself to deem this up and coming generation worthy of free college education. Why? What makes them so special? Why don't they have to work their asses off and take on thousands in debt like my generation did?
-Polish Leppy

This is another thing I thoroughly do not understand. The tax revenue to pay for tuition will be paid for by Wall Street under Bernie's plan. There are already programs in place to help kids pay for the costs of living while in college. Why on Earth do people have a problem with kids getting a free education? The youth of this country are the foundation for the future. Consider it an investment. If you can make it easier, why wouldn't you? Hillary's against it because she "doesn't want to pay for Trump's kids' college education." This is so short-sighted and spiteful. It's like us bitching about Nico Fertita getting a football scholarship even though his dad can afford the tuition. There are plenty of smart kids out there who have the grades and the desire to go to college but can't because they can't afford it. Why not make it easier for them? Just because you worked through college and paid your own way doesn't mean you can't step back and rethink the system. College debt combined with unemployment rates are a massive reason why young people are struggling to get ahead. And you have an issue with trying to fix that problem?
 

IrishinSyria

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1) The GI bill could be labeled as socialism, but at least those men and women on the receiving end EARNED it. Your boy Bernie has taken it upon himself to deem this up and coming generation worthy of free college education. Why? What makes them so special? Why don't they have to work their asses off and take on thousands in debt like my generation did?

2) What makes the other Dems radical left wingers? A lot. But to keep it simple, the American government is not in place to ensure each citizen's needs are met. It is here to keep the citizens safe and allow the individual to pursue his/ her goals and aspirations.

A lot to unpack here, but I'll just point out that average college tuition has been increasing faster than the rate of inflation for several decades now. Going to school is no longer a matter of graduating thousands of dollars in debt, but potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt. What students of your generation had to do has nothing to do with the experiences of modern day students. It also has nothing to do with the normative question of how we should develop human capital in this country.
 

drayer54

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I also know from personal experience that there are a great many people in the military who have nothing in their service record that demonstrates the kind of heroism and commitment that Webb exhibited in Vietnam Nam. Do you think they are all the best this country has to offer and have "earned" this special benefit while those who work hard every day to care for their families don't deserve any help?

Absolutely.

It's never fashionable for a veteran to argue another over who spent more days in the sand or who unloaded more magazines. I don't care if veteran A spent more time on the can at test depth on a sub than Veteran B spent doing whatever it is they do on chair force deployments.

The GI Bill is part of the contract. You sign up and they do whatever they want with you until EAOS arrives. It means holidays in far away places, most of which suck. It means living somewhere crappy around people you are tired of seeing and surely smell bad and doing whatever it is that is deemed your role in the combat operation. Everybody counts. Even Air-Dale's.....

You can't say that one marine deserves it more than another soldier. I get that some guys aren't exactly the MVP and may spend the entire tour looking like a sad panda, but it is even a part of that contract.

What Mr. Webb did, was fight for Vets more so than anyone else I can recall in recent memory and develop a post 9/11 GI-Bill that is more adapted to education in the 21st century. I am grateful for him and the B.S. and M.E.B that I was able to earn with my earned GI Bill after 3 long deployments.
 

woolybug25

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I meant to reply to this too and forgot:

-Polish Leppy

This is another thing I thoroughly do not understand. The tax revenue to pay for tuition will be paid for by Wall Street under Bernie's plan. There are already programs in place to help kids pay for the costs of living while in college. Why on Earth do people have a problem with kids getting a free education? The youth of this country are the foundation for the future. Consider it an investment. If you can make it easier, why wouldn't you? Hillary's against it because she "doesn't want to pay for Trump's kids' college education." This is so short-sighted and spiteful. It's like us bitching about Nico Fertita getting a football scholarship even though his dad can afford the tuition. There are plenty of smart kids out there who have the grades and the desire to go to college but can't because they can't afford it. Why not make it easier for them? Just because you worked through college and paid your own way doesn't mean you can't step back and rethink the system. College debt combined with unemployment rates are a massive reason why young people are struggling to get ahead. And you have an issue with trying to fix that problem?

Plainly put... not all kids are meant for college. Sounds harsh, but it's the reality. Kids in today's society are being constantly told that simply going to college guarantees a great life and that anything less than college is a failure. When in reality, a great deal of these kids would be better served learning a trade, going to the military or doing an apprenticeship.

But instead, we will keep piling kids into white-washed universities and pad the pockets of higher education. Diminishing the value of college degrees and stalling our ability to actually teach people tangible skills.

I don't know how many times I have to make this argument in this thread.
 

Wild Bill

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No. I was aware of Webb's significant service to the country prior to my comment. I am not equating the GI Bill to "welfare". I said it is a socialist program -- much the same as Social Security is. And folks who collect that also "earned it." I also know from personal experience that there are a great many people in the military who have nothing in their service record that demonstrates the kind of heroism and commitment that Webb exhibited in Vietnam Nam. Even the guys who are complete fvck ups get the same benefits that those who are great warriors get. Millions of vets have benefitted from the GI bill. Do you think they are all the best this country has to offer and have "earned" this special benefit while those who work hard every day to care for their families don't deserve any help?

Except serving in the military is voluntary while paying SS is not. And unfortunately, folks who haven't paid a dime into the system are cashing SS checks they haven't "earned".

I meant to reply to this too and forgot:
This is another thing I thoroughly do not understand. The tax revenue to pay for tuition will be paid for by Wall Street under Bernie's plan. There are already programs in place to help kids pay for the costs of living while in college. Why on Earth do people have a problem with kids getting a free education? The youth of this country are the foundation for the future. Consider it an investment. If you can make it easier, why wouldn't you? Hillary's against it because she "doesn't want to pay for Trump's kids' college education." This is so short-sighted and spiteful. It's like us bitching about Nico Fertita getting a football scholarship even though his dad can afford the tuition. There are plenty of smart kids out there who have the grades and the desire to go to college but can't because they can't afford it. Why not make it easier for them? Just because you worked through college and paid your own way doesn't mean you can't step back and rethink the system. College debt combined with unemployment rates are a massive reason why young people are struggling to get ahead. And you have an issue with trying to fix that problem?

Wal-street is only paying a portion. His plan, if I'm not mistaken, will require the States to pick up the tab on 33% of the total cost.

How are the states going to pay their portion?

I don't think it's spiteful to question why society should bear the burden of college tuition rather than the individual. Is it hard to pay student loans and all other regular expenses? Of course. But it was a decision I made and it's paying dividends as I get older. I could have just as easily worked in the trades and not paid a dime of tuition. It was a choice I made and it's a bill I pay.

I would also add that income sensitive repayment has really helped out most young people by requiring a more affordable payment based on income rather than the original terms of the loan. Of course there are some people that are just fucked but most of the repayment terms are "fair".

Plainly put... not all kids are meant for college. Sounds harsh, but it's the reality. Kids in today's society are being constantly told that simply going to college guarantees a great life and that anything less than college is a failure. When in reality, a great deal of these kids would be better served learning a trade, going to the military or doing an apprenticeship.

But instead, we will keep piling kids into white-washed universities and pad the pockets of higher education. Diminishing the value of college degrees and stalling our ability to actually teach people tangible skills.

I don't know how many times I have to make this argument in this thread.

Dead on. It does sound harsh but it's truth. And we're not doing anyone a favor by encouraging them to do something they're not capable of doing.
 

drayer54

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Plainly put... not all kids are meant for college. Sounds harsh, but it's the reality. Kids in today's society are being constantly told that simply going to college guarantees a great life and that anything less than college is a failure. When in reality, a great deal of these kids would be better served learning a trade, going to the military or doing an apprenticeship.

But instead, we will keep piling kids into white-washed universities and pad the pockets of higher education. Diminishing the value of college degrees and stalling our ability to actually teach people tangible skills.

I don't know how many times I have to make this argument in this thread.

e959c50490a62eb41670017df5822e9608c44050.jpg
 

ACamp1900

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Honest question, if college suddenly becomes 'free' what happens to all the debt millions racked up paying for college prior to?? Just a big giant middle finger to those peps??
 

BleedBlueGold

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Plainly put... not all kids are meant for college. Sounds harsh, but it's the reality. Kids in today's society are being constantly told that simply going to college guarantees a great life and that anything less than college is a failure. When in reality, a great deal of these kids would be better served learning a trade, going to the military or doing an apprenticeship.

But instead, we will keep piling kids into white-washed universities and pad the pockets of higher education. Diminishing the value of college degrees and stalling our ability to actually teach people tangible skills.

I don't know how many times I have to make this argument in this thread.

With all do respect, that's not your decision. If a kid has the grades and the desire/determination, they should be allowed. There will always be a marketplace for jobs via higher education and jobs via trade. It's up to the individual to decide which route fulfills their passion.
 

BleedBlueGold

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Honest question, if college suddenly becomes 'free' what happens to all the debt millions racked up paying for college prior to?? Just a big giant middle finger to those peps??

The proposal is to cut interest rates in half to lessen to payback burden. I've also heard discussion of more employer tuition reimbursement programs.

This is a problem I have: Whenever there has been a major change, some generation got caught in the middle of the transition. I feel it's terribly selfish and short-sighted to be against such change just because "Well, I had to pay so should everyone else."
 

ACamp1900

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The proposal is to cut interest rates in half to lessen to payback burden. I've also heard discussion of more employer tuition reimbursement programs.

This is a problem I have: Whenever there has been a major change, some generation got caught in the middle of the transition. I feel it's terribly selfish and short-sighted to be against such change just because "Well, I had to pay so should everyone else."

Sorry, but the problem I have is it's absurdly f'd up to leave an entire generation saddled with life altering debt that many will never get out from under while excusing future generations completely... you can call that whatever you want.
 

RDU Irish

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Breathing means you should be entitled to a college degree is equal to working for the armed forces for an extended period of time allowing you funding for college as part of your employment contract..... um, OK.

Are corporations offering tuition assistance socialist? The logic in here makes my head hurt. I really is difficult for me to understand the mentality that thinks the GI Bill is on par with Bernie's "free college" programs. Worst part is, I am pretty sure GOIrish is not a 20 something who has a good excuse for not knowing any better. Some of you folks after years in the work force think everyone should get everything just for displaying a heartbeat.

If you want to address the escalation in college costs, just tie them all to the student loans. Kid goes bankrupt after a reasonable time out of college and the school eats the bill. Why not make them remotely accountable for actual results?

Country club environment is also out of control.
 
C

Cackalacky

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CONGRESSIONAL HEARINGS · ELECTION 2016 · HILLARY CLINTON
Republican Hypocrite Trey Gowdy’s Rapid Descent Into The Bowels Of Deception And Crime
October 23, 2015 by Samuel Warde No Comments
Trey-Gowdy-Crim-in-al

Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death.” When we sin (lie, cheat, deceive) we become separated from God and we become separated from true life. Therefore, perforce, we experience a spiritual death.

Though we are rescued from ultimate spiritual death, Romans 6:23b, we are not exempt from the natural consequences of our sin. We may feel confused, disconnected, guilty – or worse. Republican Representative Trey Gowdy (SC), the Chair of the Select Committee on Benghazi has taken to whimpering like a little bitch in the wake of recent revelations regarding his tenure as head witch-hunter.


Trey Gowdy The Hypocrite
The Select Committee on Benghazi began its investigation with a promise to be fair. According to committee chair, Trey Gowdy, “There are certain things in our culture that have to transcend politics, and I don’t mean to sound naive, but the murder of four fellow Americans and an attack on a facility that is emblematic of our country should transcend politics.” Yet despite repeated claims by Gowdy that he is objective, his prior record on the subject of Benghazi precedes is appointment as chair.

Gowdy accused the Obama administration of giving “demonstratively false statements” during an October 10, 2012 hearing of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.
In November 2012, Gowdy issued a press release stating “the [Obama] administration intentionally misled the American people,” about the circumstances surrounding Benghazi.
In September 2013 Gowdy issued another press release regarding the anniversary of the Benghazi attack, stating: “the family and friends of four murdered Americans are still without a modicum of justice. It matters when a fundamental belief we hold about our country and our military—that you will not be left behind— has been called into question. It matters because if you can’t trust the information your government is giving you, how can you trust your government on any issue? You cannot compartmentalize credibility.”
Trey Gowdy The Criminal
As Liberals Unite reported earlier this week: in a bombshell revelation, the Central Intelligence Agency reached out to Democrats serving on the Select Committee on Benghazi on Saturday to confirm that Chairman Trey Gowdy had altered documents provided to the committee by Hillary Clinton.

On October 7, 2015, Gowdy sent a response to ranking Benghazi member Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD), referring extensively to Sidney Blumenthal, a long-time confidante and adviser to the Clintons, who served as assistant and senior adviser to Bill Clinton from August 1997 until January 2001.

In addition to Sidney Blumenthal’s business interests, Secretary Clinton also apparently received classified information from Blumenthal- information she should have known was classified at the time she received it. In one email, Blumenthal writes “Tyler spoke to a colleague currently at CIA, who told him the agency had been dependent for intelligence from [redacted due to sources and methods].”1 This information, the name of a human source, is some of the most protected information in our intelligence community, the release of which could jeopardize not only national security but also human lives. Armed with that information, Secretary Clinton forwarded the email to a colleague–debunking her claim that she never sent any classified information from her private email address.1 There may be other instances as well where Secretary Clinton passed on classified information she received from Sidney Blumenthal. [emphasis added]



However, as Newsweek reported, the CIA informed the House Select Committee on Benghazi last Saturday that Gowdy’s claims were false: “Indeed, according to committee correspondence reviewed by Newsweek, the CIA did tell the panel on Saturday that it had reviewed 127 emails between Clinton and her close friend and outside adviser, Sidney Blumenthal, and none of it was deemed classified.Additionally, according to Newsweek: “’The CIA reviewed the material in question and informed State that it required no redactions,’ the agency informed Susan Sachsman Grooms, staff director and general counsel for the panel’s Democrats, on October 17.”
Last Sunday Cummings sent a letter to Gowdy in which he dropped the bomb – accusing Gowdy of altering documents in an effort to frame Clinton: “To further inflate your claim, you placed your own redactions over the name of the individual with the words, ‘redacted due to sources and methods.’ To be clear, these redactions were not made, and these words were not added, by any agency of the federal government responsible for enforcing classification guidelines.”
Cummings continued, emphasizing the fact that the CIA had thoroughly debunked Gowdy’s false claims against Clinton: “Contrary to your claims, the CIA yesterday informed both the Republican and Democratic staffs of the Select Committee that they do not consider the information you highlighted in your letter to be classified. Specifically, the CIA confirmed that ‘the State Department consulted with the CIA on this production, the CIA reviewed these documents, and the CIA made no redactions to protect classified information.’”
Trey Gowdy Benghazi Witch-Hunter
Kurt Eichenwald published an excellent article in Newsweek this Wednesday detailing just “how political this latest Benghazi investigation has become.” Looking to the reports, Eichenwald points out that:

“Since March, the committee has issued almost 30 press releases related to Clinton; only five have been put out on every other topic combined.”
Writing of the committee’s interim report published in May, he explains that: “The word Obama—who cannot run for commander-in-chief again—is not mentioned. Neither is the word president. Or Ansar al-Sharia, the group suspected of engineering the attack. White House makes only 13 appearances. Imagine an investigation on 9/11 that did not mention Al-Qaeda, Osama bin Laden or President Bush; that is what has been done with the Benghazi committee’s first public report.”
Eichenwald continued: “It gets worse. The name Ahmed Abu Khatalla, the man arrested as the mastermind of the attack, shows up once. The word terrorist appears only 10 times. As for references to Clinton, the leading candidate for the Democratic nomination? Those show up 36 times in just 13 pages, an astonishing number given that the word Benghazi appears only 38 times. But the winner for the most mentions is the 39 references to emails from Clinton and the State Department. Clinton and her emails are referenced 49 percent more than the location where the attack took place and 197 percent more than the word terrorist.”
Then there’s the matter of the June interrogation of longtime Hillary Clinton associate and confidante Sidney Blumenthal. Blumenthal was questioned for more than eight hours by the Benghazi Committee before being asked on single question regarding Benghazi and in spite of the fact “Democrats on the committee established quickly that morning, Blumenthal had never been to Libya and knew nothing about the assault.”



As Democrats on the Benghazi Committee reported earlier this month:

Gowdy sent armed Marshals to serve a deposition subpoena on Sidney Blumenthal despite the fact that he was completely cooperative and would have voluntarily appeared without a subpoena, but was never asked.
Gowdy later admitted that he “never expected Witness Blumenthal to be able to answer questions about the attacks in Benghazi, Libya.”
The Select Committee asked Blumenthal more than 160 questions about his relationship and communications with Clinton, but fewer than 20 questions about the Benghazi attacks; more than 50 questions about the Clinton Foundation, but only 4 about security in Benghazi; and more than 45 questions about David Brock, Media Matters and affiliated entities, but no questions at all about Ambassador Stevens or other personnel in Benghazi.
Trey Gowdy’s Aggressive Press Campaign Against Hillary Clinton
Since March, Gowdy’s press releases have focused almost entirely on Secretary Clinton.
Over the past nine months, he has issued 22 press releases related to Secretary Clinton (including one on Sidney Blumenthal’s emails with Clinton), but only 5 press releases on any other topic during that period.
Of the 5 non-Clinton press releases, three (1, 2, 3) are about the State Department’s compliance with document production, one marks the anniversary of 9/11, and one is Gowdy’s interim progress report.
The only documents Gowdy has publicly released over the past 17 months were Clinton’s emails with Sidney Blumenthal, and Gowdy did this unilaterally with no debate or vote by the Select Committee.
At the same time, he has blocked the public release of Blumenthal’s deposition transcript, which would reveal all the questions Republicans asked about Hillary Clinton and other issues that have nothing to do with Benghazi.
Almost immediately after the interview with Cheryl Mills, Republicans began leaking inaccurate information to damage Clinton with unsubstantiated or previously debunked allegations, while refusing to release the complete transcript.
Gowdy refused to investigate or condemn a leak that made more unsubstantiated allegations against Clinton despite the fact that Politico was forced to correct a front-page story that relied on apparently doctored information about an email produced to the Select Committee.
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Trey Gowdy’s Taxpayer-Funded Political Campaign Against Clinton
The Committee was given an unlimited, taxpayer-funded budget, and it has now spent more than $4.6 million in one of the longest and least productive investigations in congressional history—focused on Clinton.
The Committee is being used by Republican fundraisers to attack Clinton.
The Committee’s attacks were described by the conservative PAC America Rising as a taxpayer-funded political activity: “This has all occurred without a single cent of paid advertising taking place.”
Gowdy’s name, image, and position has been used to solicit political donations by Stop Hillary PAC, which describes itself as “created for one reason only—to ensure Hillary Clinton never becomes President of the United States.
Gowdy appeared at a GOP political event in June where local Rep. Chuck Fleischmann explained: “Whether you are Hillary Clinton or any other lefty out there, you better beware because Trey Gowdy is out there and he is going to get you.”
Gowdy reportedly does not plan to release his findings until “just months before the 2016 presidential election.”
Gowdy’s approach has been criticized even by conservative commentators: “Whatever the findings are in this investigation—it will forever be plagued by allegations of unfairness, and politics if this investigation is dragged into 2016. That would not be fair to the American people.”
Trey Gowdy The Hypocrite – Part 2:
After spearheading the Republican-led witch hunt the past 18 months, in an exclusive interview with Politico last Sunday, Gowdy whined about attacks on him and the Benghazi committee as Hillary Clinton’s appearance neared – imagining somehow that his plight of recent weeks compares to that of Hillary Clinton who has been dragged over searing hot coals for three years.

“I would say in some ways these have been among the worst weeks of my life,” Gowdy said during the interview, adding: “Attacks on your character, attacks on your motives, are 1,000-times worse than anything you can do to anybody physically — at least it is for me.”
“The people who know me appreciate the fact that it is an impossible job … to run a serious factcentric investigation in a political environment,” he continued. “So the best you can do is keep trying.”
Complaining about allegations that he is targeting Clinton, Gowdy told Politico “When I hear that ‘it’s about her,’ it is so hard for me.” Addressing Clinton directly he stated: “You are not worth 18 months of my life, with all due respect. Four dead people are, but you’re not.”
Whimpering about criticism from Democrats, Gowdy states: “I think that’s just [the Democrats’] MO: If you can’t attack the facts, you can attack the investigators … just attack, attack, attack and something will take hold,” he said. “[A]t some point, maybe something will stick, or maybe you get them off track or you get them to do or say something stupid, then you can seize on that.”
Gowdy also claimed he is being being picked on by the media, telling Politico: “You can work your entire career to have a reputation, and then someone you have no recollection of ever meeting sits down with a reporter and you’re immediately in a position of having to defend and it’s impossible to prove a negative.”
Conclusion
Kurt Eichenwald put it best when he wrote that:

The historical significance of this moment can hardly be overstated, and it seems many Republicans, Democrats and members of the media don’t fully understand the magnitude of what is taking place. The awesome power of government—one that allows officials to pore through almost anything they demand and compel anyone to talk or suffer the shame of taking the Fifth Amendment — has been unleashed for purely political purposes. It is impossible to review what the Benghazi committee has done as anything other than taxpayer-funded political research of the opposing party’s leading candidate for president. Comparisons from America’s past are rare. Richard Nixon’s attempts to use the IRS to investigate his perceived enemies come to mind. So does Senator Joseph McCarthy’s red-baiting during the 1950s, with reckless accusations of treason leveled at members of the State Department, military generals and even the secretary of the Army.
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Trey Howdy.SOUTH CAROLINA congressman caught by CIA altering documents used in Bengahzi committee.

Republican Hypocrite Trey Gowdy's Rapid Descent Into The Bowels Of Deception And Crime
 

woolybug25

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http://www.sanders.senate.gov/download/collegeforallsummary/?inline=file

You are correct. Linked is a detailed version of his proposal. There isn't a single thing I have a problem with.

Here's where I have problem (other than the fact that the whole plan is laughably impossible)

Restoration of Historically Low Student Loan Interest Rates. The College for All Act would lower student loan interest rates by restoring the formula which was in effect until 2006. Student loan interest rates would be cut almost in half for undergraduate students, dropping from 4.32% to just 2.32%. In addition, the legislation would ensure rates never rise above 8.25%.

There is a cost of funds for the money that is lent, all money. Other than just having people pay less, how do they effectively decrease the implicit rates of loans? There is a spread that the lender makes and they are in turn forcing them to make even less interest income, at a time where lenders have the lowest levels of interest income (adjusting for inflation) in our lives.

Student Loan Re-financing. The College for All Act would enable borrowers to refinance their loans based on the interest rates available to current students.

So the lenders that either a) bought money to lend or b) had a higher cost of capital at the time of the original loan, should have to take the burden of restructuring their current loans just for the sake of government feel-goods? That's frankly BS. These people entered into a mutually agreed upon agreement and Bernie wants to allow them to welch on that commitment.

Fully Paid for by Imposing a Robin Hood Tax on Wall Street. This legislation is offset by
imposing a Wall Street speculation fee on investment houses, hedge funds, and other speculators of 0.5% on stock trades (50 cents for every $100 worth of stock), a 0.1% fee on bonds, and a 0.005% fee on derivatives. It has been estimated that this provision could raise hundreds of billions a year which could be used not only to make tuition free at public colleges and universities in this country, it could also be used to create millions of jobs and rebuild the middle class of this country.[/QUOTE]

There is no way in fuqing hell they are imposing a .5 basis point tax on trades. That is utterly laughable. It would crash our stock market immediately, as all foreign investors would at least temporarily pull their position. The fact that this would be even considered shows the utter lack of understanding this man has about how markets work. This would never pass.

Also, there is this "fluffy" assumption that more college students = millions of jobs. I would like to hear Bernie explain EXACTLY how this translates with facts and figures. Because this is a complete assumption that by flooding our colleges with unprepared students and putting public universities on government welfare we will somehow not dilute the quality of education. So even if that somehow magically didn't happen, what jobs are they going to? Where are these mythical college level careers that will be created?
 

RDU Irish

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With all do respect, that's not your decision. If a kid has the grades and the desire/determination, they should be allowed. There will always be a marketplace for jobs via higher education and jobs via trade. It's up to the individual to decide which route fulfills their passion.[/QUOTE]

Even if that passion is to jerk off and eat Cheetos all day? I mean, who are we to judge that. Nobody should be forced to do work unless it is their true passion in life.

Those kids you whine for, they ARE ALLOWED TO DO WHATEVER THEY WANT. Maybe they take 6 years to do what others to in 4 because they WORK their way through it because they are not LUCKY enough to have someone else willing to WORK for them.

Why don't we just allow poor people to steal from others, can't we just excuse stealing if the person takes from someone who has more stuff?
 
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