A Conversation with Grover Norquist
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2011-07-14/conversation-grover-norquist
Time is running out for Democrats and Republicans to negotiate to raise the federal debt ceiling. The U.S. will default on its loans in nineteen days, unless politicians reach agreement. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell warned the Republican brand could be “destroyed” if congress allows the government to default.. But many in his party have dug in against a compromise. And anti-tax crusader Grover Norquist is holding Republican lawmakers to the pledges his organization asked them to sign, opposing any tax increases. He joins Diane to discuss taxes, spending and debt negotiations.
Guests
Grover Norquist
president, Americans for Tax Reform
Comments
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If there was ever proof of a liberal bias for the D.R. show, here it is. Of all the responses only a handful have not thrashed out in typical seething liberal outrage. Even Diane must be taken by some surprise at this level of unjustified hatred. I love it, thank you all for the entertainment.
Meangreen, I don't know why you bother but keep on doing what you do. Can't let these lefties get too comfortable on our dime.
Bort wrote:
monte wrote: "If his mild mannered approach causes this much unrest in the liberal ranks ..."
Um, monte? I don't think it's his manner that's upsetting people. I think it's his ideas, which are indeed radical. Perhaps you didn't notice that because you were so soothed by his manner.
Bort:
We need some radical changes with a 14 trillion dollar debt and not pass this down to 2013 so some other politican will do the same and we the average hard working taxpayer are enslaved by this debt.
Batman wrote
"Mr Norquist ignored the comment on the Bush deficit spending and did not answer the callers question. Doesn't anyone remember how the neocons (mostly Norquist's chums) promised that Iraqi oil would pay the cost of the war"
Batman:
Your still in the dark about business and costs associated with Iraq. Let me put you in the light. The security situation is still troublesome in Iraq. However some of the large US oil companies and supplies have been in the beginning stage making deals with the Iraqi government to do business. Chevron for one has or will put a bid to lease land for exploration. I know because I am a shareholder. Service companies will do great because so much of Iraqi oil business is delapadated. This will employe US service worker to make the pipes, rigs,etc.
Hope Hassam is no relationship to Major Hassam and the Ft Hood shooting. Just felt I had to put that in.
Hearing Norquist equivocate and refuse to abolish any departments makes me thankful for straight-forward conservatives like Ron Paul (who was on the Diane Rhem show a few months ago). Norquist wants to essentially keep the coporatist status quot going with minor tweaks to attack the Democrats and help the GOP constituencies. Ask Ron Paul and he'd abolish the Dept. of Ed (return the responsibility to the states), Dept. of Commerce (useless corporate welfare), Dept. of Energy (has failed in getting us off foreign oil) and that's just for starters. Of course, when it comes to military spending, he'd also bring our troops home from around the world (starting with the five hot wars we are in) and save billions immediately - not just in the next 10 years. Enough of the vague talking points; we need sensible solutions and a different philosophy for the role of government.
Thanks for reading.
I'm dissapointed Diane. Normally you ask hard, thoughtful questions. This interview appeared to be an attempt on your part to paint the guest as an extremist whose ONLY motive is destruction of govt for destructioncs sake. And i'm a registered (though conservative) democrat.
However, i was pleased to hear that you would not insult the guest, or allow others to.
We elect Clinton and he runs a budget surplus.
We elect Bush, he drastically cuts taxes and he runs budget deficits.
While they are in office, Republicans don't care about deficits.
The U.S. Debt skyrockets, credit freezes, we lose jobs at an unprecedented rate, a global financial meltdown occurs and it is completely the fault of the United States.
The Republicans lose The House, The Senate and The Presidency.
Now, Republicans see the deficit they helped create as a problem, but not there problem....Obama's problem, the Democrats problem. Never mind how this problem was created, just focus on the failings of those who are trying to solve the problem.
If you have a budget deficit, that means you do not have enough money to cover the budget. Our primary source of revenue is taxes.
Wouldn't it make sense to make more money.
You can't cut taxes, run a deficit and expect to get out of that deficit without raising taxes
Why is this guy in charge of the republican congressional delegation? Has he obtained pictures of every republican engaging in sex with animals? This guy is a total nutjob who lobbies in favor of middle east terrorists, for crying out loud! He has never run for nor been elected or appointed to ANY public office. For all we know, his entire income derives from Iran and he is not a US citizen.
When do we hear from McConnell and Boner and Cant'er about why they worship at this crackpot's feet?? Come on, Diane!! This is not rocket science, it's politics!!
Kelby Pierson wrote:
We elect Clinton and he runs a budget surplus.(Thank Newt & Republican in the 90's for doing most of the wastefull cutting)
We elect Bush, he drastically cuts (Middle Class) taxes and he runs budget deficits.(due to 9/11)
While they are in office, Republicans don't care about deficits.(1994 lost by one vote in Senate to have a"Constitutional Balance Budget Amendment)
The U.S. Debt skyrockets, credit freezes, we lose jobs at an unprecedented rate, a global financial meltdown occurs and it is completely the fault of the United States. (Made Worse by Obama 1.5 trillion additional spending)
The Republicans lose The House, The Senate and The Presidency. (Republicans win 63 seat in Congress 2010)
Now, Republicans see the deficit they helped create as a problem, but not there problem....Obama's problem, the Democrats problem (Very True). If you have a budget deficit, that means you do not have enough money to cover the budget(Cut Spending) . Our primary source of revenue is taxes(Pay to many taxes already.)
Wouldn't it make sense to make more money.
You can't cut taxes, run a deficit and expect to get out of that deficit without raising taxes(You can cut taxes to grow economy,create jobs which generates tax receipts.)
Norquist once again proved that he is in the category of Glen Beck. It shows no bias if one uncovers a charleton. You didn't even try to do that Diane. You let your listeners down.
Thank you Diane, for cutting off the caller who started with an insult to your guest. On your show, everyone is treated with respect, including those whose positions different with your own. Your media spot is a lonely island of civility that doesn't use drama or vulgarity to get viewers!
- Elaine
Taxpayers need protection from the assault of taxspenders.
How many times does Diane need to ask the same question and get the same answer? Then today she calls him evasive. Pathetic.
Diane is so convinced that Obama has made specific spending cut proposals and yet can come up with no examples. Still she defends him when Norquist calls Obama on it. Very sad.
Hi meangreen,
Please give us a link to this poll.
DianeFan stated: "This is a guy who has made a fortune railing against the government that funds most of the schools he attended, paves the roads he drives on," etc.
Great comment!
I say, if you hate government, don't run for office!
Hi RMGuy
You wrote: "Why is this guy in charge of the republican congressional delegation? Has he obtained pictures of every republican engaging in sex with animals? This guy is a total nutjob who lobbies in favor of middle east terrorists, for crying out loud! He has never run for nor been elected or appointed to ANY public office. For all we know, his entire income derives from Iran and he is not a US citizen.
I enjoyed your comment.
Could you please educate us on his connections with Iran? Maybe a link?
monte: Please, please, PLEASE tell me specifically what you have in mind when you say "constantly expanding nanny state government costs ." I grow tired of the buzzwords, the catchy phrases, the generalized accusations that are thrown around without explanation. Are you referring to programs that benefit those who have lost their job, their health insurance, their life savings through no fault of their own? I suspect you're one of the fortunate, the indescructible. If so, congratulations but try to get acquainted with the other side of life - volunteer at a soup kitchen or a homeless shelter. I've found engineers and other professionals - you'd be surprised.
Ms. Rehm, you misspoke when you stated Obama inherited 3 wars...Libya was all Obama.
brtova wrote:
Hi meangreen,
Please give us a link to this poll.
July 15, 2011 - 2:32 pm .
Gallup.
'brtova wrote:
DianeFan stated: "This is a guy who has made a fortune railing against the government that funds most of the schools he attended, paves the roads he drives on," etc.
Great comment!
I say, if you hate government, don't run for office"
brtova
School are fund by property taxes which are local like the ones we pay at the end of the year for total city taxes.
Don't think Norquist has the time to go around to thousands of municipilites to spread his message.
"Dan Stapleton wrote:
monte: Please, please, PLEASE tell me specifically what you have in mind when you say "constantly expanding nanny state government costs ." I grow tired of the buzzwords, the catchy phrases, the generalized accusations that are thrown around without explanation. Are you referring to programs that benefit those who have lost their job, their health insurance, their life savings through no fault of their own? I suspect you're one of the fortunate, the indescructible. If so, congratulations but try to get acquainted with the other side of life - volunteer at a soup kitchen or a homeless shelter. I've found engineers and other professionals - you'd be surprised."
Dan
Let me help you out being that Monte and I are more less of the same political persursion. A nanny state is describe as a birth to death government (taxpayer) subsidy. Like nationialize health insurance, day care,etc.
Nobody is against helping the poor, the problem is that there are and have been non-taxpayer methods that have had better results and have not cost as much to help these individuals. The problem we are having as the result of the economy is that so many more people have become dependant on government programs and it is getting harder for us taxpayers to fund these programs.
This government dependency has steadily increased over the decades by politicians wanting to stay in office. It is called keeping power. The biggest problem is winging the populations thinking that government is the solution for all their problems and their are less expensive ways to help people out.
Hope that helps. In a nut shell.
Hi elainefa
Youwrote:
"Thank you Diane, for cutting off the caller who started with an insult to your guest. On your show, everyone is treated with respect, including those whose positions different with your own. Your media spot is a lonely island of civility that doesn't use drama or vulgarity to get viewers!"
I second that.
It is interesting to see the various perspectives of people here.
Hi meangreen,
You wrote:
"The problem we are having as the result of the economy is that so many more people have become dependant on government programs and it is getting harder for us taxpayers to fund these programs."
I would say let's tackle the big tax vampires, like:
1. being the world's volunteer police force,
2. Offshore tax havens and tax breaks for corporations, especially those who move overseas to increase their bottom line. I call that unpatriotic. They want all the benefits and none of the responsibility. G.E. being the most well-known tax evader:
“The company reported WORLDWIDE PROFITS OF $14.2 BILLION, AND SAID $5.1 BILLION of the total came from its operations in the United States.
Its American tax bill? None. In fact G.E. Claimed a tax benefit of $3.2 billion”
(http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/25/business/economy/25tax.html? r=1).
They take our jobs overseas and our government rewards them!!!!
I don't think those who overly stress cutting programs that make a better life for everyone and under stress war costs understand how cold and parsimonious they sound.
$5.1 Billion (untaxed) vs universal health care, which cuts out at least a 1/3 of the costs by eliminating the middle men (leaches such as insurance companies who put profits above people.)!
COME ON! DO THE MATH.
rtova wrote:
1. being the world's volunteer police force, I agree with you that Europe of Japan should take a bigger roll in the a global police force. Though they do pay US for there safety. However our US miltary spending is 20% of the budget costing us 600 Billion a year. I heard figures stating 400 Billion
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:U.S._Federal_Spending_-_FY_2007.png
2." Offshore tax havens and tax breaks for corporations, especially those who move overseas to increase their bottom line. I call that unpatriotic. They want all the benefits and none of the responsibility. G.E. being the most well-known tax evader"( Legal tax evader)
Funny thing the thread you posted shows Obama and the CEO together and by the way Immelt is a supporter of Obama. He has been a vocal critic in raising higher taxes and service as an unofficial advisor for Obama economic policies. But GE does pay taxes to other countries it does business in.
Tax havens are far less than you think according to Deliotte. It is estimated that foreign tax havens may be in the range of 255 billions. This amounts is peanuts when you put it up a 14 Trillion dollar amount. But here is your thread.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tax_haven
How much more math do you want? Health Reform is a totally different monster that start in 2014.
While I detest Mr. Norquist's politics, I was greatly disappointed in Diane's interview style. If you invite the man on your show, let him speak without rude interruptions. I expect more from Diane than repeated attempts to corner Norquist into stating he wanted to 'eliminate' a whole federal agency. Similarly, the discussion around Obama as a 1-term president was trite - what opposing party doesn't want to take over the White House in the next election? You can do better!
WillT26 wrote:
"Could you ask Mr. Norquist if he is willing to be held responsible if a default occurs? etc"
Norquist doesn't give a rat's ass what happens to anyone else or even to our country.
In that cold and lonely rightwing world it is every man (or woman) for himself!
Meangreen wrote:
"Tax havens are far less than you think according to Deliotte. It is estimated that foreign tax havens may be in the range of 255 billions. This amounts is peanuts when you put it up a 14 Trillion dollar amount."
I couldn't find this figure ($255 billion) in the link. The only Deliotte study I found was just for Great Britain. Aren't we discussing USA?
And that was just Deliotte's view on it. Here is another view:
"Estimates by the OECD suggest that by 2007 capital held offshore amounts to somewhere between US$5 trillion and US$7 trillion, making up approximately 6–8% of total global investments under management. Of this, approximately US$1.4 trillion is estimate to be held in the Cayman Islands alone.[33]"
That's from the same link as yours.
Meangreen:
Here is the whole quote from your link: dated July 13, 2011
"According to a Gallup survey done in the last several days, 42 percent of Americans want their member of Congress to vote against raising the debt ceiling versus 22 percent who would prefer their lawmakers to vote for an increase.
And the feelings were even more negative among those who said they were very closely following the issue, with 53 percent of those saying they were against a rise compared with 37 percent in favor."
I would call that cherry-picking and misleading. Did you think I wouldn't bother to check your sources? You sound so authoritative but from now on, I have to question your credibility.
On July 18th, the gallup survey repeated the 42/22 split, but also added: The July 7-10 poll of more than 1,016 randomly selected adults also found that 35 percent have no opinion on the debate.
That is a lot of undecideds!
http://www.npr.org/blogs/itsallpolitics/2011/07/13/137823877/gallup-majo....
Willy wrote:
"Grover, keep up the great work. While this radio show has a strong liberal bias - there are many millions of HARD WORKING Americans who stand side -by-side with you. Hence the revolution of the last election."
As long as we have computerized voting and our votes are counted IN SECRET by the voting machine companies instead of in the open by our public servants, I don't think you can call ANY election a revolution.
Steve7 wrote:
"Norquist wants to get rid of social security, proposing people will naturally want to invest their hard earned cash in Wall St, calling it reform by getting government out of it."
How can anyone have the NERVE to suggest we get rid of social security (which is a very successful program that uses NO taxpayer money---we pay in and we get it back.) after the financial calamity of 2008? We all would be broke if we had invested a lifetime worth of money in their gambling scheme called Wall Street!
Either the anti-social security people have very short memories or they are trying to con us by telling outright lies. Spouting opinions while living in "fact-free" zones is reaching epidemic proportions!
brtova:
But the 42% still favor against the raising the debt ceiling. 35% undecided are not going all for raising the debt ceiling.
Still waiting for your answer in doing the math on the budget. That OCED study that stated 5 trillions tax havens in not all of US.
"brtova wrote:
How can anyone have the NERVE to suggest we get rid of social security (which is a very successful program that uses NO taxpayer money---we pay in and we get it back.) after the financial calamity of 2008? We all would be broke if we had invested a lifetime worth of money in their gambling scheme called Wall Street!"
Dude:
SS is also funded by the Payroll Tax. The one you see deducted from your pay check. SS is projected to have a 45 billion deficit this year.
Sure, I could do better putting the money that goes into SS into a plain money market account over the last 30 yrs and still have more than what the government has done in SS.
I want choice for my SS payment.