The fortune cookies are so underrated. Sometimes too short and pithy. But sometimes you get statements from politicians that just have to get some play. So, here's my rundown of the choice phrases of the week for the budget fight:
http://www.cnbc.com/...
"I don’t advocate default," he said. "What I do say is you can’t be afraid [of a default]. This is the time to settle the problems of years and years of abuse. This is the time for the Republicans to get the country back on track. The Republicans have the cards, the president does not have the cards."
Also, good card advice at any of his casinos.
He also offers to run for president, which is ... interesting.
Some of the other quotes that caught my eye this week:
http://www.crewof42.com/...
“We’ve got to educate the American people at the same time we educate the President of the United States. The Republicans, Speaker Boehner or Majority Leader Cantor did not call for Social Security cuts in the budget deal. The President of the United States called for that,” Conyers, who has served in the House since 1965, said. “My response to him is to mass thousands of people in front of the White House to protest this,” Conyers said strongly.
I guess maybe Donald knows something. Oh well.. I just keep thinking about that comment and hoping it's a misquote. Too bad.
The know-nothing crowd offered their quip, discussed here often, from that paragon of family stewardship, HR Walsh:
"President Obama, quit lying," Walsh said. "You know darn well that if Aug. 2 comes and goes, there's plenty of money to pay off our debt and cover all of our Social Security obligations."
http://www.wbur.org/...
I'd use some no-nothing pics, but that might be too offensive.
I'd look for Obama to come out and categorically endorse a plan (any) and say: this is what I want, if you want to compromise, start here..
I might talk about the pro-consumer greatness of the white house that.. oh damn, I've got to start worrying about my data usage now that this T-Mobile AT&T Merger is going to impose data caps and higher rates on me:
http://thisismynext.com/...
I could get out and cheer for our support of jobs held in the public sector oh wait, cuts means some of those jobs go away, doesn't it? Yeah forgot about that.
Well, that's OK. The job market is awesome. They'll leave their government jobs and find work.. oh shit
Well, Obama has the Bully Pulpit, and he's the greatest presidential speaker since Reagan right?
But another part of the answer lies with the president -- and his inability or unwillingness to use the bully pulpit to tell Americans the truth, and mobilize them for what must be done.
Barack Obama is one of the most eloquent and intelligent people ever to grace the White House, which makes his failure to tell the story of our era all the more disappointing and puzzling. Many who were drawn to him in 2008 (including me) were dazzled by the power of his words and insights -- his speech at the 2004 Democratic convention, his autobiography and subsequent policy book, his talks about race and other divisive issues during the campaign.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/...
So I propose this: we're in a debate of quips. We are apparently short of people who throw quips. Just so we can give Obama enough time to write a book (which will be fantastic and explain this and be widely read) can we get some flame throwing, funny and occassionally irreverent people to get out there and at least get the message through?
WHERE IS BILL HICKS WHEN YOU NEED HIM?