I thought that excess in the private sector, greed and mismangement got us into this mess. How is government excess borrowing, mismanagement, and partisan greed going to get us out?
The government ought to be concentrating on safetynet type programs to help people deal with the fallout and let the buisness sector do a Darwian selection of the fitest.
If someone can show in history where borrowing this kind of money worked, I would support the stimulus pkg.
True to form
Acountant, Retired gs 14 DOE, Albuquerque Wed Feb 11, 2009 8:49 AM
As usual, Fedmith shows that most the readers are far more conservative than average and out of step with the nation. What more can I say
Re: True to form
WG10 ANG Thu Feb 12, 2009 5:51 AM
What???
Re: True to form
Program Specialist FAA Fri Feb 13, 2009 10:14 AM
You put your finger right on it...FedSmith readers "read," which is the reason they are a lot more in touch with reality than those who don't. Reading is the remedy to ignorance.
Will Stimulus Spending Package Help America
SPEC VHA Wed Feb 11, 2009 9:03 AM
Oh, I believe a lot of folks don't like it because recipients will have to follow Federal guidelines. The first bailout was a gift, a windfall, to the CEOs--it did nothing for the little guy. It was a farewell gift to the rich from Pres. Bush. I believe Pres. Obama is headed in the right direction. Nobody has a quick fix for a problem that took 8 years to create, and he's doing the best he can with what WE have. Those of you who feel you have to criticize him and the others should post some better ideas. Otherwise, stay out of the way.
Re: Will Stimulus Spending Package Help America
Lazy Bones Federal Government Wed Feb 11, 2009 1:41 PM
That gift was given by Congress. Please get the facts straight.
Re: Will Stimulus Spending Package Help America
el tech noaa Wed Feb 11, 2009 2:35 PM
all this spending won't help because;
1. if you buy a flat screen , your bailing out the chinese
2. if you buy a car you bail out the japanese
and korea
3. if you buy heroin you help afganistan.
actually nothing is make in america any more;
so here here is your better idea;
1. get a new tattoo ( made in america)
2. buy some good california marijuana....take a few hits
and it just dosen't seem to be as bad anymore.
Re: Will Stimulus Spending Package Help America
CBP Officer CBP Thu Feb 12, 2009 1:39 PM
A gift from Bush! Isn't it a little early to re-write the history of 2008? Paulson wrote it and Congress passed a hugely bloated version of what Paulson wrote. Yes Bush signed it and gets some blame for that, but let’s not forget your Messiah ran to Washington to help get it passed!
Stimulus?
Quality Manager USAF Wed Feb 11, 2009 9:05 AM
The government should stay out of private business. Everything they (the government) gets involved in goes broke - look at social security/medicare. I say we fire them all and start over.
Re: Stimulus?
Supervisor US Army Wed Feb 11, 2009 10:51 AM
For The Quality Manager USAF wrote this:
"that The government should stay out of private business. Everything they (the government) gets involved in goes broke - look at social security/medicare. I say we fire them all and start over." My question to you is how can you work for the USAF and think thoughts like you just wrote?????
Re: Stimulus?
IT Specialist DOD Thu Feb 12, 2009 6:20 AM
Freedom of Speech gives him the right. Our Government has failed us. This economic crisis can be laid at the Governments feet and that includes both Demorats and Republicans. Since when does working for the Government mean you have to blindly follow our elected leaders? My oath was to uphold the Constitution of the United States. Not blindly follow idiots over a cliff.
where is the money coming from???
staff assistant US Treasury Dept Wed Feb 11, 2009 9:09 AM
The comment is right - show us where this has worked before...
This administration is going to bankrupt this country and the next generations cannot pay this back..is money growing on trees somewhere as when my kids were younger and asked me to just go to the bank and get money...
Very - very sad situation we are in...and when is it the responsiblity of the fed gov to take care of us?? and when is it the responsibility of the president to give scare speeches to the american people??
Do not tell us we need to increase our taxes...we pay enough in taxes...
WHERE HAS SPENDING WORKED? WWII ended the war. The gov spent 25% of GDP and it worked. The new deal never spent more than 1% of gdp with a 30% downturn in the economy. From 1932 to 1936 unemployment was reduced from 25% to 10%. Then in 1936 the republicans insisted on a balanced budget. Roosevelt did it. Unemployment went to 25% in 1937. THERE. YOU ASKED. FOX has been ling about this for weeks but these are the facts.
Re: where is the money coming from???
IT Specialist DOD Thu Feb 12, 2009 6:28 AM
WWII ended the depression because the Private Sector was pulled back into the equation. Even FDRs economic advisors admitted that they couldn't pull the private sector back into the market until WWII created a manufacturing demand. Even with all the Government spending int the 30s, the markets remained stagnant. We are even is worse shape now because there is not significant manufacturing to get the market moving again. Government spending on public works projects will help with unemployment some, but it will not get the market jump started. Public works projects don't create long term investment and reinvestment in the market place. Building a school or waterpark is nice, but it will not get the market going. This is not sustainable.
Re: where is the money coming from???
Acountant, Retired gs 14 DOE, Albuquerque Thu Feb 12, 2009 10:05 AM
Rather like infrastructure spending? LOL. There should/ will be more but they have to be at a "shovel Ready" state. Even if this works the Republicans would never admit it. It's part of not wanting/recognizing the need for change conservative philosophy. Actually the Republican party is not conservative. It's reactionary at this point. What is reactionaryism in America. National Socialism with down played racism.
Re: where is the money coming from???
IT Specialist DOD Fri Feb 13, 2009 6:22 AM
Shovel Ready... I am sure the construction industry can't wait to hire all those bankers , accountants, and brookers to teach them how to finish concrete and smooth out asphalt. :-)))
Re: where is the money coming from???
usda worker Fri Feb 13, 2009 1:47 PM
remembering that the "responsibility" for giving scare speeches was perfected by the last administration
Stimulus Spending
Area Specialist USDA Rural Development Wed Feb 11, 2009 9:12 AM
It is interesting how the "blame Bush" histrionics won't go away. We are in this situation because of government intervention into the mortgage industry. It encouraged/required lenders to make subprime mortgages that were purchased by Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac, who are at the center of this terrible economic situation. It was prominent Democrats that ran the ugly twins and made millions and millions of dollars. President Bush tried to tighten those lending practices, but Barney Frank, Christopher Dodd and other democrats argued that the twins were just fine and doing a great job and refused/ignored all attempts to tighten regulations. Before you start throwing blame around, do your research.
Re: Stimulus Spending
op supe faa Wed Feb 11, 2009 3:32 PM
Area Specialist...your points are accurate and easy to understand...for people who seek the truth and understanding. But I'm afraid you're wasting your time trying to convince those who love blaming Bush. They seem so full of hate and venom, they'll never listen to reason when the facts (and facts are what you have presented) are found and exposed.
Re: Stimulus Spending
Diversity Manager DOL Thu Feb 12, 2009 4:50 AM
Area specialist, In no way did Bush try to regulate anything, other than trying to destroy federal unions. I do agree that the Dems played their part as well, but do NOT excuse Bush. Ops Supe FAA, explain the truth of why you keep getting pay raises and the Controllers do not. Please share the FACTs with us, I am dying to know youre insight. I here something called the green book is coming back
Re: Stimulus Spending
WG10 ANG Thu Feb 12, 2009 5:58 AM
Wow... Someone on here CAN see through to the truth...
Re: Stimulus Spending
IT Specialist DOD Thu Feb 12, 2009 6:40 AM
Democrats blocked efforts to fix Fannie and Freddie. That is a fact. Bush could have gone to the American people and explain the situation and maybe it would have been fixed. However, the Democrats would have accused him of Racism and Discrimination against minorities if he had done so. Barney Frank and Chris Dodd were already plaing the race card when the hearings were taking place in 2005. Failure of Government has lead us to where we are and now we want them to spend trillions of dollars to fix something they broke. We should all sleep better at night.
Re: Stimulus Spending
Guaranteed Housing Specialist USDA/RD Thu Feb 12, 2009 9:07 AM
Area Specialist, I 1000% agree with you. Just on the housing issue, greedy lenders allowed no doc loans up to 50% total debt so if an applicant had no debt then the housing costs could be 50% of gross income and alot of folks had horrible credit - collections, judgements, liens, etc. So many think home ownership is a right, it is NOT a right but a priviledge that must be earned by keeping credit clean, job stability etc. (decent safe Shelter is a right and everyone should have a safe home to be in) Talk about a horrible situation. Alot of the brokers are out of business now and many lenders have shaped up. Throwing good money after bad is not a good thing.
Get the budget passed so we can do our jobs....
Re: Stimulus Spending
Acountant, Retired gs 14 DOE, Albuquerque Thu Feb 12, 2009 10:55 AM
Fannie may etc never initiated one loan. They bought loans from the private sector AS REQUIRED BY REPUBLICAN LAW and they never exceed 20% of the market prior to 07. Now they buy close to 80% of loans made since the private sector imploded. If they didn't exist, the housing market would be even worse at around 30% of current activity.
Re: Stimulus Spending
op supe faa Thu Feb 12, 2009 12:09 PM
Diversity man, I apologize. I didn't realize my ever increasing salary caused the U.S. economy to collapse. As to why it continues to climb, you're asking the wrong person. I'm just the recipient. What should I do? Send the salary increases to you? Give me your address and go stand by your mailbox.
As for the Green Book....who knows what's going to happen? That won't affect me one bit. My job will continue (as well as the raises) and if we choose to enforce what's in the Green Book, controllers might want to return to where we are now.
Re: Stimulus Spending
Agent IRS Thu Feb 12, 2009 2:52 PM
I cannot believe that this entire country is so divided. Right vs Left, conservatives vs liberals. We are all in this mess together as Americans and we need to correct it for America. Both parties are to blame, Frank and Dodd have bee dispectible as well as President Bush. Oh yeah the Republicans are now screaming we warned you and tried to stop it in 2005. Exactly how did you try to stop it? Did you introduce a bill to regulate the mortgage industry? Did you try to control the deriviate and hedge fund markets? Did you try to regulate Fannie & Freddie? Hell no, no one did Republican or Democrat. In 2005, the White House, Senate & House were all controlled by Republicans, so enough blaming the other side. In fact I will defy anyone out there that can cite one (and only one) bill pro-regulation that was EVER submitted by a Republican. You can't cause it doesn't exist. So shut up and be part of the solution not part of the problem.
Re: Stimulus Spending
Thorn in the Side DOD Fri Feb 13, 2009 10:22 AM
It's becoming a common mistake to blame the whole mess on subprime mortgages. There are many other factors involved, like the credit card companies running wild (universal default, holding checks until after the due date, etc.), deregulation of banking and other parts of the financial sector, and people drunk on greed.
Re: Stimulus Spending
usda worker Fri Feb 13, 2009 2:31 PM
I myself have never heard more hate and venom then what we have heard in the last 8 years coming from the right side of the aisle. I struggle to remember any real positive communinations coming from them
Stimulus Package survey
Manager Forest Service Wed Feb 11, 2009 9:13 AM
I wonder how skewed the results of this survey are since most, if not all of us federal employees have job security? We are the only ones in the entire country who can pretty much count on having our jobs tomorrow and into the future. That makes us a whole lot more comfortable in arguing against something that would cost us and our grandchildren money but wouldn't affect our own immediate job and household security.
Re: Stimulus Package survey
Resource Specialist USFS Wed Feb 11, 2009 1:26 PM
I wouldn't be to quick to say it doesn't effect us because we work for the Government.
It isn't over yet. And for the last several years at least in our Agency we have seen a big decline in jobs. I've been with the USFS for about 18 years, I've seen a lot of jobs left unfilled or just done away with.
Stimulus Spending
QAS DCMA Wed Feb 11, 2009 9:21 AM
Can anyone give any example where spending has gotten you out of debt???? The gloom and doom rhetoric that obama used to fool so many people and got him elected just isn't going to work and we are putting our great grand children in debt as well as putting our country in danger. The "change" and the free ride so many were suckered into thinking they were going to get just isn't going ti happen. By the spring of 2012 it will be hard to find anyone who will admit they supported this total failure and they way this country is going by 2012 we are going to be in big economic trouble.
Stimulus Spending Package
Hydraulic Engineer USACE Wed Feb 11, 2009 9:26 AM
What congress and others do not understand is that government does have enought money and congress does not have the guts to pass a Stimulus big enought to help the U.S. enconomy.To really provide a stimulus the Government would have spend a 2.5 - 3 Tillion dollars above thenornal budgeted funds a year for the next 4 or 5 years . What got us out of the last depression was not the pulic workers programs of FDR but WWII and all of the Government spending with war. Spending for the war, 2 - 3 times more than peace time budget, also twice as many people working in 1943 counting the number in army, navy etc. than in 1939. Keynesian economics proably works but only with really big sums of money provided to projects that increase productivity of the country . Short of a real stimulus package the federal should step back provide unemployment benefits and other small things to help poeple out, but half-behind stimulus packages like this one should not be passed.
Re: Stimulus Spending Package
IT Specialist SSA Wed Feb 11, 2009 10:44 AM
WWII period also had rationing with wage and price freezes. I thought Bush should have suggested that when he decided to into Afghanistan and Iraq, instead of the 'go shopping' speech. I suspect it wasn't his idea but came from the genius economic advisors which are abundant but never seem to have the correct solution. Here we go again but now on a much grander scale.
As an analogy someone mentioned the cholera epidemic in England 1831-32. As victims became dehydrated they were given more water, but water was the cause of the disease.
Taxes, the war and the stimulus package
Administrative Support Assistant HUD Wed Feb 11, 2009 9:31 AM
Number 1: EVERYONE, including the rich and the big companies, should PAY their share of taxes.
Number 2: Get our military out of a war that is going nowhere.
Number 3: Quit bailing the big banks and industries out
It may sound simple but I think these three steps would improve the American economy more that just throwing huge amounts of money at the problem, we might as well burn the money. After these three steps are implemented we need to work on our internal problems, such as health care, the poor, education, etc.
Re: Taxes, the war and the stimulus package
Tester SSA Wed Feb 11, 2009 1:45 PM
Yes,
I agree that everyone should pay their share of taxes. Unfortunately, the richest of the rich pay the majority of the personal income taxes in this country. The lower income brackets (under 75K) pay very little in contrast.
Re: Taxes, the war and the stimulus package
Diversity Manager DOL Wed Feb 11, 2009 5:45 PM
You need to qualify your statement "democrats should pay their taxes"
Re: Taxes, the war and the stimulus package
everyman dod Thu Feb 12, 2009 9:22 AM
Everyone should pay a flat 10% tax and get rid of the loopholes.
10% flat tax? GAO said the tax would have to be 25% to make up for lost revenue of income tax. Currently,40% of workers pay no income tax and 30% that do pay taxes pay more in social security than income tax. GAO found in a flat tax, everyone but the top 5% would pay more. Typical right wing drivel . Flat tax is a cut for the rich.
Re: Taxes, the war and the stimulus package
Agent IRS Thu Feb 12, 2009 3:09 PM
Number 1 Diversity Manager is a bigot for insinuating that Democrats don't pay taxes. 2. Everyman needs to do a little calculating as a 10% flat tax will produce significantly less revenue than the current tax structure. In fact CBO did a study over a decade ago that found a flat tax rate had to be at least 25% to replace the current revenue stream brought in by the tax code. I'm not saying there are no loopholes in the current code, but most have an economic reason. The top 1% of taxpayers pay 70% of the total tax pie. Corporate America pays 8%. I'm in favor of reforming the tax code but not ready for a flat tax that will shift the burden on people who can least afford it. The answer is to hit the underground economy and make the corporations invest in America
survey results
hydrologist doi Wed Feb 11, 2009 9:31 AM
I guess the one thing I would caution about this survey is that it was completed by government employees who have not and probably will not feel the true impact of the current downswing. We have good benefits and salary and job security and I think the survey clearly shows that people with good secure jobs at this point do not want to see the govt. go any deeper in debt since the last adminstration did such a good job of leaving us with a big bill to pay.
Budget cuts/belt tightening
HR Specialist Dept of Veterans Affairs Wed Feb 11, 2009 9:33 AM
In a recession corporate america cuts there costs through layoffs and eliminating unecessary positions. Congress should follow suit. Eliminate 50% of the House and Senate. The savings would be significant and immediate.
Re: Budget cuts/belt tightening
Diversity Manager DOL Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:49 AM
I would cut HR what the hell do they do?
Re: Budget cuts/belt tightening
IT Specialist DOD Thu Feb 12, 2009 6:32 AM
The first positions that get eliminated are administrative overhead positions. Be careful what you ask for.
Let's Spend
Samuelson Books Unlimited Wed Feb 11, 2009 9:35 AM
This downturn is a result of lack of spending. The govt has decided that since you people aren't going to spend it will. Better than no spending at all. I would rather have you people spend but since you are tightwads and there is no other option, I say spend, spend, spend.
At least this spending is limited in amount and duration unlike medicare, medicaid, sosecurity, military, govt funding of abortion clinics etc. etc. Those types of spending are what will be our undoing, not this little trill or so going down now.
Greed and bonuses for failures
Physical Scientist DOI Wed Feb 11, 2009 9:37 AM
This is like throwing fuel on the fire. People on Wall Street and others like them need to clean up their greeding act. Now I and my children are going to be paying off their golden payoffs when they as CEO cannot manage a company-they should be fired with no big bonus for causing this mess. The American people should not be bailing out failures who cannot manage because of their greed.
Re: Greed and bonuses for failures
usda worker Fri Feb 13, 2009 2:42 PM
I feel we should go get our money back that was spent on bonuses and prosecute anyone who broke the law to enrich themselves or their stockholders. We need to revise exec compensation to ensure that no failing company manager is rewarded for doing so. I realize that is not part of capitaism, but look what unbridled capitalism has done to us now!
Obama/Pelosi's bill
office manager USDA Wed Feb 11, 2009 9:37 AM
How many economists were consulted before this bill was approved? Why I they in such a rush to pass it? And of course, why all the pork? Has there ever been a time when a bill was passed for itself with no pay backs added on? This bill is a disaster and reeks of socialism. I have tried to get people to read about the pork, the waste, and the socialistic programs it is introducing. All some think is Congress and the Pres wouldn't do it if it wasn'[t right! Let's get our heads out of the sand. Most of us understand and know, but what can be done? I contact my reps, to no avail...how about you?
Re: Obama/Pelosi's bill
Nameless, Faceless Nobody DOD Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:19 AM
The scary part of quick passage is finding (LATER and TOO LATE) what has been hidden in the bill. A possible example is health care mandates...not subject to national debate, or even congressional debate, but major changes slipped in this bill.
yap yap yap. all the hype and none of the substance. The republican administration and congress screwed us to the ground, the dem administration and mostly dem congress is attempting to get us back up - there will certainly be some flaws but you have to give it a chance to work. There are no silver bullets.
Re: quit griping and do something to help
HR HUD Wed Feb 11, 2009 1:47 PM
Doesn't matter if it is silver or lead, the bullet will still kill the economy.
Everyone has a Piece of the Pie!
Manager FAA Wed Feb 11, 2009 9:47 AM
Remembering the words of my Grandparents: “Don’t live beyond your means”. Possibly we all fall into this category. With past years of easily available credit to purchase things we really couldn't afford, we all have part of that pie! The expectation that our homes were always going to be worth more, our paychecks were always going to be greater next year, our future retirement was in the bag, and our investments were always going to increase. We all fell into the trap! When our Capitalistic System is tinkered with by those leaders who have their own personal agenda (Trace the Money in the stimulus), “The System Fails”. Bailouts for those people and companies who are failing prevents the system from "Self Correcting" and the money provided to them from possibly well meaning politicians only further prolong the recovery! Let the System Work!
Re: Everyone has a Piece of the Pie!
HR Spc EPA Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:25 AM
Yes!!! Finally someone nails it: everyone who listened to the mortgage lenders lies without doing their own research before buying a house that was beyond their means is to blame for the foreclosure crisis. Everyone who used credit cards to buy huge digital TVs that they'll never pay off is responsible for their own debts. Everyone who thought they'd be taken care of (whether by Uncle Sam, their private sector employers, or their parents) and didn't bother saving for a rainy day (or decade) is responsible for their inability to survive the economic crisis. But they all want to be bailed out by the government. Loathe as I may be to say anything positive about our prior president, I can't blame it on him.
Stimulus Package Impact
Aviation Management DOI Wed Feb 11, 2009 9:48 AM
Reading some of the comments it is clear that the Professional Politicians have succeeded in dividing the American people. This is nor a Republican or Democrat problem. The Professional Politicians of both parties have violated the trust of the American people for the sake of nothing more than POWER and nothing else. Too many American people are falling for it. United We Stand Or Divided We Fall is as true today as it was as the nation was formed. If we focus on Democrats against Republicans or the class warfare of "rich" against "poor" (what ever those terms mean) we are reacting exactly how the Professional Politician want. Are these politician acting in the best interest of America or are you supporting them because they support "your personal special interest." If we allow these Professional Politicians to "DIVIDE and CONQUER" then the greatness of America is over. We American voters have populated the political system with a bunch of egotisical, selfish, immature, jerks.
Re: Stimulus Package Impact
IT Specialist SSA Wed Feb 11, 2009 10:47 AM
Amen! I would only add greedy to your list.
THE BLAME GAME
SUPPLY TECHNICIAN DVA Wed Feb 11, 2009 9:52 AM
When reading the comments to this article, I noticed that those folks in favor of the "stimulus package" were very quick to blame President Bush and the bad old Republicans for all the woes of the world, yet the folks who are not in favor of the "stimulus package" appeared to weigh merits of the package and found the weaknesses in it, not in the people who proposed it.
Political Bailout
Timber Sale Administrator USDA Forest Service Wed Feb 11, 2009 10:08 AM
This bloated "Stimilus Package" is a prime example of what Obama had in mind when he spoke of change. The Democrats are trying to pass every piece of legislation to pacify their radical supporters and pay their political debts on the back of the american taxpayer. That is why the panic to get this bill passed before the public has a chance to find out exactly what socialist programs they will be funding for generations. This is just the begining of the end of the free America as we have known it since the founding fathers wrote the Constitution!
Re: Political Bailout
usda worker Fri Feb 13, 2009 2:51 PM
using your comments as a reference, the beginning of the end started 8 years ago when the reps had to pay off their radical supporters and those who helped them thru the political process to finally show the american people where their real priorities are, not with us.
Stimulus Pros and Cons
Manager FAA Wed Feb 11, 2009 10:27 AM
Whether we use tax cuts or spending for the stimulus, in the end the Government will see less money to conduct its business as it is today.
We have choices to address that issue, raise income for the Government to continue on its present model or alter the model with less services and programs(less cost).
In any case efficiencies of scale are the only rational means to address economics, public or private sector.
Grit your teeth and bear it
LEO ICE Wed Feb 11, 2009 10:28 AM
This administration is forced to pay back the liberal interests and welfare recipients that put them into office. The media will keep cheering these empty suits even as we self implode.
Will they fail? Sure. Miserably. Will America pull through? Maybe.
The USA is made up of a core group of strong, intelligent folks. Unfortunately, the majority sometimes votes in self-serving groups or individuals that are detrimental to their country. Think Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin, Lenin, Mao tse Tung, et al.
Is the current guy of their ilk? Possibly. Likely.
It is what it is. Grit your teeth, pray constantly and do your best to survive until this administration goes down in flames. Then be part of the group who learns from its mistakes as we rebuild the ruins.
Re: Grit your teeth and bear it
Diversity Manager DOL Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:52 AM
Are you saying Bush had nothing to do with this, smarten up
Re: Grit your teeth and bear it
Diversity Manager DOL Wed Feb 11, 2009 5:49 PM
Did he take a home loan out that he couldn't afford?? Did he default on his credit card?? Then the answer to your question is NO
Re: Grit your teeth and bear it
Agent IRS Thu Feb 12, 2009 3:19 PM
How can he afford his ranch in Crawford and his new 2.1 million dollar house in Texas on his meager salary?
Re: Grit your teeth and bear it
Diversity Manager DOL Thu Feb 12, 2009 8:28 PM
EITC pays for it
Re: Grit your teeth and bear it
usda worker Fri Feb 13, 2009 2:53 PM
you forgot bush!!!
stimilus package
surveyor f.s. Wed Feb 11, 2009 10:44 AM
This is not about stimulating the economy! It never has been nor will it ever be. This is about power. Control over the people. Obama has no desire to do what is right for the people or the country. He is a power hungry, power driven egomanic. Nobody in their right mind believes this the right thing to do for the country. Wake up and smell the coffee folks. He is selling this country out and we're letting him do it. Shame on us and especially shame on those who voted for this dictator. I suspect there is a lot of "buyer's remorse" but those who have it are not willing to admit it. Too embarassing.
Re: stimilus package
NURSE Manager Army Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:29 AM
I thought Obama gave a very compelling argument for the package and equally compelling rebuttal to those who have been so vocally opposed. Now, I think he made it clear that getting it passed, with or without the republicans is what is most important. Good. With the announcement of over 500 THOUSAND jobs lost in just a matter of days, action is required now! If the you and the Repugs oppose him now, you will look even more un-American than you already look. This situation is not pretty. I'm with Obama on his stimulus package. He inherited a gigantic mess from the prior administration.
Re: stimilus package
IT Specialist SSA Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:38 AM
Yeah, I seem to recall Bush once had a 90% approval rating. Just because a president is popular doesn't mean he's capable and/or good for the country. Anyone recall Nixon's landslide victory in '72?
Re: stimilus package
NURSE Manager Army Wed Feb 11, 2009 12:54 PM
Wow, this conversation is really exploding. Okay, a few things on the stimulus package: Number one, the money going to state governments, the better. The state are quickly going down the tubes and getting money to finance public services is key. We do need to restructure the electrical grid and other public works projects. Our infrastructure is crumbling or we could have another problem like Katrina with the levees where it could us more money due to damages. The government will have to eventually spend the money anyway, so it would be wise to make the investment now. Do you have any ideas other than tax cut? The Republican's mantra of tax cuts is not going to work, because people are not going to spend that money, they save it. This economy runs on consumer spending and the private sector is dead in the water; the government is the only party left capable of injecting money into this economy! Somehow, I think there are those who would attempt to drive home with the needle on empty,
Re: stimilus package
Diversity Manager DOL Wed Feb 11, 2009 5:52 PM
Less than 4% of this package is for the infrastructure the balance is going towards growing the government. Since its only 4% than only $35B is needed.
Stimulus to Cause Hyper-Inflation
Financial Liaison Advisor Defense Contract Audit Agency Wed Feb 11, 2009 10:49 AM
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that by greatly increasing spending, while not increasing the quantity of goods and services available for purchase in our economy, we are running a huge risk of stoking the flames of hyper-inflation. The stimulus package should be focused more so on increasing productivity, than with just putting dollars in the hands of consumers. Productivity increases when the private sector is allowed and incentived to develop new technologies and products. Now, how do you incentivize private business to increase productivity? With the establishment of more Government mandates or with the lowering of taxes to encourage the entrepreneurial initiative of our best and brightest?
Plan to save Trillions of dollars
Bean Counter USDA Wed Feb 11, 2009 10:54 AM
How to Save Several Trillions of Dollars
Here is the math:
250 million Americans. given them each a $1 Million tax free. That totals to $250 Billion. Lets save the rest of the money and see what $1 million dollars a tax free money in the hands of every American will do to stimulate the economy!
Re: Plan to save Trillions of dollars
surveyor f.s. Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:18 AM
You got my vote!
Re: Plan to save Trillions of dollars
Nameless, Faceless Nobody DOD Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:21 AM
I like this guy's idea!
It would also be cheaper to just buy the bad mortgages outright and GIVE the house back to the current owner.
Re: Plan to save Trillions of dollars
Engineer DOD Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:36 AM
Hey bean counter,
I think you might be part of the reason we are in this mess. Your basic math skills are lacking.
250 Million people x $1 million = $250 Trillion (not billion).
Re: Plan to save Trillions of dollars
Contracting DOD Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:41 AM
I am sorry..but I believe your math is a little wrong. if you give 250 million American people a million dollars a piece..you are not going to have 250 billion..it is more like 2,500,000,000,000,000. So what is that, 2.5 quadrillion if that is the next number after Trillion. So..sorry to burst your bubble! *Sorry if I got what you were saying wrong..but this is what I have taken from reading your comment.*
Re: Plan to save Trillions of dollars
EH?? DoD Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:48 AM
Oh come on... grab a calculator. $1,000,000 x $250,000,000 = $250,000,000,000,000 = $250 trillion. Your math is $1000 for everyone, which has been done and didn't do anything. Government needs to stay out completely. Self-reliant economies (like ours) fix themselves naturally.
Re: Plan to save Trillions of dollars
HR Specialist FAA Wed Feb 11, 2009 4:30 PM
Bean counter would you marry me?
Re: Plan to save Trillions of dollars
soon tobe eliminated.... U.S. Treasury Tue Feb 17, 2009 9:19 AM
I still like Bean counters idea... ok fix the math ...those of you who have to nit pik...LOL but still give the working class peeps their 1 mill ... its better off in our hands than gov... now thats a stimulas we can live with....we need more bean counters out there...LOL
One item at a time
Nameless, Faceless Nobody DOD Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:13 AM
Giving money to the banks without rules was obviously a disaster.
Soo, tell the banks to get their act together or be nationalized! Banking seems to me to be the one place where nationalization may be in line with the constitutional mandate to regulate money.
Soo, use the banks to get credit flowing again. This will save many business small, medium, and large, that are essentially healthy but need access to short term credit.
If this helps, go to the next step:
Buy out all the foreclosures with fed. $ and rent to own right back to those who lost it. Banks will take a hit on reduced prices but they already got a bailout for that.
Eventually the foreclosures will be off the gov. roles as they are bought back or sold (slowly) into the market.
Make ANY agency created or expanded to do this have a sunset clause so we are NOT burdened with unnecessary bureaucracy in the future.
Of course, other steps may need to be added ONE BY ONE so effectiveness can be measured.
The problem and the solution
Staff Officer (retired) USDA Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:19 AM
I forget who said this... maybe The Three Stooges" but it sums things up for me as to how we are proceeding: "Stupidity got us into this mess; stupidity can get us out"! Well, lot's of luck USA, we are sure gonna need it!
I think the survey is in touch with a sound thinking America. I hope the results will be shared with FOX News Network if with no one else.
Must be Republicans
Program Analyst U. S. Coast Guard Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:28 AM
Lokking at the responses to your poll the majority of no voters have to be Republicans. The agenda for the country by the new administration is to help the country by creating and saving new jobs and funding for Infrastructure. By responding that you would rather have tax breaks and balance spending is what the old administration pushed along with funding for the two wars.
Stimulus package
Inspector DOT Wed Feb 11, 2009 12:21 PM
The "survey" results have no bearing on reality. What federal employees think, while interesting and valuable, has no value predicting the success or failure of the fixes to our economic mess.
It looks like many of the responders are part of the "Gov't isn't a solution to the problem; gov't is the problem” crowd. Their titular leader is Ronald Reagan, who accelerated the dumbing down of our culture, to the point that many of us actually "need" to be told what to think, instead of having critical (based on knowledge and fact) opinions. The comments from FAA employees (Scottsdale, NY) are examples of having an uninformed opinion, and blindly accepting what they are told to think. They are worried about socialism.
What Scottsdale and NY seem to have missed is the overwhelming social forces to establish and maintain corporate control, i.e., fascism (look up the definition), over our country. The FAA data breach was on a server managed by a contractor; the good private sector.
STUPIDITY
ATSS DOT Wed Feb 11, 2009 12:44 PM
STUPID IS AS STUPID DOES! Anyone in their right mind knows that when you dig yourself into a hole, YOU STOP DIGGING! The idiots in Washington don't want to stop. It is the democratic way. Keeping people down to insure votes. WELFARE, SOCIALISM etc. Don't allow people to be independent of the government. Reward them for bad behavior.
AND to all you Repub bashers out there. It was the DEMS who started this mess with they're push to give out the bad loans to begin with. If ya can't afford it don't buy it! Ya need someone to tell ya that....STUPID IS as STUPID DOES. Then blame someone else for your problems.
Concerns
Specialist Federal agency Wed Feb 11, 2009 12:54 PM
I find the current administrations' socialistic approach to resolve economic problems is inappropriate and doomed to failure. Both parties should shoulder the blame because it was the demoncrats (Clinton & Carter) who set us up for the problems in the banking and mortgage business and they have their share of blame for the war or to be more specific 9/11. Clinton twice let bin Laden one of the most infamous villians of the 21st century to go. I was in Saudi Arabia when Clinton pursuing intern interest rather than American interests. He started his Lewinsky affair the day my office was blown up in the KSA. We have played into these people's plan. Americans are also to blame for our woes for putting into office people they "liked" rather than doing their homework on these candidates' records (not just the presidential elections but other national election seats) or voting against someone that wasn't even running for office! If someone want's assign blame they should look in the mirror!
stimulus package
IT Manager IRS Wed Feb 11, 2009 2:05 PM
I voted in favor of the stimulus in the original voting but did not comment. I'm not sure that federal employees are any better informed than the average person. I've listened to lots of commentary from analysts and economists being interviewed on NPR programs (particularly the finance programs), and I've come to the conclusion that we must learn from history (FDR, New Deal) and absolutely do the stimulus actiions. Most people object because they think the money will be wasted or not accounted for (which is what the Bush administration did). But I believe that considerable thought will be put into how to spend it appropriately.
Stimulus Spending Package
Retired government employee Treasury Dept. Wed Feb 11, 2009 5:55 PM
I understand a large portion of the money will be spent to create jobs. Many people are jobless and need to work. People work, pay tax, spend money and help stimulate the economy. The Republicans want a larger tax cut to benefit the wealthy. How can a jobless person get a tax cut? This stimulus package will help stimulate the economy. It is better than doing nothing. All those people who have safe jobs may not always have a job if this ecomony does not improve. We did not get in this economy mess over night and will not get out of it over night. Obama is working diligently to get something started to improve this economy. May God guide him in all his decisions and plans for improving this economy.
Re: Stimulus Spending Package
soon tobe eliminated.... U.S. Treasury Tue Feb 17, 2009 9:55 AM
Wow i wonder if god blessed the 30 mil going to electric golf carts.... now that sure stimulted some jobs didn' t it...hummmmm????
What tax paying group did that help?? how many americans got jobs on that 30 mil ??? hummmmm?
United States of America?
One confused American... USPS Wed Feb 11, 2009 6:35 PM
I find it sad that the United Sates of America has been reduced to the Divided States of Republicans and Democrats, and this so called stimulus bill is a perfect example of this division. I fear that big government has won with its prolific greed and squandering. I also fear that one of Thomas Jefferson’s (you remember him...founding father) greatest fear has been realized, 'I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around the banks will deprive the people of all property until their children wake-up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered.' – Thomas Jefferson 1802.
Welcome home children…
the stimulus
Area Director USDA Rural Developoment Wed Feb 11, 2009 6:42 PM
Never in my life did I think to be so frightened of the Federal govt. I do not recognize this government from what was created by our Founders. We don't know what was behind the colossal liquidity drain of last fall, shortly before the election, but I believe there is a connection with the election and the mess that has been created since. This "stimulus" is an obscene fraud being perpetrated on a willfully uncritical American public. We are creating oppressive levels of taxation to pay oppressive levels of debt. What will we do when the rest of the world no longer wants to buy US debt? This stimulus is not only a threat to Free Market capitalism, it is a threat to our National Security.
Totally Ludicrous!
Claims Rep SSA Wed Feb 11, 2009 8:42 PM
I have read & listened to news all my life. Though often depressing, it never depressed me. I always knew it was temporary.
2 years ago, for the 1st time in my 48 years, I was significantly worried about the coming economic catastrophe based on skyrocketing Medicare costs, energy crunch, a blunderous war, & general govt spending.
Since the day Bush & congress gave hundreds of billions of dollars away, not 1 day has gone by without my feeling anxiety about the future.
Now I am scared!
While Bush was a liberal Rep. & spending grew under him, much was due to the war & he could have done it without direct help from Dems & Repubs equally.
Dems are now going to show us that Repubs can never come close to out-doing them in spending.
Great Depression facts we know now: Money constricted, Govt constricted it more & turned a severe downturn into a catasrophe, then almost everything it did made it worse & longer.
We needed to get money in the market, but not like this.
REF: Nameless, Faceless NobodyDOD http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601039&refer=columnist_mccaughey&sid=aLzfDxfbwhzs
Yes! Someone caught it. A Beauocratic Council will decide if you are young enough or too old to have insurance pay for your treatment. Dashcle explained that we in USA should adopt British mentality and accept our illnesses of old age. I guess if you get a brain tumor at 76 like Senator Kennedy, you will have to accept it. Take a close look young Obamamaniacs, this affects you down the road, your parents and grandparents. Big brother will choose your doctors and treatment. You have done it now.
Support 3 million low end jobs, right!
Ex-Slave #14779 EX-CBP Thu Feb 12, 2009 2:01 AM
At least is will help all the illegal aliens that work construction for minimum wage. They send all their money home to build up Mexico. I’m sure they’ll take pity on the poor Americans and let them go to school, sue using the Mexican court, provide housing and free medical services, without paying taxes. Then Obama can sink in the an Amnesty program and finish turning the US in a third world country faster than anticipated. And the 47% of Americans that do pay federal tax can feel good about supporting all the entitled people.
STIMILUS
nurse va Thu Feb 12, 2009 5:49 AM
The new deal which FDR did was working until the republicans in Congress at the time started complaining about it. Something has to be done to put our economy back on track. It won't happen overnight after all it took eight years of cronyism and greed to create it.
Stimulus
USPS retired US POSTAL Thu Feb 12, 2009 8:03 AM
To continue down the road of delusion and manipulation without understanding the true deceit involved in a scarcity based financial system is folly if not criminal. Most posters I dare say haven't the vaguest notion of the total lack of an asset backed banking system. What we have had is the largest Ponzi scheme ever created in human history.Read people like Nouriel Roubini gave call to the impending catastrophe years ago and his reward, being called Dr Doom. We are on the edge of a new financial paradigm. To listen to mantras of the past,"tax cuts" oh no "spend more" is not worthwhile when you finally understand we do not live in democracy but rather have fallen into the abyss of Corpotocracy warned about by Jefferson,cornered by Jackson, rebuked by Lincoln , and given rebirth by the creation of The FED Reserve.
Will Stimulus Spending Package Help America
SPEC VHA Thu Feb 12, 2009 9:03 AM
Lazy Bones
Federal Government
Wed Feb 11, 2009 1:41 PM
That gift was given by Congress. Please get the facts straight.
Is that a fact? If I remember correctly, Bush misrepresented, or dare I say LIED to Congress. Please get YOUR facts straight. Interesting screen name--does it accurately describe you and your service to John Q Taxpayer? If so, you have a lot of nerve bragging about it.
Stimulus Package
John t. Emmert Federal Civil Service Retired Thu Feb 12, 2009 12:03 PM
What will this Stimulus Bill do for Social Security Recipents and Disabled Veterans with 30% or more Disabilities? Please address this topic in your daily letter/s.
Thank You,
John T. Emmert
Re: Stimulus Package Survey
Director (Retired) DOD Thu Feb 12, 2009 12:29 PM
WOW - cannot believe you guys work for government & not realize how messed up it is, i.e. how difficult it is to get rid of bad employees, etc. When has it ever been a good idea to live beyond your means & borrow money so far into the future that no one knows when or if ever it will be paid back. What's the hurry? Why not take it slow & get it right. My grandmom was an exceptionally smart individual & she always told us that Roosevelt sold the US down the tube. We elected our current admin & have to live with it, but we have every right to disagree with them.
Will Stimulus Spending Package Help America?
CBP Officer CBP Thu Feb 12, 2009 1:31 PM
No!
Re: Will Stimulus Spending Package Help America?
NURSE Manager Army Thu Feb 12, 2009 1:41 PM
Yes, Yes,Yes!!!!!
Working Together
IT Real Estate Thu Feb 12, 2009 5:42 PM
What we need to do is stop bickering amongst each other and realize this is not a Democrat vs. Republican issue it is a Government vs. Citizen issue. Republicans aren't responsible for this mess, Democrats aren't responsible either. It is CONGRESS that is responsible. Congress is like professional wrestling. On camera they put on the show blaming each other but when the cameras go off they are all friends!
it is about time citizens team up to tell them how we really feel!
Bush was not the Cause
Finance DOE Fri Feb 13, 2009 6:28 AM
Why do many people think that President Bush was the cause of the finacial situation we are in. We can blame him for putting us in a war that has cost us billions, that we did not need to go into. But in 1999 under Clintons watch is when the flood gates opened. When he ( Clinton) allowed the Glass/Stegal act to be repealed that is what stated the disater we are in. Congress had put the act into play to undo the depression in the late 20's and early 30's it worked very well untill the act was undone in 1999.
Re: Bush was not the Cause
CBP Officer CBP Fri Feb 13, 2009 10:33 AM
"Why do many people think that President Bush was the cause of the finacial situation we are in."
Because they hate Bush! All the facts show Bush had nothing to do with this mess and Congress did!
The housing crisis was the cause and the housing crisis was caused by Congress. I won't point fingers at who in Congress, but the facts are there and everyone knows exactly who caused this mess.
Until people
Quality Assurance Specialist DCMA Fri Feb 13, 2009 12:50 PM
understand the basic fact that borrowing money to throw at a problem has never solved a problem, we will be doomed to repeat the past. While Bush has his little fingers in this pie, remember that from 2006 to 2008 he had a democratic congress and senate. They controlled the purse strings. The President cannot just decide to spend money. The congress and the senate have to make the bill, vote on it and pass it. Where the president sets the agenda the congress has the choice to either supports it or not. This package will do nothing to help us because we haven't fixed the underlying problems. People didn't save before this calamity and won't for long once the assinine rules placed upon business by these so called representatives are removed and the lending establishments are able to apply risk management to loans. The biys and girls of the maketplace are frozen because they don't see a realistic plan to reverse the damage inflicted by half-assed governmental influence.
Re: Until people
usda worker Fri Feb 13, 2009 3:11 PM
it was a slim dem majority in the House. the Repugs still controlled the Senate until america woke up last year!
Stimulils Package
Contracting Officer DCMA Wed Feb 18, 2009 11:26 AM
With a stimulis package approaching 800 pages and $800 BILLION, I doubt very seriously if anyone has read it and understands it cover to cover. And the reality, maybe no one is able to comprehend it and certainly not its implications for success or falure. Thus, I contend the comments received are based on feelings, not substance, and as the article states likely political affiliation.
I believe the problem is not just at the feet of Pres. Bush. There are policies and agendas that are linked to prior presidents and administrations. The U. S. did not get in this situatin overnight and it will not be fixed overnight as this stimulis package would lead the American people to believe. It is likely to have some benefits along the way but does it truly make dollars and cents (sense)!? Only time will tell. As politicians do, it could turn out to be a failure yet declared a success! Go figure.
Artificial inteligence is no match for natural stupidity.
God Bless America!!
Re: Stimulus Spending
QAR retiring soon DoD Wed Feb 18, 2009 11:55 AM
I hope all works out for the best. Since the subprime mortage companies and credit card companies were hit hard, I haven't had my daily mailbox full of mortgage refinancing offers and new credit card offers. It is wonderful. Now, let's see what can be done to stop the letters from politicians begging for money.
taxes
Ciizen retired Fri Mar 6, 2009 7:25 PM
Why don't they just re-due the tax structure and have every tax paying citizen pay a flat rate 10% period with NO loop holes. That would be fare. That way I would pay the same percent of tax on my wages as these big CEO's would have to pay on there wadges. There was aproxamently 183 mil payed there taxes last year. 42% approximately ended up paying no tax either by getting it back or some other tax loop-hole. If all 183mil tax payers pay 10% on there earnings would this not help with national dept? This would in fact help most of us that make under 100 thousand a year pay less tax thus putting more money in my pocked though the year. There should be no need for a bail out package. Put the numbers to this and see what you get.
Thanks
Robert
the banks
Tax Examiner IRS Wed Mar 11, 2009 9:29 AM
The money should go to the taxpayers as it's there money. Give me 5 million dollars, I will bank it, pay off my credit card, make money on it, pay taxes on it and stimulate the economy with my purchases. This bill has hurt me cause now credit cards are raising their rates because they can before the new regs take place. 5% APR increase from Capital One and no late payments or bad credit issues.
Stimulus Package
Business Development Specialist SBA Mon Mar 23, 2009 8:44 AM
In reading your polling results, most people do not favor this package. You can blame the Bush all you want, but the problem started long before Bush. Yes, he made his mistakes, but Clinton was the one that removed the Glass-Steagle Act which allowed for the Bank and Mortgage crisis. People need to study the facts. When Regan became President, the interest rate was 21%. The economy was in crisis, just as today. He cut taxes and we rode out the storm and moved into the biggest growth and boom we had seen in years. What Obama is doing is going to take us into Bankruptcy. Just watch and see. It's too bad we will all pay for this terrible mistake.
Stimulus Plan
Office Automation DoD Fri Jul 10, 2009 9:09 AM
People seem to forget that although a Republican was the president, the majority in Congress was Democratic, so to blame all this on one person is silly. I think that the Government should not be throwing money at the problems we have, but if they insist on it...give it to the people. I make an ok living as a GS-5, but I am not spending now like I would normally be doing because my credit card companies have raised the rates so high that I am just paying them down and no longer using them. I never miss a payment, and always pay more than the minimum, but all of a sudden I am a credit risk (their reason for raising my rates)? That is a joke, this should have been stopped before it started; it is quite possible now that I will be a credit risk. What did these banks get the money for anyway? Obviously not to create spending.
The non stimulus, stimulus
Safety Manager US Army Fri Jul 10, 2009 10:10 PM
As an independent voter who did not vote for the current president. My view is that by the current administration borrowing and spending money borrowed from the Chinese. They are placing America and future generations in danger. People are hurting, lost homes, jobs etc:. The people I talk with on a daily basis see the situation getting worse not better. This is what happens when you put a community organizer in charge of something he is not qualified for. I was willing to give him and the Democrats a chance, but I've come to the belief that the average American voter made a big mistake when they voted these people into power. Because they are just adding burden upon burden onto the backs of the tax payers and future generations.
More spending
CBP
Wed Feb 11, 2009 8:39 AM
I thought that excess in the private sector, greed and mismangement got us into this mess. How is government excess borrowing, mismanagement, and partisan greed going to get us out?
The government ought to be concentrating on safetynet type programs to help people deal with the fallout and let the buisness sector do a Darwian selection of the fitest.
If someone can show in history where borrowing this kind of money worked, I would support the stimulus pkg.
True to form
DOE, Albuquerque
Wed Feb 11, 2009 8:49 AM
As usual, Fedmith shows that most the readers are far more conservative than average and out of step with the nation. What more can I say
Re: True to form
ANG
Thu Feb 12, 2009 5:51 AM
Re: True to form
FAA
Fri Feb 13, 2009 10:14 AM
Will Stimulus Spending Package Help America
VHA
Wed Feb 11, 2009 9:03 AM
Oh, I believe a lot of folks don't like it because recipients will have to follow Federal guidelines. The first bailout was a gift, a windfall, to the CEOs--it did nothing for the little guy. It was a farewell gift to the rich from Pres. Bush. I believe Pres. Obama is headed in the right direction. Nobody has a quick fix for a problem that took 8 years to create, and he's doing the best he can with what WE have. Those of you who feel you have to criticize him and the others should post some better ideas. Otherwise, stay out of the way.
Re: Will Stimulus Spending Package Help America
Federal Government
Wed Feb 11, 2009 1:41 PM
Re: Will Stimulus Spending Package Help America
noaa
Wed Feb 11, 2009 2:35 PM
1. if you buy a flat screen , your bailing out the chinese
2. if you buy a car you bail out the japanese
and korea
3. if you buy heroin you help afganistan.
actually nothing is make in america any more;
so here here is your better idea;
1. get a new tattoo ( made in america)
2. buy some good california marijuana....take a few hits
and it just dosen't seem to be as bad anymore.
Re: Will Stimulus Spending Package Help America
CBP
Thu Feb 12, 2009 1:39 PM
Stimulus?
USAF
Wed Feb 11, 2009 9:05 AM
The government should stay out of private business. Everything they (the government) gets involved in goes broke - look at social security/medicare. I say we fire them all and start over.
Re: Stimulus?
US Army
Wed Feb 11, 2009 10:51 AM
"that The government should stay out of private business. Everything they (the government) gets involved in goes broke - look at social security/medicare. I say we fire them all and start over." My question to you is how can you work for the USAF and think thoughts like you just wrote?????
Re: Stimulus?
DOD
Thu Feb 12, 2009 6:20 AM
where is the money coming from???
US Treasury Dept
Wed Feb 11, 2009 9:09 AM
The comment is right - show us where this has worked before...
This administration is going to bankrupt this country and the next generations cannot pay this back..is money growing on trees somewhere as when my kids were younger and asked me to just go to the bank and get money...
Very - very sad situation we are in...and when is it the responsiblity of the fed gov to take care of us?? and when is it the responsibility of the president to give scare speeches to the american people??
Do not tell us we need to increase our taxes...we pay enough in taxes...
Re: where is the money coming from???
DOE, Albuquerque
Wed Feb 11, 2009 3:00 PM
Re: where is the money coming from???
DOD
Thu Feb 12, 2009 6:28 AM
Re: where is the money coming from???
DOE, Albuquerque
Thu Feb 12, 2009 10:05 AM
Re: where is the money coming from???
DOD
Fri Feb 13, 2009 6:22 AM
Re: where is the money coming from???
worker
Fri Feb 13, 2009 1:47 PM
Stimulus Spending
USDA Rural Development
Wed Feb 11, 2009 9:12 AM
It is interesting how the "blame Bush" histrionics won't go away. We are in this situation because of government intervention into the mortgage industry. It encouraged/required lenders to make subprime mortgages that were purchased by Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac, who are at the center of this terrible economic situation. It was prominent Democrats that ran the ugly twins and made millions and millions of dollars. President Bush tried to tighten those lending practices, but Barney Frank, Christopher Dodd and other democrats argued that the twins were just fine and doing a great job and refused/ignored all attempts to tighten regulations. Before you start throwing blame around, do your research.
Re: Stimulus Spending
faa
Wed Feb 11, 2009 3:32 PM
Re: Stimulus Spending
DOL
Thu Feb 12, 2009 4:50 AM
Re: Stimulus Spending
ANG
Thu Feb 12, 2009 5:58 AM
Re: Stimulus Spending
DOD
Thu Feb 12, 2009 6:40 AM
Re: Stimulus Spending
USDA/RD
Thu Feb 12, 2009 9:07 AM
Get the budget passed so we can do our jobs....
Re: Stimulus Spending
DOE, Albuquerque
Thu Feb 12, 2009 10:55 AM
Re: Stimulus Spending
faa
Thu Feb 12, 2009 12:09 PM
As for the Green Book....who knows what's going to happen? That won't affect me one bit. My job will continue (as well as the raises) and if we choose to enforce what's in the Green Book, controllers might want to return to where we are now.
Re: Stimulus Spending
IRS
Thu Feb 12, 2009 2:52 PM
Re: Stimulus Spending
DOD
Fri Feb 13, 2009 10:22 AM
Re: Stimulus Spending
worker
Fri Feb 13, 2009 2:31 PM
Stimulus Package survey
Forest Service
Wed Feb 11, 2009 9:13 AM
I wonder how skewed the results of this survey are since most, if not all of us federal employees have job security? We are the only ones in the entire country who can pretty much count on having our jobs tomorrow and into the future. That makes us a whole lot more comfortable in arguing against something that would cost us and our grandchildren money but wouldn't affect our own immediate job and household security.
Re: Stimulus Package survey
USFS
Wed Feb 11, 2009 1:26 PM
It isn't over yet. And for the last several years at least in our Agency we have seen a big decline in jobs. I've been with the USFS for about 18 years, I've seen a lot of jobs left unfilled or just done away with.
Stimulus Spending
DCMA
Wed Feb 11, 2009 9:21 AM
Can anyone give any example where spending has gotten you out of debt???? The gloom and doom rhetoric that obama used to fool so many people and got him elected just isn't going to work and we are putting our great grand children in debt as well as putting our country in danger. The "change" and the free ride so many were suckered into thinking they were going to get just isn't going ti happen. By the spring of 2012 it will be hard to find anyone who will admit they supported this total failure and they way this country is going by 2012 we are going to be in big economic trouble.
Stimulus Spending Package
USACE
Wed Feb 11, 2009 9:26 AM
What congress and others do not understand is that government does have enought money and congress does not have the guts to pass a Stimulus big enought to help the U.S. enconomy.To really provide a stimulus the Government would have spend a 2.5 - 3 Tillion dollars above thenornal budgeted funds a year for the next 4 or 5 years . What got us out of the last depression was not the pulic workers programs of FDR but WWII and all of the Government spending with war. Spending for the war, 2 - 3 times more than peace time budget, also twice as many people working in 1943 counting the number in army, navy etc. than in 1939. Keynesian economics proably works but only with really big sums of money provided to projects that increase productivity of the country . Short of a real stimulus package the federal should step back provide unemployment benefits and other small things to help poeple out, but half-behind stimulus packages like this one should not be passed.
Re: Stimulus Spending Package
SSA
Wed Feb 11, 2009 10:44 AM
As an analogy someone mentioned the cholera epidemic in England 1831-32. As victims became dehydrated they were given more water, but water was the cause of the disease.
Taxes, the war and the stimulus package
HUD
Wed Feb 11, 2009 9:31 AM
Number 1: EVERYONE, including the rich and the big companies, should PAY their share of taxes.
Number 2: Get our military out of a war that is going nowhere.
Number 3: Quit bailing the big banks and industries out
It may sound simple but I think these three steps would improve the American economy more that just throwing huge amounts of money at the problem, we might as well burn the money. After these three steps are implemented we need to work on our internal problems, such as health care, the poor, education, etc.
Re: Taxes, the war and the stimulus package
SSA
Wed Feb 11, 2009 1:45 PM
I agree that everyone should pay their share of taxes. Unfortunately, the richest of the rich pay the majority of the personal income taxes in this country. The lower income brackets (under 75K) pay very little in contrast.
Re: Taxes, the war and the stimulus package
DOL
Wed Feb 11, 2009 5:45 PM
Re: Taxes, the war and the stimulus package
dod
Thu Feb 12, 2009 9:22 AM
Re: Taxes, the war and the stimulus package
DOE, Albuquerque
Thu Feb 12, 2009 12:19 PM
Re: Taxes, the war and the stimulus package
IRS
Thu Feb 12, 2009 3:09 PM
survey results
doi
Wed Feb 11, 2009 9:31 AM
I guess the one thing I would caution about this survey is that it was completed by government employees who have not and probably will not feel the true impact of the current downswing. We have good benefits and salary and job security and I think the survey clearly shows that people with good secure jobs at this point do not want to see the govt. go any deeper in debt since the last adminstration did such a good job of leaving us with a big bill to pay.
Budget cuts/belt tightening
Dept of Veterans Affairs
Wed Feb 11, 2009 9:33 AM
In a recession corporate america cuts there costs through layoffs and eliminating unecessary positions. Congress should follow suit. Eliminate 50% of the House and Senate. The savings would be significant and immediate.
Re: Budget cuts/belt tightening
DOL
Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:49 AM
Re: Budget cuts/belt tightening
DOD
Thu Feb 12, 2009 6:32 AM
Let's Spend
Books Unlimited
Wed Feb 11, 2009 9:35 AM
This downturn is a result of lack of spending. The govt has decided that since you people aren't going to spend it will. Better than no spending at all. I would rather have you people spend but since you are tightwads and there is no other option, I say spend, spend, spend.
At least this spending is limited in amount and duration unlike medicare, medicaid, sosecurity, military, govt funding of abortion clinics etc. etc. Those types of spending are what will be our undoing, not this little trill or so going down now.
Greed and bonuses for failures
DOI
Wed Feb 11, 2009 9:37 AM
This is like throwing fuel on the fire. People on Wall Street and others like them need to clean up their greeding act. Now I and my children are going to be paying off their golden payoffs when they as CEO cannot manage a company-they should be fired with no big bonus for causing this mess. The American people should not be bailing out failures who cannot manage because of their greed.
Re: Greed and bonuses for failures
worker
Fri Feb 13, 2009 2:42 PM
Obama/Pelosi's bill
USDA
Wed Feb 11, 2009 9:37 AM
How many economists were consulted before this bill was approved? Why I they in such a rush to pass it? And of course, why all the pork? Has there ever been a time when a bill was passed for itself with no pay backs added on? This bill is a disaster and reeks of socialism. I have tried to get people to read about the pork, the waste, and the socialistic programs it is introducing. All some think is Congress and the Pres wouldn't do it if it wasn'[t right! Let's get our heads out of the sand. Most of us understand and know, but what can be done? I contact my reps, to no avail...how about you?
Re: Obama/Pelosi's bill
DOD
Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:19 AM
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601039&refer=columnist_mccaughey&sid=aLzfDxfbwhzs
quit griping and do something to help
nps
Wed Feb 11, 2009 9:43 AM
yap yap yap. all the hype and none of the substance. The republican administration and congress screwed us to the ground, the dem administration and mostly dem congress is attempting to get us back up - there will certainly be some flaws but you have to give it a chance to work. There are no silver bullets.
Re: quit griping and do something to help
HUD
Wed Feb 11, 2009 1:47 PM
Everyone has a Piece of the Pie!
FAA
Wed Feb 11, 2009 9:47 AM
Remembering the words of my Grandparents: “Don’t live beyond your means”. Possibly we all fall into this category. With past years of easily available credit to purchase things we really couldn't afford, we all have part of that pie! The expectation that our homes were always going to be worth more, our paychecks were always going to be greater next year, our future retirement was in the bag, and our investments were always going to increase. We all fell into the trap! When our Capitalistic System is tinkered with by those leaders who have their own personal agenda (Trace the Money in the stimulus), “The System Fails”. Bailouts for those people and companies who are failing prevents the system from "Self Correcting" and the money provided to them from possibly well meaning politicians only further prolong the recovery! Let the System Work!
Re: Everyone has a Piece of the Pie!
EPA
Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:25 AM
Stimulus Package Impact
DOI
Wed Feb 11, 2009 9:48 AM
Reading some of the comments it is clear that the Professional Politicians have succeeded in dividing the American people. This is nor a Republican or Democrat problem. The Professional Politicians of both parties have violated the trust of the American people for the sake of nothing more than POWER and nothing else. Too many American people are falling for it. United We Stand Or Divided We Fall is as true today as it was as the nation was formed. If we focus on Democrats against Republicans or the class warfare of "rich" against "poor" (what ever those terms mean) we are reacting exactly how the Professional Politician want. Are these politician acting in the best interest of America or are you supporting them because they support "your personal special interest." If we allow these Professional Politicians to "DIVIDE and CONQUER" then the greatness of America is over. We American voters have populated the political system with a bunch of egotisical, selfish, immature, jerks.
Re: Stimulus Package Impact
SSA
Wed Feb 11, 2009 10:47 AM
THE BLAME GAME
DVA
Wed Feb 11, 2009 9:52 AM
When reading the comments to this article, I noticed that those folks in favor of the "stimulus package" were very quick to blame President Bush and the bad old Republicans for all the woes of the world, yet the folks who are not in favor of the "stimulus package" appeared to weigh merits of the package and found the weaknesses in it, not in the people who proposed it.
Political Bailout
USDA Forest Service
Wed Feb 11, 2009 10:08 AM
This bloated "Stimilus Package" is a prime example of what Obama had in mind when he spoke of change. The Democrats are trying to pass every piece of legislation to pacify their radical supporters and pay their political debts on the back of the american taxpayer. That is why the panic to get this bill passed before the public has a chance to find out exactly what socialist programs they will be funding for generations. This is just the begining of the end of the free America as we have known it since the founding fathers wrote the Constitution!
Re: Political Bailout
worker
Fri Feb 13, 2009 2:51 PM
Stimulus Pros and Cons
FAA
Wed Feb 11, 2009 10:27 AM
Whether we use tax cuts or spending for the stimulus, in the end the Government will see less money to conduct its business as it is today.
We have choices to address that issue, raise income for the Government to continue on its present model or alter the model with less services and programs(less cost).
In any case efficiencies of scale are the only rational means to address economics, public or private sector.
Grit your teeth and bear it
ICE
Wed Feb 11, 2009 10:28 AM
This administration is forced to pay back the liberal interests and welfare recipients that put them into office. The media will keep cheering these empty suits even as we self implode.
Will they fail? Sure. Miserably. Will America pull through? Maybe.
The USA is made up of a core group of strong, intelligent folks. Unfortunately, the majority sometimes votes in self-serving groups or individuals that are detrimental to their country. Think Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin, Lenin, Mao tse Tung, et al.
Is the current guy of their ilk? Possibly. Likely.
It is what it is. Grit your teeth, pray constantly and do your best to survive until this administration goes down in flames. Then be part of the group who learns from its mistakes as we rebuild the ruins.
Re: Grit your teeth and bear it
DOL
Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:52 AM
Re: Grit your teeth and bear it
DOL
Wed Feb 11, 2009 5:49 PM
Re: Grit your teeth and bear it
IRS
Thu Feb 12, 2009 3:19 PM
Re: Grit your teeth and bear it
DOL
Thu Feb 12, 2009 8:28 PM
Re: Grit your teeth and bear it
worker
Fri Feb 13, 2009 2:53 PM
stimilus package
f.s.
Wed Feb 11, 2009 10:44 AM
This is not about stimulating the economy! It never has been nor will it ever be. This is about power. Control over the people. Obama has no desire to do what is right for the people or the country. He is a power hungry, power driven egomanic. Nobody in their right mind believes this the right thing to do for the country. Wake up and smell the coffee folks. He is selling this country out and we're letting him do it. Shame on us and especially shame on those who voted for this dictator. I suspect there is a lot of "buyer's remorse" but those who have it are not willing to admit it. Too embarassing.
Re: stimilus package
Army
Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:29 AM
Re: stimilus package
SSA
Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:38 AM
Re: stimilus package
Army
Wed Feb 11, 2009 12:54 PM
Re: stimilus package
DOL
Wed Feb 11, 2009 5:52 PM
Stimulus to Cause Hyper-Inflation
Defense Contract Audit Agency
Wed Feb 11, 2009 10:49 AM
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that by greatly increasing spending, while not increasing the quantity of goods and services available for purchase in our economy, we are running a huge risk of stoking the flames of hyper-inflation. The stimulus package should be focused more so on increasing productivity, than with just putting dollars in the hands of consumers. Productivity increases when the private sector is allowed and incentived to develop new technologies and products. Now, how do you incentivize private business to increase productivity? With the establishment of more Government mandates or with the lowering of taxes to encourage the entrepreneurial initiative of our best and brightest?
Plan to save Trillions of dollars
USDA
Wed Feb 11, 2009 10:54 AM
How to Save Several Trillions of Dollars
Here is the math:
250 million Americans. given them each a $1 Million tax free. That totals to $250 Billion. Lets save the rest of the money and see what $1 million dollars a tax free money in the hands of every American will do to stimulate the economy!
Re: Plan to save Trillions of dollars
f.s.
Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:18 AM
Re: Plan to save Trillions of dollars
DOD
Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:21 AM
It would also be cheaper to just buy the bad mortgages outright and GIVE the house back to the current owner.
Re: Plan to save Trillions of dollars
DOD
Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:36 AM
I think you might be part of the reason we are in this mess. Your basic math skills are lacking.
250 Million people x $1 million = $250 Trillion (not billion).
Re: Plan to save Trillions of dollars
DOD
Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:41 AM
Re: Plan to save Trillions of dollars
DoD
Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:48 AM
Re: Plan to save Trillions of dollars
FAA
Wed Feb 11, 2009 4:30 PM
Re: Plan to save Trillions of dollars
U.S. Treasury
Tue Feb 17, 2009 9:19 AM
One item at a time
DOD
Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:13 AM
Giving money to the banks without rules was obviously a disaster.
Soo, tell the banks to get their act together or be nationalized! Banking seems to me to be the one place where nationalization may be in line with the constitutional mandate to regulate money.
Soo, use the banks to get credit flowing again. This will save many business small, medium, and large, that are essentially healthy but need access to short term credit.
If this helps, go to the next step:
Buy out all the foreclosures with fed. $ and rent to own right back to those who lost it. Banks will take a hit on reduced prices but they already got a bailout for that.
Eventually the foreclosures will be off the gov. roles as they are bought back or sold (slowly) into the market.
Make ANY agency created or expanded to do this have a sunset clause so we are NOT burdened with unnecessary bureaucracy in the future.
Of course, other steps may need to be added ONE BY ONE so effectiveness can be measured.
The problem and the solution
USDA
Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:19 AM
I forget who said this... maybe The Three Stooges" but it sums things up for me as to how we are proceeding: "Stupidity got us into this mess; stupidity can get us out"! Well, lot's of luck USA, we are sure gonna need it!
I think the survey is in touch with a sound thinking America. I hope the results will be shared with FOX News Network if with no one else.
Must be Republicans
U. S. Coast Guard
Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:28 AM
Lokking at the responses to your poll the majority of no voters have to be Republicans. The agenda for the country by the new administration is to help the country by creating and saving new jobs and funding for Infrastructure. By responding that you would rather have tax breaks and balance spending is what the old administration pushed along with funding for the two wars.
Stimulus package
DOT
Wed Feb 11, 2009 12:21 PM
The "survey" results have no bearing on reality. What federal employees think, while interesting and valuable, has no value predicting the success or failure of the fixes to our economic mess.
It looks like many of the responders are part of the "Gov't isn't a solution to the problem; gov't is the problem” crowd. Their titular leader is Ronald Reagan, who accelerated the dumbing down of our culture, to the point that many of us actually "need" to be told what to think, instead of having critical (based on knowledge and fact) opinions. The comments from FAA employees (Scottsdale, NY) are examples of having an uninformed opinion, and blindly accepting what they are told to think. They are worried about socialism.
What Scottsdale and NY seem to have missed is the overwhelming social forces to establish and maintain corporate control, i.e., fascism (look up the definition), over our country. The FAA data breach was on a server managed by a contractor; the good private sector.
STUPIDITY
DOT
Wed Feb 11, 2009 12:44 PM
STUPID IS AS STUPID DOES! Anyone in their right mind knows that when you dig yourself into a hole, YOU STOP DIGGING! The idiots in Washington don't want to stop. It is the democratic way. Keeping people down to insure votes. WELFARE, SOCIALISM etc. Don't allow people to be independent of the government. Reward them for bad behavior.
AND to all you Repub bashers out there. It was the DEMS who started this mess with they're push to give out the bad loans to begin with. If ya can't afford it don't buy it! Ya need someone to tell ya that....STUPID IS as STUPID DOES. Then blame someone else for your problems.
Concerns
Federal agency
Wed Feb 11, 2009 12:54 PM
I find the current administrations' socialistic approach to resolve economic problems is inappropriate and doomed to failure. Both parties should shoulder the blame because it was the demoncrats (Clinton & Carter) who set us up for the problems in the banking and mortgage business and they have their share of blame for the war or to be more specific 9/11. Clinton twice let bin Laden one of the most infamous villians of the 21st century to go. I was in Saudi Arabia when Clinton pursuing intern interest rather than American interests. He started his Lewinsky affair the day my office was blown up in the KSA. We have played into these people's plan. Americans are also to blame for our woes for putting into office people they "liked" rather than doing their homework on these candidates' records (not just the presidential elections but other national election seats) or voting against someone that wasn't even running for office! If someone want's assign blame they should look in the mirror!
stimulus package
IRS
Wed Feb 11, 2009 2:05 PM
I voted in favor of the stimulus in the original voting but did not comment. I'm not sure that federal employees are any better informed than the average person. I've listened to lots of commentary from analysts and economists being interviewed on NPR programs (particularly the finance programs), and I've come to the conclusion that we must learn from history (FDR, New Deal) and absolutely do the stimulus actiions. Most people object because they think the money will be wasted or not accounted for (which is what the Bush administration did). But I believe that considerable thought will be put into how to spend it appropriately.
Stimulus Spending Package
Treasury Dept.
Wed Feb 11, 2009 5:55 PM
I understand a large portion of the money will be spent to create jobs. Many people are jobless and need to work. People work, pay tax, spend money and help stimulate the economy. The Republicans want a larger tax cut to benefit the wealthy. How can a jobless person get a tax cut? This stimulus package will help stimulate the economy. It is better than doing nothing. All those people who have safe jobs may not always have a job if this ecomony does not improve. We did not get in this economy mess over night and will not get out of it over night. Obama is working diligently to get something started to improve this economy. May God guide him in all his decisions and plans for improving this economy.
Re: Stimulus Spending Package
U.S. Treasury
Tue Feb 17, 2009 9:55 AM
What tax paying group did that help?? how many americans got jobs on that 30 mil ??? hummmmm?
United States of America?
USPS
Wed Feb 11, 2009 6:35 PM
I find it sad that the United Sates of America has been reduced to the Divided States of Republicans and Democrats, and this so called stimulus bill is a perfect example of this division. I fear that big government has won with its prolific greed and squandering. I also fear that one of Thomas Jefferson’s (you remember him...founding father) greatest fear has been realized, 'I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around the banks will deprive the people of all property until their children wake-up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered.' – Thomas Jefferson 1802.
Welcome home children…
the stimulus
USDA Rural Developoment
Wed Feb 11, 2009 6:42 PM
Never in my life did I think to be so frightened of the Federal govt. I do not recognize this government from what was created by our Founders. We don't know what was behind the colossal liquidity drain of last fall, shortly before the election, but I believe there is a connection with the election and the mess that has been created since. This "stimulus" is an obscene fraud being perpetrated on a willfully uncritical American public. We are creating oppressive levels of taxation to pay oppressive levels of debt. What will we do when the rest of the world no longer wants to buy US debt? This stimulus is not only a threat to Free Market capitalism, it is a threat to our National Security.
Totally Ludicrous!
SSA
Wed Feb 11, 2009 8:42 PM
I have read & listened to news all my life. Though often depressing, it never depressed me. I always knew it was temporary.
2 years ago, for the 1st time in my 48 years, I was significantly worried about the coming economic catastrophe based on skyrocketing Medicare costs, energy crunch, a blunderous war, & general govt spending.
Since the day Bush & congress gave hundreds of billions of dollars away, not 1 day has gone by without my feeling anxiety about the future.
Now I am scared!
While Bush was a liberal Rep. & spending grew under him, much was due to the war & he could have done it without direct help from Dems & Repubs equally.
Dems are now going to show us that Repubs can never come close to out-doing them in spending.
Great Depression facts we know now: Money constricted, Govt constricted it more & turned a severe downturn into a catasrophe, then almost everything it did made it worse & longer.
We needed to get money in the market, but not like this.
Danger in Healthcare Spending Bill
Retired DoD/USCUstoms/FAA/USAF
Wed Feb 11, 2009 9:09 PM
REF: Nameless, Faceless NobodyDOD
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601039&refer=columnist_mccaughey&sid=aLzfDxfbwhzs
Yes! Someone caught it. A Beauocratic Council will decide if you are young enough or too old to have insurance pay for your treatment. Dashcle explained that we in USA should adopt British mentality and accept our illnesses of old age. I guess if you get a brain tumor at 76 like Senator Kennedy, you will have to accept it. Take a close look young Obamamaniacs, this affects you down the road, your parents and grandparents. Big brother will choose your doctors and treatment. You have done it now.
Support 3 million low end jobs, right!
EX-CBP
Thu Feb 12, 2009 2:01 AM
At least is will help all the illegal aliens that work construction for minimum wage. They send all their money home to build up Mexico. I’m sure they’ll take pity on the poor Americans and let them go to school, sue using the Mexican court, provide housing and free medical services, without paying taxes. Then Obama can sink in the an Amnesty program and finish turning the US in a third world country faster than anticipated. And the 47% of Americans that do pay federal tax can feel good about supporting all the entitled people.
STIMILUS
va
Thu Feb 12, 2009 5:49 AM
The new deal which FDR did was working until the republicans in Congress at the time started complaining about it. Something has to be done to put our economy back on track. It won't happen overnight after all it took eight years of cronyism and greed to create it.
Stimulus
US POSTAL
Thu Feb 12, 2009 8:03 AM
To continue down the road of delusion and manipulation without understanding the true deceit involved in a scarcity based financial system is folly if not criminal. Most posters I dare say haven't the vaguest notion of the total lack of an asset backed banking system. What we have had is the largest Ponzi scheme ever created in human history.Read people like Nouriel Roubini gave call to the impending catastrophe years ago and his reward, being called Dr Doom. We are on the edge of a new financial paradigm. To listen to mantras of the past,"tax cuts" oh no "spend more" is not worthwhile when you finally understand we do not live in democracy but rather have fallen into the abyss of Corpotocracy warned about by Jefferson,cornered by Jackson, rebuked by Lincoln , and given rebirth by the creation of The FED Reserve.
Will Stimulus Spending Package Help America
VHA
Thu Feb 12, 2009 9:03 AM
Lazy Bones
Federal Government
Wed Feb 11, 2009 1:41 PM
That gift was given by Congress. Please get the facts straight.
Is that a fact? If I remember correctly, Bush misrepresented, or dare I say LIED to Congress. Please get YOUR facts straight. Interesting screen name--does it accurately describe you and your service to John Q Taxpayer? If so, you have a lot of nerve bragging about it.
Stimulus Package
Federal Civil Service Retired
Thu Feb 12, 2009 12:03 PM
What will this Stimulus Bill do for Social Security Recipents and Disabled Veterans with 30% or more Disabilities? Please address this topic in your daily letter/s.
Thank You,
John T. Emmert
Re: Stimulus Package Survey
DOD
Thu Feb 12, 2009 12:29 PM
WOW - cannot believe you guys work for government & not realize how messed up it is, i.e. how difficult it is to get rid of bad employees, etc. When has it ever been a good idea to live beyond your means & borrow money so far into the future that no one knows when or if ever it will be paid back. What's the hurry? Why not take it slow & get it right. My grandmom was an exceptionally smart individual & she always told us that Roosevelt sold the US down the tube. We elected our current admin & have to live with it, but we have every right to disagree with them.
Will Stimulus Spending Package Help America?
CBP
Thu Feb 12, 2009 1:31 PM
No!
Re: Will Stimulus Spending Package Help America?
Army
Thu Feb 12, 2009 1:41 PM
Working Together
Real Estate
Thu Feb 12, 2009 5:42 PM
What we need to do is stop bickering amongst each other and realize this is not a Democrat vs. Republican issue it is a Government vs. Citizen issue. Republicans aren't responsible for this mess, Democrats aren't responsible either. It is CONGRESS that is responsible. Congress is like professional wrestling. On camera they put on the show blaming each other but when the cameras go off they are all friends!
it is about time citizens team up to tell them how we really feel!
Bush was not the Cause
DOE
Fri Feb 13, 2009 6:28 AM
Why do many people think that President Bush was the cause of the finacial situation we are in. We can blame him for putting us in a war that has cost us billions, that we did not need to go into. But in 1999 under Clintons watch is when the flood gates opened. When he ( Clinton) allowed the Glass/Stegal act to be repealed that is what stated the disater we are in. Congress had put the act into play to undo the depression in the late 20's and early 30's it worked very well untill the act was undone in 1999.
Re: Bush was not the Cause
CBP
Fri Feb 13, 2009 10:33 AM
Because they hate Bush! All the facts show Bush had nothing to do with this mess and Congress did!
The housing crisis was the cause and the housing crisis was caused by Congress. I won't point fingers at who in Congress, but the facts are there and everyone knows exactly who caused this mess.
Until people
DCMA
Fri Feb 13, 2009 12:50 PM
understand the basic fact that borrowing money to throw at a problem has never solved a problem, we will be doomed to repeat the past. While Bush has his little fingers in this pie, remember that from 2006 to 2008 he had a democratic congress and senate. They controlled the purse strings. The President cannot just decide to spend money. The congress and the senate have to make the bill, vote on it and pass it. Where the president sets the agenda the congress has the choice to either supports it or not. This package will do nothing to help us because we haven't fixed the underlying problems. People didn't save before this calamity and won't for long once the assinine rules placed upon business by these so called representatives are removed and the lending establishments are able to apply risk management to loans. The biys and girls of the maketplace are frozen because they don't see a realistic plan to reverse the damage inflicted by half-assed governmental influence.
Re: Until people
worker
Fri Feb 13, 2009 3:11 PM
Stimulils Package
DCMA
Wed Feb 18, 2009 11:26 AM
With a stimulis package approaching 800 pages and $800 BILLION, I doubt very seriously if anyone has read it and understands it cover to cover. And the reality, maybe no one is able to comprehend it and certainly not its implications for success or falure. Thus, I contend the comments received are based on feelings, not substance, and as the article states likely political affiliation.
I believe the problem is not just at the feet of Pres. Bush. There are policies and agendas that are linked to prior presidents and administrations. The U. S. did not get in this situatin overnight and it will not be fixed overnight as this stimulis package would lead the American people to believe. It is likely to have some benefits along the way but does it truly make dollars and cents (sense)!? Only time will tell. As politicians do, it could turn out to be a failure yet declared a success! Go figure.
Artificial inteligence is no match for natural stupidity.
God Bless America!!
Re: Stimulus Spending
DoD
Wed Feb 18, 2009 11:55 AM
I hope all works out for the best. Since the subprime mortage companies and credit card companies were hit hard, I haven't had my daily mailbox full of mortgage refinancing offers and new credit card offers. It is wonderful. Now, let's see what can be done to stop the letters from politicians begging for money.
taxes
retired
Fri Mar 6, 2009 7:25 PM
Why don't they just re-due the tax structure and have every tax paying citizen pay a flat rate 10% period with NO loop holes. That would be fare. That way I would pay the same percent of tax on my wages as these big CEO's would have to pay on there wadges. There was aproxamently 183 mil payed there taxes last year. 42% approximately ended up paying no tax either by getting it back or some other tax loop-hole. If all 183mil tax payers pay 10% on there earnings would this not help with national dept? This would in fact help most of us that make under 100 thousand a year pay less tax thus putting more money in my pocked though the year. There should be no need for a bail out package. Put the numbers to this and see what you get.
Thanks
Robert
the banks
IRS
Wed Mar 11, 2009 9:29 AM
The money should go to the taxpayers as it's there money. Give me 5 million dollars, I will bank it, pay off my credit card, make money on it, pay taxes on it and stimulate the economy with my purchases. This bill has hurt me cause now credit cards are raising their rates because they can before the new regs take place. 5% APR increase from Capital One and no late payments or bad credit issues.
Stimulus Package
SBA
Mon Mar 23, 2009 8:44 AM
In reading your polling results, most people do not favor this package. You can blame the Bush all you want, but the problem started long before Bush. Yes, he made his mistakes, but Clinton was the one that removed the Glass-Steagle Act which allowed for the Bank and Mortgage crisis. People need to study the facts. When Regan became President, the interest rate was 21%. The economy was in crisis, just as today. He cut taxes and we rode out the storm and moved into the biggest growth and boom we had seen in years. What Obama is doing is going to take us into Bankruptcy. Just watch and see. It's too bad we will all pay for this terrible mistake.
Stimulus Plan
DoD
Fri Jul 10, 2009 9:09 AM
People seem to forget that although a Republican was the president, the majority in Congress was Democratic, so to blame all this on one person is silly. I think that the Government should not be throwing money at the problems we have, but if they insist on it...give it to the people. I make an ok living as a GS-5, but I am not spending now like I would normally be doing because my credit card companies have raised the rates so high that I am just paying them down and no longer using them. I never miss a payment, and always pay more than the minimum, but all of a sudden I am a credit risk (their reason for raising my rates)? That is a joke, this should have been stopped before it started; it is quite possible now that I will be a credit risk. What did these banks get the money for anyway? Obviously not to create spending.
The non stimulus, stimulus
US Army
Fri Jul 10, 2009 10:10 PM
As an independent voter who did not vote for the current president. My view is that by the current administration borrowing and spending money borrowed from the Chinese. They are placing America and future generations in danger. People are hurting, lost homes, jobs etc:. The people I talk with on a daily basis see the situation getting worse not better. This is what happens when you put a community organizer in charge of something he is not qualified for. I was willing to give him and the Democrats a chance, but I've come to the belief that the average American voter made a big mistake when they voted these people into power. Because they are just adding burden upon burden onto the backs of the tax payers and future generations.