He can only do so much in the short time that he has been in Office. Honestly, we should give him more time before making the assessment based on his overall performance. I'd rather vote on specific performances, than his overall performance. I honestly support President Obama, eventhough I believe there is more work to be done.
<i>Just my opinion... I wish not to be attacked for my point of view.</i>
I think he has too many balls in the air and is doing too much. While I agree that there need to be many changes in our political and social arenas, I don't think it's the government's job to do all of it.
I didn't vote for him, and after the first six months, wouldn't vote for him again.
I believe his administration would be far more effective if they started 1 project, worked on it till near completion, then tackle the next problem, and so on.
This administration has implemented some questionable moves in the first six months, and I don't see it getting better. And the fact that this guy has had more news conferences than our previous president did in 8 years! (ok, maybe an exaggeration, but it sure seems like it!)
I also, support the President. He was left with quite a mess. Like Bud said, he needs to chip away at the issues, careful not to take on too much, all at once.
Posted by Wayne Speed on August 6, 2009 - 11:58am
He is a master at spending other people's money!
Were you that upset during the 12 years of a majority Republican Senate and House when they were on a spending spree...and most of that going into their own pockets thanks to the lobbyists who had them in the palms of their hands?
Yes I was just as upset as when the Bush administration spent my money. I was just as upset as I was when the PATRIOT Act was passed as I am about the Cash for Clunkers program, or the health care reforms, etc.
It's not the federal government's place, nor is it their money to spend.
Yes Bea, I was just as peeved when the other political party was spending like a drunken sailor. This is real money that we, our children and our grandchildren will be paying back for a really long time.
America has gone from the richest nation to the most indebted nation on the face of the earth. My dissatisfaction is not political - it is just common sense.
The President is doing exactly what he said he was going to do - Change America. I guess it just depends what side of the fence you're on whether or not you think it's a good change or a bad change. Either way, I think you have to admit, he's changed a lot in a short amount of time.
It is funny to see 74% say "NO". Just how many voted for someone they didn't know nothing about? What were his goals again and how were they to be achieved. Obama is elected into the Senate and before his term is completed he becomes President? This is just proof that many Americans voted out of spite rather than getting the facts straight. This is why I am upset with the Democrats. I would rather have Hiliary Clinton as President, at least I actually know where she stands.
Bush is not the only cause of our problems, lets look at Clinton's Adminstration too. If you didn't know, but it takes a MININUM of 8 years for a President's economic policy to take affect. I did not care or like Bush's domestic policies. He failed this country on a lot of different levels. His war policies were so/so. He should of had a POST WAR PLAN established. The Iraq War should of been resolved the first time and then again with Clinton. I hope to never see another 9-11. My belief is "Instead of Fear, Learn to Understand!" If we learn to accept one another as we are, this world would be a better place to live.
Not funny at all. This is a Republican county. I would expect that to be the result of the poll.
This country was in trouble long before President Obama came along.
It is going to take more than a few months to fix it.
To expect instant results in unreasonable.
Well, it would be more balanced, Daniel, but you and many of your fellow Democrats comment less than you used to.
Though, I would say ... I'm always bothered by Democrats who use the term "right wing" as a broad brush smear against anybody of any flavor of conservative bent. Right wing has a very specific meaning. It's not synonymous with conservative. I don't perceive many right wingers on The Batavian. More typical conservatives than right wingers.
Funny, though, the feedback I still get is that local GOP leaders still perceive The Batavian as an official Democrat site and still ask GOP activists not to participate.
Are there actually programs that the government has successfully instituted and run? And that have turned out as promised? Without going over budget and wasting tax payer's money?
I have been asking this question for months to people of many different political bents with no good answers.
It bothers me that people speaking out against the frightening direction this country is headed in are labeled "right-wing" instead of "concerned-citizens." There are republicans AND DEMOCRATS that are scared!
Ulitimately though, this is not an issue of republican vs. democrat, liberal vs. conservitve, or left-wing vs. right-wing... People are genuinely concerned about the IRRESPONSIBILITY of this government. And most of these people were equally unhappy with George Bush.
Spending is out of control with no end in sight. It is sickening how much Bush added to the national debt in his 8 years! And at the rate he's going, Obama will add far more to the debt in his 4 years than Bush did in his 8!
How can we be expected to trust a government that skrews up so much?
As a business owner, if I have an employee that skrews up every project he/she is assigned - they get fired. Plain and simple. Where is that same accountability for the government?
"Funny, though, the feedback I still get is that local GOP leaders still perceive The Batavian as an official Democrat site and still ask GOP activists not to participate."
Crap!!!! I guess I forgot to check the rule book. They are going to take my voters card away. LOL LOL
I actually think the whole party thing is BS anyway. I vote for whom ever I think will do the better job. As far as I'm concerned there are shady trees on both sides of the fence...
The cost of the Iraq War is just shy of $900,000,000,000- that's 900 trillion dollars. For eight years, the Bush/Republican alliance shovelled our hard-earned tax dollars at a misguided war that profited cronies such as CACI, Titan, Bechtel, KBR/Halliburton and Eagle Eye, Aegis Defense, Custer Battles, General Dynamics, Nour USA, Ltd., and Chevron-Exxon/Mobil-Conoco/Phillips.
The bank and auto industry bail-outs may appear to be more of the same; $2 trillion for the banks and $83 billion for the auto makers is a drop in the bucket compared to the amount wasted in Iraq. It would seem both at least pretend to improve the economic health of average Americans.
As for Obama tackling too much at a time- I don't think that eight years of neglecting domestic issues left him any choice in the matter.
"This country was in trouble long before President Obama came along.
It is going to take more than a few months to fix it.
To expect instant results in unreasonable."
I feel bad for OBama...After he was elected people expected him to walk on water. His popularity rating is going down because people say he isn't keeping his pre election promises? They expect to much to soon. He's one man and he had a big mess to clean up when he took office. He'll be lucky if he can even start clearing things up over the next 4 years.
Posted by Susan Kennelly on August 7, 2009 - 1:00am
Posted by cj sruger
"You have all been reported to the White House Web sight for saying "Fishy" things about The Health Care and the Governments spending."
CJ What fishy things??? Fishy things like....
That new health care plan is total carp!!!...
The government spends my money like gold fish through a sieve...
The new health care plan can bite my trout!
LOL
Sorry, I just HAD to...
Folks, when I left Susan this evening (around 9) she was exhausted and couldn't keep her eyes open. Then, I had to get her out of her house at 9:30pm for a minor emergency.
She was back home by 10pm and, to my knowledge,was ready for a good night's sleep.
She is not only awake but full of political wisdom!
Carp; gold fish; trout???? No more ice cream for you at night.
The cost of the Iraq War is just shy of $900,000,000,000- that's 900 trillion dollars
So it has cost us an average of 111 trillion a year for the last 8 years? As ignorant as anything I've ever seen in print. 111 Trillion, with a T? I'm not an accountant, but that seems nearly impossible. Our GDP is the largest in the world at 14.3 trillion a year. My guess is you meant billions C.M., approaching a trillion.
As for Obama tackling too much at a time- I don't think that eight years of neglecting domestic issues left him any choice in the matter.
Domestic issues..like welfare for the lazy,like unemployment for a year and a half, like gay marriage?
This website has become dominated by right-wingers, I'm by no means shocked.
If right winger equals Modern American Whig, I wear that banner proudly. I guess I noticed all the Obama adoration and infatuation is waning a bit. Not surprised. The man is charismatic, no doubt, but he is not a world leader. If he could think and speak for himself, maybe I'd feel differently.
The poll numbers may be a reflection of a Republican leaning county, but more so, may be a reflection of many national polls that have the Presidents 6 month job approval rating as the 3rd LOWEST of the last 12. And that doesn't take into consideration that the lowest was unelected Ford and 2nd lowest was Clinton whose approval ratings were low largely because he was in, for the most part, a 3 way race. Removing those two factors as statistical taints and we may actually have a President with the LOWEST 6 month job approval rating in modern history. Soaring numbers going in, tanking numbers after 6 months, it's difficult to reason that out by any other standard than bad performance. That has nothing to do with partisanship and everything to do with an American public finally standing up in mass and saying enough is enough.
The Republicans need to start concentrating on developing an alternate strategy, not organizing followers to shout down people at health care meetings or worry about polls.
Domestic issues..like
*welfare for the lazy
Are all people who need assistance lazy?
*unemployment for a year and a half
Isn't that a state issue?
*gay marriage
If two people choose to legalize their relationship (be it gay or straight) how does this effect you? I know gay couples who have incomes that far surpass many who read this site. So you aren't paying their way. How does what goes on behind close doors effect you?
How do you know these are all Republicans Charlie..Where are all those 45 million that don't have health care..Why aren't they at these meeting..Are there really 45 million without health insurance..How did they come up with that figure..These people are taxpayers expressing to their elected representatives where they stand on a issue...You and I both know that this will cost us more money out of our pocket....Why doesn't Obama put is plan out there in black and white for all to see...
Good questions Mark. We'll just have to listen and learn.
By the way, I posted our scores on The Political Spectrum Quiz on my blog and a link to the Quiz.
Interesting, but not surprising, results.
"The Republicans need to start concentrating on developing an alternate strategy, not organizing followers to shout down people at health care meetings or worry about polls."
CHARLIE - Your comment is what's so disheartening about what's going on in this country today. People are shouting because they are FED UP and AREN'T GOING TO TAKE IT ANYMORE!
Did you also notice that the entire crowd cheers on those youtube videos of people speaking out against Obamacare??? Take that as a sign!
Where are all the people shouting in support at these healthcare meetings? How come those videos aren't dominating the news and youtube. We all know if they exisited MSNBC would be airing those all day long!
Its awfully HIPOCRYTICAL that everyone on the left is so quick to critize conservative folks that excersize their right to free speach. But yet, folks on the left have been exercising their right to free speach for decades.
"...organizing followers..."
UMMM??? That's laughable. You and I BOTH know that folks on the left have done that for DECADES!!! So what's the problem?
Most of the outrage isn't "organized" though... PEOPLE ARE GENIUINELY CONCERNED - NO - SCARED THAT A COUNTRY WE LOVE IS BEING STRATEGICALLY CHANGED INTO SOMETHING SO DIFFERENT FROM WHAT OUR FOUNDING FATHERS CREATED!
===
And P.S.... I noticed there were no takers on my previous post asking:
"Are there actually programs that the government has successfully instituted and run? And that have turned out as promised? Without going over budget and wasting tax payer's money?"
Not surprised that no one had anything to contribute. :(
Surly you don't believe that people are spontaneously showing up to these town meeting events so mad that they are shouting down the speakers? Really..without being organized by anyone. There is just such a ground swell of anger, they can't hold back anymore..
Just like the Tea Parties ..They are real folks who are fed up..What do they run ads in papers to come down and protest..Why can't the main stream media deal with it..Organized or not ,it is real people who have real questions about this whole mess...Like the rally Obama had at the supermarket last week, wasn't organized..Why not put it up as a vote ,like states do with propositions..
the protestors are real, no doubt about that, but the bus loads of professionals, paid for by K Street lobbyists are just doing their job. They hand out pamphlets with talking points and suggested questions; they incite the crowd with the quotes from Limbaugh and Beck (both subscribing to the belief that President Obama and those who support him are suspect nazis); they question the patriotism of those who support President Obama; and more.
Even many moderate Republicans are uncomfortable with the tactics being used.
This is Rove all over again; this is Donald Segretti all over again. Political operatives who are paid by the special interest groups (in this case the insurance companies) to make sure that nothing interferes with the status quo.
These are the people who incite the crowd to chant "keep government out of Medicare"! Medicare? Isn't that a government program? If it wasn't for medicare, many of those 'regular' people would have no insurance whatsoever.
Some of them are organized! But, WHO CARES??? Its sad that you can't see past the protests to the fact that the MAJORITY of Americans ARE concerned about health care but think THIS IS THE WRONG WAY TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM.
BEA - you list all of the things that conservatives do to achieve their agenda... doesn't sound much different from George Soros and MoveOn, and most of the crazy fringe left. Bottom line, there are going to be idiots on both sides...
But it is SHAMEFUL that the folks on the left dismiss the outrage as crazy-people drummed up by lobyists. These are republicans, DEMOCRATS, independants, white, black, hispanic, insured, UNINSURED, etc... ALL CONCERNED!!! They know that the current proposal spells financial disaster.
Medicare, Medicade, Welfare, Social Security... ALL BROKEN!!! How is the government going to be able to do a better job with health care! HELP ME UNDERSTAND?
Instead of pointing to the shouting people and calling them crazy... HELP US TO UNDERSTAND WHY THIS IS SUCH A GOOD PLAN. Its easy to call everyone names, but there aren't a lot of good answers on how this coult ACTUALLY fix healthcare.
I'm concerned we have millions of people without care and most of us are one check away from joining them. I'm sick of politicians who look to gain power by playing on the fears of people to support their rich buddies. I'm sick of the fake outrage and people who will do or say anything to hold on to power or take it from someone else.
Posted by Jason Juliano on August 7, 2009 - 12:29pm
Some of them are organized! But, WHO CARES???
Instead of pointing to the shouting people and calling them crazy... HELP US TO UNDERSTAND WHY THIS IS SUCH A GOOD PLAN. Its easy to call everyone names, but there aren't a lot of good answers on how this coult ACTUALLY fix healthcare
Jason, I never once called them crazy or called anyone anything.
To deny that the K Street organizers are NOT part of these protests is to turn a blind eye.
If the people there are truly interested in what is being said at the town hall meetings, then give them an opportunity to listen and then ask questions.
Shouting down the speakers only indicates that they are not interested in asking questions and getting answers.
Democrat Senators and House members have received death threats...certainly as a result of the daily urging of the likes of Beck and Limbaugh...one, Rep. Kratovil from Maryland was hung in effigy. http://www.politico.com/blogs/glennthrush/0709/Rep_Kratovil_hung_in_eff…
Is this still considered a 'so what'? Many in Maryland, who don't support President Obama, were disgusted by this.
Many are appalled by the continuous reference to Democrats and President Obama as being Nazi sympathizers.
All of this is to incite people, not to think with their minds, but their emotions.
Politics is never pretty. But, this is beyond ugly.
While I don't think death threats are acceptable in any way, hanging in effigy and other acts mentioned have happened before. Many times these acts happen before some type of change takes place. It is not to be blamed on Rush or anyone else on the radio or in the media. They legally aren't allowed to even say anything like that.
What we are finally seeing is people getting fed up with how the government runs. People are planting gardens, fruit trees, raising chickens, buying weapons and ammo, because they are getting back to self reliance. The government is no longer a "warm and fuzzy" thing, if it ever has been. People are realizing something needs to happen, and people are preparing for it.
These acts are not being done by the "far right" alone. People ranging from the left to the right are taking it upon themselves to write, speak, and protest about issues.
On another issue: "All of this is to incite people, not to think with their minds, but their emotions."
People have thought with their emotions for political reasons for YEARS. Why do some of the poorest people vote in Republicans, who raise taxes but cut programs? Because the Republican party appeals to their emotions and "needs". Read "What's the Matter with Kansas". The democratic party does the same thing. They micro-campaign, they use catch-words (like "crusade"), they send "grass roots" organizations to protest and make a stink. Both parties utilize these tactics.
It's time to stop blaming, and start taking responsibility.
Mea Culpa. The figure is indeed 900 Billion NOT Trillion. I was sold on "trillion" by an unrelated discussion, and when I pasted the figure, I didn't bother to count the zeroes. Thanks for catching my HUGE mistake.
C.M.- I will agree that it is still an overwhelming number, and our leaders have lost the concept of reality. And when I say leaders, I speak of public and private individuals.
Like i said ..How do we know its 45 million without health insurance..the Poor get for free if they are on welfare..If you are over 62 you got it..If you work most companies offer it..you have to pay some but they offer it..So who are these uninsured...I know of some who can get it where they work and choose not to...Obama is going to make it mandatory that we have it..Is that American...
"Democrat Senators and House members have received death threats...certainly as a result of the daily urging of the likes of Beck and Limbaugh..."
BEA - I'm SHOCKED and EMBARRASED for you: to even suggest such a thing is awful and shows you have never listened to eitehr Glenn or Rush. That is OFFENSIVE to even suggest! That would be like me suggesting that Al Gore wishes death upon people who think global warming is B.S.
Last comment and then I'm done... :)
There is no one in American (that's a LEGAL citizen) that can't get health CARE... health insurance is a different story. Those in need of CARE, without insurance or the means to pay for their CARE can simply go to the emergency room, get CARE, and not pay for the bill. And they can do that repeatedly and never be turned down - regardless of their ability to pay or how many outstanding bills they owe.
So there is no shortage of CARE. Everyone gets and is entitled to CARE! Health INSURANCE costs money however. And if the government could run programs smoother, maybe they'd be qualified to run a health INSURANCE program. Alas, they are not.
And I would likely even SUPPORT the government running a health INSURANCE option that is made available for PURCHASE at a fair price. But they can't give it away!!! They are in NO position to give anything away for free.
Sadnly, they've proven themselves unable to even run Cash for Clunkers let alone any real program with LARGE amounts of spending.
::sighs::
Too bad our friendly debate can't solve these problems for real.
P.S. Do you think Chris Dodd (recently diagnosed with prostate cancer) would be willing to receive treatment in Canada or Europe where they have socialized health care? After waiting 6-months to 1-year for care, it will likely have spread far worse!
Mark, when I came back to Batavia to tend to my mother, I lost my insurance and, quite honestly without a job, could not afford to pay for a policy.
I held my breath for almost four years praying that I would stay healthy - which I did, and in that time never needed the services of a doctor or hospital.
There are millions in the same boat. People who for one reason or another don't qualify for help (in my case it was age and past income - that past income didn't last long after four years.). People who are dropped by insurance companies due to catastrophic illness. They are the ones who really get hit hard. They are the people who most need the security of insurance and are told they will no longer be covered. The reasons are varied, but they are all valid. It isn't a matter of everyone has the opportunity to get insurance. That is the myth that those who want to keep the status quo want you to believe.
Perhaps it is because I lived what so many are going through that I understand that it isn't a case of people being lazy; or unwilling; or whatever. The frustration, when in that situation, is hearing people say that anyone can get whatever they want if they work hard enough.
I worked all my life in good jobs. But, during a critical part of my life, I found myself unable to work and unable to afford the basic safety nets like life or health insurance.
When I started out in my career with 4 young children, I worked in a small law office and had no health insurance. I prayed the kids wouldn't get sick. I remember having to wait to bring my children to the doctor until I got my income tax refund. I now have a great job with excellent benefits but I will never forget.
He can only do so much in the
He can only do so much in the short time that he has been in Office. Honestly, we should give him more time before making the assessment based on his overall performance. I'd rather vote on specific performances, than his overall performance. I honestly support President Obama, eventhough I believe there is more work to be done.
<i>Just my opinion... I wish not to be attacked for my point of view.</i>
Agreed Mai.
Agreed Mai.
I think he has too many balls
I think he has too many balls in the air and is doing too much. While I agree that there need to be many changes in our political and social arenas, I don't think it's the government's job to do all of it.
I didn't vote for him, and after the first six months, wouldn't vote for him again.
I believe his administration
I believe his administration would be far more effective if they started 1 project, worked on it till near completion, then tackle the next problem, and so on.
This administration has implemented some questionable moves in the first six months, and I don't see it getting better. And the fact that this guy has had more news conferences than our previous president did in 8 years! (ok, maybe an exaggeration, but it sure seems like it!)
I also, support the
I also, support the President. He was left with quite a mess. Like Bud said, he needs to chip away at the issues, careful not to take on too much, all at once.
He is a master at spending
He is a master at spending other people's money!
Posted by Wayne Speed on
Posted by Wayne Speed on August 6, 2009 - 11:58am
He is a master at spending other people's money!
Were you that upset during the 12 years of a majority Republican Senate and House when they were on a spending spree...and most of that going into their own pockets thanks to the lobbyists who had them in the palms of their hands?
Yes I was just as upset as
Yes I was just as upset as when the Bush administration spent my money. I was just as upset as I was when the PATRIOT Act was passed as I am about the Cash for Clunkers program, or the health care reforms, etc.
It's not the federal government's place, nor is it their money to spend.
You have all been reported to
You have all been reported to the White House Web sight for saying "Fishy" things about The Health Care and the Governments spending.
flag@whitehouse.gov
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/Facts-Are-Stubborn-Things/
Yes Bea, I was just as peeved
Yes Bea, I was just as peeved when the other political party was spending like a drunken sailor. This is real money that we, our children and our grandchildren will be paying back for a really long time.
America has gone from the richest nation to the most indebted nation on the face of the earth. My dissatisfaction is not political - it is just common sense.
The President is doing
The President is doing exactly what he said he was going to do - Change America. I guess it just depends what side of the fence you're on whether or not you think it's a good change or a bad change. Either way, I think you have to admit, he's changed a lot in a short amount of time.
oops..wrong spot
oops..wrong spot
Yeah, just to let you all
Yeah, just to let you all know what the government is doing with the web site," VIOLATES YOUR PRIVACY RIGHTS" Lawsuits in the making.
It is funny to see 74% say
It is funny to see 74% say "NO". Just how many voted for someone they didn't know nothing about? What were his goals again and how were they to be achieved. Obama is elected into the Senate and before his term is completed he becomes President? This is just proof that many Americans voted out of spite rather than getting the facts straight. This is why I am upset with the Democrats. I would rather have Hiliary Clinton as President, at least I actually know where she stands.
Bush is not the only cause of our problems, lets look at Clinton's Adminstration too. If you didn't know, but it takes a MININUM of 8 years for a President's economic policy to take affect. I did not care or like Bush's domestic policies. He failed this country on a lot of different levels. His war policies were so/so. He should of had a POST WAR PLAN established. The Iraq War should of been resolved the first time and then again with Clinton. I hope to never see another 9-11. My belief is "Instead of Fear, Learn to Understand!" If we learn to accept one another as we are, this world would be a better place to live.
Not funny at all. This is a
Not funny at all. This is a Republican county. I would expect that to be the result of the poll.
This country was in trouble long before President Obama came along.
It is going to take more than a few months to fix it.
To expect instant results in unreasonable.
This website has become
This website has become dominated by right-wingers, I'm by no means shocked.
Well, it would be more
Well, it would be more balanced, Daniel, but you and many of your fellow Democrats comment less than you used to.
Though, I would say ... I'm always bothered by Democrats who use the term "right wing" as a broad brush smear against anybody of any flavor of conservative bent. Right wing has a very specific meaning. It's not synonymous with conservative. I don't perceive many right wingers on The Batavian. More typical conservatives than right wingers.
Funny, though, the feedback I still get is that local GOP leaders still perceive The Batavian as an official Democrat site and still ask GOP activists not to participate.
ENLIGHTEN ME PLEASE... Are
ENLIGHTEN ME PLEASE...
Are there actually programs that the government has successfully instituted and run? And that have turned out as promised? Without going over budget and wasting tax payer's money?
Anyone? ...anyone? ...anyone? ...Bueller? ...Bueller?
I have been asking this question for months to people of many different political bents with no good answers.
It bothers me that people speaking out against the frightening direction this country is headed in are labeled "right-wing" instead of "concerned-citizens." There are republicans AND DEMOCRATS that are scared!
Ulitimately though, this is not an issue of republican vs. democrat, liberal vs. conservitve, or left-wing vs. right-wing... People are genuinely concerned about the IRRESPONSIBILITY of this government. And most of these people were equally unhappy with George Bush.
Spending is out of control with no end in sight. It is sickening how much Bush added to the national debt in his 8 years! And at the rate he's going, Obama will add far more to the debt in his 4 years than Bush did in his 8!
How can we be expected to trust a government that skrews up so much?
As a business owner, if I have an employee that skrews up every project he/she is assigned - they get fired. Plain and simple. Where is that same accountability for the government?
Howard is right, there are
Howard is right, there are very few Democrats commenting anymore.
As for the poll, it is a direct reflection of the conservative county we live in.
"Funny, though, the feedback
"Funny, though, the feedback I still get is that local GOP leaders still perceive The Batavian as an official Democrat site and still ask GOP activists not to participate."
Crap!!!! I guess I forgot to check the rule book. They are going to take my voters card away. LOL LOL
I actually think the whole party thing is BS anyway. I vote for whom ever I think will do the better job. As far as I'm concerned there are shady trees on both sides of the fence...
The cost of the Iraq War is
The cost of the Iraq War is just shy of $900,000,000,000- that's 900 trillion dollars. For eight years, the Bush/Republican alliance shovelled our hard-earned tax dollars at a misguided war that profited cronies such as CACI, Titan, Bechtel, KBR/Halliburton and Eagle Eye, Aegis Defense, Custer Battles, General Dynamics, Nour USA, Ltd., and Chevron-Exxon/Mobil-Conoco/Phillips.
The bank and auto industry bail-outs may appear to be more of the same; $2 trillion for the banks and $83 billion for the auto makers is a drop in the bucket compared to the amount wasted in Iraq. It would seem both at least pretend to improve the economic health of average Americans.
As for Obama tackling too much at a time- I don't think that eight years of neglecting domestic issues left him any choice in the matter.
"This country was in trouble
"This country was in trouble long before President Obama came along.
It is going to take more than a few months to fix it.
To expect instant results in unreasonable."
I feel bad for OBama...After he was elected people expected him to walk on water. His popularity rating is going down because people say he isn't keeping his pre election promises? They expect to much to soon. He's one man and he had a big mess to clean up when he took office. He'll be lucky if he can even start clearing things up over the next 4 years.
Posted by cj sruger "You
Posted by cj sruger
"You have all been reported to the White House Web sight for saying "Fishy" things about The Health Care and the Governments spending."
CJ What fishy things??? Fishy things like....
That new health care plan is total carp!!!...
The government spends my money like gold fish through a sieve...
The new health care plan can bite my trout!
LOL
Sorry, I just HAD to...
Posted by Susan Kennelly on
Posted by Susan Kennelly on August 7, 2009 - 1:00am
Posted by cj sruger
"You have all been reported to the White House Web sight for saying "Fishy" things about The Health Care and the Governments spending."
CJ What fishy things??? Fishy things like....
That new health care plan is total carp!!!...
The government spends my money like gold fish through a sieve...
The new health care plan can bite my trout!
LOL
Sorry, I just HAD to...
Folks, when I left Susan this evening (around 9) she was exhausted and couldn't keep her eyes open. Then, I had to get her out of her house at 9:30pm for a minor emergency.
She was back home by 10pm and, to my knowledge,was ready for a good night's sleep.
She is not only awake but full of political wisdom!
Carp; gold fish; trout???? No more ice cream for you at night.
The cost of the Iraq War is
The cost of the Iraq War is just shy of $900,000,000,000- that's 900 trillion dollars
So it has cost us an average of 111 trillion a year for the last 8 years? As ignorant as anything I've ever seen in print. 111 Trillion, with a T? I'm not an accountant, but that seems nearly impossible. Our GDP is the largest in the world at 14.3 trillion a year. My guess is you meant billions C.M., approaching a trillion.
As for Obama tackling too much at a time- I don't think that eight years of neglecting domestic issues left him any choice in the matter.
Domestic issues..like welfare for the lazy,like unemployment for a year and a half, like gay marriage?
This website has become dominated by right-wingers, I'm by no means shocked.
If right winger equals Modern American Whig, I wear that banner proudly. I guess I noticed all the Obama adoration and infatuation is waning a bit. Not surprised. The man is charismatic, no doubt, but he is not a world leader. If he could think and speak for himself, maybe I'd feel differently.
The poll numbers may be a
The poll numbers may be a reflection of a Republican leaning county, but more so, may be a reflection of many national polls that have the Presidents 6 month job approval rating as the 3rd LOWEST of the last 12. And that doesn't take into consideration that the lowest was unelected Ford and 2nd lowest was Clinton whose approval ratings were low largely because he was in, for the most part, a 3 way race. Removing those two factors as statistical taints and we may actually have a President with the LOWEST 6 month job approval rating in modern history. Soaring numbers going in, tanking numbers after 6 months, it's difficult to reason that out by any other standard than bad performance. That has nothing to do with partisanship and everything to do with an American public finally standing up in mass and saying enough is enough.
The Republicans need to start
The Republicans need to start concentrating on developing an alternate strategy, not organizing followers to shout down people at health care meetings or worry about polls.
Posted by bud prevost on
Posted by bud prevost on August 7, 2009 - 7:11am
Domestic issues..like
*welfare for the lazy
Are all people who need assistance lazy?
*unemployment for a year and a half
Isn't that a state issue?
*gay marriage
If two people choose to legalize their relationship (be it gay or straight) how does this effect you? I know gay couples who have incomes that far surpass many who read this site. So you aren't paying their way. How does what goes on behind close doors effect you?
How do you know these are all
How do you know these are all Republicans Charlie..Where are all those 45 million that don't have health care..Why aren't they at these meeting..Are there really 45 million without health insurance..How did they come up with that figure..These people are taxpayers expressing to their elected representatives where they stand on a issue...You and I both know that this will cost us more money out of our pocket....Why doesn't Obama put is plan out there in black and white for all to see...
Good questions Mark. We'll
Good questions Mark. We'll just have to listen and learn.
By the way, I posted our scores on The Political Spectrum Quiz on my blog and a link to the Quiz.
Interesting, but not surprising, results.
"The Republicans need to
"The Republicans need to start concentrating on developing an alternate strategy, not organizing followers to shout down people at health care meetings or worry about polls."
CHARLIE - Your comment is what's so disheartening about what's going on in this country today. People are shouting because they are FED UP and AREN'T GOING TO TAKE IT ANYMORE!
Did you also notice that the entire crowd cheers on those youtube videos of people speaking out against Obamacare??? Take that as a sign!
Where are all the people shouting in support at these healthcare meetings? How come those videos aren't dominating the news and youtube. We all know if they exisited MSNBC would be airing those all day long!
Its awfully HIPOCRYTICAL that everyone on the left is so quick to critize conservative folks that excersize their right to free speach. But yet, folks on the left have been exercising their right to free speach for decades.
"...organizing followers..."
UMMM??? That's laughable. You and I BOTH know that folks on the left have done that for DECADES!!! So what's the problem?
Most of the outrage isn't "organized" though... PEOPLE ARE GENIUINELY CONCERNED - NO - SCARED THAT A COUNTRY WE LOVE IS BEING STRATEGICALLY CHANGED INTO SOMETHING SO DIFFERENT FROM WHAT OUR FOUNDING FATHERS CREATED!
===
And P.S.... I noticed there were no takers on my previous post asking:
"Are there actually programs that the government has successfully instituted and run? And that have turned out as promised? Without going over budget and wasting tax payer's money?"
Not surprised that no one had anything to contribute. :(
Surly you don't believe that
Surly you don't believe that people are spontaneously showing up to these town meeting events so mad that they are shouting down the speakers? Really..without being organized by anyone. There is just such a ground swell of anger, they can't hold back anymore..
Just like the Tea Parties
Just like the Tea Parties ..They are real folks who are fed up..What do they run ads in papers to come down and protest..Why can't the main stream media deal with it..Organized or not ,it is real people who have real questions about this whole mess...Like the rally Obama had at the supermarket last week, wasn't organized..Why not put it up as a vote ,like states do with propositions..
the protestors are real, no
the protestors are real, no doubt about that, but the bus loads of professionals, paid for by K Street lobbyists are just doing their job. They hand out pamphlets with talking points and suggested questions; they incite the crowd with the quotes from Limbaugh and Beck (both subscribing to the belief that President Obama and those who support him are suspect nazis); they question the patriotism of those who support President Obama; and more.
Even many moderate Republicans are uncomfortable with the tactics being used.
This is Rove all over again; this is Donald Segretti all over again. Political operatives who are paid by the special interest groups (in this case the insurance companies) to make sure that nothing interferes with the status quo.
These are the people who incite the crowd to chant "keep government out of Medicare"! Medicare? Isn't that a government program? If it wasn't for medicare, many of those 'regular' people would have no insurance whatsoever.
Some of them are organized!
Some of them are organized! But, WHO CARES??? Its sad that you can't see past the protests to the fact that the MAJORITY of Americans ARE concerned about health care but think THIS IS THE WRONG WAY TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM.
BEA - you list all of the things that conservatives do to achieve their agenda... doesn't sound much different from George Soros and MoveOn, and most of the crazy fringe left. Bottom line, there are going to be idiots on both sides...
But it is SHAMEFUL that the folks on the left dismiss the outrage as crazy-people drummed up by lobyists. These are republicans, DEMOCRATS, independants, white, black, hispanic, insured, UNINSURED, etc... ALL CONCERNED!!! They know that the current proposal spells financial disaster.
Medicare, Medicade, Welfare, Social Security... ALL BROKEN!!! How is the government going to be able to do a better job with health care! HELP ME UNDERSTAND?
Instead of pointing to the shouting people and calling them crazy... HELP US TO UNDERSTAND WHY THIS IS SUCH A GOOD PLAN. Its easy to call everyone names, but there aren't a lot of good answers on how this coult ACTUALLY fix healthcare.
I'm concerned we have
I'm concerned we have millions of people without care and most of us are one check away from joining them. I'm sick of politicians who look to gain power by playing on the fears of people to support their rich buddies. I'm sick of the fake outrage and people who will do or say anything to hold on to power or take it from someone else.
Posted by Jason Juliano on
Posted by Jason Juliano on August 7, 2009 - 12:29pm
Some of them are organized! But, WHO CARES???
Instead of pointing to the shouting people and calling them crazy... HELP US TO UNDERSTAND WHY THIS IS SUCH A GOOD PLAN. Its easy to call everyone names, but there aren't a lot of good answers on how this coult ACTUALLY fix healthcare
Jason, I never once called them crazy or called anyone anything.
To deny that the K Street organizers are NOT part of these protests is to turn a blind eye.
If the people there are truly interested in what is being said at the town hall meetings, then give them an opportunity to listen and then ask questions.
Shouting down the speakers only indicates that they are not interested in asking questions and getting answers.
Democrat Senators and House members have received death threats...certainly as a result of the daily urging of the likes of Beck and Limbaugh...one, Rep. Kratovil from Maryland was hung in effigy.
http://www.politico.com/blogs/glennthrush/0709/Rep_Kratovil_hung_in_eff…
Is this still considered a 'so what'? Many in Maryland, who don't support President Obama, were disgusted by this.
Many are appalled by the continuous reference to Democrats and President Obama as being Nazi sympathizers.
All of this is to incite people, not to think with their minds, but their emotions.
Politics is never pretty. But, this is beyond ugly.
While I don't think death
While I don't think death threats are acceptable in any way, hanging in effigy and other acts mentioned have happened before. Many times these acts happen before some type of change takes place. It is not to be blamed on Rush or anyone else on the radio or in the media. They legally aren't allowed to even say anything like that.
What we are finally seeing is people getting fed up with how the government runs. People are planting gardens, fruit trees, raising chickens, buying weapons and ammo, because they are getting back to self reliance. The government is no longer a "warm and fuzzy" thing, if it ever has been. People are realizing something needs to happen, and people are preparing for it.
These acts are not being done by the "far right" alone. People ranging from the left to the right are taking it upon themselves to write, speak, and protest about issues.
On another issue: "All of this is to incite people, not to think with their minds, but their emotions."
People have thought with their emotions for political reasons for YEARS. Why do some of the poorest people vote in Republicans, who raise taxes but cut programs? Because the Republican party appeals to their emotions and "needs". Read "What's the Matter with Kansas". The democratic party does the same thing. They micro-campaign, they use catch-words (like "crusade"), they send "grass roots" organizations to protest and make a stink. Both parties utilize these tactics.
It's time to stop blaming, and start taking responsibility.
Mea Culpa. The figure is
Mea Culpa. The figure is indeed 900 Billion NOT Trillion. I was sold on "trillion" by an unrelated discussion, and when I pasted the figure, I didn't bother to count the zeroes. Thanks for catching my HUGE mistake.
C.M.- I will agree that it is
C.M.- I will agree that it is still an overwhelming number, and our leaders have lost the concept of reality. And when I say leaders, I speak of public and private individuals.
Like i said ..How do we know
Like i said ..How do we know its 45 million without health insurance..the Poor get for free if they are on welfare..If you are over 62 you got it..If you work most companies offer it..you have to pay some but they offer it..So who are these uninsured...I know of some who can get it where they work and choose not to...Obama is going to make it mandatory that we have it..Is that American...
"Democrat Senators and House
"Democrat Senators and House members have received death threats...certainly as a result of the daily urging of the likes of Beck and Limbaugh..."
BEA - I'm SHOCKED and EMBARRASED for you: to even suggest such a thing is awful and shows you have never listened to eitehr Glenn or Rush. That is OFFENSIVE to even suggest! That would be like me suggesting that Al Gore wishes death upon people who think global warming is B.S.
Last comment and then I'm done... :)
There is no one in American (that's a LEGAL citizen) that can't get health CARE... health insurance is a different story. Those in need of CARE, without insurance or the means to pay for their CARE can simply go to the emergency room, get CARE, and not pay for the bill. And they can do that repeatedly and never be turned down - regardless of their ability to pay or how many outstanding bills they owe.
So there is no shortage of CARE. Everyone gets and is entitled to CARE! Health INSURANCE costs money however. And if the government could run programs smoother, maybe they'd be qualified to run a health INSURANCE program. Alas, they are not.
And I would likely even SUPPORT the government running a health INSURANCE option that is made available for PURCHASE at a fair price. But they can't give it away!!! They are in NO position to give anything away for free.
Sadnly, they've proven themselves unable to even run Cash for Clunkers let alone any real program with LARGE amounts of spending.
::sighs::
Too bad our friendly debate can't solve these problems for real.
P.S. Do you think Chris Dodd (recently diagnosed with prostate cancer) would be willing to receive treatment in Canada or Europe where they have socialized health care? After waiting 6-months to 1-year for care, it will likely have spread far worse!
Mark, when I came back to
Mark, when I came back to Batavia to tend to my mother, I lost my insurance and, quite honestly without a job, could not afford to pay for a policy.
I held my breath for almost four years praying that I would stay healthy - which I did, and in that time never needed the services of a doctor or hospital.
There are millions in the same boat. People who for one reason or another don't qualify for help (in my case it was age and past income - that past income didn't last long after four years.). People who are dropped by insurance companies due to catastrophic illness. They are the ones who really get hit hard. They are the people who most need the security of insurance and are told they will no longer be covered. The reasons are varied, but they are all valid. It isn't a matter of everyone has the opportunity to get insurance. That is the myth that those who want to keep the status quo want you to believe.
Perhaps it is because I lived what so many are going through that I understand that it isn't a case of people being lazy; or unwilling; or whatever. The frustration, when in that situation, is hearing people say that anyone can get whatever they want if they work hard enough.
I worked all my life in good jobs. But, during a critical part of my life, I found myself unable to work and unable to afford the basic safety nets like life or health insurance.
Before anyone gets on "right
Before anyone gets on "right wing radio", turn to 1520 AM, out of Buffalo, WKBW. That's the "far left" "hate radio".
When I started out in my
When I started out in my career with 4 young children, I worked in a small law office and had no health insurance. I prayed the kids wouldn't get sick. I remember having to wait to bring my children to the doctor until I got my income tax refund. I now have a great job with excellent benefits but I will never forget.