The New Improved More Positive Obama Presidency Thread

jader · January 2009

I got this from an online school but this seems more like communism than socialism. I am quite confused because I have friends who live in Europe and they can sell their house for whatever they want.

Socialism
1. Private property rights are strictly controlled by the government.
2. Prices are set by the state.
3. Movement of resources including labor are strictly controlled by the government. (In other words, it would be very difficult if not impossible to change occupations and location.
4. Risk taking is not allowed by the state.

crazy4carrots · January 2009

Jader, maybe I can help you out a bit.

The United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales) is a constitutional monarchy -- the Queen is Head of State, and the Prime Minister is Head of Government. Canada, Australia, New Zealand and other Commonwealth countries have the same setup, but with Governors-general and Prime Ministers. But while the Queen is Head of State, she's very much a figurehead, although the P.M. meets with her once a week and they discuss how the gov't is handling things. She's a wise woman with an incredible institutional memory.

The UK, Canada et al are -- contrary to what many GOP types would have you believe -- NOT socialist countries. They all have universal healthcare, social security, and other things which citizens pay for indirectly through our taxes. But that's it!!! Otherwise, individuals, corporations and so on are as free to operate as those in the U.S. We are all democratic countries, in that we have free elections and choose the party we want to form the government. In Canada there are 5 major parties, which makes for significant choice, but also often means minority government (which Canada has at the moment). Not always a bad thing, because if the party which has the most seats, but doesn't have a majority of seats, in the House of Commons, doesn't behave the way the other parties would like, the governing party can be ousted via a non-confidence vote (usually on a budget bill). This is a major difference from the U.S., and some would say it's actually more democratic.

Well, I could go on, but I hope this very, very bare bones explanation helps put to rest some of the "socialist" talk coming from the far right in the U.S.

cheers,

Linda

mke · January 2009

Good job Linda. I get tired of "socialist" as a scare tactic. US citizens have been ruled by fear for so long and this is just another fear tactic.

AnnNYC · January 2009

Let me second that! Well said, Linda!

NoH8 · January 2009

Great News! As expected, Samantha Power, the Harvard University professor and Pulitzer Prize-winning author, will take a senior foreign policy job at the White House, The Associated Press has learned.Officials familiar with the decision say Obama has tapped Power to be senior director for multilateral affairs at the National Security Council, a job that will require close contact and potential travel with Clinton, who is now secretary of state. NSC staffers often accompany the secretary of state on foreign trips.

I have so much admiration and respect for Power. She's one of the world's experts on Darfur, ethnic cleansing and human refugees. This is a great appointment, another brilliant mind in Obama's white house. This just gets better and better!

NoH8 · January 2009

linda- you don't have to defend socialism to me. I think from prior experience with the other Obama threads people sometimes come on the thread to try to steer the discussion away from postive things. I'm all for keeping this positive and not defending things that don't need to be defended. I think if someone wants to bemoan Obama or try to get us to take the bait on rumors, start philosophical debates, we can take it to a different thread. I'm wary about anyone who is a new user with primarily posts on here that it's someone who was suspended for causing problems coming back with yet another user name, which led to many of the problems on the boards. Unfortunately there are people who think that's fun so my suggestion is that all of us be careful before jumping in to defend so we can keep this thread positive. I'm not accusing anyone of anything, just a suggestion that we keep our eyes open.

jader · January 2009

Thx Linda.

OisP, I did not come in here to bemoan Obama. I came in here due to the confusion here I am having at work. Politics is all the rage these days and political fever is catching. I didn't ask to debate. I asked a legitimate ? .... Is that not allowed or is this a private thread??? If it is then you should say that and I wouldn't have intruded.

Peace.

She · January 2009

Linda that was a grest description, thanks!

Following is a CBC news story. My first reaction is uh-oh. Now I have to re-read and digest it.

WINNIPEG (CBC) - There is unsettling news for Canada in U.S. President Barack Obama's economic stimulus bill, or at least in the version approved Wednesday night by the House of Representatives.

It says that steel used in public projects under the $819-billion US plan must be made in the United States, an idea likely to cause trade disputes and block sales by Canadian mills.

As passed by the House, Section 1110 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 says, "None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this act may be used for a project for the construction, alteration, maintenance, or repair of a public building or public work unless all of the iron and steel used in the project is produced in the United States."

The exceptions to the rule are if "the head of the federal department or agency involved finds that" the rule "would be inconsistent with the public interest," there is insufficient U.S. iron and steel of satisfactory quality, or including U.S. iron and steel will increase the cost of the project by more than 25 per cent.

This language won't necessarily be in the bill when it gets to Obama's desk for signing, but the final version could be even worse from the point of view of U.S. trading partners. The Washington Post reported Thursday that a Senate version of the bill, yet to be acted upon, goes further, requiring, with few exceptions, that all stimulus-funded projects use only U.S.-made equipment and goods.

Differences between House and Senate bills are reconciled in a process called conference. Although the president may ask for legislation, he doesn't get to write it, even when his party controls both chambers.

The CBC's Rosemary Barton, reporting from Ottawa, said the suspense is considerable. "We don't exactly know what the final language will look like, so you can expect a big push from Canadian lobbyists down in the United States to try and get this as limited as possible so that there is little impact here in this country," she said. "Already, there are some American companies expressing concerns about it, about potential retaliation if this were to go further."

Asked about the issue during question period in the House of Commons, Prime Minister Stephen Harper agreed that it was a serious matter and a serious concern for the government. I know that countries around the world are expressing grave concern about some of these measures that go against, not just the obligations of the United States but, frankly, the spirit of our G20 discussions, Harper said. We will be having these discussions with our friends in the United States and we expect the United States to respect its international obligations.

Industry Minister Tony Clement also did not hide his unease. "We're always concerned when there are protectionist pressures in the United States," he told CBC News. "The U.S. Congress is a place where you get manifestations of protectionist pressures, there's no doubt about that," he added. "At the same time, the United States has treaty obligations that they have signed on to NAFTA is one, the World Trade Organization is another and we expect the United States to live up to its treaty obligations of open and fair trade."

Canadian steel producers and builders say they have "grave, grave concerns" about the bill. `There's no question about it that some of our members and even non-members export work to the U.S., and it's a substantial part of their business," said Mike Gilmor, president of the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction.

Canada's big steelmakers, the former Dofasco, Stelco, Ipsco and Algoma Steel, which have all been bought by foreign buyers, sell to the energy, auto, construction and energy-pipe markets on both sides of the border.

The matter is likely to come up for discussion when Obama visits Ottawa on Feb. 19 in his first foreign trip as president, although the bill could be law by then, given his eagerness to start stimulating the economy.

There are already complaints from overseas about what's being called the Buy American rule.

In Brussels, the European Union warned Thursday that it would protest the provision, the Associated Press reported. Europe will not "stand idly by and ignore" a provision that "prohibits the sale or purchase of European goods on American territory," EU spokesman Peter Power said.

In Toronto, CBC business reporter Jeannie Lee said there is a great deal at stake for Canada and especially for southern Ontario, where Canada's steel industry is concentrated and where the global slump has already gutted the auto industry.

Canadian steel plants produced almost 16 million tonnes of steel in 2007, employing about 32,000 people and, by one estimate, supporting 140,000 indirect jobs, she said.

Perrin Beatty, president of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, said the proposed U.S. rule is bad for all concerned. It's bad for Canada, it's bad for the U.S., it's bad for the global economy," he said. "When you see people engaging in protectionism at the time of a recession, the fear is that other countries will retaliate as well." It would leave U.S. taxpayers paying higher prices for public works and could spark "tit for tat" in trade policies, he said. "The temptation will always be there for someone to say, 'Look, somebody has put up a barrier against us; we will put up a barrier against them,' and everybody loses as a result," he said.

She · January 2009

Hi Susan,

Thanks for your clarification on the bill, I think you're right re objections stemming from the global application of protectionist language. Throw in some media controversy-building and that makes it negative news. I think Obama is a good guy and I'm going to keep that opinion until it is proven otherwise, and not by media sensationalism. Unfortunately many people on both sides of the border believe the media, chapter and verse. The media needs to go back to reporting the facts, leaving their editorial opinions to the editorials and not the news.

It makes perfect sense for any country to support their own manufacturers first, as long as it makes good economic sense. If it doesn't, the first question should be why are domestic costs higher. If a realistic solution can't be found in an acceptable time frame then outsourcing becomes a viable alternative.

My own personal order of buying is Canada, US, Mexico and if there are avability or price issues well, whoever has the best product for the best price gets my money. We all have to make ends meet the best we can.

I hope all the people Bush pi**ed off on this side of the border have the decency and good sense to give Obama a chance, and don't buy into media spin.

All the best,

Blu

Still sayin' WOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOO

NoH8 · January 2009

My favorite political quote of the week is from Claire McCaskell, "They don't get it," McCaskill said on the floor. "These people are idiots. You can't use taxpayer money to pay out $18-billion in bonuses... What planet are these people on?" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yt90KUwCCoE I just love her. Way to tell it like it is. I just can't hear this enough. Great to have someone like her fighting for our rights.

~~~

Hasn't Rove's contempt of court gone on long enough? http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0109/18222.html

I get why everyone is bending over backwards to make sure Rove and cronies get due process, but jeez, something has got to give. I would think even the republicans would want this to happen sooner rather than later, should a democrat in or close to the president ever be as corrupt as Rove appears to be. If not for Rovian/Rushian politics, the republicans would probably be doing a lot better politically.

The John Conyers-Karl Rove showdown has been delayed. (yet again)

Conyers, the House Judiciary Committee chairman, agreed on Friday to postpone the deadline on the Rove subpoena for three weeks, giving the Obama administration time to decide how it wants to handle the issue of executive privilege and congressional subpoenas.

The Michigan Democrat wanted to question Rove about "politicization" of the Justice Department under former President Bush, and wants to investigate what Rove knew about the firing of nine U.S. attorneys in late 2006.

But before he left office, Bush, acting through former White House Counsel Fred Fielding, decided not to respond to any congressional subpoenas. Bush, citing executive privilege, asserted an "absolute immunity" claim in responding to such subpoenas, meaning senior Bush aides were directed not to even appear when subpoenaed.

Obama and his legal advisors have rejected that view as an overbroad reading of the president's authority, but they have yet to fully formulate their own response to the question.

Conyers had demanded that Rove comply with the subpoena by next Tuesday, Feb. 2, but the deadline has been extended to Feb. 23, according to sources close to the issue.

traceyz · January 2009

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Sorry still in AWE of this new day!! Wink

Tracey

She · January 2009

Hey Susan,

Yep, I'm a Canuk. I watched the inaugeration coverage for ummmm about 14 hours...lol and not just because it was -49C outside.

I liked Obama from the get-go but what really stood out for me were his words to the armed forces. I will be honoured to serve you, the way you serve your country. Bush 'led' and Obama serves. I think that says it all.

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

crazy4carrots · January 2009

FYI: Just read a review of a new book by NYT correspondent David Sanger, entitled "The Inheritance: The World Obama Confronts and the Challenges to American Power". In short, the book paints a picture of a world in convulsion, of a Bush administration in denial, and of a new U.S. President enmeshed in inherited problems. Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan -- one hopeless mess after another.

He needs our support (and when I say "our", I mean everyone in the free world -- including Republicans!).

NoH8 · January 2009

Sounds like a good book, Linda. The world benefits if Obama succeeds. I was pleased when he gave his first interview on Arab tv, because I think the symbolism of his outstretched hand did a lot to show that he is trying to undo the damage Bush by his negative actions and words. I cringed every time he used the term Islamic or Muslim terrorists. All he had to do is say terrorists because we don;t want white ex military terrorists like Timothy McVeigh and more than we want Al Qaeda, do we.

I believe most republicans do support the president, even if they don't support all of his policies. Only the fringe, like Rush Limbaugh and his ilk aren't going to be supportive. I said something early during the primaries about Obama's ability to bring people together and how I believed Hillary would be a more divisive candidate and most people agreed. I got one comment, can't remember where it came from that she was never going to come together with Obama and she would hope for his failure. There are always people who won't even try to be supportive, but I think the other 90% make up for that. I hope you don't get a bad impression about the republican party from these boards, they have some good folks, particularly the moderate members.

When is Obama coming to your country?

crazy4carrots · January 2009

He's coming Feb 19 -- a working visit, not a state visit. Top of the agenda will be NAFTA, no doubt..

I respected the Repub Party up until the shenanigans with Bush, Rove et al and the outright theft of the 2000 election. And the actions of Cheney and Rumsfeld were unconscionable. My late uncle attended every Repub convention from 1952 to 1992 -- he was a wonderful guy and I loved him dearly.

jader · January 2009

Linda, so you were Republican?

My grandparents were Democrats -- you won't catch a painter in the union being a Republican. Husband is in the drywall/tapers union ... It's almost a requirement to be democrat if you are union. LOL Cool

sccruiser · February 2009

Amy,

I agree with your comments about Republicans. Our local newspapers are pro Republican, but they don't publish anything like what I see on these threads. I too think Rush Limbo has had his fame and it's all downhill for him now. Listening to his vitriol will certainly keep the more conservative Republicans from even seeing the Dems reach across the aisle to include Republican congress in cleaning up Bush's mess. On the news (and in my newspapers) journalists are talking about and reporting interview info from Republicans that Dems included some of the "pork" because that was what Republicans wanted under Bush's reign. Now the very conservative people are saying that the Dems want all the extras in the stimulus package. I just hope they can get something going soon.

All the Mervyns' stores in CA have closed--delcared bankruptcy--5,000+ jobs lost. Gottschalks' department stores (started in OR I believe) in CA will be closing in March if a buyer cannot be found--declared bankruptcy. Circuit City is closing stores in CA--I don't know if it's all of them or not--and they might be declaring bankruptcy. There are banks being bought out by other banks. It is a nightmare. Some H&R Block offices have closed. We have to go about 20 miles to get our taxes done (used to go 4). There will be more closures of businesses in CA I'm sure.

Our CA community colleges (at least the local ones to us) are talking about lay-offs in 2010 & 2011. Haven't had that happen to the degree it will since 1979 or 1980 when Prop 13 was passed that limited property taxes to those who bought before 1979. We lost huge taxes that went to schools--and no funds to replace them. Now Arnie wants to take away Prop 98 monies from k-14 schools to get rid of the debit. Guess that's why our country's education of our children is so dismal when compared with other countries. We certainly don't value our children!

I support Obama totally and believe that he will make a difference. He working hard every day to get this country back on track. I'm not sure I agree with his stance on Afganistan, but I am giving him the benefit of the doubt and will see how it goes. It's sad to see that some Republicans aren't even willing to give him a chance to make changes. It took Bush 8 years to bring us to the brink of disaster; so I don't think after 2+weeks anyone can say he is bad for this country. As I recall, Dems gave Bush a chance for quite a while--until we saw how incompetent he was.

I think there will be changes that happen over the next 100 days and it will continue from there.

Thank you to the Canadian Posters on this thread. I really appreciate and enjoy your comments about our government and its relation to your country and government. I hope Obama's state visit is successful and both of our countries benefit from that and our relationship improves. I know what you mean about Bush not even acknowledging Canada's wonderful help after 9/11--with allowing planes to land and even taking people from the planes into your homes. That was so amazing. I had friends that struggled for days to get a rental car and return to the American side of the border. It was a difficult time, and if not for your people those of us travelling would have really been up the river without a paddle! Thanks to all of you!!

NoH8 · February 2009

Grace, I don't agree with Obama's stance about Afghanistan either. I don't think we need to be sending any more troops to the middle east. I'd rather see covert ops LEGALLY going after individuals rather than waging war. I always agreed with Bush's idea of going after the taliban in Afghanistan, while never agreeing with the iraq invasion. I do believe before Obama does this, he will leave no stone of information unturned and unexamined and this won't be like Bush listening only to things that support his wish to take down Sadaam, whether they had validity or not. I do not believe waging war in Afghanistan will make us safer as a country, if anything it could backfire. I do think using covert ops can do more for us in that area. Like you, I trust Obama even when I disagree with him.

I too enjoy the canadian perspective from you, Linda. Your countrty has, in many ways, been a role model for what I see as the ideals of the USA. You've created equality legalizing gay marriage and were a haven for conscientious objectors during viet nam. I'd love to move to canada if it wasn't so darn cold there.

I would love to be at the white house for the bipartisan superbowl game. I'm rooting for the cardinals, even though I probably won't watch the game. I always love the underdogs and Kurt Warner is great. I don't like Rothlesberger (sp?), but I don't mind the pirates. I love their coach.

crazy4carrots · February 2009

Many thanks for your kind words! But I didn't mean to try to change this thread into a discussion of U.S./Canada relations! Just to say that we really need to impress upon people of all political stripes that we (the world) are all in this together.

Reading history, esp. that history which followed the crash of '29, Herbert Hoover tried tax cuts for corps and the wealthy, hoping that this would bring the economy back. Didn't work then, so why should it work now While no one really knows what WILL work, at least Pres. Obama and the Dems are trying very hard not to make the mistakes of the past.

Politics aside, I'm hoping that everyone would want him to succeed. IMO, those who don't are traitors to their own country. Roosevelt was also called a "socialist" by some. At least he was concerned about ALL Americans, not just the privileged few.

Stepping down from my soapbox now!

Linda

NoH8 · February 2009

YES WE CAN!

The world's first lesbian leader of a country has arrived. I can only imagine the Jesse Helms and Jerry Falwells turning over in their graves, if they haven't in death realized how wrong they were.

-mail this to a friend

Printable version

Iceland's PM marks gay milestone

By Vanessa Buschschluter
BBC News

Few Icelanders seem concerned about the PM's sexual orientation

Johanna Sigurdardottir, named as Iceland's prime minister on Sunday, is the first openly lesbian head of government in Europe, if not the world - at least in modern times.

The 66-year-old's appointment as an interim leader, until elections in May, is seen by many as a milestone for the gay and lesbian movement.

Up until now, if a gay man or woman has been prime minister, they have done their best to conceal the fact.

In Iceland itself, however, the new prime minister's sexual orientation appears to be causing less excitement than it is abroad.

A pink curtain divides us

Juris Lavrikovs of the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA)

What is really historic about this new cabinet, says Skuli Helgeson, the general secretary of Ms Sigurardottir's Social Democratic Alliance, is not the fact that its leader is a lesbian, but that for the first time in Icelandic history it boasts an equal number of men and women.

"I don't think her sexual orientation matters. Our voters are pretty liberal, they don't care about any of that," he told BBC News.

But not all European countries are as tolerant, says Juris Lavrikovs of the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) in Brussels.

There is a huge divide between eastern and western Europe, he says.

"The countries of the former Soviet Union were cut off from some of the social developments which have brought us this far in the past 50 years.

"A pink curtain divides us. And it will probably take a long time for eastern European countries to reach the same level of tolerance," Mr Lavrikovs says.

However, even in these countries he notes signs of change.

"In Latvia, where I'm from, some of the political parties are approaching gay, lesbian and transgender groups and talking to them about including gay candidates in their party lists," he says.

No reason to hide

In most of western Europe the coming-out of a politician will still make headlines.

I always imagined that the world would fall in if people found out

Matthew Parris, former British Conservative MP

Only last week, Roger Karoutchi became the first French government minister to disclose his homosexuality.

A minister for parliamentary relations, he said he was happy with his male partner and saw no reason to hide it.

But friends of his have been quoted as saying that he came out with the revelation because "attacks by his enemies" left him no choice.

Matthew Parris, who served as a Conservative Member of Parliament in Britain from 1979 until 1986, says politicians are often more worried than they should be about making their sexual orientation public.

"Speaking from my own experience, I was sort of in the closet when I was an MP, and I always imagined that the world would fall in if people found out," he says.

GLAD TO BE OPENLY GAY/BISEXUAL
Ben Bradshaw, UK health minister Roger Karoutchi, French minister for parliamentary relations Alfonso Pecoraro Scanio, leader Italian Green Party Bertrand Delanoe, mayor of Paris Klaus Wowereit, mayor of Berlin Jeronimo Saavedra, mayor of Las Palmas

"Well, when I finally did come clean, it turned out most of my constituents had guessed already and didn't give a damn!"

He believes gay politicians are often still frightened to come out.

"They tend to hear the reactionary minority that speaks out against homosexuality, not the majority who quietly approve.

"If they came out, they'd be pleasantly surprised by the public reaction!"

He sees no barrier to a gay or lesbian politician making it to the top job in British politics within the next decade.

Machismo

Despite the Spanish Socialist Party's strong backing for gay rights, there are currently no openly gay members in Prime Minister Jose Luis Zapatero's government.

I think we're more likely to see a gay man governing Spain before we ever see a straight woman as prime minister

Silvia Jaen, secretary-general of the Spanish Federation of Gays, Lesbians, Transsexuals and Bisexuals

Nevertheless, Silvia Jaen, secretary-general of the Spanish Federation of Gays, Lesbians, Transsexuals and Bisexuals says the country is ready for a gay prime minister.

"These days, homosexuality gives you neither an advantage nor a disadvantage in politics.

"There was a time when you would have received a lot of extra press coverage for being gay - these days it's a footnote."

She does however say that gay politicians in the conservative Popular Party still face opposition from some of their Catholic base.

"But we're miles away from the days of Franco. According to a recent poll, 72% of Spanish voters support equal rights for homosexuals," she says.

Ms Jaen does believe there is still a deeply ingrained machismo in Spanish society.

"Female ministers get a lot more stick from the press, be it because of what they're wearing or how they're behaving.

"I think we're more likely to see a gay man governing Spain before we ever see a straight woman as prime minister."

Sea change

Both Silvia Jaen and Juris Lavrikovs think Iceland's lesbian prime minister has changed history for ever.

Until now, Ms Sigurdardottir - who was joined in a civil partnership with Jonina Leosdottir in 2002 - has been a popular Social Affairs minister. In one recent Gallup poll, 73% of respondents said they were satisfied with her work.

"Here's a shining example of a country which has overcome its prejudices against those of a different sexual orientation," says Mr Lavrikovs.

"It won't cause any overnight changes, but it'll send a signal which can't be ignored."

And Silvia Jaen says that by simply turning up with her civil law partner at official ceremonies and state visits, Johanna Sigurdardottir will already force other European leaders to confront their prejudices.

"If I could, I would take the next plane to Reykjavik to celebrate with Ms Sigurdardottir.

"It's not only a victory for lesbians, it's a victory for women, actually make that a victory for all!"

Anonymous · February 2009

It seems to me that is ok for Amy to post any thing she wants.

I thought it's the POSITIVE OBAMA THREAD not the negative thread.

Snide remarks are noticed.

NoH8 · February 2009

I got the best link emailed to me http://kalman.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/29/the-inauguration-at-last/?em about the inauguration. The artwork is quite good.

Did any of you see Obama's interview yesterday? He's a very proud papa since Sasha is going to join a basketball club. Malia seems like she'd be good at hoops, since she's tall. I like that Obama doesn't feel like he needs to be dressed in a suit. I've always been one for the casual look and worked best when I was comfortable. Obama said something about wanting others to be comfortable in their dress as well, because he thinks it's easier to disagree with him and be vocal when the atmosphere is less formal. Bush didn't let anyone enter the oval office w/o a suit.

I hope things go better with the stimulus package today. Republicans need to stop whining and recognize how much better Obama is treating them than Bush treated the democrats. Obama respects some republican ideas. I agree with some republican ideas, just no the tax breaks. I think the stimulus should be directly stimulative to the economy, like infrastructure and creating new jobs with a small amount going towards tax credits to middle and lower economic folks and small businesses making less than 100,000 a year profits after taxes.

sccruiser · February 2009

I would possibly be in favor of tax credits to large corporations that have moved overseas or to Mexico IF AND ONLY IF, they agree to return to the US and set up business here. I also think that companies that are "importing" workers from other countries should be charged a surcharge. There's no reason for them to do that. They should be training American workers for the jobs they are giving to foreign workers who stay for a year or so and return to their country. I am not talking about immigrants here legally who should be in college or training programs so they can be ready for some of these corporate jobs. I especially dislike that the credit card companies have transferred their help lines to India and other countries. Then when you call, and have a problem, they have to transfer you back to the US because they aren't trained to take care of certain problems. These banking/credit card companies are saving $$ by sending work overseas; they are paying more than 5x their lowest salaried worker to themselves; they get all these bonuses and stock options; and then they have the nerve to put their hands out for some bailout money.

I hope congress puts some accountability in anymore bailout items. I personally don't think that is the way to go. I agree with you Amy that infrastructure in our country is important! And I think the stimulus package is the perfect place to set up employment of people for improving roads, highways and bridges. I also think our park system could use many workers to improve facilities and improve trails. They are a large part of our tourist dollars!

Linda,

You didn't hijack the thread by any means! We (the world) need to think about that more--what we do in one country affects many countries. The citizens of the US often need a reminder that we are not alone. Everything is so global now and our survival depends on all of us working together. Thanks for the reminder. Wish the Republicans would buy into this philosophy. Maybe our Congress could work together better and become really bipartisan!

NoH8 · February 2009

Grace, to me infrastructure is important, not just because we need it, but also because the next generation will be paying for it, so at least they'll have something to show for it. I don't get why the republicans don't see that taking care of parks such as the national mall is stimulus because it requires work and goods and services. Even if these jobs aren't permanent the idea is to be a stop gap to give the economy some time to improve enough so some of the laid off workers will get recalled and/or be retrained for green jobs. Most inner city schools could probably use a huge overhaul, including equipping libraries with new books and giving classrooms new textbooks-- this takes work, even though new books isn't directly stimulative on a large scale. Additionally, there is no reason that people in Kentucky should be out of power in the winter for weeks. Fixing that is infrastructure as well as saving lives. Levies in places like New Orleans.. infrastructure.

There needs to be oversight and after wall street and banks gone wild with the previous "stimulus", we're going to have to assume, as Claire McCaskell said, "they're all idiots."

Republicans need to think outside the box and be less ideological when finding solutions. They can stonewall and blame the democrats or they can work in the spirit of compromise, as the democrats have been trying to do. Democrats in the house could extend more of a hand and look for inclusiveness in common areas. There will be disagreements, but they can be respectful healthy debates, not Rush Limbaugh type mud slingers. Name calling isn't helpful to bipartisanship, nor is getting news solely from a partisan source.

unique · February 2009

Hiyas,

I watched part of the press conference today while wolfing down the hugest salad ever. Way too much dressing, but it was DIVINE and my rad onc sez no losing any weight right now. That is a crazy thing!!!!!!! Whoever heard of NOT losing weight?

Basically what was interesting was the press secy said the parts of the stimulus bill the Repubs are yelling about is only a very small portion of the moneys spent.

Guess we'll see what happens with it.

Good to feel your enthusiasm! I'm trying to be honest flipping between C-Span, CNBC, MS-NBC, Fox, and CNN. But sometimes Fox and CNN are giving so much Conservative spin. I hate Lou Dobbs.

NoH8 · February 2009

Lou Dobbs is so annoying- I can't watch him for more than 30 seconds, and I can't stand fox much longer than that. When I love some of the shows on MSNBC, Chris Matthews, Keith and Rachel, even though I know there is a liberal bias I sometimes want to hear other people talking about things I agree with.

I am so disappointed Dashle withdrew from consideration. He's such a good egg. I don't know if we'll get someone as good as he is to replace him. I hope this doesn't put universal health care back too far, because that's a big key to fixing the economy. I guess rich people need to go over what their accountants do when preparing taxes to look out for mistakes. I'm shocked some people are calling these mistakes purposeful when they seem to be easy mistakes. Itr makes me sad to see good men and women who want to serve this country treated like criminals for making mistakes.

Anonymous · February 2009

hello obama ladies -

I am looking forward to President Obama signing a stimulus package in February, he is going to make it happen ...According to a new public opinion survey by Gallup, 75 percent of Americans want Congress to pass an economic stimulus bill. It is going to happen. President Obama will do more for the economy recovery of this country in a month than the previous administration did in...mmmm?

sometimes you just have to laugh.....

Thune Explains GOP Thinking on Stimulus

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6FKPMjDHDA

I wonder if Thune got that "little nugget" from Joe the Plumber? I for one can't tell you how happy I am that the GOP congressional aides aka conservative working group are now relying on Joe the Plumber for gop strategy ideas in regards to the stimulus package.

Change is coming...........President Obama is making it!

Some Republicans will get on board, enough to make it happen...:))))

woooooooooooohoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

haven't done that for a while feels good! L8R

sccruiser · February 2009

Hey Laura,

I"m with you.

Woooooooooooooooohoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Yeah, feels great!

ijl · February 2009

laura,

I agree with you. Obama has helped the economy, especially the Treasury. His two nominees had to pay 150K in back taxes so far, I am not sure how much the third one Perfromance czar owes yet. A few more nominations and we can reduce amount of the stimulus. Smile

traceyz · February 2009

Keep it POSITIVE or keep it movin.

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!! The Champion of Change is here!! YAYYY

The New Improved More Positive Obama Presidency Thread

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