Tea Party Movement at Eighth-Grade Level...that high?

Tea Party dunderheads are dumbing down the government. Kind of a stealth way to destroy it or make it look bad any way. And what do you know, that would make the Republicans right about government. Funny how that works out. You'll also notice Pres. Obama had to talk down to them just to get them somewhat engaged during the State of  the Union. Guess that didn't work.

Boston Herald: If it sounds like the debates in Congress have devolved into those of teenagers, it’s because they have. Discourse in the House and Senate has dropped a full grade level - to the equivalent of high school sophomore, according to a new study. Call this the dumbing down of Congress in a partisan age. Or a shift to plain-spoken populism ignited by the new class of tea party Republicans … the study found that newer lawmakers tended to speak at a lower grade level than the veterans of congressional speechifying.

With that framework in mind, it should come as no surprise that the lawmakers at the bottom of the list, speaking at the lowest grade level, are among the most ardent tea party Republicans in the freshman class … speaking at about an eighth-grade level, the study found. "We look at it as a badge of honor," said Rep. Mick Mulvaney, a graduate of Georgetown University and the University of North Carolina Law School, who notes that he often speaks on the floor "extemporaneously." The Federalist Papers (a 17.1 grade level) or the U.S. Constitution (17.8 grade level).

The best and worst speeches may be in the ear of the listener, and the study noted that President Barack Obama’s 2012 State of the Union address was judged by other researchers to rank at the eighth-grade level for the third year in a row.

"Zombie" Drunk Woman Shot after Entering Wrong Home, Wrong Bedroom.

Thank god the homeowners are protected by a "make my day" law...

Walker vs Doyle Jobs Numbers, and Walker Campaign Spokesperson Ciara Matthews Babbles Nonsensical.

It appears Mayor Tom Barrett is shooting a lot straighter on the jobs numbers than Scott Walker. By the way, why isn't Barrett asking Walker how many of those new jobs were created in Milwaukee?

Walker’s claim of helping create 35,000 jobs since taking office (although government doesn’t create jobs), is almost identical to the jobs created under former Governor Jim Doyle the previous year.

jsonline: But even when measured by the census, the instrument Walker favors, Wisconsin's recent economic performance, while better, is far from stellar. For September 2010 through September 2011 - the most recent year-over-year census data comparison available with all 50 states - Wisconsin ranks 26th, in the middle of the country as a whole and lagging behind its Midwestern neighbors.

For the period, which includes the last four months of former Gov. Jim Doyle's administration, the figures show Wisconsin added 36,561 jobs. During the same 12 months, Minnesota, with a labor force similar in size to Wisconsin, added more than 64,000.

In relative terms, Wisconsin employment grew by not quite 1.4%. Nationwide jobs, meanwhile, grew by 1.6%. Minnesota and Michigan added 2.5% and 2.4% respectively. Indiana, Illinois, Iowa and Ohio also outstripped Wisconsin.

"Even using his numbers," Barrett said of Walker, "we're at the bottom of the Big Ten."

Walker campaign spokeswoman Ciara Matthews, meanwhile, said, "Governor Walker in just 15 short months has helped create an economic climate which allowed for the creation of more than 35,000 new jobs...

Speaking of Ciara Matthews, check out this raw video clip where she appears to be hypnotically caught up in a strangely idiotic talking point stupor:

At Jezebel.com, they wrote this about Scott Walker and Ciara Matthews:

In case you haven't noticed, Wisconsin's been fraught with untenable political tumultuousness since one-man Human Centipede Scott Walker was elected governor. He's bullied teachers, attacked gay couples' hospital visitation rights, signed a repeal of Wisconsin's equal pay law, and rolled back sex education to an innocent time when kids thought storks brought babies. But get ready for more high octane Crazy from the Arizona of the midwest — the communication coordinator for the embattled governor's impending recall election is a charming, colorful former Hooters waitress who would just love to have the opportunity to punch Hillary Clinton in the face.

Meet Ciara Matthews. According to AlterNet, she's a Republican attack dog type who has worked on the campaigns of such charming politicians as Sharron "When Life Gives You Lemons, Just Make Rape Lemonade" Angle and Nevada gubernatorial candidate Bob Beers. She'll be directing the tone of Walker's bid to avoid being recalled by a state full of people who don't like him.

And if past performance is indicative of future fun, the people of Wisconsin are in for a real treat. In the run up to the last Presidential election, Matthews maintained a blog that she's since deleted (but we've got screenshots) brimming with nutbaggery and, for a communications director, surprisingly inept attempts at coherent communication. From an entry entitled "A LETTER TO PLANNED PARENTHOOD,"

"You are advocating murder and one day Roe v. Wade will be overturned thanks to George W. Bush and the justices he put in the Supreme Court. The actions of Planned Parenthood and disgusting and I am sickened that my tax dollars are used to fund the immoral killing of innocent human babies!"

…profiting from selling a plasticized form of unnatural sexiness designed to arouse men while simultaneously believing that women should be forced to face the "consequences" of actually giving into to their sexual desires is a pretty backward way of thinking. 

Walker to be charged in John Doe after the election!??

Update: There seems to be a discussion about the validity of the story below, which I'll admit, is shaky at best. But a few bloggers have made the claim it's a trap. Ouch, got me? Sorry, but as I've written in the post, whether true or false, I'm putting it out there as the loosely sourced rumor that it is. It's true I normally don't post unconfirmed stories like this. But it will have no bearing on the election. It's harmless speculation. This story has nothing to do with journalistic integrity or being the victim of a prank. If you're smart, and aware that it might be phony, than quit your belly aching.  

I don't think anyone who's posted it is being suckered into believing it's true.

I have to give full credit to Rock Netroots for finding this potentially big story. Whether it’s true or not, we’ll have to see, but the fact that the Milwaukee DA would wait until after the election to charge Scott Walker is standard operating procedure for investigative bombshells.

I’ve mentioned ad nauseam a similar story about how as Milwaukee County Executive, Walker ran the county into the ground, but the study that documented the problem was held up until after the election. We're paying for that now:

jsonline: "Milwaukee County government is in such dire financial shape that state lawmakers should push through legislation that would allow it and other local governments to file for bankruptcy … the powerful Greater Milwaukee Committee is looking to recommend doing away with the elected county executive's post, slicing county worker benefits and spinning off the zoo, the bus system, the parks and much else under separate commissions. If these dramatic steps - or something like them - aren't taken county government will collapse, the draft report suggests."

So the Greater Milwaukee Committee released this unforgettable statement: "We don't want this to become some sort of political football during the fall election campaigns."

Now comes this from H. Nelson Goodson, who describes himself as "one of the foremost respected immigration rights and reform journalist (and) is a member of Taxpayers for Immigration Reform:

HNGUSA: On Friday, investigative information released by a reliable source indicated that Governor Scott Walker (R) and up to five others in the governor’s circle while he was Milwaukee County executive will be facing several felony charges resulting from the John Doe investigation … So far, at least six former Walker staffers have been charged in the John Doe investigation, including one that is awaiting sentencing, but has been postpone to prevent an influence of the June election. 

Take it for what it's worth.

Ron Johnson Sputters, Stammers and Shakes to Death Threats, the Affordable Care Act and Unions.

The dumbest Senator is at it again! Let's face it, Ron Johnson's mind is clouded by imaginary threats to life and freedom. He's appears to be consumed by fear. The Don Quixote of all paranoid schizophrenics.

Which brings me to the three surreal and convoluted comments presented here.

A story you may have missed, and for good reason because it's crazy, is that every Republican state legislator a the Capitol received a death threat. Every one of them!! And forget about all those Walker thugs who threatened Democratic lawmakers and recall petition signers, they don't count because they didn't win the election. Johnson's comment here is grossly unprofessional and the ultimate in political fear mongering. It's Johnson unhinged:

  

In the next clip, Johnson is asked about a Republican replacement for the Affordable Care Act, just in case the Supreme Court strikes it down. Apparently, Johnson is unafraid of not having a plan...

Johnson: "I'd like to say that we absolutely have that nailed, um, but I'd say we don't. I think there are number...all kinds of alternatives, and there are some really good ideas from a number of different members of congress. Um, I'm not afraid that we're not gonna be able to come to a consensus, I just say that we haven't got that consensus yet."  

It's at this point Johnson goes into full panic attack mode, describing in his typically disjointed way, the health care mandate and holding onto that last shred of freedom:

Johnson: "We are collectively suffering from the Stockholm Syndrome here. Which I think you realize what that is, right. it's when a hostage...somebody who's been kidnapped...just, just thankful, grateful, for any ounce of mercy their captors shown, Well that's what's happening. We are begging to be allowed to maintain that last ounce, that last shred of freedom."

And finally Johnson whines about those unfortunate workers who applied for, and got, a union job with the state, where union dues are taken out of their paychecks. Correct me if I'm wrong, but we've been told over the decades by conservatives that if you don't like the job, pay or benefits, leave. So I'm wondering why anyone would apply for a union job with the state, if they hate unions and hate paying their dues? Just leave, right? Kind of blows their argument to protect workers, doesn't it?

Ohio Voter Suppression Pushed again, more Brazen than Ever!

This is a nice presentation from Ed Schultz on the efforts to discourage voter participation in our elections, probably the most un-American thing anyone could try to do. Interestingly, the effort is coming from those flag waving American exceptionalist, Republicans. Imagine the freedom a "party" would have if they were the only choice. The Ohio effort is open and over the top:

Republicans very quietly raising taxes, and the Democrats are quietly protesting?

We've seen major mistakes by the Republicans fade quickly because the Democrats forgot to complain.

The tax increase on Wisconsin's poor, via the reduction of the Homestead Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit, is one huge standout. Has anyone mentioned that? No. Scott Walker continues to brag in his ads that he divided the people of the state without raising taxes. But he did raise taxes, officially. Anyone want to mention it?

My heart sinks when I think of how bad Democrats are at fighting. It's surprising the party has any kind of political prescience at all.

Rachel Maddow and Ezra Klein take a look at the list of tax increase here and in other states, all without a peep from Democrats. Hopeless.

The Best Parking Meters Ever

Even under the destructive policies of Scott Walker, good things can still happen. In fact, the second best thing next to universal health care, a parking meter that asks me if I want to add extra time via a text message.

Your cellphone rings. You've got a text message. It's your parking meter calling. The meter wants to let you know that it's about to expire. But if you need more time, you can text it back and tell it to charge your credit card for some extra minutes.

And you won't have long to wait:

jsonline: Starting this summer, hundreds of parking meters in Milwaukee, Madison and Lake Geneva will be exchanging texts just like that with motorists.

 "I never would have imagined this even five years ago," said Bill Knobeloch, Madison parking operationsmanager.

Drivers have been able to pay by credit card at some meters for about five years in Milwaukee and about a year and a half in Madison … In each city, motorists park in a numbered space, walk over to a meter that serves multiple parking places and punch in the number of their space. Then they have a choice of paying by cash or credit card for the number of minutes they want.

I like these parking meters because many don’t know how to use them, leaving the space open for those who do. That’s about to end. 

Privatizing Deer Hunting? John Nichols on Walker intentions.

Why would anyone appoint a guy who wants to privatize deer hunting, in charge of deer hunting, if that wasn't the intention? We're not dumb.

Also, the NRA takes its now expected "he's going to take your guns away" ad shot, this time at Tom Barrett. This now cartoonish response is getting just plain stupid.

The Millionaire Senate Elite want Ron Johnson in Texas!

The Senate is now the hot place to gather the wealthy Republican elite to carry out their take over of the government. Heck, if you've already got corporate personhood on the done list, the rest should be a breeze.

Dumb Ron Johnson is the poster clown for the Senate. If he can marry into money and still pretend to be the self made Ayn Randian man, you're in. 

What's funniest about the blurb below is how this wife made millionaire a is, according to Republicans, a "citizen legislator." Amazing?

Republican Party of Texas is pleased to announce that we have confirmed United States Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin as one of our featured speakers at the 2012 Texas GOP Convention Gala Banquet … Senator Johnson went to Washington because the federal government is bankrupting America. He thinks it is important for citizen legislators to ally with those who are seriously facing that reality.  

Bashir on Ryan; Bad at math, bad at character assessment.

Martin Bashir's calm outrage over Paul Ryan's plan for America is a thing of beauty. Bashir methodically makes his case against Ryan, along with the Washington Post's Nia-Malika Henderson.

Why America should hate Authority, and those Courageous Leaders Promising more of it....

This goes to the heart of where we're headed in this country.

On a recent tour of the New Glarus, Wisconsin, historical museum, our tour guide said something that got me thinking. The guide spent the first 10 years of his life in Germany, and offered an amazing perspective on his life there since 1940, and the opportunities his family and the Swiss people saw in America. And he said this of the Swiss:

"The Swiss hate authority."   

It was a moment of clarity for me. Isn't that really an American ideal? It was never our intention as a country to elect "leaders." We elect representatives to serve us. We don't give someone "authority" over us, to lead us, because like the Swiss, we hate authority.

It's no accident that conservative politicians and the radical tea party right are all about electing "leaders." They want leaders with the courage to stand up to a dissenting public. The majority rules. But what about the Constitutionally protected minority?

The best and most chilling example of this move toward authoritarian leadership, can be seen in the speech below; it was a tea party sponsored Wisconsin visit by presidential hopeful Rick Santorum. Do we want a leader, or a representative? That's the choice:



Gov. Nicki Haley unintentionally offered her own shocking warning to America if Walker wins, when she said;

"If he wins this , we will see more power and strength across the governors of this country than we've ever seen before." 

It really is breathtaking.

Hey Scott Walker; Enough already with the Eagle Scout stuff!!!

It always felt a little odd when Scott Walker would bring up his status as an Eagle Scout. I personally have never felt a need to mention my days as a member of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), or the two medals I won during the Olympic Day events for the javelin and basketball throw. Come to think of it, maybe I should.

So I thought I’d pass along this excerpt from the blog, VoicesNewspaper, that explains why it is so wrong to use such an honorable childhood tradition to hide ones sociopathic behavior. The Scouts should waste no time removing his rank.

Scott Walker proclaims, "Who, me a Lying Liar?  I'm a SCOUT!"  a statement that should set bull-excretion meters blazing. From VOICES "You Can't Make This Crap Up" department, there are actually media hacks professionals that spew the lie that no Eagle Scout has ever been convicted of a felon or serious crime!  There have been very prominent Eagle Scouts that have committed atrocious crimes and the media fully knows this - Arthur Gary Bishop, a serial killer; Mark William Hoffman, a forger and murderer: and Charles Whitman, the Texas tower sniper, are three national news stories that come to mind. This is propaganda, misinformation that is disseminated via mass media for a purpose - in this case, allowing folks like Wisconsin's Deceiver-in-Chief, Scott Walker, to hide behind a Boys Scout badge.  His claims are fully-irrational, but highly emotional to those that hold the values that the Boy Scouts beyond approach.  This is how propaganda works - its all based on emotions, though some skewed rational is often present so that people can justify their emotional responses.

In the earlier days of the Boy Scouts of America (before 1970), a Scout who commited a crime or had "tarnished the good name of the Boy Scouts" could have his rank removed and returned to the BSA by the Scouts' Scoutmaster. And in case you are wondering, Eagle Scouts can be shown to participate in criminal behavior (links HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE - scan down column, several "occupations" are listed as CRIMINAL!). I could go on and on.  If you Google EAGLE SCOUTS CONVICTED you will see 329,000 hits (as of 5/26/2012) documentation that hundreds or even thousands of Eagle Scouts have committed and been convicted of serious crimes.

So what does Scott Walker do when he gets caught in a lie?

He changes the subject - he is an Eagle Scout! Of course, maybe there is a secret Eagle Scout program for young fascists that are being groomed to become petty little dictators.  And HERE's a link to an Eagle Scout Award for union busting.

Subway Gate ends where else, in Walker-sha County. Ryan and Romney Free Subs to Voters Okay.

Want to know how Republican law looks. Check out the following amazing justification for bribing voters with subs, a clear campaign violation. The DA actually said, "the fact that there appeared to be plenty of sandwiches left over reflects that it is unlikely that any significant number of uninvited members of the public helped themselves to free lunch." DA Brad Schimel can't be serious. 

Waukesha Patch-Sarah Millard: Mitt Romney, Paul Ryan Cleared in Election Day Sub Bribe Allegations: Waukesha County District Attorney Brad Schimel declines to file charges against Republican presidential candidate, saying that the intent of the event was to provide lunch to campaign supporters.

A video edited by the state Democratic Party shows Romney leading a rally and telling supporters to go vote, and, “If you want another sandwich, there are more back there.” State law prohibits offering something valued at more than $1 in exchange for a vote. However, in his decision, Schimel disagreed that it was election bribery:

“There is nothing unusual about a candidate telling people to vote on Election Day. It is common knowledge that on Election Day candidates stop in at local diners, senior centers and other places the public gathers to remind people to vote. That is what candidates do on Election Day.

“In his interactions with people in the sandwich line and during his speech, Governor Romney acknowledges the fact that it is likely that many present have already voted.  The candidate knows he is talking to a group that is politically involved, and are likely voters.  The encouragement to tell a friend can not be characterized as offensive to the law.

“In his speech, Governor Romney indicates that there were more sandwiches available.  The organizers paid for 100 sandwiches, but as they noted, less than 100 people attended the event. Event organizers concede that it is possible that an uninvited member of the public managed to obtain a free sandwich. However, the fact that there appeared to be plenty of sandwiches left over reflects that it is unlikely that any significant number of uninvited members of the public helped themselves to free lunch.  Even if they had, the evidence demonstrates that the intention of the organizers was only to provide lunch to invited volunteers and supporters.  Thus, no one who was not otherwise inclined to vote was intentionally offered any inducement to do so.”

W2 set to be Dismantled, replaced with for profit confusion.

Like everything that hit the fan when state Republicans passed their their entire agenda in 6 months, there was nothing in place to take its place, like W2. At a time when the public needs to have some certainty about where to go for jobs and safety net programs, the Walker agenda stepped in to complicate and confuse the needy. Maybe a few will fall through the cracks and save the state money?

WKOW:

Media Action Center files Formal Complaint Against WTMJ and WISN Radio for Free Republican Airtime During Elections.

Uppity Wisconsin has been on top of what has been an unfair use of the public airwaves 60 days before an election. Milwaukee radio has all but slammed the door on the Democratic challengers in the upcoming recall elections. Due the following complaint by the Media Action Center, something just might start happening here in our state, and nationwide, Here's their press conference the other day that very simply laid out their case.

The Republicans have essentially received 120 times the air time the Democrats have with conservative talk radio hosts. The net worth of FREE airtime base on advertising costs between both stations for just 10 days, for Republican candidates and Walker, ranges from $330,000 to $660,000.

Check out their news conference:

Formal Complaint to FCC filed on behalf of Wisconsin citizens Minutes ago, I filed a formal complaint on behalf of citizens of Wisconsin with the FCC concerning Milwaukee's WTMJ and WISN radio.

Both stations are violating the FCC's Quasi-Equal Opportunities Doctrine (Zapple Doctrine) which provides that if a radio station gives free airtime to supporters of one major political party candidate, it must provide comparable time to supporters of the other major political party candidate.

Supporters of Tom Barrett are demanding their rights in the remaining days of the Scott Walker recall election, and we have asked the FCC to intervene immediately.

Read the full complaint here:

Exposed: Walker Can't Answer Why he Lied to Congress!!! Stumped!!

This is the most explosive and revealing piece yet on Scott Walker's deceptive (lie) congressional testimony. A must see from Fox6 reporter Mike Lowe:

Fox6, Mike Lowe: When did Gov. Scott Walker decide that cuts to collective bargaining would be the centerpiece of his strategy to balance the state’s budget? Newly uncovered documents contradict what Walker told Congress.

The key question is: did Gov. Scott Walker plan to cut collective bargaining all along, as a way to cripple the Democrats, or was he simply reacting to Wisconsin’s fiscal crisis, trying to balance a budget with a bold move?

In response to allegations people didn’t see this coming, Walker said…

“I can point to a flyer the unions put out, where they mentioned collective bargaining and the things we put out. What I did throughout the campaign was say to balance the budget without tax increases, you have to have wage and benefit reform, and I said any number of times when I was interviewed and in forums, I’m willing to look at the full range of options. I didn’t say at this day, at this time, I’ll do this, but there’s no doubt I was open to all these options,” Walker said.

Which didn't answer the question. Barrett can use all of this in the debate:

…he was asked when he got the idea for Act 10.

“In December, after the elections, but before I was sworn into office,” Walker said.

Records obtained by FOX6 News show it was actually November when the Legislative Reference Bureau – the state office that essentially creates bills – was directed to start drafting what would become Act 10. An internal memo entitled “Alternative Approach to Collective Bargaining” sketched out plans to require unions to recertify every year, and to prohibit them from collecting dues.

Walker: “We’ve looked at it for some time. In fact, as Lee Holloway (Milwaukee’s former County Board chairman) pointed out last year — who is obviously not a political ally of mine — who said anyone who didn’t see this coming hadn’t been watching me for the last eight years. What reaffirmed that for us and where that’s consistent with what I said in front of that Congressional committee, is after the elections, but before I was sworn in, AFSCME and the other public employee unions ran out to the lame-duck Legislature with a lame-duck governor and tried to push through contracts, that ultimately, a couple Democrats in the state Legislature voted against, figuring that the new Legislative majority and the new governor should have a chance to be involved in that process, but each of those points aren’t inconsistent with the other.” 

Playing for the Walker Marbles...

Rachel Maddow lays it all out there when it comes to the Wisconsin recall election. It's make or break time. Red state forever? Republican voters are certain they will vote by 91%, while the Democrats are at a disappointing 83%. Really, after all this? Really great commentary from Maddow:

Race Baiting Van Wanggaard is the poster child of Republican hypocrites

Sen. Van Wanggaard's recall race was a close one...until now. Check out the mailer to the right sent out about his opponent John Lehman. Nothing like a little race baiting:

Journal Times; The Racine branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People says a Republican State Leadership Committee mailer attacking John Lehman is using race to play on people’s fear of crime. The two-sided ad, which a committee spokesman said was sent to 10,000 homes in the district, features two depictions of criminals. One side of the ad says “You’re not safe. Thanks to John Lehman,” and shows a shadowy photo of a what appears to be a white man attacking a light complected woman. The reverse side calls Lehman out for supporting legislation that allegedly “allowed dangerous criminals out of prison before their sentences were complete,” and bears an image of a hooded figure whose face cannot be seen.

It's not Wanggaard's campaign ad, but he agrees with it;

While Van Wanggaard's campaign didn't make the brochure, he agrees with the message. "You read the actual text, it's accurate.  John did support early release of criminal felons," said Van Wanggaard.

Forget about all the states that have saved money on the early release program of non-dangerous lawbreakers. It's been a nationwide successful story that has resulted in more money for states. But that's why Republicans like Wanggaard are bad a their jobs. Here's TMJ4 coverage:



That's not all folks. Check out the jaw dropping information below, about recalled Republican Senator Van Wanggaard. You may not know a lot about him. The shear breadth of Wanggaard’s hypocrisy, not to mention the voters that are willing to look the other way, makes him the quintessential Republican. I had to pass this shortened version along. There’s more here from the alluring Root River Siren:

Root River Siren: Everyone in Racine knows about Van Wanggaard's pension. Oh yeah, they used to kill John Lehman for having a teacher's retirement and then getting paid as a Senator ... Then along came Van who didn't exactly retire as a cop - he got a disability - and then retired. Everyone shut up about the double dipping. Not a fucking peep.

Of course, Lehman supported public employees during his tenure as a State Representative and then as a Senator. Opponents said (and still do) he's a pet of the "union bosses."

Lehman has been criticized for cashing roughly $11,000 dollars from union organizations during the recall so far - an ironic criticism considering Wanggaard has cashed in a similar amount from conservative union types like the Milwaukee Police Association, steamfitters and Milwaukee Professional Firefighters.

However when the Racine Police Association declined to endorse Wanggaard in the recall and instead endorsed Lehman - a Democrat (a first in their history) that Wanggaard's duplicity as a former union representative turned union buster showed how deeply his actions hit home. It isn't just the locals who picked up on the hypocrisy of a guy who brings home about $90k each year of taxpayer dollars who unapologetically dismantled collective bargaining rights for public workers - rights that provided him the pension cash he gets every two weeks.

Longtime Wisconsin columnist, Bruce Murphy wrote about Wanggaard for his very first article this week in his "Murphy's Law" column in Urban Milwaukee. It's worth the read. The only shame is Murphy didn't touch on the $50,000 dollar settlement Wanggaard got from Safeco Insurance Company after his on-duty car accident...another harsh irony given the tort reform laws Wanggaard supported and voted for - making it much more difficult for injured citizens to sue in court.

Myth Busted. Obama Spends Less than Reagan, Bush 1, Clinton, Bush 2...

According to Market Watch: 

Obama's campaign is out now smashing the now commonly accepted myth that he's spending us into oblivion. It's the end of our country. But..well, I guess not.

Although there was a big stimulus bill under Obama, federal spending is rising at the slowest pace since Dwight Eisenhower brought the Korean War to an end in the 1950s.

Even hapless Herbert Hoover managed to increase spending more than Obama has.

In the 2009 fiscal year — the last of George W. Bush’s presidency — federal spending rose by 17.9% from $2.98 trillion to $3.52 trillion. Check the official numbers at the Office of Management and Budget. Over Obama’s four budget years, federal spending is on track to rise from $3.52 trillion to $3.58 trillion, an annualized increase of just 0.4%. There has been no huge increase in spending under the current president, despite what you hear.

I heard this on Randi Rhodes show today, where Lou Dobbs actually read the above exactly as written, "although there was a big stimulus," but went on to say the story didn't include..the stimulus.