# How do you know when a Republican is lying? (RO) **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [September 16, 2008, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-know-when-a-republican-is-lying-ro/463797 "2008-09-16T04:30:09Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![neutron\_star](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/51bf81/32.png) [@neutron\_star](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/neutron_star)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2008, 12:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-know-when-a-republican-is-lying-ro/463797/101 "2008-09-17T12:32:21Z")
Oh Jesus Christ. I just got home from work and checked my messages. One is a recording from the Republican Party of PA reminding me to vote, because (I swear I’m not making this up), “the Democrats are going to increase funding for wasteful projects like the Bridge to Nowhere!” How goddamn shameless can you _get_? ---
**Author:** ![Fritz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/c57346/32.png) [@Fritz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fritz)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2008, 12:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-know-when-a-republican-is-lying-ro/463797/102 "2008-09-17T12:36:39Z")
> [@neutron\_star](#): > > Oh Jesus Christ. I just got home from work and checked my messages. One is a recording from the Republican Party of PA reminding me to vote, because (I swear I’m not making this up), “the Democrats are going to increase funding for wasteful projects like the Bridge to Nowhere!” > > How goddamn shameless can you _get_? That’s like asking how high is up. These honor-less creeps have no shame to speak of. ---
**Author:** ![I\_Love\_Me\_Vol.I](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/i_love_me_vol.i/32/521_2.png) [@I\_Love\_Me\_Vol.I](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/I_Love_Me_Vol.I)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2008, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-know-when-a-republican-is-lying-ro/463797/103 "2008-09-17T13:28:43Z")
> [@Weirddave](#): > > I know they would pay more, but both would be paying the same percentage, which is fair. I don’t understand why you think it’s “fair” that everyone be taxed at the same percentage rate. That might _seem_ fair at first glance, but think about it… under that plan some folks would pay only $200 in tax while others would have to pay $2,000,000! NOT FAIR! I believe everyone should be required to pay the _exact same_ amount of Federal income tax. I suggest $1,000. Just about everyone can afford that, it’s fair, and it will _seriously_ starve the beast. I’m surprised no one has thought of this until now! ---
**Author:** ![ManiacMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b782af/32.png) [@ManiacMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ManiacMan)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2008, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-know-when-a-republican-is-lying-ro/463797/104 "2008-09-17T14:21:44Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > I find it hilarious that “nuclear” was spelled out phonetically for her on her teleprompter. What an imbecile. HAWHAWHAW! OMG! She is Sew stoopid! ---
**Author:** ![ManiacMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b782af/32.png) [@ManiacMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ManiacMan)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2008, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-know-when-a-republican-is-lying-ro/463797/105 "2008-09-17T14:30:10Z")
> [@Jolly\_Roger](#): > > When they claim to have invented the blackberry. > > and yes, I know it was an “aide” but if it were an Obama aide saying that about Obama, you guys know you’d be all over it. Kind of like when Gore invented the internets? ---
**Author:** ![Jack\_Batty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jack_batty/32/3201_2.png) [@Jack\_Batty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Batty)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2008, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-know-when-a-republican-is-lying-ro/463797/106 "2008-09-17T14:46:03Z")
> [@](#): > > Originally Posted by Diogenes the Cynic > I find it hilarious that “nuclear” was spelled out phonetically for her on her teleprompter What I’m wondering is if it read: “PARTY MANDATE: Pronounce it – **NOOK-YOO-LURE**.” ---
**Author:** ![DianaG](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/7ab992/32.png) [@DianaG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DianaG)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2008, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-know-when-a-republican-is-lying-ro/463797/107 "2008-09-17T14:57:05Z")
**ManiacMan** , you’re really awfully proud of being a stupid yokel, aren’t you? ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2008, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-know-when-a-republican-is-lying-ro/463797/108 "2008-09-17T15:46:17Z")
> [@ManiacMan](#): > > Kind of like when Gore invented the internets? This misattribution is explained pretty well in this thread > **[McCain invents Blackberry!](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=483613)** > > Who says that McCain does not have a handle on new technology! http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080916.wmccain0916/BNStory/International/home I can’t wait for more claims from the boneheads in McCain’s campaign: “McCain cures... for anyone who cares to know the actual quotes and facts. In your case, ManiacMan, I guess you’ll just have to stick with willful ignorance. Is there a technical term for arguing from willful ignorance? Anyone know latin? ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2008, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-know-when-a-republican-is-lying-ro/463797/109 "2008-09-17T15:51:31Z")
> [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > …Is there a technical term for arguing from willful ignorance? … I’ve been calling it McCaining. ---
**Author:** ![elfkin477](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a9a28c/32.png) [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2008, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-know-when-a-republican-is-lying-ro/463797/110 "2008-09-17T17:26:05Z")
> [@Boyo\_Jim](#): > > Your cite lists two distorting ads by the Obama campaign, and a series of distortions about Palin from multiple sources but NOT from the Obama campaign. And eight lying ads or direct statements by McCain/Palin. That gives them a comfortable 4/1 lead in lie ratios. So far this month. Check out [last month](http://www.factcheck.org/archive/August_2008.html). ---
**Author:** ![DanBlather](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/f4b2a3/32.png) [@DanBlather](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DanBlather)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2008, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-know-when-a-republican-is-lying-ro/463797/111 "2008-09-17T17:36:58Z")
> [@I\_Love\_Me\_Vol.I](#): > > I don’t understand why you think it’s “fair” that everyone be taxed at the same percentage rate. That might _seem_ fair at first glance, but think about it… under that plan some folks would pay only $200 in tax while others would have to pay $2,000,000! NOT FAIR! I believe everyone should be required to pay the _exact same_ amount of Federal income tax. I suggest $1,000. Just about everyone can afford that, it’s fair, and it will _seriously_ starve the beast. I’m surprised no one has thought of this until now! Hell, I think poor people should pay MORE in taxes. They cost the govt more in services than the rich do. ---
**Author:** ![Jack\_Batty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jack_batty/32/3201_2.png) [@Jack\_Batty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Batty)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2008, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-know-when-a-republican-is-lying-ro/463797/112 "2008-09-17T17:44:22Z")
> [@DanBlather](#): > > Hell, I think poor people should pay MORE in taxes. They cost the govt more in services than the rich do. What did the government just give AIG and Lehman Brothers? Food stamp vouchers? ---
**Author:** ![ManiacMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b782af/32.png) [@ManiacMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ManiacMan)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2008, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-know-when-a-republican-is-lying-ro/463797/113 "2008-09-17T18:09:41Z")
> [@DianaG](#): > > **ManiacMan** , you’re really awfully proud of being a stupid yokel, aren’t you? At least I am willing to stay away from personal insults. ---
**Author:** ![DianaG](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/7ab992/32.png) [@DianaG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DianaG)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2008, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-know-when-a-republican-is-lying-ro/463797/114 "2008-09-17T18:16:56Z")
But is it because you can’t spell any of the really good ones? ---
**Author:** ![ManiacMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b782af/32.png) [@ManiacMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ManiacMan)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2008, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-know-when-a-republican-is-lying-ro/463797/115 "2008-09-17T18:21:08Z")
How am I being ignorant here in this pit thread? My initial post was that politicians all lie. They all do. They all spin and distort and speak very carefully. All of them at one point or another do it. Even Democrats! To say otherwise is just BS and if you think your golden child Obama doesn’t you are out of your fucking minds. Ohhh but when Obama “lies” its his staff that mis-spoke…whatever! Give me a break…politicans all lie. Get over it already. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2008, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-know-when-a-republican-is-lying-ro/463797/116 "2008-09-17T18:21:35Z")
He’s right. That is the least. ---
**Author:** ![ManiacMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b782af/32.png) [@ManiacMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ManiacMan)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2008, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-know-when-a-republican-is-lying-ro/463797/117 "2008-09-17T18:23:49Z")
> [@DianaG](#): > > But is it because you can’t spell any of the really good ones? :rolleyes: Yeah that’s it…go take a shower. ---
**Author:** ![DianaG](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/7ab992/32.png) [@DianaG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DianaG)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2008, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-know-when-a-republican-is-lying-ro/463797/118 "2008-09-17T18:30:35Z")
Oh honey. You just never mind. You’re likely to sprain something. ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2008, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-know-when-a-republican-is-lying-ro/463797/119 "2008-09-17T18:35:58Z")
> [@Weirddave](#): > > I’m against it on principle. Someone asked for a list. I gave one. OK, that one doesn’t bother you. _shrug_ > > Above a certain point, say maybe 200% of the poverty level? Absolutely. And I did the numbers too, for myself. Such a tax would cost me at least 10K more in taxes each year than I pay now, and I still think it’s the only right and fair way to tax. > > Cuts? Seems pretty simple to me. Start will most or all of the Depts of Education, HHS, HUD, Indian Bureau (whatever it’s called now), OSHA, EPA, transportation, energy, homeland security, and agriculture. Require the remaining agencies that they have to give up 10% of their budget. Then make them give 10% next year, and the year after that. Make defense give up 15%. Privatize SSA. Rewrite the tax code and slim down the IRS by at least 50%. Cuts? Sensible cuts are easy to decide on, but nobody has the will to implement them. Nobody. That would be a good start. I’d probably save money on a standard percentage. But it would be wrong. Before my daughter started grad school and got rich, I know that losing any given percentage of my income hurt me a lot less than it would have hurt her. I’ve got a cushion, lots of people don’t. As for your list - it was already demonstrated that privatizing SSA doesn’t save a penny - in fact it costs in the short term as the money that would have been used for benefits now has to be borrowed. Cut the IRS too much (and a lot would come from enforcement) and you lose money from more people cheating on their taxes. Exactly how many divisions would you cut from the military, and which weapons systems. I don’t disagree that there is waste there, but cutting budgets doesn’t automatically eliminates waste. Arnie’s stab at cutting the California budget was an across the board cut just like you suggest - and it got nowhere. How many politicians are going to be willing to lose their seat to agree to a cut of that road project that will eliminate a bottleneck which pisses off their constituents? If Republicans were honest about this, they would cut spending first and cut taxes only after the spending cuts were done. (The surplus in the interim could be used to reduce the debt which is a savings not hurting anyone but the Chinese.) That would be honest. Cutting taxes first is getting credit without having to face the consequences. Don’t think that there will be one penny of tax cut in my scenario? Me neither. ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2008, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-know-when-a-republican-is-lying-ro/463797/120 "2008-09-17T18:51:11Z")
> [@ManiacMan](#): > > At least I am willing to stay away from personal insults. You’re insulting my intelligence, that’s for sure. Want to read the cited thread and get back to us on whether Gore actually said that? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-know-when-a-republican-is-lying-ro/463797.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-know-when-a-republican-is-lying-ro/463797.md?page=7)