But the Narcissist-in-Chief awarded himself a B+ for his first year's job performance an A- if he signs Obamacare this year how can anything other than what Obama already has been doing be a "must?"

Job creation? Pleeeze...don't get all weeweed up there pal. Settle down and remember we'll all have freeeee health care that will cost us alot more money. Thank you Obama and the democrats - the party of the people.

What a shame. I can't imagine what it would feel like to suddenly lose your source of income. Those of us who have secure jobs take it for granted but articles like these really make you think...what if it was me?

I hope you are right in thinking your job is secure...I will never believe it again

That's exactly what I said, articles like this make you think.

I remember proudly proclaiming that I, "....Didn't have a clue how the unemployment system works."

I know how it works now.

I also remember volunteering at a food bank in my town, happily helping those poor (probably lazy) folks carry boxes of food to their cars.

Someone helped me carry a box to MY car just before Thanksgiving.

I remember standing in line at the pharmacy, irritated at how long I had to wait for my prescriptions.

I don't have to wait anymore because I can't afford my medication.

I remember getting my mammogram last year at a very nice medical center.

This year, I begged a Native American tribe to put this Irish girl on their free mammogram program. They did, and I gratefully got my mammogram in an RV located in a parking lot in a bad part of town.

It's all okay, but it sure makes ME think.

There may be NO JOBS, but hey..., at least the unemployed will have healthcare..., for a price..., and maybe even less CO2 in the atmosphere..., for a price, and we have already had a most wonderful stimulus package shoved down our throats..., for a price. And that price will be jobs and the future of our formally capitalist economy.

Welcome to the 'winner takes all' system put in place by Congress and Presidents beginning with Ronald Reagan. The system creates a lot of serfs a a few lords. While it looks good on paper - we as a whole have more things than ever before - our communities and people sold their soul to the devil.

But the Narcissist-in-Chief awarded himself a B+ for his first year's job performance an A- if he signs Obamacare this year how can anything other than what Obama already has been doing be a "must?"

Settle down and remember we'll all have freeeee health care that will cost us alot more money. Thank you Obama and the democrats - the party of the people.

The article is about joblessness and here we are with politics yet again.

This is why conservatives don't get it.

Is this the cange you all asked for?

Hey, MSNBC! Why don't you publish the polls from Rassmussen and Gallup showing how Pres. Obama's approval rating has plummeted since December 8?

Or, why don't you publish how former Vice President Gore was forced to admit that the "Arctic will soon be ice free" wasn't based on climate data?

The public has the right to know.

The "O" Team got it wrong from day 1. After Obama won in '08, he and his henchmen tried to say that by the end of 2009 things would be getting better. Then 6 months later, they said that "everyone" underestimated how bad the economy really was. Truth is, not everyone did-- just themselves. The article points out how widespread the misery has become because of Obama's "underestimation" of the problem.

The result of their strategy and decisive action: unemployment and mortgage defaults are at a 25-year high!

Obama's team of clowns is killing the economy by neglect, while B.O. and Michy are posing for photo-ops and jet-setting around the world on our dime.....

DO SOMETHING, BO/SOB!!...

The article is about joblessness and here we are with politics yet again.

This is why conservatives don't get it.

Are you so blinded by your love for all things Obama that you can't see that politics and joblessness go hand in hand. But, Sure. You're right. Despite what every other business owner I know has told me, none of this has anything at all to do with the fact that business owners are scared to death to hire because they don't know what ObamaCare and Cap and Tax will do to them so they're going to wait and freeze hiring and wages until these bills are either dead or have shown what damage they will do to the economy.

This is why Libs don't get it.

sheaster

Unemployment does have a way of making people 'humble'. It saddens me that we have so many fine folks without jobs, and scrambling just to make ends meet. Uncertainty and despair go hand-in-hand during times like these, and I wish you better in the coming year.

Eric wrote:

This is the best time to be bipartisan (not that I think that will happen).

And the first two post (Madison & Anne) are frilling partisan. WTH? Just once it would be nice to read a blog where NO ONE starts blaming one political party/President/former President.

Notice: MOST PEOPLE IN THE USA ARE DO NOT VOTE THE STRAIGHT PARTY LINE. Can't any of your frilling individuals think for yourself? Do research on your own? It must be fact since Rush, MSNBC, Bush, Obama, etc said it. All of you individuals who need to post political crap that has NOTHING to do with the article subject material, are FOOLS! OK...my ranting is over

All of you individuals who need to post political crap that has NOTHING to do with the article subject material, are FOOLS!

Nothing to do with the article ehh?

In terms of casting blame for the high unemployment rate, 26 percent of unemployed adults cited former President George W. Bush; 12 percent pointed the finger at banks; 8 percent highlighted jobs going overseas and the same number blamed politicians. Only 3 percent blamed President Obama.

Looks to me like politics had something to do with the article. Wouldn't you say?

this is beyond Peoples Control, they have nothing to do with the Big Picture...however they become Victims of the System.."Yes we Can, and Change offered something to believe in"..that did not happen, nothing happens until they make it happen..if that does not happen, then Everyone was Mislead..Do they Really Care ???...I don't think so, it's like; it's Every Man is for himself.. good luck with your future, persevere..don't let anyone bring your spirits down..don't do anything foolish..the jerks" get off" on condemnation and damnation......

He's doing more for the Terrorists comfort than he is, getting jobs for 18,000,000 Americans, who will have a low end Christmas this year. No money, no jobs, bad economy, foreclosures, "death to the elderly", through his proposed Health Care Plan, families splitting apart because of finances. No homes, no credit, on the streets..

The future has never been this bleak since the Great Depression in the 1930's.

Two classes of people now, the rich and the poor. The middle class has been abolished and forgotten. Where are the jobs for them. Detroit destroyed.

I hate to be a nay sayer but I have always said everything cannot continue to keep going as is. There really are no more jobs to "create" - now is the time for maintaining - just like in your household. There comes a time when you can't go anymore - besides creating jobs is redundent when we are outsourcing all those jobs to other countries to save big CEO's money for their pockets. Look at Bank of America - encouraging the government to approve visa's for immigrants so they could hire them at lesser salaries and letting the american worker go.

Yes, politics has something to do with it. We have two political parties that are unwilling and unable to tackle the problems that underlie our economic collapse. But at the end of the day this is still the holiday season, and a cold and miserable one for many, many Americans. My landlord won't add insulation to the house I'm renting or replace the 80 year old windows. Of course, why would he? He doesn't pay the heat. So we bought a programmable thermostat and it drops to the 50's in the day and after we go to bed. I consider myself lucky. My wife and I still have jobs. We still are having Christmas. We certainly won't forget those who are less fortunate because whether they have been broke their whole lives or just the last week. They are still human beings who deserve respect and dignity. Unfortunately, they don't and will never have their very own Washington lobbying firm. So their needs will always be served last.

But this article is about politics. The thrust is to try to make those of us who do have a job guilty so that we will support more government programs (which is ALL about politics). The real answer is that we must seperate the concept of "compassion" from the concept of "Government". Compassion is a human emotion. Government's only job should be to keep me safe and enforce contracts. Government as we now have it, attempts to be compassionate by force. You can't take from those who have by threatening jail and call it compassion. Without the tremendous tax burden I have, I could increase my compassionate giving from the current 15% (for which I claim no tax deduction) to probably 30+%. That's real compassion.

well said patriot, well said...

We really don't know the exact number of jobs lost. The White House hasn't taken the responsibility to find out. It's just Job Summits. There, O did his job and acknowledged this problem.Where's the answer?.

On to another country to "play and party with world leaders, under the disguise of doing business. What business?

Climate Change is the first priority. His priorities, all of them are out of whack.

Do the unemployed, poor worry about Climate Change?

.Think not, they are worried about how to pay for groceries, maintain their unemployment checks, and major clinical depression. This is the time, where as they said in the article people get mentally, emotionally ill, and the final solution for some is to end their lives over all the debt that is piling up.

There are no tax breaks which makes it worse.

Schwannomin,

Very well said and directly to the point. The common person (read that Little Guy) will never have a voice in Washington until they get out and vote. Vote to change the hierarchy in Washington. What we (Little Guy) needs is a complete change over to an honest set of senators, representatives and president. These people have to be free thinking and not let themselves be swayed by the professional sucker uppers that are permanently located in Washington. The first thing that must be done to accomplish this is NOT vote the party line. As long as those 2 parties have control there will never be change. Term Limits and the line item veto are must haves.

If I remember history President Washington was very offended when some people wanted to call him His Majesty (or something like that) He felt that the President and congress were supposed to be member of the populace first and foremost. What we and the 2 parties have done is to establish a Royalty in the United States that rivals all the worst Royalty of any nation the world has ever seen.

Let's see real change. Start working to overturn both the democrates and the republicans.

I think it's time to roll out something from the Carter Presidency....the misery index. I would think in fairness, that the media should do this! Then they could put figures to what has been done to our once great nation by the current administration and the fools in the legislative branch.

The article, while mentioning the plight of the woman in Michigan, did not note that the unemployment rate in Michigan is over 18%. Nor was there any mention of the stimulus program and its effects (?) on the economy. The only "shovel ready" jobs in the construction industry usually go to Mexican laborers, not to anyone with a marketable skill. So where's the benefit from the stimulus? The only thing to come out of Washington since 01/20/2009 that is shovel ready is the bulls-it.

It must be warmer where ever Barack is speaking due to all the hot air. Oh ya, isn't he in Copenhagen?

All the partisan bs on this forum really makes me sad for the human race. Let me fill you in:

If you voted for Obama thinking he would fix everything you were wrong.

If you're a conservative who's going to vote Republican next time so things will get better you're wrong.

There's nothing partisan about what's going on although they're thrilled that you're spending all your time and money fighting each other rather than seeing reality for what it is. That just keeps the heat off of them and let's them continue to exploit you and take your money.

What's happening today is simply a result of the Haves taking advantage of the Have Nots. That's all. The only difference between a Democrat and a Republican is how they'll screw you and if you think otherwise you haven't been paying attention.

• Congress has their healthcare, you dont.
• Big Megacorps get gov't bailouts, you don't.
• The corporate elite do a crummy job and they get raises, you get fired.
• Their kids go to Harvard, yours go to Southeastern Tech (or not at all).
• The rich get tax breaks, yours go up.

This isn't an accident, and the more you think this is a Republican vs Democrat thing the happier they are because that just means it'll never get fixed and they can keep screwing you the way they've been screwing you for the past 40 years.

Oh yes Colonel sir! Three bags full!

It's all of Bushes fault. Crap, I'm a Dem and it's all parties fault. What I'm trying to say is that the economy is broke and it needs to be fixed.

What's your solution sir? Stand there waiting for some Gunny/PLt Sgt to come by and do the job? Didn't you learn in the military the term 'Accomplishment of the mission and the welfare of the troops?" Guess not!

By accomplishing the mission (getting out of this depression) that will reflect upon the welfare of the troops (people). Where's your solution/recommendation(s)?

Well we can have bipatisan efforts as log as the republicans get their way. 30 years of supply side economics, reaganomics (tax breaks for the rich so they will then be grateful and give back to the community by giving us jobs hah) has trickled down on us to undermine our economic system. Romney actually criticized Obama for not creating more jobs and taking care of wall street and the bankers first when he himself subscribes to that self serving economic theory.What a salesman. TARP and the other bailouts inherited by this administration was a perfect example of how that works. Obama needs to take leave of his praise of Reagan and start emulating FDR. Wealth comes from the labor of the working class not the grubby paws of the tea partying cry poormouth whining well off.

colonel quoted:

In terms of casting blame for the high unemployment rate, 26 percent of unemployed adults cited former President George W. Bush; 12 percent pointed the finger at banks; 8 percent highlighted jobs going overseas and the same number blamed politicians. Only 3 percent blamed President Obama

And you seem to do the same as your quote from the article "...casting blame..."You b!tch and complain more that a new recruit!

The problem of jobs has not been addressed. There was a fake "Stimulus" package that was passed. Only 1/3 of the funds...at best, have been distributed into the economy. 550 billion dollars are still on hold for these shovel ready jobs. In the meantime there are those who seem to be nodding their heads at the job figures that came out for November... only 11,000 jobs lost. It's just another sham to try to make the public feel better about the employment situation. As soon as Christmas is over, there will be a mass exodus of those jobs. How blind are we?

The President gives himself a "B plus" for his job performance so far. I sat and listened to commentators that lean more conservative give him passing marks, though they oppose him at almost every turn. I'm astonished... but I guess it's pretty easy to view things more favorable when your job is not in the balance.

Customer was in my store last night that has been travelling the States since September. She was astonished at how many people they saw in campgrounds that were living there because they had lost everything.

The employment issue has to be the prime target in any action that the administration takes domestically. But the tendency is to go towards policies that will continue to kill jobs.

We have been hit hard personally... and some of the symptoms that are covered in this article are very accurate. Being on the brink and holding onto hope is a fine balancing act. We could stand around and beat ourselves for not being more responsible and for not seeing ahead in the future... but that does no good. We could stand around and blame the government for not looking out for the people... but that does no good. It comes down to taking care of yourself. No one wants to be a burden to friends or family.

Christmas business has not yet come to our area. The tightness of those who have the means is obvious. The Mall parking lot, where people used to fight for spaces, has plenty of room. Many of the seasonal employees are "on call.. not on schedule".

I hope that this so-called "dodge of the bullet" thing is real. I tend to believe that another wave is going to wash ashore at the beginning of 2010.

CaringPerson remember former Senator Phil Gramm (or should we just call him sir now?) telling us we were having a mental recession and calling s a nation of whiners during the campaign when he was heading up the McCain-Palin ticket. It was right before the banks started to fail and the Bush bailouts. Were the well off out of touch? You betcha. Were corporations trying to hide their failures? what do you think? Does further erosion of confidence speed up the undermining of the economy? We need to go forward now and job creation will definitely improve the picture .the banks must now repay the taxpayers in kind. Investing in the coommunity that invested in them. The industries that got help should bring their jobs back to the community that created them and then also bailed them out. It should have been stipulated in the original bills. We need to demand it.We need some gratitude from the corporate welfare queens (kings).

"Those out of work were split, however, on the president’s handling of job creation, with 47 percent expressing approval and 44 percent disapproval."

'In terms of casting blame for the high unemployment rate, 26 percent of unemployed adults cited former President George W. Bush ; 12 percent pointed the finger at banks; 8 percent highlighted jobs going overseas and the same number blamed politicians. Only 3 percent blamed President Obama .

I can't for a minute believe these statistics. True answer is "all of the above". The Banks have frozen lending, there was no stimulus for small business's to create jobs, congress is doing nothing other than avoiding the issue with their healthcare fiasco, Bush helped create it but Obama has done nothing to address it, we're loosing jobs overseas, we export nothing and import everything, our borders are a gateway to illegals who are taking what few jobs are left and it seems the only ones getting stimulus money are those who don't need it and created the problem in the first place......way to go America, sell us all out for a nice profit.

And we have a President and Congress who are more worried about their agenda and getting another "notch on their gun". Don't politicians, of both parties, just make you sick to the stomach?

Actually, Republicans DID do a lot of this with the rampant deregulation that always goes on with them, beginning with Reagan. They also allowed countless jobs to be shipped overseas. The issue now is that Democrats are not dealing with it very well, not that it's easy (I didn't vote for Obama and am not particularly impressed with him, even noting that much of this is not his fault). Both parties spend money frivolously, Republicans just like to spend it overseas nation building and giving tax breaks to the rich. At least with welfare programs the money stays here, not that it's conducive to a strong economy to have lots of bums on welfare. It's counterproductive to "soak the rich" but they should pay their fair share, which they typically don't under Republicans. And whoever said that Republican and conservative are not necessarily the same thing is correct. Apparently these days all one has to do to be conservative is oppose abortion and gay marriage. Guess what? We had 8 years of a moron that concerned himself with these things and nation building and look where we are now. For the record, I am a right leaning independent that would love to see the republican party get out of the social issues and become fiscal conservatives again. Unfortunately, the base just keeps getting dumber so I doubt that will happen. I feel much better after that rant.

Really? They need to show us gratitude? Why? I don't recall the majority of the American people showing businesses any gratitude for their jobs over the last several decades while the federal government has raped businesses blind.

I don't recall the American people showing their gratitude by demanding that the federal government lower their horrendous corporate tax rates so that businesses weren't being robbed blind by the feds.

People like you whine and cry about the "evil corporations and greedy business owners" and yet without them, you wouldn't have a job. Yes, I know they aren't perfect. Yes, I know there are some among them who ARE evil and/or greedy.

However, that does not change the fact that so many of you people vilify them without just cause and never bother to acknowledge the fact that without them, most of you would not have a standard of living even remotely close to what you are used to.

Have a little perspective.

Liz,

They also allowed countless jobs to be shipped overseas

The government doesn't allow or disallow companies to move overseas. They have no authority or say in the matter.

The simple fact of the matter is that NEITHER side has done anything to try and make them want to stay here. Second highest corporate tax rates in the entire world. Yeah, there's a real incentive to stick around.

And your comment that the rich don't pay "their fair share" when Republicans are in office is laughable and totally ridiculous. The rich pay far more in taxes than everybody else. FAR more. The federal government rapes the rich on taxes. So the Repubs give em a tax break once in awhile. Damn, how terrible.

Wonder what would happen if the rich all just suddenly decided they'd had enough of the government's bs and moved all their assets overseas and left the country? Say goodbye to about 80% of federal income taxes paid by individuals.

Apparently these days all one has to do to be conservative is oppose abortion and gay marriage

This comment is so factually inaccurate that it's beyond stupid. Many people consider themselves conservatives because they want lower taxes, smaller government and less government intrusion into their lives. They consider themselves conservatives because they don't want a welfare/nanny state that watches over them from the cradle to the grave.

Get a clue.

There are not enough people currently working, to justify the worry about Health Care or the deficit. Washington's TOP priority should be bringing jobs back to this country!! Everything that Washington is currently focused on is digging us deeper and deeper in debt and despair!!

If 7 out of 10 surveyed, concede that their financial situation is poor or very poor, then why does everyone continue voting for a Dem or a Rep?!! Either party will present more of the same-o same-o business as usual tactics. A change to Libertarianism, would begin to reverse the crap that has been going on for years by the Dems & Reps....

Washington continues to force costly Global warming restrictions on Manufacturers in the USA, driving them to countries like China and India where they don't have such costs. This puts more and more Americans out of work. If a Large Import Tax was imposed on all products made in countries like China and India, then the playing field would be leveled and jobs would return to the USA. Jobs is the foundation to all other issues in America.

Wake the F--- up America. No Jobs = No money for Health Care, Housing, Deficit Reduction, etc. etc. Reduce Government spending. Put America First. Vote Libertarian for real platform change!!

I am seeing an 'us' against 'them' attitude everywhere. Signal for a lane change during rush hour in a Hummer, how likely are you to achieve it? You would have more luck making that lane change driving an old pickup. Spending big bucks at the grocery store on expensive food? You will get 'polite'. Spend a few bucks, and use coupons, and you get 'friendly'.

Anyone think Pres. Obama, like Pres. Carter is going out to build houses for the poor, HUD?

Would love to see him actually do something like "saw a tree, cut wood", or any kind of outdoor activity where he really has to work. Riding horses at his ranch? Set an example for others in this country to start doing some hard labor work.

If 7 out of 10 say that their situation is poor or very poor...

Wow... just that particular statement should throw red flags up for everyone!

"Pay cuts" have not been part of the figuring in the equation. How many of those who are still employed have taken pay cuts? That means less taxes for the government to take in!

The focus on government change needs to go further than voting out the "status quo" leaders that have fallen out of touch. There needs to be a reformation in the policies that are being presented. Virtually every proposal means that government either gets more control or gets more money... if the two can be separated. There is no talk of government becoming smaller. And what makes matters worse is that we get focused on the Feds while our State and Local government is slamming it to us at the same time.

The real "change" that needs to happen needs to come by government sacrifice rather than citizen sacrifice. The government needs to shrink! That would be real change. Have you ever spoken to someone employed by the government? If they are someone who has seniority, they are glued in with benefits that are for their lifetime... whether or not they are doing a good job. I don't hear much from elected representatives about a levelling of the pay scale for them... Even government employees owe the IRS upwards of 3 billion dollars.

We are left to try and weave our way through this labrynth. For those who have steady employment, congratulations. For those looking over your shoulders, make sure your votes count in the next election. For those of you without viable employment and income, keep pushing forward. To everyone, pray for rain!

More than half of the nation’s unemployed workers have borrowed money from friends or relatives since losing their jobs. An equal number have cut back on doctor visits or medical treatments because they are out of work.

Joblessness has wreaked financial and emotional havoc on the lives of many of those out of work, according to a New York Times/CBS News poll of unemployed adults, causing major life changes, mental health issues and trouble maintaining even basic necessities.

They had to take a poll to tell them this? Small wonder that the lame stream news media is dying. What incredible imbeciles. Hey Oba-a-a-a-a-ma! When are you going to bring those jobs back from overseas like you said during your campaign. When will you get a clue that we don't need any foreign illegal undocumented workers? WE Need jobs for Americans! And we still have people trying to tell us how smart he is. Welcome to the Obamunist States of America.

Wish they would have asked them how much they think they will pay in income tax for 2009. The big shocker is coming for these folks when they get that 1099 for unemployment and have to come up with hundreds of bucks to pay the taxes or they find the return they were counting on due to the child tax care credit not there. A unemployed neighbor who expected to get a $1,000.00 return only got $106.00 return. Another guy I know had to pay $850.00 to the IRS because he thought the with holdings was enough before he got laid off. The debt he owes now to the IRS is over $2,000.00 with penalties and interest.The IRS has since seized his savings and has leaned his home.They are now threating him with arrest if the taxes and penalties are not paid by February. I was talking to another person at the pub few days back and he told me he has been unemployed since January of this year and has been collecting U P ever since I asked how much he had them with hold and he told none thanks to Obama they no longer have to pay self employment tax on the unemployment money. I said really because I read it was the first $2,000.00 of unemployment he said no you do not have to pay I told him better check that out. Anyhoo He is in deep doo doo if he didn't have them with hold because I just read again and its the first $2,000.00 thats UN taxed. He is single so he will be needing to come up with at least a grand to pay the taxes.Jails going to be filling up next year. I am going to be investing heavily into Wackenhut Security plantations stocks..

OK, Idaho Dragon, I looked it up. According to OECD, we have the second highest corporate tax rate of 39.5%. HOWEVER, the "effective tax rate", defined as:

Actual income tax paid divided by net taxable income before taxes, expressed as a percentage.

OR

The effective tax rate is a measure of the average rate at which an individual is taxed on his/her earned income, or the average rate at which a corporation is taxed on its pre-tax profits, expressed as a percentage.

Why It Matters:
Effective tax rates simplify comparisons among companies or taxpayers. This is especially true where a progressive, or tiered tax system is in place. Those subject to progressive taxes will see different levels of income taxed at different rates. The following is a hypothetical example:

Income
Tax Rate:

First $100,000
10%

$100,001 - $500,000
15%

$500,001 - $1,000,000
25%

Over $1,000,000
35%

Company A
Annual Pre-Tax Earnings = $600,000
Total Taxes Paid = ($100,000 *10% + $400,000 * 15% + 100,000 * 25%) = $95,000
Effective Tax Rate = $95,000 / $600,000 = 15.8%

Company B
Annual Pre-Tax Earnings = $900,000
Total Taxes Paid = ($100,000 *10% + $400,000 * 15% + $400,000 * 25%) = $170,000
Effective Tax Rate = $170,000 / $900,000 = 18.9%

http://web.streetauthority.com/terms/e/effective-tax-rate.asp

Using that method on minimum wage income, single, one deduction, we get:

$15,080 earnings. $1,844 taxes owed according to IRS 2009. $1,152 for social security and Medicare (0.0765% is wage earner's tax share).

$2,996/$15,080 = 19.86%

For unemployment (highest about $317/week):

$3,315/$16,484 = 20.11%

(including income and payroll tax in $3,315 and assuming only wage earner's tax share percentage of 0.0765. NOTE: the self-employed are responsible for all 15.3% of payroll taxes, but get a deduction that reduces the overall. Using 15.3% payroll taxes and income tax liability of $2,054, the effective tax rate would then be 27.76%)

Minimum wage earners and the unemployed (at approximate highest benefit rate) pay more in taxes than corporations in general.

The top quintile (20% of population) controls roughly 84% of the nation's wealth. This quintile would include business owners. The bottom quintile controls about 3.4% of the nation's wealth.

The job problem is not really political. It's economics, which are controled by private business. Banks were bailed out, but have refused to loan money for business expansion. Then the pay czar told corporate welfare recipients that their top management and CEOs would be limited to $500,000/year in salary, could get stock options, but would not be able to touch those for 3 years. So now, the banks are scrambling to pay back the taxpayer loans to get out from under those CEO salary caps. All the while, they still aren't doing what they were supposed to do with those taxpayer loans - loan that money to business to generate expansion and jobs.

Employers are cutting pay, halting raises, cutting benefits, but increasing hours and work production expectations on those who still have a job. THAT is why our productivity rate has increased during this recession and unemployment rate of 10% (currently). Part of the money they cut in earnings is going to pay FUTA/SUTA - federal and state unemployment taxes - the rates for which have increased significantly because they laid-off or fired people. And no one's fooled here. When people do get back to work, employers are going to take every advantage to keep wages low, knowing how shocked those employees have been while trying to survive.

While all that is going on, PEOPLE, the workers, are falling into poverty, losing homes, suffering health problems, and trying to hang on day in and day out hoping they will find a job that will pay enough for them to keep rooves over their families' heads and feed them every day. We do not have enough safety net for 15 million unemployed workers and their families on top of the current 13.2% living in poverty (15.8% if you use NAS numbers). Nor do we have enough affordable housing in this country. If it weren't for Congress (that would be Congress with the Democrat majority) continually lengthening unemployment benefit time frames, most of that 15 million would now be living in tents, cars, and bus stations, instead of the numbers which currently do. When unemployment runs out, people are finding out how little safety net there is in this country.

President Obama met with the banks yesterday and told them to start loaning money to businesses. Taxpayers bailed them out, now it's time banks do their job and loan money. Neither the President nor Congress can order businesses to start hiring. That's the private sector. That's the CEOs. That's you, Idaho.

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AND THIS IS NOW NEWS? WHERE ARE THE FU**ING JOBS MR. OBAMA???????????

For two years we've been bleeding jobs in this country and NOW we're surprised people are getting depressed? What the F**K are they supposed to do FEEL GOOD because Obama got elected and it will be better someday? Maybe when the unemployment rate goes below 8%????? OH WAIT, that was ANOTHER LIE!!!!!! No wonder they're all getting depressed when our government is blatantly neglecting our own citizens!!!!!!!!!!!!! The $TIMULU$ is an embarrassing FAILURE. $180 BILLION DOLLARS have created 600,000 jobs, that's over $250,00 DOLLARS PER JOB!!!!

GOVERNMENT HAS NO IDEA HOW TO CREATE ANY PROGRAM EFFICIENTLY AND AFFORDABLY, LET ALONE REAL JOBS!!!!!!

If you know of one let me know. The arrogance of this government to help EVERYONE but the American CITIZEN is an insult to us and our great country. Banks get bailed out unnecessarily. Insurance companies get saved unnecessarily. Auto companies get help after decades of mismanagement. Other countries get HUNDREDS OF BILLIONS in aid. And we wonder why our citizens are depressed and feel hopeless????????

NO OTHER ISSUE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN PUTTING AMERICANS BACK TO WORK!!!!!

NOTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NOT this politically motivated disaster of Health Care Redistribution, that is UNCONSTITUTIONAL and unwanted by the vast majority of Americans. NOT this hoax of GLOBAL WARMING the rest of the poor world is forcing down our throats. NOT any type of amnesty. NOT any $TIMULU$ II. NOTHING!!!!!!!! Without true long term sustainable export manufacturing jobs this country will slowly wallow in debt and eventually be insolvent. Soon a $14 TRILLION DOLLAR National Debt, a Deficit over $1.5 TRILLION DOLLARS and RISING!!!!

AND THESE BUFFOONS IN OUR GOVERNMENT STILL DON'T UNDERSTAND OUR NEEDS!!!!!!!!!!!!

VOTE OUT ALL INCUMBENTS IN 2010 AND 2012!!!!

DEMAND TERM LIMITS, 2 TERMS IN THE SENATE, 4 TERMS IN THE HOUSE!!!!

DEMAND TRUE LINE ITEM VETO!!!!

DEMAND TRUE SUNLIGHT BEFORE SIGNING OF 30 DAYS FOR ALL MAJOR LEGISLATION!!!

DEMAND THE TREASURY AND THE FED BE INVESTIGATED AND AUDITED FOR THE LOST TRILLIONS OF OUR TAX DOLLARS!!!!

DEMAND ALL OTHER INSIGNIFICANT BILLS BE STOPPED UNTIL JOBS ARE CREATED,,,,NOT SAVED,,,,CREATED!!!!!

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY DEMAND THEY ADDRESS THE ONLY ISSUE THAT WILL SAVE OUR ECONOMY,,,,,,,,,,,

IT'S THE ECONOMY STUPID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love my country, but I fear my government and the media more and more each minute of the day.

skeptic,

You might have had a reasonable argument if you hadn't gone out of your way to vilify businesses.

And no one's fooled here. When people do get back to work, employers are going to take every advantage to keep wages low, knowing how shocked those employees have been while trying to survive

Your comments show you think employers are bad, that they'll do anything to screw people just so they can make a few extra bucks. Yes, I know some probably will, but don't paint all employers with that brush because you don't KNOW that. Trying to say otherwise is intellectually and factually dishonest.

And you are also factually inaccurate when you say that the top 20% quinile would include business owners. It certainly doesn't include small business owners, and THEY make up the majority of businesses. Right now most small business owners are barely able to stay afloat and that's if they haven't already gone out of business.

And by the way, Social Security and Medicare witholdings are NOT considered taxes. Therefore your "tax" percentages using them are factually inaccurate as well.

Arrest anyone who hires an illegal!

I was un/under employed for 3 years. It takes a toll on you. I learned that one has to keep moving forward and try not to be negative in the face of opposition.

It is TOUGH and I wish the best for everyone right now who is going through it... While there may not be a light at the end of the tunnel yet - THERE WILL BE.

Try and stay strong fellow Americans.

First of all the poll. The results of the poll, which surveyed 708 unemployed adults from Dec. 5 to Dec. 10.

Does this 708 represent all of the United States. Consider what time this poll was taken.

Now the most important. CAUSE + EFFECTS (Symptoms) = RESULTS. As all of these issues are INTERRELATED.

Joblessness. Prior to 1994 NAFTA, CAFTA, SAFTA, Asian Free Trade Agreements and Amendments it was prohibited and penalized (high tariffs) to "Outsource". These "Free Trade Agreements" were pushed by US Corporations Lobbyists to escape high Labor Costs, especially GM, Ford, Chrysler. With Ford switching to their Ford AG (European Fault Tolerances) and GM, Chrysler ignoring their own (GM Opel, Chrysler AG), resulting in lousy products.

This "outsourcing" is evident in the US Military having to open/reopen Government Owned Government Operated (GOGO) and Government Owned Contractor Operated (GOCO) Nationwide Factories and Plants to manufacture, retrofit, upgrade, maintain US Military Equipment under the Government Accounting Office monitored US Military "Must Buy Only US Products, Goods and Services" to support the current Wars. With these GOGO and GOCOFactories hiring large numbers of US Civilians due to the previous US Labor Unions opposition to complete computer controlled robotic automation (lower Fault Tolerances and less possible deaths). The example of a completely computer controlled robotic automation was an experimental ammunition factory that was built external to the US, that currently runs 24/7/365 and produces more high quality ammunition (European and Asian Fault Tolerances, not US; even better than "Canadian Match") than anywhere else (including Commercial export to the US and Canada). And you can complain about the "Defense Industrial Complex" all you want, what do you want them to manufacturer, toilet seats. Previous ratio 1 US Military Unemployed (RIFed) = 9 US Civilians (background checks, "loyalty" checks, more so than Congress) Unemployed post First Gulf War; current ratio 1 US Military Unemployed (RIFed) = 13 US Civilians Unemployed (2009 Congressional Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Study; as to why many in Congress tried to "back pedal" on the April 2009 Defense Budget Cuts, loss of millions of jobs in their States). This does not include the US Contractors that filled the cheap "In House" capabilities lost by the US Military "Cut to the bone" after the President Clinton Reduction In Force of the US Military, specifically, Logistics, Supply, Transportation, Water Purification, Food Service, VIP Protection, Special Warfare, Intelligence, Internal to US US Army Corps of Engineer longterm Projects of Dams, Levees (Katrina), Bridges (current collapses), Dredging Steams and Rivers (Floods in Mid West)(as these US Army Corps of Engineer Projects are based on money available not demanded as future revenue, longterm being 10, 15, 20, 30 years or more of prior planning (contracts and contract Law)), etc.. Nor did this number include those US Civilian Economies "Outside the Gate" of the closed 14 US Military Installations resulting in a "temporary budget surplus" under President Clinton, with the result to those US Civilian Economies becoming Great Depression Era (still not recovered, 2009 Congressional BRAC Study).

The other evidence is the previous US Bailouts since the 1970s used to build the completely computer controlled robotic automation (developed in the US, by US Military Funding) by GM, Ford, Chrysler at Toluca, Mexico; Machau, China and Shanghai, China. This originally pissed off the Chinese Government in that they "assumed" that these US Corporations would hire many Chinese. With the result of the Chinese building Labor intensive feeder Factories and Plants of the 1900s Technology (cause of the pollution and cross contamination of poisons and toxins, with US Contractors going for lowest bid).

And before anyone says squat about not true about the US Labor Unions. The proof are the 2009 GM's, Chrysler'sRestructuring Plans (Finalized) and testimony to Congress (Congressional Record). To become "economically viable" (read as escape high US Labor Union Costs), close 1/3rd US Factories/Plants and layoff associated "Work Force", while retaining Toluca, Mexico; Machau, China and Shanghai, China.

Since most here are too lazy to research what a "Fault Tolerance" is. And do not know that the so called "US","Domestic", "American" Automakers are: Really the Foreigners. And that the "Foreign", "Imports", "Jap/Kraut/Kim Chee" Automakers are really the "US", "Domestic", "American" as they are made here with these "Foreign" Automakers being Incorporated at Delaware as separate Franchises (money remains and is reinvested into the US, per teachings of W.E. Deming) and not sent back to the "mother""headquarters" corporation. With the motive for originally setting up these US "Franchises" as payback for the Marshall Plan and MacArthur Plan by the older generation and the new trained in the US Generation wanting to move from the US to China (as they owe the US nothing). These "Fault Tolerances" deal with what is acceptable and what is not; the higher the "Fault Tolerances" the worse the quality, as to why the "Foreign" Automakers brought their Parts Manufacturing to the US when the US Auto Parts Manufacturing laughed at the "Foreign" Automakers saying "it could not be done" (low Fault Tolerances"). US Fault Tolerance = 7mm from "original design" and European/Asian = .5mm from "original design". Translation: This is why the US Specification "Domestic" especially GM, Chrysler will never have the "quality" of Ford (switched to their European Fault Tolerances) or any "Foreign" Automakers. Contributing to the capability of accomplishing the lower fault tolerances (that result in the decrease of mismatched parts sizes, leaks, increased wear and tear, etc.) are the fully automated computerized robotics (developed in the US) that are self calibrating, rely on continuous laser measurements (not "eyeballing", nor "human factors") that go beyond human capabilities (24/7/365 "mil" measurements), in directly attributing to this is the US Standard of Weights and Measures versus the International Standard of Weights and Measures (Liters/Metric, common smaller more precise units of measure); especially in terms of "High Tech" Equipment and Manufacturing. Including the Originators of the US Standard of Weights and Measures, the English/British switching to the Metric after the increased trade after the "Chunnel" (tunnel from England to Continental Europe (France)).

By the way your hatred for foreign investors chased the then "Richest Man In the World" out of the US, 2008, contributed to start of US Economic Collapse. Of course he let his other Rich Investor friends know. So when the japs/krauts/kim chees leave and move to China to join all the "US Corporations". CAUSE + EFFECTS (symptoms) = RESULTS.

With the only thing (like in President FDRs time) saving the US bacon. Are the Wars (Iraq, H.R.4655, 1998, and Afghanistan UN War). Especially, Oil from the Northern and Southern Iraqis Oil Fields and the associated Oil Laundrying of Iraqis Oil by Mexico, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and even BP (British Petroleum and Sinclair) since before the First Gulf War. As currently there is no replacement (alternative) to Oil based Plastics. And within the next twenty years the US based on current indicators will never have a truly "renewable source of energy", due to Politics; example Illinois Oil Refining and Corn Lobbies, Pennsylvania Coal Lobbies elected into Office; that then defeated all Sugarcane subsidizes to the successful Brazilian/Colombian Sugarcane to Ethanol Electric Power Plants within the US (one sneaked in at Louisiana, 2009). Resulting in Nationwide closures of US Sugarcane Mills (only one left at Hawaii of dozens) instead of being upgraded to Brazilian/Colombian Sugarcane to Ethanol Electric Power Plants (proven successful, Brazil since 1953, and since 1911 Hawaii). With Corn to Ethanol not a solution (uses not produces enormous amounts of electricity, adds to worldwide hunger (per UN World Food Bank), adds pollution (due to Oil or Coal Electric Power Generation), and adds to US Trade Deficit (US Department of Commerce). With E-100 being a solution as there are no commercial electric aircraft, 18 wheelers (tractors and trailers) "Commercial Transport Trucks", and the physical resistance of electrical wires (electric transmission wires, ohmage) makes electric vehicles a second hand (more resources) polluters (with electric power generation from Oil or Coal Burning Electric Power Plants). Solar panels (photovoltaic) are a possible source of "renewable energy" except for the current shortages of silicon wafers (my argument for the development of a new technology of creating "wafers", still not done, nor thought of). Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs) wrong answer, proven during NASA funded study, Hawaii (island of Oahu) as too maintenance intensive, with the real solution being Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines (HAWTs). With later studies indicating the adverse effect of droughts downwind of VAWTs, bird kills, noise, physical space, and locationsbased on wind speed (decisions being food (farmland) or electricity).

And those that want to emulate President FDR, should read my paper about how in 1940 he knew about the Japanese (Yamamoto) War Plans and the "Winds Messages" to inactcertain Japanese War Plans. In that all of President FDRsEconomic Plansfailed, unlike the German Nationalization that he based his "Recovery Plans" on. Look at the dates, which came first. With the US moving from an Agricultural Base to Industrial Base to support England, 1939, War Materials and Equipment (considered by the "Conventions" an Act of War); including suspension of all US Labor Unionspractices (threatened to make laws against) as President FDR believed that US Labor Unions were a problem not a solution.

So there is your "Joblessness""Unemployment". Fix the Causes and you get rid of the adverse Results.

Now the US Economy.

The Glass Steagall Acts were developed ("In Acted", became US Law) to prevent another 1907 Depression and 1929-1939 Great Depression. These Glass Steagall Acts were removed by the 1999 Gramm Leach Bliley Act and the 2000 Modernization Act.

This allowed the (researched) causes of the 1907 Depression (as indicated afterwards by the AG, New York, Lawsuit to close the "Stock houses", gamble on stocks that you do not own) and the later 1929-1939 Great Depression "Run on the Banks" in that the Glass Steagall Acts made it illegal for Financial Institutions to only have 10% or less of possible "payouts" (cash) on hand.

Since the Legalizing of Gambling on Stocks not owned was re Legalized; called "Insurance" by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association Incorporated (at Delaware a major constituent and major campaign contributor of "Mr.Corporate America", Biden). This made legal the ISDA and all of their activities. With Credit Default Swaps (being the real cause of the "Mortgage Crisis", betting that someone will fail to pay, some will "speculate" that spending a few thousand to make someone incapable of paying to make millions on defaults is what occurred). With those members of the ISDA making profits of 60-100 Trillion USDs (off the losses of everyone else). Translation that is why the Bailouts mean nothing (trying to pay one cent (penny) for a thousand dollar bill/debt). See isda.org as to "members" as to why this became the "Global Economic Crisis" and as many are members of the Federal Reserves. It can be said that the ISDA is now "too powerful to get rid of" and will do anything (like hiring many Million USD"Problem Solvers" to continue to make Trillions USDs, "sound business investment").

CBS News Investigates: Credit Derivatives Comprise $54.6 Trillion Of Risk Among Few Banks Left Standing

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/10/10/cbsnews_investigates/main4514163.shtml?tag=contentMain;contentBody

I left out most of the references. especially the ones that the Newsmedia were told to shut up about the ISDA. So when you add the $54.6 Trillion of Credit Derivatives to the Swaps = $60-100 Trillion USDs "Global Economic Crisis". With the Chinese retaining their version of the Glass Steagall Acts (why they can afford to loan US money, and were not affected as much).

With the TARP Bailouts being payback for previous Campaign Contributions (near Billion USDs each, as to why the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act was not adhered to) to "Mr. Corporate America", Biden who realized the the Key to "Corporate America" was Delaware not his poor Coal based home state of Pennsylvania after his numerous failed Presidential Campaigns (look up his Biography)(I previously warned all of you on Newsvine about this):

(List from 2005) Delaware: Freddie Mac, Fanny Mae, Bank of America, Wilmington Trust, First USA / Bank One / JPMorgan Chase, AIG, Citigroup, Deutsche Bank, Barclays plc, GM, Chrysler, Wachovia, ExxonMobil, Chevron, ISDA, and those States with Corporations Incorporated at Delaware.

Research correlation between locations of Bailout Recipients, Electoral College Votes, Campaign Contributions, Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act, Delaware Incorporation Laws, etc..

Then the individual States:

Like Bankrupt Illegal Alien Harbor State California. Spending 10 Billion USDs each year of 85 Billion USD yearly Budget on Illegal Aliens, depriving Legal California Citizens of more Fire Fighting and Brush Clearing (ran out of money)(fires at California), Irrigation (droughts)(add to fire problems), Law Enforcement (current gangs taking over, MS 13/14, Sureños and Norteños claim to "Own" California), Medical Facilities filing Bankruptcy due to use by Illegal Aliens using fake names (meaning the Medical Facilities eat the costs). By the way do not call them Illegal Immigrants as this gives all Immigrants a bad name. They are not Undocumented Workers as all do not work (1 work of 8, current data) and they do not pay Income Taxes as not to be turned in by the IRS to the ICE or INS, and get paid under the table in cash. (there is your "you lie" as Joe Wilson got out voted in implementing harsher measures to prevent Illegal Aliens from receiving US Tax Dollars (your money) to buy Insurance). As of August 2009, meeting between US President, Mexican President, and Canadian Prime Minister, proposal at Congress to make 23 Million Illegal Aliens in US Legal. And New US Policy, US Military will NOT be used to secure US Borders. As first stated in April 2009 US President meeting with Mexican President, New US Policy, and that US will NOT implement first rule of Epidemiology (Quarantine with Air Travel Monitoring (Thermography)) to slow the spread of the virus outbreak at Mexico City, and CDC directed not to name the virus (combination of human flu, swine flu and avian flu) the "Mexican Flu" (historically, viruses named after "outbreak" location). As this virus (H1N1) is not just (a single virus) the "Swine Flu". With the results being not enough time to research, develop, test, produce enough vaccines. With the US President considering that "Financial Matters" were more important than "potential infections of US Population".

Again this is all CAUSE + EFFECTS (Symptoms) = RESULTS.

It is what is done, not what is said.

Or as a character of the movie "City of Ember" said, "You get what you get".

By the way before any of you start to call me names, how about doing the research. As in dispute the facts (and cite the references, and use multiple references to verify each fact). I would have included all my references and cross references; however, it would make this even longer and most will not even read all of this.

Which brings up the current baloney. Health Care (medical profession) does NOT equal Insurance Corporations (as in payback for Campaign Contributions, Senator Max Baucus, and House Speaker):

House speaker will keep money from 'villains'

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32237227/ns/politics-cq_politics

Some will say that the House Speaker gave back the money after she was "outted""embarrassed"; but, how many did not and of course that was only from one source (Insurance Corporations). So now the Insurance Corporations will get Millions of new suckers, money that the Medical Profession will never see as denied Treatment Claims. With the Insurance Corporations having further leverage against the Medical Profession in terms of no real Health Care (Medical Profession) Reform, example using Medical Malpractice Insurance of Doctors by the Insurance Corporations.

Sorry again: CAUSE + EFFECTS (symptoms) = RESULTS (in this case BOHICA, Bend Over Here It Comes Again).

shelly-868317 Tea Party Time!

Again CAUSE + EFFECTS (symptoms) = RESULTS.

March 2009. H.R.1955 and S.1959. You will be declared a "Homegrown Domestic Terrorist". "Anyone stating a radical change to (US) Government", with the thought (written or stated) being the crime. With this also known as the George Orwell, "1984", "Thought Crimes Laws". Currently monitored (all US Communications) by No Such Agency (previously illegal under previous administration):

http://www.cbsnews.com/1770-5_162-0.html?query=nsa&tag=srch&searchtype=cbsSearch

Under threat of prosecution under H.R.1955 and S.1959 various Internet sites as of February 2009 (before becoming Law) changed formats, "Not available in your Region", "Blocked", "Unavailable", or subscription based (they know where you live), no more "anonymous" (warrantless, demand from Internet Service Providers for physical locations), etc..

Cool huh. By the way those No Such AgencyComputers are beyond what people have conceptions of commerical "Super Computers". As their predecessors were used with advanced facial recognition software, national and international databases, to obtain the number (count) of 23 Million Illegal Aliensin the US during the 2006 (three year old technology) Demonstrations by Illegal Aliens to make Congress "chicken out" of passing the "stricter" 2006 Illegal Aliens Act based on California Proposition 187. Of course not counted (identified) were those Illegal Aliensthat did not attend the Illegal (no permits) Nationwide 2006 Illegal Alien Demonstrations, as Illegal Aliens will continue to do Illegal Acts (Crimes) to conceal their Illegal status and previous Illegal activities.

By the way if you do not get rid of the CAUSES you will have the same EFFECTS (symptoms) and identical RESULTS. And why this will only get worse.

Eric, after listening to the regurgitation of special interests, Big Pharma and Big Insurance via the lips of our so-called 'representatives', I think the only thing to do is offer free cyanide pills to the homeless, uninsured and underinsured. I mean, they are a drag on the economy, right? Helping them would cost money, right? Alleviating suffering among our less fortunate fellow citizens could cut into profits, right?

As for the middle class, all this whining about high health care costs, impossible costs of college and just living, I mean, who do they think they are? They are here to serve the richest among us and should be happy to do it, right?

If I didn't know better, I'd think this was Russia in 1917 or France in 1789.

Cake, anyone?

We all can take pause and remember we are one catastrophe away from losing it all. Whether it is loss of job or health, we all are teetering on a free fall. Everyone has some blame to our state. From the party that gave out tax breaks like candy to the rich to the party that spends on useless projects. We all willing thought at one time or another it was a great idea, only to find out it was not.

Idaho, please see:

http://elsa.berkeley.edu/~saez/piketty-saezOUP04US.pdf

http://elsa.berkeley.edu/~saez/kopczuk-saez-songQJE09SSA.pdf

http://elsa.berkeley.edu/~saez/saez-UStopincomes-2006prel.pdf

http://elsa.berkeley.edu/~saez/

http://www.examiner.com/x-13259-Atlanta-Mortgage-Examiner~y2009m8d18-Distribution-of-wealth-and-power-in-the-US

http://www.levy.org/pubs/wp_502.pdf

http://sociology.ucsc.edu/whorulesamerica/power/wealth.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/28/business/28tax.html?_r=1

http://multinationalmonitor.org/mm2003/03may/may03interviewswolff.html

http://www.sba.gov/advo/research/rs334tot.pdf

http://www.sba.gov/advo/stats/sbfaq.pdf

http://www.nfib.com/Portals/0/PDF/healthcare/Small-Business-Healthcare-Fact-Sheet.pdf

http://www.endgame.org/primer-wealth.html

The NYT article, "'04 Income in U.S. Was Below 2000 Level", points out that incomes decreased in 2004 from 2000. Incomes peaked in 1999-2000, just before the 2001 recession. The job recovery time for that recession was 47 months. This bears out my statement about lower incomes once people start going back to work. In addition, I have been party to hiring decision discussions as well as an interview participant. Because of some of the work I've done, I was privvy to salary charts. I know what I saw and heard, but surely, I have provided enough links here to bear out those observations.

My statement was not, as you characterize, a villifaction of business, just an honest statement, which I have now backed up with a substantial list of information. Further, I believe the information in these links will completely back up my 20% claim - that 84-86% of wealth is concentrated in a small percentage of hands.

Nor was my calculation inaccurate. Social Security and Medicare taxes are known as "payroll taxes". Social security tax is taken out until the employee earnings reach $106,800 for 2009, at which point, that employee no longer pays Social security tax in - and neither does the employer. Medicare taxes are not capped. These are taxes and in combination with income taxes, people at the lower-wage tiers pay a considerable percentage of taxes out of their wages, especially singles with only one deduction/exemption. All these taxes are deducted by an employer and deposited into an account with the IRS. I was simply demonstrating tax burden at individual and corporate levels.

I don't think employers are bad. I know some employers take advantage of employees and bend hiring rules. As reports, studies, and articles now show, income decreased, and has remained stagnant, after the 2001 recession, despite economic growth up until December 2007, when THIS recession began. In that period, a UN report released in September 2007 (3 months before the latest recession) found that Americans were the most productive workers in the world - because many work off the clock. Paid hour for paid hour, the Norwegians were number 1 in that report. All that is established fact. While productivity rose, wages stagnated and the wealth divide increased substantially.

Orbust...

Believe also that anyone who's anybody, does not read any of these postings.!

I agree with you there. But the people who vote them in and out do. And it just takes one spark to light the fire. Get enough people talking about it and you have a wild fire that continues to spread. (It's happening)

I realize that many who read these posts are set in their ways, but I have also seen some that have changed their minds. We are the ones who vote these people in and out. We must use every means that we have to get the right people in.

I also believe that these representatives have their minions on here planting as much seed for their purposes as possible. (And... word of mouth travels fast too!)

The one thing that they cannot dispute is the experiences that we go through. A bad experience and the realization of why it is that bad is enough to change a persons mind.

So far... the Obama experience is like having root canal done without any pain killer!

Errata to post 1.54 as I have the VAWTs (Vertical Axis Wind Turbines) and the HAWTs (Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines) reversed.

And add to the "Global Warming" thing. How about all you that believe that ask VP Biden why instead of ending the "Polluters"; allowing them to buy, sell, swap "Carbon Credits" in his home State of Pennsylvania Coal.

Of course I could be sarcastic and say to all the "Global Warming" Advocates, how about sticking your arse into a bucket and farting. Then put the bucket over your head. There are your CO2 emissions.

For those that do not know, we are overdue for another Polar Axis Shift (you can verify this by looking at an old map magnetic deviation from true North and a current magnetic deviation from true North). Happens every few Million Years. Currently, measured gravitational force, the Earth is moving thru a Blackhole Plane. Oddly enough I do not know if the Mayans knew about Blackholes. And the reason why the Mayans stopped making calendars was because they along with the Incas, Aztecs were wiped out by the Spanish in their search for the "Cities of Gold". And "pagan" worship was outlawed. In 2012 the gravitational alignment and the gravitational plane of the Blackhole line up. This gravitational "flux" also is attributed to increases and decreases of Solar Activity.

But hey, you cannot make money selling Solar Activity, Blackholes, Gravitional Flux, Earth Axis Shift, etc. (stuff you can do nothing about) like "Carbon Credits".

Kathleen54 - Cake, anyone?

I would not eat the cake, might be laced with cyanide; just like the Jim Jones Kool Aid.

If I didn't know better, I'd think this was Russia in 1917 or France in 1789.

Like I said in post 1.54, all the things that were stated as illegal under the previous adminstration (violations of US Rights) are now Legal. Ironically, the ardent Bush Basher, Naomi Wolf gave an indicator of what was illegal and now is legal:

"The End of America: Letter of Warning To A Young Patriot", 2007

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjALf12PAWc

Nice to know I'm not the only one saying "praise God and pass the ammo, the anti depressants and the anxiety med's". And I have a job.

Job creation should take precedence over the health insurance reform but the ego in chief will not tolerate that. Nor will his dumocrate yes men and women.

I am unemployed and have the wonderful anxiety attacks, believe me some days they are bad enough that the thought of just have the heart attack sounds good. I am trying to find a job, live in SD home of yes man Tim Johnson, where pay is low anyway. I have been spending my evenings sewing or crocheting hats, mittens and scarfs for kids that have less than me and my family, but I just found out that my unemployment will run out before I thought. Even with a college degree I cannot find a job and now I will loose the ability to do the one thing that gave me a feeling of satisfaction and self worth and that is helping others. it is sad that it is the poor trying to help each other fat cats you need to do something to save the country that made your butt rich.

So here's the bottom line, what do WE do to improve the jobs' scene? Our government isn't going to do it for us (many think it is pitted directly against us.) It's on the back of the populace to figure out what we can do to make some jobs and bucks. I'm open to suggestions. Inventors look for problems that need to be solved, and then they invent the product that fits the bill. We, as a whole, need to be more inventive. For example, what "widget" do the Chinese, Europeans, Africans, et al. need? How can we sell it to them? And how can we keep it from being pirated by the buyer?

The next step is to force our representatives (by voting them in/out) to make it and keep it ours. No more sharing for the world economy. They need to come to our doorstep. Retract NAFTA treaties. Throw out crap and trade. Forget climate change. (On the other hand, maybe we can invent something that would fix those problems, like CO2 air scrubbers).

We are a very productive nation--let's produce. We can't do it without capital, therefore, go to your bank and congressman and demand that they back you. If not, vote out your rep and get someone in who will back you. Don't do business with the bank, and tell everyone how bad that bailed-bank really is.

We must pull together to get beyond this depression. It's the only way. Blaming politics and finger pointing doesn't fix a thing, it just lets us wallow in our misery. Is it going to be painful? Yes. Is it going to fix things overnight? No. But we can do it.

Again, I'm open to suggestions about what we need to produce and manufacture that we could have the corner on, and I'm sure it could be a lot of things. Share your ideas with your neighbors, brainstorm. Help from outside will NOT be coming. Hire your neighbor, the person down the street, build your business. This will solve unemployment, not crying in your beer.

Very good! Let's quit dumping our wheat in the oceans and sell it. (Do we still do that, anyway?) Food: wheat, rice, corn, beef, pork, chicken, veggies. I grow a small victory garden for the family needs, but we (the nation) could very well expand this. More ideas?

we wouldn't need unemployment extentions much less long term unemployment had reagan and Bush Jr not gotten rid of all the labor laws and ability for workers to assemble.

I'm not promoting unions as a cure all, but they aren't near as bad as all the greasy fingered corporations that raided their pension funds and threw seniors out into the streets. It doesn't get much lower than that.

Where does the tea party stand on spending TARP money to create jobs?

Eric

If the stimulus was successful, why do we need to spend TARP money?

That didn't answer the question dcis...where does the tea party stand on using TARP money to create jobs.

Secondly, the stimulus was successful at preventing a depression. Your lack of empathy for those without jobs is astounding.

My lack of empathy? Washington hurried to sign a stimulus package that only 15% was designed to be spent now, while American's are suffering, and the rest in '10.So tell me Eric, where is the sympathy from the Democratic party. Your blind party support is astounding.

So now we are suppose to believe that spending TARP money by the useless politicians in Washington is going to be successful.How many failed bites of the apple are American's suppose to give?

TARP was designed to stop the financial crisis(depression).The $787 billion was suppose to be a jobs bill.

We are in a depression now. the trickle down stimulus was a failure. People quit fighting over bad and worse. The capitalistic system is failing, period.

the government intervention in the natural cycle of bust and boom has caused the major problem...had there been no bail outs, yes things would have been likely as hard as they've been this year, however those with the know how would have stepped in, restructured and brought the failing businesses into alignment...as it is now, we all will be paying for this ad infinitum.

If you let the system work, and plan for the down times, you will not need a bail out, but simply a belt tightening on occasion.

Shelly,

You have a one track mind. We don't give a rat's ass about your tea parties.

mje00emt - let me put it to you in a very simple way. The capitalist system is not failing. The capitalist system is not being allowed to work because of a socialist government...

My lack of empathy? Washington hurried to sign a stimulus package that only 15% was designed to be spent now, while American's are suffering, and the rest in '10.So tell me Eric, where is the sympathy from the Democratic party. Your blind party support is astounding.

If I recall, conservatives backed the candidate that wanted to do...

...NOTHING.

He wanted to freeze all spending. Period.

Also if you READ the stimulus bill you will see why 15% has been spent and why more is designated for next year.

Very true that areas in the country are in a depression with unemployment at 20 to 25%. Michigan having the highest unemployment in the country with the official rate at 15% but a lot of areas much higher than that. The auto industry has been devastated and the best program with the biggest bang for the buck was cash for clunkers.Tax reductions for purchases could work well too.If obama wants to promote green energy then give tax credits for the purchase of these things.

tea party, hell...what are ya gonna do????? quit talking crap and do something....send the criminals a real big message...when you get your tax form send it back "RETURN TO SENDER". you think that'll wake the vermin up...you betcha

Back during the great depression the government created the Civilian Conservation Corps to get young unemployed guys and girls working to help out their families and learn job skills. Why can't we do that again, having people fix our parks, plant trees, restore wetlands and wildlife habitats, restore soils, eradicate invasive plant species, clean up highways, re-vitalize urban areas, etc, etc. The list goes on and on of what needs to be done in this country that could be done by many of our unemployed folks. I would not have any problem doing this type of work- you can see the results and feel proud that you helped the country. Our country is falling apart and getting it repaired right now would dovetail very well with the unemployment situation by getting people busy and getting things done as well. Quit sending the money to wall street jerks who hide the bonus money off-shore and get it to people who will spend it at home to get this economy turned around. Push back on China trade imbalance and increase tariffs. Build cars that can be exported to China NOW, before they produce their own and import them here. Very simple principles. Where are our leaders?

You will never see anything like the CCC or WPA again. The Royals of America Won't let it happen. With the politicians in Washington and the politicians in the unions shareing the same bed, they won't let it happen unless they totally control it

Uh Patriot,.

The 'Free Market" got us into this mess. Selling a dream to unsophisticated folks that was only a shell game. Shipping jobs overseas so that they could show a paper profit this quarter to the "Free Market" whiz kids on Failstreet.

If you were a true patriot YOU would be putting the health and welfare of this country BEFORE any personal gain. The "Patriots" in the board rooms did not.

No Mike, the "free market" did NOT get us into this mess. The government did, just as it always has.

Fact: The U.S. has the second highest corporate taxation in the entire world.

Fact: The federal government levels more rules, restrictions, mandates, etc. on businesses than ANY nation in the world.

Fact: The federal government deregulated certain sectors of private industry, failed to regulate others or do anything to ensure that the laws were obeyed. In fact, certain congressional legislation DIRECTLY contributed to a loss of oversight.

The free market cannot run the way it is SUPPOSED to with so much government meddling. No, I'm not talking about giving the market a complete "blank check" to do whatever it wants, but for crying out loud, how do you expect the market to work properly when the government continually hamstrings it? The fact that it has worked as well as it has is IN SPITE of the government and should be a testament to how well it really works.

And before you bash the "free market" system anymore, you might want to remember one thing. Without the free market system, most of you wouldn't have a job and your standard of living would be FAR lower than what it is.

mack-767431 #2.12,

Answer to your last question: OTL

BTW: Thanks for reminding folks about work projects during the last depression.

I haven't been back to Newsvine in some time - nothing seems to have changed. This is a time we should be coming together as a country and find solutions instead of playing the blame game. I was proud to be an American - I'm not so sure anymore. The hatred spewed on this site is unbelievable.

Patriot, I have asked many people and search the archives and have never found a regulation that specifically requires banks to give mortgages to people who can't be expected to pay it back. The only thing those regulations require is the elimination of "Red Lining" where banks would refuse loans based on geographic borders.

And to the Idahio Dragon, Best check your facts. The Government Regulations did not dream up the Sub Prime loan of the packageing of them into securities for sale on the market. The LACK of Government reguluations and the rampant greed of the Executives of the financial institutions are what cause this current mess.

Pure capitalism relies on mega consumption, waste, materialism and greed. Survival of the fittest. No social security, no retirement, no living wages (remember it was the unions who worked to bring wages to a livable amount. No healthcare (costs too much). No unemployment benefits. Go out and hope someone will hire you or give you a handout. When companies screw up the economy (don't try to take all the blame off them, they have more than their share too), oh well, more people will die (no healthcare for most, probably not unlike 3rd world countries.

THAT, my friends is what republicans want our country to be like. Who GAF about individuals? Its all about praying for something to trickle down.

Blah Blah Blah. Socialism is what caused this problem and you are to lazy to figure it out!Look at how much wealth has been taken from every citizen and redistributed to others over the last 50 years . you keep blabbing about how capitalism did it and yet never mention the amount of freaking taxes paid by every citizen.There is more than a freaking income tax in this country you do know this right? You know that just because the government call something a fee makes it no less a tax right? Figure how much you spend in taxes so the governments can redistribute it to others AKA SOCIALISM!When you can tell me what you have spent in the last 5 years in all taxes AKA:fees - federal state county city HOA etc. Then you can female dog about capitalism you commie dogs.Your to freaking lazy to account for your Capitol and thats the problem.

patriot,.

Please quote chapter and verse.

The Government is asking them to assist in the recovery by providing loans to small businesses and refinancing mortgages at a reasonable rate. They Ain't doin that either. So this alone puts the LIE to your statement.

They BANKS twisted a request to provide huge profits and bonuses for themselves.

lib50,

Pure capitalism does NOT rely on mega consumption, greed or anything else that you mentioned. Do you even know what "pure capitalism" is?

Capitalism is an economic and social system in which capital, the non-labor factors of production (also known as the means of production), is privately controlled; labor, goods and capital are traded in markets; and profits distributed to owners or invested in technologies and industries

Therefore, the farmer who grows a crop, harvests it and then sells it at the local food market in order to make money for his own needs and the needs of his family is engaging in CAPITALISM.

And why should it be the responsibility of corporations to "give" you a retirement package? Why should it be the responsibility of corporations and the taxpayers to "give" you social security? It's YOUR responsibility to make sure you save for retirement, not theirs and not ours.

Yes, I agree that businesses should pay you enough to have a "livable wage", but what exactly constitutes a livable wage? Who makes that determination? I know people who live just fine on 25K a year. They don't own big homes or drive fancy cars, but they do alright. They also make responsible decisions regarding their lives and what they buy. Wow, what a concept.

Yes, I'm well aware of the excesses of certain greedy individuals and I condemn it. However, by your definiton, anybody who tries to advance themselves and make more money to provide better things for themselves and their families is a greedy, materialistic SOB.

Get over the "entitlement" syndrome. And get over the idea that when you have a problem, it's automatically somebody else's responsibility to help you. Asking for help is fine. DEMANDING it is not.

Mike W,

Fact: The federal government deregulated certain sectors of private industry, failed to regulate others or do anything to ensure that the laws were obeyed. In fact, certain congressional legislation DIRECTLY contributed to a loss of oversight

Next time actually READ what I said before you tell me to check my facts. I specifically mentioned that but you obviously failed to read it.

Oh Dragon,

I did read that and it proves what I am saying. Totally Free Market will run rampant, break every moral and civil law it can to maximize it's profit at the expense of the people as a whole.

Why just look back to the founding of the railroads. The first couplers required the workman to insert himself between moving freight cars to attach the link. If he was injured he was just thrown away. Any recovery was his problem. Any medical cost was his problem. the survival of his widow and children were their problem. Some well meaning people in Government wanted to establish the use of the couplers still in use today and the heads of the railroad fought that tooth and nail because it would have cost them money. Even today, Big business is just as calloused. When the Ford Pinto showed that it could catch fire in a rear end collision the Executives passed memos back and forth trying to decide just how many death benefits would they have to pay before it became cheaper to recall the car. Now, how hard hearted and greedy is that. Their car could catch fire and they debate how many deaths would be needed before they take action. To my way of thinking - one more death is too much.

I feel that is the right of every American to advance themselves (And make more money) but when that money is made with an extremely calloused attitude towards the people who assisted that person make more money I place that person in the same catigory as the vilest criminal.

I also agree that some of the Unions have forced exorbitant wages and work rules on the manufacturers but please keep in mind, much of that is a backlash from so many years where it was exactly the opposite. Further the Professional Politicians (and anyone above shop steward is a professional politician) are the main cause of so much of that excess. Just as with the politicians in Washington, they want to be elected and reelected and will do anything to get that.

Lincoln freed the slaves but the CEO's would be very happy if slavery was reinstated. In fact the slaves had it better than the worker in the rail-yards of the north. At least, as a slave the owner felt the need to keep his PROPERTY healthy so that his PROPERTY could work harder for his profits.

IdahoD,

Fact: The U.S. has the second highest corporate taxation in the entire world.

There are many tax breaks and loopholes available to America's corporations. The effective tax rate they pay is not the second highest in the world.

In fact, according to the Government Accountability Office, "Statutory tax rates do not provide a complete measure of the burden that a tax system imposes on business income." Additionally, World Bank and GAO data indicate that the U.S. effective corporate tax rate is lower than 35 percent and lower than several developed -- including some European -- economies.

http://mediamatters.org/research/200902030003

Mike W,

Ok, I agree with all of that. My bad. I thought you were blaming everything on the Free Market system itself. Not the bad people within it, but the system itself.

I agree that there are disreputable individuals working today in the business world. I agree that there are greedy, unscrupulous people in our government that help them, in both parties.

My point was only that the system itself, when used CORRECTLY, is the most beneficial economic system there is and that even in spite of the bad apples in the mix, it still works pretty well overall.

Your example with the Ford Pinto is just one example of corrupt and greedy people in the business world and yes, I completely agree that what they did was beyond abhorrent. They should've been jailed as far as I'm concerned once it was proven that they willingly put peoples' lives in jeopardy once they knew the seriousness of the danger.

While I don't agree that it is the responsibility of a business to provide its workers with retirement or things like that, I do agree that business has a responsibility to its workers in regards to their safety and health while on the job and that any business that willfully neglects either should be penalized into the poor house. You would think they would want their workers to be safe and healthy because they would get better productivity and results. (just like your last comment shows).

*sigh* Well, nobody ever said the human race was logical or made sense.

mje00emt - let me put it to you in a very simple way. The capitalist system is not failing. The capitalist system is not being allowed to work because of a socialist government...

This is the funniest thing I've read in a long time. The capitalist system is working perfectly, in fact the government is the only thing keeping it from collapsing 2 years ago due to greed and theft from the middle class. A true capitalism economy is doomed to fail, as it doesn't care about sustainability and will corrupt the rules and break them where it can. Only a complete retard thinks that preventing business from turning us all into peasants yet again is a bad thing. The prosperity of the last generation is an abberration of history, no other generation in all of recorded history has done so well across the board and they owe it all to unions and FORCING business to pay good wages to the commoners. Soon those pesky rules will be removed again and we'll be back to business as usual, 14th century business.

I used to be proud to be an American and a dumocrate. I am now ashamed of the dumocratic party and resigned from it and went independent. I want to be proud of this country again and hopeful that the PEOPLE will find a way together to make that happen. God, or whoever you believe in, knows that the idiots currently making the laws including the one living in the white house can't pull their heads out long enough to think about what is actually right for the country not just themselves and their party. Please let's get ride of the bunch of them and vote new in and try to start over and improvee this country, I believe in the people not the government we now have destroying our country.

Dragon, While I agree with you that it is not the responsibility of the company to provide retirement etc. In order to obtain a productive and enthusiastic work force they should feel that they have a stake in the company. The best way to ensure that is some form future with the company. Be it stock or an assist in building a retirement fund, in my opinion, with something like that in place along with fair and equitable treatment you will have an employee who will go to the wall for you. Remember, the only reasons Unions got a foothold in America was due to the very poor treatment of employees. Without Unions forcing the issue we would still be in the conditions of the start of the industrial revolution. In today's world the unions professional politicians are a direct cause of many of our problems. They purposely promote an adversarial climate between the company and the worker. "We gotta get them before they get us"

The 2 biggest impediments to American Success today is the need by the office to measure success by the quarter rather than the 5 year plan and adversarial climate between the office and labor.

gordon: what does OTL stand for?

Patriot judging by your posts I would say I outgrew anything you could teach me about 20 years ago.

Bankers and their bonuses truly sickening.

Yes Eric, blame the banks. After all they only got into this situation because they were only forced by Democrat passed laws to give out loans to people that couldn't afford to pay them.

It's all the banks' fault. It's not because of CRA signed by Carter and Clinton. It's not because of Fanny and Freddy ensuring hundreds of Billions in bad loans that were sold to the banks.

Yes, it's all on the banks, and Bush, and anyone and everyone except the people that took out the loans, and passed the laws forcing the loans.

Roger please, Phil Gramm's legislation had broad bipartisan support and was signed into law by President Clinton. Moreover, the bill had nothing to do with causing the crisis, and economists – not to mention President Clinton – praise it for having softened the crisis.

exellent point. don't forget the CEO's

Roger M -

That is utter nonsense. Less than 8% of the loans given out in TOTAL were "forced". The rest were predatory as perpetrated by greedy lenders, banks included.

8%....do you have a source for that figure?

1623 yankee,

Explain why any bank would make a lone to anyone who they know can't pay them back. That's BS about them making predatory loans..Yeah that's what they did, they made the loans so they can foreclose and sell the property at a loss...You don't see the flaw in your logic?

Lets not forget the rating agencies that were given carte blanche to 'sell' (overrate) the mortgage backed bonds/securities. MORE regulation sure would have been nice here...NOT laissez faire, 'free market' abandonment of common sense.

Stop worrying about bankers and bonuses. The banks got in trouble and now they're getting out and it will be business as usual. Well not quite usual, they're no longer lending money to those that can't pay it back. Forget seeing any banks loosen their lending practices. They're not about to risk their profitability again (read that as their bonuses).

And stop waiting for this administration to create a job. Other than putting more people on the federal payroll, there is nothing Obama can do. Hell, he has four or five hundred positions in his administration he hasn't filled. If he can't manage that efficiently, what makes you think he can handle millions?

Keep letting the liberals spend us into bankruptcy. There won't be a job left in the country except those that can't be exported--harvesting produce, mowing grass, waiting tables and running a cash register (assuming people have money to spend). All of the better paying jobs will be in countries with lower taxes and less regulation.

Yeah as far as Eric and the like are concerned profits, corporations and free enterprise are all bad. I guess the Gov. can just hire us all right?

OK then tell me something who is going to pay your Gov. handouts

eric, eric, eric,

the fault roger was referring to was frank and dodd forcing banks to make loans to people who couldn't pay them back. Frank and dodd knew it, frank said, no problem fannie and freddie will cover your loses. Sooooo everybody is getting into housing, prices are going through the false roof causing the demand to sky rocket. Only took 4 to 6 years for the bubble to break, fannie and freddie fail, or should have failed, the good old boy network in this admin made sure that didn't happen but too late the dominoes started to fall, defaults out the wazoo, no help for the big boy banks, freddie and fannie are bankrupt so whats the big boy banks to do but foreclose. Another feel good idea from libs with no thought of outcome. Yep, commies hate capitalism but left alone it does work, unlike most of the entitlement mentality of the current liberal voters.

Okay, start blaming Bush, Reagan, and any other conservative you wish, but this country was found on it, not some current twisted european view.

Yankee,

I'll tell you why a bank would make that kind of loan. Because they already planned to package it with other loans and sell it to some other unsuspecting fool (probably your 401K mutual Fund). They didn't need to be forced, they did it all on their own.

The so-called "forced" loans were actually high-interest CRA loans and in a speech, FRA Governor said:

Governor Randall S. Kroszner
At the Confronting Concentrated Poverty Policy Forum, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Washington, D.C.
December 3, 2008

The Community Reinvestment Act and the Recent Mortgage Crisis

"Putting together these facts provides a striking result: Only 6 percent of all the higher-priced loans were extended by CRA-covered lenders to lower-income borrowers or neighborhoods in their CRA assessment areas, the local geographies that are the primary focus for CRA evaluation purposes. This result undermines the assertion by critics of the potential for a substantial role for the CRA in the subprime crisis. In other words, the very small share of all higher-priced loan originations that can reasonably be attributed to the CRA makes it hard to imagine how this law could have contributed in any meaningful way to the current subprime crisis."

If you want to read about the predatory mortgage manipulations of the banks, simply read the history of the CRA coupled with the Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999 and apply it to 2007 and 2008.

Blah Blah Blah. Socialism is what caused this problem and you are to lazy to figure it out!Look at how much wealth has been taken from every citizen and redistributed to others over the last 50 years . you keep blabbing about how capitalism did it and yet never mention the amount of freaking taxes paid by every citizen.There is more than a freaking income tax in this country you do know this right? You know that just because the government call something a fee makes it no less a tax right? Figure how much you spend in taxes so the governments can redistribute it to others AKA SOCIALISM!When you can tell me what you have spent in the last 5 years in all taxes AKA:fees - federal state county city HOA etc. Then you can female dog about capitalism you commie dogs.Your to freaking lazy to account for your Capitol and thats the problem.

Uh this wasnt for this thread it was for the one above .Sorry ;)

Taxes, huh? Try paying Self Employment Tax. Try paying Capital Gains Tax. Try paying back accrued Depreciation when shutting your doors. I have PAID my fair share and then some and I am NO communist nor am I a European style socialist. What I AM is someone who detests greedy, overbearing loudmouths who have NO idea what humanity is or what social conscience is or what anything humanly worthwhile and kind is. What I AM is TOTALLY abhorrent of those who STEAL millions while families are exorcised needlessly into the streets or starving children or teenagers who go to school out of the backseats of their mother's 20 year old car! Socialism my ass!

Explain why any bank would make a lone to anyone who they know can't pay them back.

GOD, man, where have you been for the last couple of decades? They were passing out credit like candy with NOBODY forcing them to (credit extends far beyond mortgages) with some kids and pets getting credit offers. I used to get dozens a week. For godssake at least know what you are talking about.

Blah Blah Blah. Socialism is what caused this problem and you are to lazy to figure it out!Look at how much wealth has been taken from every citizen and redistributed to others over the last 50 years.

Yes, 25% of overall wealth was taken from the poor and middle class and sucked into what the wealthy already possessed. I don't see how that helps your argument.

Yes....let's halt using TARP funds to create jobs. What a wonderful conservative strategy. (sarcastic)

Right ,pay down the deficit with those funds as we were told it would be. It's not another slush fund for congress to just find ways to spend. You want money top create jobs? Then use some of all that unspent stimulus money, after all that's what we were told it was for.

Eric,

The only jobs the government can create are government jobs, and those are only a further drag on the economy since they require taxpayer money to fund them.

The government should put that money back against the massive deficit, and cut taxes permanently for businesses and business owners. Oh but that would be the evil 2% they plan to soak....couldn't do that now could we? So, unemployment will continue to rise, until Obama is out of office.

We have not seen anything yet. Watch what happens if his policies start to get signed into law. Unemployment will go above 30%, there will be wide spread suffering and probably enough desperation that crime will be on the rise.

Yes we can!

oh noooooo!!!

Sure Eric, let's use those TARP funds to create even MORE jobs in districts that DON'T EVEN EXIST!!!

Great call, and not only that, let's borrow a couple more Trillion dollars from China and waste it on earmarks, paybacks, and lining the pockets of Democratic supporters. Meanwhile we can spend 6 million dollars to create 3 jobs for a Clinton supporter, and make a commercial about tv's changing from analog to digital. Of course all those people out there not working right now will support 6 million dollars for something like that, while they draw a couple hundred a week in unemployment.

And let's study the mating habits of mosquitoes, or the consistency of ketchup, or all those other wonderful "jobs" that the "stimulus" has created.

Why don't you wake up Eric, instead of just repeating the party line over and over and over?

Eric....TARP was not meant for job creation. The stupid Stimulus was the big job scam....and to say it softened a depression is patently absurd. over 10% unemployment still and going higher. The only jobs created, surprise, were in the Government big Union sector. Wooohooo, and they got a 1.5% pay increase just last week on top of that. Nice work dems....keep your own thugs happy but never mind the real world.

OH MY GOD!!!! Unemployment is bad! What a surprise!

Let's pass a health care bill, that's more important than millions out of work.

What I find so funny is that conservatives just yesterday were on the vine cheering rejection of stimulus funds by localities. Funds meant to create or save jobs. Now they speak on how health care is more important than jobs.

LMAO!!!!!

I cannot wait for the next election. Gonna have a field day.

You'll have a black field day indeed. Dems are gonna get their butts handed to them for sure. There might even be a few Repubs and Indes gone too. You can be like the people you support and deny public opinion, but it will bite you on the keyster. We have to tighten belts politically as well as domestically. Why do they say we have to all suffer together but they got a raise? I haven't had a raise in 2 years because of the economy, but the core prices for things I have to have, like gas, food, utilities, clothing, etc., continue to outpace inflation. I've already had to tell me family and gf they'll be lucky to get Christmas cards this year, but skiing in Aspen will probably be awesome for Boxer, reid, and Pelosi this year. If you aren't pissed off at the way things are being done now, you're either mentally retarded, an ideological party hack, or getting financial windfalls from proposed legislation. Merry Christmas, you lousy SOB's in Washington and the WH!!!!

Capt. I think you need a promotion. I don't either care that Reps or Dems, they all need to get shown the door.

Nancy,

Yes, the primary jobs will be some kind of Government job. BUT think about it, those working for the government pay taxes also. And further, they BUY things, which might let YOU keep your job.

Isn't that better than people standing in breadlines without income to pay taxes AND buy things. Then YOU are out of work also.

Mike,

That government job would only exist at the expense of a private one. If the government didn't tax that money away from the private sector, it could have been used to create a job in the private sector. That person would be PRODUCING things and consuming them and paying taxes. Instead of using tax dollars to consume things and using tax dollars to pay taxes.

See the difference?

Nancy,

And where might I ask are the PRIVATE jobs for the 18 or so million people out of work now. Maybe, by your thinking they should just crawl into a grave somewhere because they are not produceing. If you wait for Private industry to come up with those jobs you will have a very long wait. Or maybe we (and that includes yourself should work for the same wages paid in India.

And I guess you have never bothered to look at those plaques on many of our buildings. If you had, you would see that they were WPA projects which provided us with very fine Government building, provided income to many families, and provided much needed training to many workers.

If you ever have the chance, Visit Itaska State Park in Northern Minnesota. Most of the buildings there were WPA and CCC projects. They still stand and are beautiful building there for the use and enjoyment of anyone visiting the park. There are huge stands of forest that were planted by people in the CCC. Look all around you and will see the fruits of those two programs still standing and serving the American Public.

I agree, we should do what we need to create jobs, even if that means more spending. If you have ideas for job creation without spending money please put them here. Remember, tax cuts add to the deficit.

Having a job is a lot more than making money. People need to feel that they are contributing something, that they matter.

A few years ago, the summer before I started graduate school, I moved to a new town. Since classes didn't start for a few months, I started looking for temp work, even though I had the money saved to get through the summer just fine.

I remember how depressed I got, the days I had nothing to do, nowhere to be. Even though it was only for a few months, and money wasn't an issue, the feeling that I could stay in bed all day and the world wouldn't notice, was really depressing.

I think it's in most of our natures to be of use, to make some sort of impact in the world. I know it's small comfort to those who need work, but at least it looks like the worst is over. We've gotten to the bottom, and now things will begin to improve (albeit slower than any of us would like).

Tax cuts don't add to the deficit IF you cut spending. The government needs to cut spending in half, shrink to half it's size and cut taxes in half.

exellent point. mental and physical health is a major concern.

Eric, why is it that you do nothing except repeat the Democratic mantra, even when it's a lie?

Bush's tax cuts led to lower unemployment and RECORD income taxes. But of course you can't allow that to to take your eye off the ball, right?

Just tax the rich, that's the answer to everything to liberals, like that's going to create jobs, save the economy, and make life wonderful.

Meanwhile these same rich lay off and fire because their taxes went up, they spend less which takes the economy further down, and life is wonderful only to the liberals.

Dump Unions....return mfg to our soil and create jobs.

Dump Unions....return mfg to our soil and create jobs.

It doesn't have anything to do with unions. It is pure capitalism; make the product at the lowest cost ( foreign labor) and sell it at the highest cost possible. How many people do you know willing to work for the wages the Chinese get?

Braveheart, I think you're on to something.

1. How about putting tariffs on intellectual material/data coming into the US? This would stop the outsourcing of software development, medical transcription, IT resources, etc. One of the biggest employment firms of Microsoft is an Indian own company (office in Redmond, WA & the home office in Bangalore, India) that hires temp workers for MS.

2. Tariffs on all inbound products that are high enough that it would actually force businesses (or create businesses) to recreated manufacturing jobs here in the US. Think about the tech industry (TV, Stereos, PCs, etc). Instead of Cash for Clunkers, why not Cash for Manufacturing?

3.Offer some of this stimulus money to smaller businesses. I haven't seen any stimulus money going to any small businesses. Just these 'do big to fail' businesses. I don't know the exact percentage but I know it's well over 60% of jobs in the US are by small businesses.

The economy is like the stock market [not that they both suck right now but] it needs to be diverse. Look around your own counties/states. How many manufacturing plants/businesses do you see? How many manufacturing plants/businesses do you remember from your days growing up? Where are they now? Closed and overseas!

We need some way to level the playing field to retain the manufacturing jobs remaining and to bring back those that went overseas (or the border). How do we do that? By making it NOT profitable for businesses to export/outsource our jobs overseas or over the border.

Here's my disclaimer - I'm not saying this will do it all, but it's a start. It would be nice if other (on this blog) would give suggestions instead of pointing fingers. I'm not any economist, just a software development manager that has seen this industry outsourced. Please, any ideas or constructive criticism (this doesn't include calling me names) is welcome.

Minan,
If people are getting paid $26/hour to be janitors in UAW plants, there is something VERY wrong! Trained monkeys could stand in one spot and but the same bolt on the same axle day in and day out. If you don't see that unions in this country have outpriced most of our labor, except in the South, overseas, then you are naive. I do 3 times the work most assembly line people do in a day, for less than half of what they make, and I don't have some union fatcats taking $3/hour of my salary to make sure I get raises above the national inflation rate every year. Unions are as much to blame for jobs going overseas as GATT, NAFTA, CAFTA, and any other bills that have given imported goods an uneven playing field.

If trained monkeys could do it then it would have been replaced by a robot or a silly bored consumer will to wait on theirself. Stop blaming people for wanting to have a decent job. Unions brought you the weekend and all the other disappearing niceties like pensions and sick pay. etc. etc.They uplifted the common working man. they created the standards. Be grateful not jealous.It's not the working people that has bled this country dry.I'm sure you work very hard and I wish you all the success you need but I don't wish third world working conditions on anyone.

I worked as a waitress in a non union state for 1/3 of minimum wage flash forward they now in that state (27 states provide no minimum for waitresses) often pay the restaurant to work and reagan instituted income taxation on them with no way to pay into social security or disability or unemployment.Yet he cut capital gains and taxes on the very wealthy.Unions have your interest in mind not the idle rich.

oldnewgrad,RN - Unions bring nothing to those who aren't their members - changes in labor laws at the federal, state and local levels and competition (within an industry and region) for qualified workers is what improves pay, bennies and conditions.

Union contracts may force businesses to keep on workers even though a machine could do their jobs. Have you already forgotten how the cumulative generous pay/bennies packages of the line auto workers and decades of retirees took down the industry last year? In this economy, and then a jobless recovery, potential workers who are now unemployed won't hesitate to cross a picket line, and they'd probably greatly outnumber the picketers.

As for the # of workers, each succeeding generation of engineers improves technology and makes it possible to eliminate more and more human labor. In the 70s, my family couldn't back out of the driveway 7:50 AM - 8:10 AM, 3:50 PM - 4:10 PM and 11:50 PM - 12:10 AM. Why? Workers heading to/from the steel mill. Now, the handful still employed by the mill work in retooled, hi-capacity plants and typically have some post-secondary education.

And think of all the places you now wait on yourself - self-serve grocery checkouts and ordering online, to name just a few. You're welcome to stand in line for a checkout clerk to process your groceries or call or mail in your catalog orders - if you have time to waste. Between work (w/o overtime pay) and commuting, I can serve myself a lot faster.

Well we can hope that the health insurance reform that will be forced on us will cover mental help. Hopefully on of the idiots will read it to find out, I am assuming that the people that were elected can read, or take time off from with the lobbyists to actually read what they are passing.

And what are the repubs trying to do about the mess they made...sure...I know....we had a democratic congress so it's not Bushes fault....but yet you repubs wanna blame Obama for everything wrong...even though he was not president when the mess started. and on top of that everything he tries to do repubs fight it.

Obama is not a fraud to date he has completed 68 campaign promises.

http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/rulings/promise-kept/

Obama needs to stop talking about Bush's mess. This is his problem now and all people care about is what he's going to do to fix it. Stop blaming the Repubs, because the Dems have complete control over the Congress, Senate and White House. They can do as they please and the Repubs are powerless to stop them.

Obama let Pelosi and Reid handle the stimulus package, which did not focus on rebuilding infrastructure. Instead, they wasted money increasing budgets for their pet projects. In the meantime, the nation's financial snowball is barreling down the hill and getting progressively larger. Ten percent unemployment doesn't come close to accurately reporting how many people are unemployed, have lost their benefits, have had their work weeks reduced significantly, etc. In the meantime, the Dems have wasted the better part of a year on healthcare. Hungry people don't care about appts. with doctors.

Please link to the most recent time Obama mentioned Bush. I think the only people still talking about our former disappointment of a president is the GOP.

The rest of us have moved on, please come with us.

maybe alot of us can use that healthcare bill, use it to go into the hospitals to get drip feed?

Clotho...why don't you pay attention?

On 60 minutes Obama said that he had "inherited" the problem, and even after almost a year on the job, keeps blaming it on someone else.

Sorry, but the problem he "inherited" didn't call for a 1.4 TRILLION dollar spending deficit for 2009, or another TRILLION coming up next year. It didn't call for a 787 BILLION dollar spending spree by Democrats that was called a "stimulus" and didn't stimulate a damn thing.

It's pretty sickening to see liberals blame Bush, defend Obama, and then say they have "moved on".

What a bunch of hypocrites.

RogerM So..... This started as soon as Obama was in office? He didn't inherited a problem? Also where is the rights plan to fix the problems and why didn't we heard it when the problems started? Oh yeah they wanted to wait and see what happens fix.

Eric,

Obama's solution to everything is to grow government, increase spending, borrowing, taxing and inflating the currency at record rates. It is killing the economy. Read through the list you linked, it's all about growing the government beyond the point that the private sector can continue to support it. This whole thing is going to collapse under the heavy burden of our government.

Nancy, and what president hasn't done that, Ive noticed that when repubs are in office, expanding the government is neccessary. but when dems are in office, it's about wanting to run our lives

Chucky,

Ha, ha ha ha. Yes the government is the answer to everything.

We should let everyone out of jail who have only killed a person or two, after all there are some who have killed many more.

Tammy's problems are financial in nature and she does not need moral preaching from you. If you wish to preach, please take a stand at the pulpit of your church.

agreed, maybe hes married or a woman.

Betz is correct though as far as the insurance goes, she has nothing if she is not married to her "partner" no health insurance, no workers compensation claim(if he is injured on the job) it is Tammy's decision though and no ones elses. The childern are covered but not her.

Clotho,

Please link to the most recent time Obama mentioned Bush. I think the only people still talking about our former disappointment of a president is the GOP.

How about just last week during his Afghan speech... Is that good enough for you?

Biggdoggg having worked in the health insurance field for almost 16 years before our jobs got outsourced, and this was for one of the big insurance companies, I can tell you that many insurance companies will or at least used to allow domestic partners that had been together for over 1 year and can prove it to cover their domestic partner under their insurance. Having multiple insurance designations I can tell you that unless things have changed as they will with the health insurance reform (and that is what it really is not health care reform) Tammy should be able to be covered under her partners insurance if they can afford it. As for morals sorry when they pass the war tax you will probably see more co-habitating and less married couples just to keep from paying yet another tax on an already overburdened society.

Mark, Obama hasn't been ignoring job creation, that was part of the stimulus. You are right that job creation will take time. We need to do what it takes, including more spending if we have to, to get people back to work.

I agree that health care reform is important, but its needed now and not in 4 years.

I empathize with your situation, but, are you kidding? Obama has been talking about the economy and job creation all year long. Where have you been?

The stimulus is a joke and you are a joke if you believe it has any impact! This president is a community organizer, a flim flam man! You and your kind just don't get it, we have no money and more they print the less it is worth, yes we need tough measures, but the government is the first who needs to take the charge and clean up their own problems. We need real jobs fool, not these 6month government jobs that don't last.

This morning on MSNBC (Scarborough), one of the liberal guests was perplexed that the Obama administration was not touting the health care bill as a jobs bill.

As far as I can see, the only jobs being created, or saved, are government jobs. I can not understand how expanding the government, through deficit spending, is good for the long term health of our economy.

Obama thought the grade was for self-aggrandizement and was being modest when he gave himself a B+

So watch dog what do you recommend, cause all I here from you righties is criticism with "NO" answers...only a "NO".

The lack of jobs will bring down the Obama administration...When your future is living under a bridge in a cardboard box you will turn on who ever is in charge...

Adios Mr. President...

Monmichka,

Yes Obama has been "TALKING" about jobs all year. Jobs that turned out to be NOT there! Where was all his turn shovel jobs? Just shortly after Obama got in office,more and more people lost jobs! So I say talking about jobs and putting people back to work is two different things. Also Eric, the country was broke long before Bush got into office. Mostly because the Democrats and this give everyone a loan to buy homes even if they couldn't afford them! Foreclosures will be on the raise again soon.

Monmichka the problem is that when it comes to really helping the people not big business is that all BO is, is talk we need action. How are the jobless going to pay for the health insurance reform?????????

Works really well for me....how's the party of "no"?

The repugs are the party of NO more pelosi lies, no more taxes, no more omama the GOd damn America prez , no more gore the bore (All the ice will be gone by Tuesday" BS, NO more ACOrn porn and fraud, NO more tax cheat czars, NO more "behind closed door " meetings, NO more Wed. night WH parties, NO more botox for nancy....

No more "NO"....come with some solutions or get out of the way.

Eric-913730 are you really Eric Holder. You seem to be stumping pretty hard for Obama

There are many solutions... lower capital gains tax..No more printing money in the white house basement...No more borrowing money from the chinese...Do what the american people are doing (paying down debt).

fatjack - but those aren't socialist solutions...

Good times will come back BUT 50 years from now, America will be more socialist. As time goes by, more and more think (Dems feel) they are entitled.

He probably went to one of those schools where everyone gets a good grade (redistribution of self-esteem).

Yes he did, talk about coming into a presidency with a big mess on your hands. At least he took action, popular or not. It's better than the constant "no" from the other side.

So, taking 'any' action is better than saying no until the right action can be determined?

As much as he deserved the Nobel Peace Prize.

No means that you are worried about future generations, this guy and his people are like deer in the headlights. He is all about being popular, do you ever watch news, come on he wants to be loved, so he can be reelected, its not about America it is about him and the party, he doesn't care for all Americans and I can see through him!

"The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Tuesday shows that 26% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as President. Forty-one percent (41%) Strongly Disapprove giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -15."

Link: http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/obama_administration/daily_presidential_tracking_poll

Mess or no mess Obama's approval rating today gives him an F from the American people that counts more than Obama's inflated opinion of himself.

"No" means you want him to fail. Rush said it. Republicans don't want recovery, jobs, they just want back into power. It's that simple.

Right, I want Omama to fail. Employers are not hiring because they think cap and tax will get them..the borrowed chinese mioney health care abortion BILL mandates coverage for even PT workers..Everything started going to S*** almost to the day the LIbs took control on congress in 2006.

Eric how do you know he's better than the other side and don't bring Bush into it. You don't know how McCain would have handled this situation. It couldn't be any worse than how Obama is handling it.

True, Good post.

Madison...here in Texas, we call it a "certificate of near completion".

The poll isn't the point as much as the collateral mental health damage to families from this crisis.

We need bipartisan efforts at job creation.

Yeah right Eric - this Congress and Administration REALLY want bipartisan efforts... Put down the kool-aid lad..., you've had enough...

So what's your solution? Withdraw NAFTA and WTO?

Lower all business taxes to the point where they bring the jobs back here? Remember tax cuts add to the deficit.

Eric- tax cuts do not add to the deficit - never have, never will.

Spending more than one takes in adds to a deficit.

They lower the revenue that comes in as a result of taxes...and they do raise the deficit as a result.

There is absolutely no proof that lowering business taxes would bring jobs back here, but I'm willing to bet it would increase the size of bonuses upper management would receive. Yes withdraw from NAFTA, make it economically sound to produce items in this country rather than bringing in imports. Change the policies to reflect a 1 to one ratio with foreign countries in trade items

I do agree tax cuts add to the deficit; the money has to come from somewhere. Wasn't it Reagan who started the policy of giving tax cuts while borrowing?

Eric - you miss the point - stop cheerleading for Obama long enough to remember how real life works.

In real life, when your income drops, you cut back on expenses - you don't keep spending at the same or higher levels and 'demand' that someone make up for the shortfall.

That is what our government has done for years. The 'point' is that the government should cut spending, and stop raising taxes, and get to a balanced budget.

Some where some how, American businesses need to stop sending jobs over seas. This is what's going on now just for the sake of higher profits and upper Management getting bigger bonuses. The American worker is getting screwed more and more every year. I use to work at a company where we developed the product and even the process for producing the product, then send the whole plan over seas to be made cheaper. We also had a lot of supply chains over seas to get cheaper parts, but in the long run it was proven that the cheap parts didn't work well and ended up costing more for sorting and reworking. But did that stop them? No, they just igonered the data and covered up the added expense to keep their bonuses coming in. A lot of American may not know this, but foriegners think all Americans are stupid and try to push off crap on to us. I guess they are right. We've handed over a lot and continue to do so.

...and people were sooo much comforted by the resounding "no" from the other side of the aisle. Like it or not, Obama represents hope that is why he got elected.

For the record, Obama is no more a socialist as republicans are fascists. Stop with all the "ists" junk.

Eric:

Don't know what you've been smoking, but you might want to cut back.

Don't know of any other politician that is more hell-bent on having the government run everything. You're kidding yourself if you don't think Obama is the most radical socialist we have right now.

Stop watching CNN and MSNBC ....start watching something "fair and balanced"...maybe you'll learn something !!

Obama is a POS just like yourself. How much are you getting paid to be in here posting Pro-Obama messages??? Obama has not created any jobs. ZERO. The jobless rate is about 17%. And where were all of these "shovel ready" projects that the stimulus bill was supposed to provide??? No where. They havent even spent half of the 800 billion in simulus money and now they want another 200 billion more for the same "shovel ready" projects. That is a total F'in lie and Obama is breaking the country intentionaly. The idiots running this coutrny into the ground are TRAITORS and should be tried for treason. And supporters like yourself should suffer the same fate.

Yeah Daver, I'll do that when you stop watching FOX news and listening to Glenn Beck.

If you believe Obama is a socialist then you my friend are a fascist.

Thom...really name calling is that all you got? I don't get paid to post here...you probably get paid more from FOX news posting here with all the righty lies.

Obama is fixing the country that Bush broke...get with reality.

Eric:

Continue burying your head in the sand.....go look up the definition of Socialist ....I'm waiting for your apology...

Eric you dont have a clue as to what Obama is doing. he has spent to the point where we are more than broke. China will not loan anymore to us. That should really say something. And why in the world would you raise the debt limit when you are already maxed out??? If you are on the verge of bankruptcy you do not go out and spend beyond your means. You cut back. The liberals are finished in this coutrny. The truth is coming out and there will be a revolution. Please be as vocal for your support of Obama when it does happen. We need to thin the idiots out of the population.

Hope is not a plan..

i agree 100% thom, it will be the "let them eat cake" thingy all over again an then? LOOKOUT!!!!

Nancy:

You're right about some people being clueless....if I get any whiff of someone relying on "hope and change", I never let them get past the first round of interviews (don't need libs on our staff !!)

Nancy its good to see that American's know who to blame. It's not a dem talking point...its the truth.

Daver -

I suspect I'll regret asking this, but...

are you implying that you'd disregard a prospective employee's work ethic, character, experience, qualifications, references, and overall suitability for a position if you have reason to suspect that their political views skew to the left of your own?

Thats because most of the unemployed welfare lifers are liberals. Of course they will blame Bush.

Nancy---Remember, those percentages mean nothing without knowing how the question was asked (stated). That would be more telling.

It's a shame that the republicans don't want job creation or recovery of the economy. They have not put forth any proposals about job creation, other than more tax cuts that add to the deficit.

In fact, the republicans want TARP money to pay down the deficit versus creating jobs...truly shameless.

Eric:

Again, you're showing your naiveness.....I've heard plenty of Repubs. talk about CUTTING taxes (as well as stopping this insane lunatic in the Whitehouse from growing government via "health care reform" and "cap and trade")...

Start paying attention to RECENT HISTORY (we were enjoying RECORD REVENUES TO THE TREASURY when the Bush tax cuts were first enacted)...

Are you going to try and dispute those facts?

Record revenues...what are you smoking....why do we have such a huge deficit then?

Try cutting taxes and going to war with the mantra of "deficits don't matter"...I think that was Bush/Cheney.

cyfi, seems to me they concentrated on alot of other things besides jobs. they seem to be on it some now, but 19 years to late. MFG started leaving and not coming back. real bad times for jobless folks, help those if you can.

It's great to see that there are still idealists like Eric left in the US. The rest can see this Congress and Administration for what it is. Eric, isn't it time for you to tend the rabbits?

what makes you think economy will pick back up ? where i live i sold industrail supply to mfg plants. only 2 remain. bayer and dow. over 20 of my accounts closed compltely. i retired the owners of the supply co. closed. jobs are not coming back.

I agree, with both on certain points. One the Economy is not coming back to the level it was. Too many factors involved to even listed why. The other is yes the companies that do hire will do so to younger workers. Most likely on a Temp. service only so as to not pay benefits. Too many people trying for the same jobs so companies don't have to offer anything. The younger work force will be more than willing to take the jobs.

The economy will eventually pick back up. I'm not saying any time soon. By time things get going again and they start hiring again in the field I am trained and educated in I will be to old to do the job. I am 45 years old and I will be competing against 20 something year olds. It is time that we Americans tell our government enough is enough and we need to take over and call the shots. They have spent our country into the poor house and funny thing none of them are in it they are still living a grand and luxurious life style while the rest of us are cashing in our spare change just to make ends meet. Funny thing while we get poorer they get richer and they still have their flock of people that will jump when they say "jump."

I know how to create 30 million jobs in this country. Most wont pay alot but they are jobs. American jobs! Can you say Illegal Alien. But wait, don't send them back empty handed, Give them a crash course in how to take your government back for the people. Oh wait, we dont know how to do that either. Nevermind...........

Part of this is the result of Workforce 2000, the plan to convert this country from a manufacturing economy to a service economy. Another part is pointed at in the mantra "small business creates 75% of American jobs---the backbone of our economy." Add small companies paying for low/no skill work and you have a recipe for a reduced standard of living. The small business owner, by definition, can (or will) only pay so much from the get-go, and if a whole lot of taxes and fees are laid on her, she's just not going to hire anybody. Who can blame her? At some point, huge disparities in wealth become a breeding ground for revolution. I mean the shooting kind, where people get, like, killed. And I personally do not think America is immune to this sort of thing. There's already been one revolution here and one civil war, and this was before (I think?) we evolved into the most heavily-armed society on earth. The crazies on the right AND the crazies on the left are armed out the wah-zoo, trained and often experienced fighters.

If Obama wants to soak the rich, he's delusional. These days, the system is designed to prevent that very thing from happening. Reagan, both Bushes and Clinton put that little fix in...maybe Dubya was a bit more blatant in some of the stuff he did, but to all you Obama-worshippers out there: the man's been in office almost a year now and this mess is all HIS now. No, I didn't expect that a magic wand would be waved and everything would be rendered peachy yesterday but come ON! Dubya was a massive deficit spender; another massive deficit spender will make matters worse. You can't borrow and spend your way out of debt. It's like trying to cure alcoholism by giving the drunks beer. Ain't gonna work. Why do people need to be told this!?

In the end, welcome to my world. I've been underemployed since November 2006 and I suspect I'll remain so for the duration. I've been told that I need a masters' degree to live a better life. I thought the bachelors' and the Army time were supposed to do that...?

BAJ--

I have 3 degrees (including a Masters) + 20 years management experience, and I have to work overseas (since April 2007) because there are few jobs back home.

Save your money, I wish I had.

"Double A,"

My son asked me what I was getting him for Xmas and I told him I was gonna keep a roof over his head. Thank God, he's old enough to understand. At this point, the only additional education I'd even think about paying for is a trade school, to learn a marketable skill.

I don't expect much from the "job market." In fact, my personal joys and satisfactions have nothing to do with working for someone else. It's a paycheck...that's all.

Funny..., you can't find many people to admit they voted for Obama, but yet he is the President. Hmmm..., I wonder where all his voters are hiding these days?

can you say acorn fruad maybe??? hmmmmm???

So, if Obama's an F-, where does that put Bush? Oh yeah, he couldn't even pass the entrance exam!

And I voted for Obama-- anything was better than stupid-*ss Bush!

Remember-- it's much easier making a mess than it is cleaning it up. Even your kids know that!

Quit whining...

John.....You have the best post so far. Lots of really good ideas. I would add that we really need to look at cutting defense spending and getting out of all wars. That would also include the drug war.

yes jeff,so you can feel at ease while walking or driveing down the street smoking your dope?LOL

rp.....You don't know me from Adam. I don't do drugs or encourage anyone else to do drugs. I just don't think prohibition has worked and I don't like to see money wasted on unnecessary wars. I feel safe walking or driving down roads. I also don't smoke, drink, or carouse around. I wonder what you do but to tell you the truth I don't really give a dam.

Well said.

someone might want to be POTUS for lifetime pension and benifits. along with half million dollars per speech after retirement.

Make the banks work for America?--- hell, the government just gave CitiBank 38 billion dollars in tax breaks! Yet, Citi continues to screw over every American citizen they can.

This sh*ts got to stop now. Nobody's giving me a break from my economic mess (brought on by CitiBank itself, no less). What a joke!

Obama is leading us out of this mess created by the republicans over 8 years.

Most American's know that...I'm sorry McCain wasn't elected I'm sure your car was covered with his bumper stickers. For the record, there would have been just as much pain with McCain at the helm.

Obama is leading us out of this mess by focusing on all his ideals and not basic principles that stimulate business and the economy and job growth.

Eric:

Care to point to ANY signs that Obama's policies are leading us to recovery?

I can point to PLENTY OF SIGNS that his policies are NOT working (higher unemployment, losses in the GDP).

For that matter, can you point to any country that has successfully spent it's way into a recovery????

Once again, I offer you free advice....start watching FOX NEWS...maybe you'll learn something !!

Daver, FOX news isn't news at all...it's righty advertising.

Daver...the gdp increased, and there are plenty of economic indicators to show progress. Jobs lag and always have in a recession...they did with Reagan and they will now.

So Gusty, what ideas do you have for job creation then?

Eric is paid to go into every thread and post Pro Obama messages. he is a waste of time trying to even address since he cant back up one single claim that he makes.

Gusty, did you read that off a teleprompter?

Eric, the gdp "increase" because of government payouts for cars and houses. And how long is the American taxpayer supposed to give government supplements for people to buy things before that collapses too?

You don't have any real ideas of your own do you? You just repeat the lies, twisted facts, and do nothing but defend the corruption in a total waste of everyone's time.

YOU tell us how to create jobs!!! I know, I know, raise taxes on the rich, right?

Especially if the question asked is "What grade would you give yourself?"

It's a lot of fun to watch O'Reilly and Beck for their talking points, and the next day all the haters are repeating the exact same words. Not just the same talking points, the exact same phrases are uttered, like clockwork.

Try it. Even here, you see the same inane "B+" talk as the focus. Good little sheep, parroting the irrelevance of the Fox leaders.

CNN asked its viewers to give the Obama administration grades on a number of issues.

Here is how the American public graded the Obama administration:

Handling of the Economy = C-
Handling of Health Care = D
Handling of Foreign Affairs = C

As for the grade the public gave President Obama himself? C-.

What Obama grades himself is irrelevant. What American's grade him is very relevant.

Clotho,

I listen to Fox News to hear what ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, MSNBC do not report at all or very little of with a spin. Fox has it's way of spin too. A good script writer can make an outhouse smell good and vice versa. Add a professional presentation and you're sold up the river once again.

Just because I listen to all news Fox included and read all news I can doesn't make me stupid it makes you less informed.

Obama is DeJaVu to me a repeat of Jimmy Carter. If you didn't live through those years or taught anything about current history then you're just doomed to repeat it as we are.

Jimmy Carters' mantra during his presidential run..... "It's time for a change" and "Yes we can".