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(AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Oy vey with the comments on the Ron Clark Obama healthcare video -- and oy vey to the people they found to interview in some of these so-called "Obama money videos" from Detroit below, gaining attention because of Rush Limbaugh's spin on the whole thing.
Of course they've pulled the most incendiary "Obama money" videos from people interviewed in Detroit yesterday, where there were near riots from folks who thought they'd be getting $3,000 stimulus checks.
In fact, they were handing out application to prevent homelessness.
Long lines of Detroit residents came to the Cobo Center yesterday, Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009, to apply for federal stimulus funds, which some called "Obama money" or money from Obama, a point which Rush Limbaugh seized upon, sending searches for "Obama money" to the top ten spot on Google Trends list today.
Played up were the interview with applicants who didn't know where the "Obama money" was coming from.
Well, I'm an African American who thank God doesn't need the free federal money, but due to this writing you're reading makes money to put into the system. My husband and I paid over $9,000 in taxes last year -- and that's just on the portion of my writing income, about 24% of my 2008 income.
I've recently formed an LLC to hopefully cut the tax bite next year, so I understand not wanting to pay for what some would deem "deadbeats" -- however, I also understand my obligation to help the poor, which Jesus said would always be among us.
I wonder if most of the people ranting against paying taxes into what they deem is Tom foolery give one thin dime to any poor person anywhere?
At least this so-called "Obama money" Detroit video is better than the others Rush is pointing folks to:
Here's the kind of "Obama money" videos riling up the people:
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And the coup de grace, Rush Limbaugh playing radio clips of women talking about Obama money:
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Comments
The people that complain about taxes are the ones that actually give much of their hard earned money to organizations that actually help people, this is why giving to say Catholic Charties helps more people than a government handout. This is why these people you've demonized are so mad. They know the money thats stolen from them by the government is wasted. Inspite of this, they still give money to organizations to actually help people.
How arrogant of you to assume you know how much anybody gives to their charities.
Why don't you actually do some research instead of pulling your opinions out of your ..."stash"
It is unconstitutional for the federal government to redistribute wealth. The writers gave government very limited powers, and this was not one of them. It is the people of this country who are responsible for taking care of others. Americans gave in the millions to Katrina victims, the Chinese earthquake victims and Indonesian tidal wave victims. Americans are incredibly charitable, but they believe they gave at the door through their taxes and so give less than they should locally. It is not correct that we allow the government to decide who is deserving enough to receive OUR money. That is not how it was supposed to work. I earned it, I decide. FYI - Even in this downturn, under threats of layoff...my family has done our share in donations.
Nothing gets people off their lazy butts like the government handing out other peoples' money.
I think if the gov. spends any tax money it should be to send these dumb folks back to school.
That "dont give one thin dime" statement is Inflamitory and im guessing aimed at conservatives. So a quote for all you readers " Arthur Brooks, the author of "Who Really Cares," says that "when you look at the data, it turns out the conservatives give about 30 percent more." He adds, "And incidentally, conservative-headed families make slightly less money." So being a conservative myself I can say that my Wife and I give every thing we can , be it clothes, applinces, money, time and sweat, to help the poor and homeless. No I do not like paying more taxes to provide a luxury life to those who are able , but choose not to work. I see people in new homes with 1080p tv's game consoles, designer clothes, with luxury cars in the driveway . with food stamps and medicaid. For me? work this week alone i will pull down 84 hours of work and get paid 41 percent of my earned salary, yet I still give to charity. So YES OBAMA money makes mad, Im paying for it! And i am not rich.
Paula:
First, your point is well written & I agree that they probably pulled the most "out there" videos they could- just like the Left did with the town hall protesters- it's the way the game is played.
So you paid $9,000 in taxes. Paying taxes is not giving to the poor. Don't you think YOU could be more effective giving your money away how you choose? I think so-- and that right there Paula is the difference between the Left and the Right. The Right believes in personal responsibility, including the responsibility to be our brother's keeper. The Left tries to pay as few taxes as they can (Mr. Rangel, yourself) and then say that paying their taxes fulfills their obligation.
Jesus did not tell the government to take my money & give it to the poor. The gov't has proven for 50 years they can't solve social issues.
I find it interesting that the Left who says you can't legislate morality is all of a sudden saying that passing a health care takeover is the "moral" thing to do.
You insult me with your comments. I work hard for every dollar I have. I pay my taxes, put in a 50 hour week. I raised to decent children and went to school myself and got an education.
The people being helpe here are bums. Most of them dropped out of school, have no ability to earn a decent wage and spend most of their time either dealing drugs, scamming the system of looking to turn a quick dime some other illegal way. Whlie these people ran to get their free "Obama" money, hard working people are at work earning the tax money to support them.
The government and especially the president has absolutely no right to take money from me to just handout to anyone. If money is to be handed out, it should be given back to those who paid it in.
If these people need help, they should be seeking it through Salvation Army, Red Cross or some local church. WHich by the way, isd also paid for by hard working people like me who DO DONATE.
You're clueless.
Government handouts only create dependance, which creates laziness, which creates this cycle over and over and over. This is pathetic, just to look at these videos and see these people in this situation. They only have their local liberal democrat politicians that use these handouts to garner votes!
[QUOTE]however, I also understand my obligation to help the poor, which Jesus said would always be among us. [/QUOTE]
I concur with your statement.
However, I would feel better personally helping, rather than having the Government forcefully taking and spending where they will…
Paula, great article. These people responding to you with ignorant comments are pretty typical, and probably many are motivated out of hostility due to you being african american. It's common people like you in your communities, the opinion makers, that have made african americans a loyal voting block for Democrats for decades. Democrats have tried to help cities like detroit with social welfare programs, but there hasn't been enough money funded due to conservatives blocking all the needed taxes. But without all the programs democrats have passed, the african american community would be much much worse off and would never get a leg up.
Keep up the good work. And yes, paying taxes is all the charity we need so even if conservatives donate more, its redundant because helping people is a function of the government.
You go Bruce. Keep drinking that Kool-Aid. That big chip on your shoulder is keeping you in place - just where the Democrats want you. PEACE OUT, and all that other counter culture malarkey.
Funny how these people can fill out an app for free money, yet an application for a job is too much.
What do you suppose would the line would be if this was for jobs and not my money?
What a laughable example of 0bama-nation.
You make 36k per year??? Given your grasp on socio-political issues, not to mention logic and prose, you're way overpaid. Try not ending clauses with prepositions and see if you move up a tax bracket or two.
I am thankful for Rush Limbaugh or anyone who is not tied to the hip with other state run news reporting agencies. This kind of unfortunate situation should never be in the US, and the individuals fueling the poor distraught folks into believing Obama is like Santa Clause giving out money for no apparent reason other than his sheer will, are as anti-American as I've ever seen. I feel sorry for the unfortunate people in Detroit.
I live in Detroit. I heard about this before Rush reported it (I never even knew that he did until just now) and it's sickening. I work my butt off and don't get paid that great but at least I show up to work. I could get ANYONE WILLING TO WORK a job at my factory making $14.00 / hr + time and a half if willing to work overtime. We are so swamped because we can't get people to stay. Some don't even show up after they're given the job. The only reason that some people apply is because they are requred to in order to keep receiving unemployment. I know this personally and I personally see all of the people here that expect everything for free. I'm African American and live in Detroit... This is very true and these people on the radio are the NORM, not the exception here.
my only question, how can ANYONE take somthing for free without knowing where it came from?
Thank you to our goverment...
the dollar is now only worth 70% of orginal value, and still falling..
lets spend some more that we dont have.
You can't fix stupid no matter how much money you throw at it.
Actually Paula, all studies show that Conservatives (A.K.A. People who complain about paying to much taxes), give far more to the poor, than the supposed bleeding heart liberals.
Thanks for the balanced and thoughtful piece. I applaud your even temperament
Actually Paula, all studies show that Conservatives (A.K.A. People who complain about paying to much taxes), give far more to the poor, than the supposed bleeding heart liberals.
What a poor example thous people give to the african americans. Whats does it matter where the money comes from, thous people are so far out there that they think there getting free money.
This is just the start of civil unrest in this country.
Why waste our time on people that cant even speak or talk with and sort of intelligence.
Sickening display of where America is today, yes, thanks to Barak Obama. Fortunately, more people are becoming aware now, seeing what is going on, and in the end, these policies are going to suffer. Blacks in this country should be ashamed of how this makes them look, but, I won't hold my breath. I know so many who do well, but, they are the reason they do well, not the government.
God help us all.
Regarding the last video, couldn't help but notice all the fashionable hats, jewelry and cell phones among the applicants. And since when are you "homeless" when you live with your grandmother? Ever heard of working and saving your own money? To the woman chiding the City of Detroit to "take accountability" for its poor job accommodating the masses, look into the mirror and repeat those same words.
And to Bruce's comment that those of us who opine differently than the author must be hostile to her because of her race, what powers of logic and critical thinking brought you to that conclusion? The comments thus far neither mentioned nor implied anything about race - except for yours. As Chuck wrote, "clueless!"
This money does come from secret stash.. When I run out.. I tell them to print me some more. I don't understand why people are annoying that some don't know where government money comes from, because I don't either. We'll worry about that later.
Regarding the last video, couldn't help but notice all the fashionable hats, jewelry and cell phones among the applicants. And since when are you "homeless" when you live with your grandmother? Ever heard of working and saving your own money? To the woman chiding the City of Detroit to "take accountability" for its poor job accommodating the masses, look into the mirror and repeat those same words.
And to Bruce's comment that those of us who opine differently than the author must be hostile to her because of her race, what powers of logic and critical thinking brought you to that conclusion? The comments thus far neither mentioned nor implied anything about race - except for yours. As Chuck wrote, "clueless!"
Regarding the last video, couldn't help but notice all the fashionable hats, jewelry and cell phones among the applicants. And since when are you "homeless" when you live with your grandmother? Ever heard of working and saving your own money? To the woman chiding the City of Detroit to "take accountability" for its poor job accommodating the masses, look into the mirror and repeat those same words.
And to Bruce's comment that those of us who opine differently than the author must be hostile to her because of her race, what powers of logic and critical thinking brought you to that conclusion? The comments thus far neither mentioned nor implied anything about race - except for yours. As Chuck wrote, "clueless!"
The best part of this blog is the fact that the author proves Rush's points for him!!!!
I got my $1,200 check in the mail last week. That money is nice to have right now.
Paula Mooney writes: "Of course they've pulled the most incendiary "Obama money" videos from people interviewed in Detroit yesterday, where there were near riots from folks who thought they'd be getting $3,000 stimulus checks."
Did Limbaugh incite this too? Also, how many people, Paula, do you think knew or cared where the "Obama money" came from? And, while we're at it, do they look poor or homeless? Limbaugh didn't do any "riling up". To the contrary such lather as has been generated by this story is due to Americans of all stripes watching this obscene queue for money by other Americans who, your own pictures demonstrably show, look well fed, well clothed and able to work and pay taxes themselves.
In response to Jesus and the poor. My wife and I gave a larger percentage of our income last year to charity than Obama did and we still haven't opted to set up an LLC to reduce our tax bite! Let us give as we see fit without the government telling us, yet again, what's best.
Do people in Milwaukee get 3000 $$$$ ......
I will take it......
Show me the money.......
These people should be embarrassed and it should be pointed out the money is not coming from Obama, it's from the taxpayers. I resent working hard for my money and paying taxes and seeing my money wasted like this. Welfare has created laziness and the breakdown of families. We keep rewarding single mothers who keep having babies. There are jobs out there, but there are people who would rather sit around and get welfare. It's a shame.
Notice all these people have cell phones but they need Obama money??
I would like to mention that anyone thinking of taking a vacation or spending money in Michigan, should look elsewhere. I won't be spending my money in Michigan, esp Detroit.
"Well, I'm an African American who thank God doesn't need the free federal money, but due to this writing you're reading makes money to put into the system."
uuuuuuh, yeah. Thanks for making our point. See by referring to it as "Free Federal Money" you demonstrate the fundamental ignorance to the fact that, no matter what Matt Lesko tells you, it is NOT free money. None of it is free, even the money that China covers our debt on because our children's children will be paying off the interest payments on that.
The whole point is that, no matter how bad things are in Detroit, and they are indeed miserable, simply throwing money at their economy only serves to provide less debt in a community which as no jobs. Obama wants to be seen as being a benefactor to these people? Why didn't he go to Copenhagen trying to get the Olympics in DETROIT?
Obama is just enforcing Marxist principals of Wealth Redistribution, take from those who have earned it and give to those who have not...
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