http://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit"A nation can survive its fools and even the ambitious. But it cannot survive treason from within." Cicero remarks to the Roman senate. Join us for light hearted discussions around the water cooler on some very serious topics.enBlogTalkRadio.com. All Rights Reserved.Sat, 15 Jun 2019 21:15:00 GMTThu, 22 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMTCurrent EventsBlogTalkRadio Feed v2.0https://dasg7xwmldix6.cloudfront.net/hostpics/f7d9cbd2-8b6e-472d-befd-21ab2b1444cc_pascal_statue.jpghttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit"A nation can survive its fools and even the ambitious. But it cannot survive treason from within." Cicero remarks to the Roman senate. Join us for light hearted discussions around the water cooler on some very serious topics.feeds@blogtalkradio.comBlogTalkRadio.comcurrent events,government,politics,democrats,republicans,tea party,constitution articles of confederation,government politics freedom,life liberty property happiness,republic democracy elite land ownerPascal's Gambitno"A nation can survive its fools and even the ambitious. But it cannot survive treason from within." Cicero remarks to the Roman senate. Join us for light hearteepisodichttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/07/22/political-commentaryCurrent Eventshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/07/22/political-commentary/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/07/22/political-commentaryThu, 22 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMTBen Bernake's claims economic expansion proceeding at moderate pace. What about the real indicators?Political Double Talk from Ben Bernanke Today, The economic expansion that began in the middle of last year is proceeding at a moderate pace, supported by stimulative monetary and fiscal policies. Although fiscal policy and inventory restocking will likely be providing less impetus to the recovery than they have in recent quarters, ...the housing market remains weak, with the overhang of vacant or foreclosed houses weighing on home prices and construction. An important drag on household spending is the slow recovery in the labor market and the attendant uncertainty about job prospects. After two years of job losses, private payrolls expanded at an average of about 100,000 per month during the first half of this year, a pace insufficient to reduce the unemployment rate materially. In all likelihood, a significant amount of time will be required to restore the nearly 8-1/2 million jobs that were lost over 2008 and 2009. Moreover, nearly half of the unemployed have been out of work for longer than six months. Long-term unemployment not only imposes exceptional near-term hardships on workers and their families, it also erodes skills and may have long-lasting effects on workers' employment and earnings prospects... 00:46:00Pascal's GambitnoPolitics recession job loss,Government housing foreclosure,Democrats monetary fiscal policy,Republicans responsibility lobbying,Legislation debt economic recoveryPolitical Double Talk from Ben Bernanke Today, The economic expansion that began in the middle of last year is proceeding at a moderate pace, supported by stimhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/07/20/political-commentaryCurrent Eventshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/07/20/political-commentary/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/07/20/political-commentaryTue, 20 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMTU.S. Tax Expenditures for 2008 and 2010, Where can we make cuts?In 2008 the IRS collected approximately $2.5 trillion dollars. Congress spent $3 trillion dollars, which amounts to 21% of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP), $500 billion dollars had to be borrowed to meet spending. Projected for 2010; the IRS is expected to collect approximately $2.2 Trillion dollars (current recession is resulting in is less tax revenue). Congress is expected to spend $3.6 trillion dollars, or 24% of GDP, $1.4 billion dollars will have to be borrowed. The breakdowns are as follows and illustrate spending differences between the Bush administration in 2008 and the Obama administration for 2010. 2009 figures are left out, since decisions on TARP and other bailout related expenditures were shared between administrations. Where can U.S. citizens realistically expect congress to cut spending? Spending can be divided into discretionary and non-discretionary. Non-discretionary spending represents those budgetary expenses that are required by law and have built in cost of living increases. These include Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, interest on the national debt, and the Farm Bill. Discretionary spending includes the remaining half to one third of our overall spending. Of that amount, military expenditures represent more than 50% of discretionary spending and non-military expenditures the remaining 45% – 50%. Non-military expenditures consist of net safety programs which are designed to provide assistance to families and individuals facing financial hardship (25%), veterans benefits (6%), education (4%), transportation (3%), environmental (3%), international aid (2%), science & technology (2%), agriculture (2%), energy (2%), and justice administration (1%). There are certainly areas in all these sectors where fat can be cut.00:46:00Pascal's Gambitnogovernment federal taxpayer,tax discretionary non-discretionary,debt republican democrat,spending IRS Medicare Medicaid,deficit social security militaryIn 2008 the IRS collected approximately $2.5 trillion dollars. Congress spent $3 trillion dollars, which amounts to 21% of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP)http://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/07/15/political-commentaryCurrent Eventshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/07/15/political-commentary/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/07/15/political-commentaryThu, 15 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMTVote the Democrats out in the Upcoming Mid-Term Elections and Replace Them With … The Republicans? Another election cycle approaches and U.S. voters and taxpayers will have the opportunity to exhibit their impatience and disapproval by voting out or retaining the Democrats and their 2 trillion dollar spending spree ($787 billion was for bank bailout granted by Bush Administration). The Democrats in their year and a half of controlling both Houses and the Presidency have managed to increase the country’s debt by $3 trillion, bailed out the banking industry and Wall Street (although they were able to save Executives compensation bonus’), kept us in two wars that I still can’t figure out how they are being paid for, and started us down the road to more comprehensive socialized medicine. If history is any indicator, we will no doubt replace them with the Republicans, the same political group that took us from a fiscal surplus of $128 billion to over 2 trillion dollars worth of deficit spending while increasing the nations debt by over $4 trillion dollars all during the 8 years of the Bush term, set up the initial programs for the $787 billion bank bailout out and were also the ones who deregulated the mortgage and derivatives markets that led to the housing bubble and credit crisis which would result in a World Wide recession, were responsible for getting the U.S. into two unending wars which were paid for with borrowed money while becoming the first country in history to lower taxes in the midst of wars, and they did absolutely nothingof value to address rapidly increasing health care costs and the massive profits the industry was enjoying at the expense of the public.00:46:00Pascal's GambitnoPolitics debt deficet spending,US Government fiscal policy citizens,Democrats vote bank bailout,Republicans Wall Street lobbying,Legislation socialized health care warAnother election cycle approaches and U.S. voters and taxpayers will have the opportunity to exhibit their impatience and disapproval by voting out or retaininghttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/07/08/political-commentaryCurrent Eventshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/07/08/political-commentary/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/07/08/political-commentaryThu, 08 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMTWhere are we headed economicallyProfit maximization or job creation? Responsible economic growth or economic growth at any cost? Banking to promote GDP or banking to promote investor wealth and large commissions from complex derivative investing that contributes nothing to GDP? Is it every man for himself as the ship begins to sink? What about our best and brightest, the ones responsible for punching holes in the ship to begin with, why do they appear to be engaged in stealing everything of value including engine parts, steering apparatus, and the very tools necessary to patch the ship. Perhaps we have allowed our drive for profits to over rule our common sense.00:46:00Pascal's GambitnoPolitics economics,Government debt GDP,Democrats left social programs,Republicans right corporations,Legislation lobbying growthProfit maximization or job creation? Responsible economic growth or economic growth at any cost? Banking to promote GDP or banking to promote investor wealth anhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/07/06/political-commentaryCurrent Eventshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/07/06/political-commentary/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/07/06/political-commentaryTue, 06 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMTPolitical solutions - Are they possible?Government debt, fiscal responsibility, taxes, term limits, lobbying, campaign contributions, disparity of wealth, reckless spending, bipartisan stalemate, unending war, favorable legislation, public disenfranchisement, pork barrel, media bias, and politics. Are there solutions? Can ‘We the People” reign in a system that has evolved to favor big money? How can we win back a say in government so our needs are addressed?00:46:00Pascal's GambitnoPolitics,Government,Democrats,Republicans,LegislationGovernment debt, fiscal responsibility, taxes, term limits, lobbying, campaign contributions, disparity of wealth, reckless spending, bipartisan stalemate, unenhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/06/24/division-linesCurrent Eventshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/06/24/division-lines/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/06/24/division-linesThu, 24 Jun 2010 04:00:00 GMTDivision linesConstant fault finding and blame casting will never repair the damage to Americans trust of government and big money. How do the people who care about their future and their children's future stand-up against what is threatening our prosperity and longevity without themselves becoming negative, selfish and destructive? 00:45:00Pascal's GambitnoPolitics,Government,Democrats,Republicans,Tea PartyConstant fault finding and blame casting will never repair the damage to Americans trust of government and big money. How do the people who care about their futhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/06/17/division-linesCurrent Eventshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/06/17/division-lines/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/06/17/division-linesThu, 17 Jun 2010 04:00:00 GMTHow About Some Legislative Responsibilty .... PleaseAre we headed for a slippery slope? Does it seem as if our legislators are more concerned about providing hand outs to a welfare state with one hand while the other doles out billions in bailouts to wealthy corporations? Is the actual pool of middle class tax payers footing the bill for this reckless spending shrinking as wealth gets concentrated more and more at the top. Why is Congress and the current Administration throwing money around as if it doesn't matter? If our politicians won't be fiscally responsible what can we, the taxpayers, the ones still providing the bulk of the dollars in taxes and the back bone of our country’s credit backing to do something about it? Tonight we discuss the measures that we can do to keep our boat afloat and it doesn't have much to do with the Republicans or Democrats. They seem to be to busy punching holes in the aft and stern of the ship while condemning each other for not using the correct tools to do so, hmmmm - maybe their just protecting their jobs and looking out for their constituents. 00:46:00Pascal's GambitnoPolitics,Government,Democrats,Republicans,Tea PartyAre we headed for a slippery slope? Does it seem as if our legislators are more concerned about providing hand outs to a welfare state with one hand while the ohttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/06/10/division-linesCurrent Eventshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/06/10/division-lines/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/06/10/division-linesThu, 10 Jun 2010 04:00:00 GMTGreed, for lack for better word ... works - but maybe only for the benefit of a fewThere are varying degrees of greed. We all display these traits and tendancies and in many cases these traits propel individuals to start companies, attain wealth that then transfers into investments which helps create jobs, etc. However, as with any trait, when it becomes out of balance and is the sole driver and motivator to either individuals, groups, corporations or any other organization it can create more harm than good. Have the key decision makers, the titans of industry, legislators, and even those sitting on our highest courts, become so influenced by greed, personal ambition and wealth creation that our system is beginning to eat itself away. 00:45:00Pascal's GambitnoPolitics,Government,Democrats,Republicans,Tea PartyThere are varying degrees of greed. We all display these traits and tendancies and in many cases these traits propel individuals to start companies, attain wealhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/06/08/division-linesCurrent Eventshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/06/08/division-lines/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/06/08/division-linesTue, 08 Jun 2010 04:00:00 GMTDivision linesConstant fault finding and blame casting will never repair the damage to Americans trust of government and big money. How do the people who care about their future and their children's future stand-up against what is threatening our prosperity and longevity without themselves becoming negative, selfish and destructive? 00:45:00Pascal's GambitnoPolitics,Government,Democrats,Republicans,Tea PartyConstant fault finding and blame casting will never repair the damage to Americans trust of government and big money. How do the people who care about their futhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/06/02/making-a-case-for-voting-out-incumbents-indefinitelyCurrent Eventshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/06/02/making-a-case-for-voting-out-incumbents-indefinitely/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/06/02/making-a-case-for-voting-out-incumbents-indefinitelyWed, 02 Jun 2010 05:00:00 GMTMaking a case for voting out incumbents indefinitely The US citizen is feeling disenfranchised and misrepresented by their elected officials. Numerous groups are speaking out and organizing against obvious inequities in legislation. Hundreds of millions of dollars have been spent on lobbying and campaign contributions by industry, corporations and other special interests to purchase favorable legislation ranging from tax breaks, government contracts, favorable regulation or deregulation and a litany of other benefits. US citizens and tax payers are beginning to realize that the hundreds of millions of dollars spent in lobbying is providing tens of billions of dollars in benefits of which tax payers are ultimately paying for while not receiving any of the benefits. All the while, Congress continues to spend out of control, running up the deficit to over $13 trillion (of what was actually reported) and appears to have no regard for fiscal responsibility whatsoever. This cozy relationship between special interests, which really means corporations and our legislators, needs to be reigned in and spending brought under control. Failure to do so will result in a debt crisis we may not be able to recover from. The call is going out to get rid of incumbents. It is past time to vote them all out now. The call is going out to get rid of incumbents. It is past time to vote them all out now. 00:30:00Pascal's GambitnoIncumbent republican democrat election,Politics government primary caucus,Lobbying campaign contribution corruption,Corporation industry disenfranchised US taxpayer,Term limits elected official legislationThe US citizen is feeling disenfranchised and misrepresented by their elected officials. Numerous groups are speaking out and organizing against obvious inequithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/05/28/bp-and-the-gulf-oil-spill-az-immigration-state-debtPoliticshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/05/28/bp-and-the-gulf-oil-spill-az-immigration-state-debt/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/05/28/bp-and-the-gulf-oil-spill-az-immigration-state-debtFri, 28 May 2010 05:30:00 GMTBP and the Gulf oil spill, AZ immigration, State debtTonight we will discuss how BP will try to lobby and litigate their way of Gulf oil responsibility. If Arizona’s primary reason for enacting the SB 1070 immigration law was an act of necessity to help reduce its growing debt by decreasing welfare, food assistant programs, Medicaid, and education costs that go to illegal immigrants? How long before States begin going into bankruptcy.00:45:00Pascal's GambitnoBP oil spill Gulf lobby litigate,immigration illegal alien welfare education costs,States debt bankruptcy fiscal,government media Arizona,republican democrat politicsTonight we will discuss how BP will try to lobby and litigate their way of Gulf oil responsibility. If Arizona’s primary reason for enacting the SB 1070 immigrahttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/05/26/the-ninth-and-tenth-amendment-and-what-it-means-toPoliticshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/05/26/the-ninth-and-tenth-amendment-and-what-it-means-to/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/05/26/the-ninth-and-tenth-amendment-and-what-it-means-toWed, 26 May 2010 05:30:00 GMTThe Ninth and Tenth Amendment and what it means to AmericansNinth Amendment - "The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people." This amendment is essentially the protection of our rights that may not have been specifically listed in the constitution. Tenth Amendment - "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people." This amendment deals with the powers of both the states and the people and emphasizes the power of the federal government are limited to those granted to it in the constitution. Tonight we explore these amendments that many claim have been forgotten.00:45:00Pascal's Gambitnoconstitution bill of rights amendment,federal state government,republican democrat,laws rights people legislation,lobbying lawyers freedomNinth Amendment - "The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people." This amenhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/05/21/what-are-the-causes-worth-fighting-for-to-help-savPoliticshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/05/21/what-are-the-causes-worth-fighting-for-to-help-sav/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/05/21/what-are-the-causes-worth-fighting-for-to-help-savFri, 21 May 2010 05:00:00 GMTWhat are the causes worth fighting for to help save our country?Fiscal responsibilty, term limits among elected officials (6 years for senate & 4 years for congress), limit lobbying and campaign contributions, laws that will deal only with the subject of the that particular law (no amendments, or pork barrel spending), mandatory exorcisms for the members of congress. We need to unite and direct our efforts towards ... ?00:45:00Pascal's Gambitnocongress senate government,democrat republican insane,debt fiscal responsibility democracy,disenfranchised laws lobbying,middle class elite campaign term limitFiscal responsibilty, term limits among elected officials (6 years for senate & 4 years for congress), limit lobbying and campaign contributions, laws that willhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/05/19/like-minded-people-uniteUS Governmenthttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/05/19/like-minded-people-unite/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/05/19/like-minded-people-uniteWed, 19 May 2010 05:30:00 GMTLIke MInded People UniteIn a world of self-help mania and feel good literature that spouts about positive attitudes why do we think that political name calling and blame casting will better things? Tonite we evaluate ourselves and begin the dialogue of how do we start and fund a movement that will unite the people who believe our country's foundation is viable but who are also not willing to exhaust their life's efforts to be taken advantage of by the organizations and people who appear to have the most influence over the Future of the United States. 00:30:00Pascal's GambitnoPolitics,Current events,Taxes,Government,LeadersIn a world of self-help mania and feel good literature that spouts about positive attitudes why do we think that political name calling and blame casting will bhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/05/14/the-us-may-be-the-best-game-in-town-but-it-feels-like-were-slipping-off-a-cliff-1Politicshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/05/14/the-us-may-be-the-best-game-in-town-but-it-feels-like-were-slipping-off-a-cliff-1/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/05/14/the-us-may-be-the-best-game-in-town-but-it-feels-like-were-slipping-off-a-cliff-1Fri, 14 May 2010 05:30:00 GMTThe U.S. may be the best game in town, but it feels like were slipping off a cliffPublic distrust with congress. Corporations with to much political power. Bought and paid for congressmen. Incumbents in congress that have been in office longer than most baby boomers have been alive. Political talk show hosts with more influence than most sub committees. Public officials more interested in campaigning than statecraft. The land of the free and the brave replaced with the land of the monitored and populace willing to give away freedom for “safety”. What can be done about this? Grass root movements? Tea Parties? Talk shows and You Tube videos for public awareness? Start our own lobbying firm? Tonight we discuss our options.00:30:00Pascal's Gambitnopolitics government public,republican democrat congress,lobbying campaign contributions,freedom liberty safety,corporations firm optionsPublic distrust with congress. Corporations with to much political power. Bought and paid for congressmen. Incumbents in congress that have been in office longehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/05/12/fiscal-responsibility--democrats-and-republicans-better-rediscover-what-this-means-and-soon-time-mPoliticshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/05/12/fiscal-responsibility--democrats-and-republicans-better-rediscover-what-this-means-and-soon-time-m/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/05/12/fiscal-responsibility--democrats-and-republicans-better-rediscover-what-this-means-and-soon-time-mWed, 12 May 2010 05:00:00 GMTFiscal responsibility - Democrats and Republicans better rediscover what this means and soon. Time mOur debt is 80% of our Gross Domestic product. We owe 12.3 trillion and it appears that figure will keep going up. We can keep printing money and putting off the problem but that will lead to a devalued dollar as we try to inflate our way out of our debt. This scenario needs ends well for the populace. Or we can seriously reign in spending. If that appears impossible it may be necessary increase taxes in some moderate way, perhaps initiate a traditional tax structure on hedge funds and other such financial institutions or a small value added tax. If we don’t get our federal and state spending and debt levels under control soon we will see what is going on in Greece in our streets as well. We already have 7 states in worse fiscal shape than Greece - California, Florida, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, North Carolina, and New Jersey. Each of these has borrowed over $1 billion dollars to pay for their bankrupt unemployment insurance fund. Significant, since each state has a population over 8 million and underemployment above 15%. How much do you think the bonds of these states will be worth if matters continue to get worse. Are we a short time away from another economic downturn as investors dump municipal bonds. 00:30:00Pascal's Gambitnofiscal debt fedral state,republican democrat US government,Greece California economic,recession downturn spending,investors bonds GDPOur debt is 80% of our Gross Domestic product. We owe 12.3 trillion and it appears that figure will keep going up. We can keep printing money and putting off thhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/05/07/put-aside-the-differences-its-time-to-unite-as-amePoliticshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/05/07/put-aside-the-differences-its-time-to-unite-as-ame/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/05/07/put-aside-the-differences-its-time-to-unite-as-ameFri, 07 May 2010 05:00:00 GMTPut Aside the Differences, Its time to Unite as Americans and Find Solutions to Our Real Problems Unification topics: 1. Proposed 28th Amendment - Congress will be subject to the laws passed by Congress. 2. Legislation - Limit term to 6 years for Senators and 4 years for congressmen. Laws made by Congress are to be singular in topic, not to include special interest additions or pork barrel add-ons. 3. Lobbyists – limit or remove big dollar lobbyists influence designed for special interest profits instead of the common good from our legislative branches. 4. Campaign Contributions - Restructure campaign contributions so that all "qualified" candidates campaign with similar resources. Limit campaign time periods to 3 months. Require opinion bases media outlets to report distortions and misinformation (generated by non-partisan "nuetral" fact check organizations) that have been discover on previous shows with no rebuttal. 5. Flat tax - flat, transparent tax with no deductions. If corporations try to leave the country to avoid taxes make them subject to tariffs or similar such restrictions. Tax dollars allocated for specific purposes must be used only for those purposes and with minimal administrative costs. 6. Government Spending - Transparency of spending, isolate ineffective programs and remove them, allocate resources to things that will benefit us as a nation. 7. Identify the real problems facing our country such as infrastructure, energy, water, job creation, innovation & technology, etc. and focus on these as opposed to politics as usual. 00:30:00Pascal's GambitnoGovernment politics legislation congress,lobbyists campaign contributions corruption,tax special interest spending,constitution amendments,pork barrel problems energy innovationUnification topics: 1. Proposed 28th Amendment - Congress will be subject to the laws passed by Congress. 2. Legislation - Limit term to 6 years for Senatorhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/05/05/the-constitution-part-3Politicshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/05/05/the-constitution-part-3/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/05/05/the-constitution-part-3Wed, 05 May 2010 05:00:00 GMTThe Constitution Part 3The founding fathers wanted to create a government that would assure that all men could attain life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This government was set up as a republic not a democracy. The founding fathers feared democracies stating that "democracies have ever been spectacles of turbulence and contention". What does the average American really know about the constitution versus what they think they know? I know we were very surprised by our own ignorance.00:30:00Pascal's GambitnoGovernment politics freedom,house of representatives,Constitution articles of confederation,life liberty property happiness,republic democracy elite land ownerThe founding fathers wanted to create a government that would assure that all men could attain life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This government washttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/04/30/the-constitution-part-2Politicshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/04/30/the-constitution-part-2/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/04/30/the-constitution-part-2Fri, 30 Apr 2010 05:00:00 GMTThe Constitution Part 2The founding fathers wanted to create a government that would assure that all men could attain life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This government was set up as a republic not a democracy. The founding fathers feared democracies stating that "democracies have ever been spectacles of turbulence and contention". If the founding fathers were alive today and witnessed what we have allowed the government of the United States to evolve into, do you think they would approve?00:30:00Pascal's GambitnoGovernment politics freedom,house of represenatives,constitution articles of confederation,life liberty property happiness,republic democracy elite land ownerThe founding fathers wanted to create a government that would assure that all men could attain life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This government washttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/04/23/the-constitutionPoliticshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/04/23/the-constitution/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/04/23/the-constitutionFri, 23 Apr 2010 05:30:00 GMTThe ConstitutionThe founding fathers wanted to create a government that would assure that all men could attain life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This government was set up as a republic not a democracy. The founding fathers feared democracies stating that "democracies have ever been spectacles of turbulence and contention". Tonight we explore these concepts. 00:30:00Pascal's GambitnoGovernment politics freedom,house of represenatives,constitution articles of confederation,life liberty property happiness,republic democracy elite land ownerThe founding fathers wanted to create a government that would assure that all men could attain life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This government washttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/04/21/enough-complaining-and-demonizing-one-another--lets-unite-as-americansPoliticshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/04/21/enough-complaining-and-demonizing-one-another--lets-unite-as-americans/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/04/21/enough-complaining-and-demonizing-one-another--lets-unite-as-americansWed, 21 Apr 2010 05:30:00 GMTEnough Complaining and Demonizing One Another - Lets Unite as Americans Unification topics: 1. Proposed 28th Amendment - Congress will be subject to the laws passed by Congress. 2. Legislation - Laws made by Congress are to be singular in topic, not to include special interest topics or pork barrel add-ons. 3. Lobbyists - remove/ban lobbyists influence from our legislative branches. 4. Campaign Contributions - Restructure campaign contributions - money to be pooled and distributed from the pool to all candidates. 5. Flat tax - flat, transparent tax with no deductions. 6. Government Spending - Transparency of programs, isolate ineffective programs and remove them. Finally - Identify the real problems facing our country such as infrastructure, energy, water, job creation, innovation & technology, etc. and focus on these as opposed to politics as usual.00:30:00Pascal's GambitnoGovernment politics legislation congress,lobbyists campaign contributions corruption,tax special interest spending,constitution amendments,pork barrel problems energy innovationUnification topics: 1. Proposed 28th Amendment - Congress will be subject to the laws passed by Congress. 2. Legislation - Laws made by Congress are to be singuhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/04/16/loans-labor-larceny-and-lumberCurrent Eventshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/04/16/loans-labor-larceny-and-lumber/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/04/16/loans-labor-larceny-and-lumberFri, 16 Apr 2010 05:00:00 GMTLoans, Labor, Larceny and LumberTonight Michael and Dave will draw a line connecting these four things together. No matter how squiggly the line may be it will be interesting.00:45:00Pascal's GambitnoGovernment,Finance,Banking,Politics,ChangeTonight Michael and Dave will draw a line connecting these four things together. No matter how squiggly the line may be it will be interesting.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/04/09/tonight-we-wing-it-just-like-the-federal-government-appears-to-be-doingPoliticshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/04/09/tonight-we-wing-it-just-like-the-federal-government-appears-to-be-doing/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/04/09/tonight-we-wing-it-just-like-the-federal-government-appears-to-be-doingFri, 09 Apr 2010 05:00:00 GMTTonight we wing it, just like the federal government appears to be doingEver get the feeling your not being represented. Maybe we aren't.00:30:00Pascal's GambitnoPolitics government,republican democrat,senate conress legislation,party,moralityEver get the feeling your not being represented. Maybe we aren't.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/04/02/the-financialization-of-13-of-the-united-states-gross-domestic-product-only-hurts-the-real-economyPoliticshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/04/02/the-financialization-of-13-of-the-united-states-gross-domestic-product-only-hurts-the-real-economy/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/04/02/the-financialization-of-13-of-the-united-states-gross-domestic-product-only-hurts-the-real-economyFri, 02 Apr 2010 04:30:00 GMTThe financialization of 1/3 of the United States gross domestic product only hurts the real economyExotic complex derivatives don’t really contribute much to the average American, they are however very proficient at creating massive bonus structures for bank executives, providing billions for hedge fund managers, and a massive debt obligation to the United States as a whole as taxpayers are forced to bail out those banks "to big to fail". Tonight we discuss what happened and why the banks want it to occur again.00:45:00Pascal's Gambitnobanks finance derivatives markets,politician camppaign contribution lobbyist,GDP tax reform executive bonus,profit economy debt,ethics morality greedExotic complex derivatives don’t really contribute much to the average American, they are however very proficient at creating massive bonus structures for bankhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/03/31/good-and-evil--part-3Religionhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/03/31/good-and-evil--part-3/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/03/31/good-and-evil--part-3Wed, 31 Mar 2010 04:30:00 GMTGood and Evil - Part 3How does good or evil interact in our society. What are the characteristics in our politics, business, and social systems. What are the qualities that the dark side of human nature exhibit in our politicians, businessmen, and other leaders.00:45:00Pascal's Gambitnogood evil greed,7 deadly sins politicians businessman,corruption lies ego gratification,money mammon morality ethics,division strife conflict war for gainHow does good or evil interact in our society. What are the characteristics in our politics, business, and social systems. What are the qualities that the darkhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/03/26/good-and-evil--part-2Religionhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/03/26/good-and-evil--part-2/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/03/26/good-and-evil--part-2Fri, 26 Mar 2010 04:30:00 GMTGood and Evil - Part 2How does good or evil interact in our society. What are the characteristics in our politics, business, and social systems. Are there identifiable traits that human beings exhibit01:00:00Pascal's Gambitnogood evil choice,politics government business,ethics morality,God devil satan jesus,religion belief faith hopeHow does good or evil interact in our society. What are the characteristics in our politics, business, and social systems. Are there identifiable traits that huhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/03/24/good-and-evilReligionhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/03/24/good-and-evil/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/03/24/good-and-evilWed, 24 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMTGood and Evil How does good or evil interact in our society. What are the characteristics in our politics, business, and social systems.01:00:00Pascal's Gambitnogood evil God Devil,politics business society,responsibility choice consequences,belief faith cain abel sin,religion spirituality civilizationHow does good or evil interact in our society. What are the characteristics in our politics, business, and social systems.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/03/19/the-united-states-taxpayer--an-instrument-of-wealtPoliticshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/03/19/the-united-states-taxpayer--an-instrument-of-wealt/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/03/19/the-united-states-taxpayer--an-instrument-of-wealtFri, 19 Mar 2010 04:30:00 GMTThe United States taxpayer - an instrument of wealth generation for special interests"Follow the money" over-and-over we hear this. Think about it. Every road has one reason for existing or it would never be built. There is a product or service on one end and a consumer or vendor on the other. Over time more and more people set up shop along the road to get a piece of the action. How many people have set up shop on the political roads in our Republic? There is tax money on one end of the road and taxpayers on the other and all the people in between who have set up shop to get their piece of the action. Ever wonder how much benefit we as taxpayers get from our tax dollars versus how much benefit private sector special interests take from those tax dollars. Let’s look at how us Joe Knucklehead’s tax dollars are spent and compare the benefits. 00:45:00Pascal's GambitnoTax taxpayer dollar government,United States federal,republican democrat politics politician,laws legislation regulation,pork barrel fleece scam benefit"Follow the money" over-and-over we hear this. Think about it. Every road has one reason for existing or it would never be built. There is a product or servicehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/03/18/potential-solutions-to-current-legislative-practicPoliticshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/03/18/potential-solutions-to-current-legislative-practic/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/03/18/potential-solutions-to-current-legislative-practicThu, 18 Mar 2010 04:30:00 GMTPotential Solutions to Current Legislative PracticesTonight Disgruntle and Gruntle continue their trek through political insanity, please join your hosts as they shred the last vestiges of inhumanity and explore such ridiculous and reprehensible notions as: 1. Congress should only be allowed to pass a law that deals with one subject at a time. No additional unrelated addendums, no pork barrel spending add-ons, and no last minute entries. 2. All laws must be written concisely with supplementary definitions of legal terms, and in such a manner that a person with 2 years of college could adequately understand its premise and purpose. 3. Congress will be subjected to the same laws as the citizens of the United States, no exclusions or additional privileges. Other topic would include: include: 4. To reduce the influence of special interest groups all lobbyists should be invited to series of very expensive dinner parties, loaded into retired Titan rockets, and then shot into space towards the sun. 5. Corporations should be allowed to provide only monetary campaign contributions, the actual process of purchasing politicians souls must be deemed illegal. 6. Legislation should be presented that limits the ability of large banks and financial institutions to devastating world economies only in twenty year intervals. Medical screening and assistance provided to senior banking executives to help in the treatment of demon possession.00:45:00Pascal's GambitnoUnited States congress senate,politics politicians republican democrat,lobbyist campaign contribution laws,equality unethical legal,corporations special interest dealsTonight Disgruntle and Gruntle continue their trek through political insanity, please join your hosts as they shred the last vestiges of inhumanity and explorehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/03/12/cut-taxes-here-our-suggestionsPoliticshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/03/12/cut-taxes-here-our-suggestions/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/03/12/cut-taxes-here-our-suggestionsFri, 12 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMTFiscal Responsibility and the Need to Cut taxes - Here are our SuggestionsTonight Disgruntle and Gruntle explore options to cut taxes. In 2008 the IRS collected approximately 2.5 trillion dollars, congress managed to spend only 3 trillion of it (at least that was the disclosed amount). The breakdown and our suggestions for cuts are as follows. 459 billion or 15% of expenditures was out right "borrowed" (from who and how is another story) - cant make any cuts here since that number is probably already doubled for 2009 and it may upset pork barrel projects, backdoor sweetheart corporate deals, and big banking bonuses if it were reduced. 625 billion or 20% was for the military (price of 2 potentially unending wars - not included) - No cuts here again, might want to actually increase this amount in proportion to the amount we borrow. 360 million dollar fighter jets, 2 billion dollar bombers, a continuous stream number of missiles and guidance systems that won’t be obsolete and need replacing for at least 5 years are going to require every spare penny we can muster. 617 billion or 21% is for social security - our suggestion is to cut it all or as much as possible. The over 65 crowd and baby boomers may have spent the past 40 years paying into it but so what. We have to start sacrificing somewhere why not with the elderly even if they are your parents and grandparents. They can always come and live with their kids and most should have invested in 401K's by now anyway. Those portfolios should be producing gains again as soon as the recession is over. 599 billion or 20% is for Medicare and Medicaid, two more useless and soon to be bankrupt programs - our suggestion is to cut it all. For profit privatized insurance can provide for all the needs of retirees better than any government funded example of socialism, I am sure their rates will be fine and if they have pre-existing conditions please remember we all have to sacrifice for our country if there is any hope being fiscally responsible or reinstating the necessary tax cuts of the Bush years.00:45:00Pascal's Gambitnotaxes dollars IRS programs,senate congress politics,deficit borrowed debt bailout,military social security medicare medicade,safety net programs public benefitsTonight Disgruntle and Gruntle explore options to cut taxes. In 2008 the IRS collected approximately 2.5 trillion dollars, congress managed to spend only 3 trilhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/03/10/the-next-great-depression--we-have-done-all-we-can-to-deserve-itPoliticshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/03/10/the-next-great-depression--we-have-done-all-we-can-to-deserve-it/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/03/10/the-next-great-depression--we-have-done-all-we-can-to-deserve-itWed, 10 Mar 2010 04:30:00 GMTThe next great depression - we have done all we can to deserve itBefore its all said and done, We The Sheeple of the United States of America will have allowed our lobbyist led imbeciles in the congress and senate the opportunity to bail out Wall Street, fund two wars via debt financing, increase our budget deficits, and run up our national debt all to the tune of trillions of dollars. The result will be a long difficult recession that may be looked back upon in 20 years as our countries second depression, and the worst may be yet to come. At least We The Sheeple will be provided the opportunity to repay this increasing debt burden by suffering through a few long years of hyperinflation, while those that benefit from our pain and demise continue to live well in prosperity.00:45:00Pascal's GambitnoUnited States recession depression,congress senate constitution,debt Wall Street finance,War Iraq Afghanistan,inflation AmericaBefore its all said and done, We The Sheeple of the United States of America will have allowed our lobbyist led imbeciles in the congress and senate the opportuhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/03/06/life-is-more-than-a-political-sitcom-or-one-hour-tv-dramaPoliticshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/03/06/life-is-more-than-a-political-sitcom-or-one-hour-tv-drama/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/03/06/life-is-more-than-a-political-sitcom-or-one-hour-tv-dramaSat, 06 Mar 2010 04:30:00 GMTLife is more than a political sitcom or one hour TV dramaDo we the people of the United States or the officials we have elected appreciate that the problems facing our nation did not happen over night and therefore cannot be solved overnight. Tonight Disgruntle and Gruntle will discuss the foolishness of believing in political hype like recent stabilizing unemployment or increases in home sales indicates the worst is over and were on the road to recovery. When in fact we are all DOOMED, a few short years away from mile high tsunami’s of international debt and eruptions of inflation. Are our leaders building massive ark's to insure corporate and wealthy investor bailouts while the rest of us fall victim to massive economic earthquakes that devastate our middle class.00:30:00Pascal's GambitnoUnited State economic crisis,debt inflation politics,republican democrat moron,corporations middle class investors,unemployment banks mortgage financialDo we the people of the United States or the officials we have elected appreciate that the problems facing our nation did not happen over night and therefore cahttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/03/03/newsflash-too-big-to-fail-ceos-bathe-in-water-abovPoliticshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/03/03/newsflash-too-big-to-fail-ceos-bathe-in-water-abov/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/03/03/newsflash-too-big-to-fail-ceos-bathe-in-water-abovWed, 03 Mar 2010 04:00:00 GMTNewsflash -"Too big to Fail" CEO's bathe in water above their waist - most U.S. politicians drownWhen looked at individually, U.S. congressmen and senators appear very intelligent. However, considered collectively, when in congressional session they are little smarter than a group of rabid monkeys that have somehow managed to break into two groups and are throwing poo at one another. If not for the expansive corporate umbilicals attached to the back of heads guiding their every thought and action little would be accomplished regarding legislation. Join disgruntle and gruntle as we explore the benefits of this arrangement to the U.S. population01:00:00Pascal's GambitnoUS congress senator congressman,Republican Democrat session,Lobbying campaign contribution,Compromise politics,Socialism communism capitalismWhen looked at individually, U.S. congressmen and senators appear very intelligent. However, considered collectively, when in congressional session they are lithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/02/26/the-us-should-privatize-everything-including-senatUS Governmenthttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/02/26/the-us-should-privatize-everything-including-senat/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/pascals-gambit/2010/02/26/the-us-should-privatize-everything-including-senatFri, 26 Feb 2010 04:30:00 GMTThe U.S. should privatize everything including senate and congress seatsPlease join your commentators Disgruntle and Gruntle as we discuss our solution to end the threat of socialism, communism and fascism forever (if we left out any other ism's - include those as well). Our solution is to privatize it all. There should no senate seat held by anything less than a fortune 200 company. We are even considering selling off a few seats to foreign companies, as long as they are private. Congress seats and top bureaucratic positions will be left to the remaining highest bidders. All government programs we prefer doled out to the best politically connected companies under no bid contracts or handed out to the think tanks sponsored by influential and wealthy investors. This will solve all our problems since a for profit institution will always run things better and of course care deeply for our well being above all.01:00:00Pascal's Gambitnopolitics privatization socialism communism,management profits corporation,congress senate seats house,government,solutionPlease join your commentators Disgruntle and Gruntle as we discuss our solution to end the threat of socialism, communism and fascism forever (if we left out an