Posts Tagged ‘Federal Budget’
Monday, May 29th, 2023
This confession will make me look mad,
But I simply can’t help being sad
That a debt deal is close,
Cuz it’s time for a dose
Of the 14th Amendment. (My bad?)
Tags: 14th Amendment, 50-50 Senate, Biden Limerick, Chuck Schumer, Constitution Verse, Debt Ceiling, Federal Budget, Federal Debt, Federal Default, Finance Limerick, Kevin McCarthy, Legislation Limerick, Mitch McConnell, Republicans Humor, Trump, U.S. Constitution
Posted in Charles Schumer, Constitution Humor, Constitutional Crisis, Economy Humor, Fiscal Policy, GOP Humor, Joe Biden, Kevin McCarthy, Mitch McConnell, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Republicans Humor, Tax & Budget Humor | Comments Off on Deal? Or NO Deal? (Limerick)
Tuesday, March 28th, 2017
Trump claims that he never drinks alcohol. But proposing to spend one billion dollars on 62 miles of wall is surely proof he’s plastered:
This ludicrous price won’t draw smiles:
One billion for sixty-two miles
Of Trump’s Mexican wall?
Yes that’s dollars! Stand tall:
Not one dime for his worthless shit piles.
Tags: Border Wall, Budget Limerick, Donald Trump, Federal Budget, Mexican Wall, Mexico Humor, WALL
Posted in Donald Trump, Fiscal Policy, GOP Humor, Mexico Humor, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor, White House | Comments Off on Is Trump Plastered?
Saturday, October 31st, 2015
Most press coverage about the “cleaning the barn” two-year “budget deal,” negotiated by Boehner as he was handing off his Speaker gig to Paul Ryan, is unduly optimistic. It tends to lull us into thinking that the opportunity for House wingnuts to wreak havoc has been largely eliminated for a substantial period of time.
But that really isn’t true. Why not? Because, generally speaking, there are three broad opportunities for Tea Party types to threaten or cause shutdowns.
1: Budget bills.
2: Debt ceiling crises.
3: Appropriation bills.
And, alas, only the first two items on that list were resolved, leaving ample opportunities for essential appropriation bills to be saddled with unacceptable riders. For instance, riders eliminating Obamacare or defunding Planned Parenthood, to name just two. In other words:
Right-wing Republicans can still pursue their goals through riders on appropriations bills—and, if they don’t get their way, shut down the government.
With Ryan as Speaker, don’t think
That we aren’t stuck right on the brink
Of Tea Party trouble.
It still can cause rubble
Through spending bills yet to gain ink.
The fact that the budget’s resolved
And the ceiling on debt ain’t involved,
Should not make you relieved.
If you are, you’re deceived,
Cuz the poison pill risk isn’t solved.
The House must appropriate cash,
Via bills which the wingnuts can trash
Through riders from guys
With Tea Party ties,
Turning programs we need into ash.
If that happens, then what can be done?
Only vetoes, and those aren’t fun.
But the blackmailing Hill
Can’t prevail on such bill!
Are there any good choices? Nay! None.
Tags: Appropriations Bill, Budget Limerick, Federal Budget, Government Shutdown, House Satire, John Boehner, Paul Ryan, Tea Party Members, Wingnuts
Posted in Congress Humor, Fiscal Policy, GOP Humor, Government Services, House Satire, John Boehner, Legislation Humor, Paul Ryan, Political Limericks, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor | Comments Off on Undoing Undue Optimism (4-Verse Limerick)
Wednesday, October 1st, 2014
Have you ever wondered how police departments ended up looking like military units? An excellent Mother Jones article explains the method behind the madness, which I’ve tried to summarize in this limerick:
Surplus Madness (Limerick)
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Here’s why cops appear ready for war,
Stocked with Pentagon loaners galore:
Lend your surplus to cops,
And your storage cost drops.
Then make give-backs an arduous chore.
Tags: Combat Gear, Federal Budget, Military, Military Gear, Military Surplus, Pentagon Humor, Police Humor
Posted in Crime, Military Humor, Political Limericks | Comments Off on Surplus Madness (Limerick)
Saturday, October 19th, 2013
How does John Boehner explain away and excuse his role in the government shutdown?
“I got overrun, that’s what happened.”
The “Overrun” Speaker (Limerick)
By Madeleine Begun Kane
What is Boehner’s excuse? He’s got none,
Meekly claiming he “got overrun.”
He could scarcely be weaker;
His job as the Speaker
Is leading — he’s left it undone.
Tags: Debt Ceiling, Economy Satire, Extortion, Federal Budget, Federal Debt, Federal Default, Government Default, Government Shutdown, House Republicans, John Boehner, Legislation Satire, Republicans Humor, Washington DC
Posted in Economy Humor, Fiscal Policy, GOP Humor, John Boehner, Leadership Humor, Legislation Humor, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor, Tax & Budget Humor, Tea Parties, Washington, Wingnuts | 1 Comment »
Thursday, October 17th, 2013
The federal government’s reopened and the debt ceiling crisis was averted at the last minute. So the question now is, will this happen again? Alas, many experts believe we’re doomed to have yet another shutdown.
Doomed Limerick
By Madeleine Begun Kane
This crisis is over for now,
But for those who are wiping their brow,
Please keep this in mind:
The very same bind
May in merely three months take a bow.
Tags: Debt Ceiling, Economy Satire, Extortion, Federal Budget, Federal Debt, Federal Default, Furloughed Employees, Government Default, Government Shutdown, House Republicans, Legislation Satire, Republicans Humor, U.S. Senate, Washington DC
Posted in Barack Obama, Economy Humor, Fiscal Policy, GOP Humor, Government Services, House Satire, Leadership Humor, Legislation Humor, Money & Finance Humor, Partisanship Satire, Political Commentary, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor, RNC Humor, Senate Satire, Tax & Budget Humor, Tea Parties, Washington, Wingnuts | Comments Off on Doomed Limerick
Tuesday, October 8th, 2013
In President Obama’s October 8 news conference about the current budget and debt ceiling stalemate with Republicans, Obama said: “We can’t make extortion routine as part of our democracy.”
Clean Messaging (Limerick)
By Madeleine Begun Kane
We can’t make extortion routine,
Said Obama, and that’s why a clean
Bill for spending and debt
Is a requisite get,
Else democracy’s sure to careen.
Tags: Debt Ceiling, Economy Satire, Extortion, Federal Budget, Federal Debt, Federal Default, Government Default, Government Shutdown, House Republicans, House Speaker, John Boehner, Legislation Satire, Obamacare Repeal, President Obama, Republicans Humor
Posted in 44 Humor, Barack Obama, Democracy Humor, Economy Humor, Fiscal Policy, GOP Humor, Government Services, Harry Reid, Health Satire, John Boehner, Legislation Humor, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor, Washington, White House, Wingnuts | 4 Comments »
Monday, September 30th, 2013
Limerick Ode To The Government Shutdown
By Madeleine Begun Kane
A government shutdown’s arrived–
An avoidable crisis contrived
By the wingnutty House,
Who blackmail and grouse
Over battles they’ve lost and revived.
Tags: Debt Ceiling, Economy Satire, Federal Budget, Federal Debt, Federal Default, Government Default, Government Shutdown, House Republicans, House Speaker, John Boehner, Legislation Satire, Obamacare Repeal, Republicans Humor
Posted in Economy Humor, Fiscal Policy, GOP Humor, Government Services, Health Satire, House Satire, John Boehner, Legislation Humor, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor, Washington, Wingnuts | 2 Comments »
Monday, September 30th, 2013
Open Limerick To “Speaker” Boehner
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Dear Boehner, while reading the news,
I’m bewildered — it tends to confuse:
Either somebody stole
Your Speakership role,
Or you gave it to Senator Cruz.
Tags: Debt Ceiling, Economy Satire, Federal Budget, Federal Debt, Federal Default, Government Default, Government Shutdown, House Republicans, House Speaker, John Boehner, Legislation Satire, Obama Verse, Obamacare Repeal, Patriotism Humor, Republicans Humor, Ted Cruz
Posted in Economy Humor, Fiscal Policy, GOP Humor, Health Satire, House Satire, John Boehner, Legislation Humor, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor, Washington, Wingnuts | 3 Comments »
Saturday, September 28th, 2013
Bad news from the Republican-controlled House:
House Republicans will vote to pass a one-year delay of Obamacare in exchange for funding the government, a plan that drastically increases the chances of a government shutdown this Tuesday.
Discredit Where Discredit Is Due (Limerick)
By Madeleine Begun Kane
A government shutdown’s been forced
By Republicans, sadly divorced
From our nationwide needs.
It’s clear from their deeds:
They have fiscal disaster endorsed.
Tags: Blame Game, Debt Ceiling, Economy Satire, Federal Budget, Federal Debt, Federal Default, Government Default, Government Shutdown, Legislation Satire, Obama Verse, Obamacare Repeal, Patriotism Humor, Republicans Humor
Posted in Barack Obama, Economy Humor, Fiscal Policy, GOP Humor, Health Satire, House Satire, Legislation Humor, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor, Washington, Wingnuts | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, September 25th, 2013
“Party First” Politics (3-Verse Limerick)
By Madeleine Begun Kane
When the government runs out of cash
And shuts down, then just who will you bash?
If you’re paying attention,
The party you’ll mention
Is Republican — that’s who you’ll trash.
But misinformation’s widespread
Cuz the public is constantly fed
Big Republican lies
Which attempt to disguise
Who would chop off the government’s head.
Yet the GOP’s mission is clear:
It’s a goal they’ve chased year after year
To stymie Obama,
No matter the trauma
To all that our nation holds dear.
Tags: Blame Game, Debt Ceiling, Economy Satire, Federal Budget, Federal Debt, Federal Default, Government Default, Legislation Satire, Obama Verse, Obamacare Repeal, Patriotism Humor, Republicans Humor
Posted in Barack Obama, Blame Game, Economy Humor, Fiscal Policy, GOP Humor, House Satire, Legislation Humor, Partisanship Satire, Patriotism Poems, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor, Senate Satire, Washington, White House, Wingnuts | 5 Comments »
Tuesday, September 24th, 2013
Limerick Ode To Republican Hostage-Takers
By Madeleine Begun Kane
“Fail to meet our demands? Then we’ll shoot.
Any deaths will be YOUR fault, to boot.”
That’s the GOP path
On their road laced with wrath.
Bottom line? Seems they don’t give a hoot.
Tags: Debt Ceiling, Federal Budget, Federal Debt, Federal Default, John Boehner, Legislation Satire, Obamacare Repeal, Patriotism Humor, Republicans Humor, Ted Cruz
Posted in Economy Humor, Fiscal Policy, GOP Humor, Health Satire, House Satire, John Boehner, Legislation Humor, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor, Washington, Wingnuts | Comments Off on Limerick Ode To Republican Hostage-Takers
Monday, June 4th, 2012
Limerick Ode To Republican Schadenfreude
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Watch Republicans feign being sad
When employment news comes, and it’s bad.
How they try not to grin—
They’re more likely to win!
If you vote GOP, you’ve been had.
Tags: Barack Obama, Campaign Humor, Election Satire, Federal Budget, Fiscal Crisis, GOP Humor, Mitt Romney, Presidential Election, Republican Hypocrisy, Republicans Humor, Schadenfreude
Posted in Barack Obama, Campaign Humor, Economy Humor, Election Satire, GOP Humor, Hypocrisy Humor, Mitt Romney Humor, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor, White House | 4 Comments »
Wednesday, March 28th, 2012
Mitt Romney has big plans to “eliminate government programs and shutter cabinet agencies.” Which ones are on his dump-list? He refuses to say, responding, with a warped sort of honesty, that providing specifics could cost him the election.
Or as Jonathan Chait amusingly puts it: “One of the things I have found in previous elections is that announcing my plans makes people want to vote against me!”
Mitt’s “Telling” Message (Limerick)
By Madeleine Begun Kane
There are agencies Mitt doesn’t like
And programs he’s planning to spike.
But he won’t tell us which
He’s intending to ditch.
You want pre-voting facts? Take a hike.
Tags: Budget Cuts, Cabinet, Campaign Humor, Election Satire, Federal Agencies, Federal Budget, Federal Programs, Jonathan Chait, Mitt Romney, Voting Limerick
Posted in Campaign Humor, Election Satire, Fiscal Policy, GOP Humor, Mitt Romney Humor, Money & Finance Humor, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor, Tax & Budget Humor | 3 Comments »
Friday, February 3rd, 2012
There’s been lots of talk about this Mitt Romney gaffe: “I’m not concerned about the very poor. We have a safety net there. If it needs repair, I’ll fix it.”
But as Ezra Klein points out, the problem with Mitt Romney isn’t his gaffes, it’s his policies, which would dig a deep hole in that safety net.
Keep The Safety Net Safe From Mitt Romney (Limerick)
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Find some holes in the safety net? “Fix it!”
That’s how hypocrite Romney depicts it.
But we’re onto Mitt’s game
And his policy aim:
What his policies do is deep-six it.
Tags: Campaign Humor, Election Satire, Federal Budget, Mitt Romney, Poverty, Safety Net, Tax Cuts
Posted in Campaign Humor, Election Satire, Fiscal Policy, GOP Humor, Mitt Romney Humor, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor, Tax & Budget Humor | 2 Comments »
Friday, January 13th, 2012
Crooks and Liars calls our attention to the huge cost of the GOP’s war on the IRS.
Now, the annual report to Congress from the National Taxpayer Advocate shows, “IRS is not adequately funded to serve taxpayers or collect revenue.”
C & L quotes the AP:
The Internal Revenue Service can’t keep up with surging tax cheating and isn’t sufficiently collecting revenue or helping confused taxpayers because Congress isn’t giving it enough money to do its job, a government watchdog said Wednesday…
Congress cut the IRS budget to $11.8 billion this year. That is $300 million less than last year and $1.5 billion below the request by President Barack Obama, who argued that boosting the agency’s spending would fatten tax collections and provide better service to taxpayers.
Limerick Ode To The GOP’s War On The IRS
By Madeleine Begun Kane
The GOP’s often applauded
For IRS cuts, even lauded.
But those savings ain’t real:
The records reveal
A big loss, when you slash those who audit.
Tags: Auditors Humor, Budget Cuts, Crooks & Liars, Deficit Hawks, Federal Budget, Fiscal Humor, GOP Idiocy, IRS Humor, National Taxpayer Advocate, Republicans Humor, Tax Limerick
Posted in Fiscal Policy, GOP Humor, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor, Tax & Budget Humor | 3 Comments »
Monday, November 21st, 2011
The blame game is going strong with the customary false equivalencies.
Limerick Ode To The Not-So-Super Committee
By Madeleine Begun Kane
The Super Committee’s derailed,
And now we are being regaled
With tales blaming Dems
Sold as “media gems.”
It’s “balanced” reporting that’s failed.
Tags: Blame Game, Budget Cuts, Economy Satire, Federal Budget, Financial Verse, Fiscal Humor, Journalism, Legislation Humor, Media Humor, Republicans Humor, Tax Limerick
Posted in Blame Game, Economy Humor, GOP Humor, Legislation Humor, Media Satire, Money & Finance Humor, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor, Tax & Budget Humor | 2 Comments »
Monday, August 1st, 2011
Paul Krugman has it exactly right: The President Surrenders. The debt ceiling deal Obama negotiated with the Republican hostage takers is well beyond terrible. And the ransom Obama paid to the GOP is a presidential error beyond comprehension — one that will make today’s bad economy look like fun and games.
What will it do to the poor, the sick, the elderly, the middle class, and the unemployed? I’m way too depressed to discuss it.
Congratulations, Republicans! You’ve got yourself a right-wing Republican President.
Limerick Ode To A Failed Presidency
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Dear Obama, I’ve had it — you’ve failed.
It was time to be strong, but you bailed.
The Dems needed “bold.”
But instead you got rolled.
You’ve undermined all that we hailed.
Tags: Barack Obama, Debt Ceiling, Federal Budget, Federal Debt, Federal Default, John Boehner, Legislation Satire, Obama Surrender, Paul Krugman, Republican Ransom
Posted in Barack Obama, Democrats Humor, Democrats Satire, Fiscal Policy, Money & Finance Humor, Political Commentary, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Tax & Budget Humor, Washington, White House, Wingnuts | 5 Comments »
Saturday, July 30th, 2011
Yet Another Debt Ceiling Limerick
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Republicans love to proclaim
That uncertainty’s bad — that’s their game.
But one thing’s for sure:
Their proposed crisis cure
Leads to chronic uncertainty. Shame!
Tags: Debt Ceiling, Federal Budget, Federal Debt, Federal Default, John Boehner, Legislation Satire, Patriotism Humor, Republicans Humor
Posted in Barack Obama, Economy Humor, Fiscal Policy, GOP Humor, House Satire, John Boehner, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor | 3 Comments »
Thursday, July 28th, 2011
Not only does Mitt Romney have a bad habit of flip-flopping on issues, but he appears afraid to pick a position on the key issue of the day — the debt ceiling. Does he embrace John Boehner’s debt ceiling plan? Nobody knows (except maybe Mitt’s hairdresser) because Romney refuses to commit:
Limerick Ode To Timid Mitt Romney
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Dear Romney, it’s time to take heed:
The job of a leader’s to lead.
So for once be a man:
Do you back Boehner’s plan?
Not choosing’s a cowardly deed.
Tags: Debt Ceiling, Federal Budget, Federal Debt, Federal Default, John Boehner, Leadership Humor, Legislation Satire, Mitt Romney, Patriotism Humor, Personal Finance Humor, Presidential Campaign Humor, Republicans Humor
Posted in Campaign Humor, Economy Humor, Election Satire, Fiscal Policy, GOP Humor, John Boehner, Mitt Romney Humor, Money & Finance Humor, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor | 4 Comments »
Doomed Limerick
Thursday, October 17th, 2013The federal government’s reopened and the debt ceiling crisis was averted at the last minute. So the question now is, will this happen again? Alas, many experts believe we’re doomed to have yet another shutdown.
Doomed Limerick
By Madeleine Begun Kane
This crisis is over for now,
But for those who are wiping their brow,
Please keep this in mind:
The very same bind
May in merely three months take a bow.
Tags: Debt Ceiling, Economy Satire, Extortion, Federal Budget, Federal Debt, Federal Default, Furloughed Employees, Government Default, Government Shutdown, House Republicans, Legislation Satire, Republicans Humor, U.S. Senate, Washington DC
Posted in Barack Obama, Economy Humor, Fiscal Policy, GOP Humor, Government Services, House Satire, Leadership Humor, Legislation Humor, Money & Finance Humor, Partisanship Satire, Political Commentary, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor, RNC Humor, Senate Satire, Tax & Budget Humor, Tea Parties, Washington, Wingnuts | Comments Off on Doomed Limerick