Economic Stimulus

Actually the liberals currently want to get after Rush Limbaugh. Rush is only guilty of disagreeing with the Marxist in the Whitehouse. I guess freedom of speech is only for the liberals and those who agree with them. I'm telling you...it's Dr Zhivago in real life.

I blame the Democratically controled Congress of the last few years. Bush tried to stop them, but was blocked at every turn. Barney Frank, Nancy Pelosi, and all their butt buddies are to blame.

I was of the impression that it's just part of the observed ten year boom-bust cycle. In that respect, it is the system that has a flaw and at fault and not any individual or group of individuals.

Here is a good laugh. Man, I almost fell out of my chair on this one. :screwy:

:lol:



gPsqgx8pS2U

TEXAS....LEAVE!!! :lol: Civil war is coming for sure though, no doubt. :rolleyes:

Although it is wishful thinking IMO Texas could pull it off. :uhoh:

Regardless this Russian professor former KGB is a crackpot along with the Russian media. I wonder what he has been smoking. :lol:

Here is a link from the WSJ that has a better static view of that map of the U.S. sectioned off in pieces. I am still trying to figure how he came about this one. :confused:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123051100709638419.html

BTW - I would rather be in a sovereign republic under Texas than part of Canada or the European Union. And Hawaii to China or Japan or Alaska to Russia? :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:


And how long did the Soviet Union last? 70 years and then broke up into pieces.


http://s.wsj.net/public/resources/images/P1-AO116_RUSPRO_NS_20081228191715.gif

Sorry but no cigar and no such thing as a free mortgage. :grinno: She along with others that are this naive will find out it will not be easy. The same hassles like when you apply for any mortgage.

You will have to qualify to get a break on the existing mortgage. This gov web site (still under construction) will have the details.

http://www.financialstability.gov/

Alright, alright, I'll go back and put a couple of smileys after that statement. :bricks1:

Although it is wishful thinking IMO Texas could pull it off. :uhoh:
Glad to see that Georgia was included as part of the "Texas Republic" I am a Texan, and have no objection to being part of the new "Texas Republic"! In fact, I am ready for a divorce!

Divorce Agreement between Liberal and Conservative America

I got this through one of the many 2nd amendment groups I belong to.

Dear American liberals, leftists, social progressives, socialists, Marxists and Obama supporters, et al:

We have stuck together since the late 1950's, but the whole of this latest election process has made me realize that I want a divorce. I know we tolerated each other for many years for the sake of future generations, but sadly, this relationship has run its course. Our two ideological sides of America can not and will not ever agree on what is right so let's just end it on friendly terms. We can smile and chalk it up to irreconcilable differences and go our own way.

Here is a model separation agreement:

Our two groups can equitably divide up the country by landmass each taking a portion. That will be the difficult part, but I am sure our two sides can come to a friendly agreement. After that, it should be relatively easy! Our respective representatives can effortlessly divide other assets since both sides have such distinct and disparate tastes.

We don't like re-distributive taxes so you can keep them. You are welcome to the liberal judges and the ACLU. Since you hate guns and war, we'll take our firearms, the cops, the NRA and the military. You can keep Oprah, Michael Moore and Rosie O'Donnell (You are, however, responsible for finding a bio-diesel vehicle big enough to move all three of them).

We'll keep the capitalism, greedy corporations, pharmaceutical companies, Wal-Mart and Wall Street. You can have your beloved homeless, homeboys, hippies and illegal aliens. We'll keep the hot Alaskan hockey moms, greedy CEO's and rednecks. We'll keep the Bibles and give you NBC and Hollywood .

You can make nice with Iran and Palestine and we'll retain the right to invade and hammer places that threaten us. You can have the peaceniks and war protesters. When our allies or our way of life are under assault, we'll help provide them security.

We'll keep our Judeo-Christian values.. You are welcome to Islam, Scientology, Humanism and Shirley McClain. You can also have the U.N.. but we will no longer be paying the bill.

We'll keep the SUVs, pickup trucks and oversized luxury cars. You can take every Subaru station wagon you can find.

You can give everyone health care if you can find any practicing doctors. We'll continue to believe health care is a luxury and not a right. We'll keep The Battle Hymn of the Republic and the National Anthem. I'm sure you'll be happy to substitute Imagine, I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing, Kum Ba Ya or We Are the World.

We'll practice trickle down economics and you can give trickle up poverty your best shot. Since it often so offends you, we'll keep our history, our name and our flag.

Would you agree to this? If so, please pass it along to other like minded liberal and conservative patriots and if you do not agree, just ignore it. In the spirit of friendly parting, I'll bet you ANWAR which one of us will need whose help in 15 years. :disappoin

Sincerely,

HotZ28

P.S. Also, please take Barbara Streisand & Jane Fonda with you.

P.P.S Of course you could not forget Pelosi as leader of the gang! :loser:

I like how America Jr. (Canada) would go to own/influence the largest piece of land when the United States split. To be honest, it looks like something a child conjured up. So the eastern part would be European because it was once, and is a high density populated area of Europeans and decendents. Then, most of the north goes to Canada because that's what it is closest to and the south goes to Mexican influence because that is who it is closest to? :lol: And then of course, the enormous California state would influence the western part in which case everybody would be sniffing their own farts (inside joke that some here may get). Now that is change we can all believe in. :D

Transportation funds of stimulus package released, expected to create up to 400,000 jobs...


Stimulus Spurs Road Projects, Big and Small

The goal of the stimulus plan was to put people to work quickly, and so states across the country have begun to spend nearly $50 billion on thousands of smaller transportation projects that could employ up to 400,000 people, by the administration’s estimates.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/04/us/04states.html?ref=politics

Transportation funds of stimulus package released, expected to create up to 400,000 jobs...Too bad that only the illegal immigrants will be willing to work on the "highway improvement" projects! :sly:

:lol: HotZ28, I wouldn't be surprised if half of that money is shipped back to Mexico.

:lol: HotZ28, I wouldn't be surprised if half of that money is shipped back to Mexico.Yes, that is typical of those willing to work & support their families. The majority come here for the purpose of providing for their families and that is a tradition of the culture, unlike many here, who prefer to do nothing & expect a handout! :loser:

Here is a good laugh. Man, I almost fell out of my chair on this one. :screwy:

:lol:



gPsqgx8pS2UYeah, that guy is definitely crazy... no way Florida would join with Texas, everyone knows that there are only two things in Texas.... :lol:

Seriously though, how is it that this guy gets airtime and everyone listens, but when American Ron Paul starts to make a valid point, he gets cut-off and called crazy?

You guys laugh at that, but can't you see the writing on the wall already?

Doesn't it make you want to cry?

Our great nation is being destroyed before our eyes.:disappoin

It may not happen that exact way, but it's coming.

Seriously though, how is it that this guy gets airtime and everyone listens, but when American Ron Paul starts to make a valid point, he gets cut-off and called crazy?It's called; "Change you can COUNT ON" eventually leading to one world government and one world bank! AIG is asking for & getting another $30+ billion – after burning through the last $133 billion. Thanks to Obama's new budget, the US government (our children & grandchildren) will be spending trillions trying to bailout the entire global economy. And from the looks of things…it is failing. Did you notice "B-Hillary" is promising 330-million to rebuild the Gaza strip so they can build more tunnels for smuggling weapons to threaten Israel. BTW, her globe trotting diplomatic vacation must be like a spring break for Bill, freedom at last! :grinyes:

Change is what 50% of the people don’t want and just what the system won’t permit. There are already too many leeches on the government – however, the leeches are allowed to vote and Obama is depending on them! Obama’s new budget contains the biggest bag of hand-outs since the Roosevelt Administration. The age of big government is back! The more the government tries to pump up the world economy, the flatter it seems to get! This reminds me of trying to pump up a tire, without first plugging the hole where it was leaking! :screwy: In addition, you can not plug the leak with borrowed paper money! :shakehead

You guys laugh at that, but can't you see the writing on the wall already?

Doesn't it make you want to cry?

Our great nation is being destroyed before our eyes.:disappoin

It may not happen that exact way, but it's coming.

Agree. Once our money has been inflated into uselessness, it's only a matter of time.

Unfortunately, it will get much worse first, then we'll need a "savior" to lead us out of it. And, no, Obama is not it.

We can joke about the possibilities of places like Texas becoming self sufficient, but it can happen. There are states that really don't need the union as it now exists.

Take a look at the growing number of states that are now passing resolutions to (re)declare their sovereignty under the 10th amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America.

I think we'll see some blood letting before this all settles out, if it ever does.

In our neck of the woods, right on the PA/NY state line, there has been considerable discussion about the drain on upstate resources that NYC and Phila impose upon us in our respective areas.

In the 80's, I remember reading about predicted tax revolts and class warfare. It doesn't sound quite as far-fetched now as it did back then.

Take a look at the growing number of states that are now passing resolutions to (re)declare their sovereignty under the 10th amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America.

That is a good point. Texas has that covered under its Constitution but resolutions or bills are being introduced.


Texas Rep. Creighton files concurrent resolution which states:

81R5789 MMS-F

By: Creighton H.C.R. No. 50

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States reads as follows: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people";
and............................................... .

Link to Article/Blog (http://adap2k.blogspot.com/2009/02/texas-calls-for-sovereignty-tenth.html)



Ron Paul supporters in Oklahoma.

Click here (http://snardfarker.ning.com/group/state_sovereignty/forum/topics/paul-supporters-lead-fight-to)

I'll tell ya, if TX wants to secede, I'd support it. It's high time these idjits get a clue that CA, NY, and a handful of liberal states do NOT represent the rest of us and we don't agree with a lot of that nutcase crap those reps keep coming up with.

One of our reps in the PA state House is introducing a resolution to reaffirm our state sovereignty under the US Constitution. I contacted him to urge him to push it through. I also contacted my own state rep to tell her the same thing and she wrote me back with some lame-ass civics lesson type stuff, explaining the 10th amendment and the true nature of a resolution, etc, etc, blah, blah, blah.

I wrote her back, basically told her to hold the civics lesson and asked her point blank what her position was on HR 95 and how was she going to represent my interests toward states' rights as my elected representative.

I'm tired of pussyfooting with these jackasses. Get a rope; it's time to dance.

I'll tell ya, if TX wants to secede, I'd support it. It's high time these idjits get a clue that CA, NY, and a handful of liberal states do NOT represent the rest of us and we don't agree with a lot of that nutcase crap those reps keep coming up with.

Plus we are lucky with the Gulf of Mexico and waterways for commerce and military operations.

Yup! Still Red state versus Blue state and technically the country is still split down the middle. If we ever get into a civil war again it will be very bloody. :shakehead


Back to that nutty Russian professor California falls under Chinese influence or goes to China? :screwy:

Obviously he has not visited the U.S. or California for that matter. The last time I checked Hispanics/Latinos were the clear majority although the Asian population has grown considerably. Hispanic/Latinos are now the majority in Texas too but I seriously doubt we will be going back to Mexico. There is off the wall talk about annexing Mexico or parts of it due to the drug wars and continuing violence down there. A whole armored division is being moved to Ft Bliss which is in my area. And we have two divisions of armor and infantry at Ft Hood.

Plus his vision conflicts with the "Viva La Raza" Hispanic/Latino types that believe in the Reconquista movement which is the reconquering of California and the Southwest. That is happening without a shot being fired.

It is all wishful thinking on his part. Obviously many countries would rather see the U.S. fail.

What about those of us who were born and raised in blue states, have family in them, but we're "Red" at heart?
As for me I'm the only real conservative Republican in my family, I'm hoping my family will turn around seeing this mess Obama is leaving us in!

Will I be compelled to move from the great Northwest, down to a southern red state?

What about those of us who were born and raised in blue states, have family in them, but we're "Red" at heart?
As for me I'm the only real conservative Republican in my family, I'm hoping my family will turn around seeing this mess Obama is leaving us in!

Will I be compelled to move from the great Northwest, down to a southern red state?

:dunno:

If you can find a job or looking for a new adventure or a new way of life why not. You're always welcome in the Sovereign State of Texas. :wink:

The economy overall in Texas is still hanging in there versus the rest of the country. I'd have to double check but statistically the majority of the U.S. population base is in the South.

We migrated from New Jersey a long time ago. Speaking of one screwed up liberal state. :screwy:

:dunno:

If you can find a job or looking for a new adventure or a new way of life why not. You're always welcome in the Sovereign State of Texas. :wink:

:lol:I went to college in Texas, met my ex husband at BIBLE college there, he left us and moved back with his mom in Texas, now he is in Louisiana, remarried so all my exs DID live in Texas! But all my family is in Washington State, with me in Oregon not too far away. I would hate to live so far away from them.
However my folks did contemplate retiring in SanAntonio, but since I and my sisters are still up here, I believe that is why they never chose to move there.
Maybe this economy could be a turning point for all my family! :rolleyes:

Thanks for the invite BNaylor!

The economy overall in Texas is still hanging in there versus the rest of the country. I'd have to double check but statistically the majority of the U.S. population base is in the South.

We migrated from New Jersey a long time ago. Speaking of one screwed up liberal state. :screwy:

:lol: HotZ28, I wouldn't be surprised if half of that money is shipped back to Mexico.How about 22.2 billion for a conservative estimate!

What a joke this is; the US Census (and other sources) estimates only 15% illegal immigrants will consume the 300,000 construction jobs. :lol2: More like 90% from what I see in Georgia & Florida! :grinyes: I think it's time for a head count, if & when these jobs are actually created! :icon16:


Stimulus Loophole Gives 300,000 Jobs to Illegals
Monday, March 9, 2009 6:09 PM

By: David A. Patten
(http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:setActiveStyleSheet%28%27largeFont%27%29;)
An estimated 300,000 construction jobs paid for by the stimulus plan will go to illegal workers after leading Democrats removed a provision requiring verification of citizenship, a leading immigration expert tells Newsmax. The House version of the $787 billion stimulus bill required verification of the legal residency of anyone put to work by its spending. But that provision was removed from the bill before members of Congress met to reconcile the House and Senate versions of the bill.

Steven Camarota, director of research for the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS), tells Newsmax the verification provision was deleted by Democratic leaders even before the bill reached the conference committee, where differences between House and Senate legislation are normally ironed out.

“When it got to conference, the top people -- not just the conference members, but the top people: Reid, Pelosi, and Obama -- chose to kill the provision and not include it,” Camarota says. “This was a purposeful decision.”

The provision would have required that workers’ names to be vetted through the Internet-based E-Verify system. E-Verify, a joint project of the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration, gives employers a quick means of verifying employee eligibility.

“E-Verify is our most effective tool for preventing illegal immigrants from getting jobs, and they chose not to use it,” says Camarota.
The estimate of 300,000 construction jobs is based on U.S. Census and other studies showing that approximately 15 percent of U.S. construction workers are illegal immigrants.

Construction projects funded by the stimulus bill are expected to generate 2 million jobs. Assuming 15 percent of those workers are illegal, 300,000 illegal aliens would be employed. The actual number could be higher, however, because many of the projects are in states with high immigrant populations, such as Texas, California, and Florida.

The CIS estimates are accepted by the conservative Heritage Foundation, and even groups that advocate on behalf of illegals don’t quibble with them much. One activist for illegals, however, told USA Today that the CIS report amounts to “fear tactics.”

Some sources suggest Democrats opened up stimulus money to illegals to placate activists who may have to wait for the outright amnesty they covet. Others say it reflects the influence of pro-business interests who want a vast workforce of reasonably priced labor.

Whatever the motivation, Camarota says it’s no accident the verification measure was stripped out. “This was not just a careless oversight that can sometimes happen in the legislative process,” he says.

One economic concern generated by the CIS report: A significant portion of illegal workers’ income is shipped out of the United States to support their families. That money would no longer be available to support economic activity in the United States.

The Council on Foreign Relations, for example, estimates that in 2004 Mexican nationals pumped $22.2 billion back into Mexico’s economy via remittances sent back home. How well U.S. taxpayers tolerate the export of stimulus dollars given the rapidly rising unemployment at home remains to be seen.

“In general construction jobs are reasonably good paying jobs for working class people, and we’re talking about perhaps 300,000 of them going to people who aren’t supposed to be even in the country,” Camarota says. “And this is money coming from taxpayers. The whole point of the stimulus is to put Americans back to work. And by not including E-Verify, it’s a terrible slap in the face to U.S. construction workers, who are currently experiencing a 10 percent, sometimes even 15 percent unemployment rate.”

Before leaving office, former President Bush signed an executive order requiring all federal contractors to submit employees’ names to E-verify. President Obama has delayed implementation of that directive until at least May 21.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has filed a lawsuit to prevent making the use of E-Verify mandatory. The organization says Congress approved it strictly as a voluntary initiative. Source (http://www.newsmax.com/headlines/stimulus_illegals_jobs/2009/03/09/190028.html?s=al&promo_code=7BCE-1) :screwy:

O.K.,
I e-mailed my two Senators, plus five others asking them to vote NO when the next Stimulus Bill comes up ( and we know it will!)

I also plan on being at the April 15th Portland Tea Party for another protest!

What are any of you guys doing to voice your opposition to this nonsense spending in congress?

Wait until you see how much you'll pay in taxes for that health insurance provided by your employer.

BO's administration is looking to raise taxes any way they can.

http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2009/03/15/Obama_may_back_taxing_health_benefits/UPI-99061237120596/


Obama may back taxing health benefits
Published: March 15, 2009 at 8:36 AM

WASHINGTON, March 15 (UPI) -- The Obama administration may support a move to tax employee health benefits as a way to finance an overhaul of the U.S. healthcare system, sources say.

Support for the idea would represent a turnabout for President Barack Obama, who last year criticized Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain of Arizona when he floated a similar idea, calling it "the largest middle-class tax increase in history," The New York Times (NYSE:NYT) reported Sunday.

.....................................

But now, unnamed White House advisers told the newspaper that, while the president will not propose changing the tax-free status of employee health benefits himself, neither would he oppose it if Congress does so.

White House Budget Director Peter Orszag indicated at a recent congressional hearing that taxing health benefits "most firmly should remain on the table," the Times said.

..........................

Nice one, Barry. "I was against it before I was for it."

Call your Senators and Congressmen and a few others in Protest!

...bastards! They want to take from us and give to dumasses like these idiots>>>> http://www.theobamaforum.com/index.php

Did you hear Obama is now saying the economy isn't so bad, because even some Democrats are upset other nations don't want to invest in the U.S. with how bad Obama has been saying it is!:shakehead

Did you hear Obama is now saying the economy isn't so bad, because even some Democrats are upset other nations don't want to invest in the U.S. with how bad Obama has been saying it is!:shakehead

Flip flop Obama. :lol: That is nothing new. :grinno: He flip flopped during the Democratic primaries, during the Presidential election, and since he was inaugurated to present. :rolleyes:

A lot of foreign countries are adopting a "me-first" attitude in order to protect their own industries. It is not all to do with the weakness of the U.S but also to do with the weakness of their own country.

This isn't helped the very vocal Protectionist/Pro US/Anti Foreign goods voices.

Case in point:

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/first100days/2009/03/17/obama-faces-trade-war-mexico-truck-ban/


Obama Faces First Trade War With Mexico Over Truck Ban


FOXNews.com

Tuesday, March 17, 2009


President Obama is facing his first trade war after Mexico slapped import tariffs on $2.4 billion in U.S. goods in retaliation for a ban on its trucks from American roads.

Congress ignited the trade skirmish last week by killing a pilot program begun in 2007 that had allowed a few Mexican 18-wheelers to deliver goods across the border.

"Right now, these trade agreements are contracts and if either side breaks that contract, there's repercussions," said Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, the top Republican on the trade subcommittee of the House Ways and Means Committee.

Economy Secretary Gerardo Ruiz Mateo imposed the tariffs Monday on about 90 U.S. products from 40 states, which will include farm goods such as rice, beef, wheat and beans.

..........................................

Now, the reason given for this action is safety concerns, but we all know there's often more to the story.

sounds like tit for tat to me.

There is a growing concern in the UK for over protective policies being adopted that will result in countries refusing to trade with each other, thereby helping no one.
Fact is, we need global trade.

A lot of foreign countries are adopting a "me-first" attitude in order to protect their own industries. It is not all to do with the weakness of the U.S but also to do with the weakness of their own country.

This isn't helped the very vocal Protectionist/Pro US/Anti Foreign goods voices.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090315/ap_on_go_pr_wh/obama_economy


"Despite the new enthusiasm at the White House and on Wall Street, there was little solid evidence to suggest an end was in sight to the severe recession that has already cost 4 million American jobs, driven down home values and sent foreclosures soaring. Meanwhile, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said he was concerned about the safety of the estimated $1 trillion his country has invested in U.S. government debt"

It's all connected, other leaders see the folly of Obamas policies.
(And his hypocrisy)

................ Meanwhile, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said he was concerned about the safety of the estimated $1 trillion his country has invested in U.S. government debt"


So are we. :banghead:

Meanwhile, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said he was concerned about the safety of the estimated $1 trillion his country has invested in U.S. government debt[/B]"

I wouldn't take that at face value.
Of all the countries hit hard by the downturn, the US will recover first.
That $1 Trillion will make China money.

In fact, it concerns me a lot that China will be holding that much of the US' debt.

I wouldn't take that at face value.
Of all the countries hit hard by the downturn, the US will recover first. unless the U.S. is at the point the old Roman Empire was at Just before it fell:eek7:
That $1 Trillion will make China money.

In fact, it concerns me a lot that China will be holding that much of the US' debt.China might just be the nation to take over the U.S.!:eek:

I think take over is a bit strong and the rest of the world wouldn't allow it if it ever came to something that would equate to that but still, that much debt in China's hands is one hell of a bartering chip and gives China that little extra power when it wants something.

How about the news that Obama, while trying to force government run health care on the American pubic, proposed making the U.S. military pay their own health care costs when injured in battle!:shakehead
( of all people who should have health care benefits from the government, the ones who fight to keep our nation free so we CAN have good health care!):thumbsup:
Fortunantly I heard today he backed off from that idea.

How about the news that Obama, while trying to force government run health care on the American pubic, proposed making the U.S. military pay their own health care costs when injured in battle!:shakehead
( of all people who should have health care benefits from the government, the ones who fight to keep our nation free so we CAN have good health care!):thumbsup:
Fortunantly I heard today he backed off from that idea.

What? Can you show me a reference or source? I'd like to see it just so I can get a good laugh. Obama is not too popular as the Commander in Chief of our Armed Forces. :grinno:

Drudge Report, March 16
The American Legion Strongly Opposed to President's Plan to Charge Wounded Heroes for Treatment
Mon Mar 16, 5:49 pm ET

Contact: Craig Roberts of The American Legion, +1-202-263-2982 Office, +1-202-406-0887 Cell

WASHINGTON, March 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The leader of the nation's largest veterans organization says he is "deeply disappointed and concerned" after a meeting with President Obama today to discuss a proposal to force private insurance companies to pay for the treatment of military veterans who have suffered service-connected disabilities and injuries. The Obama administration recently revealed a plan to require private insurance carriers to reimburse the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in such cases.


"It became apparent during our discussion today that the President intends to move forward with this unreasonable plan," said Commander David K. Rehbein of The American Legion. "He says he is looking to generate $540-million by this method, but refused to hear arguments about the moral and government-avowed obligations that would be compromised by it."


The Commander, clearly angered as he emerged from the session said, "This reimbursement plan would be inconsistent with the mandate ' to care for him who shall have borne the battle' given that the United States government sent members of the armed forces into harm's way, and not private insurance companies. I say again that The American Legion does not and will not support any plan that seeks to bill a veteran for treatment of a service connected disability at the very agency that was created to treat the unique need of America's veterans!"


Commander Rehbein was among a group of senior officials from veterans service organizations joining the President, White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emmanuel, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki and Steven Kosiak, the overseer of defense spending at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The group's early afternoon conversation at The White House was precipitated by a letter of protest presented to the President earlier this month. The letter, co-signed by Commander Rehbein and the heads of ten colleague organizations, read, in part, " There is simply no logical explanation for billing a veteran's personal insurance for care that the VA has a responsibility to provide. While we understand the fiscal difficulties this country faces right now, placing the burden of those fiscal problems on the men and women who have already sacrificed a great deal for this country is unconscionable."


Commander Rehbein reiterated points made last week in testimony to both House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees. It was stated then that The American Legion believes that the reimbursement plan would be inconsistent with the mandate that VA treat service-connected injuries and disabilities given that the United States government sends members of the armed forces into harm's way, and not private insurance companies. The proposed requirement for these companies to reimburse the VA would not only be unfair, says the Legion, but would have an adverse impact on service-connected disabled veterans and their families. The Legion argues that, depending on the severity of the medical conditions involved, maximum insurance coverage limits could be reached through treatment of the veteran's condition alone. That would leave the rest of the family without health care benefits. The Legion also points out that many health insurance companies require deductibles to be paid before any benefits are covered. Additionally, the Legion is concerned that private insurance premiums would be elevated to cover service-connected disabled veterans and their families, especially if the veterans are self-employed or employed in small businesses unable to negotiate more favorable across-the-board insurance policy pricing. The American Legion also believes that some employers, especially small businesses, would be reluctant to hire veterans with service-connected disabilities due to the negative impact their employment might have on obtaining and financing company health care benefits.


"I got the distinct impression that the only hope of this plan not being enacted," said Commander Rehbein, "is for an alternative plan to be developed that would generate the desired $540-million in revenue. The American Legion has long advocated for Medicare reimbursement to VA for the treatment of veterans. This, we believe, would more easily meet the President's financial goal. We will present that idea in an anticipated conference call with White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emmanuel in the near future.


"I only hope the administration will really listen to us then. This matter has far more serious ramifications than the President is imagining," concluded the Commander.


SOURCE The American Legion

I wouldn't take that at face value.
Of all the countries hit hard by the downturn, the US will recover first.
That $1 Trillion will make China money.

In fact, it concerns me a lot that China will be holding that much of the US' debt.China evidently does not feel safe holding that much in US Treasury debt, they are looking at other options and Obama's hand picked Treasury Secretary (who forgot, or failed to pay his own taxes,) seems to agree with their proposal. I guess anything looks good when you don't have any money! Can you imagine what would happen if China decided to cash in on that 1-trillion debt in exchange for cash? :headshake NEW YORK -- Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner on Wednesday said he is "quite open" to China's suggestion of moving toward a currency system linked to the International Monetary Fund's Strategic Drawing Rights.

Zhou Xiaochuan, China's central bank governor, earlier this month said the world should consider the SDR, a basket of dollars, euros, sterling and yen, as a super-sovereign reserve currency.

Geithner, responding to a question, said he hadn't read Zhou's proposal but added, "as I understand it, it's a proposal designed to increase the use of the IMF's Special Drawing Rights. I am actually quite open to that suggestion."

However, he said it should be viewed as an "evolutionary building on the current architecture rather than moving us to a global monetary union."
Source (http://moneynews.newsmax.com/headlines/dollar/2009/03/25/195953.html?promo_code=2A89-1)

[quote]Drudge Report, March 16
The American Legion Strongly Opposed to President's Plan to Charge Wounded Heroes for Treatment
Mon Mar 16, 5:49 pm ET Thanks for posting that thegladhatter.
Is anyone else feeling a lot more anxiety since Obama became President?

Interesting that this hasn't been posted yet...

Stocks surge on bank plan, rise in home sales

"It's just hard to argue that there isn't an improvement in economic activity on the horizon," said Jim Dunigan, executive vice president at PNC Wealth Management.

The market began turning around two weeks ago on news that Citigroup Inc. was operating at a profit in January and February. A spate of more upbeat economic reports helped the market build on its gains

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Dow-up-nearly-500-on-bank-apf-14720049.html



The Dow Jones Industrial Average vaulted 174.75 points (2.25 per cent) to 7,924.56 at the closing bell, extending the rally that has pushed the blue-chip index up more than 20 per cent from March 9 lows.

http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Money/Story/STIStory_355231.html


So I guess this means that the markets are responding positively to the Obama administration's economic stimulus plan?

So I guess this means that the markets are responding positively to the Obama administration's economic stimulus plan?

Where did you get that notion? Where in either one of the articles you posted does it attribute the so called market optimism solely to Obama's economic stimulus plan? :confused: Recall the first bailout occurred while Bush was still in office and some of the anecdotal data alludes to the first 700 billion dollar stimulus so it is hard to say or we would be speculating at best.

FYI - One of the reasons why CitiGroup and/or Bank of America is important to investors is the fact that they hold the U.S. Government's debt in the form of credit cards. You think all those U.S. government agencies and the U.S. military do business by paying cash? :grinno:

The bottom line is how will your stock, IRA and 401K Plan portfolios look at the end of the year. :wink:

Where did you get that notion? Where in either one of the articles you posted does it attribute the so called market optimism solely to Obama's economic stimulus plan?

The first real major gain in the Dow Jones Index happened beginning of this week on the 24th (Monday) with the day ending more than 400 points above opening. What happened on the 24th? Oh yeah, Obama announced the Treasury's plana the day before markets opened. Could be coincidence of course.

Not entirely sure what happend mid week though for it to suddenly drop, despite recorded increase in spending for the previous month.


Interesting that this hasn't been posted yet...

Don't you know?
It aint hip to quote possible good things about Obama.

Where did you get that notion? Where in either one of the articles you posted does it attribute the so called market optimism solely to Obama's economic stimulus plan? :confused:

Never said it was due solely to BO stimulus plan, but it has played a part.

Investors added rocket fuel Monday to a two-week-old advance, cheering the government's plan to help banks remove bad assets from their books and also welcoming a report showing a surprising increase in home sales.



The bottom line is how will your stock, IRA and 401K Plan portfolios look at the end of the year. :wink:

Not great to be sure :banghead:, but I've got a long time to ride out the storm with my IRA and 403b...As soon as the market bottoms out, there is going to be a LOT of money to be made on the way back up, and I don't plan to stand on the sidelines for that. :sunglasse

Don't you know?
It aint hip to quote possible good things about Obama.

Dude, you should see the Politics forum on one of the Corvette forums I frequent. Makes this place look like a left-wing nuthouse :icon16:

there is going to be a LOT of money to be made on the way back up, and I don't plan to stand on the sidelines for that.

which is also why it is, despite what the fear mongers might want to shout about, a good thing in the long term for governments to buy that debt.

It's also why Warren Buffet (amongst others) sunk so much cash into buying failed banks' and their debt and other large banks i.e Barclays were so eager to "help" some of your larger failing banks.

In a way, it's made things easier for the casual trader because there is no need to hedge your choice of long trades. Of course, this is dependent on knowing when to go in long....


Edit:
now that I think about it, that drop mid-week might've been a pre-empting bout of short dealing to brace in case that sales report was worse than expected. Pure speculation on my part but quite possible. Anyone know any hedge fund managers? Um, that still have a job that is....

Personally I like it when the market goes up but remember it is speculative in nature no matter who the Prez is. Otherwise it is like shooting yourself in the foot if you do not root for the market to go up or have some optimism. However, it dropped again today for whatever reasons. :rolleyes:

7776.18 -148.38‎ (-1.87%‎) Mar 27 4:02pm ET

When we get back to the good ole days or a bull market then I'll give Obama a pat on the back. Until then I am not holding my breath. :grinno:

Dude, you should see the Politics forum on one of the Corvette forums I frequent. Makes this place look like a left-wing nuthouse :icon16:


That is only because we are nice here. :uhoh:.....:lol: In the end it really doesn't make any difference since this is an auto forum. A car doesn't care what political party you support or whether you are a right or left wing nutjob and neither do members or Moderators that give tech advice or willing to help out. Although many would like to see it shut down we have the Politics forum on AF to keep the crap out of the tech forums. :grinyes:


BTW - I'm still trying to figure out what DM does on AF other than spend time in the O/T sections. :biggrin:

Don't you know?
It aint hip to quote possible good things about Obama.

And if it turns out some of the turnaround occurs because of actions taken by the Bush administration before BO took office, what then? Retractions all around? Not bloody likely.

I'm not defending GW; I'm just looking at the other side as well.

BTW - I'm still trying to figure out what DM does on AF other than spend time in the O/T sections. :biggrin:

Comic relief? Relax, DM, I'm just poking fun. :evillol:

(actually, they let me stay around for comic relief. My Cavalier brought me to this forum, and my daughter's Jeep keeps me looking for tech stuff.)

Well, it looks GM and Chrysler won't be getting any more bailout money for now. Sad to say it but I'm with Obama on this one and IMO it was a good decision. And GM CEO Wagoner had to step down. :loser:


Source: MSNBC/AP
Obama denies bailout funds for automakers
White House says neither GM, Chrysler submitted acceptable plans

Link to Article (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29944834)

I'm still trying to figure out what DM does on AF other than spend time in the O/T sections. :biggrin:

I er.... help fufill the ethnicity count of the mod board?


Incidentally, what do you think of the Fiat "merger"?
Is it a forced affair cos that is how it is being publicised over here.

I er.... help fufill the ethnicity count of the mod board?

Me too since I'm of Asian descent. :lol: Just pulling your leg DM. :wink:


Incidentally, what do you think of the Fiat "merger"?
Is it a forced affair cos that is how it is being publicised over here.

Which one? You mean with Chrysler? Doesn't Fiat own Ferrari, Maserati, Alfa Romeo and Lancia? You know to be honest with you :dunno: but probably a good way to get some Chrysler models overseas to help overall sales.

Me too since I'm of Asian descent. :lol: Just pulling your leg DM.

Ahh... but I also fulfill the British quotient as well as tick the Hong Kong New Territories and Southern China boxes.
So nyeeeaaahhhh.


Which one? You mean with Chrysler? Doesn't Fiat own Ferrari, Maserati, Alfa Romeo and Lancia? You know to be honest with you :dunno: but probably a good way to get some Chrysler models overseas to help overall sales.

I was more thinking along the lines how your country's unions would view the merger and what potential issues may arise from the Italians regarding the unions.
I can see it being more beneficial for Fiat than Chrysler.

I guess we'd know more when more details of the merger come out.

Is anyone going to attend any of the Tea Partys being held around the U.S. on April 15th?:iceslolan