The New Improved More Positive Obama Presidency Thread

She

Common sense prevails ..... I expect his predecessor would have kept his blinders on and never agreed some provisions/revisions are needed. 

Once again OBAMA RAWKS ... WOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.  

Intelligence, humility and not being ruled by ego are qualities the leaders of every country should have.  Obama is going to do a fantastic job.        

WASHINGTON (AFP) - President Barack Obama warned on Tuesday that "Buy American" provisions in Congress's version of his economic stimulus bill could ignite "trade wars" and exacerbate slumping worldwide growth.

I think that would be a mistake right now. That is a potential source of trade wars that we can't afford at a time when trade is sinking all across the globe," Obama told ABC News in an interview.

Following sharp protests from US trading partners over the measure, the president said: "I think we need to make sure that any provisions that are in there are not going to trigger a trade war."

The "Buy American" clause in the nearly 900-billion-dollar bill being debated in the Senate bars the use of any stimulus funds to buy steel, iron or other manufactured goods for infrastructure construction projects from abroad.

A narrower version of the clause, popular in US states suffering gravely from the economic downturn, was included in a House of Representatives version of the stimulus passed last week.

"I agree that we can't send a protectionist message. I want to see what kind of language we can work on this issue," Obama said in another interview with Fox News.

"I think it would be a mistake though, at a time when worldwide trade is declining, for us to start sending a message that somehow we're just looking after ourselves and not concerned with world trade."

US trading partners in Europe, Canada and elsewhere have reacted with fury to the clause, warning it could start a global round of tit-for-tat trade reprisals akin to the tariff wars of the 1930s Great Depression.

After meetings here Tuesday with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and US senators, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier expressed his own disquiet about the "Buy American" clause.

Briefing reporters, he said "new protectionist tendencies worldwide" would do the global economy "no good."

"I am convinced that both the United States and its economy, as the European and German one, are depending on open markets, on open exchange, and closed markets will be no help at all in this given situation," he added.

Both the US and European economies "are dependent on open markets, on open exchange, and closed markets will be no help at all in this given situation," Steinmeier said.

Canada's ambassador to the US, Michael Wilson, said the plan could trigger a worldwide depression, and Washington would lose the moral authority to avert it.

"We are concerned about contagion, that is, other countries also following protectionist policies," Wilson wrote in a letter to US Senate leaders.

"A negative precedent set here in the United States can have repercussions around the globe and could provoke debilitating beggar-thy-neighbor policies," Wilson added.

If Canada or the United States, the world's biggest trading partners, "were to introduce new barriers or preferences at this time, we would load increased costs and burdens onto businesses," he wrote.

The European Union's ambassador to Washington, John Bruton, told AFP Monday he had written to the leaders of Congress to warn the legislation set a "very dangerous precedent."

The Buy American provision, if signed into law, could spur other countries to set up protectionist barriers and ultimately cost American jobs, he said.

The current economic crisis is global in nature, Bruton added, and "if it needs to be solved, it needs to be a global solution and that global leadership comes together in the G20."

NoH8

I love how Obama was quick to admit mistakes with the vetting process and accept responsibility who what those under him did. The buck really stops with him, which is probably a shock to this country after 8 years of the bush.

Laura, the buy American provision to me seems to be something advisable, but it shouldn't be a black and white regulation. I remember years ago hearing commercials, "look for the union label" and buy American. Buying locally does benefit the local economy and is better for the enivornment, but we should have the freedom of choice when purchasing. Saying we have to buy american would be akin to Bush putting the USA on a pedestal saying we were better than other countries and acting like we could do whatever we want. The fact is, somethings are better and/or cheaper and/or more desirable that were manufactured in other places. If not for international competition, the incentive to produce better goods would stagnate.

Karl Rove will testify according to his attorney

According to TPM Muckraker Karl Rove's lawyer has announced that Rove is cooperating with the Department of Justice in its investigation of the prosecution of Alabama Governor Don Siegelman and will cooperate with the DOJ in its investigation of the firing of 9 U.S. attorneys.
 

Earlier this month Karl Rove cited executive privilege when he said he would refuse to testify.  And just yesterday, answering a Tweeter question from Huffington Post writer M.S. Bellows, Jr.,  Rove seemed to reiterate his prior position on the issue of testifying directing Bellows to an interview with Bill O'Reilly. 

In an interview with MSNBC last night, Jonathan Turley, constitutional law professor at George Washington University explained that the reason Rove will have to testify is that if he refuses now, it would be a refusal to testify to the Executive Branch of the government under the guise of Executive privilege, in effect meaning that the former president has more power than the current president.  Since Bush and Rove have refused to testify to the Congress and the Justice Department, it would make it appear that they are fighting against the entire government

Karl Rove will almost certainly have to testify or be in contempt of Congress which could lead to jail time for him.

I guess the question is whether or not he'll tell the truth. I'm not going to hold my breath for that one.

Did you guys hear about Cheney claiming that by closing Gitmo and not torturing hostages, we'll have a worse attack than 9/11. If he isn't smoking dope, he probably should be to calm him down. He has absolutely nothing to base that on. Even the reports of hostages from gitmo that we freed who purportedly turned to to terrorism are questionable at best and don't speak to  what the effect of being held  captive and tortuted may have on the decision to joing al qaeda (if they did). I purposely didn't copy a story on that garbage, because I won't give him any ink.

Anonymous

excellent news:

 Congress  approved legislation expanding a children's health program, which US President Barack Obama is expected to sign later in the day.

The House of Representatives, by a vote margin of 290-135, backed a Senate measure expanding the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) to an additional four million children over the next four and a half years while continuing coverage for about seven million children already covered.

wooooooooooooooooohoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo:)))))))

Anonymous

interesting read in the nyt today about aid to homeowners and forclosure crisis.

Both Parties Move to Aid Homeowners
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/04/us/politics/04housing.html?ref=us

excerpt:

Having spent hundreds of billions of dollars rescuing financial institutions, only to see the economy spiral even deeper into crisis, liberal and conservative economists and lawmakers are pushing to redirect the economic stimulus bill to what they say is the core problem: the housing market.

Senate Republicans are seeking new tax breaks and up to $300 billion in mortgage subsidies to attract homebuyers. Democrats want to spend at least $50 billion on federal programs aimed at reducing mortgage foreclosures.

The Obama administration is hammering out its own plan to spend $50 billion to $100 billion to prevent home foreclosures. And later this month, Democrats hope to pass a measure that would give bankruptcy judges the power to reduce monthly mortgage payments for homeowners who are in default.

There is a growing consensus among lawmakers in both parties that the deepening collapse of the housing market is at the heart of the country's acute economic downturn.

But beneath the consensus over helping the housing market, there are huge differences over who should benefit under the competing plans. Democrats want to aim money directly at people in the greatest distress; Republicans want to aim money at almost all homebuyers, on the theory that a rising tide will eventually lift all boats.

...............................................................

I hope a homeowner assistance plan becomes a stand-alone plan and does not find it's way in the soon to be cleaner stimulus plan.

I am so happy to see Washington getting to work for a change, President Obama is stirring up the pot and turning up the heat. He WILL get a stimulus package through. Hard-liners from both parties will be left in the cold if they don't work together on this plan. People in this country are tired of the posturing of the pols, they voted for change and they want it now! That is my opinion...:)

Anonymous

Things change but it seems we can always count on Joe the Plumber for a good laugh:

Joe The Plumber yesterday, transitioning from war reporter to political strategist, appeared before congressional aides to offer his two cents on the stimulus plan. Joe is taking a stand against the entire package, claiming that it is just another example of "American government" having its way with the people.

The New York Daily News has subsequently explored the possibility of Joe pursuing public office at any point in the near future. But according to Joe, "I don't know if the American public deserve me, but my son definitely deserves my time now." However, he isn't done giving advice to the GOP:

"It's not politically incorrect to say you're Republican or conservative," Joe said. "They need to dig their heels in and fight for what needs to be done."

And no reason to be subtle, he said, as long as folks inform themselves. "I don't believe there's two sides to every story. It's black and white," Wurzelbacher explained. "There's right and wrong."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/02/04/joe-the-plumber-i-dont-kn_n_163865.html

NoH8

 I'm so glad s-chip was finally expanded. It's been long over due.

I had to laugh aqt your last article, laura. There's someone who over extended his 15 minutes of fame. I feel sorry for his son. What's scary about people like Joe the tax evading fake plumber wanna be important person is that he believes his own rhetoric. I think his son deserves much, much better. The american public doesn't deserve Joe, not because he's too good for us, but because we have things to do to improve our country, our economy, our civil rights, our education, and our health care. Perhaps Mr. Clean is looking for a spokesperson and Joe could look there for the fame he so desires.

Anonymous

i am so impressed with President Barack Obama's job performance, he has EXCEEDED my expectations even to the point where he DUMMIES IT DOWN for those that just don't get it, he is out there, talking to the American people, listening to all the ideas, he is working for US, no wonder his poll numbers are so high and those arent faux poll numbers i am talking about...lmao

when was the last time we had a president that spoke to the American people about what is going on, really, what we need to do and what he is doing to help?  mmmmmmm

i love the way PBO tries to help those that just don't GET IT:

Couric: Sen. Mitch McConnell said over the weekend that surely you're privately embarrassed by some of the product that came out of the house version and let me just mention some of the spending in this package: $6.2 billion for home weatherization, $100 million for children to learn green construction...

Obama: Lets take that example. I'm stunned that Mitch McConnell use this as an example ... We're going to weatherize homes, that immediately puts people back to work and we're going to train people who are out of work, including young people, to do the weatherization. As a consequence of weatherization, our energy bills go down and we reduce our dependence on foreign oil. What would be a more effective stimulus package than that? I mean, you're getting a threefer. Not only are you immediately putting people back to work but you're also saving families on your energy bills and you're laying the groundwork for long term energy independence. That's exactly the kind of program that we should be funding.

NoH8

Laura, I too am thrilled with the job Obama is doing. He's got such challenges and so much muck to clean up after the previous 8 loooooooooong years.  He seems to have a good balance of working on what needs to be done. I like how he's reaching across the aisle socially by inviting folks to the white house for get togethers. I think by getting to know each other they can see where the other is coming from, even when disagreeing. I believe that will cut down on the rancor between the parties. I love the order that execs of companies getting bailout money being capped until they repay that money, while giving the option of frozen stocks to be used as "incentives" (I guess in their world doing a good job isn't enough incentive) that can be cashed in when/if the money is repaid w/interest.  Obama has so many fresh ideas, it's wonderful.

I hope the stim package gets passed soon, I hate to see more middle and low income families suffer more job loss.

Anonymous

aloha obama ladies!

president obama turning up the heat yesterday -

Mr. Obama, while expressing willingness to compromise, also issued a warning to some Republican critics who have said they will press for major changes to the bill, including the removal of many spending programs in favor of wider tax cuts.

"I've heard criticisms of this plan that echo the very same failed theories that helped lead us into this crisis, the notion that tax cuts alone will solve all our problems, that we can ignore the fundamental challenges like energy independence and the high cost of health care and still expect our economy and our country to thrive," he said.

"I reject that theory," Mr. Obama continued, "and so did the American people when they went to the polls in November and voted resoundingly for change. So I urge members of Congress to act without delay."

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/05/us/politics/05stimulus.html?_r=1&hp=&pagewanted=print

Mahalo, President Obama!

Anonymous

President Obama keeps the heat on high -

In a Washington Post editorial today, President Obama defends the stimulus plan currently before Congress against what he calls "misguided criticisms."

The Action Americans Need

By Barack ObamaThursday, February 5, 2009; Page A17

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/04/AR2009020403174.html?hpid=opinionsbox1

Anonymous

listening to a variety of msm news this morning, it is no wonder the rabid right has whipped themselves into a total lather. in the end, we will have a stimulus bill as the calmer heads prevail and those that didn't want a stimulus package come around.......:)))

Senate moderates see stimulus near $800 billion

Thu Feb 5, 2009 12:15pm EST   Email | Print | Share| Reprints | Single Page [-] Text [+]

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Moderate Republican and Democratic senators said on Thursday they had agreed that the U.S. economic stimulus package should be close to the $800 billion sought by President Barack Obama.

"I think we all respect the president's number," Democratic Senator Evan Bayh of Indiana told reporters after a closed-door meeting with more than a dozen colleagues from both parties. That meeting was due to resume later on Thursday.

Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine said Obama, in a meeting with her on Wednesday, had persuaded her that the ultimate bill should be "in the neighborhood of $800 billion."

"The president did convince me," she said, adding that she believed the two sides would reach a compromise on the Senate stimulus package on Thursday.

Mahalo President Obama! Thank you for holding the Congress feet to the fire and getting something done for the American people...:))))

sccruiser

Hi Obama Ladies,

I, too love what President Obama has accomplished so far, especially with the opposition's rancor and vitriol of the far, far, uberconservative right! His poll numbers look good. Love that he and First Lady Michelle are hosting small gatherings so everyone can get to know each other. I think that's part of the problem in this country. The political divide sometimes has people not seeing other who they disagree with as human, with the same frailities and flaws. We too hastily judge at times. I'm glad this thread is looking at what everyone is saying and taking what President Obama is saying to heart. He is truly reaching across the aisle in many, many ways. I like his application of diversity of ideas to what he wants to accomplish. Hopefully the resistant Republicans will reach across the aisle to shake hands. The offer is there, they just have to put their hand out and shake!

Prez Obama RAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!

Woooooooo-hoooooooooooooooooooo!

crazy4carrots

Hi All:

Remember the saying "Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it"?  Seems like there's a considerable amount of ignoring going on by those recommending tariff protection and tax cuts.  I understand why elected officials want to pacify their constituents about "Buy American only", but the fact is that it's a crock.  Hoover tried it back when the phrase "global economy" hadn't even been spoken aloud.  It just made things worse, and as for pacifying constituents -- Reps and Sens (and MPs in my country) have a responsibility to educate themselves and look at the wider, and long-term picture.  I think one of the biggest problems in our respective democratic countries is that by having elections every 4 years, elected officials just don't look down the road to see how the decisions they make today will affect the next generation.  The Soviets tried their 5-year plans and that didn't work out either!  Oh, I don't know what the answer is, but I do believe your president has examined history and is determined to do what's best for this and succeeding generations.  More power to him!

Linda 

NoH8

great points linda. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results. After 8 years of failed policies, you'd think the republicans would realize that tax breaks for the rich and top down economics don't work. Obama has the benefit of not only a superior education, but also the best minds in the country advising him. He's a listener, not just to those with whom he agrees, but with those he doesn't agree and he uses that to formulate his plans. I wish more republicans on the hill would put country first and at least listen to the experts who don't just agree with their own ideolgies.

Anonymous

aloha obama ladies

Anonymous

what the heck? like president obama doesn't have enough on his plate getting the stimulus package through seems the first tarp left us 78 billion light.... we got 69 cents on the dollar?

grrrrrrrrrrr..............

The Bush administration received assets that were worth $78 billion less than the amount it invested as part of the massive infusion of capital into the country's banks, congressional investigators have found.

The investigators concluded that the Treasury under the federal bailout had invested $254 billion into companies but the preferred stock it got in return had a market value at the time of only $176 billion, or 69 percent of what the government paid, according to a congressional oversight panel report scheduled to be released today.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/05/AR2009020503629.html?hpid=topnews

NoH8

 Like we didn't see that coming under the Bush laissez faire approach.to economics.

Hey Obama ladies!  I thought of a potential upside to the high unemployment and down turn in the economy. Perhaps this will give people who scorned those who are unemployed, the homeless, those on welfare and/or foodstamps a chance to do some self reflection and to become more generous of spirit and to think in terms of WE rather than ME. I've heard stories about workers who agreed to cut their hours so that others won't lose their jobs. I wouldn't be sad to see some of white color displaced by the economy having to take jobs in fast food places or kmart as greeters, if it would teach them that there are plenty of people who work much harder than they do for minimum wage. Karma.

Unfortunately, donations to food banks and organizations like the Salvation army are down, so the poor are suffering disproportionally, as usual.  Losing a retirement or savings account, or having to move from a house to an apartment might seem hard, but it's not the end of the world and perhaps some people need that lesson to realize the important things in life (like a few republican law makers). I rarely if ever hear democrats scorning the poor or those who have fallen on hard times the way I hear on capitol hill from a lot republicans.

Anonymous

amy,i like your optimistic hope there with the self reflection of the newly unemployed.

senator thune is just cracking me up, like pbo said, everybody is an economist these days, but this guy, holy crap, definitely gets the unclear on the concept award from me today...

Thune Introduces Middle Class Tax Relief Amendment to the Stimulus Bill
Middle Class Couples Would Receive up to $10,286

Senator John Thune today introduced an across-the-board middle class tax rebate amendment (S. AMDT #538) to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Senator Thune's amendment would strike the entire $936 billion Senate stimulus bill and replace it with a $936 billion across-the-board-middle-class tax rebate for 182 million Americans The amendment would result in a tax rebate of $5,143 for single filers and $10,286 for married couples who file jointly. Eligibility is capped for all tax filers at 2007 adjusted gross income of $250,000.

Anonymous

Alohoa Obama Ladies.  I like that.  I have been lurking since I was first diagnosed in June.  Finished chemo in December.  We have an extended family in my house.  My mom lives with us and I have 2 daughters and 2 sons. I also have one granddaughter who is the cutest thing.  I have worked since I was 16 years old and currently have two jobs so I can put my kids through college.  So thats who I am.  Working hard and paying taxes for many, many years.  

I'm so excited about Obama.  He has set a spark in the hearts of many people.  As tracy would say Change is here and it's a breath of fresh air.  With the Republicans it's the same old story.  It's all a name calling game to them.  I'm hard working middle class and I want this package to go through.  I don't have to give up a housekeeper to make ends meet.  I am one.  I'm an office manager during the day and clean physicians offices at night. 

The way I see it, the only crooks, thugs, and roaches are the ones who left office.  That would be Bush and his friends.  I loved seeing Obama get off of air force one yesterday.  Had the biggest smile. 

Nice meeting all you Aloha Obama Ladies

One more thing.  A friend emailed this to me and I was so touched I almost had tears when I read it.  I would like to share it with all of you.

A Couple in Chicago by Mariana Cook January 19, 2009  (Pres.) Barack Obama; Michelle Obama; On May 26, 1996, Mariana Cook visited Barack and Michelle Obama in Hyde Park as part of a photography project on couples in America. What follows is excerpted from her interviews with them.MICHELLE OBAMA: There is a strong possibility that Barack will pursue a political career, although it's unclear. There is a little tension with that. I'm very wary of politics. I think he's too much of a good guy for the kind of brutality, the skepticism.When you are involved in politics, your life is an open book, and people can come in who don't necessarily have good intent. I'm pretty private, and like to surround myself with people that I trust and love. In politics you've got to open yourself to a lot of different people. There is a possibility that our futures will go that way, even though I want to have kids and travel, spend time with family, and like spending time with friends. But we are going to be busy people doing lots of stuff. And it'll be interesting to see what life has to offer. In many ways, we are here for the ride, just sort of seeing what opportunities open themselves up. And the more you experiment the easier it is to do different things. If I had stayed in a law firm and made partner, my life would be completely different. I wouldn't know the people I know, and I would be more risk-averse. Barack has helped me loosen up and feel comfortable with taking risks, not doing things the traditional way and sort of testing it out, because that is how he grew up. I'm more traditional; he's the one in the couple that, I think, is the less traditional individual. You can probably tell from the photographs-he's just more out there, more flamboyant. I'm more, like, "Well, let's wait and see. What did that look like? How much does it weigh?" BARACK OBAMA: All my life, I have been stitching together a family, through stories or memories or friends or ideas. Michelle has had a very different background-very stable, two-parent family, mother at home, brother and dog, living in the same house all their lives. We represent two strands of family life in this country-the strand that is very stable and solid, and then the strand that is breaking out of the constraints of traditional families, travelling, separated, mobile. I think there was that strand in me of imagining what it would be like to have a stable, solid, secure family life.Michelle is a tremendously strong person, and has a very strong sense of herself and who she is and where she comes from. But I also think in her eyes you can see a trace of vulnerability that most people don't know, because when she's walking through the world she is this tall, beautiful, confident woman. There is a part of her that is vulnerable and young and sometimes frightened, and I think seeing both of those things is what attracted me to her. And then what sustains our relationship is I'm extremely happy with her, and part of it has to do with the fact that she is at once completely familiar to me, so that I can be myself and she knows me very well and I trust her completely, but at the same time she is also a complete mystery to me in some ways. And there are times when we are lying in bed and I look over and sort of have a start. Because I realize here is this other person who is separate and different and has different memories and backgrounds and thoughts and feelings. It's that tension between familiarity and mystery that makes for something strong, because, even as you build a life of trust and comfort and mutual support, you retain some sense of surprise or wonder about the other person. ♦ 

Anonymous

I forgot.  My nickname is achi and it's very nice to meet all of you.

Achi 

jader

Thune Introduces Middle Class Tax Relief Amendment to the Stimulus Bill
Middle Class Couples Would Receive up to $10,286 --- written by Laurap, up a few postings.

I heard that is not passing.  Too bad for me   I don't mind being middle class, I just want 2 stay that way!

I think they should put them all in a room and tell them 2 come out when they have something that an economist says will work.

----

Well, regarding that article on our President and his wife -- who would have predicted that? I rememeber when leggings were in style. I am glad no one has any pics of me wearing leggings and a shirt!  It's nice a article about them.

HopingforaCure

Hi Obama supporters!  I think you'll find that there are a lot of us bc survivors, who don't post much but read.  I read your former thread throughout the election and thought so many of your comments were spot on!  The country and Obama are in for some major hurdles and challenges and we won't be able to undo all the devasting damage Bush created overnight.  But we have hope and I have faith we can restore this magnificent country.  We all need to pull together and sacrifice.

Anyway, I know some aren't posting like before, but for those that are and those that just read, may I say:

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Ya'll rock!!

traceyz

Achi, That little girl on your profile pic is STUNNING!! She is soooo pretty!

Okay ladies just in case you forgot here it goes... WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO President Obama!!!!!!!

Tracey

NoH8

At this point, I would like to see the whole stimulus package be thrown at infrastructure. Tax cuts or rebates to me are like charging money on a credit card at a high interest rate and then asking kids and grandkids to pay it back-- for what, a new flat screen tv, or a computer, or even a car? At least infrastructure spending benefits future generations. There is no guarantee that tax rebates will be spent by consumers. If that money is invested, those dollars don';t get reused, which is what's needed for a heathy economy.  I understand that food stamp increases were cut from the bill, which is a shame, because that money is guaranteed to be spent by low income folks. If the money isn't spent, it disappears and goes back to the government.

Laura, I do have hope for the newly and/or first time unemployed. It seems to me generations before outs were more generous towards one another.

Anonymous

aloha obama ladies!

i would like to see about 75stim/25tc like pbo, will see what happens back in the house and then committee.

senate version:
42% tax cuts
58% spending

the country needs to create jobs and the senate wants to hand out tax cuts. i don't mind a few tcs pointed at the "spending class" but there is not enough stimulus in the senate package, imo. 

tax cuts aside, i do not feel there is enough infrastucture stuff in there...it was nice that they kept 3.5 B for energy greening some federal buildings. i would have like to see more like 10 B, it would create many jobs and it would better fuel an emerging industry.

we'll see where this goes, it is time for pbo to frame the stim plan to the american people on monday night.

pbo will get his stimulus act that is a given now. i hope he can craft it more to his liking.

now back to the banks and then the foreclosure mess, dang his dance card is full!

gobama! wooooooooooooooooohoooooooooooooooooooooooo!

mahalo president obama!  

found this interesting this morning:

Why Infrastructure Works

Arguing why infrastructure spending should be a far larger component on the stimulus plan as it is the best way to create jobs, with Rob Collins, Morgan Stanley head of infrastructure banking

http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?play=1&video=1024037797&__source=yahoo%7Cheadline%7Cquote%7Cvideo%7C&par=yahoo

NoH8

Laura, I think there is so much infrastructure out there 1 trillion dollars wouldn't be enough. Look at all the power grids and electricity, and how they aren't holding up for folks this winter. We need to have the grids backed up incase there was ever an attack on the grid. Schools in low income places aren't yet wired for broadband. Close to 20% of the country's bridges are in danger of falling down like the one in Minnesota 2 years ago where 13 people died. In other places where there has been a lot of population growth, the roads are overclogged and need to be widened, which adds to pollution and climate change.  Some urban schools are falling down. Others don't have proper heating or air conditioning.. If solar panels were placed in office buildings, particularly in urban areas where pollution is at it's worst, that would be environmentally sound, and they would need less energy for heating and cooling which lowers our dependence of foreign oil. How about wind farms tool. Holland gets about 20% of it's energy from wind mills.

I think just what I mentioned would costs most of all of the stimulus. Additionally goods would need to be manufactured and purchased and people would have to do the labor.... jobs jobs jobs

Anonymous

Jobs, jobs, and more jobs. 

WHOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOO!  Change is here and it sure feels good.

Achi

Anonymous

amy - what i hope happens is real simple -  that congress provides a stimulus act that best serves the american people costing 800b, is  75stim/25tc and creates as close to 4 million jobs as possible.

these were the directives pbo put forward from the beginning.

the hoops that both sides of the aisle are putting him through to get there are a joke. imo

you will find no argument with me that our attention to infrastructure sucks, we have been putting it off since the reagan days.

achi - so darling your little one! i am glad you found us.

sccruiser

Welcome, achi!! Glad you found us also!!

Well, it's too bad they cut the food stamps out of the stimulus package. I'm hoping they put it back in. Not only do people need food to survive when they are unemployed and have no unemployment money left to collect; I believe it was on one of the news shows that for every dollar spent on food stamps, that generates $1.73 cents for the economy. Wow! That's what we need--programs and infrastructure plans that take $1.00 and return it to the taxpayers as $1.50+. AND, that's what Obama is trying to do. It is sooooo sad to see these Republican dinosaurs who just don't get it. I really feel sorry for them, and they are doing nothing to help their constituents survive during these hard times.

I went with my mom to a Home and Garden show this weekend at our fairgrounds. There didn't seem to be many people there at all--in fact when we were there it looked as if the business owners in their booths really outnumbered the public! We could not walk 10 feet without someone on either side of us in a booth rushed out to try and lure us in!

It was amazing the water features in all the landscaping companies' displays--must be the latest and greatest out here in sunny CA. LOL

I look forward to the stimulus passing on Monday, and we can get this country moving and clear out some of the "sludge" in Washington DC in the next election--here's to more Democrats elected in 2010.

Woooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo-hooooooooooooooooooooooooooo. Obama ROCKS!!!!! 

Anonymous

Thank you all for you kind welcomes.  I think it's time we all stand together, Democrats and Republicans to make our country thrive and get stronger each day.  I believe Obama will bring us together and for those Republican dinosaurs...bye bye to them.  It's a new day, a new way. Yes change is here.   I'm praying for the stimulus package to be passed Monday.  I would like to move forward and see what other wonderful things Obama will be doing for our great country. 

Achi