House, Senate approve budget

You know, it's too bad the Republicans hadn't developed this fetish for "reading the whole bill" when they were cramming the PATRIOT Act down America's throat.

Wow - your statement is complete a misguided...

Who voted for the Patriot Act?

House - including Pelosi and Waxman - oh my!
357 - 66

Senate
98-1 with one no vote...

It’s just about all over. The great budget debate of 2009.

The Democrats used Ali’s “Rope-A-Dope” strategy to utterly humiliate the inept Republicans. Who can forget Ali using the “Rope-A-Dope” against George Foreman at the famous “Rumble in the Jungle." Ali laid back on the ropes and Foreman punched himself out. Ali, rested from lying on the ropes, emerged fresh and victorious in the eighth round.

That reminds me of our latest budget “debate.” The Democrats used the “Rope-A-Dope” strategy to perfection. The Republicans, using whatever media outlet who would even grant them a line or two of print, pounded away at the Democrats with everything they had. The Republicans cried out: “Don’t raise taxes in a recession. Reduce state spending just as the North Carolina working family is having to reduce spending!” All to no avail. The Dems leaned against the ropes, resting and waiting for the knockout punch. The inept Republicans, already wobbly from throwing so many punches that never landed, were a pushover. Don’t get me wrong, it was no sucker punch. The punch was legal. It just doesn’t take much to punch the lights out of the average working family in North Carolina.

But if the average North Carolina family can afford the gas they can take a walk on the new pier. Or visit the aquarium. The North Carolina family has a lot in common with the residents of the aquarium………they’re both underwater.

bev doesn't have enough credibility left to veto anything....

Don't worry about jr the needle, he listens to a talking dog. Move along, nothing to see here.

UnaffiliatedPatriot: Just who are you to apologize for the President? The Patriot Act has done NOTHING to protect the citizens of this country. It was used against us, to deny us libertys guaranteed by the constitution. If YOU want to live in a dictatorship, move to Cuba for Christs' sake.

Needle....Have we been again attacked since 9/11? Are you still alive? Is your family safer when they travel or do they fear a bomb going off while at the mall? Have they discovered any bodies due to Anthrax at your child's school? Has a plane been hijacked or exploded in mid-air with your family or friends on board? Think the Patriot Act was in any way helpful in making that happen?......I DO!

To all Americans: I sincerely apologize for Obama acting stupidly.

Needle -
Give it a rest. Seriously, it's getting old. Dick Chaney, Rush and George Bush didnt have anything to do with the NC STATE budget either. I'm a state employee. There is waste. We all know it. Even in Education. They have merely tinkered with the budget. Most cuts are superficial. Vacant positions, changes in accounting and reductions in operating expenses. And they put most cuts into 2010-11 hoping things turn around first.

Not a single division or department is reorganizing or restructuring, as happens in the private sector, to meet the loss in revenue. All the doomsday about services and cuts are political spin from both sides. Watch how fast future years budget increases "to return to 2008-09 levels".

Berger has it right. Tax increase, education cuts.

You know, it's too bad the Republicans hadn't developed this fetish for "reading the whole bill" when they were cramming the PATRIOT Act down America's throat.

You know, it's too bad the Republicans hadn't developed this fetish for "reading the whole bill" when they were cramming the PATRIOT Act down America's throat.

Beverly, I assume that you have read the entire budget document for you to say "that it is not perfect" and that you are reluctant to sign it. That's more bull that you are shoving down us unless you are prepared to veto it. Go ahead, I dare you.... Otherwise, quit your act.