I get it, and I respect, that you are a lot more conservative than I am, but unlike some of the other conservatives, you at least try to respect facts and balance and usually have at least some basis for your views.
But seriously? Repeating the tired old cliché about how progressive policies means getting “FREE STUFF”?
This just demonstrates utter and complete CLUELESSNESS about what liberalism means, how it works, or its role in the world today.
Progressive policies are NOT about expecting “FREE STUFF” any more than you expect law enforcement, emergency first responders or “free” public schools to be provided by “other people’s money.”
We all contribute and we all benefit.
There are good ways in which public resources are allocated for public benefit but which no one would seriously consider “free stuff.” for the legitimate purpose of protecting PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY, maintaining public order and helping those who actually need it:
• Universal comprehensive no-fee health care
• Universal tuition-free public education through college
• Guaranteed secure retirement program
• Job retraining, job placement assistance
• Proactive social services to PREVENT crime
• Public infrastructure for general use and general benefit
• Law enforcement, firefighting, emergency disaster relief
• Military protection from foreign threats
.
Ways in which public resource allocation is ABUSED as “free” giveaways — the real “free stuff” — are when they go to the few richest elites who already have the most with no benefit to the general public:
• Corporate welfare (socialism for the rich)
• Socialized professional sports (socialized football — all benefit goes to people that are very rich)
• Tax exemptions for churches that non-believers have to make up for (socialized religion)
Really, Steve? We’d expect a quip like that from Der Cheeto even if only in jest. But around here and in large parts of the nation there are far, far too many instances where it’s the CONservatives who use public funding to build boondoggles like malls, business parks and other projects that are tax deferred (but never, ever repaid) or simply tax free. Yet these benefit billionaires before they then simply default. Properties often (and around here that’s very nearly always) fall into decline, quite a number of people lose jobs, and yet another area is blighted. National and international businesses then see the area as “doomed to fail” and at best find it difficult to consider investing in the area at all, let alone again. And good God man, even joking about having to point out the evil and perversion that resides at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. just gives succor to what is wrong with this country at its very core. True, the Democrats need to come up with plans with substance and definition, but jumpin’ Jesus on a pogo stick!, the country doesn’t need any more help looking like a sick confused, screwed up mess. You misjudged this one. I have no love for either party but I’m disappointed you didn’t think this one through. No… I’m completely disgusted at this one.
I seem to remember, in 2016, then candidate Trump saying all manner to hateful things about everyone else and promising, promising, promising. The crib sheet is the old political playbook. Too bad the candidates can’t spend more time telling us about themselves and being open about lives with, oh like maybe a look at their tax returns, perhaps?
That is the message from most of the candidates, and if it becomes the Democratic nominee’s message, all intelligent people know it will result in Trump’s reelection.
As long as the “free stuff” is paid for, out of the Candidate’s personal fortune, I have no problem. Can any Republican supporting the multi-trillion dollar U.S. debt make the same claim?
Could it be that Steve Breen is providing an important message to Democrats to better convey their message? Nothing is FREE, especially health care & education. No expense too high for weapons & wall in the name of so called national security. Attending health & welfare for all citizens should be the first priority.
Free stuff is Republicans giving tax breaks to billionaires and then expecting the rest of the USA to pay for it.
Free stuff is republicans keeping undeclared wars going so they can make a profit off of arms making.
Free stuff is giving rich fossil fuel companies billions every year and then complaining that Joe Blow needs $1,200 in food stamps to make it through the year.
I would note here that, even in the Antebellum South, slave owners provided free healthcare to their slaves – not because of any noble, Christian desire to help those lesser individuals, but rather, because keeping your "workforce healthy made good, “economic sense” – a sick slave does not contribute to your bottom line!
Republicans seem to forget this little detail – without healthy workers, their “bottom line” collapses!
I understand the cynicism inherent in my previous statement, but you have to understand that THEY have no conception of the adage, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Such a “socialist” philosophy is totally beyond the understanding of the average Trumpian!
Trump is bad, but no Democrat is saying “free stuff”. What they are promoting are taxes going for the benefit of the people, such as healthcare, as opposed to perpetual golf outings at Mar-a-Lago, tax cuts for the Rich, and so on.
I get so tired of the cliché that people are voting for “free stuff”. I damn well know I will pay more in taxes for universal Medicare coverage. However, I also know that I will then not have to pay for private medical insurance. I continue to see conservative memes on social media showing how much more people pay in taxes in countries that provide universal health care. The charts and so forth they upload invariably leave off how much American individuals and employers then pay for private health insurance and other services that the government does NOT supply.
Just like that one that wants to forgive all the student debts by making the taxpayers pay for them,or giving the illegals that come in and we give them free almost everything and we have to pay for it.
Breen, you should be ashamed of this. Just because you are either too lazy or reading comprehension challenged to read the real proposals from several Democratic candidates doesn’t mean it is “DUH – free stuff”.
Free stuff is Trump putting lobbyists in charge of the government so they can ax the laws that were holding them in check from polluting the world and destroying the environment.
“Free stuff good” is yet another one of the Big Lies that the GOPists like to tell about liberals. No Democrat wants “free stuff”. Period. What they (we) want is for the government to do things that are good for the people. Free health care? Nope. What we want is no/small added cost health care. Free tuition? Nope. What we want is equal access to universities. Free food, housing, transportation? Nope: We want the social safety net that catches folks who’ve had a series of really bad days.
Of course, the distinction is nuanced, so natch the GOPists cannot understand it.
Steve must not actually listen to what Democratic candidates are actually saying if he’s going to put out such a lame cartoon. NO candidate says “free stuff”. What they want is for taxes to actually benefit the people.
Seems that opponents of healthcare for everybody run out of arguments… they try to claim, that Dems propose that everything was free. But do I really have to make it clear, that you still would need to pay for your car, your house and your vacation trips by yourself? That nobody is talking about free yachts, but the basic human needs and rights, on a level still much lower than in many developed countries? Aren’t you aware of the fact, that in the US there are millions of hard working poor, eventually dying from simple diseases the treatment of which they can’t afford, while rich-born dandies, not having worked one minute in their whole life, have yachts and Jaguars and get tax breaks? This misleading right-wing propaganda statement of “they want to offer free everything” is as heartless as dumb.
DD Wiz Premium Member almost 5 years ago
Et tu, Steve Breen?
I get it, and I respect, that you are a lot more conservative than I am, but unlike some of the other conservatives, you at least try to respect facts and balance and usually have at least some basis for your views.
But seriously? Repeating the tired old cliché about how progressive policies means getting “FREE STUFF”?
This just demonstrates utter and complete CLUELESSNESS about what liberalism means, how it works, or its role in the world today.
Progressive policies are NOT about expecting “FREE STUFF” any more than you expect law enforcement, emergency first responders or “free” public schools to be provided by “other people’s money.”
We all contribute and we all benefit.
There are good ways in which public resources are allocated for public benefit but which no one would seriously consider “free stuff.” for the legitimate purpose of protecting PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY, maintaining public order and helping those who actually need it:
• Universal comprehensive no-fee health care
• Universal tuition-free public education through college
• Guaranteed secure retirement program
• Job retraining, job placement assistance
• Proactive social services to PREVENT crime
• Public infrastructure for general use and general benefit
• Law enforcement, firefighting, emergency disaster relief
• Military protection from foreign threats
.
Ways in which public resource allocation is ABUSED as “free” giveaways — the real “free stuff” — are when they go to the few richest elites who already have the most with no benefit to the general public:
• Corporate welfare (socialism for the rich)
• Socialized professional sports (socialized football — all benefit goes to people that are very rich)
• Tax exemptions for churches that non-believers have to make up for (socialized religion)
Say What Now‽ Premium Member almost 5 years ago
A simple cartoon by a simple mind. (I know Mr. Breen is a little more balanced than most of the other conservatives, but I have to out this one.)
Display almost 5 years ago
Really, Steve? We’d expect a quip like that from Der Cheeto even if only in jest. But around here and in large parts of the nation there are far, far too many instances where it’s the CONservatives who use public funding to build boondoggles like malls, business parks and other projects that are tax deferred (but never, ever repaid) or simply tax free. Yet these benefit billionaires before they then simply default. Properties often (and around here that’s very nearly always) fall into decline, quite a number of people lose jobs, and yet another area is blighted. National and international businesses then see the area as “doomed to fail” and at best find it difficult to consider investing in the area at all, let alone again. And good God man, even joking about having to point out the evil and perversion that resides at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. just gives succor to what is wrong with this country at its very core. True, the Democrats need to come up with plans with substance and definition, but jumpin’ Jesus on a pogo stick!, the country doesn’t need any more help looking like a sick confused, screwed up mess. You misjudged this one. I have no love for either party but I’m disappointed you didn’t think this one through. No… I’m completely disgusted at this one.
old crony almost 5 years ago
Free money for farmers.
Ontman almost 5 years ago
A bit simplistic isn’t it? Trump bad, I get, but what exactly is free?
Masterskrain almost 5 years ago
Cartoonist’s crib sheet: Breen lame, cheap shots good.
mourdac Premium Member almost 5 years ago
Trump bad, beat Trump in election is enough. Then lead the U.S. effectively for all its people.
WaitingMan almost 5 years ago
Because free stuff for the 1% in the form of trillion dollar tax breaks is good?
cdward almost 5 years ago
The only free stuff being handed out is to the very rich.
Zebrastripes almost 5 years ago
I don’t think giving away the store is a good idea….that would mean WE the people will PAY much HIGHER TAXES! BOO HISS
Donaldo Premium Member almost 5 years ago
You’re forgetting: ‘and everyone who disagrees with this, is racist, fascist and nazi.’
preacherman Premium Member almost 5 years ago
I seem to remember, in 2016, then candidate Trump saying all manner to hateful things about everyone else and promising, promising, promising. The crib sheet is the old political playbook. Too bad the candidates can’t spend more time telling us about themselves and being open about lives with, oh like maybe a look at their tax returns, perhaps?
kreima almost 5 years ago
Trump bad. Free speech good.
thelordthygod666 almost 5 years ago
That is the message from most of the candidates, and if it becomes the Democratic nominee’s message, all intelligent people know it will result in Trump’s reelection.
morningglory73 Premium Member almost 5 years ago
But trump IS BAD.
William Bednar Premium Member almost 5 years ago
As long as the “free stuff” is paid for, out of the Candidate’s personal fortune, I have no problem. Can any Republican supporting the multi-trillion dollar U.S. debt make the same claim?
Banjo Gordy Premium Member almost 5 years ago
Could it be that Steve Breen is providing an important message to Democrats to better convey their message? Nothing is FREE, especially health care & education. No expense too high for weapons & wall in the name of so called national security. Attending health & welfare for all citizens should be the first priority.
Plumb.Bob Premium Member almost 5 years ago
When the house is burning it is hard to talk about updating the wiring or painting the front door.
Radish the wordsmith almost 5 years ago
Free stuff is Republicans giving tax breaks to billionaires and then expecting the rest of the USA to pay for it.
Free stuff is republicans keeping undeclared wars going so they can make a profit off of arms making.
Free stuff is giving rich fossil fuel companies billions every year and then complaining that Joe Blow needs $1,200 in food stamps to make it through the year.
wellis1947 Premium Member almost 5 years ago
I would note here that, even in the Antebellum South, slave owners provided free healthcare to their slaves – not because of any noble, Christian desire to help those lesser individuals, but rather, because keeping your "workforce healthy made good, “economic sense” – a sick slave does not contribute to your bottom line!
Republicans seem to forget this little detail – without healthy workers, their “bottom line” collapses!
I understand the cynicism inherent in my previous statement, but you have to understand that THEY have no conception of the adage, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Such a “socialist” philosophy is totally beyond the understanding of the average Trumpian!
tabby almost 5 years ago
Trump is bad, but no Democrat is saying “free stuff”. What they are promoting are taxes going for the benefit of the people, such as healthcare, as opposed to perpetual golf outings at Mar-a-Lago, tax cuts for the Rich, and so on.
6.6TA almost 5 years ago
The top of the lectern is an exact replica of the inside of Mr. Breen’s state of mind.
Retired engineer almost 5 years ago
I get so tired of the cliché that people are voting for “free stuff”. I damn well know I will pay more in taxes for universal Medicare coverage. However, I also know that I will then not have to pay for private medical insurance. I continue to see conservative memes on social media showing how much more people pay in taxes in countries that provide universal health care. The charts and so forth they upload invariably leave off how much American individuals and employers then pay for private health insurance and other services that the government does NOT supply.
DrDon1 almost 5 years ago
Did Breen “phone this one in” or did he forget he had a deadline to meet? Result … A rather lame toon!
pamela welch Premium Member almost 5 years ago
You’re right Steve! Dems must have a real message; not just ‘Trump evil’. I know we’re smarter than that
Ignatz Premium Member almost 5 years ago
No, I don’t want “free stuff.” I PAY TAXES. And I think that public money should actually be used to benefit the public. Radical, I know.
How come it isn’t called “free stuff” when they hand public money to people who have NO NEED of more money?
Sneaker almost 5 years ago
Just like that one that wants to forgive all the student debts by making the taxpayers pay for them,or giving the illegals that come in and we give them free almost everything and we have to pay for it.
Nantucket Premium Member almost 5 years ago
Breen, you should be ashamed of this. Just because you are either too lazy or reading comprehension challenged to read the real proposals from several Democratic candidates doesn’t mean it is “DUH – free stuff”.
Tell us what Trump is doing that is so “good”.
Radish the wordsmith almost 5 years ago
Free stuff is Trump putting lobbyists in charge of the government so they can ax the laws that were holding them in check from polluting the world and destroying the environment.
Concretionist almost 5 years ago
“Free stuff good” is yet another one of the Big Lies that the GOPists like to tell about liberals. No Democrat wants “free stuff”. Period. What they (we) want is for the government to do things that are good for the people. Free health care? Nope. What we want is no/small added cost health care. Free tuition? Nope. What we want is equal access to universities. Free food, housing, transportation? Nope: We want the social safety net that catches folks who’ve had a series of really bad days.
Of course, the distinction is nuanced, so natch the GOPists cannot understand it.
tabby almost 5 years ago
Steve must not actually listen to what Democratic candidates are actually saying if he’s going to put out such a lame cartoon. NO candidate says “free stuff”. What they want is for taxes to actually benefit the people.
All the dinosaurs feared the T-Rex almost 5 years ago
Small minds draw small things…
Spock almost 5 years ago
Seems that opponents of healthcare for everybody run out of arguments… they try to claim, that Dems propose that everything was free. But do I really have to make it clear, that you still would need to pay for your car, your house and your vacation trips by yourself? That nobody is talking about free yachts, but the basic human needs and rights, on a level still much lower than in many developed countries? Aren’t you aware of the fact, that in the US there are millions of hard working poor, eventually dying from simple diseases the treatment of which they can’t afford, while rich-born dandies, not having worked one minute in their whole life, have yachts and Jaguars and get tax breaks? This misleading right-wing propaganda statement of “they want to offer free everything” is as heartless as dumb.