Day: May 9, 2011
Trump: Trump Is No Racist
Well, you know, when it comes to racism and racists, I am the least racist person there is. And I think most people who know me would tell you that. I am the least racist; I’ve had great relationships. In fact, Randal Pinkett won, as you know, on The Apprentice a little while ago, a couple of years ago. And Randall’s been outstanding in every way. So I am the least racist person.
— Donald Trump, making his case on Fox News, by using every clichéd excuse except, “Some of my best friends are black.” Stayed tuned, though, we’re sure he’s not finished proving he’s not racist by talking all racist-like.
Limbaugh on the GOP Debate
Pawlenty seemed the most presidential, Santorum seemed hyper and wired up, and Herman Cain made me think I was listening to me in every answer. Some of the others did, too, but this is not to be mistaken here for any kind of an endorsement, folks. I’m just telling you — and I’m not suggesting to you that any of these people could win.
— Rush Limbaugh, weighing in on last week’s Republican presidential debate.
California Democrats Float Plan to Target Budget Cuts on Republican Districts
Even news last week that the state collected $2 billion more in revenue than had been projected — a windfall that was at least part due to the tax and fee hikes — did not convince the Republican minority in Sacramento to reconsider its position.
If the raised rates are allowed to stand, they could contribute as much as $12 billion toward closing the deficit. They are set to expire on July 1.
Gov. Jerry Brown and the Democratic majority in the Legislature have cut $11 billion from the budget, much of it from safety net programs that provide health-care and other services to children, the elderly and low-income residents.
If the extensions expire — as the GOP minority in Sacramento insists — billions more in cuts will be required to resolve the shortfall.
A poll released in March found that 58 percent of California voters supported extended the tax hikes. A more recent poll found just 33 percent of California voters support the GOP plan to resolve the deficit with an additional $14 billion in program cuts. (Interestingly, about the same ratio of California voters — about 30 percent — are registered Republicans.)
This prompts a question: If it is only California Republicans who want budget cuts alone to resolve the deficit, why then should the majority of Californians who oppose the cuts be forced to share the sacrifice?
Gas Prices Declining — Finally!
44
Number of consecutive days that the national average for a gallon of gas rose this year. A decline of $.50 per gallon is being forecast by some experts this summer, which would save U.S. drivers $189 million a day.
Are Democrats Finally Getting Mad? Sen. Feinstein Unofficially Kicks off Reelection Bid with Attack on GOP-Tea Party
California Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein unofficially launched her third reelection bid at the state Democratic Party Convention in Sacramento on April 30 with a fiery (for her) speech attacking congressional Republicans. Here’s a transcript of an excerpt from the video, starting at about minute 02:20:
