Wait until next year. Gee, how will people react to massive cuts in spending?

It's not possible they could get pissed off, is it?

I mean, no one would get angry if something was being taken away from them, right?

And it's not like the austerity measures will be back-dropped by tax cuts for the rich, right? It won't look bad/hypocritical, will it?

Rand Paul is outside of the mainstream, but he's talking about cutting 500 billion dollars from the budget, and he won't be voting to raise the debt ceiling. The real question is not whether or not he will vote for it, it's whether or not he'll filibuster it. He could do that, and we could all be fucked. He said on CNN that he didn't want to hurt the full faith and credit of the country. So maybe he won't filibuster, he'll introduce his proposals, and they will be ignored.

I think cuts are coming though. That's the message being sent by all the politicians.

They may not cut that much, as much a Paul's proposal, but any debate of cutting anything will ring hollow when some of the very same people voted to extend tax cuts for the rich.

Next year, some shit is going to be hitting the fan. We will have divided government again. Instead of ignoring the conflicts we have in America, they're going to be forced out into the open. One side will not have total command of power and the debate.

The President is probably going to agree to things far more offensive than tax cuts. Real spending cuts are probably on the way.

Whatever happens at any protests that may or may not occur next year, non-violence should have a presence there. We need to make sure these protests go OK, and no one gets violent. I can pledge my time to go to these protests and talk about non-violence, if they should happen (if anyone will listen to little insignificant me.) What about you? Will you promise to be there?

I don't even know if we could do anything to make sure they don't get violent and do stupid shit. The sad thing is that they probably will, they will discredit themselves in the eyes of the majority, and no one will listen to their concerns. And those concerns could very well be valid.

No one is out in the streets today talking about shit. It's just not happening. And that's good.

It gives non-violent people a leg up on the violent people. It gives people who share the non-violent perspective a chance to formulate plans, just in case the shit hits the fan.

How do you go about calming a crowd down when it's mad as hell and won't take it anymore? Does anyone know good books or other information about that? Please post it, if you do.

And if nothing happens. GOOD. Change is a slow process sometimes. I know how it is to want it to simply happen overnight, but after further thought, you just can't do that.

We need to help change the world so that people can extend a hand of friendship, without that hand being cut off.

We need a more loving America. We need an America where people of all walks of life have an input. We need an America that cares about all people, not just those who are in the spotlight. We need an America that pays attention to those without a voice: the poor and the homeless.

This post won't get much attention, it's not poetic, it's practical and reserved. People like "Viva la revolucion" not viva non-violence and love. I've been thinking all day, I have a headache now. That's says a lot about my poor simple brain. (Admitting my own frailty and limitations will be used as an excuse by any conservatives who read this to chop my head off. I know that. I have the Google.)

At first glance, we want things to just happen. But I don't think I want to live in that world. It would be easier to live in that world, until someone comes along who gains that kind of power, the kind that ignores the opposition and criticism, and doesn't agree with you. It's wrong to deal people out of the political process.

That's what's really wrong with this nation. 40 million people have been dealt out of the political process, in lieu of 3 million or so being dealt in with a better hand. Both sides should have a say in what goes on, because when you really think about it, that's the best thing for everyone.

and I'll show you one happy man.

We'll have to wait and see what Rand Paul proposes to cut. It may well be Defense. His father is quite paleocon/libertarian in nature. I don't know if I'd be against those cuts.

But of course, who's going to get hurt with those cuts? Service men and women.

There are always consequences for cuts.

cuts in state and local spending as well. Or huge tax hikes on the state and local levels to make up for the loss of federal money. Make sure that people remember who is responsible for their property tax increases, more fees, less services.

As to non-violent solutions, study Ghandi or Martin Luther King.

I got mine, the other slackers... screw em.

:sarcasm:

The states are hurting and they will cut back on helping any towns or cities.
States will not be able to look to the federal government for any help.
The rich will get richer, the bottom will be squeezed by the feds, state, city.