Evening Buzz: Stimulus Showdown
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/POLITICS/02/05/stimulus/art.staff.congress.jpg caption="Aides to the senators wait in the hall as Thursday's meeting takes place."]
Maureen Miller
AC360° Writer
We're covering breaking news on Capitol Hill tonight. The Senate still has to vote on Pres. Obama's stimulus plan. There was talk of an all-nighter. But we're told that's no longer the plan. So, what's the hang-up? We'll have the new details from CNN's Dana Bash and Ed Henry.
Just moments ago, Pres. Obama spoke at a retreat for House Democrats in Virginia. He called on the Senate to pass the stimulus plan. It felt like a campaign speech, a campaign to get the deal done. We'll play the passionate plea for you.
There's also new fallout over Michael Phelps' bong hit seen around the world. One endorsement deal has gone up in smoke. And, the Olympic hero has been suspended from competitive swimming for three months.
Do you agree with the punishment?
And, could there be a change soon at the Supreme Court? Justice Ruth Bader Gisburg is hospitalized tonight after undergoing surgery for pancreatic cancer. Will she step down? And, if so, who might be her replacement.
We'll have these stories and more tonight on AC 360°.
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Filed under: Maureen Miller • The Buzz |
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To counteract the same ole divisive tactics of the repubs we need to keep our cool and support the President. Don't they realize that anytime you remodel you have to spend money. America needs a remodel and they're squabbling about the taxes they'll have to pay on the paint before we've even started construction.
I think the Republicans are going to be very surprised when they return to their districts if this bill is not passed. They may be looking for a job themselves. I think these old men need to step aside and give it to some younger minds. It's becoming apparent they have learned nothing from the mistakes of the past eight years. They want to continue down the same path. All of the grand standing needs to stop and they need to get on with the business of taking care of this country. Past the BILL already!!!
The Republicans seem to think that it is better to give Americans a hand out (tax cuts) as a means to stimulate the economy. This is short term plan that leads to no benefit. Americans want jobs, not a hand out. If you give money to job less people, they will hold on to that money for bills and basic needs. This will not support the retailers that are suffering due to a lack of confidence. It is like that old saying, if you give a man food today, he will need it again tomorrow, if you give him a means to grow his own food, he will be self sufficient from that moment onward. Americans are not beggars and pan handlers. We need our government to assist in generating jobs so that we can EARN our money. Tell those Republicans that insist on making pan handlers out of us to think higher of the American resolve. We are better than they think we are!! Support the stimulus package!!!
Let me get this right.
Bill Clinton smoked pot but didn't inhale, George W. Bush was arrested for DUI and Barack Obama snorted cocaine yet all three became President of the United States.
Michael Phelps does a bong hit and for that he loses an endorsement and is suspended. Maybe he should run for President.
Phelps in 2012.
Am I missing something here!!! Presient Obama was talking to Democrats – The CNN ticker stated "President fires up House Democrats at Annual Retreat". This speech was directed at Democrates, he could have said something similar (but not the same) to Republcans if he were talking to them, this is called 'Partisonship'. Obama promised to keep his doors open at all times to both Republicans and Demorats. He also stated the "BILL" was not perfect and expected the Democrats and Republicans to make it the best they could by working together. My thought is that it WAS sent in "as is" for a purpose (Figure it out, I did).
We all live with compromise everyday especially through the hard times, that is what life is! Should we not expect our Senators to do the same!!! We hired them and pay them to do just that.
Vote YES!
Where is Ben Bernanke? This man may have the rare ability to truly comprehend what is going on. He most likely knows which unpopular actions may or must be taken. President Obama is one man. He needs true men and women to step up and lay it on the line (Positive or Constructively against). Whether planned or not...there are very few true leaders who are stepping up to the plate. The time is now. Who is going to lead. I would like to believe that this is the time where intelligent, moderate, resourceful, and passionate people can both advance their careers and their country's interest at the same time.
It was great to see President Obama take a strong stand this evening for working class Americans. He has emphasized and I concur that the time to act is NOW! Americans are hurting and angry over our rapidly declining economy and we voted President Obama into office to change the status quo, to think outside of the box and to take action. Therefore, I urge ALL Americans to rally behind our new leader and support the stimulus plan. I am blessed to be amongst those that are still gainfully employed, to be a homeowner able to make my mortgage payment each month, but my heart bleeds every time I turn on the news and hear the latest unemployment figures, the growing foreclosure rates, etc. I support President Obama and his administration 100%. As for Phelps, I think his actions demonstrate he is human and makes mistakes like the rest of us. Clearly he is being made an example of. My prayers are with Justice Gisburg for a full and complete recovery. I think it is unfair to speculate as to whether or not she will return to the high court – time will tell.
Why do these people just learn to get along. Roll up their sleeves and get with the program to get the country back on track. They just don't get it do they? Stop holding the country for ransom. Are they not aware of the long term effects not only on themselves but their children, grand children , great grand children and the country as a whole.
Why don't they just stop playing cops and robbers here stop playing the blame game , stop sleeping on the job. Peoples lives are at stake. Put your differences aside and do the job that the taxpayers elected you and are paying you all to do.
We have all watched the Republican party shrink from a national to a regional party from the 2008 election season. If we continue to watch, we will see them shrink completely out of existence with this latest stupidity over the stimulus package. Go GOP!, Gone!!
Stimulate the economy? Take $150 billion and put 2.5 million people back to work. You pay them $12.50 per hour for 40 hours per week.
these people can inspect levies, fill potholes , clean up trash on roads and highways, clean the national parks, landscape, paint, etc.
This would get people off unemployment, paying taxes, spending money on their families, pay for insurance under a group plan, and much more.
This would also make them feel better about themselves and give them a sense of pride.
As someone who is unemployed and have no benefits, I would certainly apply for this kind of job.
please let me know what you think and maybe pass this along to some of these Senators and Representatives.Thank you.
Let's be honest, we need a form of stimulus- create a package with stimulus for the economy NOT one with 40 years of social programs our grandchildren and their children will be paying for.
Bipartisan stance- talk the talk and walk the walk Mr O'Bama – if you are going to reach across the aisle then really listen because lip service does not cut it.
Governing is different from campaigning....points are dropping and support on this bill from the public is simply skeptical. I have faith, support the idea but it has to be the right idea...not one sided--
Create a clean bill – NOT a Pelosi Bill...she really is the worst thing part of the Democratic Party. If this bill passes as is- we will be in trouble for many years to come, get the pork out, give us true stimulus- for one, Washington, do the right thing!!!
I cannot believe some of what I am reading on this blog. Obama is not trying to include the republicans in creating this bill. Dont forget he WON!! that is what he told them. Pelosi completely bypassed the repubs and passed what could possibly be the worst bill ever. Has anyone even looked into what actually is IN the bill. I think everyone can agree that a stimulus is needed Dems and Repubs alike. Many on here have stated about housing help and infrastructure but, no housing help at all anywhere in here. Infrastructure very little. Obama himself said tonight it is a SPENDING bill. He is trying to bully the Repubs into a bad bill so when it tanks he can blame someone else. The pork has got to go. Then and only then do I think the bill can pass with support from both sides. But, if you all think that billions spent on sexually transmitted diseases, new cars for the federal govt, plans for a new icebreaker, and so many more crazy pork spending you get what you deserve. They may sound like good intentions and they may possibly be but they do not belong in a STIMULUS package.
Go Mr. Acerman!!!!! it's about time someone makes people accountable.
Giving away money solves nothing. The catylist for the economic meltdown ($4.00+gal.) gasoline seems to be forgotten, but it still exists and will return, unless we turn this stimulus money toward retooling our cars to run on Natural gas. This will create all the jobs we need for decades to come and provide a transition period to further explore developing battery technologies, while we eliminate our dependence on forign oil, and address our pollution emmisions.
Anderson: I have a concern welling up that I also hear in almost everyone else I meet in Little Town USA. All we ever hear is how the Corporate and Banking industries are so distraut over being on the verge of Bankruptcies (sounds almost like a PUN thrown in) but Billions, Trillions, Bailouts all for those who want to save their golden lives and at the same time take billions in tribute for doing such a terrific lousy job. Has everyone in Washington been "smoking up," or are they really that stupid, inept and greedy. We all know, they are all bought and paid for, and the pay-offs they have all accepted (including the newly cropped up campaigns for Obama from the service unions, now wanting their Godfather to do them a favor). I put it to you and all the rest of the news reporters and investigators, to "bare the souls" of these white collar criminals on national TV and stop just reporting things they feed everyone to razzle-dazzle the public. There is surely a way to prosecute the greedy politicians, CEO'S, and Bankers of this country for Rape of the citizens who trusted them to take care of their money for years of toil and service to this country. We were looking to our own retirements only to see how they Bankrupted the entire system.. The silent majority is about to become very vocal and I fear the worst if these clowns think they can escape retribution from betrayed people whose very lives they Trashed for the sake of their own greed.. I do applaud your efforts and those who are scrambling to uncover this "watergate" of wallstreet and banking-corporate America. If I did this type of crime, I would be bankrupt and thrown out on the street.... They get millions and golden parachutes. What would you do..? Truthfully. Thank you, Virgil Loyd
Whether you voted for President Obama or not, he is now our leader. We are the people that should be helping to govern our country. I am asking the president to keep to his promise he made" any proposed bills would no longer have special interest groups fat/pork added to the bills". This new stimulus package has plenty of that.
I have asked him to go back to the first stimulus package and insist that the banks and large organizations that received our tax money account for every penny that was given to them. The government tightly regulates how every penny is spent that healthcare organizations receive from the medicare system (Your TAX Dollars). Yet we are not going to require the fat cats at banks to account for the money they were instructed to use to stimulate the economy????
The banks were supposed to use that money to help your neighbors refinance or rewrite their mortgages so they could stay in their homes. Why are we taking more tax dollars to loan money to people that don't have it to pay it back?? The banks should be required to extend the current loans and lower the interest rates of those folks.
the truth is their are approximately 300 million people in our country. We could give each person a million dollars and bail them out of their debt, with out having to bail out the big private companies that got themselves into this mess through greed.
you do not have to agree with me on any of this and I know the above solution is not really a solution for the whole mess, but it would certainly help the people that need it the most at a much lower cost than what our governmental experts are trying to do. We have to work together to make the government work for the people. Another stimulus package like the one that is being suggested is just another hasty, not well thought out solution.
So far there are no clear expectations or rules as to how it will be monitored. Please don't allow it to happen this way again. Our children will be left with little to nothing to work with in 15 to 20 years.
I really agree with President Obama when he crusified the big companies for taking taxpayers money then going on retreats.but i have a problem with what he has done this evening. taking that trip to the democratic retreat was really wrong. he'd been more responsible by not wasting all that money it took for him to go for a 5 or 10 minute speech. it also makes me mad that it seems he's going to get a pass.
It doesn't surprise me one bit that the stimulous bill hasn't passed – not with the Republican grandstanders; McCain, Graham, Boehner, etc. getting their obstinent views across the tube. and w/o any regard for the people of America who are suffering. When the President was elected, one of the GOP stated that "their job" was to oppose anything that Obama tries to get passed. It looks as if Power to the GOP is most important and they need it back. Their job is to see Obama fail ( ala Rush Limbaugh) so they can set their sights on 2012. What a coincidence that Michael Steele now heads the GOP. Anything to get back the White House, How devious. So much for working together McCain.
The Republican party wants to play the role of the hero, but there are several problems when it comes to these outrageous antics. The Republicans need to remember that we are in the sinking boat were in, because of their failed policies over the past eight years. They cannot stand the thought of seeing President Obama succeed. Every American should know that the Republican party, and everything they are doing to stop the success of the Presidents stimulus package is not in the best interests of our country! It is time to look out for the best interests of regular Americans, rather than the hidden agenda filled, so called principals of the Republican party. They were stomped in the presidential election, and now they just want to see our country fail, no matter what the costs. This is just the beginning of us watching out of touch Republicans disagree with our new president. It will not stop until they get their way, and it does not matter how much the Republicans hurt our country. They simply do not care about their country, or the people which are the backbone of America. They will not stop until our country fails under President Obama lead. I believe Rush Limbaugh is nothing better than a terrorist. He should be arrested for wishing failure on our country!
Michael Phelps should be punished....don't get me wrong...I love the guy...I was in awe during the olympics....but come on....last year drunk driving incident didn't set him straight....hey...if he doesn't get some kind of punishment than what are our young people going to think....be a superstar and get away with illegal activities. Too many people have been punished for far less.
Why is it so difficult for some of our leaders to put their egos aside and come together for the good of the majority? How often does President Obama say if you have any good ideas come forward with them? Have our Senators and Representatives not had those classes in the Middle School "working" in a group to solve problems together! Isn't that their job ..and if they can't do it, then the President has to speak louder. Every time I speak to one of my friends, somebody else is being laid off. Shame on both sides for again not remembering the poeple of this country.
AC and Erica, please talk about all the good points that are in the plan. PS. I love the republican Senator from Maine who seems to understand, just by communicating and caring, so why can't other listen and learn to communicate.
As a strong supporter and lifelong Democrat, I am deeply disappointed in President Obama's extreme partisanship and inability to bring the two parties together on a stimuls bill. Here is my suggestion on how this might happen.
Both parties would agree on an amount for a stimulis bill, such as 800 billion dollars. Then each party would have an amount equal to the percentage of Democrats and Republicans in the Senate
to use as each caucus feels would best be spent.
Thus, with a total of 800 billion, the Democrats would control 59% of this amount or 472 billion and the Republicans 41% or 328 billion. This seems to be a fair way to handle this issue.
I dont see anything wrong with the repulicans asking for $100bil cut in unnecessary spending and tax cut...everyone is painting them as the bad guyz...dont forget they also represent the people...
That is the truth, we vote for these people who are packaged and marketed to us. They go out and give the same speech over and over and a few shots at their good looking families.
Do they really know anything about economics when we send them to congress and yet they are supposed to guide our nations finances. Maybe we better stop looking at white toothy smiles and find out what they really know before we vote them into office.
I applud President Obama for trying to bring both sides together. There has been so much hate mongering on both sides the whole country has been allowed to come to a stand still.
I, along with other Americans, are tired of listening to myriads of interpretations about the Stimulus Budget. Please be honest with the American people and let them know that the argument in Congress is frivolous. Arguing that the bill is a spending plan and not an economic stimulus plan, while suggesting that a tax cuting plan is not spending, but an incentive for the wealthy and business owners to invest in expanding the economy. Such arguments are just plain politics. If someone cuts taxes to the tune hundred of thousand of dollars or even millions, you are not going to deposit the excess tax money in your business account to expnad your business, but rather you will borrow the money to expand and write the cost of capital off against future taxes.
The federal government does not have excess income. Therefore, cutting taxes has the same effect as spending.
Please keep them honest and stop these frivolous arguments and tactics.
Eric
Anny Kate – regarding your comment about Michael Phelps..
Enough with letting folks getting away with murder. He is supposed to be a role model for our sons. It's time we start holding people accountable for their actions and stop coming up with excuses.
America has been plagued with moral bankruptcy for so many years which is why we're in the mess we're in now.
I support the Presiden't stimulus package and am furious that the Replicans in particular are trying to the best of their ability to trip up the new president, especially former presidential LOSER candidate John McCain.
The republicans have helped plunder and pillage our country and I am sick of it. I truly believe that President Obama cares for the people and is working for the people.
Also I am furious that former Vice President Cheney was given air time to deliver his apocalyptic sentence that hundreds of thousands of american people may die from a terrorist attack -AGAIN REPUBLICAN FEAR MONGERING TO KEEP THE WAR ALIVE IN IRAQ AND ALLOW THE BUSH REGIME TO CONTINUE ON THEIR INFAMOUS WORLD TOUR OF PLUNDERING AND PILLAGING FOR THEIR OWN GAIN.
Why would you give air time for cheney when he never poked his head out of his hole during his 8 year term as vice president.
Contact your senators and congressman and tell them to get this stimulus plan passed NOW! Economists agree that govt spending is what is needed to create jobs and stimulate demand for products and services. We are losing more jobs everyday – this is not the time for ideological discussions – this is the time for COMPROMISE and ACTION. TELL THEM TO GET IT DONE!
The stimulus bill does not need to be passed as is. Seems to me that President Obama is bullying the Republicans in order to appease the far left. Doesn't look like he knows the meaning of bipartisanship. President Obama has to tell the Democrats and Republicans to clean up the bill, take out pet projects to reduce the cost for taxpayers who will be paying the bills. We need a stimulus bill that helps the people and the economy but not this one.
I think the president and some of the media have forgotten that 57 million people did not vote for the Democratic Candidates. Here in TX there is no support at all for the Stimulus Giveaway. I think the President just does not understand that our Representatives in Challenging the Parts of this bill that will not do anything to put people back to work quickly are responding to what those of us folks in the Red States of the US think. Mr. President, you might have won, but we still have a responsibility to say no to things we feel are not right. I am one american who does not think this is such a great idea. You might also look to the fact that economists around the world have serious doubts about the size of this giveaway
Why are reporters addressing our new president as Mr Obama or Barack or Obama or Barack Obama.
This is so disrespectful.
There are only 2 ways to address the president
Mr President or President Obama
Stop this in your industry now! I have heard 5 different reporters address the president as Mr Obama and I am sick of your industries lack of professionalism and disrespect.
The President is correct-we need to act. The republications lost the white house because their policies failed the country. The President is trying to work with them but it takes two and Senator McConnell has no idea what the word 'bi-partisan' means and he proves it everytime he speaks.
The President needs us to support him-write/email/call Senator McConnell and tell him to stop be a obstructionist,. As the President said this is not the time for gamesmanship.
Mary Jo
Union, Ky
This Stimulus Bill is very exciting and explosive. I will be glad when they calm down and bring forth peace. I like all the diversity in spending for this Stimulus Bill. I need the parks, street lights, and buildings for pleasure and necessity. These items describe the infrastructure and drive for change. Pass the Bill. Just pass the Bill.
In like manner, Anderson is a people-person, has people-skill, and displays people-interest. Apparently, Anderson's knowledge, skill and ability may serve to explain the Stimulus Bill. A job that is well done and expands on today's news.
Call your senators and congressman and tell them to compromise and GET THIS STIMULUS PLAN PASSED.
How many Billions was it that we spent in Iraq , was it not close to a Trillion ? Not a word mentioned against it... oops Obama did!!. But anyway while bridges were falling here in America
not one cent of that money profited any Americans except our War-profiteers from Cheney on down . It seems pretty stupid to me to complain about dollars being spent here in America on Americans and not shipped to Dubai where Halliburton has moved so they won't have to pay U.S. taxes.
Americans are scared, scared of losing their job, their home and even their families. I believe the President to be sincere in his desire to help Americans, but it is clear that politics are more important than people.
Did you know that you could help 30,000,000 (yes million) Americans with their at risk mortgages and pending foreclosures for 12 month for $540 Billion (avg. mortgage of $1500 for 12 months).
With those 30,000,000 secure for at least a year, spending would increase. With those 30,000,000 mortgages secure, banks would be in a better position to lend. And most important, the fear that is running through America would be calmed. Why is no one thinking about this...politics...
I took the time today to watch C-span to see what was happening in the Senate. I listened to Republican Senator Hume from SD give us a lesson on how many times we could circle the earth or how high we could stack one trillion dollars. I was completely disgusted with the rhetoric. Don't the republicans get it? People are hurting. Some are hanging by a thread. These same senators who are screaming about spending on the American workers are the same who willing gave to the Iraq war along with the blood of our young. I just hope the people of Ohio, SD, Arizona, etc. see their lawmakers at work and get rid of them at the next election. I was not amused watching Senator McCain entertain his fellow senators on the floor of the Senate. I'm glad McCain has something to laugh about. The Bush years have taken all the glee out of my life.
I have contacted by Republican Senator from PA (Specter). I hope everyone else does the same.
Catherine
New Hope, PA
I feel there is a major meltdown in the global markets not only the USA . This happened over a long period of time not only during Bush's administration. I think Clinton dropped the tariffs from trade with other countries which is when our jobs started going out of the USA. Isn't that what the politicians wanted. This would help the economy so they said. But , I guess it didn't work. Congress and the House, and everyone else in politics don't have to worry about next year or ten years from now. They are set. They will continue to get paid even when out of office. So why not hurry up and pass this thing, what do they have to loose. We need to take serious time and discussions before investing all this money into a lot of unnecessary things. Once it is done , it is DONE!!!! If some people , businesses, banks ect. lose out then to bad. Maybe they need to start over with fresh ideas and new CEO's who will work a little harder for their millions of dollars. Not many middle class people so to say, could even fathom at making 500,00 dollars a year, but oh yeah , maybe that company doesn't need the money now since he wants a cap, but oh yeah, we need to rush into this thing. Maybe start putting some more restrictions on our money we the tax payers will be paying for the rest of our life's and our childrens to keep those who did this in the first place safe in their jobs. But no matter what we the little guys are going to continue to loose jobs because there are none.
Big business has treated the Americans as a throw away society, they have moved jobs out of America, causing loss of jobs yet still sell their wears here at a high price...I say take your jobs to other countries, work away from American people....Sell your wears else where!!!!!Americans dont want them!!!!!!!And you have made your last dime from the backs and sweat of working people...How bout, selling your jewels cars fancy 5 homes, and spend it on the poor children in America who go to bed hungry, beaten and abused..Because they are poor!!!!!! Because their fathers lost their American job to other countries cheap payed workers..SUPPORT OUR MAN IN CHARGE!!!!!!.
Hopefully the stimulus package will pass. I'm tired of the Republican mentality of tax breaks, etc. Eight years has ultimately gotten us where we are now. Obviously it didn't work. It's refreshing to hear a new vision. Let's move forward.
We, the people, the working class, are collateral damage to the Senate Republicans. We need help on elm street. It's a nightmare here. We need the Real Deal.
For the first time in 8 years we have a president who really cares about the people in this country, why is it that R. politiciants want to make things difficult for him and at the same time continue punishing the American people, when they are ones to blame for the state of the economy.
President Obama's speech is invigorating. Our traditional politicians could learn a thing or two from him. It is so refreshing to see a President that is finally working for the people.....the ones who work have for very little....Our politicians need to come together to get the recoveray plan....and lets call it that people pass so that hard working Americans can start working again...we need to build the middle class and help the working poor.
Your coverage as usual just stoked up the negative aspects of his speech ( yes you played the more positve aspects) but then concentrated on the lack of Bi -partisanship throughout the commentary.
Lets put into perspective what happened here:-
1) He met republicans something Bush never did.
2) The republicans in the house 100 % against.. who is lacking any bipartisan ship whatsoever.
3) The minimum tax was added, and a few things deleted from the spending side.
4) Amidst all that what does Mccain/ other republicans do but put forward the same solutions they had used over the last 8 years, Tax cuts which clearly did not work!!
Only yesterday you were telling Obama he was losing the battle of words and now when he fights back in that war of words he is wrong again. Nice work Talking heads, catch 22 all the time!! It helps noone.
In previous articles there was a Republican list of about $20bn they said should be cut .So I think todays vote delay may turn out to be The night of 3:00am phone calls by Obama and the team and cabinet to tell Dems what they must cut, and then vote for otherwise he will veto certain things, or all of it. And can then say to republicans I cut what you asked now where's the support?? he has another 2 weeks to play that card, but would rather Senate dems do it for him rather than publicly force the issue.
There are of course ideological issues in the bill for Republicans, but they must face the economic facts and situation or pay the price with voters. He has stuck more faithfully to his Election policies than most new presidents accross the boardof Economy, wars, diplomacy and other issues.
Regards,
Hodgson.
Include the following in the stimulus package:
Instead of massive layoffs, have the employers cut back the regular hours from 40 to 30 hours for all employees instead of laying off some of the employees. This way, folks could feed their families.
The Stimulus Packets need to be passed quickly , If the Republicans have new ideas great lets hear them. If we are talking about taxes cuts that is part of the problem.
This is what makes the average American fell as though politicians don't under stand what really going on . I live in the Bay Area were stores are closing everyday and I am watching neighborhoods change for the worse, something needs to happen soon.
It doesn't take a genius to see where our economy is going if it doesn't get the help it needs soon!! I cannot for the life of me understand what the fight is about on the hill. Don't people get it? I thought these so-called elected officials had to be smart to run for office...I am totally convinced they are all total idiots who lack the balls to make a decision!!!! What's going to happen is this mess is going to cost us alot more than the 1 trillion dollars everyone is fighting about. Since we've never been in this position before, how in world does one expect someone to know what the right answer is, the right amount of $, the right time, the right plan. If someone out there has a sure fire answer to this world economic problem, then step forward!!! This problem is neither a republican problem nor a democrate problem, it's an American problem!!!! That simple. Quit swabbling, quit wasting time, quit evading the issue, and get to work!!!! That's what we pay you to do.
I am glad the President Obama is promoting a Stimuls package. HOWEVER, there are way to many pet projects in both the House and Senate Bill. The only things that should pass in this bill are those items that will truly stimulate the economy....and there should be a lot of debate and scrutiny to ONLY allow those items that stimulate the economy....everything else should be dropped.
I'd rather wait 3 weeks (and yes lose more jobs...and by the way, I just lost my job) in order to ensure this bill is SMALL, FOCUSED, and Responsible (read stimulus only)
Rushing this massive stimulus bill as absurd as Obama's scolding speech. The Democrat's stimulus bill used the crisis to push irresponsible spending favoring the democrat agenda. Legislators on both side agree a plan is imperative, but NOT a suicidal bill.
Castigating the the economy for 4 month and implying weatlh redistribution contributed the loss of public confidence in the financial system and paved the way for expecting handouts.
The stimulus has 1 billion dollars for nuclear weapons manufacturing.
I don't think we need this in the bill. This doesn't mean jobs. It mean spending on beefing up the Nukes when the world is crying for non proliferation and the economy tanking. We need accountability, transparency and help for the people and not the banks.