Comments on: Government by lynch mob http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/03/20/government-by-lynch-mob/ Tue, 22 Dec 2009 04:00:12 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: N http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/03/20/government-by-lynch-mob/comment-page-1/#comment-635187 N Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:33:47 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=31734#comment-635187 Anderson, please keep talking about this. You have the forum in which to educate people. If you keep sending the message often enough hopefully enough folks outside "the industry" will begin to understand your point. Well done! Anderson, please keep talking about this. You have the forum in which to educate people. If you keep sending the message often enough hopefully enough folks outside "the industry" will begin to understand your point. Well done!

]]> By: Martin http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/03/20/government-by-lynch-mob/comment-page-1/#comment-635179 Martin Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:08:26 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=31734#comment-635179 Aside from the fact that the legislation is unconstitutional under the First Amendment - specifically as it pertains to Bills of Attainder - it renders moot the possibility of hedge funds and private equity funds engaging with the government on any sort of bail out. Likely the Congress will have to eat its own words, or at least the paper they're written on, and find another way to vent their righteous anger. Oh, and just a suggestion to our Congress - please read the next package of legislation that comes your way. Aside from the fact that the legislation is unconstitutional under the First Amendment – specifically as it pertains to Bills of Attainder – it renders moot the possibility of hedge funds and private equity funds engaging with the government on any sort of bail out. Likely the Congress will have to eat its own words, or at least the paper they're written on, and find another way to vent their righteous anger. Oh, and just a suggestion to our Congress – please read the next package of legislation that comes your way.

]]> By: Patrick from Bäle http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/03/20/government-by-lynch-mob/comment-page-1/#comment-633787 Patrick from Bäle Sat, 21 Mar 2009 01:32:34 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=31734#comment-633787 "Calm" is good advice because 'calm' would be a saving grace in the face of the 'changes' this crisis is telling us to make. 'Calm,' also because we're going to need a little more time and patience to work our way out of the need for such a crisis. After all, in terms of evolution, this global crisis is a mere "flash-in-the-pan," but if we don't make fundamental changes to our way of life--our economic, social and political life, I'm afraid we are going to get fried in this 'pan!' It's quite simple, we can't go on living the way we were living, period! It doesn't even take 1/2 a rocket scientist brain to figure that out, but it might be necessary to get 'fried' before significant change begins to happen. Perhaps we might venture to say that the "American Dream" is already in the pan. So, 'Change'! Change what? Let's start with something obvious yet basic enough just to get a grip,--"Everything!" Start by questioning-- 'everything' in our lives. Are we "doing-the-right-thing?" That's a good beginning, we wouldn't want to be half-hearted about the seriousness of this affair. It's kind of a secret this 'questioning everything' but if we don't let it be out, the chances seem good that we might end up in a life style appropriately identified as, "pre-Big Bang!" We don't want to let such an opportunity pass us by. "Calm" is good advice because 'calm' would be a saving grace in the face of the 'changes' this crisis is telling us to make. 'Calm,' also because we're going to need a little more time and patience to work our way out of the need for such a crisis. After all, in terms of evolution, this global crisis is a mere "flash-in-the-pan," but if we don't make fundamental changes to our way of life–our economic, social and political life, I'm afraid we are going to get fried in this 'pan!'

It's quite simple, we can't go on living the way we were living, period!
It doesn't even take 1/2 a rocket scientist brain to figure that out, but it might be necessary to get 'fried' before significant change begins to happen. Perhaps we might venture to say that the "American Dream" is already in the pan.

So, 'Change'! Change what? Let's start with something obvious yet basic enough just to get a grip,–"Everything!" Start by questioning– 'everything' in our lives. Are we "doing-the-right-thing?" That's a good beginning, we wouldn't want to be half-hearted about the seriousness of this affair. It's kind of a secret this 'questioning everything' but if we don't let it be out, the chances seem good that we might end up in a life style appropriately identified as, "pre-Big Bang!" We don't want to let such an opportunity pass us by.

]]> By: Judy http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/03/20/government-by-lynch-mob/comment-page-1/#comment-633761 Judy Sat, 21 Mar 2009 00:58:30 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=31734#comment-633761 In truth, most of us have been watching the front door of the bank while all real cash flow is gushing out the back. AIG only received billions, while trillions of dollars, have been dished out to others, about whcih we will never know! Please President Obama, senators, congress people, give the money to those of us who have paid 20% down on our homes. Paid our house payments in a timely fashion. Have little or no credit card debt. Work ( yes WORK) for a living a big chunk of change. Enough for us to pay off our homes and cars. Within a few months, our economy will strong. Strenghten support for unions trying to establish themselves by preventing companies from harrassing and intimidating activists. No, I have never worked in a union shop. That is why I will work until I am 66 to collect retirement money and continue to work full time, because I will lose my home. Nurses DO NOT get free medical care! One last concern.................. I am one of many not hundreds, not thousandsa but millions, of middle c lass hard workers, who are paying but not playing. We cannot afford to retire! Anyone who would like to see my Social Security estimation for 2011, when I will be 66, I will be happy to rpovide you a copy. In truth, most of us have been watching the front door of the bank while all real cash flow is gushing out the back.
AIG only received billions, while trillions of dollars, have been dished out to others, about whcih we will never know!
Please President Obama, senators, congress people, give the money to those of us who have paid 20% down on our homes. Paid our house payments in a timely fashion. Have little or no credit card debt. Work ( yes WORK) for a living a big chunk of change.
Enough for us to pay off our homes and cars.
Within a few months, our economy will strong.
Strenghten support for unions trying to establish themselves by preventing companies from harrassing and intimidating activists.
No, I have never worked in a union shop. That is why I will work until I am 66 to collect retirement money and continue to work full time, because I will lose my home. Nurses DO NOT get free medical care!
One last concern.................. I am one of many not hundreds, not thousandsa but millions, of middle c lass hard workers, who are paying but not playing. We cannot afford to retire! Anyone who would like to see my Social Security estimation for 2011, when I will be 66, I will be happy to rpovide you a copy.

]]> By: Roberto in British Columbia http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/03/20/government-by-lynch-mob/comment-page-1/#comment-633727 Roberto in British Columbia Sat, 21 Mar 2009 00:21:47 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=31734#comment-633727 Historians will look upon these events as the reason for the fall. We are proving to be our worst enemy. Historians will look upon these events as the reason for the fall. We are proving to be our worst enemy.

]]> By: Craig http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/03/20/government-by-lynch-mob/comment-page-1/#comment-633709 Craig Sat, 21 Mar 2009 00:04:05 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=31734#comment-633709 Thanks for your insights, David. All parties concerned should be less reactive and more creative. Why doesn't the President focus his considerable charm on those who received the infamous bonuses, instead of on the angry public? Has he invited them to the White House, shared his inspirational rhetoric and asked them personally to sacrifice their bonuses in a spirit of community responsibility? Did anyone in the administration attempt to persuade them before assuming they would suit the government? Wouldn't this have been a great time for real communication and team building? Maybe the problem with those who are attempting to fix the problem is that too many of them are lawyers locked in an adversarial mindset. Thanks for your insights, David. All parties concerned should be less reactive and more creative. Why doesn't the President focus his considerable charm on those who received the infamous bonuses, instead of on the angry public? Has he invited them to the White House, shared his inspirational rhetoric and asked them personally to sacrifice their bonuses in a spirit of community responsibility? Did anyone in the administration attempt to persuade them before assuming they would suit the government? Wouldn't this have been a great time for real communication and team building? Maybe the problem with those who are attempting to fix the problem is that too many of them are lawyers locked in an adversarial mindset.

]]> By: Timothy Gibson http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/03/20/government-by-lynch-mob/comment-page-1/#comment-633692 Timothy Gibson Fri, 20 Mar 2009 23:46:59 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=31734#comment-633692 So, if I were to receive a few million and at the same time told either give it back or hit the road, I think I would hit the road Jack, who would need to keep working with a big goodbye like that, certainly not myself. Those responsible need to be punished like anyone else would be, not rewarded, and the same applies to congress. For them now to offer the same sweet deal to further the cause is like the south hiding their precious silver while giving up their gold to help fight the war. A sweet deal is not always as sweet as it may be made to appear and can turn sour in the mouth very fast as we have witnessed with the chaos left in the wake of the Bush era. Nothing for nothing means nothing! So, if I were to receive a few million and at the same time told either give it back or hit the road, I think I would hit the road Jack, who would need to keep working with a big goodbye like that, certainly not myself.

Those responsible need to be punished like anyone else would be, not rewarded, and the same applies to congress. For them now to offer the same sweet deal to further the cause is like the south hiding their precious silver while giving up their gold to help fight the war. A sweet deal is not always as sweet as it may be made to appear and can turn sour in the mouth very fast as we have witnessed with the chaos left in the wake of the Bush era.

Nothing for nothing means nothing!

]]> By: Judy http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/03/20/government-by-lynch-mob/comment-page-1/#comment-633686 Judy Fri, 20 Mar 2009 23:43:33 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=31734#comment-633686 There is an answer. Give the hard working tax payer, their money back! I'll take 250 thousand after taxes. After working over forty years as a nurse, I have not earned a total million dollars in my lifetime! Of course, I can here these, receivers of ill gotten bonuses asking, why would a nurse deserve such a large amount of money? They only save and enrich the lives of others. They work 24 hours a day; 7 days a week. every holiday, birthday, anniversary............... And the next time I hear someone say, "you will get your reward in heaven", my reply will be, there will only be, other dedicated people; who have worked and paid their fair share, while they were here, on earth, why should they serve me? I hope someone will rain on the parade, of those who have promoted the "trickle down theory "all these years. Only it will not be water or money hitting their umbrellas, it will be the manure they have been spreading, to deny the middle class, from obtaining the American dream! Judy Opial, RN CHPN There is an answer. Give the hard working tax payer, their money back!
I'll take 250 thousand after taxes.
After working over forty years as a nurse, I have not earned a total million dollars in my lifetime!
Of course, I can here these, receivers of ill gotten bonuses asking, why would a nurse deserve such a large amount of money? They only save and enrich the lives of others. They work 24 hours a day; 7 days a week. every holiday, birthday, anniversary...............
And the next time I hear someone say, "you will get your reward in heaven", my reply will be, there will only be, other dedicated people; who have worked and paid their fair share, while they were here, on earth, why should they serve me?
I hope someone will rain on the parade, of those who have promoted the "trickle down theory "all these years. Only it will not be water or money hitting their umbrellas, it will be the manure they have been spreading, to deny the middle class, from obtaining the American dream!

Judy Opial, RN CHPN

]]> By: A. Halcomb http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/03/20/government-by-lynch-mob/comment-page-1/#comment-633685 A. Halcomb Fri, 20 Mar 2009 23:42:58 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=31734#comment-633685 The true outrage is all the congressmen and senators and the president who signed this bill apparently without reading it and then trying to blame someone else. If I signed a document without reading it that was this problematic my employer would fire me. The true outrage is all the congressmen and senators and the president who signed this bill apparently without reading it and then trying to blame someone else. If I signed a document without reading it that was this problematic my employer would fire me.

]]> By: Carla http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/03/20/government-by-lynch-mob/comment-page-1/#comment-633677 Carla Fri, 20 Mar 2009 23:38:23 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=31734#comment-633677 Thank you so much for writing! I 100% agree. I think that Allen above said it far better than I could. I need a government that can remain level headed even in the most difficult of times. Thank you so much for writing! I 100% agree. I think that Allen above said it far better than I could. I need a government that can remain level headed even in the most difficult of times.

]]> By: Jeff http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/03/20/government-by-lynch-mob/comment-page-1/#comment-633650 Jeff Fri, 20 Mar 2009 23:27:41 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=31734#comment-633650 I think congressional leaders should set an example and show their true patriotism by not getting paid for a year and do their job as a community service. Not all, but I'm sure the greedy secret deals they made in the past made them enough money to get by on for quite a few years. "Lead by example and others will follow" I think congressional leaders should set an example and show their true patriotism by not getting paid for a year and do their job as a community service.
Not all, but I'm sure the greedy secret deals they made in the past made them enough money to get by on for quite a few years.
"Lead by example and others will follow"

]]> By: Dulcie - Denver http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/03/20/government-by-lynch-mob/comment-page-1/#comment-633643 Dulcie - Denver Fri, 20 Mar 2009 23:21:16 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=31734#comment-633643 David Gergen, Ah, what a pleasure to hear from a cool and considered analyst! I really only became engaged in politics last August, when the DNC was here in Denver. I was encouraged and engaged by now-Pres. Obama and his message. And I still believe in it. Look, I think a big part of what's going on on Capital hill is partisan politics. Yes, Americans are in a particularly volatile mood these days, but the bonuses really don't amount to much in the big scheme of things. The GOP is on the sidelines poking at the American people and fomenting discontent. Don't get me wrong, we have reason to be discontented but whipping us into a froth isn't necessary. The GOP's ox has been well and truly gored and they're scrambling. About all they're capable of right now is pointing out every single foible of the new administration. Personally, I'm sick of both sides right about now. We, as a people, keep getting distracted by minutia: Who did what to whom and when? I honestly don't care. Meanwhile the Democratic party is still shouting 'Neener, neener' at the GOP, further inciting their opposite number to finger pointing and tsking. Look, a lot of the new agenda flies in the face of GOP fundamentals and they're having a tough time changing gears. They're angry and confused. I *support* the new agenda, but can we please stop with the finger-pointing and recreating the Spanish Inquisition? Lets get over it and MOVE ON! David Gergen,

Ah, what a pleasure to hear from a cool and considered analyst!

I really only became engaged in politics last August, when the DNC was here in Denver. I was encouraged and engaged by now-Pres. Obama and his message. And I still believe in it.

Look, I think a big part of what's going on on Capital hill is partisan politics. Yes, Americans are in a particularly volatile mood these days, but the bonuses really don't amount to much in the big scheme of things. The GOP is on the sidelines poking at the American people and fomenting discontent. Don't get me wrong, we have reason to be discontented but whipping us into a froth isn't necessary.

The GOP's ox has been well and truly gored and they're scrambling. About all they're capable of right now is pointing out every single foible of the new administration. Personally, I'm sick of both sides right about now. We, as a people, keep getting distracted by minutia: Who did what to whom and when? I honestly don't care.

Meanwhile the Democratic party is still shouting 'Neener, neener' at the GOP, further inciting their opposite number to finger pointing and tsking. Look, a lot of the new agenda flies in the face of GOP fundamentals and they're having a tough time changing gears. They're angry and confused. I *support* the new agenda, but can we please stop with the finger-pointing and recreating the Spanish Inquisition?

Lets get over it and MOVE ON!

]]> By: Joy in Seattle http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/03/20/government-by-lynch-mob/comment-page-1/#comment-633615 Joy in Seattle Fri, 20 Mar 2009 23:07:27 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=31734#comment-633615 The reason behind the new legislature does not change the fact that it is completely unacceptable to tax these people 90%. That turns someone who earns 250K into someone who earns 25K. This is a classic case of two wrongs do not make a right. The policy makers made a mistake. They just need to make sure it doesn' t happen again and cut their losses. The reason behind the new legislature does not change the fact that it is completely unacceptable to tax these people 90%. That turns someone who earns 250K into someone who earns 25K. This is a classic case of two wrongs do not make a right.

The policy makers made a mistake. They just need to make sure it doesn' t happen again and cut their losses.

]]> By: Mike http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/03/20/government-by-lynch-mob/comment-page-1/#comment-633592 Mike Fri, 20 Mar 2009 22:54:04 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=31734#comment-633592 David Gergen, I strongly applaud your voice of reason and moderation in the face of so much hysteria in Congress and in the media on the AIG retention bonuses. Passing a punitive tax bill will make many people feel they scored a victory for justice against the people who helped bring down the economy, but the legislative action will do nothing to help solve the global financial problems we face. I would have much rather that the govenrment pursue the clawback provisions built into the stimulus bill. Treasury has sent Congress a request for additional regulatory authority to deal with the potential insolvency of large financial institutions that are otherwise "too big to fail." Congress must give the administration the tools it needs to deal with this crisis. While the FDIC is able to seize depository banks, it does not have the ability to deal with the much larger and complex bank holding companies such as Citi and BoA, and non-bank financial institutions such as AIG. Congress should tone down the populist rhetotic and get back to dealing with the more serious challenges that threaten to bankrupt us all. David Gergen, I strongly applaud your voice of reason and moderation in the face of so much hysteria in Congress and in the media on the AIG retention bonuses. Passing a punitive tax bill will make many people feel they scored a victory for justice against the people who helped bring down the economy, but the legislative action will do nothing to help solve the global financial problems we face. I would have much rather that the govenrment pursue the clawback provisions built into the stimulus bill.

Treasury has sent Congress a request for additional regulatory authority to deal with the potential insolvency of large financial institutions that are otherwise "too big to fail." Congress must give the administration the tools it needs to deal with this crisis. While the FDIC is able to seize depository banks, it does not have the ability to deal with the much larger and complex bank holding companies such as Citi and BoA, and non-bank financial institutions such as AIG. Congress should tone down the populist rhetotic and get back to dealing with the more serious challenges that threaten to bankrupt us all.

]]> By: kalvin lee http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/03/20/government-by-lynch-mob/comment-page-1/#comment-633585 kalvin lee Fri, 20 Mar 2009 22:47:33 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=31734#comment-633585 All must bow to the allmighty AIG. since the dregs of modern society run the us government, the represenatives of the us government have no chance of withstanding the intellect of the allmighty AIG. All must bow to the allmighty AIG. since the dregs of modern society run the us government, the represenatives of the us government have no chance of withstanding the intellect of the allmighty AIG.

]]> By: Laura W http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/03/20/government-by-lynch-mob/comment-page-1/#comment-633214 Laura W Fri, 20 Mar 2009 19:32:46 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=31734#comment-633214 David Gergen - nice to see you. AIG and all of the outrage is a bit draining after a few days. When you think about it - we were already screwed long before AIG screwed us again. They just rubbed more salt in the wound. David Gergen – nice to see you. AIG and all of the outrage is a bit draining after a few days. When you think about it – we were already screwed long before AIG screwed us again. They just rubbed more salt in the wound.

]]> By: kristen http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/03/20/government-by-lynch-mob/comment-page-1/#comment-633200 kristen Fri, 20 Mar 2009 19:13:18 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=31734#comment-633200 Great piece, David. Very insightful! It seems that Congress wants to quickly become heroes of their own story by being the first to speak and the first to point a finger. It’s almost like there needs to be a day of silence in Congress where no one is allowed to speak for 24 hours. They just slow down, sit at their desks and think, then think some more about how to not try and be the hero. Obama could take a day of silence, too. Less doing and more focus would probably do him and his soul a lot of good. Have a great day! Great piece, David. Very insightful! It seems that Congress wants to quickly become heroes of their own story by being the first to speak and the first to point a finger. It’s almost like there needs to be a day of silence in Congress where no one is allowed to speak for 24 hours. They just slow down, sit at their desks and think, then think some more about how to not try and be the hero. Obama could take a day of silence, too. Less doing and more focus would probably do him and his soul a lot of good.

Have a great day!

]]> By: Raghava Manyapu http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/03/20/government-by-lynch-mob/comment-page-1/#comment-633199 Raghava Manyapu Fri, 20 Mar 2009 19:13:00 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=31734#comment-633199 It seems the Housing Refinance or Home Loan Modifications benefits are only or mainly meant for those who are having jobs now at this juncture, not for those 5 millions of people who lost their jobs and struggling to pay their mortgages. No Bank of Mortgage company is coming forward to the jobless people's rescue......Mr.President Obama "can you/your team diret the concerned authorities to help these people to get the Modificaton/ Refinance ASAP. Thanks Raghava It seems the Housing Refinance or Home Loan Modifications benefits are only or mainly meant for those who are having jobs now at this juncture, not for those 5 millions of people who lost their jobs and struggling to pay their mortgages.
No Bank of Mortgage company is coming forward to the jobless people's rescue......Mr.President Obama "can you/your team diret the concerned authorities to help these people to get the Modificaton/ Refinance ASAP.

Thanks
Raghava

]]> By: xtina, chicago IL http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/03/20/government-by-lynch-mob/comment-page-1/#comment-633197 xtina, chicago IL Fri, 20 Mar 2009 19:10:38 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=31734#comment-633197 the 90 percent tax was wrong; Im glad one of the persons receiving the bonus stood up to them. Congress is way out of control. the 90 percent tax was wrong; Im glad one of the persons receiving the bonus stood up to them. Congress is way out of control.

]]> By: teddy http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/03/20/government-by-lynch-mob/comment-page-1/#comment-633194 teddy Fri, 20 Mar 2009 19:07:38 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=31734#comment-633194 Hindsight is always 20/20. If AIG had come out and said we do not want these bonuses Congress has approved in the Stimulus Bill it would not have made the news. Besides this tax of 90%. I think they still would have paid over 50% in taxes anyways. Typical of Democratic Senators & Congressmen to act outraged when they are too blame in the first place. Should they taken the money no, should they viewed as crooks and greedy people no. Look at all the money that's being wasted on this non-material news item. Listen a month or two we won't even remember this. Definitely not a year from now. People out in the streets protesting should go home and work on their own lives and not be so concerned with other people. Hindsight is always 20/20. If AIG had come out and said we do not want these bonuses Congress has approved in the Stimulus Bill it would not have made the news.

Besides this tax of 90%. I think they still would have paid over 50% in taxes anyways. Typical of Democratic Senators & Congressmen to act outraged when they are too blame in the first place. Should they taken the money no, should they viewed as crooks and greedy people no.

Look at all the money that's being wasted on this non-material news item. Listen a month or two we won't even remember this. Definitely not a year from now.

People out in the streets protesting should go home and work on their own lives and not be so concerned with other people.

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