Are these the "patriotic Americans" the President is fighting for?

[sad sally]

"I think the free-market system is the greatest wealth-generator we've ever known. This isn't about punishing wealth," Obama says. No, it's about asking the rich to "share in the sacrifice," he says. He then calls them "patriotic Americans."

from today's town hall

[patrice]

1. I don't believe in patriotism anymore. We ARE War Slaves. nt

[gateley]

2. I've heard that a several of those rich people are more than

willing to kick in. We had a couple of local people here actually get it on the ballot that THEY were willing to pay more $$$. They were Bill Gates, Sr. a Piggott, others. The ones balking were those who had corporations -- Balmer, Bezos -- maybe Schultz, etc. And I think nationally it's the corporations who are putting up the biggest opposition. It's all about the bottom line, you know, even though this was their PERSONAL income tax that was the issue.

It was defeated because, like nationally, the Republicans had ads out (thank you Koch Brothers) making it seem as though the tax hikes would be imposed on the great, unwashed masses. Unbelievable. Very successful people are saying -- I WANT to pay more, it's only fair, I want to do my share, yet they were shot down.

For the umpteenth time, we suck at getting our message across.

[Bluerthanblue]

3. well, to be honest and fair, John Kerry is pretty wealthy, he's also

pretty patriotic imo. As was Ted Kennedy and Paul Newman.

There are many wealthy Democrats, and to say that they aren't patriotic, or that they are somehow 'evil' is bigotry.

The 'rich' should share in the sacrifice- Pres. Obama has named himself among those who should be paying more, can he not say anything without it being twisted into a negative???

[WinkyDink]

5. "Rich" is logically impossible to be equated with "sacrifice," as they will not become Francis of

Assisi.

[rhett o rick]

6. Ok but why did he single "them", the rich, out to be patriotic? nm

[Bluerthanblue]

7. Cleita's reply below suggests one possibility-

that financially supporting your country IS a patriotic thing to do. It's a noble, GOOD thing to do.

:shrug:

I'm personally not overly fond of the word "Patriotism". It has negative connotations for me. But I understand that others see and use it differently than I do.

edit caus I spelt Cleita's name rong- :silly:

[rhett o rick]

8. But why is he calling them patriot when they ARENT paying their fair share. nm

[Bluerthanblue]

10. here is the actual full quote-

"
Look, I want everybody in America to do well. I want everybody to have a chance to become a millionaire. I think the free market system is the greatest wealth generator we've ever known. This isn’t about punishing wealth. This is about asking people who have benefited most over the last decade to share in the sacrifice. (Applause.) I think these patriotic Americans are willing to pitch in -- if they're asked -- because they know that middle-class families shouldn’t have to pick up the whole tab for closing the deficit."

Read more: http://www.wbaltv.com/politics/28635774/detail.html#ixzz1SrZI85OD

It sounds a lot different when you read/hear it in context, and as part of a larger statement.

Are the wealthy who benefit from the extended tax-cuts "unpatriotic" simply because they are wealthy? that's a pretty unfair imo.

( for the record I'm not wealthy ,never have been or will be. Lived and raised my children at or below poverty level with no child support for the last 17 yrs.)

[rhett o rick]

11. I agree that in context it doesnt sound so bad. nm

[Bluerthanblue]

12. hey-

thanks.

You didn't have to acknowledge that. I appreciate your willingness to consider another perspective.

:hi:

[Cleita]

4. The rich could pay in more than their fair share if needed and

it wouldn't affect their life style or quality of life one iota. It's time for them to return some of that money which was gained on the backs of the working class as a patriotic duty.

[rhett o rick]

9. So maybe we can appeal to their patriotism. nm

[Rex]

13. Wealth is more important then the social welfare of The People.

That is the Washington DC mantra and we should all understand that by now.