# Pelosi's first 100 hours
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pelosis-first-100-hours/375517
**Category:** Great Debates
**Created:** [October 6, 2006, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pelosis-first-100-hours/375517 "2006-10-06T17:33:15Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 3
### Author:  [@Martin\_Hyde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martin_Hyde)
#### Post date: [October 7, 2006, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pelosis-first-100-hours/375517/41 "2006-10-07T01:02:19Z")
> [@Marley23](#):
>
> A number of states already have minimum wages in the range of $7.25, some are even higher. And I’m sure that, adjusted for inflation, there were times when the minimum wage was higher than $7.25. Right now its worth the lowest it has been in a very long time.
>
> I think there is actually significant support for raising the minimum wage, and since Bush doesn’t actually enjoy being unpopular, maybe that would bring him around.
Not all states are created equal.
In some states $7.25 makes sense, in others, much less so.
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### Author:  [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)
#### Post date: [October 7, 2006, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pelosis-first-100-hours/375517/42 "2006-10-07T01:16:43Z")
> [@Martin Hyde](#):
>
> Not all states are created equal.
>
> In some states $7.25 makes sense, in others, much less so.
But again, it’s been affordable at other times, and been higher than it is now in terms of purchasing power, without wrecking the economy. Why would it ruin anyone now?
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### Author:  [@newcrasher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/newcrasher)
#### Post date: [October 7, 2006, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pelosis-first-100-hours/375517/43 "2006-10-07T02:29:58Z")
> [@Left Hand of Dorkness](#):
>
> [Pelosi makes specific proposals for a Democratic House:](http://www.abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=2534650)Day One: Put new rules in place to “break the link between lobbyists and legislation.”
>
> Day Two: Enact all the recommendations made by the commission that investigated the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
>
> Time remaining until 100 hours: Raise the minimum wage to $7.25 an hour, maybe in one step. Cut the interest rate on student loans in half. Allow the government to negotiate directly with the pharmaceutical companies for lower drug prices for Medicare patients.
>
> Broaden the types of stem cell research allowed with federal funds “I hope with a veto-proof majority,” she added in an Associated Press interview Thursday.
>
> All the days after that: “Pay as you go,” meaning no increasing the deficit, whether the issue is middle class tax relief, health care or some other priority.
>
> To do that, she said, Bush-era tax cuts would have to be rolled back for those above “a certain level.” She mentioned annual incomes of $250,000 or $300,000 a year and higher, and said tax rates for those individuals might revert to those of the Clinton era. Details will have to be worked out, she emphasized.
I’ve repeatedly criticized the Democrats for not having specific, visionary suggestions for what they offer the country. This is exactly the sort of thing they should be doing.
No, it’s not an entirely moderate list (although some of the proposals seem like no-brainers–who’s gonna object to implementing the 9/11 commission proposals?), but it’s something that can get people excited. It emphasizes the bread-and-butter issues that Democrats traditionally stand for. And it’s something that can be debated.
Sure, Republicans will mock it as wild-eyed liberalism, but who gives a shit? Democrats ought to sign onto this list and show how they’re going to make the country better. Put the Republicans in the position of explaining why voters shouldn’t want the government to negotiate prescription drug prices directly with companies.
Daniel
[/QUOTE]
Recovering conservative here. The mention of Pelosi used to make my skin crawl. And on a visceral level, it still does.
But I cannot find a plank in this platform that I could not support.
Now they need to articulate it without sounding like whackos.
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### Author:  [@Patty\_O\_Furniture](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Patty_O_Furniture)
#### Post date: [October 7, 2006, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pelosis-first-100-hours/375517/44 "2006-10-07T14:55:12Z")
> [@Left Hand of Dorkness](#):
>
> That’s right. I encourage you Republicans to trumpet loudly about your opposition to the minimum wage, and to equate the minimum wage with Socialism whenever possible. It’s a surefire issue!
>
> Daniel
Your wish is [Faux News’ command](http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,218418,00.html):
> [@](#):
>
> Job three: raise the minimum wage to $7.25 an hour, immediately followed by a press release blaming greedy bosses for laying off workers they can’t afford to pay.
Another choice turdbit:
> [@](#):
>
> Other worthy projects: stem cell research with federal funds. Make a bunch of human embryos, then kill 'em off for science on your tax dollar.
---
### Author:  [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)
#### Post date: [October 8, 2006, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pelosis-first-100-hours/375517/45 "2006-10-08T00:20:52Z")
> [@Patty O'Furniture](#):
>
> Your wish is [Faux News’ command](http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,218418,00.html):
Eh-excellent!
Seriously, this is an issue that plays well in harcore libertarian circles, but I cannot imagine it’s going to play well with most folks.
Daniel
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### Author:  [@Age\_Quod\_Agis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Age_Quod_Agis)
#### Post date: [October 8, 2006, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pelosis-first-100-hours/375517/46 "2006-10-08T01:12:56Z")
> [@Patty O'Furniture](#):
>
> Your wish is [Faux News’ command](http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,218418,00.html):
That’s not Fox News’s statement. That’s an editorial by John Gibson.
George Will’s OpEds do not reflect the opinion of the Washington Post. Paul Krugman’s articles don’t reflect the opinion of the New York Times. And John Gibson’s articles don’t reflect the opinion of Fox News.
This is GD. Some attempt at accuracy would be appreciated.
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### Author:  [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)
#### Post date: [October 8, 2006, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pelosis-first-100-hours/375517/47 "2006-10-08T01:19:14Z")
> [@Age Quod Agis](#):
>
> That’s not Fox News’s statement.
Do you really think they have the same distinction between news and opinion that the other media you mention do?
> [@](#):
>
> Some attempt at accuracy would be appreciated.
Considering that you’re defending Fox, that statement should have been followed by a rimshot.
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### Author:  [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)
#### Post date: [October 8, 2006, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pelosis-first-100-hours/375517/48 "2006-10-08T01:20:24Z")
> [@Age Quod Agis](#):
>
> That’s not Fox News’s statement. That’s an editorial by John Gibson.
>
> George Will’s OpEds do not reflect the opinion of the Washington Post. Paul Krugman’s articles don’t reflect the opinion of the New York Times. And John Gibson’s articles don’t reflect the opinion of Fox News.
>
> This is GD. Some attempt at accuracy would be appreciated.
An editorial appearing on their website may accurately be listed as their behavior. I think we are all well aware of the difference between the news page and the editorial page; your snippiness is unnecessary.
If, however, anyone genuinely believed the link was to a straight news story, please raise your hand.
Daniel
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### Author:  [@Age\_Quod\_Agis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Age_Quod_Agis)
#### Post date: [October 8, 2006, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pelosis-first-100-hours/375517/49 "2006-10-08T01:32:27Z")
> [@ElvisL1ves](#):
>
> Do you really think they have the same distinction between news and opinion that the other media you mention do?
Yes. If you don’t, please provide a cite to support your assertion.
> [@](#):
>
> Considering that you’re defending Fox, that statement should have been followed by a rimshot.
Considering that your post is another unsupported attack on Fox News’s objectivity, it should have been followed by a yawn. In fact, it was.
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### Author:  [@Age\_Quod\_Agis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Age_Quod_Agis)
#### Post date: [October 8, 2006, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pelosis-first-100-hours/375517/50 "2006-10-08T01:33:34Z")
> [@Left Hand of Dorkness](#):
>
> If, however, anyone genuinely believed the link was to a straight news story, please raise your hand.
Sorry, I didn’t realize that the standard around here was “accuracy, unless no one believes it.” I’ll try to conform future posts to this standard.
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### Author:  [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)
#### Post date: [October 8, 2006, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pelosis-first-100-hours/375517/51 "2006-10-08T01:43:14Z")
> [@Age Quod Agis](#):
>
> Sorry, I didn’t realize that the standard around here was “accuracy, unless no one believes it.” I’ll try to conform future posts to this standard.
Whatever, man. Strain those gnats!
Daniel
---
### Author:  [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)
#### Post date: [October 8, 2006, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pelosis-first-100-hours/375517/52 "2006-10-08T01:51:46Z")
> [@Age Quod Agis](#):
>
> Yes. If you don’t, please provide a cite to support your assertion.
You’re serious, aren’t you? Okay, here’s a [starter cite](http://www.fair.org/index.php?page=1187). Enjoy.
---
### Author:  [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)
#### Post date: [October 8, 2006, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pelosis-first-100-hours/375517/53 "2006-10-08T01:56:28Z")
> [@Age Quod Agis](#):
>
> Sorry, I didn’t realize that the standard around here was “accuracy, unless no one believes it.” I’ll try to conform future posts to this standard.
If I may clarify: a statement that has some tiny inaccuracy in it, but everyone understands what the author meant, and the author wasn’t trying to deceive anyone, is unproblematic. Trying to correct such an inaccuracy is called pedantry.
If the inaccuracy intends to mislead, or if anyone is actually misled by the inaccuracy, there’s a problem. But in this case, there’s not: ergo, pedantry.
That’s all I’ll say about this hijack.
Daniel
---
### Author:  [@newcrasher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/newcrasher)
#### Post date: [October 8, 2006, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pelosis-first-100-hours/375517/54 "2006-10-08T01:58:10Z")
Can we all agree that the gratuitous, large closeup of John Gibson was unecessary? I can frickin’ dental work! :eek:
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### Author:  [@Age\_Quod\_Agis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Age_Quod_Agis)
#### Post date: [October 8, 2006, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pelosis-first-100-hours/375517/55 "2006-10-08T03:36:42Z")
Fair enough, **Daniel**. And I agree wholeheartedly with **newscrasher**. The phrase “face made for radio” seems applicable.
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### Author:  [@Menocchio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Menocchio)
#### Post date: [October 8, 2006, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pelosis-first-100-hours/375517/56 "2006-10-08T04:21:59Z")
Well, I have to admit, it sure well play better in Peoria than my proposed agenda:
Hours 1-99: Satanic homobortion pot orgy
Hour 100: Surrender to Al Qaeda
---
### Author:  [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)
#### Post date: [October 8, 2006, 12:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pelosis-first-100-hours/375517/57 "2006-10-08T12:06:09Z")
> [@newcrasher](#):
>
> I’ve repeatedly criticized the Democrats for not having specific, visionary suggestions for what they offer the country. This is exactly the sort of thing they should be doing.
Hear, hear.
One wonders, however, what happens to "pay as you go"when the tax increases don’t go thru. And I am not sure - I think Pelosi is saying she is going to push thru the student loan interest cut and all the 9/11 recommendations regardless of their effect on the deficit.
The stuff about lobbyists is meaningless, and the minimum wage hike is too - not enough Americans earn minimum wage to have much effect on the economy.
Seems pretty clear she is going to try to play hardball politics, not unify the country -
> [@](#):
>
> Not long before sitting down for a lunchtime interview, she turned down a suggestion from Speaker Dennis Hastert that they jointly appoint former FBI Director Louie Freeh to recommend improvements in the page program.
>
> “That was about protecting their majority” rather than the pages, she said dismissively.
>
> Instead, she wants to put Hastert and other Republicans under oath and make them say what they knew of Foley’s actions, when they learned it and what they did to stop him.
>
> The potential for political gain is clear to her.
But that’s hardly surprising.
The key question is, is she really going to not increase the deficit?
And is she going to try to cut and run on Iraq? The quote above sounds like she has the same attitude that Democrats had towards Viet Nam - get out as soon as possible, ignore any commitments the US made, and then blame it on Republicans.
Regards,
Shodan
---
### Author:  [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)
#### Post date: [October 9, 2006, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pelosis-first-100-hours/375517/58 "2006-10-09T13:19:15Z")
Goodness gracious, where to start?
> [@Shodan](#):
>
> One wonders, however, what happens to "pay as you go"when the tax increases don’t go thru. And I am not sure - I think Pelosi is saying she is going to push thru the student loan interest cut and all the 9/11 recommendations regardless of their effect on the deficit.
A Republican worried about the effect on the deficit. How retro. We don’t need tax increases, we need to not make those “temporary” tax cuts permanent. For a party that makes its living using 9/11 to scare the bejeezus out of people, why haven’t the 9/11 recommendations already been implemented? Common sense things like better cargo inspection are certainly more cost effective than waging war on non-threatening nations.
> [@](#):
>
> The stuff about lobbyists is meaningless, and the minimum wage hike is too - not enough Americans earn minimum wage to have much effect on the economy.
I actually like what I hear. The minimum wage doesn’t have much effect on the economy. It DOES have a lot of effect on those making minimum wage, let’s just raise it because it’s the right thing to do.
> [@](#):
>
> The key question is, is she really going to not increase the deficit?
The key answer is, how could she do any worse?
> [@](#):
>
> And is she going to try to cut and run on Iraq? The quote above sounds like she has the same attitude that Democrats had towards Viet Nam - get out as soon as possible, ignore any commitments the US made, and then blame it on Republicans.
Redeployment isn’t cutting and running. Again, how could the Democrats do any worse? And do you really think the world would be a better place if the US had stayed in Vietnam?
---
### Author:  [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)
#### Post date: [October 9, 2006, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pelosis-first-100-hours/375517/59 "2006-10-09T14:31:51Z")
> [@Shodan](#):
>
> And is she going to try to cut and run on Iraq? The quote above sounds like she has the same attitude that Democrats had towards Viet Nam - get out as soon as possible, ignore any commitments the US made, and then blame it on Republicans.
So? Things would have gone better for both countries if the U.S. had done exactly that in '68. But what does “the quote above” have to do with Iraq? In the article linked in the OP, Pelosi disappointingly and even disturbingly fails even to **mention** Iraq.
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### Author:  [@2sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2sense)
#### Post date: [October 9, 2006, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pelosis-first-100-hours/375517/60 "2006-10-09T16:23:35Z")
> [@Shodan](#):
>
> And is she going to try to cut and run on Iraq? The quote above sounds like she has the same attitude that Democrats had towards Viet Nam - get out as soon as possible, ignore any commitments the US made, and then blame it on Republicans.
## Republicans should be blamed for this Republican folly. The sooner America withdraws the better but we shouldn’t ignore our responsibility in wrecking their country. Get the military out of Iraq and substitute a massive humanitarian effort. Afganistan could use a lot of nonmilitary aid as well.
Just my 2sense
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