It seems that President Obama once again is content to be completely irrelevant in this year’s budget negotiations, what with his plan to hose the rich to the tune of $1.5 trillion.  It’ll likely be the second year running where Obama submits a budget that doesn’t get adopted. Last year Republicans preferred their own version of a budget, written by Paul Ryan, whilst the Senate failed to move the resolution to the floor (and hasn’t for the past two years as it is).

It isn’t for lack of trying. Obama, to his credit, is actually doing his job. He’s submitted the budget for the last four years, so it was up to Congress to pass it. And while it’s understandable, and commendable, that Republicans preferred something different last year, the fact that Obama couldn’t get his own team on board is telling. With such a big tax hike, I fail to see why either chamber will be any more in favor of the 2013 budget.| MORE ›

Over the course of the year President Obama has spent a lot of effort telling Americans how wealthy individuals and corporations should contribute more of their money to taxes. The boldest of these efforts was during his September 8 jobs speech:| MORE ›

Most economic conservatives are understandably criticizing Speaker of the House John Boehner for reportedly compromising on the budget by either agreeing to some increases in revenue, or worse, agreeing to repeal the Bush tax cuts (although now it appears he’s walked back from this).

I hold a slightly different opinion that he might be on the right track, depending on the details.| MORE ›

One of predominate themes I’ve noticed in liberal communities is the notion that we in the working and middle classes (i.e. most of America) are somehow voting against our interests. That, by voting for politicians with conservative values, we are doing wrong by ourselves. That if we’re not voting in support of more government, we will make our lives more difficult, because government is not there to provide for us.| MORE ›

It’s official, folks. Two years running Congress has refused, in one way or another, to take up a budget presented by President Barack Obama. As we all know, House Democrats just didn’t even bother to touch any budget last year, as is their constitutional duty. Their attitude toward budgeting this year remains the same, and it’s disgusting.| MORE ›

TrogloPundit wrote an intriguing post over at Right Wing News about unions, collective bargaining and employees’ ability (or right) to individually negotiate with employers. The gist of the matter is this:| MORE ›

Success! Well, kind of.

It looks like House leaders, Senate leaders, and the White House have struck a deal on raising the debt limit.| MORE ›

The British newspaper the Guardian reports that experts are increasingly fearing the U.S. may be sliding back into a recession.

Shares fell heavily on Wall Street on Wednesday after a gloomy report from US factories and signs of a slowdown in employment growth prompted fears that the recovery in the world’s biggest economy is fading.| MORE ›

Thomas Sowell is one of the most preeminent economists and columnists of our time. Heck, perhaps even in history. He understands better than most the bad consequences of socialist policies, and is a fierce advocate for the free market and as much freedom for individuals as possible. In short, you’ve got to read his books and columns. If you haven’t done so yet, order some books of his now.| MORE ›

I’m satisfied. The 2011 budget will be cut by $39 billion, the issues of funding Planned Parenthood and Obamacare will be put up as single-issue votes, and the government won’t shutdown. Feels good, doesn’t it?

Actually, not really. American is still facing deficits and debts in the trillions, and the negotiations for this year’s budget didn’t do much to combat those.| MORE ›

Last week, President Obama called out the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, accusing it of funneling contributions to the business advocacy group from foreign corporations to its U.S. political activity. This, of course, ignited a political firestorm.

The left had a “eureka!” moment.| MORE ›