You're right Joe...

Why should that douche bag care about those of us who have lost their job and can't find another one?

I support his objection. If we can find billions to send around the world to help other countries, why can't we find the money to help people here without the Government going further in debt. I assume all of you that are condemning this man were also condemning Bush for running up deficits. This is what he is trying to stop.

Also, if you read it closely nobody will lose anything unless they can't agree by the end of March. "About 1.1 million people could lose benefits in the unlikely event the impasse lasts through March".

It is about time someone drew a line in the sand and said we have to fix our problems without increasing the deficit. Perhaps we should ask our elected officials to give up some of their billions in pork projects to help the people. Like Reid and Franks and Pelosi would do that. No, for them it is spend spend spend and borrow borrow borrow.

How long can any of us continue to live on a 1/4 of what we were earning?

This extension is ONLY for 1 month, why? Jobs are not coming back in the next month! What about next month? Everybody in Congress knows that we don't have the money, and that is why they are doing this hard job every month, now (Even the Democrats, they asked for ONLY 1 Month!).

Last time Congress passed an extension (Dec 09) they made it for 6 months!

With an extension needed for each month, Congress is just setting up debate every month! More Congressional Delegates would in fact be doing the same thing each continued month.

He is not a hero, but only because he is not giving an alternative to this problem.

One point I would like to see is Reversing the School Start section. As written now if you Start School while on Unemployment you lose your benefits, because, your not available for work! Retraining has been widely preached as the only way to get Americans Back to Work, but without jobs and money it is pretty hard to get there!

Why do these scumbags have to sneak in other items in bills rather than have the guts to debate each on its own merits.

The benefits are part of a larger package of government programs,

OH, so all is not as it seems. The headline leads one to believe this was a simple case of the mean, nasty, heartless republicans out to get the little people, nothing could be further from the truth. This is the oldest of many liberal democrat tricks, sandwich something everyone wants, that is extended benefits for the unemployed, in with a bunch of crap that further bloats an already hopelessly overspent budget. Wake up people. You should be raging, white hot mad at legislators of any party who are willing to play these types of games with people who are truly desperate. If the democrats are soooo concerned about extending benefits, why didn't they introduce it on its own merits, then let senators vote up or down on it? I'll tell you why, because this was never meant to be anything more than a political trap from the beginning. ASS HOLE DEMOCRATS!

“Unemployment insurance is a pre-paid vacation for freeloaders.”

Ronald Reagan

I want to respond to Chick. Chuck must have a job, because he doesn't fully understand the issue. I will loose all benefits as of the 28th. My extension which was slated for 20 weeks was not funded for the whole time. I only received 8 weeks. So we do lose and we lose now. So If you don't understand what you are talking about please don't waste our time.

Gramps: The use of quotation marks doesn't make your claim that Reagan said those words believable. Provide a link, please.

Hey Gramps, I remember that quote! Do you know when or where Reagan said that?

Why are we not using this money to fund re-training of people for jobs that EXIST???? Companies are discovering that they did not need all those people that they layed off in order to function. Do people honestly believe all those jobs will ever come back??

Give a man a fish and he'll eat for a day... TEACH a man to fish and he'll never go hungry. Does that ring a bell, anyone?

Hey gramps, How much do you make a year? Or better yet how much did your parents make? Some of us have to work to support our families, and don't have a cushion.

How about we stop GIVING people FREE MONEY and let them do what Americans all over the country have done for decades...

Find a job or MAKE a job for yourself.

Oh but of course that would go against the agenda of making the people dependant on the federal government which is part of a much bigger plan.

What job have you ever made? What do you do for a living?

Especially when your policies probably contributed to the economic decline that resulted in the job loss.

Leave it to the GOP. They would probably make good WalMart executives...probably.

Newsvine Shaun is posting personal attacks against people posting here. I would ask that he be removed.

As for your criticisms of me Shaun, I do have a job and you could too. As I drive around my home in southeast Wisconsin I see help wanted signs on many business windows. But alas these jobs might be below your dignity and we need to find illegals to work there.

As far as when your benefits run out goes, I was just quoting what the report said. If you have a beef direct is at the author.

What job have you ever made? What do you do for a living?

I started my own marketing services company with NO money and NO credit 4 years ago after being laid off.

Find something you are passionate about and use your brain. You CAN make your own job if you are willing to work hard enough AND smart enough.

ALL of that is besides the point.

Our country is BANKRUPT. YES THE WALL STREET BAILOUTS WERE HORRIBLY WRONG. THAT WRONG DOES NOT MAKE IT RIGHT TO CREATE A PERPETUAL WELFARE STATE IN AMERICA EITHER.

Hey Shaun your obviously one of those effected by this. So sorry!

But wouldn't a job be better then this check?

There are ways to start businesses. One problem most new businesses have it making less for the first few years then what your used to! I am sure your unemployment is far less then what your used too!?

Good Luck, I prayed for you and your family!

The idea that people without get mad at those with, is assnine! It would make more sense to befriend them and learn; therefore, you are taught to help yourself!

Gramps is probably living on Social Security and Medicare. You betcha!

I'm going to be pissed if I get thrown off my UE benefits I desperatly need right now because of some political cat and mouse game. I'm a Republican but this isn't something to @!$%# around on. Many people's well beings are depending on extension of benefits like mine.

But, I thought that Republicons wanted Americans to have jobs and/or job benefits?

LOL!

Only for the richest 2%, of course!

Looks like the Senate has adjourned for the weekend. No extension. Well, at least I get payments on my current extension through March 29.

I have a hard time feeling sorry for unemployed people who find time to blog on Newsvine when they should be out looking for a job. That is the problem created by a society that pays people not to work. Reagan wasn't totally right about unemployment. Some people turn it into a profession. You wouldn't know any of those people would you Shaun?

YOU'RE ALL GETTING YOUR PANTIES BUNCHED UP OVER A SIMPLE SOLUTION!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Look, our country is broke. We NO longer make enough money (GDP) to pay our bills (Debt). None of us want to see our fellow Americans suffer during this economic meltdown.

So, we have two simple options,,,,

1) Borrow or print more money, thus adding to our $1.56 Trillion and $12.42 Trillion dollar National Debt, which I'm sure we can ALL agree we don't want to do.

2) Cut our government budget.

Now, I know many here on this thread believe our government has an endless supply of money. WE DON'T!!!!! Out of our $3.51 Trillion Dollar Budget $457 Billion is government employees wages and benefits. If we reduce their budget by 2.192% we can continue to cover this shortfall indefinately.

Before any of you start ranting about taking from the income of government employed Americans let me point out to you that the average federal wage is $68,740 per year. The average private-sector wage is $42,270 per year.

Why are we the citizens that pay for our government making less than they do?

Jobs are starting to come back slowly. I was unemployed for 65 weeks and I just recently landed a job. I'm very fortunate. People out there are hurting and they need help. Whether the government cuts another program or borrows the cash these people need help. You should not try to balance a budget on the backs of those who are suffering and trying to survive. That is completely wrong.

td3k

You should not try to balance a budget on the backs of those who are suffering and trying to survive. That is completely wrong.

OK, if you insist. Then we'll just have to take the $125.57 a month out of your paycheck.

This way, you're right, we won't have to balance the budget.

Durbin is an idiot. And I thought we passed PAYGO since the last time this was extended. You know, pay for it first? To paraphrase a famous anecdotal saying attributed to Congressman Davy Crockett, "It's not your money to give, Mr BONEHEAD Senator Durbin."

Go USA-851295

"Unemployment insurance is a pre-paid vacation for freeloaders."
California Governor Ronald Reagan, in the Sacramento Bee, April 28, 1966

OK, if you insist. Then we'll just have to take the $125.57 a month out of your paycheck.

Rogue: I'm not sure how you calculated that amount but as someone who knows what extended unemployment feels like, I'd be willing to contribute. Now that I'm working again at least I'll be contributing back into the pot instead of taking out. I don't mind helping people who need it. I certainly appreciate the help that I received.

Nukester

"It's not your money to give, Mr BONEHEAD Senator Durbin."

You are right.

But the typical Progressive/Liberal feels it IS his money to just keep giving and giving and giving. That's how we find ourself in the massive debt hole we're in. Rather than take $125 a month out of our over-payed, benefit and pension laden government workers the Liberals just keep borrowing.

Durbin said. Addressing Bunning, he said, "Find a way to express your political views that's not at the expense of these people."

With all due respect Mr. Durbin, you're an IDIOT!!!!!

This is not purely a political view, theis is a RESPONSIBLE attempt to try and start balancing our budget. Even though the $10 BILLION is a tiny fraction of our massive debt it all adds up.

Obviously Progressives and Liberals can't add let alone subtract!

"Unemployment insurance is a pre-paid vacation for freeloaders." - Ronald Reagan

Gramps: The use of quotation marks doesn't make your claim that Reagan said those words believable. Provide a link, please.

According to Brainy Quote.com, that quote is indeed attributed to Reagan.

It's truly sickening to see just how much disdain and contempt some Republicans have for those who need assistance in times of trouble. Their lack of compassion or love for mercy leaves me to wonder how many of them can claim to believe in God since it appears many of them have no souls at all.

This is not a deficit issue you fools. It's a fairness issue.

The fact that the Republican party would stand idly by while vulgar bonuses are being given out to the bankers we bailed out after they put our economy into the dumper and not assist those who are still jobless as a direct result of those same bankers' greed is just criminal.

Tell us again oh marvelous Party of NO how you care so deeply for the American people. What a bunch of crap. Truth is you all...Dems too...sit back with your money and health care and don't give a rat's A** about working Americans who AREN'T employed right now. I am so sick of all of you...

Per the article..."Senators said more than a million rural television viewers would not be able to watch local stations on their satellite systems without an extension."... Oh, the horror! I see the torches and pitchforks of the mob now...

Workers pay for some unemployment benefits, and their employers - and the Federal Gov't makes states borrow to extend those benefits if the State kitty runs dry. Let the unemployment run dry, let the health care/Social Security situations tank - until things get so bad that there is a hue and cry throughout the land, NOTHING will really change - including Congress.

America is broke, maybe we should end the spending - wars, welfare (especially corporate welfare), "pork", unfunded Federal mandates to States - a 5 year moratorium on Federal gov't spending. Of course, we'd have virtually a 3rd world civilization - sooner, than later - if nothing is done.

OK, I'VE HAD ENOUGH OF YOU BLEEDING HEART PROGRESSIVE/LIBERALS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Explain to me exactly HOW do you plan to pay off our DEBT????????

AND, if you're reply is to do what Obama is doing, explain to me what HIS plan is.

I'm eager to hear it straight from the Liberals mouth.

Well this is the wake up call I've talked about 1.1 million people will lose their benefits and this is the first wave, which means these people are the first to receive unemployment benefits, now you multiply that by the average say $300.00 per week Wow that's a hell of a lot of money that will not be spent back into the economy now that's per week how many people do you think will get laid off when that happens and hell that's only the first ones that got laid off remember we averaged about 430,000 per week, that will be the amount losing their benefits every month, anyone that has a job now will face unemployment in the near future that's a fact, and come November guess what all these unemployed people will want someone's head

since corporations and small business's aren't creating jobs, how about using the low interest business loan money to fund unemployment and training or all of that money used to fund banks at 0% interest....goldmans sachs has money, they took the 0% interest money from the govt. and bought govt. treasury bills at 4% return.......maybe I could do that instead of getting my state unemployment check !!.....oh yeah, we should make sure that nobody from Republican Sen. Jim Bunning's family ever recieves a dime of state or federal money, ever.....it's Ok to fund 2 wars off the books for years and to prop up countries and foreign govts. for an untold amount of money, but you can't extend unemployment benefits for Americans out of work....what a joke !!

Atta go, Bunning!

No more freebies. Go back to school like I did. I'm a full-time university student who works 20 hours a week at Sears.

Now deal with it...no more gravy train.

Heck I read about a new embassy in London that is costing 1 billion. I'm sure we have billions going EVERYWHERE ELSE IS THIS WORLD but we can't help Americans. Reduce the Senators salaries, and every government employee, get the heck out of Iran and Afgahnastan, I'm discussed with govt.

Okay, at least we bleeding heart liberals have a heart. You heartless, selfish, evil demons don't care about anything, or anybody. I hope you end up in need at some point of your life and everyone turns their back on you.

Slash-1574126

You work at Sears are you for real, when the benefits go so does your job .... LOL LOL LOL no wonder you had to go back to school .....If you're going to be arrogant at least say something smart.

Durbin is an idiot. And I thought we passed PAYGO since the last time this was extended. You know, pay for it first? To paraphrase a famous anecdotal saying attributed to Congressman Davy Crockett, "It's not your money to give, Mr BONEHEAD Senator Durbin.

Duhhh the Repubs jettisoned the paygo as they ran up the largest deficit in history while they were in power. The numbers have not been finalized as of yet but the Bush WH and the republican congress added over 6 trillion dollars to the deficit. Thank God they were fiscal conservatives. Now they want us to believe they are back to being "real" fiscal conservatives so you can vote for them. You will find they are only in election years.

"If we can't find $10 billion somewhere for a bill that everybody in this body supports, we will never pay for anything."

At lease someone is awake. The 2 houses and the administration have been throwing around money like it's someone else' money (pun intended). Now that something important comes along, there's no money. Eventually this government must understand what can be extorted from those still working and those employing is finite and stop blowing money on bogus stimulus and bogus jobs programs that employ no one. Either one could have paid for this and actually done something useful. Sometimes one wants to duct tape their skull....

This is an issue that hits many. Not taking any shots here, but I cant help but wonder...how do you unemployed pay for the Internet? I wonder how many still have cell phones? I wonder how many have satellite dishes or cable? I am not trying to pick a fight or anything, I just wonder how folks continue to pay for these Luxuries? The nation is broke. We, as a nation cant pay our people to not work? I would like more jobs available, but there isnt. That is the problem. No magic wand, no quick fix. We are all suffering together. It is not the " Haves against the Have nots " I have a job...in Michigan! Is it the best, no. Is it full of opportunities, no...but its a job. 12 bucks and hour. I have seen snow fly ... and no one walking around with shovels? Try .... thats all. We have no money left America.

I agree with the one poster here, hell yes...cut off ALL foreign aid until our own house is back in order. That alone would give us alot of money for priorities, and putting America back to work should be our laser focus priority right now, the rest of the BS liberal agenda be damned.

Reid & Pelousi want to ram thru a Healthcare Tax that will cost $400B and the government can't find $10B for unemployment? What is wrong with this government? How can they force healthcare on us when they can't pay for unemployment benefits? It is time to scrap the healthcare bill and get realistic about what is important at this time. Healthcare has waited for this long and it would not be a dire consequence for it to waiting until the Economy is recovered.

Maybe they should cut a bunch of the pork spending and fund the unemployment instead of pointing fingers at politicians who try to stop the deficit spending traveling a light speed.

so ....... if crybaby cons don't get their way they will make more people suffer ?

like usual.

Lest anyone should be reminded, these are unemployment benefits - that is benefits for people who HAD jobs and were working and were contributing to society. The fact that they lost their jobs is no fault of their own. If you have a job right now you are fortunate. If you own a business and you're making money at it, you are fortunate. This is still the richest nation in the world even though fewer people now control the wealth than as before and we can still afford to help our own people who are less fortunate and need our assistance.

Get another job,Or why not use the stimulis money,I was under the impression it was going to create jobs? Where does it say anywhere in the constistution you get un-employment benefits,Or in the bill of rights. Where do you think that money comes from? The Vacation Fairy(Pelosi)?

USARogue:

A good solution to the national debt would be to raise the tax rates back to what they were prior to Reagan, and nullifying all free trade agreements.

With more tax revenues, and through growth in our manufacturing base, the debt would shrink quickly.

Beyond that, moving the country to single-payer healthcare and making for-profit health insurance illegal (like it is in most of the rest of the civilized world) would help.

And, promoting better individual fiscal responsibility would go a long way to preventing messes like this one froom happening again.

I am self employed so I pay double taxes, cause I am incorporated I have to pay matching funds which I can not claim on my personal tax return. Also if I have no work available I can not claim Un-Employment which I have to pay into.

Listen to what a Friend of Mine from India Told me (Sum):

My brother had an accident and needed help and I started sending him money, once he was ok, he still did not go back to work, he stopped working the little bit that he did work, soon he became useless and relied solely on the money I was sending him, He choose life of a barely surviving poor person than work to live better, I realized it was my mistake and told him this is it no more free money as I have my own financial problems. Result he is out of the house back at work and living far better of with self-respect than anyone on free money.

People who want a government handout should go to www.kiva.org and see how people in poor nations are gaining self respect and working to get out of poverty.

Free Money never helps anyone.

We need to invest in industry and infra-structure not eat money so it is gone forever.

What is wrong with this government? How can they force healthcare on us when they can't pay for unemployment benefits?

That's why so many Americans are against it. Hell, when a dyed-in-the-wool liberal like Rep. Anthony Weiner is against it, you know something is wrong.

Obama wants Health Care for his legacy; he cares nothing about whether it works or not.

"OK, I'VE HAD ENOUGH OF YOU BLEEDING HEART PROGRESSIVE/LIBERALS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Explain to me exactly HOW do you plan to pay off our DEBT????????

AND, if you're reply is to do what Obama is doing, explain to me what HIS plan is.

I'm eager to hear it straight from the Liberals mouth."

We can solve it by our existing Death Tax. If 2% of the people own 95% of the wealth, then all we need to do is kill the 2% and tax the money as it goes to their beneficiaries. If it doesnt work the first time, then do it again and eventually we will reach a more realistic distribution.

Not only are there many looking for jobs and finding none, there are those who have jobs where hours and salaries are cut. I am moving my daughter to live with me, as this is what happened to her. She does not have enough money to support herself and even with a roommate (who is collection unemployment as he just lost his job) it is a struggle. I live on Hawaii and people here are truly struggling to make it through the crisis. Tourism is down and many companies and businesses are simply closing up shop and moving on leaving even less available positions. If you can find a job it is often for 18 hours a week and no benefits. I have worked all of my life and needed unemployment for a short time in the 70's. It was so stressful and scary to pound the pavement day after day without luck. My benefits were running out and I lucked out as a full time worker at a dental lab up and split. I still thank him for making a job opening for me. I was making a whopping $5 and hour and felt rich!

In November, the less fortunate should show the republicans how they feel about having their unemployment benefits terminated.

one also must remember ..... if it wasn't for greed which includes , corporate welfare , business that don't pay taxes ( and most compensate by gaining back that loss via cost to consumer ), business that moves overseas , deregulation by republican Phil Gramm in 99 and 2002 , and a con congress under bush that chose not to do anything about it , the housing bubble as a result ............ out of control bush spending and tax breaks that didn't work ?

we wouldn't be in this mess and health care , which if we don't do something now , will drag us down even further if we do nothing.

don't forget .. the first health plan cons proposed when Obama came into office ? cost more. that was right after dems asked them where was their proposal in 10/ 2/09 and they didn't have one .

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/02/dems-taunt-gop-wheres-you_n_307560.html

and the one they did have ?

cost more and did less.

Late last night, the Congressional Budget Office released its initial analysis of the health-care reform plan that Republican Minority Leader John Boehner offered as a substitute to the Democratic legislation. CBO begins with the baseline estimate that 17 percent of legal, non-elderly residents won't have health-care insurance in 2010. In 2019, after 10 years of the Republican plan, CBO estimates that ...17 percent of legal, non-elderly residents won't have health-care insurance. The Republican alternative will have helped 3 million people secure coverage, which is barely keeping up with population growth. Compare that to the Democratic bill, which covers 36 million more people and cuts the uninsured population to 4 percent.

But maybe, you say, the Republican bill does a really good job cutting costs. According to CBO, the GOP's alternative will shave $68 billion off the deficit in the next 10 years. The Democrats, CBO says, will slice $104 billion off the deficit.

The Democratic bill, in other words, covers 12 times as many people and saves $36 billion more than the Republican plan. And amazingly, the Democratic bill has already been through three committees and a merger process. It's already been shown to interest groups and advocacy organizations and industry stakeholders. It's already made its compromises with reality. It's already been through the legislative sausage grinder. And yet it saves more money and covers more people than the blank-slate alternative proposed by John Boehner and the House Republicans. The Democrats, constrained by reality, produced a far better plan than Boehner, who was constrained solely by his political imagination and legislative skill.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/ezra-klein/2009/11/congressional_budget_office_th.html

and still cons cried. fed rhetoric to the public .used fear mongering.

hey as long a they gain profits for themselves and insurance companies right ? that's what really counts. not American lives .

Simplistic Reality

I'm going to be pissed if I get thrown off my UE benefits I desperatly need right now because of some political cat and mouse game. I'm a Republican but this isn't something to @!$%# around on. Many people's well beings are depending on extension of benefits like mine.

You'll be okay for the time being: http://www.esd.wa.gov/uibenefits/whatsnew/index.php

(WA State) Emergency unemployment compensation

Although the emergency unemployment compensation (EUC) program is scheduled to expire on February 28, 2010, you will continue to receive unemployment benefits for the time being, as long as you submit weekly claims.

Congress is considering an EUC extension. The proposal has already passed in the U.S. House, but still must be voted on in the U.S. Senate.

Even if Congress ultimately does not continue EUC, most unemployment-insurance recipients still have "extended benefits" available (this is a different program than EUC) and would not be cut off from benefits in the immediate future.

We will contact you directly if there is any change to your benefits. Please keep filing your claims each week and continue your job search.

If you have questions, please call the EUC unit at 877-558-8509."

What type of work do you do, if you don't mind me asking? I work writing software applications, mainly database and web apps (like this site)

Simplistic Reality

I'm going to be pissed if I get thrown off my UE benefits I desperatly need right now because of some political cat and mouse game. I'm a Republican but this isn't something to @!$%# around on. Many people's well beings are depending on extension of benefits like mine.

So sorry but, you do not get to only chose the you like or want. As your statement indicates this affects me - I think that really says it - if it did not affect you were would you stand?

See above. And yes, this was the right, OK even Heroic thing to do.

It IS the right thing to do. Are we ALL supposed to get money when we can't find work... and for how long?

How about us self employed people? We have to FIND work...

If you can't find a job.. CREATE one for yourself. If you can't do that, then how about storming Washington and throwing out the bums who allow this economic mess to exist in the first place.... Now that is what they are REALLY afraid of.

This clip sums it all up.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sl5dch0hu_s

Some things will never change.

No more freebies. Go back to school like I did. I'm a full-time university student who works 20 hours a week at Sears.

Now deal with it...no more gravy train.

Uhmmm You do not understand the ramifications of this at all and are just spouting right wing propaganda.

If it goes against the Deficit? than NO, find another job,Save up for the rainy day,Or use the stimulis,that creates and saves jobs. What jobs did the stimulis save other than Government jobs,Teachers,Policemen,and Firemen? They all work for the government,where will they go when the stimulis money stops for their state?

Those having jobs are harsh in saying save up for a rainy day, get a job, make a job, well, I'm sure they would not say this if they were in the unemployed shoes. Obviously, they are not thinking of how long your rainy day savings are going to last with bills piling up and a need to pay them, and sure find a job for 10-18 hours a week at minimum wage. Woo hoo, that's going to pay the bills and make a job...with what? My son-in-law was out of work 6 weeks and their savings dwindled at an alarming rate. They have three children to feed and he got lucky and found a job, but if he hadn't there may have been disastrous results. Those with intolerance for this crisis have no business talking smack about those who are devastated with loss. That's just downright creepy.

here in Michigan... it's 6 unemployed people looking for every 1 job available.

remember most ask for experience, education as well. If you can't afford to go to school ? and how do you get experience if they only wish to hire those with experience ? means many will stay unemployed.

why is it always those who have never had to struggle come off with the stupid lines of ' get a job ' ?

it just getting a job was that easy no one would be out of work !!

why are cons so myopic ?

Typical liberal leech! Always eager to give away other peoples' money!

Eager to give away other peoples' money? Are you kidding me real? Who gave the rich banks billions in bailout money? Which may or may not have saved us all but one thing is sure, they are back to doing the same things that screwed our economy over to begin with.

Who gave companies like blackwater all the money they wanted for whatever they wanted and it turns out they were screwing the American taxpayer?

Who gave no-bid contracts to Haliburton when other companies offered to do the same jobs at half the price?

Liberals eager to give other peoples money away? Sounds like the Repubs are eager to give just as much and more of that money away, just as long as it goes to a campaign contributor.

At least this money goes back to the people, not some big company.

You miss the point, Josh. It's just that Congress should always say where the money is coming from if they decide to spend, whether it's for bankers, bakers or cab drivers. Giving away more money on credit doesn't solve anything. It just makes it worse.

President Cheney and Vice A-hole Bush and Secretary of Giveaways Paulsen bailed out AIG
President Cheney and Vice A-hole Bush spent ONE TRILLION dollars on a war meant to find one person who is still at large and left it for this administration to clean up. The one trillion is also an OFF BALANCE SHEET EXPENSE. ONE TRILLION DOLLARS and FIVE THOUSAND AMERICAN LIVES

Josh-565142

Don't be a fool Josh. This is not about Republican or Democrat. This is about a global agenda and one you have fallen into. These global elites created this mess so that people like you will CRY for the FREE money of the state... not knowing the REAL cost will be at your own expense at some point down the line in increased taxes, or giving up of sovereignty for foreign aid.

Who bailed out AIG?

George Bush. Who doubled the nation debt in 8 years? George Bush. Who added the largest unfunded entitlement program in history? George Bush.

George Bush. Who doubled the nation debt in 8 years? George Bush. Who added the largest unfunded entitlement program in history? George Bush.

And OBAMA, in case you haven't noticed has followed NEARLY the SAME policies, which by the way, MANY DEMOCRATS voted for WITH BUSH during those 8 years.

It's time AMERICA WAKE UP... DEMS AND PUBS ARE ALL WORKING for their Global elite friends to TAKE AWAY YOUR SOVEREIGNTY in the name of SECURITY, both economic and physical.

"Giving away more money on credit... makes it worse"

Explain that one economically speaking. All you are doing is increasing the money supply. The examples where JMK economics haven't held are few and far between. Increasing the money supply does help when the economy is in a recession. Economically it does the same thing as tax cuts. As many repubs put it tax cuts spur growth. Well, yes, tax cuts do spur growth but to be more specific tax cuts increase the money supply, which spurs growth. What spurs growth even more is giving money to a group of people that are going to spend it, like the unemployed now. They are in no position to save their unemployment checks.

This is a bill that needs to pass. The 10 billion can be borrowed without long term damage to the economy. This is a key part to Keynes theories, and please, I'm open to examples of when Keynes was wrong that apply to this situation.

Economically it does the same thing as tax cuts. As many repubs put it tax cuts spur growth. Well, yes, tax cuts do spur growth but to be more specific tax cuts increase the money supply, which spurs growth. What spurs growth even more is giving money to a group of people that are going to spend it, like the unemployed now. They are in no position to save their unemployment checks.

You couldn't be more wrong. ALL SPENDING is essentially a TAX on the people.

A Tax cut is simply letting the people keep their OWN money. I would say that is a big difference. How does it increase the money supply? If the people are taxed, the money goes to the government which spends it, albeit more wasteful, than the people.

The issue now is the nation is essentiallybankrupt. All money being spent is done without ANY POSSIBLE CURRENT WAY of seeing it paid. So increasing the money supply will do nothing but DEVALUE what little savings/investments/real estate people do have left.

Mr. Rogers

You assume that I want this to pass because I am unemployed and need the funds? No, (I have a job and have never taken government assistance) I want this to pass because its the right thing for the country right now and I see one senator, one senator that gets to go home to a nice home in Kentucky every weekend. One senator could be responsible for thousands of people that need this money from getting it. It's not a group of senators, or the majority of senators. Its one guy, thats the point Mr. Rogers. The bill needs to pass. There will be a time when those that are on unemployment are back on their feet, but this country doesn't need to add insult to injury by choking them to death.

Hillary voted for the Bank Bailout.

McCain voted for the Bank Bailout.

Obama voted for the Bank Bailout.

Bush signed the Bank Bailout.

The Bank Bailouts were not partisan.

The UAW bailout of Chrysler and GM was done by Democrats--and that money is less likely to get repaid.

Bush put us in debt for his $700+ billion Iraq War.

Obama put us further in debt for his $700+ billion (non-)Stimulus Package.

It's BOTH PARTIES, people...and I welcome any legislator who stands up and says

"If we want this program, we have to PAY for it"

I'm not against extending unemployment benefits. I am against going further in debt to extend these programs.

If something is worth providing to society, it's worth finding a way to pay for.

Josh-565142

How long Josh? How long should other tax payers and their future children subsidize the unemployed?

Do you not think that by giving these moneys you are in fact making it easier for people to be a little more picky on what type of job they might take?

And what about those of us who are self employed.. I mean, my business has been slow and I pay for my own individual health policy. Where would I sign up for the free check and free subsidy to help pay my premium?

Maybe I am tired of paying for other people... We have been month-month financially for over a year. We struggle to keep our health policy paid as I have a preexisting condition and am uninsurable should I lose it....how about I let you pay for me Josh?

Mr. Rogers,

Your comments fly in the face of Keynesian economics. My challenge to you is to disprove Keynes theory with an example.

Government spending does increase the money supply, that is logical. Google "Keynes money supply." You will see what I'm talking about.

I would disagree with government spending as a tax on the people. Its using the collective resources to provide for goods and services where market failure would otherwise occur.

Look at it this way. If a family is bankrupt, meaning they have no money in their bankaccount, but they do have credit cards, are they suppossed to not eat? Not drink anything until more money comes in? What if their son gets sick? Well the government works much the same. I wouldn't say its bankrupt in the sense that the average American thinks of the word. Bankrupt would mean the Chinese repo guy is hear and starting to take furniture out of the oval office and shipping it back to China. That is bankrupt, and Mr. Rogers, our country is far from that.

Josh-565142

Our REAL UNFUNDED LIABILITIES or over 500% as a nation of GDP.

Consider Greece's troubles at a meer 120%.

MY friend, nothing is wrong with a little debt for little while, but let's be honest. Our nation has been living on credit for 30 years. At some point you have to pay the bill.

Any finally, you want an example? Do you call what the world is doing now something of function? No I am well aware of the keynesian school of thought. I do not subscribe to it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnekzRuu8wo

It would be hilarious if not so darned intentional...

Mr. Rogers - What's free money???? We all pay into the unemployment fund along with our employers. It's part of our compensation. Don't chastise the unemployed for taking free money when they're taking their own money that they paid into as an insurance fund against being unemployed. Idiot!!!

laurie-480643

I am not chastising anyone. My comment on free money was sarcastic. I have been on unemployment, I have had to use food stamps before in my life. I know what's it like.

My point is that it cannot last forever, as my benefits did not either. At some point I had to get a job or make one... That is what America is about after all.

So...the 10% who are unemployed simply choose to be? They could just get a job or "create" one if they really wanted to?

Is that the same with the 25% unemployment during the Great Depression? Just too lazy to find work?

And by the way, there were no government social programs in 1929, which led to everyone losing whatever they had in the banks (thank you FDIC!) and standing in bread lines to eat (thank you unemployment!)

I can certainly find you a number of people who want to work, but there is just not enough jobs and too many overqualified people scrambling for the ones that are available.

Jared stop pretending money was given away in the incorrectly named(but better sounding for your agenda) "bailouts".Those were actually LOANS.Loans to be paid back,with interest.

Josh,the figure I've been hearing for the Iraqi war is over a trillion-where do you get 700 billion?

GO Jim Bunning. You are a true HERO!!!

And by the way, there were no government social programs in 1929, which led to everyone losing whatever they had in the banks (thank you FDIC!) and standing in bread lines to eat (thank you unemployment!)

The REAL CONSUMER bailout NEVER occurred... WHY? Because our CORRUPT CORPORATE and WALL STREET connected congress AND administration (seriously, could Obama HAVE MORE ties to wall street in his staff) decided that it would be better to use the CONSUMER and TAX PAYER"S MONEY to SAVE the WEALTHY bankers and ELITES.

The REAL BAILOUT would have been to LET THE BANKS FAIL, allowing the FDIC to work as intended by providing that all deposits would have been transferred to OTHER BETTER RAN AND MORE RESPONSIBLE REGIONAL BANKS.

MANY CONSUMERS who had a mortgage or a debt owed to a BAD BANK would have seen that debt DISAPPEAR or at least RESTRUCTURED... Now THAT would have been a REAL MARKET FORCE DRIVEN CONSUMER BAILOUT.

Of course that is not what we got...

real packer fan

Yep, typical retiree and if you're not and you lose your job we will see what tune you sing.... LOL

Who has spent the majority of the bailouts? Who bailed out GM? Who bailed out AIG? Right.

Well it was Bush and Paulson On the majority of bailouts and AIG and Obama on the big three. Toyota and Honda received money from the Japanese government as they have in the past. The money loaned to the two of the big three is secured and not a problem as all are doing quite well now.

What was your feeble point?

Logdump......,go back to the koolaid bowl please.

Josh: basic economics,business is driven by demand,not government spending.Businesses do not hire people if the DEMAND for their goods and services do not increase. Deficit spending to make more people dependent on government will not help them get a job.

laurie-480643

You are wrong. You have never paid anything into unemployment your employer does. It does not come out of your check. Your employer pays a percent of what each employee makes. So unless you own the business then you are receiving free money.

Probably, but the tax cuts were also for the poor so give your talking points a rest please. If helping the jobless is what is important than I am sure 10B can be found somewhere that is wasted by our govt.

Doesn't Obama talk about "making hard choices"?

Well, here, a Senator had the courage to make a hard choice. He stood up against driving our country further into debt to pay for a popular program.

If unemployment insurance is worth having, then they have to find a way to PAY for it.

He did vote for the tax cut for the rich and he and Senator Kyl are trying to force the Democrats to keep permanent the repeal of the Estate Tax (aka death tax). Republicans are never for the little guy

Why are the Democrats lumping other things in this same bill? Pass the unemployment portion by itself and drop everything else.

"Senators said more than a million rural television viewers would not be able to watch local stations on their satellite systems without an extension" What the ???? Are you telling me the fed government is somehow paying for this? This is the kind of nonsense that is causing all our problems.

Allow the unemployment, lose the rest.

Why are the Democrats lumping other things in this same bill? Pass the unemployment portion by itself and drop everything else.

I think that is what they did--the UI extension (and COBRA) were taken out of the jobs bill.

JonesGirl - No, that is the problem. Look at all the other items that are included...

The bill would extend unemployment payments to laid-off workers and provide them with subsidies to help pay health premiums through the COBRA program. It would extend funding for highway projects and spare doctors from a 21 percent cut in Medicare payments. It would extend a small business loan program, the National Flood Insurance Program and the copyright license used by satellite television providers.

Senators said more than a million rural television viewers would not be able to watch local stations on their satellite systems without an extension.

If you want the unemplyment benefits passed, then only include those. This "lumping" of unrelated items is what is causing the problem. If you say no to the bill as a whole, the left jumps on you for being uncaring. It is a strategy i'm getting sick of and it is used by both parties.

Our elected officials need to grow up. If they want to spend money on something they need to cut something else by an equal amount. No more deficit spending.

It's sickening that you GOP'ers only care about deficit spending when it comes to helping those in the US. When it comes to endless war, GOP'ers have no issue with deficit spending.

This war expense crap has GOT to end.

This war expense crap has GOT to end.

I agree...we need to stop spending on wars of choice. Nice how Bush kept war spending out of the budget to make his budget look better.

Cece in CT

Just remember this Republicans work to, and this move will cost them a lot of their jobs, we are talking about billions of dollars in revenue that will stop once these people start to lose their benefits, 430,000 per month will start to lose their benefits when you multiply that by the average $300.00 that is one big nut to crack the only ones that won't be affected maybe is the retiree's but one can never tell these days ....

Hi Richie: I'm not sure how your comment applies to what I posted - can you re-read my post and clarify? I'm not splitting hairs on who is a democrat or a republican - my post was about aid to anyone who is unemployed (and the average time people are out of work has risen beyond the 6-month mark). I don't care what the affiliation of the Senator is - apparently he is one lonely voice, obstructing what would otherwise be a passed bill to help keep people in their homes and out of shelters. Anyway, have a great weekend.

Peace.

Maybe someone can dig up a guillotine from the Smithsonian, for the follow up to the cake? :)

and a better slogan for the democrats would be "Let them eat your cake"

usmcvet5711

Well I hope you own your own company because guess what if you don't most likely you will be unemployed, we are talking about millions of people will not be spending to ensure you have a job, we shall see who has the last laugh .... and to think you're posing as a VET ...LOL LOL LOL

And when the lose it do not look for it to come back. Most are going overseas another Republican trick.

Look this is an election year and Republican dirty tricks are natural. Only way these slugs can win anything. They have no ideas except how to help the rich and a front page story like this energizes their stupid "base" of idiots.

beyond

good luck out there -

Thanks B Dune! God Bless you and yours!

A lot of us Americans are out there, though! Just not sure getting used to the almost sweet (AKA FREE) money is worth it for all Americans in the long run!

We know its not good for our deficit! OUCH!

How do you start a business when the only money you have is the unemployment check you receive each week. If someone can seriously answer this question, I would genuinely appreciate it.

It is free to establish a DBA (Ficticious Business License). It is free to make a business plan. It is free to seek investments. It is free to open a business bank account.

Do you have things you can sell, cause you really don't need them? Yard Sale, etc.

I am about half way there to paying for my General Contractors License (around $2000, for state test, finger prints, insurance and schooling).

Most important is a good idea, though. It is never easy! And from friends and family who have owned businesses for years, they say don't expect to earn alot for the first few years!

Thats why I think now is a good time, cause those on Unemployment are probably making the least in the past 5 years of their lives, anyways!

Hey Resbot Good Luck. There are probably other Internet Sites with a lot of information and ideas (I don't have any links, sorry!). Try researching that.

Beyond, the only ones don't get it will, when the benefits are cut the amount of laid off workers will climb like people won't believe and all these people that think it's a joke will end up the butt end of the joke, they will lose everything just like most of the unemployed, then lets see what they all think then ....

Richie is right - this situation is a snake that's eating it's own tail. Every person who gets laid off cuts back on their spending - which affects the grocers, bankers and everyone on "main street" - until the grocer and banker have to lay more people off, who then cut back on spending (etc., etc. and so on down the line). Read Emile Zola's "Germinal" for a look at how the industrial recession affected the coal miners in France 150 years ago, and how it turned into a self-propogating tail-spin for the entire country. It puts a terrible, personal face on economic deprivation.

Peace

Maybe people should be thanking this guy.

Our country is deeply in debt, if you haven't noticed.

If unemployment benefits really are worth providing, then the point he's making is that we need to find a way to PAY for them.

Sooner or later somebody has to stand up to the irresponsible borrowing and deficits. I never expected a DC politician to make an unpopular move, but it's a welcome sign that Congress might be starting to realize we can't keep paying for stuff now and passing the costs onto our children and grandchildren.

I'm not against extending these programs, but they have to be PAID FOR, without adding more to the deficit.

Evercurious - You are right the people of KY should be calling. Oh wait that means they would actually have to do something for themselves. Like my neighbor and his wife that sit around on unemployment, popping pills and living it up. They don't care about working they are getting a free ride and love it. Free rent, food stamps, medical card and a pay check all funded by people like me who work their butts off trying to support the family that lives under MY roof. They also love to knock on my door and ask to borrow money when I am already paying for everything they have. This is only one example. Take a look into the number of people in KY living off the system and it will make you sick. I live in KY and I support the descion. It is time for people in this country to get off their butts and go fight for what they want, and not sit back and expect others to hand it to them. Do I believe that short term support is necessary...yes I do, but too many are making a living out of it. There are jobs out there for the people of KY, they just don't want them b/c they love to get hand outs.

Hi Jim: you are talking about welfare cheats, and the chronically unemployed, who don't actually show up on actual unemployment numbers - not good folk caught up in our nation's worst employment scenario in decades. Good, qualified people are out there, banging on doors looking for work, but with banks reining in credit, and businesses losing profit due to low sales (BECAUSE people are unemployed!) they are not able to get interviews, never mind a job. Just like the pads used to resucitate a heart-attack victim, our economy needs a larger than life jolt to get it moving again. Part of that jolt is going to be keeping people in their homes, with food on their tables, until the economy & jobs open up.

Sorry about your neighbors - they sound like real pills. Good luck to you and your family.

Peace

People need to know that Bunning suggested the bill be paid from the unspent stimulus funds (nearly half a trillion still unspent). The Democrats said no.

People should also know that it was Obama and his Congressional Democrats who passed the paygo law last year. It is their own law they are breaking. Bunning is calling them on that, as we all should be calling them on it. The Democrats actually had a good idea there. All they need to do is obey their law and this bill could be sailing on its way.

Aren't the churches everyone else go to good enough for the troops?

Sen Bunning is also responsible for almost 70 million in earmarks in the last two years. Fiscal reponsibility, no. More political posturing, yes.

http://www.legistorm.com/earmarks/details/member/13/Sen_Jim_Bunning/page/5/sort/amount/type/desc.html

Don't lose sight of the fact that pork represents less than 1% of the US budget - it's great when it comes to your own state - but it's pork if it goes to someone elses state. Keep in mind that those pork projects are creating construction jobs. Look a bit deeper, and you'll see a different picture than the one you paint.

Peace...

I think the post above shows his true colors.

How do you explain that?

packer

so those who receive unemployment checks are "non-tax payers"?

and if you want people to contact Bunning they better do it soon - the republican party forced him not to run for his endangered seat in the fall - he retired instead...

damn good thing there are people like you who have taken a stand since Jan 20th 2009 to not borrow money anymore.

since you have such high regard for Senator Bunning and his insisting the program be paid for before it is approved -

maybe you will explain why Senator Bunning and Republicans voted against the "Pay as You Go Bill"?

you are a packer for sure - and you know what you are packing.

It's time the government stopped borrowing money in the names of taxpayers to support non-taxpayers.

You do realize the contradiction in your statement given the unemployment benefits being paid to TAX PAYING citizens who paid for the unemployment insurance in the first place right? Probably not. =( Who's the non-taxpayer here?

Employers pay unemployment insurance, but I suppose you can make an argument that it's part of compensation. But it's done with the understanding that it's for a limited term. Extending the benefits without funding them is simply irresponsible.

Shouldn't Congress state how they intend to pay for it before approving the spending? Don't they have enough stimulus money to cover it?

Come to think of it, where are all those "shovel-ready" jobs we hear so much about? Why don't they just give everyone a shovel?

Aside to Dune: lucky for you, you'll never find out ...

Come to think of it, where are all those "shovel-ready" jobs we hear so much about? Why don't they just give everyone a shovel?

At least give you one so you can start shoveling what you're packing. It must be difficult navigating your way through life with a 2 digit IQ.

Yes, it's tough Taw. Especially when so much of the money I earn is confiscated by the government and given to people who didn't earn it.

At least I'm smart enough to know that if I behaved like the congress, they'd lock me up for credit fraud.

packer

since you are so informed you may want to check and see unemployment is taxable...both fed and state. so I guess even those receiving unemployment are contributing.

Yes, Dune. Unemployment benefits are taxable. Isn't that kind of like an illusion, though? I mean, you surely don't think it's a real tax when the money was collected as tax from someone else in the first place - right?

Let me simplify it for you. If you force me to buy you a pizza and you cut it into eight equal pieces, and you give me one slice, it doesn't make you a pizza giver. Get it?

Well at least there will be 1 million plus less votes for the Republicans.

Too bad they didn't feel this way from 2000-2008. Maybe we wouldn't be in such a fiscal mess now.

Wrong bckrd - the unemployed always vote Democrat anyway.

Yeah damn this Republican for objecting to us continuing to provide people everything they want using money borrowed from future generations!

I can't think of a better symbol for the Grand Old Party.

I can....the middle finger.

the unemployed always vote Democrat anyway.

Can you provide proof to suppport this?

That is what I thought you have no proof.

I am with you there. Is there any legal advice out there on how the voters and citizens of this country can do this. Petition? How?

First of all, I completely agree that one man holding the U.S. Senate hostage for short term political gain is disgusting. As the article said:

Addressing Bunning, he said, "Find a way to express your political views that's not at the expense of these people."

However, the truth is, the salaries of these politicians isn't all that much. The current salary for rank-and-file members of the House and Senate is $174,000/ year. Leaders of the House and Senate make more, but the money isn't huge, considering the positions. Of course, that discounts the various perks and bonuses.

http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/uscongress/a/congresspay.htm

The real money comes from writing books, TV appearances, lecture circuits, etc. (as Sarah "Quitter from Twitter" Palin discovered).

This page says that Ben Franklin proposed elected government officials not be paid for their service. Not the worst idea I've heard, if not completely realistic today.

Based on the "gimme, gimme" mindset evident on this 'vine, I conclude the country is doomed. Reminds me of the video with 2 Democrats stuck on a escalator waiting for someone to come save them. They're just not motivated enough to get themselves out.

Mark thats both sides of the aisle hear!

And where the War in Iraq was highly based on the WMD that Did not exist; Iraq was a danger to the area (US forces had been there since 1991).

Now it has its first Free Government and has already brought much stability to the region!

Point im trying to make is that the World and the US has got something from it; therefore, not really wasted money (BUT FAR TOO EXPENSIVE!).

And where the War in Iraq was highly based on the WMD that Did not exist; Iraq was a danger to the area (US forces had been there since 1991).

Do you know why we were there?

Do you know of US invlolvement with Iraq prior to 1991?

What exactly was the threat?

And what did the world get out of it?

Better yet, what did the families who have lost loved over there since then get out of it?

beyond

"but far too expensive"...rumsfeld chastized his own advisors when they said it would cost 100 billion - rumsfeld stated it would only be 50-60 billion..he was only off a trillion or two ....

nice spin on Iraq - why not call it what it is - nation building!
you know - the phrase Bush said he would never be a part of - nation building.

and what stability has been brought to the region? problems all gone in AF? all problems gone in Iran? and when we finally pull out - guaranteed stability within Iraq?

tell us exactly what we got for our "too expensive" investment...

No b dune I am not magically suggesting that there are no problems left and that everything is perfect! Nothing is ever guaranteed in Life! Not even in the United States!

Gattes I have my Masters from the University of La Verne in Middle Eastern Studies and History, I know why!

No war is ever Perfect (not even the 91 war!). You know how many Civillians were killed in WWII by Allied Forces?

We got a more stable ally in the Middle East. Suadi Arabia and Syria are working with us in a more positive relationship for the first time in 50 years (Of Course Saudi asked us for help in 1990, but they didn't want us to stay!). Alot of the money in war is in the delivery of goods part, and when we leave Iraq most supplies will be forwarded to Afghanistan at a far reduced price!

This is not Black and WHite! You can decide to not read, listen or believe in anything and therefore it makes your opinion so!

Oil and Natural Gas baby! You think the gilded age ever ended? It's back and better than ever! This time the corrupt bought at paid for politicians have convinced a small army of voters that they're part of the club too!

I agree with Bdune - the entire middle-east was in more stable condition before we took out Saddam - he was the one keeping Iran in check, and was leading a secular (though flawed) government instead of a religious one. Pandora's box has been opened now, and we did it.

Peace...

BG - did you mean "sic semper tyrannis?" Are you referring to Harry Reid?

he is in elder daycare. its called congress. and we pay for it.

I hope our fellow Americans in KY are paying attention, because the rest of us don't get the chance to vote this guy out of office

Your "Fellow" Americans her represents are probably cheering him on. This man represents an existing mentality. This is what the Tea Party is asking for.

This man and so many other are calling themselves the angry Americans.

I'm wondering what lobby group he's really really serving, because it sure isn't the taxpayers that elected him!)

He's representing future taxpayers, who are someday going to have to pay for the Bush-Obama borrowing binge.

If unemployment extensions are worth having, then they're worth PAYING for.

The problem is not the benefit extensions--the problem is nobody is willing to do the hard thing and raise taxes to pay for them.

I'm glad somebody is standing up and saying "enough is enough".

Nothing compares the devastation in Haiti. You are talking about a total catastrophe where an infrastructure was completely abolished and hundreds of thousands killed and millions homeless with NO clean water NO hospitals NO schools NO food..no active government. This is devastation that no one can even imagine.

While yes Americans are suffering, we still have hope, we still have a functioning (well not really) government that can provide us clean water, roads, unemploment benefits, education so people like you and I can have a chance. Think about what you are doing right now... you are cozied up in your warm condo typing away on your laptop while the average Haitian is somewhere amongst the ruins of their once home covered by a sheet tent holding on to dear life trying to find a way to feed their starving baby or get some clean water .... Face it Americans are still the most privaleged people in the world. Just because you can no longer afford your mcmansion or hummer doesnt mean the we have nothing. We got ourselves into this mess by overextending ourselves and not preparing for disaster (having a 6 month emergency fund). We have no one to blame but ourselves. It is our governement that has our backs.

Take a look at the DNC and Obama contributor lists. There's plenty of special interest money out there and both sides feed at the same trough.

the dems hate it to. they are standing in line for their checks as well. its both sides. and read the article, he will vote for it, he just wants to get the other senators to start paying attention to what they are funding.

Mike - Then move to Kentucky and vote against him. Or run against him. Or campaign against him from out of state. And clean up your language - it makes you look like a fool.

packer

enlighten yourself - he is not running again. - it makes you look foolish when you are not informed.

jared

explain why Bunning voted against the "Pay as you go Plan" if he is so concerned about having things budgeted in advance. and you are tuned in about as much as Packer - since he was forced to retire he has already lost his job.

wonder if Bunning will make sure his retirement benefits are budgeted before he accepts them each month?

Typical liberal leech!

Lets see...

Personal insults...OK

Profanity filtered by Newsvine... not OK

Check.

Bloodsucker! Freeloader! Thief! Beggar! Bum!

Hmmm. Maybe Mike should run for Congress.

It's just interesting how, when Senator Bunning kept screaming that the U.S. must finish the "good work" it was doing in Iraq in 2005, he didn't seem to care that the trillions were deficit spending. No political capital there, I guess?

http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-140063005.html

These people in government realize we can look stuff up from 2000-2008, right?

the dems will have to walk the walk not just talk?

and what roll does the repubs play in this? are they not against it?

Joe-392005 You know age discrimination starts at age 40. As far as resumes - do not put date of graduation or include work history beyond 15 years (those skills probably are no longer current).

Of course, employers like younger employees for many, many reasons. That is why you see so many older people - doing consultant work and temp. BTW - I have been doing temp work since 2003 and make a decent living at it.

Hah, Hah! Tax the wealthy??? Hah, Hah!

hey funny man-----How about a flat tax, then we're all on the same footing....Clown~

No Wilfred. He just insists that they be funded before the money is handed out.

You guys have your heads up your rear ends if you believe this guy and all Republicans don't want to kill Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid. Just read Ryan's budget proposals whereby he wants to privatize SS and give the elderly vouchers to buy "private insurance". Does anyone understand the implications of that for seniors? Right now through Medicare Seniors are protected from being denied insurance for age or pre-existing conditions. They are also receiving very subsized premiums for their comprehensive insurance. Throwing seniors in the private insurance market would surely guarantee that many seniors would no longer have access to health insurance thus effectively destroying the Medicare system. Of course with Social Security, privatizing the system would put seniors and the rest of us at risk for losing some or all of our retirement income as we face the unanticipated fluctuations of the equities market. Now seniors have income they can depend on no matter what happens in the general economy. Leave it up to a Republican to try to take that away from them.

Typical of msnbc. It's always fun to see what the articles really say after clicking on the inflammatory headlines.

Who would have thought a person could be condemned for exercising prudence when spending taxpayers' money?

He just insists that they be funded before the money is handed out.

Real, where was he when GW/DC took out protections to keep them from doing just that? They(gw/dc) spent money like a 18yr old with her mommies credit card, and never had to take any responsibility for it other than talk after the fact.

So, now the entire party has turned a new leaf? No frakin way. You can buy into their BS, but the majority of Americans are starting to see what they are doing, the GoP is nothing but a bunch of liars and thieves just waiting to gain majority and go back to business as usual per GW/DC. Everything they say now, if you were to keep record does not jive with what they did with their last admin and will not fall inline the next time they have the admin, they are just liars and think that every person in America is just as gullible as they believe we are.

Laurie - Regardless of where my head resides, there's no way SS, Medicare, etc. can continue at their current levels without going broke. We can fix them in the next few years and have a chance of keeping them around in some form. Or we can let them go completely broke and then old folks really will be in danger of starving in the streets.

Personally, I'll take my chances with Wall Street (or Las Vegas Blvd) over Washington any time. At least then I'd have a small chance of finishing in the black (for those of you with "race cards" up your sleeves, that means "with more money than I started with").

real packer fan - Good luck to you....but nobody said anything about not fixing Social Security and Medicare. There are plenty of things that can be done short of privatizing SS and ending Medicare. These programs were instituted because there was systemic problem of poverty in the senior citizen population. These programs must be maintained and can be fixed fairly easily with a combination of retirement age increases, FICA tax expansions, and benefit adjustments. Same thing for Medicare. Personally, I wouldn't mind paying more Medicare tax because the benefit is "excellent" for seniors; better than most private plans for the general population are. Don't be so quick to disavow your SS and Medicare. You may need them someday smart alec.

We can agree on that. Laurie. I'm just not ready to trust the government to provide for me. I'd rather do it myself, because government tends to go broke every time they try to run something.