White House warns of damaging "sequestration" spending cuts

[RIKMAN]

That's not going to happen. Now if the Republicans continue to support the sequestration. Then they are antisemites and an existential threat to Israel. Brilliant move!

I wouldn't bet the mortgage on it (sequestration) not happening. They don't get their nickname as the stupid party without reason!

[Daan]

duplicate - deleted

[Cameron]

Today, we have the Democrats trying to scare the Republicans.

[flyboy56]

That's not going to happen. Now if the Republicans continue to support the sequestration. Then they are antisemites and an existential threat to Israel. Brilliant move!

The sequester was put together by Obama in the event the bipartisan panel failed to come up with a better plan. And as Boehner said, it meets 98% of what Republicans want. Obama was played like a violin by the more experienced Boehner in the world of politics. So why should House republicans come back from the break as Pelosi insisted and negotiate a short term solution when they have 98% of what they want?!

[flyboy56]

Kerry: Budget cuts may force reduction in Israel aid

Automatic spending cuts set to take effect in the US next month could "lead to reductions in military assistance to Israel, Jordan and Egypt, undermining our commitment to their security at such a volatile time," US Secretary of State John Kerry said in comments publicized on Thursday.

Across-the-board cuts, known as "sequestration," set to begin on March 1, would take $2.6 billion out of the budget for the US State Department and USAID, America's development assistance agency, Kerry said.

"Cuts of this magnitude would seriously impair our ability to execute our vital missions of national security, diplomacy and development," he wrote in a letter to Senator Barbara Mikulski, chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations.

Notice it is the Democrats who are yelling hair on fire with respect to Obama's sequestration plan that will cut spending dramatically. Boehner says it gives them 98% of what they initially wanted in a spending cut plan. So they can now go home and relax knowing they won.

[Wizard777]

I wouldn't bet the mortgage on it (sequestration) not happening. They don't get their nickname as the stupid party without reason!

What is the first thing the Republicans do before announcing they are running for federal office? They go to Israel to get their marching orders.

[flyboy56]

What is the first thing the Republicans do before announcing they are running for federal office? They go to Israel to get their marching orders.

Link of proof please!

[AttackPlanR]

You'd think if Israel were really an ally they'd have long ago recognized our situation and said, 'look we're doing pretty good, thanks to you guys, we don't need that kind of money any more. Why don't you guys use it at home where it is needed, not here where it isn't.'

But, alas.

[flyboy56]

You'd think if Israel were really an ally they'd have long ago recognized our situation and said, 'look we're doing pretty good, thanks to you guys, we don't need that kind of money any more. Why don't you guys use it at home where it is needed, not here where it isn't.'

But, alas.

I guess Nancy Pelosi should follow your same analogy and cut her salary so poor people could benefit. After all, she clearly stated she is not the household breadwinner.

[Cameron]

I guess Nancy Pelosi should follow your same analogy and cut her salary so poor people could benefit. After all, she clearly stated she is not the household breadwinner.

Can you recognize the difference between America and a foreign country?

Or do ya need Nancy's long-form birth certificate, too?

[AttackPlanR]

I guess Nancy Pelosi should follow your same analogy and cut her salary so poor people could benefit. After all, she clearly stated she is not the household breadwinner.

You do understand the difference between earning something and just being given it when you don't really need it, don't you.

Trust me, I do not believe that members of Congress actually earn what they make, that would require work, but you get the point.

[flyboy56]

Can you recognize the difference between America and a foreign country?

Or do ya need Nancy's long-form birth certificate, too?

Why is Kerry so concerned with Israel? Because he knows Republicans support Israel and think this is leverage in getting Republicans to renegotiate Obama's sequestration plan? Like using Defense spending cuts threat? Obama's bluff is being shoved back in his face.

[Daan]

.

Kerry: Sequestration Might Force Cuts in Israel Aid

http://news.antiwar.com/2013/02/15/k...in-israel-aid/
Quote

Secretary of State John Kerry has joined the chorus of officials claiming that the minor cuts resulting from sequestration would be a huge threat to “national security,” and was quick to play the Israel card in defending his own department’s budget.

According to Kerry, the $2.6 billion cut in the budgets of the US State Department and USAID would mean a few hundred million dollars in cuts to American grants to foreign militaries, the largest of which is the multi-billion dollar yearly “aid” to Israel.

And while the average American might not be sold on the idea that a slight reduction in annual gifts to the Israeli military is such a dire thing, Congressional sentiment is likely to be starkly different, as many see anything even hinting of falling short of slavish dedication to Israel as an unthinkable lapse. Devastating tax increases might not be popular among Congressmen, but if they can be spun as a pro-Israel move, their support is likely assured.

End Quote


There is such a thing as a freeloading parasite.

Israel is one country that is entirely capable of financing its own defense.

Hagel's "America First" attitude is why the Israel Lobby is intent on defeating Hagel's confirmation as America's Secretary of Defense.

.

[Creekman]

Why is Kerry so concerned with Israel? Because he knows Republicans support Israel and think this is leverage in getting Republicans to renegotiate Obama's sequestration plan? Like using Defense spending cuts threat? Obama's bluff is being shoved back in his face.

You sure do have a super large load of right wing BS floating around on this forum lately. Maybe you need a rest!

[cprenegade]

You'd think if Israel were really an ally they'd have long ago recognized our situation and said, 'look we're doing pretty good, thanks to you guys, we don't need that kind of money any more. Why don't you guys use it at home where it is needed, not here where it isn't.'

But, alas.

While Israel does benefit from the $3 billion in annual aid, just short of 3/4 of that money comes back to the US in the form defense industry purchases. The real losers in this potential cut will be US defense contractors.

Some $3 billion goes to Israel annually in US military aid, 74 percent of which must be spent in the US.

"This cut will be felt at home, resulting in a loss of sales to US industry and a potential loss of US jobs," Kerry added.

http://www.jpost.com/DiplomacyAndPol...aspx?id=303430

[Daan]

While Israel does benefit from the $3 billion in annual aid, just short of 3/4 of that money comes back to the US in the form defense industry purchases. The real losers in this potential cut will be US defense contractors.

How do US defense contractors suffer if Israel pays with their own money?

Currently, the real losers are the US taxpayers.

.

[veritas]

Cut off aid to our enemy, Pakistan, and we'll save $2-3 billion right there.

[flyboy56]

You sure do have a super large load of right wing BS floating around on this forum lately. Maybe you need a rest!

Hitting a nerve am I?!

[cprenegade]

How do US defense contractors suffer if Israel pays with their own money?

Currently, the real losers are the US taxpayers.

.

It is possible they will purchase elsewhere. What most US defense contractors manufacture is not exclusively manufactured only by the US.

[AttackPlanR]

While Israel does benefit from the $3 billion in annual aid, just short of 3/4 of that money comes back to the US in the form defense industry purchases. The real losers in this potential cut will be US defense contractors.

And this is a problem, why?