Fox News reports:
President Obama's message to entrepreneurs that "you didn't build that" prompted one Georgia business owner to respond with a not-so-subtle retort.
"I built this business without gov't help. Obama can Kiss my ass," reads the sign outside Gaster Lumber & Hardware in Savannah, Ga. Owner Ray Gaster posted that and two similar ones at all three of his company's locations in response to Obama's comments during a speech to supporters in Virignia, which struck a nerve with small business owners around the nation....
Yeah, nobody helped Ray Gaster build his business, and certainly no one from the damn government ... except maybe the folks at Armstrong Atlantic State University, a public institution of higher learning that's part of the University System of Georgia, from which Gaster graduated in 1972 with a degree in management and marketing, and which has since given him its Distinguished Alumni Award.
Wikipedia tells us:
Armstrong Atlantic State University was founded as Armstrong Junior College in 1935 by Mayor Thomas Gamble.... Gamble pursued the issue during the height of the Great Depression to benefit Savannah's youth and the community, as well aid in stimulating the local economy....The school continues to rely on public and private support (the latter including help from Mr. Gaster himself).
In 1959, Armstrong College of Savannah became part of the University System of Georgia as a community college, and in 1964 the Board of Regents conferred four-year status on Armstrong State College.
Gaster's education? He didn't build that.
30 comments:
What da hell 'r y'all talkin' 'bout, son?
Hoo kares were hee god edumacated?
Aftr hee gowt itt, hymn 'n his'n shoor earnd evry nikol they'z h'earnd!
EVERY Conservative and Liberal @$$hole had some help along the way.
On the (not so) serious side, it's just nice that they're so out of touch, that they keep proving it every day!
LOL!
He didn't build the damn road in front of his business either, the one on which lumber goes in and out of his lumber yard.
Are you serious? I hope the university quote was sarcasm. I love the liberal thought that everyone deserves something for nothing and that individual achievements are a product of the government's support, fuc&ing amazing.
It started with every kid getting a trophy, even if their team didn't win a game. Then to schools lowering standards so everyone passes, you know, because it's "fair". Maybe we'll just let illegal aliens go to college for free, wait...that happens now!
Hard work is no longer the key to success. The new key is being lazy and blaming everyone else because things aren't "fair". Nauseating.
I love the liberal thought that everyone deserves something for nothing and that individual achievements are a product of the government's support, fuc&ing amazing.
Sure, that's what Obama meant when you his quote out of context.
Somebody helped to create this unbelievable American system that we have that allowed you to thrive. Somebody invested in roads and bridges. If you've got a business–you didn't build that. Somebody else made that happen. The Internet didn't get invented on its own. Government research created the Internet so that all the companies could make money off the Internet.
It would be hard to draw a rational conclusion that Obama was saying that small business owners don't build small businesses. As FAIR's Jim Naureckas noted (FAIR Blog, 7/20/12):
Now, if you've got a basic understanding of the English language, you can see that the word "that" there doesn't refer to "business"–it refers to "roads and bridges" in the previous sentence. If you can't see that, you really shouldn't be in the word business.
Or claim to speak and read English like it was your native tongue.
For starters, I didn't mention Obama's "gaffe"in my statement. While he may not have meant what's been interpreted, that's how it sounded.
Second, if you want to post his statements in a rebuttal, ensure they are correct. Ahem...the Internet was not created for businesses, it was created to assist DoD researchers collaborate with each other. Get your facts right.
I noticed on your profile that you're in education, so I expect more.
Also, I have absolutely nothing to do with anything business related. I'm not rich, do not come from a wealthy family, but have bled for this country. I have not one, not two but three rotations to Afghanistan. So I have to ask you, what have YOU done to ensure our country's future and freedom. You make me sick!
Even in context, Obama's remarks are untrue and unjust.
He fumbled.
Move on.
Even in context, Obama's remarks are untrue and unjust.
Evidence?
Judgemental people like Daniel and Philo don't need any evidence.
They've already judged what's true and not true.
And no amount of evidence can sway judgemental people.
So, why bother?
Let's just wish them, "Have a nice day," and be done with them.
"Have a nice day!"
Steve,
I take it back.
I mistook the president’s reference.
Dark Avenger quotes him thus.
“Somebody helped to create this unbelievable American system that we have that allowed you to thrive. Somebody invested in roads and bridges. If you've got a business–you didn't build that. Somebody else made that happen. The Internet didn't get invented on its own. Government research created the Internet so that all the companies could make money off the Internet.”
To what does the “that” refer in Obama’s sentence, “If you've got a business–you didn't build that”?
It certainly looks like it refers to “a business” in the first part of his sentence, and that’s how I took it.
Even in the larger context that includes his next sentence that’s the most obvious way to read him, though sop understood the second assertion looks even crazier.
“If you've got a business–you didn't build that. Somebody else made that happen.”
And that’s exactly how the Republicans, including Republican business owners, have been taking his remarks and reacting with anger and ridicule.
But the context quoted by DA shows the “that” in “If you've got a business–you didn't build that” refers back to “this unbelievable American system that we have that allowed you to thrive,” including “roads and bridges.”
And the president again speaks of the surrounding infrastructure in his allusion to the Internet.
So the “that” that the fellow who made his own business didn’t build that made his business possible is the surrounding, government-financed and built and maintained infrastructure.
And of course what the president said was quite right and incontrovertibly so.
My mistake.
Apologies.
Philo,
It takes courage to admit one's errors.
Lord knows, I've had to have some myself - probably MORE than my share, since, like Ralph Kramden, "I'm a blabbermouth! A BLA... BLA... BLABBERMOUTH!!!"
“If you were successful, somebody along the line gave you some help. There was a great teacher somewhere in your life. Somebody helped to create this unbelievable American system that we have that allowed you to thrive. Somebody invested in roads and bridges. If you’ve got a business, you didn’t build that. Somebody else made that happen. The Internet didn’t get invented on its own. Government research created the Internet so that all the companies could make money off the Internet.
The point is, is that when we succeed, we succeed because of our individual initiative, but also because we do things together. There are some things, just like fighting fires, we don’t do on our own. I mean, imagine if everybody had their own fire service. That would be a hard way to organize fighting fires.
So we say to ourselves, ever since the founding of this country, you know what, there are some things we do better together. That’s how we funded the GI Bill. That’s how we created the middle class. That’s how we built the Golden Gate Bridge or the Hoover Dam. That’s how we invented the Internet. That’s how we sent a man to the moon. We rise or fall together as one nation and as one people, and that’s the reason I’m running for president — because I still believe in that idea. You’re not on your own, we’re in this together.”
If someone has a link to a business that does not use public roads or bridges, does not use employees educated at public schools or universities, does not accept business from people who have good jobs because of their education, a business that never uses products that were founded on government research - like computers, a business that does not benefit from the medical research that has saved their lives or that of family and friends - I would genuinely love to visit that business.
One of the things that used to be required to win a debate was that one had to be honest about representing your opponents facts and opinions. President Obama clearly said that business owners create their own business - to say other wise is dishonest and dishonorable. Obama did make the obvious observation that no business is created in a vacuum. This does not seem like a concept too complex for most people to understand, yet some do either do not understand or they are afraid they will lose the debate if they admit they are twisted reality to their partisanship. Those are not the American values I grew up with. It is deeply sad to see that kind of integrity denigrated out of nothing but fear.
I'd like you liberals to read this article, http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2012/08/02/obama-campaign-sues-to-restrict-military-voting.
This is absolutely sickening and shows exactly why we need to get rid of the current administration. The sad part is the majority of the military has no faith in our leadership. If it weren't for our brave brothers and sisters we would not have what we have. The reason this is even happening is because at least 75% of the military votes Republican. Anyone that would support this, or anything like this is obviously unpatriotic. God bless our Soldiers and our country!
I read the Bloomberg story and the story at The Washington Times (those guys email me all the time). No freaking way am I going to throw the Breitards a link.
I don't understand why the Obama administration is opening it up to the howling of people like you, Daniel, by doing this -- it's not worth it.
I understand your outrage, but, as I read the stories, this applies to early voting in person. I absolutely think we should make voting accommodations to military personnel and families that are deploying/deployed far from home, but if you're an Ohio servicemember and you can vote in person in Ohio at your own precinct, then you're not in the same position of hardship, are you? So why the need for extra consideration? Should we stop there? Give every servicemember two votes? And anyone who disagrees hates freedom?
The issue is that this will open the flood gates for more voting policy changes for the military. The liberals think it's outrageous to make someone show ID to vote but will try to regulate a military members ability to vote.
What you aren't taking into consideration is if a national guard/reserve unit is conducting an exercise during election. If they can't leave to vote, then they'll be SOL. If anything, military members should be allowed to vote before anyone else.
The only rain liberals are having an issue because the military WILL vote Republican. The same reason they have an issue with imposing voter ID laws.
Nothing in there gives a servicemember two votes. If anything, they'll offset the votes of the illegals that aren't supposed to vote.
This entire "fair" argument is absolutely ridiculous. Everyone in this country is afforded the same opportunity.The only ones that have an issue are the ones that don't take advantage of them. I wish we'd stop protecting the lazy and start commending the achievers.
The fact that less than half of our country, that would be more than 150 million people, pay taxes, is insane. Maybe we should impose a "what have you done for me lately" plan like many countries already have. At 18, if you don't go to college, you must serve a civil/federal position to receive federal aid. That could be military, police, fire fighter, health administration, or a number of other things. This way people learn a trade and contribute to our country. Now I think that would be great.
It is generally considered rude or poor net etiquette to hijack a thread to push non-related talking points. That said let me address your concerns and the misinformation you have posted.
The suit at issue concerns a series of recent Ohio laws that end in-person, early voting in the final three days before Election Day in November for all Ohio citizens, except for military members, their families, and Americans living abroad. Previously, early voting was available to Ohioans on the Saturday, Sunday, and Monday before a national election at the discretion of local election boards. Napolitano asserted that this state-wide closure would affect "very few" voters and that the Democrats' suit shows "a very absurd willingness to file lawsuits in frivolous cases."
In fact, roughly 1.7 million Ohioans, or 30 percent of the state's total voters, voted early in the three days before the 2008 election.
Similarly, the new law subjects citizens living in the same district to different early voting opportunities. Military personnel and their families will continue to enjoy early voting the weekend prior to the election, while their civilian neighbors will not. The change in hours leads to ambiguity for citizens who are accustomed to voting on their particular district's schedule.
Ending early voting prior to the election also disproportionately affects minorities and the poor, those most unlikely to reach a voting booth on Election Day. Project Vote, a nonprofit organization that focuses on voting rights issues, determined that, during the 2008 election, "African American and Hispanic voters cast ballots at a rate exceeding or matching that of white voters." The Brennan Center for Justice found that early voting restrictions most heavily disrupt minorities' vote:
Brietbart and Fox News has a long history of inaccurate reporting on voting issues and promoting state voter ID laws. Ohio's voting laws changes are a penalty on minorities and the working poor, not the military who will enjoy the same early voting privileges they always have. Good for them, too bad the same courtesy cannot be extended to everyone else.
Voter fraud is a myth, you have a greater chance of being struck by lightening
http://www.brennancenter.org/content/section/category/allegations_of_voter_fraud
Pennsylvania Admits They Can't Document Voter Fraud
http://crooksandliars.com/karoli/pennsylvania-admits-they-cant-document-vote
Heritage Foundation ‘Expert’ Cannot Cite Any Examples Of Actual Voter Fraud
http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2012/06/04/494395/heritage-foundation-expert-cannot-cite-any-examples-of-actual-voter-fraud/?mobile=nc
REPUBLCANS PLEDGE NO NEW TAXES (EXCEPT FOR THE POOR)
As Bruce Bartlett reminds us in his latest Economic column, leading Republican figures, including Eric Cantor, as well as a majority of party members, argue that taxes should go up ... on the poor. They are talking about the famous "47 percent" who don't pay federal income taxes.
This overlooks several facts. One, which Bartlett points out, is that many people don't pay income tax because of the child tax credit and the earned income tax credit, both of which were increased in the Republicans' 2001 tax cut. (The child tax credit also originated in the 1997 budget bill, when Republicans controlled both houses of Congress. The earned income tax credit has a longer history, but has been periodically expanded by both political parties.)
Almost all of the other households that don't pay direct federal taxes make less than $20,000 per year. So, it turns out, the only people that Republicans want to raise taxes on are the very poor -- and they want to do it so much that they are willing to consider breaking the Pledge.
So you're saying that this penalty will impact minorities and the working poor? Why is everything turned around and made about race and economic class? This has nothing to do with that. If anything, military members should be treated on a higher scale than anyone else. If it wasn't for them the freedom that liberals think is free would not be possible. While it is true they everyone is equal, there is an individual responsibility to contribute. This is being thrown out the window and the burdon cast on those that fight and bleed for our nation.
The sad reality is that a large majority of the military goes unrecognized and uncounted due too the absentee ballots,.so how "fair" is that.
It's time for some reality, the only ones causing an issue about minorities is minorities. We have allowed our country and many in it to have this feeling of entitlement. No one is entitled to anything. Nothing is free. We have nothing to apologize for at this point. People are poor primarily because THEY made poor decisions. We are all given an opportunity to be great,.some don't seize that opportunity and then blame others for their failures.
If you scroll up, I've said that I'm in no way rich, come from a low income family, yet have made myself successful through hard work, education,.and the desire to constantly improve my life. Why should I be taxed more to support those they do not or will not not attempt to do the same.
As far as taxes and who pays what, the top 1% pays around 20% , top 5 pays around 38%. So how it's that "fair? Why not have a flat tax across the board so that success does not come with guilt.
The only people complaining about the fairness are the liberals. Why? Because many feel that they are entitled to the same benefits as those they worked hard and took advantage of the opportunities that our great nation provides. It's not hard to open a book and read. I'd say it's harder to stand in line and receive free handouts in the form of food stamps. And having 9 children isn't an excuse for poverty. It should be a crime to keep having children with no income. Why should the tax payers have to provide to individuals that can't have responsible sex?
Oh, and I don't particularly care if it's "poor net etiquette". Maybe you should have the Occupy Movement protest outside of my house.
Somebody invested in roads and bridges. If you've got a business–you didn't build that.
That clearly refers to the roads and bridges, not 'a business'.
And for the record Daniel, I'm a tutor employed by a private company that contracts with school districts to help students who need remedial education from grade school to high school. I'm not on the public payroll, but I'm sure if you were a student of mine you'd be a great shining failure despite my track record of general success over the last 8 years or so.
Oh, and I don't particularly care if it's "poor net etiquette".
Good, then you won't mind if I suggest that you bite me.
Great rebuttal "Dark Avenger", I'm sure your students would be proud. I bet if I was one of then I wouldn't have a bachelors in IT and a CCIE. If you don't know what that is, google it.
Also, while your job may be admirable, I have given my life for this country. I wear our flag on my uniform everyday. So our rights that you have are a product of my brothers and sisters that fight for people like you. If you think for a second that the military would agree with you, is absolutely incorrect. There are a few that may lean left but that few is a great minority in the armed forces. We fight for this nation while you, dark avenger, sit at home and allow our country to be taken by liberal ideals. We are not Europe, we are not Russia,.we are not Communist China...we are America. Socialism is an ideology that represents the lazy and awards the average. Why excel and be great when there's no reward. There's no place in for government in skill of our lives. The wall fell in Europe,.stop trying to build a wall in the United.States.
Oh,.and what did you mean by suggesting that I bite yours? Are you just implying that you're a creepy guy like Sandusky?
I bet if I was one of then I wouldn't have a bachelors in IT and a CCIE. If you don't know what that is, google it.
I've know people who graduated from Stanford University who were idiots, so your degrees only demonstrate you're an engineer, and not much else.
I have given my life for this country.
Are you in heaven, hell, or limbo, currently?
I wear our flag on my uniform everyday.
That doesn't prove anything, Bunky.
So our rights that you have are a product of my brothers and sisters that fight for people like you
And one of my ancestors fought in the Mexican-American War, so your rights are also a product of what he fought for as well.
See how that works out?
We fight for this nation while you, dark avenger, sit at home and allow our country to be taken by liberal ideals.
Liberal ideals like ending racial discrimination in the Armed Forces, by that nasty liberal Truman, or ending Don't Ask, Don't Tell, which some who aren't liberal have predicted would be an end to unit cohesion in the Armed Forces?
We are not Europe, we are not Russia,.we are not Communist China...we are America.
Yes, it would be horrible if we had to have mandatory vacation time for workers, as in many countries in Europe, or a rational system of medical care, like in the U.K., where the American medical system is used as a boogeyman to scare recalcitrant children who won't go to bed on time, wouldn't it?
Socialism is an ideology that represents the lazy and awards the average.
Could you tell me which segment of the road that goes from your home to your work was paid for by your taxes and not somebody else?
Why excel and be great when there's no reward.
If you think that's what socialism is about, then you are sadly mistaken.
In fact, the American Armed Forces are a perfect example of Socialism.
Everyone in a given rank or title is paid and treated the same, regardless of the obvious great variances in intelligence, innate talent, and life experiences of those who fall within a given rank or title.
Oh,.and what did you mean by suggesting that I bite yours?
Just checking how you'd react to poor net etiquette directed towards you. Google gored ox if you need further understanding of this concept.
Are you just implying that you're a creepy guy like Sandusky?
I'm neither a child molester or a registered Republican like Sandusky, if that's what you're getting at.
So our rights that you have are a product of my brothers and sisters that fight for people like you.
And the economy that pays your salary and sustains the existence of the U.S. military is made up of civilians. Yes, I know you think we're the scum of the earth because we don't wear the uniform, but plenty of people punch in every day and then pay taxes on the money they earn so you can feel high and mighty about your career. You want us to show you some appreciation? Fine. But show some back -- stop acting as if anyone who doesn't serve in the military is the scumof the earth.
"If anything, military members should be treated on a higher scale than anyone else.
"If it wasn't for them the freedom that liberals think is free would not be possible.
"While it is true they [sic] everyone is equal, there is an individual responsibility to contribute.
"This is being thrown out the window and the burdon cast on those that fight and bleed for our nation."
Sounds like Heinlen, doesn't he?
Why does the list of self-appointed heroes who demand special appreciationa and political deference stop with the military?
Because the soldiers wrote the list and not the cops and fire-fighters.
The Spartans were the original exmplars of timocracy.
"Donkeys in iron," the Athenians called them.
Timocracy is the stupidest form of government and the ideal of the most stupid, those who are stupid on principle.
What was that bug war about, anyway?
Why are we in Afghanistan and Iraq?
Why were we in Vietnam?
The donkeys in iron hate anyone who asks.
So let's put them in charge.
Sorry, left this out.
The characteristic military virtue is not courage but blind obedience.
The most notable characteristic of the “greatest generation” was their willingness to spread indiscriminate slaughter over half the world in blind obedience to their leaders.
It was this most stupid of virtues and the constant celebration of it that made the “greatest generation” unswerving supporters of the Cold War and our wars against communism in faraway lands of no concern to America and little to anyone else.
It was this most stupid of virtues that gave rise to the utter hatred of the “greatest generation” for the generation of the 60s that refused to obey, that would not go cheerfully to Vietnam despite the evident stupidity and futility of that war.
Who but a moron could celebrate such “virtue”?
Who but a moron would want to place those who cherish, celebrate, and exemplify it in power?
Who but those who have it?
Those who are stupid on principle.
The most notable characteristic of the “greatest generation” was their willingness to spread indiscriminate slaughter over half the world in blind obedience to their leaders.
I want due respect accorded to people who haven't served or aren't serving now, but I won't follow you there, Philo. My father and two uncles were World War II veterans. The Cold War had its excesses, but they don't bear the blame. Why blame them ahead of the leaders? Fish invariably stink from the head.
Your arguments are becoming more tiresome as you go. Modeling our health care system after European systems would be terrible for the economy. My ex wife is German, she pays 52% of her wages to taxes. That is insane. Now not all of that is due to the health care but it's a large reason. I don't know about you but I don't want to pay that. And contrary to what the Dems say, that is exactly what would happen if we had universal health care.
I will agree with you about the vacation time. German ex gets 6 weeks a year off, that's pretty awesome.
Also, how do feel that much of the military pay is non taxable? The only pay that is taxable is the base pay. Housing, special duty pay (airborne, halo, ranger, clothing) is not taxed. So at the end of the year I'll make around 72k but only 50k is taxed. Chaps your ass doesn't it?
I don't think in any way civilians are scum. My problem is the utter disregard for servicemembers that comes from the left. The DoD is seen as expendable by many Dems and shown time and time again in their proposals. That is not even debatable.
Thank you for paying my salary and you're welcome for protecting your freedom. :-)
Why were we in Afghanistan? Seriously? 911.
Iraq? Well I can't argue about that one, so I'm with you.
Vietnam. To stop communism from spreading to south Vietnam.
What else do you got?
I'd like to tattoo an American flag on your forehead.
The fact that you mock our military, specifically those from WW2 is sickening.
I bet you attempted to join the military but couldn't pass the ASVAB.
Modeling our health care system after European systems would be terrible for the economy.
How many people in Germany or Europe in general have to file for bankruptcy because of medical bills?
Hint: The answer is the same, not matter which country you choose.
My ex wife is German, she pays 52% of her wages to taxes. That is insane.
The tax rates during the Eisenhower, Kennedy, LBJ and Nixon years were higher than that at 70% or more but somehow, America was prosperous during those years.
. Now not all of that is due to the health care but it's a large reason. I don't know about you but I don't want to pay that.
We spend twice the amount per capita on medical expenses that they do in Europe, but we have the same health incomes. In fact, in such things as infant mortality, we lag behind them to a significant degree. You could look it up using Google.
Also, how do feel that much of the military pay is non taxable? The only pay that is taxable is the base pay. Housing, special duty pay (airborne, halo, ranger, clothing) is not taxed. So at the end of the year I'll make around 72k but only 50k is taxed. Chaps your ass doesn't it?
No, just as I don't mind that combat pay isn't taxed but can be used to generate a higher EITC(earned income tax credit) for soldiers who have a family to support.
Thanks for confirming that mind-reading isn't one of your core competencies.
My problem is the utter disregard for servicemembers that comes from the left.
Like the ones who supported the repeal of DADT..........
I'd like to tattoo an American flag on your forehead.
And I'd like to report your little antics here to your commanding officer, but we can't always get what we want, can we?
I bet you attempted to join the military but couldn't pass the ASVAB
Have you thought about trying your hand at something else, like balloon animals, or card tricks?
Too bad you don't believe in freedom of speech like a real America would.
Hmmm
I think the only one here they doesn't believe in freedom of speech is you. The reason we were more prosperous with tax rates that high was because we didn't have to take care of millions of freeloaders like we do today. Stop protecting those that ride their couches to work everyday.
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