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President Barack Obama makes a campaign-style stump speech at UNLV’s Cox Pavilion on Thursday, June 7, 2012. Obama made a two-hour pit stop in Las Vegas to urge Congress not to raise student loan interest rates.
By J. Patrick Coolican (contact) 
Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2012 | 2 a.m.
J. Patrick Coolican
Last time Mitt Romney was in town, I had six questions for him and promised I’d do the same for President Barack Obama, who will be in North Las Vegas today. So, here goes.
1. Here in Las Vegas, although the economy has begun to recover in fits and starts, 69 percent of our homeowners are underwater on their mortgages. Despite success helping stabilize banks and the auto industry, the government’s response to this crisis has mostly failed, especially in the hardest-hit states of Arizona, Florida, California and Nevada. As The New York Times reported this week, “As of May, 4.3 million people had applied for aid, but only 1 million had received government-sponsored modifications, according to the most recent data. About a third of those turned away lost their homes, were facing foreclosure or filed for bankruptcy.”
What would you have done differently, and what now?
2. Ta-Nehisi Coates, writing about the killing of Anwar al-Awlaki and his 16-year-old American-born son, Abdulrahman al-Awlaki, notes the continued expansion of presidential power: “(F)rom this point forward the presidency means the right to unilaterally declare American citizens to be American enemies, and then kill them.” Is this conclusion wrong? How so?
3. An 11-mile stretch of the Mississippi River is closed due to low water levels from the drought. This is important because $180 billion in goods go up and down the river, and barges are reportedly lightening loads to keep from getting stuck.
The drought has many thinking about climate change, but thus far, the campaign has featured almost nothing about this issue.
How would you address climate change in a second term in light of the failure of climate change legislation in your first term and in light of the climate change denialism of the Republican-controlled House of Representatives?
4. If the Drug War were 100 percent effective and arrested every user, you wouldn’t be president today because of your admitted use of marijuana and cocaine. Has the Drug War been successful, and if not, what are you doing about its failure?
5. You’ve said all options are on the table with respect to a nuclear Iran. What would be the consequences of a military strike against Iran?
6. Last year, you entered into a negotiation over the debt ceiling and reportedly offered a deficit-reduction deal to Republicans that was heavily tilted toward spending cuts that would have eviscerated important priorities while securing very little new revenue from the richest taxpayers most able to pay. What were you thinking?
Not a bad list, but why don't you ask President Obama why he has done nothing to address our trade policies that are at the ultimate root of our economic (read unemployment) woes?
President Obama has done an incredible job considering that he's been handcuffed by Party of No gridlock.
My question for the president would be, does he agree with my view that GOP obstructionism has amounted to a type of legitimate, forcible rape of the US economy?
A cyclical drought is no reason to embrace the junkscience known as 'climate change'.
Not a bad list.
I would ask him why is he gutting medicare to fund ObamaCare?
Why does he think it's OK to scare Seniors with misstatements and misrepresentations about how effective ObamaCare is?
Isn't he everybody's President?
This one is for LastThroes but the question is for the President......Why is it OK to forcibly rape my wallet to pay for the social equality of lazy people, welfare loafers and Democrats in general?
I would ask him when he plans to release all of his SEALED RECORDS and why he had to seal them. Also what is up with his Social Security Number, Selective Service Registration, and so much more. Just who is this guy? Why is he supporting the Muslim Brotherhood all over the world. And will he ever show the REAL Birth Certificate and not the one that the investigators say is a fraud.
Also why our Congressmen, Senators and the media are covering this up?
Patrick, you can be assured, at the very least, President Obama will answer your questions. Mitt Romney did not answer you questions then, nor will Mitt answer your now, or in the near future.
Mitt Romney is a candidate walking a tight rope. The extreme right does not like him, the moderate voters don't trust him, and the extreme left continues to hammer away at the lies and distortions and flip-flops from Mitt Romney.
Just who is this guy romney- I heard he was born in Mexico, How did he get out of Vietnam ?
Have you ever posted an opinion and been called names or ridiculed? Or posted a comment and then read insulting, degrading, condescending and/or downright nasty comments about what you posted.
If so, I would like to encourage you and everyone to FLAG the comment if you believe the remark is inappropriate whether it is about you or someone else.
I believe that we can voice our opinions and comments in a polite, civil and respectful manner. For all of you who agree with me thank you. For all of you that do not agree with be, please be advised that I will FLAG each and every comment that I feel violates the "Full Comments Policy" (see above) whether it is about me or someone else.
We should be able to discuss and/or voice our opinions respectfully.
Why has he been to Nevada more times this year then he's met with his jobs council?
Mr. Coolican,
I would ask him:
1) If he will continue to ask for Willard tax returns ~ I personally believe that Willard should present two full years immediately;
2)Explain the $716 Billion in Medicare for those who simply cannot comprehend what he has said in the past.
3)Ask about the Ryan Plan as depicted in the Sun
4)His Medicare and its affects on senior citizens and Romney/Ryan Medicare plan and its affect on senior citizens.
5)A discussion about the stimulus and how many (i.e. Paul Ryan) used it for their own state; yet criticized it publicly.
6)Taxes for the Middle Class vs. taxes on the top 1-2% of the American People.
7)The GOP War against Women.
8)Privatization of Social Security and the GOP.
I will think of more.
OBAMA/BIDEN 2012
janenolan Aug. 22, 2012 5:33 a.m
I would ask him when he plans to release all of his SEALED RECORDS and why he had to seal them. Also what is up with his Social Security Number, Selective Service Registration, and so much more. Just who is this guy? Why is he supporting the Muslim Brotherhood all over the world. And will he ever show the REAL Birth Certificate and not the one that the investigators say is a fraud.
Also why our Congressmen, Senators and the media are covering this up?
```````````````
Unprofessional response, but predictable lack of decorum. Your response reflected an expected lack of etiquette, dignity, and respect at all levels.
"Why is it OK to forcibly rape my wallet to pay for the social equality of lazy people, welfare loafers and Democrats in general?"
_________
Because that's the leftwing kooks definition of "legitimate rape".
Another question:
Why not give a huge tax cut for the Middle Class to jump start the economy?
My three questions for all political candidates would be:
1. Some members of Congress and The Senate have over the past year been publicly stating that they believe 40% of their peers would endorse campaign funding reform, but recognize possibility of such only with overwhelming public pressure from citizens. How can such pressure be gathered when their words were carried to only a minute percentage of citizens by our media?
2. It's hard to find citizens aware of these Legislators words, even though they've stated that we're no longer a democracy, yet that same media has made almost all citizens aware of the words of Paul Ryan and Todd Akin. What's wrong with this picture?
3. Does this lead you to consider that we must once again scrutinize media ownership seeking conflict of interest?
I suggest that the path to stability, harmony and trust will be charted by those inspired by fair media, that peoples champion and conscience of nations holding history of inspiring citizens to gather overwhelming public opinion in order to force needed changes!
janenolan @ 5:33 a.m.
Would someone, preferably another teabagger, explain to janenolan that birtherism is taken about as seriously as Todd Akin's legitimate rape comment or Donald Trump's clownish hairdo?
Shame on Me,
I thought this silly article by J. Patrick Coolican:
Six questions I'd like to ask President Barack Obama
was a request for input. After waking up, I realized he was not at all interested in our input. That he had already prepared his questions that he is planning to ask the President. Perhaps, I should have read the article, had a cup of coffee and wake up before I wasted my time on a response.
I hope you don't get the opportunity to ask your questions and that your standing in the back so the President cannot hear you and other legitimate reporters have the opportunity to ask their questions.
So, why did you bother sharing your comments/questions with us, do you want a pat on the back. Sorry pal, you are not going to get one from me!
@janenolan @ 5:33 a.m.
I believe what you said is the definition to HYPERBOLE and you are why it's put there you believe it to be factual. Also who ever told you that used you as a tool and embaressed you at your expence for their gain, And you still cling on to them Tisk tisk.
Hell, you are a loonie lib, aren't you?
A legit question is when Mr. Obama will release all of the records he has taken considerable time effort and money to seal out of sight and mind. In fairness Mr. Romney should release all of his tax returns. Let Americans see what who and how these candidates arrived to where they are today?
People are fighting each other as to which wealthy politicians will occupy the White House for the next 4 years. You're kidding yourself as Obama/Biden, Romney/Ryan are very well off financially by taking advantage of loopholes in tax policy to be so"
An American public that continually feeds on controlled media every second and distortion sound bites may someday realize that buying into the corporate dogma of the 2 monopolistic political parties is preventing America from ever returning to the country founded on the constitutional principles that is the greatest experiment in government by the people for the people unlike our current government that today is controlled by self-serving Media, Lobbyist, Corporatist, Banking/Wall-Street , Military contractors, and last but not least the gatekeepers for this crowd". POLITICIANS...
Almost any guy standing on the corner looking for a job would make a better President than either of the self-serving Presidential candidates available today, having a better idea of Americans plight and what is really needed to get America moving and could deliver without beholding to the previous mentioned leeches that have destroyed America for the benefit of so few"if people wake-up and kick the thieves out of our (elected office) temple. ALL Americans could once again share in the dream and promise of a better tomorrow "
boftx - "ask President Obama why he has done nothing to address our trade policies that are at the ultimate root of our economic (read unemployment) woes?"
I'm with you on that one, great question.
Heretic - "I would ask him why is he gutting medicare to fund ObamaCare?"
Obama is not gutting medicare to fund Obamacare, that $700 billion is taken from providers who are over charging and double billing their patients, in other words, cheating.
janenolan - "I would ask him when he plans to release all of his SEALED RECORDS and why he had to seal them." "Also why our Congressmen, Senators and the media are covering this up?"
janenolan, you actually believe if they had evidence they would cover up his birth than impeach Obama? That's called stinkin-thinkin and birthers have a serious problem being logical.
You people are basing your questions on false information and are by products of propaganda, you'll learn little by watching Fox as a news source.
Q: Are Obama's early records "sealed"?
A: No. Many records that presidential candidates don't ordinarily release do remain confidential, but they are not "sealed" by a court. The 16 claims in a widely distributed graphic are mostly false or distorted.
http://factcheck.org/
Five Questions for Mitt Romney;
1. As a Bishop in the Mormon church, do you believe, as written in the book of Mormon, that it is the one true faith and all other faiths are the work of the Devil?
2. If you destroy the middle class, who is going to buy the products sold by companies owned by the rich 1%?
3. How many friends of yours are polygamist and do you support this lifestyle? If not, would you press the states (like Utah) to seriously pursue these lawbreakers to the fullest extent of the law?
4. Do you believe that there is any divergence between the interests of Israel and the USA in the Middle East?
5. If your wife were raped and became pregnant, would you want her to have the rapists child and would you bring up that child in the same manner as your own children?
Coolican -- excellent list. I'm most interested in #1, 2 and 4.
#1 -- "loan mods" has been the mantra for far too long, and it's just calling the herd to slaughter. Yet not one single word from our lawmakers about requiring the banks to first qualify themselves as the bona fide note holders.
#2 -- this bit is profoundly disturbing. In this republic little is more fundamental than the prohibition against depriving any person of life, liberty or property without due process of law.
#4 -- see #2.
"Monday...this LPOTUS took 4 questions from the WH press. His answers lasted 20 minutes. That's 5 minutes per answer. He talksandtalksandtalks andtalks. And in the end he don't sayadamnthing."
TEA -- nice to see someone else recognize this prez is little more than a cheerleader for our actual rulers.
"An American public that continually feeds on controlled media every second and distortion sound bites may someday realize that buying into the corporate dogma of the 2 monopolistic political parties is preventing America from ever returning to the country founded on the constitutional principles that is the greatest experiment in government by the people for the people unlike our current government that today. . ."
PaulRupp -- an excellent post making a profoundly disturbing point.
"The people should not be deceived ... a major, undemocratic restructuring of our national institutions and mores is constantly in progress." -- Justice Scalia dissenting in Board of County Commissioners, Wabaunsee County, Kansas v. Umbehr, 518 U.S. 668, 709-10 (1996)
Should executives at failing green energy companies receiving millions of dollars in taxpayer stimulus and becoming quite rich be able to donate to your presidential campaign?
http://nlpc.org/stories/2012/08/20/despi...
Why does Mr. O put the interests of illegal invaders before American taxpayers and legal residents?
Watch that BIG toe, remember what happened to Dipstick, who most of us miss
@ Roslenda: great question.
@ kepi: you write about insulting comments yet you call Romney, Willard. Whats up with that?
Roberta Anderson Aug. 22, 2012 9:23 a.m.
Why does Mr. O put the interests of illegal invaders before American taxpayers and legal residents?
````````````````````
Couple of Questions?
1)Why does Bush put the interests of illegal invaders before American taxpayers and legal residents?
2)You seemingly are against Illegal Immigration? Yes?
Are you also against:
1) H1B Program?
2) Dual Nationals?
Also, were you born in this country?
Also Roberta Anderson, Another Question ~
Remember this?
````````````
Roslenda, on August 6, 2012 at 4:49 p.m. I think you stated:
kepi: Do those who insult think they're convincing anyone with their wit and wisdom? Or maybe they're just doing something macho and condescending to even speak to us?
`````````````````````````````
Today seems like the perfect day to ask your opinion on the above comments. You may have answered, but perhaps I missed your response. Would you care to respond now?
chuck333 Aug. 22, 2012 9:33 a.m.
@ kepi: you write about insulting comments yet you call Romney, Willard. Whats up with that?
`````````````````
You are joking right? I refer to him as Willard because that is his LEGAL name. I do not call him "Mittens". I call him Willard, the name given to him at birth. You have a problem with this WHY?????
Republican Party:
Rule #1 Accuse the other guy of exactly what you are doing?
Wow, a little angry bear! Watch that BIG toe does not cross the line.... They are everywhere HA HA
Mr. President, As Chief of State and the symbolic leader of of the FREE world, why did you bow to a Saudi King?
I would like to ask President Obama how the hell he does it. Coping with the endless ugliness of conservatives must require herculean strength. They're hyenas. I can't imagine what it is like to be the recipient of so much toxic energy. I hope he is well.
I admire Barack Obama for his fortitude. He has my support, my vote, and for all he endures from the barbaric republicans, he has my sympathy.
Heh TEAmark and other CONBots, how about a word from an actual REAL Conservative? can you handle it?
http://youtu.be/ciXt67TFdoY
Do you CONseratives know what is really cool about your comments?
Your stated goal is to persuade. That is your singular focus persuade people who are undecided. The very very cool part of this comment and "All Comment" section is that none of you possess the skill set to accomplish your objective.
If you think people will read your hate, mean-spirited comments; think again!
So, in closing, thanks for all your help!!!!!
Romney/Ryan represent the rich
Obama/Biden fight for the Middle Class
Which side are YOU on?
OBAMA/BIDEN 2012
TRY SEARCHING:
Romney's Massachusetts Record
Romney's Economic Plan Massachusetts
Mitt Romney's record as Governor of Massachusetts
Paul Ryan requests for stimulus money
Ryan and the stimulus money
The Ryan Plan
GOP War on Women
Ryan's War on Women
Some Catholic Speaking Out Against Paul Ryan's Budget-Cutting
Nuns gun for Paul Ryan
Catholic nuns protest US budget cuts
Or Check Out:
www.romneyeconomics.com
www.medicarefacts.com
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2012/aug...
Bob,
I know I have said this before, but I love your comment!!!!!!
I have 3 questions for BO. In your campaign of 2008 u mentioned that we need a private security force to be funded by the government and to provide independent security for our citizens which will monitor private citizens . What did u mean by that? When are the documents which have been requested by the House for Fast and Furious be released ? When are u going to meet with the jobs council ( which u haven't met with in 6+ months)?
Mr. President, It has been claimed that you are attempting to indoctrinate America's college youth into the "Left Wing Ideology". Is this same ideology what you learned as a youth and possible why there is such a strong interest in your college transcripts?
Patrick, good stuff. When will someone ask him about the Drug War?
"One of the prime characteristics of liberals is their narcissism."
TEA -- one thing about using labels like you do is it doesn't require actual thought before speaking/posting. Definitely one of the prices the rest of us have to pay for free speech.
"Nothing exists except atoms and empty space; everything else is opinion." -- Democritus (460-370 B.C.E.)
Just ask one question. How come during the last four years, you have done absolutely NOTHING !
Mr. President, how much does it piss you off that the treasonous Republicans in Congress have tried from day 1 of your first term to sabotage the economy so that you won't get re-elected?
@kepi: why do I have a problem with this because by calling him Willard, you show lack of respect. Yes his name is Willard but for you to ask why I or anyone would have a problem with your posts calling him Willard shows you obviously have a knack of trying to get people riled up. Keep calling him what you want but any ADULT at the end of the day knows exactly what you're attemting to do. Sorry that I was raised to respect others, sadly unlike you were. You almost remind of a 70's wiseguy, but thats just my take.
Five questions for Weird Willard:
1. Willard, neither you nor any of your five sons have served in the US military, yet you have stated that an attack on Iran would be very possible in a Willard administration. Is it fair to send the sons and daughters of others into harms way while your own big, strong, privileged sons remain in the US, hanging out at the country club or the beach mansion in La Jolla?
2. Please explain the $77,000 tax deduction in 2010 for your dancing horse.
3. How were able to put $100 million in a retirement IRA when contributions are limited to $6000 per year? Did your army of tax avoidence accounts find a loophole that us commoners don't know about or are to patriotic to take advantage of?
4. Why do you need to stash millions in offshore tax shelters when you already qualify for the super-low, no-work-required Bush trickledown tax rate of 13.9%?
5. Explain why you believe Romneycare is perfectly fine but you go into foaming-at-the-mouth convulsions when the word "Obamacare" is mentioned.
Last Throes your questions are very laughable. Why not ask him what he would do to put the country back on track and people to work? Maybe its because like most Libs you try to distract from the current failure we have in the White House. I do believe that questions 1-4 have been answered especially anything to do with taxes otherwise the IRS would be all over this.
As for number 5, I also believe that Romney agreed that Romneycare was and is a failure, as Obamacare, the tax will also be.
Ya TEAmark but did you view the video? or is trying to pin the tail on the donkey your game?
Man he has the Liberal Media in his pocket. 99% of the Black Folk. The ear of Ben Bernanke and Central Bankers. Europe Loves him as does most of the World. and still, we have yet to see the Socialist Takeover the Right goes on and on about.
Instead Barry has killed Bin Laden. Helped dethrone Mubarak and have Gaddafi killed, some Muslim you have turned out to be! Heck we are still fighting 2 wars and spending a trillion on defense. Obama has even authorized the building of new Nuclear Power Plants and wants off-shore oil drilling. To top it off he is against further Gun Control and has done nothing to get more Pot in the hands of those who need it.
So what's up Barry?
So I take it then, chuck, that you are equally offended by, and express equal disdain for, those people who call Barack Obama, say, Barry, Barack Hussein Obama, Barack Obummer, Osama Obama, etc.?
Chuck333, 1:48 p.m.
Your comments are not worthy of a response. You may have your opinion and I shall have mine.
Evil-Slayer, offended? I never said I was offended by kepi calling Romney Willard. What it does show, as your above mentioned names of the President is lack of respect. Big difference. Do you need futher explanation of what respect is or do you have that handled? Let me know.
Your comments are not worthy of a response. You may have your opinion and I shall have mine.
Kepi....laughable. Let me know when you'd like a class in.....Class!
Got it. Not offended, just pointing out disrespect. What you didn't cover is whether you express equal disdain for those who disrespect the president of the United States is such fashion.
Yes I do. I read all the posts and after I get past the name calling, I try to find the point one is trying to make. I still read them, but in kepi's case, in thier posts, it seems that only one side is ever right and the other wrong. If we all continue on this path, zero will ever be accomplished. Everyone has the right to say what they want, but don't ever chastize others when you do the same thing yourself. Thats my point with kepi, who by the way was flagged on another thread and thier post was deleted. Pot calling the kettle black I believe the old saying goes. Oh and by the way when referring to the President of the US, always with a capital "P". It shows respect.
OK. Sure seems like the exact same thing can be said about dozens and dozens of conservative commenters on this site. I've never noticed you chastise any of them, but I suppose I could be wrong. I don't read everything you write, after all.
But it's sure hard to take that criticism seriously if you don't level it at both sides.
And by the way, I capitalize president as a title, but not as a generic noun. President Barack Obama. Barack Obama is the president of the United States. That's about respect for the English language.
Chuck,
First of all, I was deleted for almost a joke. It was meaningless.
So, by your definition, calling a person by their last name shows respect, but calling one by their first name is disrespectful. Got to be honest, never heard that one before.
At 3:15 p.m., Do you need futher explanation of what respect is or do you have that handled? Wow; talk about tone....do you have that handled? Is that your way of a responding in a respectful manner? Is that polite? Was that appropriate? Look, I have been called several names since I came into this blog.
To be best of my knowledge, I have never called anyone a name. When my name was misrepresented, I responded in kind. I accidentally misrepresented names on two separate occasions and I apologized each time.
I have never been disrespectful with or about you, but you feel justified to disrespect and attempt to belittle me, which is your choice. Is that how you were raised? You could have easily gotten your point across in a respectful manner, but you made a choice to be disrespectful. I wonder if you have posted the same type of comment(s) to those who constantly misrepresent the president's name. Have you ever corrected them and recommended what you believe to be the appropriate protocol? I'll bet not. Personally, I am offended when anyone calls the president by the names he is called here. It is just not right.
Have you ever told ANYONE else besides me not to refer to Willard Romney as Willard? I think not.
So, having said that I will continue to refer to Mitt Romney by the name he was given at birth, which is Willard. I will continue to fight for what I believe is right!
If you can show me where I ever disrespected you as an individual, I will publicly apologize. You can call me any name in the book, I do not care and that will not stop me fighting for what I believe is right!
If you do not like what I post; don't read it.
That too is your choice.
kepi in actuality I like your posts. Some I might add I agree with. My point, not to keep this going is you post that if someone has written posts that are inflammatory you'd flag them and ask others to do the same hence the Willard thing. Keep them coming because with some of your links I've learned some things.
Evil have a I ever posted disdain for conservative commentators? Yes I have, but usually I don't write anything about anyones posts. As I wrote, once I get past the name calling I digest what is important in thier posts and move on. kepi at times has valuable information that I research per thier links. But there are two sides of the coin and I've seen the same post from them and its about flagging inappropriate comments. Just need to keep pointing out that everyone on here falls off reasonable conversation and all of us at some point resort to dis-repect and name calling. That doesn't get anything done, and as a country we really don't have time to play games.
Chuck,
I agree. Let's move on. Thank you for your comments. Have a great evening.
@SickOfSomeOfU,
"Simple, it is a sign of respect to another leader that has a different custom.
I just saw "the informant" & was reminded how EASILY CAPITALISTs learn to follow customs of others"....
That's ridiculous, bowing to a King is a sign of submission and an acknowledgement of inferiority in Saudi Arabia. Why didn't The President bow to the Queen of England and kiss her ring? Regardless of your lack of knowledge, America drops her flag and bows to no nation as a display that America is a FREE country. Millions have died so that we don't have to bow to dictators and kings.
Why the soft cotton candy questions? A poor man never employed me only a rich one. Ask him if in his second term, he plans to seize private and or public pensions in order to bail out Medicare and Social Security? As him why he can't speak to the issues and why his competitor seems to have more ideas than he? Ask the President why he no longer has improtu white house briefing or media gatherings? He seems to be afraid of that. One last question for the President: Why does your White House press secretary continually lie to the public?
Its sad to see some of the comments coming from each side of the political spectrum. With all of todays forms of media, you would think people would inform themselves and be able to determine Fact from Fiction! Instead the tendency is to believe only what is heard from your side of Politics.
The BILLIONAIRES are buying this election and our Democracy right before our eyes, and we are pretending that we don't see it. Vote suppression is happening thru-out the States, and we are pretending that its necessary to keep Minorities from voting for OBAMA. We know thats the reason, but we won't say it out loud! For the first time in my lifetime, has a President been sworn in and the opposition Party says our only GOAL is to see that he FAILS! We will give him no co-operation.
The only things this President can do is things that he can by-pass Congress and do by Executive Order. The questions to be asked, is not of the President, but should be directed to Boehner, Issa, and McConnell! I wonder if the Press is going to be "gutsy" enough to ask about this during the debates. I bet BIDEN will lay this on the line,because the President can't. If so, they would say he was playing the RACE CARD, which nobody wants to play, since we all like to "SEE NO EVIL, HEAR NO EVIL, AND SPEAK NO EVIL"
Well, now we know that the Race Problem was not settled in 1964-65, because it is alive and well in 2012.