Ted Cruz and the strength of the Tea Party

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Publius.....Are you talking about the Bush that added
the medicare prescription benefit to Medicare and
further hasten its' demise? Or are you talking about
the Bush ... Read More 

Publius.....Are you talking about the Bush that added
the medicare prescription benefit to Medicare and
further hasten its' demise? Or are you talking about
the Bush who signed the ADA and slapped small businesses
up beside their heads ? Seems to me that the Tea Party
is endorsing the status quo by vowing to save the
entitlement programs ? It might also be pointed out
that the Bush increase of the Child Tax Credit to
$1000.00 from $500.00 put more of our citizens into
the nonpaying of income tax group. Another Republican
president signed the EITC which also put a large slice
of our population into the group which pays no income
tax. Like George said "There's not a dimes worth of
difference between the two."

 

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Muse.....Stop all COLA raises. Outlaw all abortions
so that our birth replacement rate rises back to the
historical rate of 2.1 per woman. Our current replacement
rate ... Read More 

Muse.....Stop all COLA raises. Outlaw all abortions
so that our birth replacement rate rises back to the
historical rate of 2.1 per woman. Our current replacement
rate is now about 1.87 per woman and this rate will increase
the percentage of the elderly in the population and
doom all entitlement programs. In addition to this,
start reducing the amount of payroll tax that employers
are responsible for and add that amount to the individual
rate. Heather doesn't need two nannies. If I decide
to run for office on the above platform...would you
vote for me ????? LOL
By the way, put forth some of your ideas.

 

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Didn't Bush, you remember him right, propose gradually doing away with SS and privatizing the system. Seems like the Dems, read anti-Tea Party, beat it down?

 

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Grouch exactly what suggestions do you have to solve the entitlement dilemma???

 

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In 1950, the payroll tax was one percent with a maximum
monthly payment of two dollars and fifty cents each for the worker
and the employer. In 1950, an employer with 10 ... Read More 

In 1950, the payroll tax was one percent with a maximum
monthly payment of two dollars and fifty cents each for the worker
and the employer. In 1950, an employer with 10 employees would
pay an annual tax of $300.00. In 2012, an employer in Wilson
County with 10 employees earning $30,000.00 will pay
an annual tax of $22,950.00. By advocating the continuation of Social Security and Medicare, the Tea
Party is promoting the continuing assault on small
businesses.

 

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Most Tea Party members support the continuation of the
Social Security and Medicare and cutting taxes. Get
real. Until the Tea Party vows to end all entitlements.
it ... Read More 

Most Tea Party members support the continuation of the
Social Security and Medicare and cutting taxes. Get
real. Until the Tea Party vows to end all entitlements.
it will continue to be a pompous progressive populist
group wrapped in the flag and conservatism.

 

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SC of course they take donations, thats probably why there are so many different organizations. Nobody wants to give up control of their donations... When you can expense ... Read More 

SC of course they take donations, thats probably why there are so many different organizations. Nobody wants to give up control of their donations... When you can expense whatever you want, and. Put your family on te payroll its no wonder.

 

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One Voice...The disability trust fund is a different
fund. It was started in 1958 with tax rate of 0.25
percent. The disability tax rate is now 0.9 percent.
That's almost ... Read More 

One Voice...The disability trust fund is a different
fund. It was started in 1958 with tax rate of 0.25
percent. The disability tax rate is now 0.9 percent.
That's almost an increase of fourfold. This fund will
run out of surplus funds around 2016 and by law cannot
access any source except what is being paid in by
current taxpayers. This will result in an estimated
21 percent cut in benefits. Of course this cut can
be avoided by increased taxing of current workers.
Do you think the screeching of maybe 10 or 11 million
people on the disability rolls will get the attention
of the political operatives ? FYI, the payroll tax
percentages are 5.3 for social security, .09 for
disability and 1.45 for medicare.
Since we are talking about fair share, it should
be point out that the initial maximum annual contribution to
the Medicare was $23.10 or less than $2.00 per month.
The maximum annual contributions for the first twenty
years added up to be a grand total of $3922.00 which
amounts to an average of $16.34 per month. By 1993,
the annual maximum tax had increased to $1957.50.
After 1993, the salary cap was removed and some
people pay more than the 1993 amount.
Assuming an average life span, both you and your
spouse should recover your personal contributions
easily and almost if not all of your employer
contribution. Of course, many couples are drawing
checks based on one worker's taxes. I'm sure that
such couples paid their fair share when compared to
a single taxpayer who earned the same income. Two
checks versus one check for the same contribution....
sounds fair to me.

 

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I just starting drawing SS one month ago.

Like I said - I did not create this - nor did I want or ask to have to pay into this program.

But, now that I have - I would ... Read More 

I just starting drawing SS one month ago.

Like I said - I did not create this - nor did I want or ask to have to pay into this program.

But, now that I have - I would like to recieve what they have put into place. .. I would gladly take the lump sum of what my husband and I have put into these programs and invest it myself. No more - no less

The government is taking our SS and Medicare payment funds - set up for when we are over 65 and have been drawing out of this fund for the disabled. ie - droves of bipolar coming out of rehabs.

 

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Give money to whom and why? That's silly. People can't contribute to a Tea Party. Instead, People can support individual conservative candidates -- has nothing to ... Read More 

Give money to whom and why? That's silly. People can't contribute to a Tea Party. Instead, People can support individual conservative candidates -- has nothing to do w/ any "Party," and Alvin knows that. Sorry, Joann. This is a pointless argument w/ someone who is just being a troll.

 

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Alvin, thank you for your kind and thoughtful words. God Bless

 

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Joann, im sure you meant travelled across the state. Cruz had support from lots of people, including the tea party, but, there is no knowing what the impact of the tea party ... Read More 

Joann, im sure you meant travelled across the state. Cruz had support from lots of people, including the tea party, but, there is no knowing what the impact of the tea party supporters. Erick Erickson supported him. Erickson can probably claim more supporters than you, and has probably endorsed more candidates than the tea party.

The tea party is sorta just a bunch of phonies exploiting people. Whatver- good luck out there, i hope enough dumb people give you money that you can retire in france with Mitt.

 

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If everyone paid their fair share into Social Security,
why have taxes been raised 21 times since 1950 and
why is the fund facing bankruptcy ?????

 

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One Voice....I have no idea when you began drawing
Social Security but in my case, I have already drawn
about fourteen times what I personally contributed.
When you factored ... Read More 

One Voice....I have no idea when you began drawing
Social Security but in my case, I have already drawn
about fourteen times what I personally contributed.
When you factored in the amount that my employer
contributed, I have drawn about seven times the
amount invested. One should always bear in mind that
the government forced the employer to contribute.
In short, it robbed one citizen to pay another.
Persons just entering the Social Security paid reduced
payroll taxes compared to today's rates for approximately half of their working
careers. The current rate of .0765 became effective
in 1990 and has remained static since. Those that
began their work careers in or near 1990 will probably pay more into the system than they receive. Guess who
gets the surplus. It's people that are current on the
social security rolls. The disability trust fund is due
to run of surplus funds in the next presidential term.
Benefits will have to be reduced about 21 percent or
taxes will have to be raised. I have no problem with
the concept of social security but my concern is about
the previous unfunded status of the program. The
majority of people (including me) did not contribute
enough to fully fund their benefits. It is what it is.
If the Tea Party is not serious about curtailing
entitlements, then they are just ejecting warm water
into the wind. In closing, I will say that a squirrel
has enough brains to store nuts for the winter.

 

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I did not make up the rules and laws for Social Security or Medicare.
But I sure have put more than my fair share into to it. And my husband put much more than that. ... Read More 

I did not make up the rules and laws for Social Security or Medicare.
But I sure have put more than my fair share into to it. And my husband put much more than that.
I was forced to do this.

Now - I can not see why there would even be a question for us seniors to get what we have worked our butts off. This is money that we have put in - not some free- bee.

I am with Joann - just get the government's foot off my neck - I let me work - to make my own way.

 

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I have read that strict adherence to the constitution
is part of the Tea Party creed. If you follow this
creed, how can you support Social Security and Medicare ?
"I ... Read More 

I have read that strict adherence to the constitution
is part of the Tea Party creed. If you follow this
creed, how can you support Social Security and Medicare ?
"I cannot undertake to lay my finger on that article
of the Constitution which granted a right to Congress
of expending, on objects of benevolence the money of
their constituents." James Madison
Perhaps some learned member of the Tea Party can explain
that to a simple old country boy.

 

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Believe it our not Prairie Grouch I happen to agree with you that paying cash, not seeking instant gratification are a pathway to get America out of this decline. Our debt ... Read More 

Believe it our not Prairie Grouch I happen to agree with you that paying cash, not seeking instant gratification are a pathway to get America out of this decline. Our debt is not only immoral it is a stepping stone to our decline!! Our tax dollars are not spent with prudence and good judgment. This is what we "Tea Party" supporters call Fiscal Responsibility !
Benjamin Franklin said "Think what you do when you run in debt; you give to another power over your liberty." The Founding Fathers looked at borrowing as honorable only in times of crisis and to be paid back promptly.
You and I paying more taxes is not going to solve the problem when the Government continues to spend our money unwisely and to grow their beaurocracy.
I do not want to be dependent on the Government for my every need! I want to take care of my own family. I do not need a guarantee I just need the opportunity !! The Lord Jesus Christ is my Savior, not the government !

 

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Taxed Enough Already..With a national debt approaching
16 trillion dollars and future liabilities several times
that amount along with an annual interest payment of
almost ... Read More 

Taxed Enough Already..With a national debt approaching
16 trillion dollars and future liabilities several times
that amount along with an annual interest payment of
almost a half trillion dollars, the slogan of the so
called TEA party has to rank at the top of dumb and
deceitful political slogans in our nation's history.
Of course, it works because it appeals to most of the
population which wants something without paying. It's
just a classic case of instant gratification that is
present in our homes, our local government, and our
national character. Only nations who develop a lifestyle
of saving and delayed gratification will survive.
In short, if you can't pay cash, you can't afford it.

 

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Alvin,
Specifically Tea Party Express traveled around the country with Ted Cruz to a multitude of rallys and meeting the citizens to get his message out. They knocked on ... Read More 

Alvin,
Specifically Tea Party Express traveled around the country with Ted Cruz to a multitude of rallys and meeting the citizens to get his message out. They knocked on doors, made thousands of phone calls, volunteered for him in utilizing social media ( much the same as Barack Obama's volunteers did ). Johnny shared his story of volunteering for Ted Cruz. So you see it is much more than just giving our vote to a candidate.
Due to our tax status the SATP can not endorse a candidate but we can certainly do so on an individual basis. A majority of us attended several of his rallys and successfully urged others to attend. The rallys grew in number of supporters and enthusiasim. This does not just happen on its own. There is a Ted Cruz sign in my yard and in several of my neighbors yards who asked how to get one when they saw mine.
Alvin I appreciate your comments and also for taking the time to read my response.

 

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Joann thank you but this did nothing to clarify the tea party claims of basically having won elections. They havent won anything, they simply have candidates acceptjng their ... Read More 

Joann thank you but this did nothing to clarify the tea party claims of basically having won elections. They havent won anything, they simply have candidates acceptjng their votes- imagine that.

 

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Facts only please and Alvin,
We are not and do not claim to be a Political Party !! However, there are some candidates whose values and vision are in allignment with our ... Read More 

Facts only please and Alvin,
We are not and do not claim to be a Political Party !! However, there are some candidates whose values and vision are in allignment with our mission. Perhaps you will have a better understanding if I print the SATP mission statement for you.
We the People …
DEFINE…
the mission of the San Antonio TEA Party, Inc., is to educate and advocate for…
maintenance of a strong national defense to retain our National sovereignty,…
protection of individual rights and liberties while promoting personal responsibility, morality, and religious expression,…
strict adherence to the Constitution and the rule of law, and …
exercise of limited government, sound fiscal policies, and free enterprise.

We the People …
COMMIT to…
remain non-partisan in our efforts, …
ensure government policies and actions are in keeping with our mission objectives, and …
hold our government officials accountable to …

Facts only I am sorry you missed several articles that I have written and appeared in the WCN as well as the many Floresville City Council and FEDC meetings we have attended and voiced our concerns. We were also instrumental in getting the signatures on the petition to put the Sports Complex on the ballot. Unfortunately the Mayor and City Council chose to ignore the voice of its citizens and approve a variable rate loan proposed and applied for by the FEDC board. WE WILL continue to be active in attending these meetings and asking the questions that they have difficulty in answering. Novembeer is just around the corner !!

 

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Help me understand, if the tea party has no members how do they claim to have elected officials like Cruz? 61 representatives? How?

No members= arent a party= they have ... Read More 

Help me understand, if the tea party has no members how do they claim to have elected officials like Cruz? 61 representatives? How?

No members= arent a party= they have zero elected officials- clarify for us.

If you are merely talking about endorsing a candidate, thats mighty vague and the value of the endorsement isnt measurable.

 

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Joann Juhasz: Really, the Wilson County Patriots? I did not see one banner, one protester, one negative article or anything out of this so called TEA movement. Again, ... Read More 

Joann Juhasz: Really, the Wilson County Patriots? I did not see one banner, one protester, one negative article or anything out of this so called TEA movement. Again, a do nothing political party!

 

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Johnny I appreciate your article and your committment to your candidate of choice.
Senior Citizen is correct in that the Tea Party does not have a membership, but we do ... Read More 

Johnny I appreciate your article and your committment to your candidate of choice.
Senior Citizen is correct in that the Tea Party does not have a membership, but we do have supporters. In order to be effective, even though we are grassroots, we must also be focused and organized. This entails having a plan of action and acting on it.
Wilson County Patriots have been very active in this Community as well as on the National level. Our mission, which coincides with the San Antonio Tea Party, can be found on our website.
I hope that Facts Only Please will be able to encourage more Lavernia residents to get involved. Whether you are a Conservative or not their policy decisions affect you and your family.

 

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Facts, the "Tea Party" merely refers to conservatives that believe int he Constitution. It is not an organization. Where were the conservatives? ... too busy, ... Read More 

Facts, the "Tea Party" merely refers to conservatives that believe int he Constitution. It is not an organization. Where were the conservatives? ... too busy, I suppose ...

 

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Where was the TEA Party when the La Vernia School Board's unanimous decision during the board’s June 28 budget workshop giving anyone employed with the district on or before ... Read More 

Where was the TEA Party when the La Vernia School Board's unanimous decision during the board’s June 28 budget workshop giving anyone employed with the district on or before Aug. 15, who stays employed with the district on that date, a one-time payment in the amount of 5 percent of their annual salary. Superintendent Tom Harvey said following the meeting that an estimated $695,257 would be allocated from the district’s fund balance.
Did you TEA Party hear that? $695K of the tax payer's money and you said NOTHING!!
The party of do nothing is also the party of TEA drinkers.

 

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Very good article Johnny!

 

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New blog, new post.