Where Was Bush?

[XASA]

http://www.cheerleadersfortruth.com/

[hist2004]

XASA-

I thought you'd enjoy this article from Howie Carr, a Boston columist who has covered Kerry for 20 years:


ONE of the surest ways to get the phones ringing on any Massachusetts talk-radio show is to ask people to call in and tell their John Kerry stories. The phone lines are soon filled, and most of the stories have a common theme: our junior senator pulling rank on one of his constituents, breaking in line, demanding to pay less (or nothing) or ducking out before the bill arrives.

The tales often have one other common thread. Most end with Sen. Kerry inquiring of the lesser mortal: "Do you know who I am?"

And now he's running for president as a populist. His first wife came from a Philadelphia Main Line family worth $300 million. His second wife is a pickle-and-ketchup heiress.

Kerry lives in a mansion on Beacon Hill on which he has borrowed $6 million to finance his campaign. A fire hydrant that prevented him and his wife from parking their SUV in front of their tony digs was removed by the city of Boston at his behest.

The Kerrys ski at a spa the widow Heinz owns in Aspen, and they summer on Nantucket in a sprawling seaside "cottage" on Hurlbert Avenue, which is so well-appointed that at a recent fund-raiser, they imported porta-toilets onto the front lawn so the donors wouldn't use the inside bathrooms. (They later claimed the decision was made on septic, not social, considerations).

It's a wonderful life these days for John Kerry. He sails Nantucket Sound in "the Scaramouche," a 42-foot Hinckley powerboat. Martha Stewart has a similar boat; the no-frills model reportedly starts at $695,000. Sen. Kerry bought it new, for cash.

Every Tuesday night, the local politicians here that Kerry elbowed out of his way on his march to the top watch, fascinated, as he claims victory in more primaries and denounces the special interests, the "millionaires" and "the overprivileged."

"His initials are JFK," longtime state Senate President William M. Bulger used to muse on St. Patrick's Day, "Just for Kerry. He's only Irish every sixth year." And now it turns out that he's not Irish at all.
But in the parochial world of Bay State politics, he was never really seen as Irish, even when he was claiming to be (although now, of course, he says that any references to his alleged Hibernian heritage were mistakenly put into the Congressional Record by an aide who apparently didn't know that on his paternal side he is, in fact, part-Jewish).

Kerry is, in fact, a Brahmin - his mother was a Forbes, from one of Massachusetts' oldest WASP families. The ancestor who wed Ralph Waldo Emerson's daughter was marrying down.

At the risk of engaging in ethnic stereotyping, Yankees have a reputation for, shall we say, frugality. And Kerry tosses around quarters like they were manhole covers. In 1993, for instance, living on a senator's salary of about $100,000, he managed to give a total of $135 to charity.

Yet that same year, he was somehow able to scrape together $8,600 for a brand-new, imported Italian motorcycle, a Ducati Paso 907 IE. He kept it for years, until he decided to run for president, at which time he traded it in for a Harley-Davidson like the one he rode onto "The Tonight Show" set a couple of months ago as Jay Leno applauded his fellow Bay Stater.

Of course, in 1993 he was between his first and second heiresses - a time he now calls "the wandering years," although an equally apt description might be "the freeloading years."

For some of the time, he was, for all practical purposes, homeless. His friends allowed him into a real-estate deal in which he flipped a condo for quick resale, netting a $21,000 profit on a cash investment of exactly nothing. For months he rode around in a new car supplied by a shady local Buick dealer. When the dealer's ties to a congressman who was later indicted for racketeering were exposed, Kerry quickly explained that the non-payment was a mere oversight, and wrote out a check.

In the Senate, his record of his constituent services has been lackluster, and most of his colleagues, despite their public support, are hard-pressed to list an accomplishment. Just last fall, a Boston TV reporter ambushed three congressmen with the question, name something John Kerry has accomplished in Congress. After a few nervous giggles, two could think of nothing, and a third mentioned a baseball field, and then misidentified Kerry as "Sen. Kennedy."

Many of his constituents see him in person only when he is cutting them in line - at an airport, a clam shack or the Registry of Motor Vehicles. One talk-show caller a few weeks back recalled standing behind a police barricade in 2002 as the Rolling Stones played the Orpheum Theater, a short limousine ride from Kerry's Louisburg Square mansion.

The caller, Jay, said he began heckling Kerry and his wife as they attempted to enter the theater. Finally, he said, the senator turned to him and asked him the eternal question.

"Do you know who I am?"

"Yeah," said Jay. "You're a gold-digger."

John Kerry. First he looks at the purse.

Regards,
Hist2004

[Seoulstriker]

Ouch, ouch! :)

[hist2004]

Same could be said of Bush-

Regards,
Hist2004

[scm77]

Bush may have lots of money, but he doesn't act like a rich guy. What does he do most of the time when he's at his ranch? He cuts up wood and clears brush.

[hist2004]

Bush may have lots of money, but he doesn't act like a rich guy. What does he do most of the time when he's at his ranch? He cuts up wood and clears brush.

Yes I know, my point was politican's who reach that level will have there
detractors, stories about them, so on. XASA is really behind Kerry so I
thought he'd like to see a local view of Kerry. ;)

Regards,
Hist2004

[2Sheds_Jackson]

OMG that's a great article.


Yet that same year, he was somehow able to scrape together $8,600 for a brand-new, imported Italian motorcycle, a Ducati Paso 907 IE. He kept it for years, until he decided to run for president, at which time he traded it in for a Harley-Davidson like the one he rode onto "The Tonight Show" set a couple of months ago as Jay Leno applauded his fellow Bay Stater.

I remember that. I'm from MA - my parents have followed Kerry for decades - they just about fell over when they saw that goober ride out on a Harley. He's the quintessential "import only" guy.[/quote]

[Hiroshima]

Nothing wrong with living your money....you live how you want. Heck, my folks are upper middle class, and got there through the military. I'll be upper middle class when I go through several years of government service. I think Bush isn't living what you'd call a rich man's life because he's had to live it before he got out of a college that really doesn't have you working too hard. He want's the hands on experience of actually working. SHame is though, he tries to use that image to garner votes.....he's not a texan...unless the fact that he's an import counts....Kerry's the same way...he tries to mold his living style to appeal to sections of the united states....his military service in actual combat should appeal to some of military folks that lurk on this board, though the armchair generals will dispies him and probably go for the 'war president' namely because he's leading the country in wartime....if I remember a few other things, Kerry is on his second wife, the widower of the Heinz fortune...nothing wrong with that..heck, I'd marry her for the cash too. It's images that try to get people elected...I wish they'd stop this stupid coverage bull of the conventions....I'm a democrat and I didn't watch the DNC, and alas, I'll refuse to watch the RNC...and it's not because it's the Republicans....it's because it's just going to be pointless finger pointing. Nothing important will be said till the debates....Because it shouldn't be military records, or terms in office that should matter, it's what they stand up and said against each other.....and I hope they make more sense this time than the 2000 election.

[ßå$tĮТHÏ¿ð]

Well said. :)

[ogukuo72]

Another President - FDR - was as blue blood as they come, and yet he did much more in helping the poor than any other president. It's not who their parents are or their wives are that counts. It's what they actually do that counts.

[XASA]

Bush's wealth was inherited, Kerry married money, ergo, both guys are richer than the average American and have no idea what it is like for people who live paycheck to paycheck.

The difference in the two is that Busy gives tax breaks to the wealthy, while Kerry wants to tax the wealthy--including his wife--more. One of many reasons why I support Kerry.

[achilles]

XASA:

Bush's wealth was inherited, Kerry married money, ergo, both guys are richer than the average American and have no idea what it is like for people who live paycheck to paycheck.

As a general comment, from where i stand you have epitomized the main problem of politicians. So very true

[mi35d]

You've got to be kidding, right? You're buying and swallowing the BS that Bush gives to the rich and Kerry gives to the poor???

Please!

Look at all of the tax increases that Kerry has endorsed over the years that would effect the "poor" - Social Security tax increases, gas tax increases, etc. etc.

The man has more tax shelters than China has people. He can afford to raise taxes on the "rich" because his money is already in the bank.

[cut]

You've got to be kidding, right? You're buying and swallowing the BS that Bush gives to the rich and Kerry gives to the poor???

Please!

Look at all of the tax increases that Kerry has endorsed over the years that would effect the "poor" - Social Security tax increases, gas tax increases, etc. etc.

The man has more tax shelters than China has people. He can afford to raise taxes on the "rich" because his money is already in the bank.

only in america....criticise a guy for his political experience in favour of one with no track record. Bravo, trully bravo..

[Hiroshima]

Huzza Cut! Well said!

[XASA]

You've got to be kidding, right? You're buying and swallowing the BS that Bush gives to the rich and Kerry gives to the poor???

Please!

Look at all of the tax increases that Kerry has endorsed over the years that would effect the "poor" - Social Security tax increases, gas tax increases, etc. etc.

The man has more tax shelters than China has people. He can afford to raise taxes on the "rich" because his money is already in the bank.

mi35d, you must equate "buying and swallowing" BS with facts, which the Republican Party seems quite adept at ignoring this election season. ;)

Per your suggestion, let's look at the two examples you posted:

Kerry did vote to increase taxes on SS; it was bundled in a massive deficit-reduction package in 1993 that included tax increases falling almost exclusively on the highest-earning 1 percent of households. The increase on SS was only for those with an income of more than $44,000 and affected only 8.3 million of the 47 million on SS. The proceeds from the increase went exclusively to the Medicare trust fund. Bush didn't propose a repeal in either his 2001 or 2003 tax-cut bills. Democrats proposed a repeal in 2003 as an alternative to cutting the tax rate on stock dividends to 15%, and speeding up reductions in the top income-tax rates. Kerry voted for the repeal. All but two Republican senators voted against repeal. The repeal was defeated by the Republicans 51 to 49 in May, 2003.

The argument that Kerry supported a 50-cent per gallon gasoline tax increase is based on an interview he gave in 1994 when he mentioned it as a possible deficit cutter. He never mentioned it again nor has he ever sponsored a bill calling for an increase.

[hist2004]

Bush's wealth was inherited, Kerry married money, ergo, both guys are richer than the average American and have no idea what it is like for people who live paycheck to paycheck.

The difference in the two is that Busy gives tax breaks to the wealthy, while Kerry wants to tax the wealthy--including his wife--more. One of many reasons why I support Kerry.


I have to take issue with this “Bush gave tax breaks to the wealthy” Democratic talking point. EVERY American received a tax
cut if you paid into the system. If you paid more, you receive more back. It replaces the current tax rates of 15, 28, 31, 36, and 39.6 percent
with a simplified rate structure of 10, 15, 25, and 33 percent. To those opposed to the “tax cuts”, did you return your refund to the Federal gov’t?
In Massachusetts, you have the option to pay at a higher rate for Mass. Income taxes. Guess what Kerry elected to do? ;)


Regards,
Hist2004

[Hiroshima]

I payed into the system, but I didn't get a tax cut....nor did I get a rebate...where's my cash?

[Seoulstriker]

I payed into the system, but I didn't get a tax cut....nor did I get a rebate...where's my cash?


Please tell me:

1) What was your pre-tax income for 2002, 2003, and 2004
2) Was was the post-tax income for 2002, 2003, and 2004
3) Did you hire a CPA to do the work for you?
4) Did you do the tax forms yourself?

[hist2004]

It's based on how much you paid in. If you didn't pay a certain amount in Federal taxes you didn't receive a refund.

Regards,
Hist2004

[Seoulstriker]

It's based on much you paid in. If you didn't pay a certain amount in Federal taxes you didn't receive a refund.

Regards,
Hist2004

Exactly. I wanna figure out what tax bracket he's in. He might have paid only payroll taxes which are not income taxes.

[Hiroshima]

Yeah, I payed only payroll taxes....btu I can demand money....I need it, with lots of debt in student loans, no federal loan help....you wanted the cash to go right back into the economy right way, give it to the college students

[ex1cdo]

XASA-



John Kerry. First he looks at the purse.

Regards,
Hist2004

Well, as Gomer Pyle (no not the one from Full Metal Jacket) would have said, "Surprise, surprise, surprise!"

Those who seek high political office tend to do so for selfish reasons and look after their own interests. It's the same here in Canada, and I found it the same when I lived in Australia and the UK.

Anyone who thinks that politicians care about the electorate are seriously deluded. They only care about the electorate so far as influencing the hoi polloi to vote them back in.

[XASA]

Bush's wealth was inherited, Kerry married money, ergo, both guys are richer than the average American and have no idea what it is like for people who live paycheck to paycheck.

The difference in the two is that Busy gives tax breaks to the wealthy, while Kerry wants to tax the wealthy--including his wife--more. One of many reasons why I support Kerry.


I have to take issue with this “Bush gave tax breaks to the wealthy” Democratic talking point. EVERY American received a tax
cut if you paid into the system. If you paid more, you receive more back. It replaces the current tax rates of 15, 28, 31, 36, and 39.6 percent
with a simplified rate structure of 10, 15, 25, and 33 percent. To those opposed to the “tax cuts”, did you return your refund to the Federal gov’t?
In Massachusetts, you have the option to pay at a higher rate for Mass. Income taxes. Guess what Kerry elected to do? ;)


Regards,
Hist2004

I received a rather substantial tax cut and I would gladly return it if it would help keep Social Security viable, provide health care to those who are uninsured, provided the same access to education for all children, keep a safety net in place for the growing numbers of Americans below the poverty line and decrease the deficit that has ballooned in the last three years.

I also pay sales tax, property tax and state income tax, all of which has made my community (Fairfax County) one of the safest and wealthiest in the country-- you don't achieve that without giving something back.

[hist2004]

“I would gladly return it if” That is the feeling of a great number of Americans. Truth is, the American people
have lost faith in the governments ability (Democrat or Republican) to do just that. Social Security is a “pooled
fund” rather than money taken out and identified with the individual by Soc. Sec. number. This pooling left it
open to be raided. Malpractice Insurance, medical fraud, and lawsuits have driven up the cost of health care
for everyone or made it unaffordable. Health care in the United States is a for-profit business. Administration,
use of high technology, have contributed to the cost. America also relies heavily on HMO’s to provide health
care, which in turn tries to keep costs low. Reducing expenditures never lowers the premium, it just makes money
for company officials. The schools (Public) have had money thrown at them for years with nothing to show for it.
Personal responsibility, parental involvement, and fiscal responsibility would go a long way in improving public
education. Local school boards have also contributed to the problem.

Regards,
Hist2004