Second Stimulus Check For Obama 2009 Economic Stimulus Package?
Tax Cuts, Social Spending, and New Jobs – But What About Stimulus Checks?
A second economic stimulus package for 2009 is on the way and from the looks of things in the news, it appears newly minted President Barack H. Obama and his Democrat controlled House of Representatives and U.S. Senate are determined to ram the lucrative spending proposals through the legislative meat grinder no matter what, much to the chagrin of skeptical and deficit-weary Congressional Republicans.
As Congress debates the wisdom and intricate details of the current version of the 2009 economic stimulus package, it’s clear that something needs to be done very soon to jumpstart and save our suffering economy before we spiral into a full blown economic depression. The unemployment rate is rising fast and everywhere you turn, there seems to be a never ending stream of unemployment and layoff news being announced everyday. The stock market has already shed more than half of its value since its peak in 2007, and billions to trillions of dollars worth of wealth have already been eliminated from the economy. Major banks and financial giants like Citibank, Bank of America, and JP Morgan Chase, once the financial pillars of our economy and the lifeblood of our credit industry, are now clinging onto U.S. government bailout money for dear life – hoping to still be in business at the end of every quarter.
With its almost limitless resources, it’s clear the federal government must intervene somehow and put this broken economy and financial system back on track to prosperity. But the question is – what should be the government’s role in all of this? More specially, what method should the government take to effectively jump start the economy to life again and ease the suffering on Main Street and Wall Street? Should the 2nd economic stimulus package continue to focus directly on sparking consumer spending by featuring a second round of free stimulus checks to consumers – perhaps for amounts much higher than the previous 2008 economic stimulus checks? Or should the plan this time around focus more on longer term indirect measures like job creation, infrastructure investment, and tax credits?
Current 2009 Economic Stimulus Package Focuses Less On Stimulus Checks – And More On Job Creation, Infrastructure Projects, and Tax Cuts
Before Barack Obama was elected president and during his 2008 Presidential election campaign, he supported implementing additional economic stimulus measures in 2009 – and even whispered at the rumored possibility of a second round of stimulus checks for taxpaying consumers in 2009 before tax day.
Whether a second stimulus check was a real possibility or not, the mere mention of a second round of stimulus payments and the prospect of getting more free government money certainly made my greedy ears perk up, but much of my optimism and enthusiasm were quickly dashed when Obama finally came into power. Almost immediately, he signaled a different stimulus proposal shift that favored a more multi-pronged approach of using tax cuts, tax credits, and pet projects, rather than relying on the 2008 economic stimulus check tactics of his predecessor, George W. Bush. Instead of just distributing free bailout money to the masses and hoping the funds will naturally trigger a huge surge in consumer spending activity to put the economy back on its feet again, Obama’s stimulus package focuses more on middle class tax cuts and massive increases in government spending to fund various infrastructure investments, green energy projects, financial aid to states, and social education initiatives – designed to create jobs and put people back to work.
The current 2nd economic stimulus plan laid down by President Obama for 2009 is a whopping, super-sized $825 billion economic rescue package containing staggering spending initiatives and ambitious tax cuts, and sprinkled with dozens of pork-based proposals and suspect social initiatives within hundreds of pages of legislation. The current package contains $300 billion worth of aggressive construction projects designed to improve the country’s infrastructure and create millions of new artificially generated jobs in areas like health care, renewable green energy, school upgrades and repairs, and transportation related improvements. The package also contains about $200 billion worth of state social assistance provisions designed to help keep state sponsored health and unemployment programs well funded – to offer a measure of cushion for those people who have been recently laid off due to the economic down turn. Along with the state assistance portion are other safety net type provisions to help fund and keep afloat local food stamp programs, food banks, state sponsored health care, and governmental health insurance plans for those suddenly unemployed.
The other primary feature of the current Obama economic stimulus plan is the series of tax cuts and tax credits offered to qualifying individuals and small businesses. Under the tax cut portion of the stimulus deal, small businesses suffering losses because of the economic downturn and recession would receive more favorable tax loss write off terms.
For individuals, the current 2009 economic stimulus package offers pretty generous tax cutting proposals. The plan highly favors low and middle-income working families since the idea is that these income groups are more likely to spend and invest their tax savings rather than save the money. In terms of stimulating the economy, increased consumer spending is good, and consumer saving is bad. Nicknamed the “Make Work Pay Credit” by President Obama, the proposed tax credit is supposed to reach close to 95% of workers, and benefit even working tax filers without any tax liability – typically very low income workers. Here is a basic overview of the stimulus plan’s Make Work Pay Credit:
- Middle Class Tax Credit: Under the plan, there would be a tax cut amounting to $500 a year for individuals, and $1,000 for couples. The economic stimulus would be issued in the form of a tax credit, and would be limited to those making $75,000 or less ($150,000 or less for married workers filing joint tax returns).
- Low Income Tax Credit: For low income taxpayers, there would be an increase and expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit to provide a refundable tax credit for low income assistance. The expansion would affect even working tax filers without any actual net tax liability – typically very low-income workers – and allow them to potentially qualify for free stimulus tax refund credits.
- Child Tax Credit: For those who have children, a temporary increase in the child tax credit would result in larger tax refunds.
Should The 2009 Economic Stimulus Plan Be Re-Written Or Re-Packaged To Contain Major Provisions For A Second Economic Stimulus Check?
It’s too bad the eventual 2009 stimulus plan probably won’t contain another round of hefty stimulus check payments to ordinary consumers like the ones that were dished out last year. While the 2008 stimulus tax rebate wasn’t much (only a few hundred dollars in my case), some additional government handouts in higher dollar denominations would still have been greatly appreciated by individuals like myself and put to good use. Plus, as an American consumer who embraces the virtues of capitalism, I feel I would have made a better decision for myself as to how best spend my portion of the stimulus money pursuant to what’s in my own best capitalist self interest.
Overall, I think President Obama’s administration is probably right in its revised efforts to focus more on job creation, offering greater tax cuts, and enhancing safety net protections to help suffering Americans survive the economic downturn for the long term. Offering greater financial assistance to struggling state unemployment programs (many on them on the verge of running out of funds), and stimulating growth with more job building projects is a proven way to stabilize the markets and improve consumer sentiment. However, I’m still a bit disappointed that the President and Congress have not explored the prospect of an enhanced second stimulus check further.
At least for now, President Obama’s administration seems to have given up on the idea of using government stimulus checks en masse again to jump start the economy. Instead, Obama’s advisers have indicated that they would prefer searching for viable ways to get government stimulus money into the hands of American taxpayers quickly that would not require or duplicate the tax rebate checks of last year. Apparently the $150 billion spent in 2008 in the form of stimulus payments to consumers proved to be quite an economic failure and pointless exercise of futility in terms of actually stimulating the economy to any extended degree. But perhaps the reason it didn’t work properly the first time around was because too little money was given out to substantially change consumer spending habits to forcibly inject money back into the economy again (simply compare the $150 billion spent last year to the $800 billion-plus worth of spending being proposed for 2009).
Perhaps The Problem With The First Stimulus Checks In 2008 Was That They Were Too Little To Make Much Of An Impact
I have mixed feelings about the prospect of yet another around of direct stimulus checks to consumers. On one hand, I understand that there are many struggling American families getting hammered by higher living costs, and suffering from the ills of unemployment and layoffs. However, I’m not entirely convinced that the idea of handing out free money to families will really solve all of our economic woes and jump start the economy at its core. But yet I still wonder if perhaps we gave up on the idea of stimulus checks too early and that maybe, the concept is still workable. Maybe the amounts issued in 2008 were simply to small to change anyone’s spending habits as initially intended – after all, only about $150 billion was spent in 2008, when the current 2009 economic stimulus proposal’s already ballooned to a whopping $850 billion.
I know when I received my tax rebate stimulus check in early 2008, the check only amounted to a few hundred paltry dollars – not really enough for me to go on a greedy spending spree. So instead of spending it and doing my part to stimulate the economy, I ended up doing what most people probably ended up doing with their tax rebate check – putting the money in a bank and depositing it into a high yield savings account. Of course, my plans for the money would likely have been very different if the amount wasn’t something low like $300, $600, or $1,200, but rather something as high as $10,000. If the stimulus check issued to me was indeed worth upwards of $10,000, I would very likely have saved a small portion of it but ended up plowing a sizable portion back into the economy by spending it on major expenditures like a new wide screen plasma TV set, new home appliances, or even a new car.
What If The Entire Economic Stimulus Bailout Package Went Towards 2nd Stimulus Check Payments? Would This Actually Stimulate The Economy?
Almost all polls among ordinary American consumers show overwhelming support for a second stimulus rebate check. After all, who would really oppose it? Who would be opposed to receiving free stimulus check money. Think the prospect of getting a second stimulus check worth as high as $10,000 as a consumer bailout is impossible? Well it’s probably unlikely, but it’s not out of the realm of financial or budgetary possibility, at least based on the fiscal numbers alone.
On CNN Money, a very interesting question was proposed in regards to the bank bailout and economic stimulus packages. If instead of bailing out these credit crisis-stricken banks (who probably deserve their fates due to the risky mortgage bets they greedily placed into subprime loans), we just gave all of the bailout money to taxpayers in the form of a massive consumer cash stimulus. How much would we each get if the entire current economic stimulus proposals were issued out to consumers as a second round of stimulus check payments? The second important question to ask is – would this actually stimulate the economy for the necessary extended period of time to get it going again?
To arrive at the figure, CNN Money took the total amount of the bank bailout package of $700 billion and added that to the proposed 2009 economic stimulus spending estimation at the time of $819 billion – resulting in a total bailout package of $1.519 trillion (that is quite a staggering figure). Dividing that number by 156.3 million, the total number of U.S. workers who filed federal income tax returns in 2008, that number equaled $9,718.49 per U.S. taxpayer, or roughly the equivalent of a juicy $10,000 cash bailout payment for each qualified tax payer. Now that’s stimulus with oomph! With $10,000 in our pockets in the form of instant windfall economic stimulus checks, it’s very likely that the tremendously high amount would be sufficient to incite a major change in spending activity than a measly $600 check ever could. People would probably go out and actually start stimulating the economy by buying cars, purchasing TV’s, paying for college studies, and going on vacations.
As a dose of devil’s advocate inspired reality though, while it’s very possible that $10,000 checks in every working taxpayer’s hands would probably send the economy skyrocketing, it’s also possible the growth could be short lived and not actually get to the true root of our current economic problems. The massive surge in consumer spending probably won’t do much to solve the lingering fundamental issues surrounding our current credit crisis, which centers around a failed banking system and a failed home mortgage lending market. But then if repairing the banks and injecting confidence back into our home mortgage and credit lending markets are our primary objectives – I’m not sure the current economic stimulus proposals by President Obama, which are focused more on tax cuts and job creation and most prominently, aggressive social spending programs – will actually accomplish those goals. At least for stimulus checks, they could be able to help alleviate some of the immediate economic suffering being felt by ordinary consumers – many of whom are fighting to stay alive, with a great deal currently resorting to desperate emergency fund measures like 0% credit card offers, balance transfers, and risky high interest payday loans.
I’m curious as to everyone’s opinion on the wisdom of a second stimulus check (if it ever happened). What’s your take? Would substantially higher stimulus checks of $1,000, or possibly even as high as $10,000, actually encourage you to spend the money (thereby stimulating the economy) instead of merely saving the amount or using it to pay down debt? How would your decision compare to how you actually spent your previous 2008 tax rebate stimulus check?
February 4th, 2009 at 2:10 pm
I wish! I really hope Obama will rethink his stimulus policies and go for a greater economic stimulus check instead of his current path…. I could really use another stimulus check and I promise to spend it this time! $10,000 stimulus check…I can only dream!
February 4th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
The problem with the tax credit is that won’t go into effect until July. Hopefully at that time adjusting people’s withholding to get money in their pocket. Last year’s plan had most ofhte Stimilus checks out the door by then.
February 4th, 2009 at 6:24 pm
I think that a larger stimulus check would be a great thing. If I am going to leave my great grandchildren in debt, it should be for a debt I actually helped caused and received cash for. Why should we continuously bail out banks, big companies when they do not appreciate what the American tax payer is handing them. President Obama should say no to big companies and yes to hard-working American families. Let the hard-working folks get a piece of the pie instead of big companies taking the whole pie factory.
February 4th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
I agree with Carl. By the time Congress passes the stimulus bill, most tax payers will ahve already filed their taxes. How are families suppose to benefit if Congress hasn’t passed the bill? Where will that $500 or $1000 go then? Will they write you a check for the difference in your taxes? Probably not!!!!
February 5th, 2009 at 11:41 am
It would be nice to recieve $10,000. I would probably pay off a few bills, then I would spend money on a t.v. However, since this a pipedream and I don’t have the check in my hand, I will continue to penny pinch and pay my debts one month at a time.
February 6th, 2009 at 12:10 pm
I ACTUALLY NEVER BUY MYSLEF ANYTHING ME AND MY HUSBAND HAVE BEEN MARRIED FOR 6 YEARS NOW AND HAS NEVER EVEN BEEN ON A REAL VACATION NOT EVEN A HONEY MOON
MY INCOME TAX THAT I GET BACK IS GOING ALL TOWARD BILLS WHICH LEAVES ME WITH BARELY ANYTHING TO SPARE
ONE THING I TOLD MY HUSBAND IS THAT IF BY SOME MIRICLE WE DO GET A STIMULUS CHECK FROM OBAMA THAT WE ARE GOING TO BLOW THE ENTIRE THING AND ACTUALLY BUY A FEW THINGS THAT WE WANT FOR A CHANG
WE NEVER GET TO GO ON SHOPPING SPREES OR DO WHAT WE WANT BECAUSE WE LIVE PAY CHECK TO PAYCHEK LIKE MANY OTHERS
I THINK THAT GIVING US A CHECK WETHER IT BE $500 OR $10,000 WOULD BE A WONDERFUL IDEA AND A GREAT WAY TO BOOST THE ECONAMY
BECAUSE IF WE GET WE’LL SPEND IT WHICH WILL HELP OUT THE BUSINESSES IT’S A WIN WIN SITUATION
February 6th, 2009 at 11:06 pm
I’m 26 years old, I attended college for a short while, but, what I really learned : “Ain’t Nothing Going On but The Rent” … I can’t afford to work a full-time job, go to school, pay rent pay $30 taxes on a $70 light bill, and put aside money for when my crappy car has ANOTHER problem, because if it’s not one thing, it’s another… AND NO ONE in our government knows what its like to have payroll “screw up” your hours, and this paycheck is not what is was expected, or to have your 8, 9, 10 dollar an hour job cut your hours. I earn $12 an hour and after taxes and that $140 Health Insurance “BENEFIT” as they so humorously put it, may pay actually equals to, hmm about $8.65 an hour. What a slap in the face it is to not be able to eat lunch, while your breaking your back making some greedy company money. For Management to say “oh well we apologize, it will be paid to you on your next paycheck” and people say, oh with a college education, you can change all that. That is a LIE… GRANTED Some DO, some Make it and forget about the poverish situations they once were in, but you know how many College Graduates can not even find a JOB, let alone a career in ANY field not to mention, what they have studied for X amount of years, taking out student loans, to only work a job they hate making peanuts, only to have to repay those high interest loans back. Then end up working for a measly greedy company that gives 30 minute lunch breaks as if that was some type of reward. HAHA !!! I have given up all faith in this government, not like I had much before, but, I DID VOTE, and I am proud to be an american, I support any decision (whether they are genuine or just a facade ) to help the people that put sweat, blood and tears into making this country what it is….
February 7th, 2009 at 11:52 am
It seems like the gov is trying to make everyone happy, except the people that matter. Middle class America is who matters!!
Give me money and I will purchase my happiness!!
February 8th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
$1,000 or $10,000, I’d use any stimulus check to pay down debt and grow savings. Giving everyone a check in the hope they’ll run out and spend it is not going to solve the problem.
February 8th, 2009 at 4:59 pm
DEAR PRESIDENT OBAMA, VP BIDEN AND CONGRESS:
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YOU WILL PROBABLY NEVER SEE THIS, READ IT, CONSIDER IT OR USE IT, BUT HERE GOES. I AM A WHITE MALE, REGISTERED INDEPENDENT, 62 YR OLD RETIRED TEAMSTER FROM A CO AIRBORNE EXPRESS, WHICH WAS BOUGHT OUT BY A GERMAN CO DHL, WHICH NOW HAS CLOSED DOWN ITS DOMESTIC OPS AND CENTRAL DISTRIBUTION ETC LAYING OFF 9,000 WORKERS ACROSS AMERICA AND DESTROYING AN AMERICAN TOWN WILMINGTON, OH.
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TAX CUTS ARE FINE BUT EITHER DONT WORK OR DOESNT PUT MONEY IN OUR POCKETS TO SPEND AND STIMULATE THE ECONOMY FROM THE BOTTOM UP. “TRICKLE DOWN THEORY’ EITHER DIDNT WORK OR WASNT FAST ENOUGH!
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THANKS TO THE LAWYERS IN CONGRESS, THE STIMULUS PACKAGE 2009 POSTED ON LINE IS HARD TO UNDERSTAND. PLEASE SIMPLIFY IT AND GO ON PRIME TV AND EXPLAIN TO US LINE BY LINE EXACTLY HOW EVERY ONE OF OUR DOLLARS IS TO BE SPENT, WHAT KIND OF JOBS WILL BE CREATED AND WHERE THEY WILL BE!
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BESIDES THE ABOVE I PROPOSE THE:
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“TRICKLE UP THEORY’
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1. GIVE EACH LEGAL U.S. ADULT CITIZEN $1MIL. TAX FREE, (AFTER ALL ITS OUR MONEY. EACH OF US MUST SIGN A LEGAL CONTRACT BETWEEN US AND THE GOVT AGREEING TO THE FOLLOWING STIPULATIONS OR FORFEIT THE MONEY WITHIN 2 YEARS!
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2. MUST BE FIRST SPENT ON: RECLAIMING OUR FORECLOSED PRIMARY RESIDENCE OR PURCHASE A PRIMARY RESIDENCE (NO VACATION HOMES, INVESTMENT PROPERTIES/BUSINESSES!
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B. MUST BE SPENT ON: IMPROVING PRIMARY RESIDENCE IE; ENERGY EFFICIENT INSULATION, WINDOWS, DOORS, ROOFS, SOLAR PANELS!
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C. PAYOFF ALL MORTAGES, LOANS, DEBTS. MUST SETUP FULL COLLEGE FUNDS FOR YOUR CHILDREN UNDER 21 AND SETUP FULL HEALTHCARE PLANS FOR IMMEDIATE FAMILY!
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D. MUST PURCHASE MOST EFFICIENT U.S. MADE APPLIANCES, CARS, TRUCKS AVAILABLE!
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E. LASTLY SAVINGS ACCOUNTS, CDS, IRAS, GOVERNMENT BONDS!
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IN CLOSING CANCEL THE TARP FJ DS AND GET BACK OUR MONEY FROM THE UNGRATEFUL BANKS, CEO’S ETC! STOP THE WHINING/BICKERING IN CONGRESS! GIVE US AMERICAN TAXPAYERS/CITIZENS OUR OWN MONEY BACK AND LET US BUY BACK OUR HOUSES AND INFUSE THE ECONOMY WHICH WILL CREATE THE JOBS AND THEN INFUSE THE TAX BASES! TRUST US LIKE WE TRUSTED YOU PEOPLE WHEN WE VOTED FOR YOU TO REPRESENT US!
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I WOULD HAVE SENT THIS DIRECT TO WHITEHOUSE.GOV OR STRONGMIDDLECLASS.ORG BUT THEY ONLY ALLOW 500 CHARACTERS/LETTERS AND NOT WORDS AND THAT IS NOT NEARLY ENOUGH!
February 8th, 2009 at 11:10 pm
To Bluelight422 – I agree – but send it in the mail………..
February 8th, 2009 at 11:10 pm
SEND IT TO THE WHITEHOUSE…………..
February 9th, 2009 at 12:26 am
Who really pays for this bailout money? My children? My children’s children? Where does the madness end? Buckle down, pay off debt, work harder.
February 9th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
Give us a 2nd stimulus check, but make it worth our while. Enough to catch up on bills, get current on loans, and a little extra to make big purchases. Between daily expenses on the rise, and the cost of medical and lack of insurance willing to pay, a big chunk would make everyone a little happier and maybe eager to spend. Listen to those of us who are in the Middle Class Workers.
February 9th, 2009 at 1:47 pm
TO TIGPIG68: SEND WHAT IN THE MAIL AND TO THE WHITEHOUSE?
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TO TRACEY: I DID BUCKLE DOWN, PAY OFF DEBT AND WORKED HARDER FROM 1963 WHEN I GRADUATED UNTIL I RETIRED IN 2004! BUT TO DO NOTHING WILL DESTROY THIS COUNTRY AND OUR CHILDREN AND GRAND CHILDREN WILL HAVE NOTHING ANYWAY! AND WHAT I SAID IN MY ORIGINAL STATEMENT WILL STILL HAVE TO BE DONE, BBECAUSE WE THE PEOPLE/TAXPAYERS AS CONSUMERS ARE THE ONES THAT DRIVE THE ECONOMY THAT CREATE THE JOBS AND THAT INFUSE THE TAX BASES!
February 9th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
I wonder if President Obama and the government actually track these blog posts…but I hope they hear our voices and actually listen to the will of the people.
We desperately NEED a second stimulus check and not another round of free bailout money for corporations and businesses that made bad business decisions.
Bluelight, you’re right…consumers do power the economy and I totally agree with you.
We need a second 2009 stimulus check from Obama! I hope if this second economic stimulus package doesn’t contain payment checks, perhaps the third economic stimulus package (which I think is inevitable in a few months) will contain one.
February 9th, 2009 at 7:42 pm
The $900 I got last year paid for my over expensive home that I can barley afford any how for my three kids. Yes if there is a second check let it be worth while. My ex never pays child support so I guess I can more count on that likely hood than have our own Government help us little people
February 10th, 2009 at 12:58 am
I agree with Bluelight, but $1 million will never happen. If, like the article says, there are 160 million taxpayers (I am rounding up), you would be talking about $160 TRILLION — or about 189 times the current proposed amount of the entire stimulus package.
I wanted congress to send out the bank bailout to Americans in the form of mortgage vouchers; using the same numbers it would have equalled approximately $4, 375 per taxpaying American. We send them into our mortgage companies to stop foreclosure, or pre pay for a few months and the banks still get the money, we all keep our houses, those who are not behind take the money that they would have sent their mortgage company and spend it therefore boosting the economy. (If you own your house outright then you can cash your voucher in after showing proof of ownership at any bank, and you can use them as downpayment if you do not already own a house for up to 5 or so years if you can at least pay 10% down). Then this second stimulus bill might not have even been needed! But instead they gave the money to the banks directly so that everyone could get their Christmas bonus. Wall Street is the only place that I know where you can be in charge of a company that fails and walk away with Millions of dollars in your Golden Parachute. I wish I got rewarded for screwing up, my teenage years would have been a lot more profitable!
February 10th, 2009 at 1:52 am
I didn’t answer the question in the article!
YES we need another stimulus check! Here is how I think that itshould pay out:
$1500 to every american who filed a 2008 tax return, another $1000 per household that claimed a mortgage deduction, and $1000 per child claimed on the 2008 tax return. For our family that would be $8,000 total which (budgetted correctly) would keep us afloat for another year while the rest of the economic stimulus package was implemented (new jobs, new lending and credit regulations, etc. as outlined in the president’s press conference Monday night). We could continue to make the monthly payments and continue to pay down our debt. (i also tried to email the White House but could not get all of my comment into 500 characters).
February 10th, 2009 at 2:41 am
Holy crap it’s amazing how pathetic you people sound. Why not just yell out, “I’m a socialist!”
You cry about your mortgage payments being too high. Why did you buy a house you couldn’t afford to begin with?
Because you could. You live in America. Now it’s your responsibility to work hard and pay for it.
Do you really think $10,000 each will solve your poor financial management skills? 90% (if not more) of you will be right back in the same position in months saying, “maybe the 2010 stimulus check should be more.”
When did this country decide it was the governments job to take care of us? It’s absolutely PATHETIC.
February 10th, 2009 at 5:55 am
“WOW” self reliant, one would have a hard time yelling out & being heard…BECAUSE OF YOUR OWN YELLING ! How long & hard have you worked to make such a statement ? I’ll make a wild guess…probably not to long or hard because somewhere in time you were carried by someone who provided for you financially. Now you think you’ve got your sh*t together…HA ! Where do you get your facts of the percentage of people (90%) that don’t fit into your bracket ? The 10% or less of those you have respect for only says that you deserve what needs to be said : your friendship to foe ratio is on the low side. The only thing PATHETIC here is…someone or something in your household gets kicked once to often.
February 10th, 2009 at 11:35 am
Well let’s see…
I bought a house my wife and I could afford under the worst circumstances, not the best. Could I have bought a house for $300,000? Sure, but I knew if (and when) interest rates went up, I wouldn’t have been able to manage.
When it comes to cars I went chose to be responsible as well. My wifes 07 stickered for right around $17,000. Would we have liked a more optioned or luxurious model? Of course, but we couldn’t afford it. Oh and I drive a 21 year old truck. I learned how to maintain it so we only have 1 car payment.
We have 2 kids (another on the way) that are always well fed and clothed. They have everything they need, and plenty they don’t.
We cut quite a few unnecessary expenses (no cable, went without cell phones for a couple years, cut eating out to once a month).
I’ve been working for 18 years, my wife for a bit more. We have no cedit card debt. 2008 taxes showed a gross of just about $34,000. Still managed to start a retirement plan.
So there goes your theory. Where did your “I can’t do it without someone elses help” come from? Do you really think so little of your ability to take care of your family? Or did you really buy into Obama and his socialist views?
Was I a little harsh? Maybe. But maybe some people need to hear a bit of reality. You have complete control over your life and how successful you are.
Thanks, but as far as a handout goes? No thanks. I can take care of my family myself.
We are all CREATED equal. What we choose to do from there, is the difference.
Oh and don in liberal socialist haven CA. Great assesment. Too bad it isn’t just about working long and hard. It takes having the sense to say, “no, I can’t afford that big screen TV/$300,000 house/new lexus (or in your case should I say prius?).
February 10th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
THANKS SUPER PSYCHO MOM, BUT DID YOU FORGET THE $50 BILLION DOLLARS A MONTH THAT THIS GOVT HAS BEEN SPENDING FOR THE PAST 8 YRS ON THIS DAMN WAR TO GIVE ALL OF US TAXPAYERS A CLEAN SLATE! WE ALL HAVE TO SIGN A LEGAL CONTRACT SAYING THAT IT WILL BE SPENT ON ALL THE ITEMS I STATED OR IT WILL TAKEN BACK BY THE GOVT! ANY PALTRY SUMS LESS WILL EITHER BE KEPT IN THE BANK, STUFFED IN A MATTRESS OR SPENT ON THE WRONG THINGS BY THE STUPID PEOPLE! AND THATS WHY THEY WONT GIVE US BECAUSE THE GOVT DOESNT TRUST US TO SPEND IN ON THE RIGHT THINGS TO TURN AROUND AND DRIVE THIS ECONOMY!
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AND AS FAR AS “SELF RELIANT” IS CONCERNED I SUPPOSE HES NEVER HAD TO MAKE A LOAN FROM A BANK AND/OR RELATIVE AND PAID CASH FOR EVERYTHING HES EVER HAD! HE IS SO IDEALISTIC HE WILL PROBABLY NEVER CLAIM SOCIAL SECURITY, MEDICARE ETC!
February 10th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
Hello Comments! Another Stimulus check will be stimulating the economy. That the figure is “too low” doesn’t fit into MY brain.
The $300 Stimulus check actually did afford me to get a few things done. Goods and Services….to save some of it is now BAD?
Paying down debt is BAD? It seems we are talking out of both sides of our mouths!
A second Stimulus check would also afford: a. An elderly person to get at least half of a boiler of oil for the winter…b. A student that book that is just NOT there this time in the budget..c. A family to get that tire or pay the power bill.
UNEMPLOYMENT realistically only pays a certain percentage of the original paycheck. Reality check please….and stimulate the CONSUMER. No money equals no goods and services being used. Everyone is involved. $400 per check sounds better — counting the gas rising once again. You have to GET to the store before you buy anything. The stimulus also would include some entertainment such as dinner or lunch out….!
February 10th, 2009 at 1:38 pm
Ok–I have seen a lot of post(s) on here and am completely blown away! Give me, Give me Give me! Do you not have any pride? How about the conviction of working hard and helping yourself?
Do you not understand that greed is what has gotten our country into the hole we are in? Do you not understand that throwing money into a bottemless hole will never fill it?
Do you not understand that Osama is a Marxist socialist that will if he lives try his best to turn this country into a socialistic country? All of his ideas indicate just that–and as scary as it is he keeps reminding us that he won and bless his heart inherieted a mess from Slick Willie back in 1999!
Do I agree with all of the CEOS and the companies that are falling–absolutely not! But do I think that muslim should dictate how much money they make? NO–that is the door to how the GOVT will try to dictate to the Americans in every aspect of their lives.
I think that the govt has no business in free enterprise–that is what seperates us from the rest of the world–!
We need to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps and get to work! Maybe there are not jobs making $25-$30 an hour but McDonalds is hiring–stop spending money you don’t have–be fiscally responsible. Including Osama, since he would like to dictate to the CEOS how much they can make, why doesn’t he start by example and say for the next two years not take a salary–or maybe a $1 per year salary? A good leader leads by example–something that muslime severly lacks.
In short, throwing money that generations from now will be in debt for is not the answer!
February 10th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
I have been unemployed for some time now since I was laid off from my job back in Spring 2008….times are hard. I have a family to support and have been trying to find part time work…it’s not easy. I also have some medical bills that have been racking up.
Not everyone is as fortunate as you Mr. Self Reliant…. I am glad we have a new President in Obama…but why isn’t he doing more to help us? The 2009 economic stimulus package was just passed but I am doubtful it will really do much to help me right now.
An Obama stimulus check for 2009 would be greatly appreciated though! Do they even read the e-mails we send to the White House???
February 10th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
I’m disabled. I have only been this way for about 5 years and i’m not sure how long i’ll stay this way. I can’t work and i live from month to month on a fixed income that i get from the goverment. I worked hard to put in for my money that i get, but it’s not near enough that i get if i were working, so my thing is this…How does the goverment expect people that are disabled to live off money that is hardly enough to pay the rent , bills, food, transportation, so on and so forth? I think WE, the disabled need just the same kind of help like other people would get. I just think we are treated alot different because we are disabled. Help us out to will ya President Obama!!! Don’t our votes count to??
February 10th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
I would like to know where does everyone think the money comes from? Did anyone hear about Iceland’s government collapsing due to financial problems? Are we far from that if our government continues to “bailout” everyone and their brother? Has there been any talk of tax credits for corporations who bring their plants/warehouses/call centers, etc. BACK TO THE GOOD OL’ USA? Isn’t this alot of the underlying problem? Does anyone look to see where there items of purchase are made at anymore? I’ve tried buying nothing buy USA made products and it is becoming harder and harder! If we recieve another check, and people buy goods to stimulate the economy, I think we will only be stimulating China’s economy. Which why not, they are having problems also. Also, a lot of the money earned in this country is now being sent to Mexico for families there to survive, and isn’t being spent here anyways. But I imagine China still gets some of it. Would I like another check? No, but I won’t refuse it as it will break me even with my tax bill, but do I think it will help? It didn’t help last year, so I can’t imagine why it would this year. But I also don’t think having the banks loan money quicker and easier will help either, as this is alot of our problems now. Everyone was able to get any loan they wanted without any “collateral” or proof of income, etc. and now we have people not able to pay mortgages, hmmmm, makes you wonder who got us in this situation, the banks (all 100 hundred thousand of them…sarcasm here) or the government (aka Obama – ACORN).
February 10th, 2009 at 7:41 pm
Okay, I will try not to sound toooo defensive here, but I do not expect the government to solve all of my problems and of course I am concerned about where the money is coming from. But there are people, like my husband and me, who have worked hard, paid our taxes, done our best to be responsible and are STILL in trouble! We moved to take a job and have been unable to sell or rent the house that we left behind in another state and as a result we have increased our credit card debt while paying rent in one state and keeping up mortgage and utilities on the house that we own. The house has lost over $40K in equity and is now worth less than what we owe on it. We use birth control — diligently, I might add — yet in spite of that, we still got pregnant four (yes, F-O-U-R) times in seven years, and finally had to borrow money in order to pay for a tubal ligation after number 4 came this Summer because the procedure is considered “elective”. We had over $10,000 in medical expenses this year alone and that is not including the $3,000 pre-tax insurance that we purchased through my husband’s work. We do not qualify for any home owners assistance program because we are not tryingto stay in our home in order to have a place to live. I would go back to work, but I cannot afford to — do you know how much child care is for 4 kids full-time?!!! My point is, I am NOT the only American who is struggling and it is NOT because I am irresponsible or only want a hand out. I just think that if the government wants to pay out hundreds of billions of dollars in order to “bailout” the economy, then I (as a taxpayer) ought to get the money first and distribute it to the banks and creditors myself instead of them getting it directly and me not benefitting at all.
February 10th, 2009 at 8:04 pm
And by the way Mr. Self-Reliant, you need to come down off of your high horse a minute and think about how long you would remain “self-reliant” if you lost your job, or had to relocate to keep your job, or had an unexpected illness or accident. But as long as you don’t want anything from the stimulus package, why don’t you just donate it to your church or your charity. We were doing great until we lost our job and had to move from the house that we had been living in for 7 years to a totally different state. It took us about 3 months to burn through our emergency fund and yet we have been able to cut corners, eat a lot of rice and beans and PB&J in order to NOT fall behind on our mortgage until just this month — 16 months after moving. Could you be self reliant enough to pay mortgage and rent in 2 different states? Or maybe you think that the responsible thing to do would have been to give in and let the house foreclose a year ago in order to stay out of further debt. We drive cars that were new 10 and 15 years ago, we have a console television (the kind that sits on the floor in a wooden cabinet that your parents had in 1978) — we don’t even have cable, we do not go out to eat, my husband and I have not had a night out in over a year (and then it was only because our parents were in town and we had free babysitting), and we have to routinely have the cashier at the grocery store remove items so that we can pay the bill. And we used our last “stimulus” check to pay bills, not go on some shopping spree.
February 10th, 2009 at 9:05 pm
i got fired from my job and cant colect unemployment and cant get food stamps cant even get a job i need a another check to survive on
February 10th, 2009 at 11:32 pm
The money sent to us was not enough. Good idea for all of us stuck in the middle. I had to spend ours in medications which we cannot afford, but need to survive. We cannot afford to save it.
February 11th, 2009 at 12:09 am
I read a good majority of the comments posted here, and I would like to say God Bless EVERYONE! My husband and I are a young “black” couple. We have 3 children all under the age of 10! We both attended college but for financial reasons were not able to complete our education. I was making before taxes $33,000.00 per year. My husband was making approx. the same! He and I NEVER received ANY assistance supporting our family. I was laid off in January of 2008, but I believed God would see us through! We were living pay check to pay check just to get by…..We ate a lot of NOODLES! Yet we stilled NEVER asked for a “hand out.” In December of 2008 my husband lost his job….. the company he worked for closed their doors and kept all the employees final paycheck and all of their accrued VACATION, SICK, and PERSONAL time was gone. Now I have said ALLLLLL the above to say this, we sacrificed ALOT just to get by…We knew someone else could use the help more than us so we passed up several acts of kindness hoping their generosity would help some family who might have need it more than us. In January of 2009 we were forced to apply for “welfare” Never being in this situation before we listed all of our assets ie: bank account, 2 vehicles over 10 years old, and our a life insurance policies. We were told before we could receive assistance we would both have to cash in our life insurance policies, sell one car, and remove the $219.00 from our savings account! Families like us need an ECONOMIC STIMULAS MIRACLE! SOOOO for those of you that are saying “stop asking for a hand out.” I’m glad you don’t need the help; please forward your check to my family we will definitely spend it wisely! Our Government needs to help struggling households NOT banks! Once again GOD BLESS EVERYONE
February 11th, 2009 at 2:22 am
Of course i’ve taken out loans. We have a mortgage payment we could afford. Oh we were offered an ARM, and could have bought a house costing 3 times as much for the same payment at the time. Of course I was cautious and financially responsible enough to ask, “what happens in 3 years?” I chose a slightly higher interest on a fixed rate mortgage. I didn’t NEED a $300,000 house. I also have a loan for my wifes car. I could have stretched and managed a car or suv costing twice as much. However my wife and I went with what we could afford counting only one of our incomes.
So, nice try in figuring me out, and trying to insult me for working hard and being responsible. EPIC FAIL.
February 11th, 2009 at 2:51 am
Paranoid much? No one is trying to insult you — just to try and get you to realize that we are not a bunch of freeloaders wanting the government to solve all of our problems. Good for you that you have not had any misfortune — that is not the same as being responsible. Responsible people plan for the future — we did that. They set aside resources in case of emergencies — did it. They LIVE WITHIN THEIR MEANS — DONE. But despite all of that, we could not have known that the economy was going to be like this. We could not have known that our house would loose $40,000 in equity in a few months time. We could not have feasibly been prepared for everything that has happened in the last 18 months, so we are not in this situation because we were irresponsible — no one’s comments that I have read here seems to have been irresponsible. But your attitude towards everyone here has been hostile from the start! You came in all holier-than-thou about how you were responsible and self reliant and that you take care of your own family there by insinuating that the rest of us here are irresponsible freeloaders who do not take care of our families. YOU ARE WRONG. You do not have to admit that you are wrong, just quit insulting everyone.
February 11th, 2009 at 5:20 am
I agree that a higher economic stimulus check will not fix all of our economic problems. However, I do feel that it will put money in the hands of people to help them to actually be able to afford to pay down some of their debts and spend money more responsibly. For example, I am considering bankrupcy because my mortgage is too high and my house needs a roof, waterproofing, new windows, electrical updating, and remodeling. The city had to come out twice in 2008 to set traps for skunks who somehow found their way under my home. Based on what I make now I can not afford to fix all of these problems and pay what I currently pay for mortgage. I also am not going to take out a loan to fix up my home which will put me further in debt. For the price of my mortgage, its smal size, and all the problems with my home, I feel that I am being cheated out of my money. Although I am a nurse and I make pretty good money with all of this inflation and greed I just can not seem to make it on my current wages, especially since I am a single mother. However, if I had 10,000 dollars I could fix up my home without coming out of my pocket. This fact alone would be a reason for me to keep my home and maybe I would feel that it is actually worth what I am paying for it. Moreover, I feel that everything thing we do in life is based on our mentality at that time, so if you are not at peace with a situation there will be stress and unclear thoughts. Just like people overeat when they are stressed, people overspend irresponsibly when they are stressed. For example, if I know that I can’t afford to pay my bills because I don’t make enough or because I have a lot of debt, I am going to spend my money on something that makes me happy. Although this is a very destructive defense mechanism, it keeps me mentally healthy because I feel that I work too hard not to be able to afford to enjoy my life because I am a slave to my career and bills. Furthermore, if I had some extra money to maintain my home, I would probably not file bankrupcy, which would in turn prevent a foreclosure, which would in turn not add to our current financial crisis. For me filing bankrupcy is bad and it will mess up my credit, but it also is good because it will give me some peace of mind and once discharged allow me to save some money, start over, and buy some foreclosed property that I won’t have to pay a mortgage on. Lastly, I feel that if the mortgage companies don’t want to provide consumers with reasonable mortgages terms and conditions based on true appraisals of a property’s value, people will continue to find themselves in predatory lending situations and this reciprocal cycle of foreclosures and economic crisis will continue. I feel that this is where the government needs to step in. Americans are being used, abused, and are victims to all sorts of conglomerate financial institutions preying on our pockets while the government continues to allow it. All of a sudden we are in a state of emergency. There has been an emergency for much longer than we could have ever imagined the only problem now is that it is not just affecting the poor. I feel that our way of life as we know it is deteriorating and if we continue on this path the US will be on its way to being a third-world country and where is the “super power” in that.
February 11th, 2009 at 10:53 am
We were unable to get a check last year due to my wife’s status. But since then she got her green card and with the recovery rebate credit are due $2,100 for 2007 taxes. Oh how I would love to receive that plus a second stimulus for 2008. Making ends meet is difficult and it must be more difficult some others that are out of work. And while creating jobs is important for the nation as a whole, it is also important that there is a short term answer as well. A second $2,100 would be a windfall for us allowing us not to splurge but rather to loosen the belt a bit and enjoy some things.
All I’ve been told is that what we have been experiencing the last 18 months is a calm before the storm (gulp) and I am not looking forward to the next 18 months.
The truth a second check probably wouldn’t go to stimulate the economy rather it would probably get cashed and stored in a coffee can in my backyard for when the “storm” hits, we all know it will get worse before it gets ANY better. I am thankful that I still can work and have a job and I am hopeful that status will remain and we are all able to ride it out until the clouds clear.
I’ll bet that houses of worship are busier now too, after all no one can’t take THAT away from us…
Whatever you believe in, look to it now and remain hopeful.
February 11th, 2009 at 11:56 am
Hooraaay, Super Phycho mom!! Thanks for putting Mr. Self Reliant in his respective place!
There are millions of us tax paying Americans that believe that we the people should recieve large stimulus checks from this new 2009 stimulus package, why not, we working people are the ones that have always kept this country going! When i say working people i mean we, the ones that make the least amount of money. The republican party has always been for support of the rich and not for the common working people and it will always be that way. President Obama if you want to help us send us at least a $10,000.00 check!
and please do not allow the I.R.S. to take any of it away from us!!!
February 11th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
Why doesn’t Obama just come out and say yes there is a check or no there is not what is up with all the wondering?Boy they love to take our money but they never love to give it back to the people that gave it to them.It makes me so mad for me and my husband to pay thousands of dollars in taxes every year while others get back thousands living with boyfriend and haveing two incomes and 10 kids,what is the deal?I lost my job and just finished school last year ,now I don’t even want to get a job,not like there is any out there but why get a job ?To pay more taxes to others who do not even work,no not gonna happen.
February 11th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
The reason why Obama won’t just come out and tell us that there are no plans for a consumer bailout stimulus check for ordinary Joe and Jane plumbers is because he doesn’t want to disappoint the Obama crazies. Obama is the typical politician – very smooth and a perfect car salesman…he’ll tell us what we want to hear to get himself elected but when he’s in…he ditches us.
Why is there so much wasteful spending in his 2009 economic stimulus package? Everything is just social pork, pork, pork! Cut taxes for big and small businesses and the effects will trickle down to the common man. Creating artificial green or construction bridge project based jobs won’t work. If the capitalist market truly wanted these types of projects, they would already be set in motion. Let the market work itself out efficiently…but help it along by lowering taxes for big businesses. It’s lower taxes for big businesses that create jobs and stimulate the economy. Lower and middle income families DO NOT create jobs – big businesses do.
Sure I would love a $10,000 Obama stimulus check, but that ain’t gonna happen….at least not until this 2nd stimulus plan fails and a third economic stimulus plan is drafted up.
February 11th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Wow, I’m so sorry our country is in this mess! Can’t we just start over? Drop every government agency and get back to the basics of life. Did we really borrow from China for the 2008 stimulus monies? We need to get away from credit!!! That’s our problem. Live within our means, all of us, even our Government. I’m trying to get back into my profession, and away from SSA benedits, but its harder. No ethics or loyalty in the workforce. No one cares. We work hard, play by the rules, then they lay us off. Seems no one is managing their monies well…not individuals, not companies, not governments. I have been unemployed and don’t want a hand out, just a job. I’ll work hard and manage my finances so I don’t lose all that I’m working for.
February 11th, 2009 at 3:48 pm
guys Im not rich, super poor even, much respect to those who can handle there finances, but this is about the Economic stimulus Issue, your OPINION, not to make people feel bad about being well off, or too poor, or any of that… Thats why our world is all screwed up, no one knows how to imagine life in some one elses shoes. Cant we all just get along ??? lol
February 11th, 2009 at 10:02 pm
Some of you guys, have your opinions of course. But I surely aint going to turn down the government giving us money. No matter how much it is. We should be grateful to get anything at all.
February 11th, 2009 at 11:31 pm
I worked for a large telecommunications company for over seven years in VA making over 70,000 a year. I’m a CWA member all the way. We relocated to NC and I decided to follow my dream of becoming an educator. SHOCK! I With my Master’s degree I make 30,000 a year. My husband is self employed and we have three kids and now a niece (her parents died). It’s awful that we are trying to decide if it’s worth it to keep the health insurance that I carry for the entire family, which takes about 700.00 out of my little check a month or being able to buy food and pay the car notes. I feel so bad with my husband carrying the majority of the load. Taking care of his business (which is slow) and the house hold bills. So I say, give us the MONEY NOW! WE NEED IT. THIS ISN’T A JOKE…I’m hiding my car now from the repo man as I type!
February 11th, 2009 at 11:35 pm
Marie,
No more hiding…where is my car?!! Time to pay up or deliver the goods.
February 12th, 2009 at 3:16 am
Marie I’m going to find you! Ok in exchange for my car, I’ll give you an all expense paid BUS PASS! No more HIDE and SEEK!!! LMAO
February 12th, 2009 at 7:47 am
IT,S My Money and I Need It Noww w w . . . . . . .
February 12th, 2009 at 10:06 am
What you don’t seem to get is THIS is how socialism really gets rolling. This year it is “where is my stimulus check, I’m waiting”. What frightens me is how quickly that can turn into “where is my monthly food voucher, I’m waiting”.
Do any of you actually see that the Democrat party is not fighting FOR you, but power OVER you. They want you to NEED them. Seems to be working so far…
The Republican party hasn’t been viable with financial policy since the Reagan.
Sixty-five years ago Norman Thomas knew what was going to happen to our country in 2008.
Norman Mattoon Thomas (November 20, 1884 December 19, 1968) was a leading American socialist, pacifist, and six-time presidential candidate for the Socialist Party of America . The Socialist Party candidate for President of the US , Norman Thomas, said this in a 1944 speech:
“The American people will never knowingly adopt socialism. But, under the name of “liberalism,” they will adopt every fragment of the socialist program, until one day America will be a socialist nation, without knowing how it happened.” He went on to say: “I no longer need to run as a Presidential Candidate for the Socialist Party. The Democrat Party has adopted our platform.”
February 12th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
Self reliant,
I totally hear you! Unlike some of our compadre’s here, I am disturbed at how the current administration’s blatant liberal social agendas and governmental spending plans in the economic stimulus plan are trending towards socialism…..we apparently headed there and the public’s silence is absolutely deafening.
Someday the federal socialist government of America may very well being dictate how we spend our money and where we will work. Classic Karl Marx – “From each according to his ability, to each according to his need”
February 12th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
I am a loyal state employee so I get to see both sides of this coin. Should the Government be responsible for bailing people out in times of economic downturn? No! But then again Social Security was established to help older people as a supplement to their retirement. I bought a new house, got married, starting a family all in 2008-2009. Are there things that I would like to have and cant afford? YES! But, the biggest part of the problem that Americans are facing is the fact that we are spolied. Someone said above that McDonalds is hiring, im sure they are, but, most times you will not find a good hard working American to work there. People complain about the Mexican Labor that slips in and works for nothing, pay them, if an American wont take the job because it is not enough money then stay unemployed. My family made less than $75,000 last year and we make it just fine. We have 2 nicer cars, a nice house, and couldnt ask for more. We actually have a lot of things that we dont need. Because we spend responsibly, save, and WORK! Drawing a check is not the same as earing one. If you are truly in need of financial assistance places can help. My dad was on strike (yes Union work stoppage) for 5 months last year and he makes less than I do and they didnt lose anything or become in bad financial shape, why? THEY LIVE IN THEIR MEANS, that doesnt mean if you make 3000.00 a month spending 2999.99 a month, that means lowering your bills by paying stuff off not go farther in debt just so you can have what your friends have or get those extra drinks at the bar on Friday and Saturday nights. I would be willing to bet that 75% of the people out there are able to work they just cant find work doing what they want or making what they want to make!
February 12th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
I think the portion of the stimulus package proposed for the citizens of this country is disgusting and insulting to the American people. Especially in light of the blank check given to the banks, stipulation-free no less. OUR portion gets doled out at a rate of $13/week for a period of 52 weeks. WHY? The stimulus rebate check was the ONLY good thing Bush did while President. I would think Obama would want to do at least as much, since he professes to be so concerned and caring about all us “little guys.” Yeah, right. Just another politician lining his pocket at our expense. I don’t know about anyone else but I’m thoroughly disgusted and angry with the way the government is handling this whole situation. Since we, the taxpayers, will be paying for the stimulus package anyway, shouldn’t we be entitled to a larger chunk than $13/week. It’s absolutely ridiculous. Does Obama actually think that by sticking this $13/week pacifier in our mouths that we will be content, happy and satisfied? Give me a break. Give the American people a break…for once. We should put a stop to all the rich politicians who continue to live off the flesh of the American people. They’re cannibals, greedy cannibals, with concern for no one but themselves. The problem is how do we stop them? Any suggestions???
February 12th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
I am not going to say 1 person is right & 1 is wrong because I would not try to force you to my way of thinking. That is not my place all I will do is say is that throwing money away on the CRAP in this Change America to China bill is WRONG. I know now the name calling starts & if that is your way go for it. People you need to wake up & see what these polititions are dong to use as a nation & a people. Fighting over a $500/$1000 check from people who are doing everything they can to enslave generations to the government is wrong. Neither 1 of these political parties gives a crap about you, All they want from you is your vote & your total & complete devotion to them. When 30 to 50% of your check goes to taxs then folks your looking at the wrong people for help. These people caused the problems we are having now all of them Democrat, Republican, Independent ETC. And folks they love us attacking each other because it keeps us from seeing what these slugs are doing to us.
February 12th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
Brenda Mac Donald I am sorry, but there is nothing that says that the Federal Government has to give anyone any money. $13.00 a week is better than them taking $13.00 a week extra out of your check.
February 12th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
OK, lets give all the money to the banks non stipulated. THEN…we give a buttload more to the automobile industry. NOW, unemployment is at its highest since 1991, and people can’t even pay thier bills more less buy a car, I sit and wonder why we are evening helping the auto industry at all.
They give all the money to the auto industry this is my take:
OK they get the money and reemploy a buncha of people, ok…..at least those people have jobs.
So the wheel out 200,000 cars and no one buys them. Cause no one can afford to. And those that do get loans the interest is so high that they fall behind and the cars get reposssed.
So now the auto industry puts those cars on auction. The only people i really see at auto auctions anymore for the most part are buyers from dealerships.
Seem like a big waste of change.
But all the retail and ma and pop stores, whos bailing them out? No one.
They suffer. Then they go out of business.
The biggest slap in the face: no individual stim checks this year, and if you think your gonna get one, better jump back on the turnip truck. All we have in place for us is a tax credit and a tax break
This only leads me back to my old pre obamma opinion about politicians and that is they always have thier own agenda regardless of party. And this is just lets help out our rich golfing buddies, and screw the general pop. Nothing ever changes if nothing changes, and in reality nothing has really changed.
February 12th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
Unbelievable,
I’m glad the Government will give me permission to keep an extra $13 a week of MY money. While they fritter away the rest of MY money they take from me.
February 12th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
Nobody said that you have to pay these taxes, you can move to Canada, Mexico, England, etc. Yes the government takes taxes out. But this Country was formed on religious freedom, and taxation with representation. So if you dont like things maybe you should A.) Vote B.) Run for an office and make a difference C.) Be thankful you arent throwing spears at squirrels for dinner tonight.
February 12th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
Hey you know what that first stimulas check was great i was able to get a crappy car but it toook me from a-b understand took past tense it took a crap but thats what happens when you are a single mother of 3 kids and have to pay for child care , rent , gas , electric and phone so the school can call and hope your job will call giving you more hours. I wish Obama would send out another check to those of us who are struggling hell we paid into the government why shouldnt they pay us. thay are using our hard earned dollars to pay the banks and car companies why shouldnt wee recive some of it? i got 1200 last time ok what would actually help is like 5000 i could get a car to get more hrs at work that will run a lil longer and i could pay off all my bills. unlike some on here i do not have a double income home and cant afford the day care to work 2 jobs . and no i dont have a 300,000 home or a luxury car so i am living with in my means. and I DONT RECIVE WELFARE BENEFITS SO I THINK THE GOVERNMENT CAN HELP ME OUT A LIL BIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 12th, 2009 at 8:16 pm
LOL…we not throwing spears at squirrels for dinner….yet
, give it another year, pretty sure we’ll be grilling them over oil drums.
February 12th, 2009 at 9:29 pm
I Think this could possibly help the economy but i think we should wait and see what the rest of the stimulus recovery does.
February 12th, 2009 at 9:36 pm
My husband and I are childless and basically don’t qualify for any assistance. I am currently out of work and even with this fact my husband “makes too much” for us to qualify for anything. Where is our help? We don’t own a home so we won’t qualify for that tax credit either. When our rent is late they tack on an extra 100 dollars. We can’t buy a house because we’ve been forced to declare bankruptcy that only restructured, meaning we have to make monthly payments to keep the vehicles in order to keep our jobs. It’s a very vicious cycle.
I say all this to say, that if I found a $10,000.00 check in the mail tomorrow we would put it to great use! It sickens me to think that someone somewhere probably thinks that $10,000.00 is pocket change.
February 13th, 2009 at 12:34 am
I tried the loan remodification on my home like the bail out is saying will happen, to help people in forclosure. Well it sure didnt help me, it cost me 2000.00 dollars to do, and i was only 2400.00 behind it didnt lower my interest like it says and raised my payment 35.00 a month. A second stimulus check would helps us working poor more then bailing out the banks and car companys, besides them getting bailed out, I still have to pay my payments, so it seems like these companies would be getting paid twice for everything out there.
February 13th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
I think a second stimulus package would be good. Even though I think a pay out to each tax payer of $10,000 isn’t realistic.
I agree, would their such a high pay out, the economy would only be stimulated for a short time, but to insure that the economy is stimulated through out the year, maybe we should receive two or three stimulus checks over the year, like every four month… So every tax payer brings in money into the economy continuously. That would be good.
February 13th, 2009 at 11:45 pm
I really believe that a larger rebate check would be a very good idea, based on the fact the check is large enough for the indivdual to put it to good use. That would meaning being able to pay more than one large bill, and then put a considerable amount into savings, and then of course by ALL means spending it for use of an Appliance or a major household item, such as a washer and Dryer, which in turn, goes into the much needed Economy. I really hope that Obama will consider the rebate checks, and the fact it needs to be large enough, for a single indivdual and the married couple who has a large family, etc:That would be a Miracle, and a much needed and useful check in every Americans time of need:
February 14th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
We got ourselves into this mess, we need to get ourselves out of it. Every individual in this country needs to take personal responsibility. I think that if every tax paying American got a 10,000 check, there should be conditions. Do what you think is right with the money but you will not be allowed to file for bankruptcy for x amount of years, you must pay what you have accumulated in credit or your wages will be garnished, you must live within your means when it comes to housing and if you don’t and can’t pay your mortgage, you have to leave. The money would benefit the economy and help us get started on rebuilding the American Dream for those that make good decisions and TAKE PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY.
February 14th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
Well here is my take on the way its going. First 13.00 a week is not going to make any difference to anyone. How would that amount help turn things around. Come on we should get a check like Obama talked about before he was elected. Oh how things change once in office. We paid these taxes its our money and when we really need it the banks and auto dealers get it. So they get the money and how does the goverment think that will turn things around. Who is going to buy the cars any way . The regular people who keep this country running cannot afford to. So what is that going to change. Give the american people enough of a check so that we can purchase the cars and pay our mortgages and bills then maybe things can start to turn around. My husband lost his job 7 months ago and we struggle every week . We don.t take help from any goverment agencies we do not get food stamps welfare we live on less then 800.00 a month some of you who think that we all just want a hand out you could not be more wrong. We have worked hard for over 35 years paid taxes every one of those years we use to be in well over 90.000 bracket so we paid our fair share of taxes . This is our money the goverment is giving away give a little back to us too. We sure could put it too good use. And we have tried to find another job . Give americans another check we all could use it and it will make things a little better . 13.00 a week WOW that is shameful.
February 14th, 2009 at 3:25 pm
I wish the president would read this. My husband is on disability and I have been in the hospital for three months and will probably have to go on disability and we have bills galore and now maybe no insurance since I am only 56. A stimulus check would sure help us and a better way to get insurance. We won’t get anything on a tax break for we don’t make enough to file to get anything back. Please help
February 14th, 2009 at 7:13 pm
I could go for another stimulus check…the one i had before the $300 didn’t do me any good…it all went on bills…but this time i promise myself that it will go to me and only me…i am going to put some in the bank incase something wrong happens again…Lord…i hope not…so President Obama pls give us another stimulus check and this time i heard that it was going to be $400 for single people and $800 for couples…all i want to know now is how long is it going to take before we get this money…i need it NOW!!!!!!!!!……
February 14th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
I read all of the stories and what people had to say. But there was one that really upset me when I read it. Self -R– You think you know it all, Did ya ever think there where more to there stories ? Like maybe at one time they had a good job and could afford there homes? But then ALL of sudden they lost there good Jobs. How then can they do it?? hard work- How many jobs can a person work? Yeah-some have done it to them selfs. You sound as if your not doing to bad and just don’t care about others.
Some really need help from the Goverment. If they can give banks, etc. Millions to bail them out. Why Not US! Us workers have paid in years after years. It always was the rich got richer. And that it BULL. Its time to help out US the people, if we quit worken, What would happen then? There would be NO money going around. To stimulate anything.
February 14th, 2009 at 9:50 pm
I spent my first stim check towards the economy, I bought a american made paintball gun and equipment, That 900bucks went back into the economy, If I recieved another I would head right to bestbuy and buy myself a much needed american made laptop, I know alot of ppl used it to pay bills (witch is not a bad thing) a bigger stim check would = most of it spent to fun and stim the economy, My job checks already pay my bills and bills are boring so i never have extra money to do things (except during income tax seasons)
February 15th, 2009 at 4:01 am
*sighs*
Were not getting one.
Tax credit. That’s it.
See the previous post if you think you are getting a check this year.
February 15th, 2009 at 10:35 am
Listen Angii, If you are talking about my post you don’t know a thing about me and I certainly wasn’t attacking you personally. Wonder why you are getting so offended. Oh yes, I’m doing just grand. I have taken care of my 9 year old by myself since he was born. My choice, I took personal responsibility. No public assistance and the state of Florida cares nothing about going after dead beat Dads. I had the same great job for 19 years. Then the ownership sold us to a company that moved me 900 miles away from everything I ever knew and loved. My chocie, I took personal responsibility. Now, one year later they have cut my pay down to nothing. I will not even be able to afford my rent. Therefore I am forced to move again this time to my parents at 45 years old. Oh yes Angii, my life is grand. But I’m taking personal responsibility for my decisions. Maybe since you are too ignorant to even understand the message I was putting out there in my post, you should stick to reading Dr. Suess.
February 15th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
I am like most hard-working americans, I make about 25K a year and do not receive any government aid, because I do not think that I need it! I can afford to eat, buy necessities, and pay my bills (BARELY)! With that said I have already filed my taxes, like most people as soon as I got my W-2! How is a tax credit going to help me?
February 15th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
If any of you knew of the background of our new president, you would realize that he has worked for everything he has also. He has the unfortunate experience of being in the cross-hairs as all of us (or at least most) struggle. There are many more pressing issues than whether or not we will get free money from the government. Have we all forgotten about the amount of money we spend outside of our country. I am not crazy about the bill that has passed, but I have have been saying for years: When are we going to spend money on our Country and our People?
February 15th, 2009 at 7:40 pm
when in the hell are we gettin are checks ??? we need it soon !!!!
February 15th, 2009 at 7:55 pm
The sections of the current stimulus package that are directly pointed toward the public (excluding new jobs) seems like they are geard more toward those collecting state benefits, and those who already own a home. Those of us in the void between eligibility for welfare and homeownership are screwed.
The EITC phases out right around 40K, and the raised child tax credit wont hit for this years filing. The (up to) 50$ a month is tax credits for single workers doesnt do anything to help anyone but those whose whose income is low enough to receive housing, utility and food assistance.
Basically because I, and many like me, work every day and barely make ends meet we are left to fend for ourself.
The raise in food stamps, the raise in housing (Sec 8) assistance doesnt help us because we make “slightly” over the maximum monthly income. My bills run 1700$ a month inluding $995 rent which I have to pay for in full myself. Ironically my neighbor brings in $200 less than me a month and the state picks up all but $175 of her rent, and she gets food stamps.
What they need to do is look at what is happening to those of us who work every day and actually pay our own bills. Instead of letting people use their housing assistance to purchase homes (yes its true, go to the HUD page) they should allow the workers to receive vouchers that are not available to those who are eligible for welfare.
February 16th, 2009 at 2:17 am
What you fail to mention is the utter unsustainability of our lifestyle. We cannot keep consuming in the US at the expense of the rest of the world. All the money in the world is not going to fix the country, or the world, if we don’t wake up and smell the dog food. Our lifestyles are not sustainable.
February 16th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
Goverment has forgotten the little people. Amercians- we have forgotten the little people. There was a time (I’ve heard) that we helped each other..I grow veggies, you raise a cow, we’ll trade at the end of the week. Someone is sick,someone would bring food, someone lost a job,someone “found” work around the house. WE HELPED EACH OTHER. We’ve turned our backs on each other, put our faith in the hands of strangers…then ask “WHAT HAPPENED?” BANKS,AUTO MAKERS, CEO’s.WALLSTREET… these people are all humans. Like you and me. I don’t “live” beond my means?? What does that mean? I stay at home and raise my children,while my husband goes to work. Average Joe isn’t asking “HOW WILL I PUT JR THREW COLLEGE?” Average Joe is asking “DO I PAY THE WATER BILL OR THE ELEC BILL?” I don’t look for the goverment to bail us out. I’ll look towards my family, friends, and God! Instead of throwing dirt on each other maybe we should ask….”HOW CAN I HELP YOU?
February 16th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
This is President Barack Obama. I’m typing this comment on my secure Blackberry at the moment. My advisers and the Secret Service do not appreciate my love for the Crackberry, but I can’t resist the lure of technology.
Look, In regards to the continuous clamor for stimulus checks and a consumer focused bailout, I know I stated earlier during my campaign that help was on the way, but that was merely an election ploy to garner votes. I have a passionate and frenzied based – so I needed to make some lucrative promises to assure their votes. Unfortunately the reality is that the economic stimulus package money must go towards the big corporations and small businesses who will actually stimulate the growth of new jobs. Sorry little guy, you’re on your own for now.
The current credit crisis and economic recession situation is more serious than I had anticipated. Joe Biden made a slip of the tongue during the campaign in which he suggested I would be tested during my first few months in office – he was right.
I have competent and aggressive politicians and economic advisers working around the clock to address the matter. Patience Americans. Things will get better in time. Yes we can and yes we will!
February 16th, 2009 at 4:00 pm
Our lust for the nicer things is being feuled by advertising. Our demands are created out of our desire to have as much, know as much, do as much, experience as much as the next guy. A stimulus check is designed to take advantage of that illness that we have to consume. For the government to say “be responsible” and yet give out a stimulus check would be hypocritical. I think Obama knows that a check at best would gives us a moment of sensation when we need corrective action on a large scale. This generation will probably have to pay for our past sins and may not see much relief. The best thing we can do is invest in the infrustructure, the arts, education, so when our kids grow up they will know struggle but still have opportunities and education to act on them. At the rate we are going, we will be a country of illiterate, cultureless, hopeless beggers by 2030. Obama should stick to the script:
1. End our dependancy on foreign oil.
2. build our infrustructure
3. make sure that the youngest children have access to things that will make them appreciate each other, God, and life.
Of course keep us safe by making our enemies understand that we are a fair but strong country.
Thats about all he can do in 8 years.
I do wish I had a check, but anyting short of too much won’t be enough anyway.
February 16th, 2009 at 5:02 pm
DAMNIT! OBAMA AIN’T GOT NO MAGIC WAND! WE ALL KNOW THAT EVERYTHING THE PRESIDENT AND HIS PEOPLE ARE TRYING IS BEING DONE WITH A HOPE AND A PRAYER. NO ONE, NOT NO ONE, KNOWS WHATS GOING TO WORK. GIVE THE PRESIDENT TIME AND CONTINUE TO PRAY.
February 16th, 2009 at 6:55 pm
Wahaha miss me yet? Glad I’m out of the White House. See ya suckers! The Bush’s are too good for Washington.
- George Bush, Texas
February 16th, 2009 at 7:15 pm
The idea of getting 10k checks is all fine and dandy. But the author doesn’t explain where the money comes from? How does the government actually get money people?
That’s right. Your TAXES! Any money they have is because of money you paid in. It’s not magic money. Eventually your kids or grandkids (who may be slaves by that time) will have to pay it back.
Then we have several people here begging for their 10k. Saying they will spend it on bills and probably go get a tv. Wheres the tv made? Japan? China? So some guy at a retail store would get his measly commission, the store would make a small profit and the bulk of that money would go straight to China. Paying your bills won’t do anything for the overall economy either.
They’d be better off not having any bailouts or any stimulus because we’re going to have the same result. Only some rich bankers have made out like bandits.
If they pay back a million dollars a day on this single stimulus bill, it will take over 2,000 years to pay it all back with interest! Didn’t the government have a big enough mess to begin with? Will this country last 2,000 years to pay it off? The answer is no.
February 16th, 2009 at 9:56 pm
RIGHT ON SELF RELIANT! As Rick Flair would say “WHOOOO!!!” I agree with you 100%. There are those Americans who depend on the government and there are those Americans who depend on themselves.
February 17th, 2009 at 9:15 am
You know I’m a twenty five year old mother of 3 boys, their 7,5, and almost two….I can’t afford to go out and get a job because of this big f**ked mess were in but any stay at mom would agree with me that raising a child is full time job!!! a job you can’t quit or clock out and go home or even call off sick, so hell yeah i want a stim check i need to pay bills instead of wiating on my husbands shitty paycheck every two weeks. EVERY stay at home mom deserves a little more…..:)
February 17th, 2009 at 10:56 am
my husband and i has barley nothing my son has sezure he were having 30 -40 a day
my husband is the only one working.it take just about every thing he make for my son medical bill , rent ,utility bill,we have no insurance,i feel that obama is the president and he know what people like us are going thu $10.000 check would would do miracle for some one like us with nothing ,bush left us in a big fat mess from the it look that our only way out the big company that get the money already got money so they are getting richer and if us poor people dont get help soon what going to happen to us we need help now .all i can say is god be with us and keep praying it will be ansewer thank you.
February 17th, 2009 at 11:04 am
All the stimulus checks are is our money being handed back to us. For those of you who think the checks would be a bad idea you are entitled to your own opinion. But for those of us who would enjoy having a little extra to pay for some food that week or rent or a car payment or whatever, are definitely entitled to ours as well. All of us work just as hard as the next person and pay just as much taxes.
I do not own a home, I rent. My car is paid off. I do not have a huge amount of credit card debt. However I am still 80,000 dollars in debt. Student loans are a funny thing. I do use my degree, but I certainly had to pay to go to a school in which I would be able to use the degree I received from it. I am one of the lucky ones that obtained a job shortly after graduating in 2007. I am glad I am not a 2009 graduate. College is no longer 3,000 dollars a year, and anyone who berates someone for needing some extra money should be ashamed.
Granted I have not been paying taxes nearly as long as some others, but I will be paying these high taxes for many more years to come. I will be part of the group trying to bail out the government and pay for social security for those baby boomers retiring now that might shun their nose at a stimulus check.
I think we should all be shown a little gratitude by the government considering it is our money they threw away to all the big banks. And if not those who don’t want the checks they might receive from the bank, Ill take it gladly along with my own.
February 17th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
We need to put some money in the peoples hands to get things going again. I am totally disappointed in our new presidents approach to this!!!!!! He did say he would go
in this direction also and hasnt. He will turn out to be a fraud you watch and see.
February 17th, 2009 at 12:52 pm
Well, I read alot of the comments here, agree with some and not others, but they are what they are – opinions. So here’s mine. I think a sizeable stimulus check is a great idea – indeed it would save my household. What I mean by that is it would, provided the amount is the fabled $10,000 we’ll never see, change our lives. If that sounds overly dramatic, I assure you, it’s the truth. It would do this by helping us help ourselves. See, for the last 10 years we’ve been stuck in a viscious cycle we can’t break, and we were put there when I had a baby, got Breast Cancer and lost my job all within six months. Every time we manage to break the surface, something unforseen pushes our heads back under and we start drowning again. We’re not living above our means. We never go out to dinner, to the movies, to the casino (are you serious??? may as well flush it down the toilet) or to the mall. We cut our own hair, have never been inside a nail salon or day spa, and the only jewelery I own is my wedding band and 2 pairs or earrings. The only one who gets new clothes is our daughter at school time – the top I’m wearing is the same one I wore in a pic taken on my 25th birthday. I’m 39. Vacation… what’s that?? Never taken one – not even a weekender in our own state. I’m not whining, it’s just our reality and it works for us. That $10,000 would catch up our bills, allow us to buy some necessities we can’t afford now (sheets, towels and socks that don’t look like swiss cheese, some clothes, pots/pans, dishes that match – lol, etc) and take a trip with our daughter before she grows up and moves away. That money would get us above the surface, where we could stay once there. We make enough to maintain, but not enough to get there initially. Then our ALMIGHTY CREDIT SCORE (teeth gringing and BP rising…..) that dictates areas of our lives it should have NO bearing on would improve. Side note on credit score – WHY is this allowed to be a consideration for employment that does not involve directly handling cash?? Hm…this person has bad credit. Must be a real POS, doesn’t deserve to work here… but wouldn’t that better job help them PAY THEIR BILLS ON TIME AND IMPROVE THEIR CREDIT????? ANYway, that’s the bottom line for us – ability to catch up bills=being able to keep them caught up=better credit=able to get a better job=able to get a loan we can’t dream of now (not even a small personal loan) and be able to pay it on time too. THAT’S economic stimulus. While some people would head out and buy a big ‘ole flat screen and a bunch of cool stuff to go with it, which is fine and would also stimulate the economy for a short time, know that alot of others would do the same thing we would do, which would stimulate the economy for a good bit longer. Both situations would help. How could it not? I wish President Obama would consider that.
February 17th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
Might as well do it right $100,000 economic rebate to families who make between $30,000 and $90,000 per year. No income tax refunds for the next 5 years.
If Bush would have done this in 2001 we prolly would not be in the mess now!
They might as well go ahead and make plans for the next stimulus package now, this one may be a big blunder.
February 17th, 2009 at 5:21 pm
If the gov’t would give 10000 per person, or family I believe it would stimulate the economy! I know I would divide it equally, 5000 on debt, and 5000 for buying for my home or whatever. I really think the govt really needs to think how they will distribute the money and how much.
February 17th, 2009 at 6:15 pm
I have read all the posts thus far and they outline the exact problem we face today, division, no one can see past their own opinions/political party to see what needs to be done and if you really think about it what we need is a combination of economic stimulation AND personal fiscal responsibility only then will we be able to fix the problems we are having as a nation. I voted for Obama, am I nervous about what he is doing Yes, do I think I misplaced my vote, not yet but I am worried, I would be worried no matter who was elected so for now, I am tightening my belt and praying that hard work will pay off in my home until the people and the government can come together.
February 17th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
I too voted for Barack Obama…but as a moderate. He was John F. Kennedy’s reincarnation in my opinion, at least initially. I’m starting to get a bit worried about where he is currently taking this country and I am very, very concerned he is more concerned about fulfilling his election pledges and accomplishing his own social liberal left leaning agendas than doing what will help the American people.
I am in complete lockdown in terms of my spending. That dream flat screen TV will have to wait until the economy gets better. I’m afraid of losing my job one of these months and have been saving like a mad man in case the worst case scenario comes true.
Obama, please do something! A second stimulus check for 2009 will do wonders for me. Please help! Isn’t that what the government is there for? To help people like us?
February 17th, 2009 at 7:19 pm
The stimulus check last year even though it was small was great, and I would love to see another one especially if it were 1-10 thousand, who wouldn’t. Yes you would have alot of spending with that kind of money, but then what happens when the money is gone? Why don’t we bring the business’s back into the USA, instead of buying from other countries lets open up plants and business’s here, make our own products. This will give Americans the jobs, put money in our pockets so we can spend and better the economy. We spend to much time worrying about foreign affairs, and not enough on our own country and it’s people.
February 17th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
Let’s keep it simple. Why couldn’t the federal government stimulate the economy by giving home owners a check (only good for) paying off a portion of their mortgage. This might get banks back on their feet, start them lending again, and stimulating the economy in kind of a ripple effect.
I liked Pres George W. Bush 2000 campaign BROKEN promise to privatize at least a portion of the social security we pay in (especially since social security won’t exist by the time I retire)
February 17th, 2009 at 10:14 pm
I believe if people got this check, however large (or small), paid down some dept and caught up on a few bills and got close to being at “square one” again, we could go about spending our own money again. Just fro a while there everything got super expensive and bills piled up and there was no cost of living increase for my family or anyone wwe knew at least. We have all just gotten behind. If we could catch up… we could afford to splurge on a new car, tv or vacation. $1000-$5000 dollars for a working tax payer would go a long way to pay down credit cards and make bills current. I know that would do ALOT for my family and I. Well that is just my thought.
February 17th, 2009 at 10:55 pm
I think that even though the first stimulus check did not help the economy that there is still a need for a second stimulus check. The reason is that there are many hurting people out there(some out of work,some having a hard time paying their bills and some out there who could just really use the extra money that the stimulus check would provide). The government wastes millions of dollars helping wall street and big business interests and I think its about time to give a check to the poor and needy and the average taxpayer and also the let me not forget the people on social security and on disability. What about all the money being sent in aid to other countries in the world and the foreign goverments and the people we help are ungrateful at our country and hate our country? We need to start help our people for a change and stop sending money and aid to other foreign countries because it is not helping our foreign policy as past U.S. goverments have maintained. There is a real need for goverment help in these country to the poor, the needy, people on social security, people on disabilty and the middle class instead of sending the money to other countries..
February 17th, 2009 at 11:35 pm
SELF RELIANT…….How old are you? you seem very much like the type who has been exerienced with the real word for about six months and think you now know everything there is to know, so you walk around with a chip on your shoulder…..if I had to guess I would say you’re maybe…maybe 20-23 at the most…..this by the way is judging by your comments and childish ways you have handled this whole ordeal.
You see…I like you have always cut out MISC spending, and don’t do or buy nearly as many things as I would like to. My life is based around a budget. My husband and I combined bring in around 52,000 a year (combined) we also have three children, 1, 3, and 6 years old. To be quite honest with you, “technically” i don’t need a stimulus check when it actually comes down to it. Our bills are somewhat of a struggle, but it is only because we live on a strict budget that we do well to pay them. However, if the government wanted to slap a check of any amount in my mailbox, you damn right I’ll take it! It’s mine I have technically worked for it……..My point is, you bring a good point to the table as far as people being more cautious and budgeting their income better. On the flip side of things….I don’t care if have a right to an opinion! You don’t in any way shape or form have the right to make the call of whether or not another family is sitting back waiting for handouts just because they post an answer on here of whether or not they would like to see another check. I don’t care if it’s you’re neighbor, or someone on these blogs, it doesn’t matter who it is. But for you to come on here and blast everyone else away for having a little hope of seeing some extra money shows a whole hell of alot about yourself!….which if your wondering it shows a tiny little man, full of shit! Cause you see unlike you I live in a round world and can see that things are not always what they seem. Just because I see a family that is not working and they’ve made a comment about recieving a “hand-out” from the government, doesn’t make me see them as freeloaders…….know why?…I don’t know their story. And unlike you I can’t predict the future and tell you what kind of situation I’m going to be in, in the next few years. Damn, wish I had that kind of luck. So..just a quick question…If you or you’re wife lost you’re job tomorrow…do you have a solution already forseen for that? What if it was both of that lost it…AT THE SAME TIME!??? Oh no! you’d really be up shit creek then wouldn’t you? oh wait nope… I forgot, you have all the answers!
February 18th, 2009 at 12:17 am
Our government knows they could fix the economy in a matter of a few months. Please read all of my comments.
To answer the question posed; $10,000 would be nice but it would definitely not be enough to impact our economy. While it would make a slight short term difference, it certainly would not make a lasting impact.
To give some perspective, if every taxpayer in the US spent $6000 all on the same day we would have a tough time even measuring the increase in spending due to the incredibly large amount of money that is exchanged in this country every day.
There is another way that would really make a difference both now and in the long run. What would happen if the government took over the banking system. Their first order of business would then be to forgive the debt of all individual Americans, not corporations. All home, car, boat, RV, Credit card debt etc would be gone. Stipulations should be put in place that when you sold your “free” home, car, etc. half of the proceeds would then go to the government to help pay back a portion of what was spent. Having your debt forgiven should also be voluntary not mandatory. This would unquestionably get the spending started. Next they should offer the rates to the people that are currently offered to the banks. If the government offered .25% to 3 or 4% the average American could really afford to buy a car, house, etc. on credit.
If the government did this within just a few years the country would be debt free (no deficit).
This would generate a surplus of money over time. This new government revenue could be used for many things such as affordable medical coverage and possibly eliminate or dramatically reduce individual income taxes.
Unfortunately our government is more interested in bailing out big business that pad the pockets of politicians rather than the American tax payer who they supposedly represent.
Many of the economic decisions made seem pretty good. Unfortunately the reality is usually quite different.
Here is just one example:
When our government guaranteed the so called toxic loans for the banks, a not too surprising side effect was higher foreclosure rates. Why? That is just a bit too obvious, because the banks have no incentive to work with home owners. Why would they when the government picks up the tab. How did this help anyone? The average American is paying with their tax dollars and their homes, but the bankers are getting huge bonuses.
I recently received an email from a friend in the (American) financial industry. They wanted to let me know I should remove my cash from the bank and put it into a foreign currency or even better would be gold. Just to be clear, the email came from a friend that does not deal with foreign currencies or gold, but is in a position to know what they are talking about. This makes a person ask why would a person in the (American) financial industry tell me take my money out of the bank and to make sure not to keep it in American currency? Shouldn’t they be encouraging me to invest in something or at least put my money in their bank? The reason was simple. They are expecting that within the next year or two for $100 American dollars to be worth less than a single Mexican Paso. Welcome to the reality of our current economic plans.
I guess the real question is… With our government “looking out for the average American” how long can you afford to be an American?
February 18th, 2009 at 12:44 am
wow jesse right on with that comment…..!!!!
my husband is in the military and before he left for war he had a job when he got back they fired him for being gone to long . i am a teacher and work as much as possible and we save as much as possible. My husband has been out of work for 18 months and cant find a job so every penny i make goes to bills. i will not turn down anything that will help my family out. i have three boys and work everyday to keep a roof over there head. i cant see the future but i hope its better then the past we are in now.
February 18th, 2009 at 1:06 am
Money, The route of all evil – do you hear yourselfs, arguing about who should get and who shouldn’t . Lets face it, we have all paid our share of taxes, good economy,bad economy it’s always a problem – I’ve worked hard all my life, college degree and all – never could get ahead. We all have them in our work place, the brown nose are the one that get ahead, wheather eduacted or not that’s the bottom line. Someones brother, mother or friend gets the job while you get passed over.
I just packed my bags and moved to the next job, why fight it, I realize it’s the same all over. It’s never stop me from having a job to put food on the table – I agree with Self reliant, we control our destiny, and yes, it’s nice when a little help comes our way-
but depending on the goverment to bail you out – HA, perfect example of the CEO who walked away with billions after his company went down the tubes. The best answer he could give was ” I had a contract when i started the company” Oh yes, the famous contract we lower level employees never get – he walked in signed a piece a paper, ran the company to the ground and walked out a rich SOB that’s goverment for you. He is sitting home in his big house, which he got on the lower employees blood, sweat and tears. He sleeps very well at night – no jail time for him, it’s not a crime to have a contract – the difference between him on us – he talked a good game.
Let’s get smart America – Knowledge is Power.
February 18th, 2009 at 1:14 am
Oh, by the way, I am tired of hearing that there are no job, – there are plenty of jobsout there. But some of you are to proud to do them – better little money then no money at all, I’d rather flip burgers then say I can’t find a job. Stop worring about what people may think of you, until those people put food on your table. You can do any job, with pride – all you have to do is earn your respect . It’s not what you do, is how you do it.
February 18th, 2009 at 10:14 am
Okay, I have been reading the comments here since I last posted and I have a few things to add. First off, I definatly DO NOT want the Government to take over the banking industry — it is bad enough that they are taking over Fannie May and Freddie Mac. This country has been built on hard work and free enterprise and I believe that is what it going to take in order to get out of this mess. Not to mention that you have people getting their mortgages forgiven and then have to give all the proceeds from the sale back to the government when a house usually appreciate at a rate of about 5% per year (I say ususally because the house that we cannot sell LOST $40K in equity in about 10 months). However, I do think that the banks and companies taking the government bailout should be required to not only create and save jobs, but also to find a way to have some of that money trickle down — car makers give special incentives and extra add ons at no cost to buyers who make below a certain income level, banks forgive a percentage of consumer debt or lower the interest, and the payments, for at least a short time, etc. This idea of giving these companies a big stack of money in order to keep them from going out of business but not giving the MAJORITY of Americans anything TANGIABLE in return is what seems to be the problem that most people seem to have with the bail-outs.
Now, that being said, I think that it is important to point out here that the bail-out, and I mean ALL of it, was a bad idea. The businesses that were going to go under should have been allowed to go under — they would have been bought by other companies who would have fired and hired and restructured and (hopefully) fixed the company. But now businesses are operating like spoiled children who know that their parents will fix it. If a teenager is given a car and an allowance for gas, but blows his gas money on a night out with friends, most parents would fill his tank for him rather than drive him to school and make him stay home from extra activities because it is more convenient. The lesson that the kid learns is that if he blows his money for necessities on luxury items, mom and dad will bail him out because it is more convienient for them to do so. Does this sound familiar? Now, if that same kid had to be driven everywhere by his mom for a week, or ride a bus, or do extra jobs around the house, etc. he would come to the conclucion that it was better to take care of neccessities FIRST, and then use the money left over for fun things like golden parachutes and end-of-year bonuses. I think that if HALF the amount of money that was spent on all of the corporate and banking bail-outs was put back in the hands of the people in the form of new schools, better roads, etc. as well as a small stimulus check, then we would have been on our way to economic recovery. Now, we have a bunch of spoiled bankers and corporate officers who get to keep their jobs while the rest of the country struggles. I want to point out that I do not think that the bail-out was a good idea, but it passed. I also do not think that any part of this economic stimulus package is going to be the magic bullet to stop all of this and put it all right again, but it passed. I just think that if they are going to spend all of that money, then at least a small portion of it should go DIRECTLY to the American people.
Now, I agree with you Mary, there are jobs out there. I had to go and get a job that could be flexible around my husbands work schedule because we cannot afford childcare for 4 kids. I have a college degree (with a double major) and I am taking newborn photos at the local hospital and working for commission. But I would have flipped burgers if thats all I could have gotten. (But “Money” is not the root of all evil — “the LOVE OF MONEY” is the root of all evil).
I am praying for our country, and I am praying for its leaders, and I am praying for all of us — I hope you will do the same.
February 18th, 2009 at 11:12 am
i could really use the extra money myself to pay off a few more bills. that is all i use my tax monies for any way for the past 2 years
February 18th, 2009 at 1:28 pm
Why is everybody on this blog looking for a handout? You can’t simply print money, give it to people, and therefore improve prosperity. This is macroeconomics 101, but printing more money causes inflation, making goods and services more expensive and the dollar less valuable. Ask Venezuela and Mexico how simply printing more money has worked out for them. In fact, look at our own history. FDR spent us into a deficit and national debt that has snowballed ever since.
To imply that giving a tax cut is “trickle-down economics” is simply ignorant. Certainly, for somebody that pays no taxes a tax cut will not help, but there’s also a name for simply giving money to people, it’s called welfare. And since more and more of our dollars are being poured into welfare (and medicare, and social security, and medicaid) we are unable to keep it for us to send through the markets in the form of commerce.
The government should loosen its grip on our pocketbooks, loosen regulation, and lower taxes to stimulate commerce.
It’s time for us to stop being so selfish. My son is 9 months old and I fear he will be paying for our current administration’s reckless spending for the rest of his life.
February 18th, 2009 at 4:45 pm
Allthough we all could use the money, it sounds like the governments’ primary concern is to give to big companies to create jobs in which from what the news says companies like Chrystler are asking for billions of dollars and plan to decrease jobs in return. They also are trying to give tax breaks to the middle class, where does that help people that are not middle class? I am sorry but even if I get a tax break I don’t see how $13 more per paycheck is really going to benifit me and my family. I have worked since I was old enough to get my work permit age 15 and I am now 35. I am a single mother of two beautiful kids and their sperm donar {as I would call men who think they don’t have to support their children} think it is okay to make babies, but leave it up to me to support and raise them. Yeah in a perfect world I could sue for child support, but how do you afford a lawyer to sue? And I have been there and done that, missed work to got to court and they just work under the table and I don’t get the support anyway. I work, I go to school, have bought a home that I can barely pay for, and raise my kids by myself. I don’t get help from the government, but I don’t agree with the governments plan to give, give, give to the “big companies” to help stimulate more jobs. I think if anything the government should help people start more businesses to create more jobs, just like in the old days when there were more private owned companies instead of big companies that are only out to make themselves rich not their employees! I don’t see how we the people, who do work or worked until the “big companies” screwed them once again laid them off only to make sure they didn’t go without, have had any part in this countrys’ debt. And where exactly has this war gotten us? Where do we draw the line with people that want to keep laying down and having babies like the octupletes mom and the government keeps supporting them costing a million dollars so far to hospitilize? I wish there was a solution, but with the stimulus ideas that congress is putting together I don’t see it helping the lower income people. I have worked at my job now for almost 10 years and I am not sure if I will have a job soon. I don’t make enough working as it is. I am sick and tired of the power companies charging me out the ass for power every month and getting richer and richer as everyone around me is struggeling. I think if the government really wants to change this economy they should give people that actually do, or did work some relief and stop giving more and more to big companies and wealthy people. Makes me sick when I see rich people that aren’t suffering what- so-ever, and they go out and buy their teenage children BMW’s. I just hope that everyone will keep their chin up and keep trying to make it in this screwed up economy! I wish everyone that knows what it is like to truely struggle the best!
February 18th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
And another thing, what the hell are we still having all this money taken out for social security when we all know that when it comes time for us to actually use it, it won’t be there. I don’t appreciate a huge amount of my check being taken out to support the baby boomers. If anything I should be able to put the money to use however I choose, I mean I would be better off to put it in my own savings account to support myself when I retire if that ever happens. It is not our place to support all the people that’s parents had no regard for their futures and just kept popping out kids!
February 18th, 2009 at 8:53 pm
I am single mom, citizen of United States of America, pay my taxes, work one or two jobs to barely pay up my bill and by off brand label food from the grocery store. I owned my house had to refinance so I could go to school and maybe find a better paying job. The company that refinance my house placed me in a very bad situation that
within 2 years interest went from 7.5 % to 11.5%, payments double. I found my self working 60 to 65 hours a week to barely pay everyone. Tried to refinance BUT 4 points short for a perfect score everyone turned me down. Tried to negotiate with the mortgage company expressing my fear of loosing my home for 15 years on a foreclosure, thinking they would work with me. They did not want to hear me nor negotiate. A year would be, April 1st I had to walk away my home with my two boys. Recently the house was Auction for not even 50% of the value.
I wish Mr. Obama would place rules for this mortgage companies:
1. Lower interest.
2. Do not do Adjustable rates at all!!!
3. And to negotiate with troubled owners so people would not loose their homes anymore.
I agree with a lot of your commentaries. I believe Mr. President need to go back and live for a year as a low or middle class to remember whats is the real need PEOPLE.
Even though, I did not vote for Democrats. I do pray that God will provide wisdom, and knowledge how to get this situation under control. — I do believe that God is in Control and maybe all of are going through all of this to learn how not to do it again.
February 18th, 2009 at 11:12 pm
Well….MARY, I’m not too proud! I flip burgers at McDonalds as well as work in a hosiery mill!!!!! There again as with self reliant. You have no right to make accusations. We make our destiny with the choices we choose. However, you don’t always have the best cards to choose from. Such as the economy right now, I have a degree in healthcare management technology……and i flip those burgers your talking about! Do you have a luxurious, perfected life, and know it all like Self Reliant?
February 19th, 2009 at 5:48 am
A tax credit of $1000.00 that’s going to stimulate the economy, that’s about $20 a week, maybe a gal. of milk and a loaf of bread. I see light at the end of the tunnel already (lol)!! Billions for banks and we don’t even know where that went, and $20.00 a week form us!!! Thanks Obama
February 19th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
I love self reliants comment, so true! Exactly what I was thinking. As for the banks, they loaned out money to people that couldn’t possibly afford that dream house, but they are just as irresponsible and dumb for signing on that dotted line. My car may be old but it gets me from a to b. I don’t need a fancy showy car to drive around. I put my money to better use than a car loan that’s for sure. I have four kids and a hard working husband. People got greedy and look what happened. To those that did, serves you all right; you deserve what you get.
February 19th, 2009 at 1:12 pm
Blame Bush for your problems as usual. Your the one in control of your finances not Bush. yes he did focus mostly on the war and we all know that hurt the economy but hey don’t blame him for YOUR FINANCES!
February 19th, 2009 at 4:01 pm
The stimulus package wont help really anything, sure it might create some more jobs and provide more money for people but it’s not going to solve the underlying economic problems already at hand. People would have spent their checks and we would be right back where we started. I really like what Self Reliant said – “We are all created equal but from there is what makes the difference.” Be smart, invest a little money here and there, put some of your tax return into a CD at the bank with the highest APY you can find for example, its not going to be a significant amount but it HELPS! Besides, where the hell do you think the money for the stimulus is coming from anyways??? They’re just going to print it from the federal reserve, thus lowering the value of the dollar, putting us into more debt…..whoever controls the debt is the winner here, and its the banks, not us…think about it.
February 19th, 2009 at 4:21 pm
$10,000.00 – What wouldn’t I do with all that money. That would pay off my student loan, my car loan, my credit cards and my medical bills. Once I have all those paid off I would have soooo much disposable income – nearly half of what I make a month. If I had the ability to go out for dinner, or buy what I wanted without worry I would do it all the time. But I can’t until my debt is paid off and with the way things are going it’s going to take about 10 years. However, a 10,000 stimulus check would allow that to happen in no time at all.
February 19th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
I am a single mother that was born and raised in alaska, and in the last year it has gotten a lot harder to make it here. we recently had a 22% increase in gas and electric bills, our rent has gone up because of the economy. My rent went from $900 to $1200 for a two bedroom apartment the food prices are so much higher now, that with the rent, gas, electric being high we can’t afford to buy groceries. my son and I live on top ramen, rice and eggs. I have a degree but have not been able to get a job in my field and so that I have a paycheck to care for my son and I, I have a job at a grocery store. I own my 12 year old car, I do not have cable or a cell phone, but have a large student loan that I have been paying on for over 8 years and it is bigger rather than smaller and I make larger payments that am required. what a stimulus check would mean to my son and I would be to have the money to move the lower 48 were rent would be cheaper, gas and electric wouldn’t eat a whole paycheck and I maybe able to get a job in my field. I do not have the money to move but if we did recieve a second stimulus check it would help, I do not think that it will solve our problems, but in my opinion I think that it would help alot of struggling americans. Self reliant this comment is for you; for you to enter this comment session and spit that your life is so great and that you are so responsible with your life, that you do not have money issuses is wrong. Because if this were true then why would you be browsing the stimulus website? For you to insult and put down hard working people like myself and people that are disabled that are not able to work any more is morally wrong this economy is affected by everyone not just me not just you, but everyone, we all make up this great nation and we all are affected by what is happening now, some more than others. You are no better than the rest of us and while you sit in your comfy little house with your family thinking that everything is just fine that you and your family are So responsible think what would happen if tomorrow when you and your wife got up and went to work and one or both of you lost your job, would you really be so responsible then? My point being that we only have a small control on what is really happening right now even though we are a free country we are still controlled by what are government does. I do not like hand outs I have always been very independant I come from a large family that used to commercial fish and run supplies to the villages but after the big oil spill when fishing wasn’t so good we got out of fishing, so I have learned how to be very independant to take care of my family and I can honestly say that I am responsible I care for my son all on my own I do not receive any help from his father nor the government. So before you want to insult or put down any of us hard working or disabled americans, don’t! if you can’t write about anything nice then stay out of the comment room! Because we are all having a togh time right now and we do not need to read about a liar who has to write in a put down others just so he can feel good about himself. Good luck on your responsibilty trails!!!
February 19th, 2009 at 4:48 pm
I am considered a low class laborer who scrapes every week to get by. The 2008 stimulus check I received went to pay bills that were piling up. I recently filed for my 2009 tax return and with a little help with the tax cuts, I would have received 800.00 which would be desperately needed. An old NYS Higher Education Loan from 1990 that added almost 7000.00 interest due to non payment, swallowed up my taxes. I am looking to head to the welfare building to apply for assistance. A one time stimulus check of around $5,000.00 – $10,000.00 would pull me out of this hole that keeps getting bigger and bigger. Any tax cuts for low income will be taken from me and the interest keeps getting added.
February 19th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
The government taking over the banking industry and forgiving all debt would cause a complete financial collaps unless in forgiving the debt they paid all the creditors. You can’t just print money all willy nilly. No other country would touch a dollar bill because it would be worthless. Now a moretorium on rising interest would keep me in the game. It’s funny cause we are all just babling and make this crap up as we go, including all the burocrats, if I even spelled that correctly. It is going to take prayer and fasting and a bit of pain and suffering. God may see it fit to restore us after we learn a lesson about excessive living. I know why I am broke and in debt, I am just hoping that the economy some how comesback so I can use my talents to get my family out of this mess. I don’t want welfare, just another shot at it.
February 19th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
yup they are coming my friend just received hers $600, I called my tax place and they told me mine is not there yet but to call back Monday. Im really looking forward to it.
February 19th, 2009 at 6:09 pm
Cant we all just get along?
I mean, if these big major companies (banks & car companies) need help and they’re declaring bankruptcies shouldn’t we (great Americans) help them, right?!
Lets give our money too these great CEOs so they can live happily ever after…come on they have bills to pay too!!
Mansions, cars, not to mention those highly expense restaurants and all the great vactions that they take.
There is a old sayin…”rich stays rich and the poor stays poor”
Let’s not kill the old tradition.
February 19th, 2009 at 6:13 pm
cindy are you talking about your 2008 stim check?
February 19th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
nicely said Tabitha
February 19th, 2009 at 7:15 pm
ZEVIN:
“Parents who had no regards for their childrens future and kept popping out kids.” I’m one of 7. To say my parents had no regards for our future is ridiculous. We were taught to take care of ourselves and not to depend on the government. Don’t make such general accusations! None of us depend on the government to help us. My sisters and I have all done very well for ourselves. Don’t blame this on ALL parents who decided they wanted to have multiple kids.
February 19th, 2009 at 9:29 pm
“Relyingonmyself”
Did I have no reguard of parents that have had a lot of children? All I said is why is it my responsibility to pay for their social security benifits and when I need it there will be none.. Read what I wrote! I also came from a family of five, but does that mean that we who are working now have to pay for the baby boomers???? Sounds like all you want to do is get on here and talk a bunch of smack when you didn’t even read the real point I was trying to get across. If they chose to have so many children, they could have considered how they were going to support them when they were old enough to retire! I don’t feel it is mine or any other americans responsibilty to pay for their retirement and then go without when it is our time to retire! So next time you want to talk smack you may want to get your facts together and at least read what I wrote!
February 19th, 2009 at 9:33 pm
and of course you “Relyingonmyself” would agree with the idiot Self reliant. Two peas in a pod!
February 20th, 2009 at 4:55 am
I know we are all in difficult financial situations right now, but if we have faith then we know that all this hardship is in Gods Plan! Jeremiah 32:27 says “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” Some of us myself included are so caught up in “living the good life,” we forgot the simple things that should be MOST important! Some of you are complaining about having food to eat…. Maybe its not a steak dinner, but your not hungry! Yes, maybe your car is old but it is still serving its purpose to get you from A to B! I know we are all looking for some financial relief but are you trusting God to see your families through? Are we asking for the resources to help us become completely self sufficient for a better tomorrow, or are we looking to blame the “government when they don’t give us a “quick fix?” Genesis 17:1: “Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life.” God wants us to thank him for the “little” we have and he will definitely bless us with wealth beyond measure! Some of you guys are complaining about your “high” bills… Well isn’t that the stuff you wanted at that time? I’m not trying to offend anyone I am just giving my opinion! In closing I would like everyone to know God is real, and he will give you peace in your most difficult situations!
February 20th, 2009 at 8:16 am
ok, here we go….
I normally don’t post on blogs but this one I found to be quite interesting and has a few things that I would like to adress in my own opinion.
My Father once told me that any one elected to office is most often the best liar of the two. I have found this to be true in almost all cases. The current president made some really outlandish campaign promises and we all knew that some would be possible and some would not. The president does not have the ability to change things by himself and we should all know that by now. He has to make concessions and pray that the other politicians on capitol hill are not better liars than he is. What everyone in the legislative and executive branches forget is their appropriate title…. public servant. The American population in majority elected these officials and now we are left with what the majority wanted. The past election I was so disgusted with my own party affiliation that I voted against everyone that was currently in office. I just wanted to fire them all and send a message to all public servants that I was fed up and I encouraged all of my friends to do the same.
I was injured on the job three years ago due to a safety violation by my employer and went from a 70k a year job to a 22k a year job, I adjusted my spending. Gasoline peaked at $4 a gallon in my area last summer, I adjusted my spending. I am divorced and am currenty paying everything that is required to meet my legal obligations and when extra money comes my way I provide extras for my daughter and exwife…. I just adjust my spending.
What caused the current economic crisis? Greed!!!! What is going to prevent the stimulus package fromworking? Greed!!!!
We gave the financial industry a bailout and what happened? More bonuses for the upper tier management. One company even cut the salaries of all sales personnel in January of 2008 by as much as 35% to keep the company afloat and what happened? The company is now on the brink of economic disaster and the upper tier management got bonuses at the end of 2008.
The definition of treason is the betrayal of trust or confidence; breach of faith; treachery. I wonder…. the oil companies reporting record profits during the “oil crisis” this summer, the financial industry making funds available to consumers knowing that they would not be able to afford the higher rates when the time came, the chief executives of companies cutting their employees wages so that they would be able to retain their lifestyles, etc……, and who is to blame and who betrayed the trust of the people affiliated with them? That’s the American Publics decision.
Stimulus check? I could definitely use it but it will not make or break me…. no, just make it a little harder on me if I don’t receive it.
Well that is enough of a soapbox ramble. Have a great day and I will keep watching the economy and of course this blog.
February 20th, 2009 at 10:24 am
when will we get the benefit of 250.00 for social security and when will the increase in food stamps take effect- also my grandson who is 5 receives death benifts from social security is he getting the 250.00 thank you
February 20th, 2009 at 1:38 pm
TO “SELF RELIANT”:
I am 23 years old and I work for a small company and have for the past 5 years. I started out entry level worked my way up to office manager, I make a whopping $18 per hour, I work 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. That’s $720 a week, $1440 a pay period ( before taxes), 26 pay periods a year, that only adds up to $37,440 a year, and that’s before taxes. I have a mortgage. I paid my truck off within 2 years of getting it, I have a cell phone, no credit cards, I paid my way through college ( and I have a degree in both psychology and criminal justice, I cant use the degrees that my hardwork and money paid for because there are no jobs here) when i want something I budget my mony so that I can get it, and i dont touch my savings unless I fall on hard times. Now I said all of that to say this I work my ass off and even still I just get by. lLAST YEAR I BROUGHT IN MORE MONEY THAN YOU DID AND I STILL JUST GOT BY. Since I became “self reliant” I take care of what I need then what I want, and still I could use a little more money as a buffer none the less. Even if it didn’t stimulate the economy it would help me, a taxpaying citizen. So what do you say to that Mr. Retiree
February 20th, 2009 at 2:54 pm
The ongoing theme here on a lot of the blogs that I have read are the, government is speding/keeping/blowing “my money”. Hello people that is not your money, I dont know of anyone that is over age 18 and is forced to live here. If you people are so down on the government of the US, move away. Being an American isnt cheap, I am sure that when things were great and the economy was booming you people were waving flags and singing “The Star Spangled Banner”, but now the gov’t is taking YOUR money. I say again if you dont like things here, change it; move, run for office, work for a living, do something. If you arent part of the solution you are part of the problem.
February 20th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
I have been reading all of this. I am 65 and get $84.00 from SS. My husband was in the USAF for almost 15 years. He is now disabled . We brought a house that two mounts later stared falling in on us so we added a used mobilhome on the lot for a home. Well with me hving had two pacemakers and a third one in a few more years and now car. He has a knee replacement and will be having another and me fighting PB over how we live and after having storkes. Then our daughter is woring for Wal-mart nights and only has her with a house payment, car payment , Inc. and part of elc., gas. We need trailerhouse rewired, new suewer put in, clothers. And my daughter is disabled an working and trying to help care for us. Yes we could use the check and would spend it on what we need. and pay medical bills.
February 20th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
If I got 10 large, I would feel rich. If the govt gave me a 4% 40 year mortgage (zero points) I’d buy a new house fast.. My current house is paid for. I pray for anything even close to this as a “stimulus”. At least, legalize pot like Califorina has and let me and my family grow weed to make money on. If they did that I wouldn’t need their 10 stacks or the loan from the bank.
February 20th, 2009 at 7:59 pm
Hey “Tabitha” Get the heck out of Alaska !! BRRRRRR!! Enjoy your 8 dollars a week. Thats the only theoretical stimulus poor folks like us will get to see. ($13 before taxes) Let’s all have a cup of coffee on Uncle Sam !!
February 20th, 2009 at 8:35 pm
after working for an elected official I see both sides of this. I talk to people everyday that will benefit from this stimulus package be it someone who is disabled or someone that has children and needs this money to stay afloat. and then I see the other side able bodied 20 or 30 somethings that now need a handout because they came out of college and where making six figure salaries at mortgage compaines or get rich quick jobs. spent all of their money on houses and cars they couldn’t afford and are now collecting unemployment and want to know when they are going to get the extra money from the stimulus package. well I have worked hard and have also lost a job before and not been sure on how I was going to pay my bills and I made it through. so I guess my question is to everyone that once said to hell with everyone that needs a hand out they can go work at a walmart or burger king why are you not taking your own advice. Working people will jump start the economy not people waiting for a handout
February 20th, 2009 at 9:41 pm
what about us hard working middle class americans. never had a hand out ,a food stamp, a welfare check. just work work to pay bills. living paycheck to paycheck. I bought a home with in my means,a car, a life style. why bail out everyone else that went above their means. i could use some cash in my hand to make improvements on my home, pay off some bills and maybe buy a few tickets to the movies.
February 20th, 2009 at 10:01 pm
i am a single mother of 3 i work my blank off 2 make a living for my kids and myself the father of my kids dont pay child support so im trying 2 do it all on my own i think another stimulus check would be very helpful and nice. i know there alot of single mom out there that get no help from the fathers we all do it on are own. i say yes yes yes yes yes 2 another stimulus check
February 20th, 2009 at 10:01 pm
If the government wants to issue a stimulus check that people will spend, why don’t they issue everyone a VISA gift card with a given amount on it? The card itself is worthless, but it has a credit on it that can only be redeemed when purchasing services or goods. If they want to stimulate the auto industry they can say the credit card will be worth $1000 if you spend it on merchandise / services and it would be worth $3000 if you spend it on the purchase of an Automobile (GM/Chrysler/Ford). That would tempt people to buy a new car, and either way people would be forced to spend the money since they can’t save it. I would even put an expiration date on it of 6 months to 1 year.
February 21st, 2009 at 12:05 am
There is only one way to stimulate the economy with a long lasting effect, and that is to enact the “Flat Tax Act”, originally adapted by the Clinton administration. Here is how this would work… First you do away with the IRS which saves approximatly $13 Billion per year in spending, this includes payroll and record keeping. Next create a 10% flat tax on all purchases, this may sound like alot to some of you but do the math, you probably have between 10 to 20% at least, in taxes taken out of your paycheck every week, and many of us never see a substancial return on this, you would have to spend between $1000.00 to $2000.00 in a week to lose the same 10 to 20% each week, how many of us can afford to spend this much in a weeks time, not many I’ll bet. So in other words it would be like giving yourself a $100.00 a week rise in pay or even more in some cases. This extra money constantly infused into the economy would turn things around in less than 1 year. Another benefit to this would be that the wealthy would finally have to pay their dues when they by million dollar homes and big ticket items…ie boats and cars, this would bring money to the government that was once unavailable, the wealthy were able to take tax write-offs on many of these luxury items leaving the rest of hard working Americans to foot the bill. Now one of the main benefits here is the extra money the government earns can go into a national health care program, education and social security. You are probably wondering why this has not been done, it’s because big business dictates what our government does, not the people, so the wealthy run the country and have their own private agenda and spending more of their money is not part of that agenda. Now with that said, what can we as hard working Americans do to get this enacted? Write your Congressman, E-Mail everyone you know and have them do the same, make a public outcry so loud it can be heard around the world. We as Americans must unite under a common cause, this is what a democracy is all about, we must stand on our Constitutional right…”A Government By The People, For The People”. Remember after all “United We Stand, Divided We Fall”.
February 21st, 2009 at 1:14 am
In addition to my previous statement I would like to point out a few other facts… We as Americans really do have more power that you may think, it’s just the way we think that makes us weak. For example… We say to ourselves, “what can I do, I’m just one person” Wrong! We Are Many! or we say “It won’t make a difference” Wrong! It will make a difference! We are the strongest country in the world, not because of our government but because of It’s People! Remember what Emporer Hirohito said during the second world war “I Fear That All We Have Done Is Awaken A Sleeping Giant” We are still that giant, we’ve just gotten a little lazy. We are like a bunch of siblings in the same family, bickering, and carrying on amongest ourselves, but let someone else mess with us and we are their worst nightmare! We need to reaffirm who we are as a nation, we need to stand together shoulder to shoulder and not budge. An example of how in the past we could have made a difference… When the fuel prices started climbing almost 2 years ago, imagine if all the trucking companies in the country stopped moving freight, whether you realize it or not, there is almost nothing you can purchase that has not been transported by truck. So to start with the loss of fuel sales would have been in the billions of dollars, if they would have shut down for one day, next stores like Walmart would have been screaming for stock, and this most definately would have been heard by our government. Do you think this one day would have made a difference? The answer is yes! We have the power to boycott products for another example, say we stopped buying a specific product in this country, would it make an impact on the manufacturer? yes! If we used this same influence to sway our government would it make a difference? yes! Now to simpify this idea just reply to this blog, then carry the idea to other blog sites, the more something is written about, the more it’s read. the more it’s commented on… You get the picture. This is how fads get started as well. The idea here is to turn this simple discussion into a scream heard by the government, and turn an idea started here onto a debate on the Senate floor. Now they know what the people really want, their country back!!
February 21st, 2009 at 3:31 pm
listen to this:
my husband had been living within our means. In 2005 we built a log home worth $250,000. He had a wonderful job at a lumber company. I had a retail business. Together we averaged yearly of about $60,000. In November of 2007 he was laid off. Within two weeks he abandoned me and our children. He now lives on his unemployment and I was forced to apply for assistance due to losing my business because of the economy. I was forced into forecloser because i couldn’t pay the house payment on my own. Two weeks before christmas, I had to give up my home. Just this past week the house sold for $115,000. My husband refuses to talk to me or our children. He is so ashamed of himself he rarely leaves his apartment. Is it really worth all this? We had a wonderful relationship before he lost his job. Now he is hiding from everyone. I thought this stimulis package would help. When i needed help with the bank due to my home, the bank wouldn’t even discuss it with me. Now it sold for that price? come on. If they had worked with me, I’d still be in my home. At $115,000 I could have managed the payment. This stimulis package sucks. The airport near my home now wants $33 million dollars to upgrade, and it will only create 100 jobs. This is the same airport that had gotten rid of airlines because they couldn’t support them. It also lost many jobs there. My two daughters worked for the auto business. Both lost their jobs. Do they really need to help the auto industry? Make them file for bankruptcy. They are just using billions of dollars that could go to useful spending in other places. I now live with my 3 children in a home that the landlord lives in the basement. He now is laid off, and at risk of losing his home. What is it going to take for anyone to realize that we are very much in trouble here? The government can’t help. I have always relied on myself, but the options are running out. Are we to live with family members to survive? I worked 4 years on my home to make it the American dream. Now I am just out in the cold, and on my way to being homeless again. Is this fair? I think NOT. I don’t expect the government to help me. I just want to help myself. Options aren’t there anymore. I worry for my children. What kind of life will they have down the road if hard working people like us can’t manage? I would love a stimulis check. My husband ran off with my part of it last year. My children didn’t receive their part either. I found a job at a bar, yes I am lucky. But look what i have lost…..DUE TO THE ECONOMY…It breaks my heart….
February 21st, 2009 at 7:05 pm
I am sure excited about that extra $13 a week in my pocket…can now supersize my fries…
February 21st, 2009 at 7:30 pm
People, is this even a difficult question. THE AMERICAN PEOPLE NEED THE MONEY TO SURVIVE AND QUIT BAILING OUT WALL STREET AND ALL THE RICH PEOPLE SO THEY CAN KEEP THEIR BONUSES EACH YEAR, MORE OF WHICH SOME OF US HAD MADE IN A LIFETIME, and give it to the American People who need to try to keep their homes, raise their families, get their children through college and survive day to day living. Who is suffering here? THE AMERICAN PEOPLE and they deserve more than the pittance they received last year, split up this billion/trillion dollar bailout to all these corporations and split it amongst the Americans and we would be putting it back into the economy as well as saving our hard earned lifestyles (which are not exhorbinant) and try to continue to keep our homes and feed our families and keep out jobs. I do not see why this is a difficult decision. WE ARE PAYING FOR THE GOVERNMENTS SCREW UP AND IT IS TIME WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE RECEIVE IT BACK, AND A NICE CHUNK TOO SO WE CAN GET A BREAK FOR ONCE!
February 21st, 2009 at 7:53 pm
HEY! All of you greedy NAMELESS CREATURES! When you are talking about handing out monies to stimulate this rancid economic status. Why is it that you only count yourselves. There are literally THOUSANDS, OR MORE LIKELY MILLIONS, of OTHERS out here that live on a “budget” so low YOU would not even have RENT money! The FEDERAL GOVERNMENT say that the so called POVERTY LEVEL, below which a person could not do much more than survive, barely, is something $1,500 per month. Now let me tell you the TRUE facts. There are millions of us out here that live on $650 or less a month. We don’t even get FOOD STAMPS in most cases. You talk about how you could spend a $10,000 BONUS CHECK! YOU GREEDY SLIME! I think of how I could improve my living condition if I got just $1,000 in a month spend. What would I do with this tremendous excess? Oh I don’t know, how about FOOD to eat or pay the utility bill that I fight each month to keep down to a level I can afford. Humph! You spend more on dinner tonight than I spend to eat all month long. And the funny part is I’m diabetic so I have to eat by a plan. Lets see now, what was today’s plan, oh yeah I remember. a couple hot dogs and maybe to RAMEN soup.
Or Hey why don’t you do something real smart. ‘TRY’ to remember that we exist and let us in to h”help” the economy. I can give you good odds that money would get put into the economy! And it would bring the rest of the country out of the LESS THAN “POVERTY LEVEL” status.
IF YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT MONEY THEN COUNT PEOPLE AND NOT JUST THE SO CALLED “TAXPAYERS” THAT WHINE ABOUT THINGS LIKE “I CAN’T PAY FOR MY QUARTER OF A MILLION DOLLAR HOUSE!
YOU PEOPLE MAKE ME SICK! I AM ASHAMED TO EVEN BE CALLED A HUMAN BEING!
I WOULD RATHER JUST SLAP THE STUFFING OUT OF YOU ALL THAN BE CALLED SUCH A FOUL CREATION AS “MAN!”
GREEDY, IGNORANT, FOOLS! THE TRUTH YOU SO OFTEN TRY SO HARD TO NOT SEE IS THAT THE PLAN IS ONLY A “GOOD” PLAN IF IT GIVES IT TO YOU. THE REST OF US CAN JUST SWIM UPSTREAM!
I have a stimulus plan for you to use. Level the field that is so disparate, even just a little bit, It’s hard enough to climb a vertical wall. But you want a large number of us to climb across the ceiling, without handholds to grab even.
Oh and pray to your gods that you don’t become disabled. Because then you will be living on $675 or less a month less each month, whether you have kids or not won’t matter. Try to get by on that. If you can!
OH and IF you find a problem with this useless exercise of commenting here. Then I can only Hope that the fates NEVER place you in the world we live in. Because in this world you would not survive. Here hot water can be a luxury item.
I will go now, I need to go puke from all your whining. So go away!
February 21st, 2009 at 8:20 pm
Um…Mr. Peck? Did you even READ what the people here have been writing? No one here has a quarter of a million dollar home, I know I don’t. We are all bad off — at least the ones who believe that we should recieve a stimulus check are. We have all been knocked down and dragged through the crap in the past few years and some of us ARE surviving on what would be considered poverty level. There are over 140 responses here, so until you have read them all, don’t call names. And realistically, NONE of us are too bad off if we have access to the internet and a computer.
February 21st, 2009 at 9:17 pm
To Don Peck:
I was not wining about my quarter million dollar house. Yes, I would like to have it back. I know how you feel. I have friends that can’t find jobs, nor can they afford hot water or heat for their homes. They don’t receive assistance. They are too proud to ask. Those that do, share with whom they can. I share. I am not greedy. I have never been greedy. I just wanted MY AMERICAN DREAM. It took me 44 years to get that home. AND I was DAMN PROUD of it. What have I to be proud of now??? I live on less than $600 a month. Let me tell you it is a dramatic change. I have learned that people are greedy to the extend that they would BEG, BORROW, or STEAL what they need now. I know, cause it has happened to me. i have never had to do those things. Nor do I want too. But if WE can all have some help from somewhere…what does it matter if we all want a little extra money to make ends meet. I have been disabled since 1994. I didn’t ask for anything. I made it on my own, without any help from anyone.
February 21st, 2009 at 9:23 pm
well said super_phsyco_mom!!!
February 21st, 2009 at 10:13 pm
How can you say your living within your means when you are bringing home $60k a year and living in a $250k house? Unless you had a huge down payment. My salary alone, not including my husbands, is $60k a year and I know I could not afford a $250k house. We bought a house last summer for $160k and I think the mortgage payment of $1200 a month is a bit much. I do feel bad since the bank was not willing to work with you. What a slap in the face for them to sell the house to Joe Schmoe for $115k! I thank God every day for the blessings my husband and I have. We’ve had nothing handed to us in life since we both come from parents that worked hard for everything they had and didn’t have it to hand to us.
Everyone keeps talking about getting a $10k stimulus check. Sure it would be nice to have that extra money. My house can use a little modernization. The house is 50 years old and the bathrooms and kitchen definitely show their age. Where does everyone think this money is coming from? That’s right us taxpayers. We shouldn’t be bailing out these huge companies where the CEO’s are making millions. How about the CEO’s take a huge pay cut and come back to reality with the rest of us?
February 21st, 2009 at 11:54 pm
The home we built was worth $250,000 when appraised. We had built the house for $140,000. I guess I should have clarified that. When it was appraised in 2006 it was worth that much. To see it deplete as far as equity in a matter of months was beyond my imagination. I had built a nice home within our means at the time. I was planning on the equity for my retirement. I guess I didn’t even get the chance to find out if it would of been to my best interest in long run. My father retired out of GM. He worked his whole life to take care of my mother and 5 children. He taught us to manage our money and not ask for handouts. I am a firm believer that the lord “takes care of those who take care of themselves”. Does that mean that we have to lose everything while CEO’s get everything? I am so upset that these people take what they can get while ordinary people like us have to struggle with the every day issues that bring us closer to poverty. I was happy, secure, and I never bought anything that was considered wasteful spending. i bought what we needed, not what we wanted. I drive an old 1995 truck to haul wood to keep us warm in the winter cause i can’t afford propane. Is this what America has resorted to? That Middle class can’t afford the gas we need to survive? I am working my butt off for what? To loose only what I have worked for, and to work for pennies so that my children have food on the table and electricity to read by. College is out of the question now. SECURE and HAPPY? ask the CEO’s if they are sending their children to college and if they think it will benefit them in the long run. Meanwhile, I pray for the middle class. I was there, now I am not. I am poor. But, I still have my dignity.
February 22nd, 2009 at 1:19 am
I thought one of the biggest mistakes in McCains campaign was that he didn’t support the same stimulus check talk that Obama promised so avidly to work on as soon as he became president… to help the people who would be going to the polls to vote for him.
When he became president I was apprehensive as a voting republican but hopeful that this would represent an epic of hope and new perspective among US citizens despite him being a democrat.
…but now…I really feel we’ve been screwed and double crossed.
That money belongs to taxpayers and the government is going to spend it however they see fit and we have no say and many of us will never see a dime of it.
Even as a somewhat conservative republican it is not so hard for me to understand how people lose their minds in a blazing outrage of uncontrollable fury at their failure to do anything in such a system as this but continue to fail and to have no idea who to turn to and blame but the government that is supposed to have all the answers and beats it’s chest while echoing just that.
I believe that in the long run things will work out for most people but it is at the cost of those who fall through the cracks.
February 22nd, 2009 at 1:51 am
why dont they send every taxpayer a card that you can only use for things that stimulate the economy and why hasnt anyone thought of this
February 22nd, 2009 at 2:01 am
yea well said mayb u should b in congress
February 22nd, 2009 at 4:06 am
I AM DRAWING SOCIAL SECURITY FROM BEING DISABLED FOR SEVERAL YEARS,AND A SUBSTANIAL 2ND STIMULUS CHECK WOULD GET OTHERS IN THE SAME SITUATION HELP IN PURCHASHING EQUIPMENT WE NEED IN ORDER TO HELP US BE MORE INDEPENENT. I WORKED IN THE AUTO INDUSTRY FOR 20 PLUS YEARS, AND AS A RESULT OF THE FAILING AUTO INDUSTRY , IT CAUSED A REDUCTION IN OUR INSURANCE PLANS. OUR CO-PAYS ARE HIGHER, IF ANY, AND THE DISABILITY EQUIPMENT THAT WE NEEDED, WERE CUT BY 50 TO 75% , SOME, NOT PAYED FOR AT ALL.. I’M THANKFULL FOR WHAT I DO GET ,BUT LIVING ON SOCIAL SECURITY ALONE, AND NOT BEING ABLE TO GET WHAT I NEED ,(ESPECIALLY WHEN THE OLD EQUIPMENT WEARS OUT) IS EXPENSIVE SO THEREFORE HARD TO GET, THANKS FOR HEARING ME OUT,EMMA
February 22nd, 2009 at 5:27 am
There are many people in this world who the lack of fifty bucks come rent time can break. When I got my $300 dollar stimulus check, myself and two of my friends in three separate situations was saved from eviction. I cannot understand why it is so hard for some people to understand that to some… a few hundred bucks is a lot and it’s those people who are going to make the most noise when they have nowhere else to turn. It’s shows in crime rates…it shows in homelessness…it shows in events like suicides and worse. If someone said “here, take a few hundred dollars” I would go out right now and try to buy a car…..because I need one…FOR WORK. Mine, with 270,000 miles on it just gave up. Now what am I supposed to do? I was counting on this because I knew it was coming. Cars don’t last forever. Now what? I have no clue as to what I’m supposed to do now. I can’t work if I can’t get there and I am an independent IT contractor, work is slim these days and now I can’t even drive to the nearest McDonalds to fill out an application for a minimum wage job. Thanks United States government. Thanks for the promises and false hope I had. I did my taxes last week and got a whopping 90 bucks, but hell…at least I didn’t owe like some people despite paying taxes all freaking year long on everything under the sun.
February 22nd, 2009 at 11:12 am
I believe people would be favorable to scrapping the bank bailout and give the tax paying people a stimulus check worth while. This could help many of the families in need as well as boost economy. If we favor to give these banks the bailout package how will that help any of the people who have already lost their homes to foreclosure or will be soon. Also, some of these banks were bailing out put themselves in this situation by poor loan apps and gambling on putting it to the working class by offering 125% to value on home loans ect. They werent saying a thing when the stock market was good and they was making a killing. Bailing out the banks doesnt solve any problems for the working, taxpaying people. It only solves their problems. They will still be foreclosing on your homes and raising your interest rates on credit cards. The only difference is they will have the security of money in their pockets as they sell your homes off at lesser than they say their worth. I have an idea however, Give the tax paying hard working people a good fat stimulus check and let them make the decision of how they save themselves. They may catch up on their mortgage payments (which should help the banks) or it could help them get back on their feet ( for the people that lost their homes already). Or it could boost the economy with spending. However i hope President Obama looks at this long and hard because either way i dont see how 30-100 a pay check could save anyone. People will still be behind on payments. They unemployed will still be unemployed. Just my thoughts maybe not all perfect but still the same!
February 22nd, 2009 at 12:41 pm
I believe there should be another stimulus check distributed out in the amount of 25,000 us dollars to every qualifying us citizen don’t worry about the total deficit because it really doesn’t matter if it’s 1 trillion or 2 trillion we really need to focus on the American people right know and someone needs to step up like the president and make this happen I believe this will help all Americans get back on their feet and give the economy a real boost thank you and God Bless America.
February 22nd, 2009 at 1:09 pm
I also believe the Realty business has a lot to do with out problems. To many houses were over appraised. Realtor have an idea of what you do for a living and what you can afford…they were to concerned with their paycheck to think that these people can’t afford these houses.
HOLLINMICHIGAN: I’m sorry to hear that. It must have felt great that your house was appraised so high and then a few months later for the bottom to fall out on it. And as far as college goes…it’s NEVER to late. I firmly believe one of the reasons I make the money I make is because I had experience to back my degree. I worked before I went to college which made me more marketable to companies. I worked full-time while attending college. May God Bless you and help you though these rough times! Keep your head held high…I’m a firm believe in karma…what comes around goes around. These banks that are treating people like you’ve been treated will have it come full circle unto them.
February 22nd, 2009 at 7:43 pm
I believe the economy is like a tree. If you want it to grow you have to feed it. How do you feed a tree you ask. You feed it at the roots not the leaves like are Government is by giving the banks and big businesses bailout money!!!!!
February 23rd, 2009 at 4:43 am
I agree with everyond on here that wants the MONEY. I am a mother of one I’m 23 years old. iI think that we should get the STIMULUS because I mean WE WORK hard for it and we deserve for it in return. I make $10 and hr and only do 2 hours and 15 15 mins. a day. I WISh for President Obama to give us taxpayers atlesst $2000 each and for our claimed child(rens) $1000 for each claimed chlid. If President Obama would just Please grant our WISHES then I would love a new house, because I want to pay off my debts, put some in savings for my sons college, buy a car for my brother, buy new washer and dryers for my mom. And give my mom a vacation with my dad to Indiana to go see her sister. So President Obama PLEASE grant our WISHES and give us the 2nd STIMULUS!! P.S ” IT’S OUR MONEY and WE WANT IT NOW!!!
February 23rd, 2009 at 5:25 am
I agree with all those whom wants the STIMULUS, I need for President Obama to give us our MONEY that we need. $1000/$5000/$10,000 won’t hurt to give to hard working tax payers. I make only $10/hr and works only 2 1/2 hrs per day. I need the money to pay off my DEBTS, buy my mom a vacation to go see her SISTER in Indiana, buy my brother a NEW CAR, and my FAMILY something that theyLll never forget me for! I’m a mother of one, my dream is to buy a NEW HOUSE,buy me a NEW CAR, put money in savings for my son (he’s only 5). But most of all take my whole family on a vacation to DISNEY WORLD, we’ve have not been on a family trip before. President Obama everyone of us is depending on you to get what we are really WISHING FOR!!! Please GRANT IT!!!
February 23rd, 2009 at 12:37 pm
What about the disabled who barely make enough or don’t make enough for their medicines? What about the people on SSI and SSD? We barely get by and can’t work due to medical problems. Because we don’t pay taxes shouldn’t we get a piece of the pie? It shouldn’t be just for the middle class people. How about the poor? This is America! Weren’t we all created equal?
February 23rd, 2009 at 1:51 pm
People people…im a CEO for a huge bank (in your face!).
Now let’s talk about this stimulus package (for you common pathetic fools) for Wallstreet, Automakers & Bankers…we all agree with Mr. President Obama great plans.
With the trillions and billions (hehe) aid we are receiving, don’t you see we CEOs can afford to create HUNDREDS OF NEW JOBS for sucke…I mean hard working slav…Americans (yeah right…ill hire SOME but make sure their work is doubled, anyone complain ill just lay him/her off and hire some new fool that really needs a job).
Those who are asking for handouts…SHAME ON YOU this world is not all about YOU & and I might add the WORLD DOESN’T REVOLVE AROUND YOU !!!
Enough said! We the great leaders will put that stimulus money to good use and hopefully turn this economy issues around. (darn I have to fix my BUGATTI VEYRON…nevermind I better just buy a new one with my BONUS)
February 23rd, 2009 at 4:54 pm
To WHERE’S YOUR MONEY GOING. Carma is a strange thing, think about your comment maybe at your next doctors appointment and he says some thing like “I’m sorry Mr. CEO but you have stage 3 colon cancer and it’s inoperable, you have only 3 weeks to live”! Carma may not always be swift, but it is just!!!!!!!! Do unto others as you would have done unto you. If I owned a tow truck company and you were broke down in the middle of no-where, 30 degree weather, I would pass you and your $50,000.00 gold card by and pick up the family of 5 that had nothing for payment but conversation on the long trip to get them to a safe destination!
February 23rd, 2009 at 5:06 pm
I think that the stimulus should pass for those who are in debt other then that, someone needs to come up with a batter plan if they know so much about downfalls to help everyone equally.
February 23rd, 2009 at 5:30 pm
I doubt seriouly that you are a CEO, and if you are, I will pray for you. Your statement alone tells how selfish you are as an individual.
To all that have made posts, we are all to some degree in need of an additional stimulus check, and if we don’t get one we will go on living and striving to make ends meet as we have thus far. I won’t sling my bag of woes but I am in a financial bind as a single mom whose only child recently graduated from college. I’m not complaining as I am sure many are not they are simply stating the facts of life (their life).
We just have to continue stretching what we have and not splurge when you do have a little I mean littel extra cash. Cook more often instead of eating out, sometimes I have to pay the minimum on a cc bill to make sure Ihave the gas/electric bill covered not to mention the oil bill (its been cold in NJ). Keep your head up, I do believe better times are coming.
February 23rd, 2009 at 6:37 pm
To : I believe in carma & ByFaith
Im not a CEO of any kind (my wife, two kids and I live paycheck to paycheck) and it’s very hard to live with the cost going up..im just an (extremely) annoyed average joe who thinks this whole mess is a joke!!!
I really do hope government can wake up and see how many GOOD, HARD, AND ALOT UNDERAPPRECIATED Americans have to suffer because of this.
I was just pointing out how a CEO might think about all this..That’s all.
Carma I hope you do stop for us if our car stops in the middle of no-where.
February 23rd, 2009 at 6:57 pm
To those who say, it’s not your money, or why are you asking for a handout?
Screw you!!!!!!!!!! True that we have to pay taxes (and we should NO ARGUMENT THERE) to live in the greatest country in the world! Right?
But all im saying is, why do these government have to bail out these companies????
Yes it will help unemployed people find, get jobs. But again they will suffer in the long run…with high cost of living!!
You think these jobs are going to be six figure salaries…HELL NO they probably pay low hourly 8-10 bucks with double the work.
Just my opinion…
February 23rd, 2009 at 7:24 pm
I think I would pick up a stranded motorist. With money or no money. Either way it was to help someone in need. If he or she was rich….I would hope to get a tip…lol. I read on the social security administration website that those of you who receive SSI get an extra $250 starting in may. Do you think that would help?…NOT really I would think. What would you buy with it? FOOD? CLOTHING to keep you WARM? PAY for bills? $250 isn’t much for someone who lives on $674 a month. I am shocked at how little money SSI pays a month. No one surely can survive on so little. BLESS YOU to those of you who do get SSI….and still I wonder how you all pay for rent, let alone get something you want or heaven knows what you NEED.
February 24th, 2009 at 12:06 am
a check would be nice……….but our government should stop bailing out these companies…. today its 10 mil next week its up to 20…so where does it end…. hard working people are suffering…. its crazy a ceo earns a 6 fig salary then gets a bonus of a mil plus. a month later his company is in washington asking for a hand out
February 24th, 2009 at 12:11 am
I TOTALLY AGREE WITH THIS POSTING
# Joe wesoloski Says:
February 22nd, 2009 at 7:43 pm
I believe the economy is like a tree. If you want it to grow you have to feed it. How do you feed a tree you ask. You feed it at the roots not the leaves like are Government is by giving the banks and big businesses bailout money!!!!!
February 24th, 2009 at 12:40 am
I think getting a stimulus check would be a better way to help out the struggling economy. It is hard to keep your head above water when the bills keep piling up. Not only that but when things break down, you have to replace them. The check would be much better for a now fix as opposed to a later fix. Many people can hardly pay their bills now.
February 24th, 2009 at 8:29 am
Two things:
1. When I read articles like this one that make statements that include “Government’s money” I get sick. Some people are just so lost that they don’t realize it’s OUR money, not the Government’s money.
2. Putting money into people’s hands is the only cure for all this. Some say create more jobs, and some say just write another check. Having the Government create jobs is a nightmare and will take WAY too long to have an effect. Write all taxpayers a check for 10,000 dollars or more, and see what happens. If I pay off bills, that helps out the banks and businesses. If I apply it to a new car, that helps out the auto industry. If I spend it on the kids, and family it helps out everyone. Even investing the money for the kid’s college will help the banks bail out.
I vote: Give me back $10,000 of MY money… TAX FREE!
Geno
February 24th, 2009 at 8:49 am
not even sure this will help. i am nurse and my husband works for a great company
we have 4 children. I got laid off a year ago cant find work!! my husband was getting 60 hours a week. but now he only getting 40, he make 1200 a week and the government takes 688.00 a week in taxes you know S.S Fed State ECT !!!!!!!! after we cover our medical insure we only get 488.00 dollars a week. that needs to pay our rent car payment food gas lights water sewer trash kids school cost!!!! We don’t do credit cards. so yea the check would be nice!!! we pay more in taxes then we ever get back!!
We work hard and here we are not able to take our kids to a movie or get them good shoes for school. why keep taking that 79.65 in s.s when i will not get it when i am older? Stop take so much of our money in taxes. and please send us a chenck that is more then 2008. with that check i paid bills with our return this year i have to do the same. We dont have money to buy high end things like we have in the past. maybe with a bigger check i could going shopping for cloths and shoes or a 2nd car. yea we had to sell one of our cars to help pay bills!!! sad when all my life I have work I have done my part and here I sit hoping my husband keeps his good praying i can buy food next week. What is wrong with this? WELL EVERY THING>>>>>
February 24th, 2009 at 9:47 am
The only way that the new president can help our economy is to lower interest rates to 2% and to lower taxes to 1% percent across the board, for credit cards, mortgages, loans, sales tax, state tax and income tax. Put a cap on Utility companies,: electric, gas, water and sewer, telephone, (home line and cell). This allows us as consumers to stop paying out more money than is necessary on the items that we purchase and on the money that we work for. The banks will balk, the credit cards companies will balk, everyone will balk that is profitting from the consumer. This will cause all of the CEO’s of these companies to not have all of the fantasy items that the consumer can not afford. Items like expensive cars, expensive homes, expensive vacation, expensive boats, expensive jewelry, expensive watches and expensive electronics. We the consumer are not buying these things, we are using our credit cards to keep food on the table and shoes on our childrens feet and clothes on their backs. The working class has always gotten the bad end of the deal. Think about it, this would help our economy, just lower interest rates and lower taxes. Once we stop paying out so much money in excess taxes and interest rates, then we can put more money into the system instead of some CEO’s $100,000.00 salary. This would definitely stimulate the economy. Oh yes and do it right away don’t wait until next year or next two months. Today is better.
February 24th, 2009 at 10:30 am
I guess self relinant is pissed………he hasn’t commented.
To the other self reliant joker……….I bet it’s a walk in the park to be you, huh?
February 24th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
oh ya i would spend it. i am wanting to make a move out of New Mexico so yes it would almost all go into economy. as well as i would be buying my kids some new bunkbeds and a new tv when we got there. money in hotels and maybe even get to take the kids to go see some cool things. go to disney land or something that i have wanted to do so long with them, New appliances possibly as well as able my kids to go to a school that does take care of my kids special needs. wouldn’t that be great to see my special kids going to school in a different state where i can get the proper assistance for their autistic needs. but i don’t have the stimulus so we are still stuck in New Mexico and it is a shame that we are living so tightly and in schools that are abusing my children. Such a shame. wether 1,000 or 10,000 it would help greatly to get better things for my children.
February 24th, 2009 at 5:27 pm
I also have to say it is not going to do me any good what obama recently did. i can’t buy a house, i can’t buy a car. i can’t afford it. my credit is up a creek as well as my husbands because hey it is not a class in school to teach about credit and how to manage it. but hey i am going out of debt because of dave ramesy. isn’t he great. we are tight but starting to get managable now if my husband could get back to work it would stay that way. but hey again my husband is one out of millions that got laid off. i already bought my house and caught it up but i will not recieve the 8,000 dollars because i can’t buy a new home. i had to give up my economy van for a van that gets 14 miles to a gallon but i don’t have a $400 dollar a month payment. I am continueing to hardly make ends meet as in the house paid. The lovely mortgage company said they were supposed to bring the percentage rates down. well let me ask why does it go from 6.5% to 6 percent than. like a whole $15 dollars is going to make a difference. is it not just amazing they are stuggling but they will milk you more and more when you don’t have income comming in. as i said we need to move. for the children as well as maybe just maybe my husband could get a job somewhere else. sure is not anything in new mexico everything is taken or laying off. what are we all supposed to do? obama i say give us the cash to help even if it is a temporary fix. maybe give some to each of those small companies to hire people they need to make it. i am almost debt free i have no reason to spend it on debt. LOL. Again dave ramesy is great. love it…..
February 24th, 2009 at 5:55 pm
A new stimulus payment may not be so good for me, although I did appreciate it last year and I spent it instaed of saving it. I didn’t know that I would be penalized in my 2008 income tax. Penalized I say because the government took or deducted that from my return. Am I the only one who had to pay it back via tax return or are there others out there who got the pinch also?
February 24th, 2009 at 6:55 pm
Funny, they say the stimulus checks last year were FREE? Hmmm… when I just did my taxes for last year it asked what I received for that stimulus check and I watched my tax return (that I worked damn hard for) go down $600 which is the exact amount I received last year… how is that FREE?????? Seems more like an advance to me.
February 24th, 2009 at 9:19 pm
God Bless all of you those who are struggling and those who are staying a float in these tough times. I am a single mother of three. Working hard and just praying the future will be brighter for my sons. All I can say is to pray and keep working hard.
I believe faith will make things better in time. NOT MONEY!!! Sadly we need it to survive but what we all need to do is search our minds for what is truely important.
When we are gone it will not matter what kind of car, home, or other material item we owned. God Bless and I hope for a better future as well.
February 25th, 2009 at 12:04 am
Jennifer –
Bless you! My husband and I are on Baby Step 2! We often laugh about how Dave should write “Financial Peace — The Congressional Edition”.
February 25th, 2009 at 2:54 am
a $10,000 stimulus check! wow! that would be great! yes i want it, and would stimulate the heck out of the economy, a new car , catch up on bills, fix up the house, i could go on and on. all excitement put aside, it would be great for the economy. let’s do that first to help the unemployed, i mean if i were unemployed $10,000 would greatly be appreciated. it’s not much when you don’t have a steady paycheck, but it’s a start, when having to start over. let’s all say, YES WE CAN! YES WILL! AND THEN BE ABLE TO SAY, YES WE DID!
February 25th, 2009 at 8:29 am
A stimulus check would do me wonders right now…but of course everyone would not put their money into the economy…so why not give everyone a stimulous check and a gift card that can only be used to purchase something…if Pres. Obama would give out at least $5,000 checks with $1,000-$1,500 of it on a gift card…I think it would help the economy…you would have no choice to use the gift card…who doesn’t love to shop…they gave gift card to the victims of Katrina and they spent them…
February 25th, 2009 at 9:34 am
We are so proud of everything you are doing…..we have heard from alot of other friends we are getting stimulus check from 2009 economic package is this possible too? Thank you for all you are doing for this wonderful country…I’am 60 years old and work as a sub- school cook, my husband is 62 years old and works as a PE Teacher …again GOD BLESS you and GOD BLESS USA AND OUR WORLD.
February 25th, 2009 at 10:06 am
Last Year’s Stimulus was actually a reduction on 2008 taxes, and yes the checks then were an advance of the extra refund you would normal receive. Everyone was so excited about the checks that the news of really just being an advance was not noticed.
So someone smarter than me could correct me, I but think all of our taxes are actually going up that amount this year as that was a 1 year deal. Except for the small withholding change we shall now see.
February 25th, 2009 at 11:09 am
I feel like we need another stimulus check of a sizeable amount.I recently had to quit work from a job that I had worked for 30 years because of health problems.Not long after I started drawing long term dissability the company filled bankruptcy.Thanks to our wonderful govt however the company under certain conditions continue to operate,but because of this I lost my dissability payments. I now draw medicare dissability which is about half of what I was drawing. The company my wife works for has just built a new plant in mexico and has started sending a lot of their orders there,although management says what they are sending there does not effect their work here so I guess that would not have anything to do with her not getting to work nearly as much as she has in the last fifthteen years on the same job. The economy would improve on its own if the govt would penalize companies sending our jobs to foriegn countries and put such a large tax on products being shipped into the U.S. that it would not bennefit these companies to do so. I also think that the govt should make a hell of a lot more effort to remove illegal immigrants from our country freeing up more jobs for U.S. tax paying citizens. Instead all you hear on the news is how many illegals are in the country,I thought illegal meant against the law. I know a lot of people are going to say the only jobs they are taking are the jobs no one else wants,Horse hockey. Iknow of people who worked in housing contruction that can not find work because the illegals are willing to work for a lot less and they can afford to do so since they live 12 to 15 in one house. So again I say yes I would love to have a stimulus check but in long term I feel that doing the things I mentioned would help the economy and make living conditions in this country a whole lot better.
February 25th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
I love it! A $10,000 stimulus check for everyone would do nothing put push this economy further under. Yes everyone could use it, pay bills, debt, medical expenses, etc. but that goes to show that the forest is block your view of the trees. The big problem is the dollar isn’t worth what it was a few years ago. In 2002 everybody was buying houses, they were cheap, interest rates were down, the country was at war, and the economy was booming. Then the market changed and lenders said, if you cant afford this house we will set up a balloon payment. Yes we know that your family makes 50k a year, but the way that houses are selling and appreciating in value we can finance this $300,000.00 on a 6 year note at 5% and in 6 years you can sell it and double your money. Great idea, NOT! So many people fell into this trap that when the 6 year notes became due the market flooded with homes that people couldn’t afford. Now those banks (poor guys) are going under, but not after foreclosing on homes and putting people on the street.Now that same home has depreciated in value to the point that a lot of people are still going to owe $100,00.00 or more after those homes are auctioned off. I know that our local bank is letting people stay in their homes and they have stopped foreclosures as long as the people agree to pay the taxes and utilities, with the promise that the people will pick back up on the notes when the economy picks up. I sounded cruel in my pervious postings but I really didn’t want to come across that way. But I feel that SOME not ALL of the people on here are the same people that sit around with their hands stuck out waiting for someone to give them something. I worked hard, went to school, graduated, and I don’t think that the Government should take over utilities, banking, etc. That is called Communism.
February 25th, 2009 at 8:51 pm
i am really offended that we tax payers and so called majority lower middle class workers will not recieve a stimulus check immediatly of any sum! we tax payers will pay off the debt at estimates of 7500.00 per tax payer and only recieve a tax credit in the future. i feel you have already let down the mass that elected you and still the rich only suffer how ever! try week to week or day to day. tell the ones you love NO NO NO we cant afford to go to the movies, drive the car for a ride to the lake( need gas for work) i think you have the just of it!!! our families need help now not as a tax credit but in as much money as you can give right now. for love of country let the rich help support us give all the extra, 2nd house ,vacations,cars,ect. live like us to help out!!!! be the patriot and GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
February 26th, 2009 at 12:15 am
Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone…..
February 26th, 2009 at 3:21 am
Im disabled on a fixed low income i feel we should get a second stimulus check if they can help the foreign people give them 10,000 to come here and get free housing no taxes i worked hard to in a stand up factory job at 5.15 and hour standing on cement i now have a lot of neck and back problems yes i would like a second stimulus check and please help all the elderly people who worked their lives too . I feel sorry for them. I used to hear my mom say we paid taxes all our lives and we old now and still paying school taxes we paid when you kids were in school were old now and still paying . Give the elderly a break they need a second stimulus check too just not the banks and car companies . We all need help through this hard economy times. Thanks Shirley age 65
February 26th, 2009 at 3:42 am
I forgot i also feel like the foreign people who come here get jobs and americans are laid off while they keep them working. My shop did this we had more time there they maybe 6 months laid us off kept them because they get a tax break with them us we mean nothing in this country it seems. all the jobs are going to other countrys and no good jobs here this isnt right . Something is wrong but i feel Obama is doing good so far i hope he sees that we get a secong stimulus check to help ua all out. This is AMERICA let us feel proud to be Americans.
February 26th, 2009 at 1:51 pm
I would like to see some thought given to each household making less then $150 thousand per year that they recieve a $20 thousand voucher. With the voucher they would be able to use so much of it to use as a down payment on a new car, or to redo the terms on your home, or to be put against existing bills, credit card bills etc. If you do not use the vouchers for the intended purpose then the voucher cannot and will not be honored. I would think that if families were able to use this money to pay off existing debt that this too would help stimuluate as well. After using the vouchers, I feel families would feel that they could possibly spen their weekly earnings daily as needed and not stop the spending entirely.
Many people are afraid to spend as they are uncertain what tomorrow will bring. I think along with this each family should then be limited to a visa, a mastercard, and maybe a couple store cards like Sear’s and another to be able to purchace household items when they become necessary for a family. After what we have been going through I feel many families better evaluate their purchases then before this recission/depression.
I know myself I would buy only what is needed and not my wants, just my needs.
Thank you for this opportunity to express myself.
Wayne and wife Janet in Kansas
February 26th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
I just did my taxes for 2008…they deducted the money my ex got for me. So this is twice now that I didn’t receive my stimulus….Isn’t that something? I got booted again. Guess I’ll go work for my lousy $25 a day. I believe it’s all about money. Gm lost 6.9 billion in the last quarter. Guess that means more lay-offs for Michigan. It’s only going to get worse before it gets better. I am looking for a job out of state. Its too bad I have to leave everything I know just to be a tax paying American citizen. It makes me sick.
February 26th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
I think this Is ridicolus that they say tax payers should get a higher stimulus check and people that dont work that receives social security wont get a check. I think the people In poverty should get the most money. They actually might be able to go out and spend money on things to boost the economic situation. Me and my daughter received 300.00 dollars. I think we should have received a lot more. I pay taxes to. I have property taxes, and every time I buy groceries I pay taxes. Dosent this matter at all. I am a single mother with 2 mortgages and bills I pay taxes on. My son has major heath problems and they took his medicaid. This Is like leaveing people with less money In the dirt. I am on social security and disability sick and struggling. I dont think It would be far to anybody to be left out. All except the people that make a ton of money. If I dont receive my stimulus check this year I will appeal It. And not to mention that a lot of people are talking about picketing. We were told that we were getting a secound check and now there trying to change It. We sould have the right to decide If we want our check or donate It tords what there talking about. I will say that I am very unhappy about this.
February 26th, 2009 at 5:43 pm
Most people are missing the point of the main article here. The idea is… why are we giving hundreds of billions of dollars to the companies that handed out mortgages like free temporary tattoos in a cereal box, and also carpet-bombed America with credit card offers for anyone with a mailbox?
My thoughts on all of this is, if the govt feels the need to pump money at the problem, then make it as deep reaching as possible. Give it to the TAX PAYERS, so they can use it to pay their past due mortgages and credit card bills, and the rest of the bills we all have. The banks will still ultimately end up with the money anyways, so why not?
If I had $10K right now. I would pay a couple months worth of my mortgage, pay down my credit card, and pay off my medical bills. Do you think that might allow me to use my paycheck for some other things like maybe a better car, or an appliance, or groceries?
Thanks.
February 26th, 2009 at 11:27 pm
To all of you who voted for OBAMA! Shame on you! This guy is only thinking about those that don’t work, and will take from us that do work! If someone makes money, they lose out, if you lost your job, or just to lazy to get a job, we who work will support you until we fall into a category of non worker, then the whole country will be screwed! He has no heart <3 to take the elderly’s medicare, and lessen it to give more to the unemployed! Man is a whack job.. Please think long and hard about your vote for next election! Vote for Mickey Mouse over this guy
February 27th, 2009 at 12:22 am
I agree… Obama is such a scam and a fraud. Why is he bailing out the big banks and continuing on with his stupid long winded speeches filled with flowery expressions without substance. The man definitely can give an energizing speech, but his policies are terrible for this country.
Why is he increasing taxes and giving the money to those that don’t work!? The whole lowering taxes on the so-called 95% of the population is total crap. Doesn’t he realize that the people he is raising taxes on are the ONLY ones who have the financial means to create new jobs?? Obama is turning into a maniacal communist….and his fanatical supporters filled with the likes of MSNBC’s Chris Matthews and the left wing media are turning a blind eye to the doomed failure of his proposed economic stimulus policies. This Obama economic stimulus package will fail miserably…mark my words.
February 27th, 2009 at 1:37 am
I agree that 10,000 dollars in every taxpayers hand is the way to go. Then people could pay…instead of charging. Banks and finance companies would get the money from most people anyway. Plus lower income folks might be able to work just one job instead of two!
February 27th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
I have had mixed feelings about a second stimulus check….but now I am leaning more toward thinking this is a good idea. They say the last check did not get spent as they thought it would. I work part time and my husbands hours have been cut back to 20-24 hours a week. I am very sure a lot of Americans are in this boat or worse. I do not understand how the huge banks, etc. keep qualifing for bailout money that they are not loaning out to the public sector. At least the majority of everyday people would spend stimulus money on either, bills, food, and purchases right away. Don’t get me wrong….I wouldn’t mind if I had an extra 13-15 dollars on our check each week. But I don’t think it will work out that way when you get down to it….
Tax cuts for homebuyers….who can afford to buy a home these days (not too many) even if you could get financing.
I know NOTHING is going to fix all of our economic troubles but I think a substantial economic stimulus in the hands of people who REALLY would spend it would get money out there in the system soon.
Job creation ….. I think this is great, but I know it will take a while to see this be able to make a dent with the new unemployment numbers as they are. I guess we are just in a bad situation here and may be for a while.
I wish everyone all the best out there.
February 27th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
Well, like my refund, I’d probably spend some of the stimulus and purchase a newer vehicle that’s either 7 or 8 thousand dollars total. Then I’d stick the 2 to 3 grand in the bank and spend that within a week or so? Maybe a little longer. What the hec, it was given to me to spend. And it won’t even dent my education loan which I’ll eventually have to pay.
February 27th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
WITH THE THINGS THAT ARE GOING RIGHT NOW…I THINK IM GOING TO DECLARE BANKRUPTCY!!!!!!!!
February 27th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
i vote for a 2nd stimulus check. my husband and myself are so far under right now we are gurgling for air. The last check we got went to paying off bills, and i would like to spend some money on household items we need desperately.
February 27th, 2009 at 7:09 pm
I agree that this stimulus plan may not work. I hope it does for the economy’s sake, but for me, any extra change on our paychecks goes right into savings. When we get checks in large sums, we are far more likely to spend, spend, spend. I thought our new President claimed to “know” his average American people. Doesn’t sound to me that he knows a lick about what we would do. But again, I’m hopeful. We’ll see what happens.
February 28th, 2009 at 9:03 am
I agree, if you want to help the normal, average American give them some of the Money your giving the banks that will only use it toward their benefit and not ours. A larger stimulis check would be very helpful, I could pay off bills and get a car, so I can get to work on time, and pay back in my taxes.
February 28th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
I guess we all will have to wait and see exactly how this will pan out.
February 28th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
We are a retired couple and very conservative. My husband wouldn’t even apply for the stimulus package. He said it was a bunch of foolishness. I thought if the government wanted to give us money I would be happy to receive it. I applyed using Turbo tax. It was electronically put in my account. I invested the whole thing and have added to it every month since May 2008. My husband still does not know we have it. He has been a hard worker all his life and has not been able to accumulate any sizeable savings. I have always thought that saving was a good idea. Now it seems that saving is a bad idea. We have gone too far toward Socializm. The Government has been too much of a “nanny”. We are all too inclined to look to the government to solve our problems. Old conservative, moral and fiscal values need to be encouraged even if it hurts. I haven’t applied for the $12,000 package advertized as we are retired and not in the mood to start a new business. We don’t have any debts to pay off. We live frugally with all our needs met. We can’t complain.
February 28th, 2009 at 9:47 pm
Until our highly paid polititions have to pay the same bills that we the taxpayers have to pay they really will never have a clue what we really have to go through to make ends meet. Let them pay for all thier trips and meals while at home , work or “on the road ” not out of ours they make a salrey we don’t get expence accounts to pay for the incidentals we run into we pay our way as we go along. I really dont understand how we can over spend on the budgets that our public officals pass we cant overspend on our checking accounts to long or we’ll end up doin’ hard time Most if not all have a college degree? did they go to sleep in math class? 10-120=-110 right? lets make each bill or program stay within means and bounds. afterall we have to keep within our means and bounds.
March 1st, 2009 at 1:27 am
If We can’t expect the gov’t to help the Us, the american taxpayer, then why should They expect Us to help Them????
March 1st, 2009 at 2:40 am
I could only wish to have $34000 “gross” income. I work my butt off and have for years. I bought my vehicle for $4000.(which now has over 168,000 miles on it & the most expensive I have ever owned). I paid (and am still paying for) $89000 for my home 15 yrs ago. Now to have all my equity choked. I make less than $21000 yr. Single with 2 children still living at home with me. I get a small child support check monthly (very fortunant for that) .I also owed a very little 4000.00 to the bank (which I had to borrow for my vehicle) Well, guess what? A large tree fell through my home costing me about $8,000 more than the insurance would pay to make my home good enough to live in again. I had to move my children and I into an apartment for 4 months (which accumulated more expenses, (double utility bills)) Then the ultimate slap in the face… CANCER…at the age of 36… now I am in debt for over $30,000 !!!DID I ASK FOR THIS ???
NO , & I don’t think anyone does !!! & for Mr. self reliant & others that agree. I did have my dollars in a streight line. I don’t take vacations, I don’t go out to eat & all my clothes are either free hand-me-downs or from goodwill. & I don’t get gov. help either!! So I don’t think “REAL” PEOPLE want to hear your thoughts about how well you handle your money. It is a real jearker to people like me who handle their money well to have it taken away from you with the HARD, UNEXPECTED SLAPS OF LIFE !! I don’t expect the gov. to bail everyone out, but I sure as “H” don’t think the BIG should get “all” of what the gov. is planning on handing out. As we all know the rich just get richer and thats the way it’s always been.
GOD BLESS US ALL, BECAUSE FAITH WILL PREVAIL AND ALL WILL GET WHAT WE/THEY DESERVE !!!
March 1st, 2009 at 10:15 am
If we got another check we would have to admit that information on our unemployment vouchers so that would help to free up some of the government spending on the unemployed.
I think if the government would go into the business places now(factories) and get rid of the illegals who are working there think of how many jobs would be available for us who are legal,wouldn’t that help save a little on the unemployment bail out that we need to keep the money coming in?
March 1st, 2009 at 11:31 am
If the GOVT. wants to do something for the people do it for the…..PEOPLE. When people do not spend then companies shut down… nothing to be made if people do not buy…Shelves will stay full. It is a viciuos circle , but we need to slow it down if anything ….Give people money, not companies that gave big bonuses. Give bonuses to the people……The ones who really deserve it.
March 1st, 2009 at 1:07 pm
i got layoff work i lost my health will the stimulus packet help me with this i have a doctor on 3/4/2009 my doctor make the app before i found out me insurance was cancel does mt insurance have to paid this doctor bill anyway wesley habbard
March 1st, 2009 at 9:19 pm
wesley hubbard:
You would need to check with your prevous HR dept. Most companies cover the employees through the end of the month since you/they already paid the premiums. If you don’t want to call the employer check with your health insurance company they should have a termination date on their records. If your insurance is canceled maybe the doctor will work out a payment plan with you to pay for the appointment. I know most offices have a note that says payment is due at time of service but some doctors are understanding. I say SOME! I know the company I work for is on of the largest medical providers in the area where I live and they are very understanding. The hospital works with all patients to make sure they get medical attention without having to worry about the cost.
March 1st, 2009 at 9:34 pm
Well, since I am a “little guy” this probably wouldn’t even be considered, but here goes. If the government would give each family $500,000 which the signed agreement that $250,000 would go back into the government for taxes, then we could take the other $250,000 and payoff our mortgage, which would benefit the banks or mortgage companies, buy new vehicles or payoff the ones we have which would benefit the car dealerships or the banks, and we could payoff our credit cards which would again benefit the banks or credit card companies. Then we could take our pay checks, because those of us who work would also have to sign an agreement that we would not quit our jobs, and we would be buying food, gas and eating out again which would also help the economy. But who am I but just a “little guy” or rather “little gal” in my case. And the rich keep getting richer.
March 2nd, 2009 at 4:18 am
Our country is going to hell with his help of his muslim religion. Since he is a muslim, he wants to destroy our way of life and institute the radical muslim law for all. First, our country will become a socialist government, then it will become a very strict muslim Law where no one is free———-most of all women!
March 2nd, 2009 at 6:21 am
i am 26 years old have been married for 3 years have a 3 year old son and a 2 month old daughter, i made a whopping 26000 last year due to getting laid off from 3 jobs in a row, i filed my taxes this year and got a whopping 2500 back, i started a new job in november and just got laid off again the same day my son turned 3 years old and my daughter turned 3 months old, (jan23) i have not been able to find another job yet, i live in a small town in iowa, i had 2 trucks that i just recently sold to pay bills and rent, the little tax refund i recieved went towards rent and bills as well. we do not spend needlessly and we just barely get by struggling the entire time i cannot recieve unemployment benefits and for whatever reason we cannot recieve welfare, or food stamps, or any aid. i am a stay at home father now with my wife working in a hotel and is in fear of losing her job at this time due to the hotel closing down. i dont know exactly what were going to do, however everything usually has a way of working itself out, its extremely hard to not get frustrated with the government taking so long to help out its american citizens with a stimulus check, or more job opportunities or just an actual reassuring statement of economic upraise, i realize its about impossible to predict the outcome of whatever they are going to decide, but i am hopeful that something happens soon before i have to move my family in with a friend or family member because we get kicked out of our house for lack of funds. sure a 10,000 dollar check would be a blessing however how far will it actually go, buy a car or pay some bills, i would definately use it for similar things, but its not going to get everybody out of poverty, this recession is just such a slap in the face of the reality of life that no matter how hard you work or how many luxuries you have there is always someone who can “snap there fingers” and take it away from you and leave you saying “can i have some more, please” there is nothing empowering about having to beg for survival…… but i am going to keep on the job search and keep my kids smiling and hope for the best. i do not ask for handouts and i am not going to turn down others if i can help them, i will just keep living day to day watching and waiting until the light can be seen at the end of the tunnel…..
March 2nd, 2009 at 11:52 am
I very much agree with blue light. Wow, Why couldn’t they have thought of that. I think this plan might actually be the solution. You really need to get this to them blue light, before it’s too late!!! Please make every effort to send this and get it to their attention. I think adding that we all sign an agreement, is something they never thought of that would actually enforce everyone’s spending to focus on what got us all in this massive mess in the first place. That is why, I think they really need to at least see your proposal and at least take it into consideration. Why have you not run for president. We need your mind and more minds alike to be in that house!!!
March 2nd, 2009 at 1:55 pm
First of all, I would like to go on record here to say that in alot of ways, I see where Obama is going with the taxcuts, and etc. He’s trying to stimulate the economy in a way that will help us in the longrun, not a quick fix. I support the stimulas check idea, and relished it in my $900 I got back from my tax return this year (Didn’t get mine in 2008, so it came by my tax return this year) however, these are only quick fixes, and in the longrun, won’t help us as a nation. Creating jobs is a long-term effect. And overall, will enhance the economy. Investing in better power sources also creates jobs for people that have gone to college and got their degrees. We’ll get our money in the form of a tax credit. Now…for some, this won’t seem like much…especially if you make around $75,000 a year. BUT, for some of us who could only DREAM of making that much in a year…who make less than $20,000 a year, this is a salvation. The higher tax credits alone will skyrocket my tax return next year. The only issue I’m having with this idea is this….all this info is based on WORKING people. I have been out of work since November of 2008 and only live on $697.00 a month. If I’m not working, these credits will not apply to me, an will put me in a deeper financial hole. I will recieve a whopping $250.00 check for my son who is disabled and thats it. This also is not going to help me. So what do we do now? We need to come up with a plan that benefits everybody financially. We don’t need quick fixes, and hype, we need action!
March 2nd, 2009 at 3:12 pm
hell, if i receive an 10,000 stimulus check i can FINALLY finish paying of my lawyer, re-instate my license, pay off remaining balance of two loans and the remainder of it i can get me some means of transportation a used or excuse me – PRE-owned vehicle.
March 2nd, 2009 at 5:12 pm
I can guarantee that with $10,000 I would save a little and spend a lot!! This would obviously be a much better way. It’s a shame to give all those big CEO’s money period. I will be surprised if this bail out works but our children and the next generation will be worse off than we are if that’s possible. It makes sense to put the money in the tax payer’s hands where we can start spending again. The more we spend the more jobs there will be. It won’t happen this way. It makes to much sense and that’s not what Washington wants!!!! Our senators and all the rest are not there because of us little people. They all have hefty sums in their pockets but you don’t see them taking any pay cuts and you won’t!! This is a very sad time for America that has always been the strength of all the world’s economy. Also, just wait. Gas prices will go up and we will get the shaft again.
March 2nd, 2009 at 7:26 pm
ALL OF US HAVE ARE OWN PROBLEMS AND WE ALL NEED DIFFERENT KIND OF HELP BUT WHY ARE WE THE BIGGEST BLOWERS OF THE GREAT AMERICAN DOLLAR THE ONLY ONES TO HELP OUT THE COMPANIES THAT GET RICH OFF US TWICE.AND THE GOVT,WE REACH IN ARE POCKETS ANY TIME THIER READY TO HELP THEMSELVES.THEY GET 5 OR6 TIMES MORE MONEY TO DECIDE WHAT WE WANT AND THEY SHOULD ALL TAKE PAY CUTS THE BILLS FOR LUNCHS DINNERS BREAKFAST AND HOTEL STAYS THAT WE ALL PAY FOR.WHEN WE GO TO DINNER WE PAY FOR IT OUT OF THE MONEY WE ALL WORK FOR.WE GO TO THE DOCTOR WE PAY.I SAY THAT IT SHOULD BE THE CASE FOR ALL.WE VOTE THEM IN SO THE RICH CAN GET IN THIER POCKETS TO GET ARE MONEY.IF THE AUTO COMPANY IS BROKE LET THEM FIX THIER SELFS.WHEN WE RUN OUT OF MONEY WE CAN’T CALL UP AND GET ARE BILLS PAID BY EVERYONE.I BELIEVE THAT WAS THE RIGHT OF NO SHOULD BE ARE VOICES AND ARE BLOOD. SO MANY PEOPLE DIED TO GIVE A RIGHT TO VOTE AND LIVE FREE SO WHY DO WE NOT TAKE OF ARE OWN.WE DUMPING ALL THIS MONEY IN TO PLACES WHEN WE HAVE PEOPLE SLEEPING ON THE STREETS AND KIDS GOING HUNGRY AND JOBS LEAVING FOR MEXICO.STOP SPENDING MONEY ON OTHER COUNTRY THAT ARE UFORGET WHERE IT COMES FROM.
March 2nd, 2009 at 9:32 pm
a 10,000 check from the government would stimulate the economy. it would help people smile again .it would help people forgive the mishaps of everyday life here in the united states. it would make people think more about everything with a large amount to be responsible for.maybe it would be more of an incentive and an honor for the first black president to sign that bill. the government has done some good things for us and why stop now
March 3rd, 2009 at 8:46 am
Just wanted to say that Obama made us think that all middle and lower class would get a check in hand. Not the banks. Where is the checks? $5000.00 would do my family right. We would spend it puting in new floor. An additional $5000.00 would be nice to give us a/c and heat unit. to save on electricity.
March 3rd, 2009 at 12:54 pm
I FEEL AS AN AMERICAN I HAVE THE RIGHT TO SAY MOST OF US ARE VERY STUPID ON WHAT WE THINK WE KNOW.THE PRESIDENT IS NOT GOING TO FIX THE PROBLEMS OF 233 YRS OVER NIGHT AND WE CAN HELP FEEL LET DOWN OR LIE TO WHICH IF YOU ALL THINK THAT IT HURTS NOW WAIT UNTIL THE TRUCKING COMPANY ALL SHUT DOWN.PEOPLE DON’T RELIZE THAT WHEN WE STOP MOVING THE ECOMONY STOPS.THIS MEANS NO GOODS NO MONEY NO FUEL NO POWER NO WATER. WAKE UP PEOPLE MONEY DOES NOT SOLVE PROBLEMS IT CAUSES THEM.TRUST ME IF THE GOVT GIVE YOU MONEY WHICH ALL OF US WORK FOR THEY ARE GOING TO WANT IT BACK TO SPEND IT FOR PROGARMS THAT DO NOT WORK.
March 3rd, 2009 at 1:48 pm
I speek for my hole family that present obama is doing the best that he can be do the world it in a mess i got layed off work i have work for over 35+ years been ever were to find a job they are no jobs out there and now no health care i have no ideal what we can do not what is going to happend i will hope that present obama
ideal work yes it would be good to get a check to help us all help i guess i am better of then some people are i still have a house to live in thank you wes
March 3rd, 2009 at 5:30 pm
The fact of the matter is, Khris is right. We can’t expect Obama to fix everything thats wrong in our country overnight. It didn’t get this way overnight, so it’s not gonna be fixed overnight. BUT…with any luck, and a lil ingenuity, perhaps Obama can at least make a dent in our nations problems.
But just so we’re clear, I spoke to my tax professional. There will be NO stimulas checks sent out this year. It will all be in the form of tax credits. So…we can hope all we want…but the monies just not gonna be there. We as a nation are gonna have to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps and make things happen for ourselves. I wish everybody luck on that!!
March 3rd, 2009 at 8:42 pm
Well, I have been sitting back reading these for a while now. I haven’t commented in a while, but it seems like we are more likely to win the lotto or have Publishers Clearing House come knocking on our door that to get much of anything from the government, sad but true. I feel for everyone that is struggeling! I hope that somehow things get better for everyone that needs help! Believe me if I were to win the loto I would do as much as possible to help people out, I have contemplated what I would do if I were rich, it is a shame I am not. For those that didn’t read my previous post, I am a single mom of two wonderful children, I work and go to school, and do not recieve child support. I believe that God does make sure that me and my family have what we need, I really don’t have any other explaination for how I have managed this long. In a dream world we would recieve a large sum of money, but I honestly don’t see that happening. It would be nice if people all would stick together and help their neighbor like the old days! Everyone try to keep your chin up and things will ultimately get better! They have to!
March 3rd, 2009 at 10:11 pm
Seriously… Shut the …. up. You losers are just going to take any amount and spend it at Multinational Mart and even more money will leave the country. At least we are setting up an infrastructure for a more successful country. You want $10,000 in fast cash? Sell yourselves on the street.
March 3rd, 2009 at 11:33 pm
I am 21 years old, married, 1 kid and another on the way. I have been layed off for 8 months now due to me getting run over by a forktruck. I told my boss and the next thing I know im getting thrown out the backdoor by an unforgiving Temp-Service. Anyways 8 months later and I cant find a job because i dont have enough experience, BS in my eyes. I taled to a lady at an MDF plant in PA for and over the phone interview, I told her I had experience, she asked how much, I said 6 months…you want to know what her response was? OH, is that all? What do the american people need to do to get ahead? These banks that are doing nothing but closing their doors are getting OUR tax money. Me and my wife had to give up our apartment and move in with my grandparent. Apparently Self-Reliant doesnt know what a real middle-class citizen is all about. 21 years old, i make 50$ too much on my unemployment to get food stamps and my wife is ineligible for insurance. I know people who are Alcoholics and Drugmasters that walk into the Welfare office and get So-Called Emergency funds plus get a check the next week. What the crap is happening here. Every time I get a job it has to be thru a temp and then 3months later your looking for another job. My whole point of this message is why do we need experience? Dont we have to start at the job to gain experience? Im 21 years old trying to make a good life for my 7 month old and the one on the way. I got laid off 1 week before my child was born, Talk about sitting down and having a breakdown. i voted for Obama for change and I have seen nothing happen yet…Why not? im so worried about my familys future, fighting more because we have no where to go, no money, and children to support. Government wont help us so we go from house to house. People say my trunk in my totaled 2002 cavalier that barely runs is my closet, lmao. I could surely use 10,000 to go back to school for a year and finish up my schooling, Why wont the government help us middle-class out? I wish Obama would read these postings and help us out. I pray for us and everyone ou there everynight as im falling asleep not knowing what the next day is going to bring us and how we are going to get by with all our bills. I see my baby smile and it makes me cry. May we all pray and hope to god someone helps us in this world, and soon. To all of you upperclass, selfish, unforgiving CEO’s and bankers, Screw yah, Thats my opinion.
March 4th, 2009 at 1:08 am
Zevin: Thank you for those kind words! I agree completely. And things do get better! Since yesturday, things have been a whirlwind around my house. It started off with a phone call from my landlord…asking me if she can give out my phone number to someone within her office who specifically asked for me. They wanted to at least offer me a part-time job. Well…one thing lead to the other and I am gainfully employed!!! I am a chef, and all my hardwork and networking has paid off! I was offered a part time (For now, a week or a month from now…fulltime), job as a assistant chef for meals on wheels and the senior nutrition program for CAP. It’s a wonderful job, and I love all the people I work with. Things do get better, but it does take time folks!! Keep your chins up and smiles on those faces! BTW, I also live in a small town, so if it can happen to me, it can happen for anybody.
March 4th, 2009 at 6:46 pm
To LA: Obama inherited this mess from Bush, not Clinton (If that’s what you meant by slick willie)
To Self reliant: you need to get off your high horse you rode in on and stop looking down your nose at people who need help every now and then. My husband and I make almost what you say you and your wife make and we are smart enough to not have bought a new car.
To BLUELIGHT422: I like your idea, but I don’t think our government will go for giving us each $1Million each.
Maybe this country needs to be like the socailists, because what’s been going on obviously isn’t working, so it’s time for something new. It’s like Obama said on the campaign trail: “Vote for change, vote for me. If you vote McCain you will have more of the same.”
March 4th, 2009 at 11:41 pm
To:BLUELIGHT422
Send your letter that you typed here to the white house! I hope you already know what they were talking about when they said “send it in the mail” & “Sent it to the white house”!
I do agree, send it to them!! Giving our money to us, for us to pay for our own homes & bills & food is a hell of a lot better then to keep giving it to the banks. I think we need to take back our country!! We need to put someone in office that will do as promised, work for US!!!! They spend like it is there own damn money and I am sick of it!!
March 6th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
If my fifth grade math hasn’t failed me. they have thrown enff money around to give every US Citizen at lest a million dollars and a stock investment portfolio as a stimulus package ,then we would know what to do with the emigrants. There two solid problems done and a covey of others! Just a thought.
uke Deltree
March 6th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
huge stimulus checks sound great but would probably cause a ression we may not be able to get out of, those large checks just mean the corporate fat guys can get fatter in their pockets and not spread the money around… prices will continue to increase because of all the money people will have to spend… atleast now prices need to drop because people have no money to spend…
March 6th, 2009 at 10:54 pm
Another stimulus check…… yeah..it would be nice… but you know what.. The people that actually need it will not be the only ones getting it and that’s where the fairness of it all runs out… One of the MAIN reasons we are in this situation with companies closing and our gas rigs being sent overseas along with 3/4 of our jobs is because the damn higher up pricks got to pocket all thier money while us lower bust ass work 7 days a week 12 hr shifts people got shit on. Thank the CEO’s and White house people for living it large…and thank them for putting us in this situation. What the hell do they care on how we suffer…so long as they have thier money. JMO.
March 6th, 2009 at 11:38 pm
Tigress I agree with you. I have been laid off and my husband, though still working, is very worried since the plant he works at recently laid off 200 people and has begun to cut back shifts. I am 43 years old; If I were to add up all the income tax money the government has gotten from me since I was 16 years old, not to mention all the sales taxes I paid over the years, property taxes I have paid on my vehicles and home I would venture to guess it would be well over $400,000.00 easy. Now times that by 2 since I’m married. Call it a handout if you want, but seeing as though I have given so much of my hard earned money to the government over the years, I see NOTHING wrong with getting a little of MY own money back. Do you realize if the 800+ billion dollar payout was given to tax payers instead of companies, that each of us would get about $10,000? Again, I’m married so make that $20,000 to my family. Yeah, I think I could help stimulate the economy with that kind of money.
March 7th, 2009 at 9:36 pm
All we can do is PRAY!!!! I can’t believe people are fighting over the possibility of getting a stimulus check. Who cares about the amount, every little penny counts. This is what the voters get for putting Obama in office. You all made you’re choices, now live with them. Stop b*tching about stupid stuff, you should be more concerned about what YOUR president is doing to screw up everything worse then Bush ever could have! PRAY PRAY PRAY, thats all we can do now.
March 8th, 2009 at 1:07 am
OK I’VE BEEN THINKING ABOUT THIS PLAN THATS ON ITS WAY AND I CANT UNDERSTAND TO SAVE MY LIFE WHAT IS GOING ON .WE ARE THE ECONOMY AND WITHOUT US AS TAXPAYERS THIS PLAN IS GONNA BACK FIRE ONLY BECAUSE IF THEY BAIL ALL THESE COMPANIES OUT AND WE ARE STILL SINKING HOW CAN THE COMPANIES STAY AFLOAT SINCE WE ARE THE ONES SPENDING WE WONT HAVE ANYTHING TO CIRCULATE OUT HERE . I SAY GIVE US THE MONEY AND WE WILL GET IN GOING THAT WAY WE BAIL THEM OUT BY SPENDING CAUSE IF NOT WITHIN THE NEXT COUPLE YEARS MAYBE EVEN MONTHS THEY WILL BE RIGHT BACK BROKE CAUSE WHOSE GONNA GO OUT AND BUY A NEW CAR OR APPLY FOR A LOAN OR TRY TO GET A NEW HOME WITH NO MONEY …. WE ALL ARE GONNA BE IN BIG BIG TROUBLE
March 8th, 2009 at 3:03 pm
we all need to just forget about the check’s AND STOP WAIT ON THE GOV TO HELP US and just make end’s meet i make 14.000 WOW i work at a mall clean for billairs and no matter how hard you work all they do is want more let’s not get like them we all no rich one’s out there would never make it out there working there a** off and that don’t mean siting behide a desk we no we will yes i im 2 month behide on my house just cought up on my car now i got my bill’s to pay light water gas ect that r do NOW i im not wait for the gov to help me if i did omg so i make it pay check to pay check just like all of you im not going to let the gov bring me down i wil just keep making it pay check to pay check we need to step up and make it any way we can and that dont mean go kill or sell drug’s all of us that have job’s be thankfull you have a job no matter your hr’s and you that can work take what you can it put’s food on the table and you that can’t work that r hurt the gov should help you and us that work thank god they did not take out of r pay check or we all would real have been screwed
March 9th, 2009 at 1:25 am
I’m all for another round of stimulus checks. I think the money should go to the taxpayers that are hurting the most, not the Bank Presidents and CEO’s of major companies that are spending everybody elses money on themselves and their families. We need it the most. We are ALL trying hard to pay our bills with inflation taking more of our paychecks just to stay afloat and most of us end up sinking with all our effort going to waste. Yes I promise to spend mine. And if there is a big worry, they can send me two and I promise to spend that one also! I also promise to spend the entire 1,000 or 10,000 dollars! It wouldn’t be that hard to do considering the price of gas keeps going up along with food and other necessities. Heck I will even promise to do something extravagant like go on vacation for the first time in 10 years! SHOW ME THE MONEY!!!!
March 9th, 2009 at 9:31 pm
I am the mother of 2 boys and a wife, with the economy the way it is a bigger stimulus check would be greatly appreciated! We spent all of the check last year and would definately spend it this year. Even if it was the same amount as last year something beats nothing, at least when you have the check in your hand it gives you the chance to do something for your family, if they give it to the schools, or the state our taxes, gas , food and everything else keeps going up, the extra money helps. Like I said something beats nothing!
March 10th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
I think that a stimulus check is a good idea. But I also think that if they are going to call it a stimulus check, shouldn’t it stimulate you when you recieve it? The first round of checks, not enough to matter, went to everyone to play catch up on some small bills. If I have to be in this rat race, I don’t want to just catch up , I want to stop for a shopping spree on the way.
March 10th, 2009 at 1:38 pm
I think we all could use 10,000 check right now food prices keep going up like everything else. It sure would come in handy and i sure would spend it , My stove quit working 10 months ago no oven and 2 burners in front quit i’m cooking on back burners i can never get to save anything with my mortgage over 800.00 a month besides all the ulities. I just can’t do it on a low income on social security i sure could use it like everyone can.It would be nice to get a check no matter what and yes i would buy a new stove and pay off some bills . Last check was too small to really do what you need too do. But i appreciate it it helped out a little.
March 11th, 2009 at 7:57 am
My bills are my private hell.. but this is where I feel the Auto Industry and Banks should have the same accountability! So my personal opinion is that if THEY think they are desrving of a bail out.. I think I am too.
March 12th, 2009 at 5:29 pm
I cant believe that this is even up for discussion. There are so many families right now that need money in their pockets. I think that a check for $10,000 is the least they could send. I mean all they are actually doing is giving you your own money back as taxpayers. I watched on the News where there are good American families living in tents. They have lost their homes, jobs and money. I cant believe that the man I voted for that was going to “Change” everything wont. Now, Im not saying he wont but he really hasnt yet. People are so worried about the investing and the banks and the stores and the housing markets…well, if people had money they could invest, shop, get financing for cars and homes but if your are broke ..living in a tent and people tell you well, you wont go to Wal Mart if I give you another check .Thats insane to me. I mean everybody goes to Wal Mart…Right? Come people in carge..Do the right thing and help us out!!!
March 12th, 2009 at 9:21 pm
I agree about the $10,000 I am a single parent working at a part time job.My little girl is only 15month and that means I still have to buy pampers.My bills are about $550 a month and I clear like $700. So i would not be about to do nothing with $1000. I want the best for my little girl just like any other parents. Obama i eally hope you think this over again. I hope you’ll do the right thing for us parents that struggle day by day. Not everyone want to live off HUD for ever.
March 13th, 2009 at 10:47 am
I am recently unemployed.Life for me has been tough these past couple of weeks since i had my unemployment benefits frozen due to a vindictive employer i used to work for.Anyway i believe that stimulus checks up to 20000 are reasonable because then everyone would clear their debt,and then you will see the economy get back on track.You see the backbone of this economy is the working individual,and if the individual is debt free everything will be back to normal,but this will never happen because this evil govt will not allow it due to the fact that they have to accomplish their corrrupted policies and therefore the people cant rebel.WAKE UP EVERYBODY THIS COUNTRY IS ON ITS WAY OUT AND WE AND OUR CHILDREN ARE GOING OUT WITH IT
March 13th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
A dream come true thats all i can say. For a single stuggling mother of two beautiful girls. Having a larger stimulus check would help me with providing wonderful things for my kids! I can only hope this dream comes true!!!!
March 13th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
I do agree that If we all that really need are checks we were promised, and me and my daughter got 10,000.00 each. If everyone Is thinking the same way I am that money would go to helping the economy. I am thinking of the important things to boost peoples busnisses. I need some work on my house. T-hat means I need to hire a contracter. We need more food, that means spending more money at the store. We need a car. -I would be at a dealership buying a car. These are things that are going to help the economy. But we need the money to let this happen. I have heard people talking about buying goverment houses, and fixing them up for property. that helps there income and boost the economy. Helping people catch up there mortgages so they do not lose there home. Beleive me If everyone gets there stimulis checks, the econimy Is deffenitly going up. I have heard to many people talking about wanting our people get out of this defecint and get on with our lives. Nobody wants to see another depression. I am sure I can talk for a lot of people when I say this Is what we need and deserve. I am on social security and disability. I have an electrical problem with my house. Ido have 2 mortgages. The electrition said my house could catch fire. I have a big family, and I am scared. I do not have the money to fix this. Please help your people come above water before we all drown. Hope everything works out. Thanks Tammy Winters.
March 13th, 2009 at 4:57 pm
Okay, so there will not be a stimulus check from the Obama administration — at least there is none planned as of now. Wat if there were a way for us to get this entire thread into the hands of Obama and Congress? Would they read it? Would it change their mind? Anybody got any ideas about how to get that done?
March 14th, 2009 at 10:31 am
I am a struggling single mother and am sitting in the cold as i write because i cannot turn up my heat. Can’t afford to. I have a daughter who is in college who also works and has been struggling since she began her studies. Am hoping she will be able to find a job when she graduates. Like many of the other single moms who wrote in, my ex doesnt make it a priority to help our daughter so it falls on me. i work a second job and recently had my hours cut. i feel blessed to still be working but never imagined it could get this bad. Its obvious by some of the comments posted that some people just do not understand what it feels like not to be able to buy food or heat and have to do without in order to survive. So yes i think a second stimilus check is necessary and would be helpful. For some of us it will make the difference between sinking and floating.
March 14th, 2009 at 10:56 am
President Obama seems to be the most tech savvy President we’ve had in a long time. He’s already proposed using mediums like Youtube to disseminate his speeches and announcements to the American public. It would be quite neat and innovative if he were to ever attempt to engage the American people in a town hall style live IM conversation where people could instant message in their questions and concerns, and have the President read them as they came in, with time for him to respond to a few of them. Of course the actual logistics and management needed to effectively run something like that seems rather prohibitive. Plus, I’m not sure it would really do any good in terms of changing what he’s already doing. I think Obama already knows that many in the public are clamoring for a second round of stimulus check payments. I’m not sure that will happen any time soon, unless the current 2009 Obama economic stimulus package fails miserably, and an emergency financial boost is demanded.
March 14th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
Our govermnt is leting big bussness screw us…all they care about is keeping money in there pocket, wile we suffer…. i grow tired of hearing how the owners of the big companies fire every one and keep there six fig bounse…what the HELL, then the goverment gives them more money…..
I SAY WE REVOLT take our country back, the big companeis are selling us to the highest bidder, wile our kids starve… and we sell them into debt…
our goverment has failed us… wile the poor pray to god the rich pray to the doller…
DOWN WITH OUT GOVERMENT< and up with the working man, and middle class
March 15th, 2009 at 8:17 pm
i think is a good idea for a second stimulus check, i’m a single mom cant afford to buy a house for my kids and i, i would love to take them on vacation. I think obama should fight for all citizens to be entile to receive $10, 000 per home to spend it without a dought. These monies will stimulate the economy for sure. I know exactly how i want to spend my money.
March 16th, 2009 at 8:27 am
Many senior citizens cannot afford to heat their homes, buy food or prescriptions, they also need a check that is more than 250.00. This hardly buys anything they need. So don’t exclude the seniors in this, it is just as hard for them to live if not harder with no special credits for having children.
March 16th, 2009 at 11:54 am
Dear President Obama,
Please consider something in a stiilus check for the elderly.My Husband and I are in our seventies and have a hard time makeing ends meet. We have not seen our children in two years and that was to go home to bury one our sons.We would love to go home only this time for a pleasure .Please between you and former Pres. Bush all the stimilus money has gone for businesses that have gotten themselves into trouble.
We the people especially the seniors deserve more than a $300.00 0r $600.00 check for couples.PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE give the seniors a little something
Sincerely
Dorothy A Belanger
March 18th, 2009 at 12:48 am
I had the pleasure of reading each and every response on this blog and the majority vote, in my opinion, is that we receive a $10,000 stimulus check. Well I agree that this is our just due from the government. President Obama inherited this mess as most of us know but only a few will admit. We need to express our opinions and concerns to him. He is trying to stimulate this dreadfull economy with the help of his staff, all to no avail. I certainly agree with the person who said that we would all benefit by receiving hundred’s of thousand’s of dollars. In my opinion, we are the people who make up this wonderful and free nation that we live in. This being the case let us pay off our mortgage’s with the windfall of money and everyone prospers. Will this ever happen, highly unlikely, but the idea is the best I have read thus far. So bravo to you for your input. However, the 10,000 ck could be more realistic and still stimulate an economy that is headed straight into a depression (not that I want to see this happen in my lifetime). Let’s flood the whitehouse with our concerns/suggestions and maybe we may get a positive outcome. Let’s not judge this President so quickly without giving him a chance, Hell we allowed Bush two terms and he did this country a disservice. Why not allow change to happen gradually for it is never going to work overnight. I pray that God will use this President and set this nation back in it proper place as one of the richest and most prosperous Nations in the WORLD.
March 18th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
Okay this is in response to LA’s idiot response. Don’t act like working hard under the obama administration means Jack Harold SH*T. Soon we’ll all be working to pay back to the GOV (Government with Obscure Vendettas) so that our children can attend free government run pre-school. This SUCKS.
March 18th, 2009 at 3:22 pm
13107419857 really need the extra help of a stimilus check im a struggling single mother and the children needs alot also bills are behind and i need help some how from somewhere or someone 264 co rd 1245 vinemont al 35179 i can get text and nights and weekend calls i dont have enough to pay for daytime minutes at&t 13107419857 my car broke down no wayto work or school suffering right now alone need miracle
March 19th, 2009 at 2:09 am
Ok I am married and have three kids.We would really appreciated if this year we get the chance to receive a stimulus check.We only have one car.We have been having trouble with it.To repair the car is to expensive the stimulus check would really help us alot.
March 19th, 2009 at 10:41 am
Last year it helped to get the one time stimulus check payment that paid for replacing a few broken items in my home, I plan to do the same hoping the President will re-think his present plan and issue another lump sum stimulus check in 2009.
Eve
March 20th, 2009 at 6:02 am
I BELIEVE ANOTHER STIMULUS CHECK WOULD BE GREAT IT’S OUR TAX MONEY PAYING FOR IT ,IT’S NOT GREED ,IT’S NOT SAYING GIVE ME GIVE ME IT’S HELP THAT US THE PEOPLE NEED THERES ALOT OF US WITHOUT JOBS ,UNEMPLOYED
AND TRYING TO STAY AFLOAT ,MY HUSBAND LOST HOURS AT WORK I GOT LAID OFF ,WE HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO SELL OUR HOME AND HAVE OUR TRUCK REPOT
NOW WE ARE RENTING AND IT’S NOT THE SAME AS OWNING OUR OWN HOME BUT
BECAUSE OF THE FACT I GOT LAID OFF AND MY HUSBANDS HOURS GOT CUT DOESN’T MAKE US GREEDY WE JUST NEED THE EXTRA HELP ,AND WHAT A BETTER WAY TO GET IT ,AT LEAST IT COULD HELP GET SOME BILLS OUT OF THE WAY WE
DID NOT GET ANY MONEY OUT OF THE SALE OF OUR HOME ,WE HAD TO QUICK SALE IT SO IT WOULDN’T GO INTO FORECLOUSURE . AND WITH LESS MONEY COMING IN WE ARE LIKE ALOT OF PEOPLE WE LIVE PAY CHECK TO PAY CHECK
AND ROB PETER TO PAY PAUL SO WHATS THE BIG DEAL ALITTLE EXTRA MONEY WOULD BE WONDERFUL
March 20th, 2009 at 8:46 pm
I think A big stimulus check would be great it would help us tax payers out a bunch, I lost my job last Oct. and have been on unemployment ever sense and trying 2 pay all the bills, buy groceries I dont have enough to pay everything,Giving all that money to the banks and car companys and all those other businesses is not helping the economy not one bit its only helping the big wigs, if he gave us tax payers some of that money we could go out and buy cars or boats or what ever we needed and get the economy back up but not the way hes doing it. this is really causing a lot of stress on the american tax payeres trying to figure out how where going to make ends meet every month. he needs to help the individual familys by giving us a check instead of the banks. giving it to them and others like them is not helping us out a bit. WE NEED HELP PLEASE. PLEASE, PLEASE
March 20th, 2009 at 11:56 pm
I have been reading the comments on here. It truly puts me in aw of the response to getting a $10,000 stimulas check. The fact is…what money goes out the door now…we’ll have to pay for it later…and with interest! They’ve already spent the money we’ve paid into the government. So no hope there. The fact is…no one is getting a stimulas check this year. Case closed. We ca ask..but no one will recieve. No one knows ebtter than I about how the economy is deflating, and at an alarming rate! I work for a community non-profit oragnization. We help cloth, feed, shelter people, as well as help people get job experience by working at a temp job 20 hours a week and they get paid for it…plus recieve a portion of their TANF grant from welfare. This is all to help get people back on they’re feet. I live in a small town. the unemployment rate here is at an all time high of 14.7%. And from what I hear, it’s about to get alot worse. We need to quit hoping for a pipe dream that will never happen, and pull ourselves up by the bootstraps and help ourselves…it’s not like the government is gonna help us…they’re too busy having tea parties, and social gatherings with prime ministers and authority figures from other countries!
March 20th, 2009 at 11:59 pm
Ohh…and just so you know…I am NOT rich, I am also a single mother raising two teenaged boys who eat like there’s no tomorrow, and have a shitty car taboot! But I’m making do with what the good lords given me…we all need to do that. Tougher times are ahead, and I truly wish everyone the best of luck.
March 21st, 2009 at 3:42 am
Hi All,
The first thing we have to do is stop calling this an economic stimulus check. It is not the government’s money they are trying to decide if they should give us. It is our money we have given to them in the form of taxes so they could responsibly run our country. They are not doing what we have entrusted them to do with our tax money and we, as Americans, should be demanding that they do so.The Constitution gives all the rights to the people, not the government, and it is time to stand up for these rights. Our rights are taken away from us more and more every day, as well as our money, and if they are going to continue to bail out big business with my tax dollars, then they just won’t get taxes from me anymore. I would rather work a cash under the table job and give them nothing than to give them my hard earned money just for them to throw away. I’ll cut grass, shovel snow, paint fences, grow a garden and sell the veggies, etc. before they get another dollar from me. Remember, America wasn’t built on big business. It was built on small business, and helping each other, and working together. It’s time to get back to the way America, and we as Americans used to be. Maybe self reliant and his wife could help out a single mom in their neighborhood by watching her kids so she can work instead of putting people down. Remember, his wife could be a single mom if something happened to him, and I’m sure he’d want someone helping her out. We need to start looking out for each other again and stop looking to the government to make things better. When a child misbehaves, you take away it’s allowance. The government is misbehaving and needs to have it’s allowance taken away. Find someone today you can help so they can work. Start your own small business and keep the money you earn. This is what will turn things around. Work together, look out for each other, and be willing to fight for America, even if it means a government overthrow. This country is still worth fighting for but if we just complain and do nothing about it, it won’t be.
March 21st, 2009 at 5:00 pm
We don’t need stimulus package. It didn’t work last year it will not work now. We need jobs, and job security for those who are lucky to have jobs. People spend money when they have steady income. Creating more jobs is the only way to stimulate the economy.
March 22nd, 2009 at 10:14 am
My plan is to screw it Im going to go on FULL BLOWN WELFARE. Screw the taxpayers Bc Im not one of them anymore I lost my job and My husband lost his as well. So all u can have fun supporting my family of 5! Let the state take care of us now!!!
March 22nd, 2009 at 10:24 am
And Im truly not worried about losing my house bc then we’ll just move into a project and pay next to nothing since nothing is what we have. I worked for 13 yrs and my husband for 17. We’ve paid our dues to the state now they & u fortunate ppl can take care of us……No amount of money in the world can fix the problems we r facing today.
March 23rd, 2009 at 2:52 pm
mr obama you said that single parents would get 400 and married couples would get 800 what happen to that second stimulus check you said we would get how come other got one but people in opelousas didnt get one i think we are in crisis to dont you think so.
March 23rd, 2009 at 10:00 pm
I have read all of these comments and everyone except one of you have the same feelings. Self reliant I have news for you….You are not as high and mighty as you think you are and you have no heart. You will answer to god one day for your cold ways. There are many people on here who know what life REALLY throws at normal people. I commend all of you. I share ya’lls pain and suffering. I am a single mom with no family to help with daycare, whick leaves me only able to work daycare hours. I bring home $312 a week which is the highest I can make in my area working full time. I pay $ 196 a week in daycare during school months and $256 during summer, you do the math. I have a paid for car and have to live in a paid for trailor but still have lot rent.Light bills around my area run about $150 at least a month usually more, and that is with all electricity being off 10 hours a day including ac and heat. I have two kids that have dads that dont like to pay their child support. I tried going to the state to get it but kept getting one excuse after the other why they couldnt help me get the child support. I cant get on any assistance since my state takes before taxes income and child support I am not getting as income since it is written on a stupid peice of paper saying I am suppose to be getting it. I dont have enough money for suffiecient food or walmart on sale clothes and shoes for my two children I can get them clothes and usually 3 or 4 outfits twice a year if i am lucky. I have pinched so many pennies and worked so many hours i have ulsers and blisters. I am not wanting any sympathy, because I am determined We will make it, at least my kids have love from me. My kids maybe get a treat of eating out once every three months, if they are lucky, but I will say this self reliant I hope you NEVER have to experiance the REAL troubles of REAL people because I dont think you have enough backbone or heart to handle what it takes to be a REAL american who actually has to live paycheck to paycheck or like alot of us our next 10 paychecks are spent on NEEDS before we even make them. So sit down shut up and relax in your over-indulged fantacy world. To the rest of you keep on keeping on we little forgotten people will have our day in the sun one day. God Bless All of YOU, even you self reliant or a better name for you Mr self indulgant high and mighty!!!!
March 24th, 2009 at 7:11 am
So many sad stories here; my sympathy is offered. Please read this and take action.
Obama is making too many mistakes. Lobby to make sure he is never reelected!
Only 2 things were/are important. But time is running out fast. The US economy is still crashing more deeply despite the current bear stock market run-up. It won’t last.
1) Fix the banks to be functional again. With the Fed loan rate at only 0.5 % the inter-bank loan rate and mortgage rates are still way too high. 2) Provide the promised stimulus money to all American taxpayers without exception.
The bank-fix is needed to remove toxic assets from the bank balance sheets. Paulson was to do it, but elected to first inject money into the banks because it was faster. Then he let Lehman fail. Sadly, he also allowed Geithner to influence his decision to NOT bail out all banks. Now we have the incompetent Mr. Geithner in the Treasury. Under stress and great delay he has finally produced a plan that will not get implemented for at least another 3 months and that plan will not provide relief for at least 6 months — if it works at all.
2) Obama really screwed up by not granting stimulus payments to every taxpayer as promised. (Instead he chose to work on implementing his socialistic agenda and pet projects.) To be 100% simulative the payment must be preloaded onto a credit card that can be reloaded by the government monthly or as needed. The money MUST be spent on only goods or services to be 100% highly simulative. Everyone must use the money within, say, 2 months or so, or lose it. (This is the most potent means to give money it highest velocity in an economy to occur within a given SHORT period of time; i.e., greatest number of monetary transactions per day in commerce.) This would have saved jobs and prevented layoffs. It should have been started within 1 months of Obama taking office. [I have proposed this idea to a raft of senators and congresspersons without a single response.]
[For those under duress on mortgage payments, use the government credit card for food, clothing and necessary services and then use the saved cash on mortgage needs. You can see the need to boost commerce to keep people employed.]
It is totally disastrous to spend money on all the PORK projects conjured up by congress/Obama. This money is needed to fix the foreclosure problem that is damaging the banks, which in turn damages our economy and our jobs.
Obama has proven to be a larger socialist than most could have imagined. Make sure he is limited to 4 years.
[Some here commented on the high cost of our 2 wars ongoing for 8 years, which in total is a tiny expense compared to Obama’s spending in his first 2 months of office. Bush averaged $13.5 billion per month on the war vs. Obama spending averaging 1,000 billion per month since he took office, which is 74 times greater than Bush’s rate. Obama will ramp up the 1st war as he ramps down the 2nd war to maintain the war-effort spending rate. I never condoned Bush’s unwarranted war in Iraq. Yet, others think these wars are the cause of our current financial disaster, which is not true. The costs of those wars are tiny compared to our GDP. Certainly there were better things to do with the money. Our current financial disaster is due to our monstrously high foreclosure rate, which directly destroys the capital in banks.]
FIXING the HIGH FORECLOSURE RATE is JOB ONE. All US resources must be focused on this problem or we could see a 20% unemployment rate as in the Great Depression — or even higher. If we continue to loose jobs, the foreclosure rate will soon become uncontrollable. Let me point out that WW2 brought the US out of the Great Depression. Then we entered that war after the attack on Pearl Harbor and later we assisted Europe in this war. During that period we were financially independent and benefited by the transfer of gold into fort Knox for supplying Europe with war goods (when on the gold standard). Today we are a debtor nation to mostly the Asian world with 2 trillion US dollars owned by China invested in our US treasuries. So foolish deficit spending today is very dangerous. Thus, we are greatly disadvantaged compared to the first Great Depression. It is imperative that we stop US job losses.
Lobby your senators and congressperson by writing (snail mail). Fax is a distant second best. Phone calls are 3rd best and email is the worse. They are flooded by email so those requests are condensed onto bullets that get lost: Do write and you usually will get a real answer. Propose the stimulus idea in credit card form. Otherwise too many people bank the money doing no immediate good.
My best to all of you.
March 24th, 2009 at 7:06 pm
You know, things have been really REALLY sucking in my home state of Maine as a result of this recession. The state of Maine has become a third world wasteland with no jobs, and more are lost everyday. I been thinking about this for a while and there seems to me like there is a simple solution to all this mess. We’ve all learned to our dismay since the days of Ronald Reagan that the concept of “trickle down economics” is a complete failure. It seems that money has NEVER trickled down to the working class, rather staying up at the top with big company executives to fund their “golden parachutes” and bonuses that are not earned (AIG anyone?). This leaves HARD working Americans hanging out to dry trying to make ends meet in a economy where inflation is out of control, and we sit around worrying about the health of giant banks? What about us? One solution I’ve haven’t heard anyone discuss? President Obama should perhaps look into mandating a change in the Federal minimum wage laws. You cannot live any sort of life on $6.00-$7.00/hour no matter how frugal you are. So, I guess I’m suggesting that we FORCE ALL COMPANIES NATIONWIDE TO PAY WORKERS A MEANINGFUL WAGE OF $12.00/hour MINIMUM BY LAW. I know from past experience this IS a livable wage. All the money these execs. and companies horde from massive profits only sits in bank accounts collecting interest doing Americans no good at all. Let’s use THAT money for something other then bigger private jets for a few. Wait…I’m not finished yet. We also know for a fact that the second THAT law goes into effect, retailers and service providers WILL soak us all instantly with new fees, rate hikes, and increased prices for merchandise making my wage increase meaningless. This brings me to the second part of my stimulus plan. Sign a law that puts a 6 month freeze on outrageous price increases (price gouging) from merchants, giving Americans time to “catch up”. A Big Mac that costs $1.99 the day before the wage increase my not cost $5.99 the day after. A Toyota Camry that costs $25,000 today may not cost $39,000 the day after the wage increase. A month of cable service that costs $70/month the day before my wage increase may not cost $150.00/month the day after it is signed into law. Obviously we WILL need a proactive legal government authority to monitor this…a small price to pay. Think of all the money that would be put back into spending American’s hands, and they will spend it. A massive shift such as this would lurch the whole country out of this spiral into depression so quickly it would shock you. I almost guarantee it. Of course, I’m no economist, I’m a studio exec., so if there is a good reason why I’m a moron for even suggesting this, please respond and tell us all why this isn’t a good idea (I THINK it is) as this forum seems to be intelligent conversation on what we can do to help ourselves. I welcome your rebuttal with no ego. It’s just an idea. Well, I gotta roll out now so I wish you all the best of luck, and keep this excellent discussion alive.
Ken Perry/Portland, Maine
March 24th, 2009 at 8:42 pm
One more thing. For those of you who still do have a job and are still spending money “BUY AMERICAN.” The more money we keep in the good ‘ole USA, the better off we will all be. If it is made in China, Korea, Spain, etc, etc, etc, DON’T BUY IT, EVEN IF IT IS A LITTLE CHEAPER. If you have to worry about a few dollars difference between foreign or domestic products, you probably shouldn’t be buying it anyway. We work for it, we spend it. Why not spend it where we live?
March 25th, 2009 at 12:43 am
I really appreciate view mentioned in above content and also in fever of getting huge amount as stimulus check this time instead of current path.
March 25th, 2009 at 2:06 am
Cacpo5,
I’m somewhat of a cynic in terms of this whole buy American approach….is it something that any one really heeds? I know it sounds good on paper, much the same way it makes a lot of savvy sense to say we all would like to recycle more to help protect the environment and save the Earth, but frankly, I doubt people are going to be willing to buy more American products and less foreign made ones – even if it’s to help further our economy. People are inherently selfish economically, and will probably do what’s in their own self interest to save a buck here and there rather than think about the bigger picture of stimulating the American economy.
March 25th, 2009 at 7:18 am
Dare I venture in with my 2 cents worth….no doubt we are all in serious trouble here especially when the last hope for a turn around in our economic mis-fortune is our own govt. who at best seem just as scared as us, and for the most part dont have a clue on how to help us effectivly without simply handing out money…here’s what happened, for many years whenever an unfortuant country needed help…who always helped them…thats right we did…our govt always shelled out money to anyone who asked for it…Trillions and Trillions…one country beat up another country we go in and straighten things out for them…..if a country was starving we send them food..etc…I read lots of comments about being responsible for our family…well the govt certainly made it hard for us to do just that…instead of worrying about all these other country’s problems..and believe it or not this is where all our problems started, who said that whenever a problem comes up with a foreign country its our responsibility to help them..do we have to stick our nose into every problem that comes to light…look at all the money that goes into foreign aid… and that pays for wars. its time to shut down the borders, start minding our own business and stay out of foreign affairs. no more people in this country…we simply cant house anymore immigrants…there’s not enough jobs to go around as it is….convert all that money for wars and aid to other country’s into our own cause..get the companys back open in the usa….lets do the responsible thing here and take care of our own…with our own tax dollars…until we stop worrying about everybody else…it will not get better for us…
March 25th, 2009 at 11:19 am
My husband and I are in our early sixty and we would like to have the money in our hands.I was lay off and his hours were cut. Now we are trying to keep our home and pay bills.We can’t even pay for oil to heat our home,but we are told we make to much money to get help from any of the government plans, but they can help out all these banks so they can pay out bonuses to they ceo and go on trips. As thet say the rick get richer and poor get poorer.The blue calor work get’s to pay taxes.
March 25th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
Just curious, for those who got hit during this financial massacre by Divorce, Death, or some other form of unseen tragedy, wouldnt this give bill collectors and debit collectors new fuel? How bout people in these situations could just submit their bills in leu of the check to make people honest about paying their debt, giving credit companies and banks the money, therefore stimulating the economy with the debtor paying the bill? How bout a tax credit for those guys who show up to your house when you dial 911?? After all, if it wasnt for them, you or a loved one may not have to worry about this stuff ever again. Just a thought, we need to keep people honest. We have a great country but really, there are alot of people who couldnt manage $10,000.00 worth a flip. I heard an interesting topic on the radio. If you win the lottery and are on welfare, should you get to keep it? I say Yes! Right after you pay the government back every cent you have recieved! Fair, Yes! Same thing with debt. Mabye give a seperate check all together, not subject to collection, just in a smaller sum?
March 28th, 2009 at 11:17 pm
I thing Obama need to think back on times he was a child have hard his family had and help the poor people. The people that voted him in office are poor people that want thing better. My husband and I live on a check he get because he is disable his check is 880.00 mouth. We need a second stimulus to help us . But to give a check for 300.00 will not help. Obama will not read this so I hope that that someone will.
March 30th, 2009 at 10:11 am
I totally agree with Self Reliant’s veiws. The Goverment has been tring to take over everything that this country fought and stood for when it was started. Way back when. If people would brake out their Bibles and dust them off. Turn to Revelation and read, they would see that all of this has been fortold. People open your eyes, one little check from the government is not going to get us out of any mess that we are in. The hole is just being dug deeper and deeper. My state is a coal mining state. We have been doing well up untill Obama’s election. Now, they have blocked passing permits and all of our men are being laid off. What are they to do when unemployment runs out and they can’t even get a job at McDonald because of the non Americans that have flooded this market here in West Virginia in the last 4 months. (wonder whats up with that) So i say save and pray, save and pray, save and pray. Put you faith and trust in your creator he is the only solution to this disaster. I feel so sorry for the people that were already strugling. They are the ones that need help. But we will all be feeling this. Just wait untill your power bills out weigh your house payments, and a gallon of milk will be worth more than gold. They took prayer out of schools and the education system went to pot. So now we can see what is going to happen when our dollars are not In God We Trust anymore. Has anyone noticed that on the quarter that In God WE Trust statement used to be in front of the president and now it is behind him. Soon it will not even be there at all.
April 2nd, 2009 at 2:02 pm
SO I WAS JUST ADVISED FROM H&R BLOCK THAT THE STIMULUS CHECK ISN’T REALLY A CHECK IT GETS ADDED TO YOUR PAYCHECK OR TO YOUR UNEMPLOYEMENT?!?!
SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME UNDERSTAND THIS. MY HUSBAND WAS LAID OFF BEFORE CHRISTMAS AND WE LOST OUR HOUSE, WE HAVE A 7 MONTH OLD AND HAVE UNEMPLOYEMNET BUT THAT DOESN’T PAY ANYTHING. JUST AT A LOSE, WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO THE STIMULUS CHECK SO WE COULD MOVE ON FROM THIS DEPRESSING TIME BUT NOW WE ARE BEING TOLD IT’S NOT HOW IT WORKED LIKE LAST YEAR!!
April 2nd, 2009 at 5:22 pm
Would I like a stimulus check? Yes of course. I would also like to say that if it was a big check (10,000 or so) that I would go spend it and do my part to stimulate the economy. Truth be told though, I wouldn’t spend it. I would pay off my debt and hold onto the rest. Then I would also save the amount every month that I am no longer paying to my debt. I think our economy is scary. I think that the majority of us will hold onto our money if ever given to us. I don’t mean to be a mood breaker or to avoid any anti Obama/Take care of myself discussions but I want to be honest. I have 5 children, a home I can afford and a few loan payments that my household would be better off without. I would pay off my debt definatley but I think things have gotten so scary that I am grown up enough to know better than to make irrational purchases. I can want to buy things all day long. I can look at my babies and know better.
April 2nd, 2009 at 11:37 pm
This government is a joke. Obama is ruining this great country and making a bad name for Americans. The world’s economy is crashing and other countries are blaming the US. We as Americans need to stand up and stop this from progressing any further. You all talk about money, don’t you know that all this money there printing is going to cause hyper inflation and not to mention our taxes are going to sky rocket out of control. Is that what you people want. Does it not bother you that our kids and grand kids are going to be the ones who have to pay the price of our mistakes, but i guess if its not you that has to pay the debt it doesn’t matter. Right?
No? You don’t want our kids too have pay the price? Then stand up for whats right. We need to stand up and stop obama from tryin to control and destroy this country and keep from making our kids and grand kids future a living hell!
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:38 am
FOR MR SELF-RELIANT AND OTHER LUCKY PEOPLE… why did you not answer the question on how lucky you are to still have a job and no major health expense… some people have been very responsible… bought affordable homes… saved money then were struck with an illness or lost a job and out of work for a year… if my husband lost his job… we could survive for 1 year with savings…I cannot be the main bread winner even with a college education… we have 2 cheap cars, no payment… a reasonable house payment… cheaper than rent… and we still could only survive one year with no jobs after you count utilities and food and gasoline…. less if we had a medical emergency… life is expensive… to run a household we need $2500 a month…that covers gas&electric, mortagage, property tax, gasoline, food(no dining out), house insurance, car insurance, vehicle tax… we sit in a house with the thermostat on 52 in the winter because gas is too expensive to use(but much better off than Diane above and many others)… the only luxury we have is internet access at $29.00 a month… my husband and I are very responsible… we don’t have fancy cars or big screen TVs, I never go to the doctor…. I have fear everyday something could happen and what will we do?
I understand what Obama is trying to do…if you were to receive stimulus check you don’t have to take it you know…. if you were to get one and do not like the “socialist ways” than burn it…. also request that you no longer have medicare and social security tax taken out of your pay check…. obviously capitalism has failed us and every few years it does… but so does every other system in the world from socialist to communism. A combination of the 3 would probably be best..
Buying American is a great idea but it is hard to do so when 90% is made in China because the capatilist wanted to make more profit. And yes socialist buy from China also but capatilist did it first to widen their profit margin… they also send our jobs to China and India and Mexico… I buy local as much as possible and I hope it helps but I don’t really know that it is making a difference.
Yes people make bad decisions…. I would like to see someone on this message board though to offer a plan that would work… everyone complains about the stimulus but no one offers the plan they think will work… I really haven’t a clue personally… I have to wait and see… but please all of you who believe Obama’s plan is wrong altogether or it just is not enough please give us your stimulus plan….
April 4th, 2009 at 6:43 am
Dear Neko and Bluelight and others i didnt havent time to read who related to them,
I agree totally. I was in my early twenties and filed chapter 7, lost my business (house painting) and now work for bigger painting companies making half the pay because of illegal immigrants working 100 hours a week for a few hundred dollars.
They send all that money to their countries…this is fact and not stemming from any type of discrimination. I am close to be evicted, I was let go from my job and then the owner lied to unemployment about the conditions of me leaving, and now im appealing. In the mean time mt girlfriend who is an artist isnt selling any art, work is very hard to find, I need about 4 thousand a month to survive and save money for our future..I currently make around $1500 if im lucky. I never went to college, never joimed a union, but even they are laying off hundreds and thousands. Ive never seen things this bad and never saw it coming, maybe I was naive..maybe I didnt pay attention to politics until bush’s last term..when reality hit home.
Thats just the reality of my sitiuation, I do have hope for the future, with out that why bother. I believe that all that money given to big banks should have been give to the homeowners who refinanced themselve’s into debt. The banks convinced everyon it was a good thing to do, people like money, its adjusted into your mortgage so why not. I dont blame them. I never owned a home and might not ever at this rate.
I feel very lucky that I do not have any children to feed. I dont know how I would do it, most likely I would have to join the welfare program if i did. I understand the logic of bailing out US companies to save our economic growth. But those companies cant exist wqithout our money. Jobs are good but if those jobs are only paying what I made as a teenager working for a fast food company..what good is it. That pay is for just that, children who need spending money. I need grown up money to survive. At least 20 an hour. If we bail out these companies and they create a million 8 dollar an hour jobs what good is it. A selcted few will given discustingly high salaries and they in turn will hire mexicans (ilegal) to maintian thier mansions.
I am not very good with words but I think you get my point. This is from my point of view as a blue collar worker in america. Which used to be the back bone of the country. I believed in the land of opportunities..now I believe its luck. Your either lucky enough to be rich or not. I have worked very hard to bring myself out of poverty and now I am going right back into it. Im not alone I know but mine is but one voice, and I hope it matters.
Hate to be doom and gloom but look around, its not all roses anymore. I think we need to use our power as the true dictators of government we are supposed to be and start demanding what we need. I dont mean start getting violent, but we have to do more than be blind consumers. I have woken up in the past few years to realize my mistakes in life and put effort into improving it. As our country seems to be doing now. I voted for Obama but not with out a grain of salt. He talks the talk like all the rest, and in the end the greed seems to take over our leaders’ agendas. How do we go about trusting any of them?
I dont mind working for my money, I dont like the idea of a hand out but i must admit, I am looking for it. Opportunity = money. Nothing new. And like blue said, its our money after all.
The one says your children will be paying for ir…not if they starve first. Wake up.
April 5th, 2009 at 10:51 am
Hi, Ken in Maine again. For Blog author Sketcher, take a look at the idea I posted above. It is not a complaint, but the beginning of an idea that has the potential to work. It is time the Federal Government increased the minimum wage to something on the order of $12.00/hour, a proven livable wage. With the additional legislation protecting consumers from price gouging by merchants and service providers that I proposed, this recession would disappear in a hurry. like I said above, it would in fact shock you how fast Americans would gain financial traction. Think about it, talk to your representatives, and push it until it is not possible (or wise) politically for them to resist and deny. Thank you all for reading.
April 5th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
That is a good idea but it will never happen when you actually need a hike in minimum wage. They wait 10 years then give you an increase that would have worked 10 years ago. Those reps who have their campaign funds promised from corporations will never vote for a reasonable minimum wage increase. In the city that I lived you had to make the minimum of $13.45 an hour to live above the poverty level and that was barely above. So I agree sounds like a great plan but people must organize in order to push this through. Also we need to give an increase to food servers and stop taxing them 8% on tips. Thats ridiculous, they work harder and longer than any Senator or Congressman I have seen.
But I will write my Senator and Congressman without insulting them and see what response I receive.
April 11th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
I blogged this idea when they first started bailing out the banks,then the car makers. I ran the numbers at that time and found that the Federal government could nearly pay off the personal debt of the All AMERICAN CITIZEN TAXpayers and too heck with the big companys that made their own beds and should be allowed to sleep in them.
April 11th, 2009 at 9:45 pm
The goverment does NOT need to give out free money to those who are “needy”. So people can get lazy and stay on the welfare system, when people who made good decisions and saved money and did not spend their money on stupid greedy things like flashy cell phones, car loans, or designer purses. People that worked hard and are fortunate enough to have money should not have to put it into the pocket of those who are “less fortunate”- – its called tougen up and deal with life. Money isn’t everything, and I’m a 20 something young woman who works in a technical career as a hairstylist and loves it, is paying off student loans, has a cheap get by cellphone, a small one room apartment that i decorated cute, a beater car with liability insurance, saves my money in case i would lose my job so i have something to fall back on while times are rough! I don’t spend my time obsessing over MONEY I have fun with my friends and live my life! THIS IS WHAT IS WRONG WITH AMERICA WE ARE SO GREEDY AND/OR LAZY AND MAKE DUMB DECISIONS. and YES i work for a multi-billion dollar corporation and my hours got CUT but I am still happy and i Still get by so quit whining!!! amen!!!
April 11th, 2009 at 9:50 pm
I don’t think that people that made good decisions and are fortunate enough to have money should have to put it in the pockets of the “less fortunate”- – so they can get stuck in the welfare system and get lazy! It’s called TOUGHEN UP AND DEAL WITH LIFE. STOP BEING GREEDY- you don’t need a fancy car loan, a fancy cellphone or a huge house to be happy!! I don’t have a “perfect” life but I am damn happy! I am a young 20 something woman who has a technical career (hairstylist) and I love it! Yes I pay student loans, I have a cheap get-by cellphone, a beater car with liability insurance, a cute small one room apartment that I have decorated really nice, a full time job, no health insurance- – I SAVE my money so if I, heaven forbid, lose my job, I can GET BY if things are rough. MONEY IS NOT EVERYTHING. You do not need stuff like that to be happy I love my job I love my friends and I love my life so you little WHINERS should maybe start making BETTER CHOICES and downgrading on expensive things and looking more into the LITTLE THINGS IN LIFE. And start putting at least SOME of your money into savings. That’s all I have to say. . .
April 11th, 2009 at 10:40 pm
if poop ever becomes valuable,the government will repossess your butt.
April 12th, 2009 at 3:17 am
Just a thought. Why doesn’t the “bailout” money that the government is giving to the banks, go to us. We have the money, we pay out bills and the banks get their money, the economy is stimulated from there. To the person that said that we are pathetic: Once you move out from Mommy and Daddy’s basement, Please oh please update us on how your doing in the Real World.
April 13th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
SHOW ME THE MONEY!! I’m a single girl, making a little over $7 an hour, no family nearby, depending on the kindness of my boyfriend for room and board and occasional help with my bills. I’m behind 2 car payments, behind on credit card and loan payments, receiving threatening letters from bill collectors AND my doctor ordered me to have Lab work done 6 mos. ago…hasn’t happened yet. Like too many others, I have no health insurance and must choose between my health and paying delinquent bills. I can’t afford college and with my work, I really don’t have the time anyway!!
Yes, maybe I’m a bit of a whiner, but it seems that’s what these comment pages are for…or, is that personal diaries and journals? Same diff, right?
But I’ve gotta say, I’ve read some very intelligent views from some of my fellow Americans on this page. All we can do anymore is hope…that’s all we have.
April 13th, 2009 at 6:30 pm
I was under the impression that help would be available to those making $250,000.00 and less. So far the 2 stimulus package have cut off at the $150,000 mark for married couples filing jointly.
April 14th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
Honestly. who can save right now. We have 4 children. I’m thinking dental work, car repairs, clothes for growing kids, stock up on some food and supplies………..
April 14th, 2009 at 2:20 pm
BAILOUT THE WORKERS!!!!!!!!! Give us a chance.
April 15th, 2009 at 11:02 pm
dear mr. president, i hope we will get some kind of help for low-income families. Because my job cutting like crazy. i work for a restaurant and my hours it varies. i hope and pray we will get some of stimulas money so we can pay the rent and bills and etc.
April 16th, 2009 at 5:52 am
i agree with a lot of the ppl. if u can even find a job in this day and age, they use the shit out of u, then they want to bitch when u want a lunch break. wtf, i have to beg to eat now. every year the things get more and more out of hand. i think that we should all get a hefty check, without the ppl there would be no government, no business, no gross income for OUR country. so what if OBAMA says he is going to create new jobs and what ever else he is promising, it doesn’t mean it is actually going to happen. individuals break the law every day, what makes anyone think that a business won’t do it to. i have personally had my managers go into the computer and cut my hours just to save a few bucks, and I’m spost to just trust that OBAMA is going to make sure that all the ppl laid off is going to have a job waiting for them in a few months. i doubt it. i just want a stimulus check, OBAMA cant promise me i’m going to have a job here soon, and all laid off Americans feel the same way. we all have bills, broken vehicles, and mouths to feed. a supposed promised job, when ever they feel like getting to the bill, is not going to help the ppl. HELP US NOW, not later. give us our money. some days i cant wait for the world as we know it to end, I’m tired of the government using the ppl to make the world go round and not even give us some incentive to keep moving forward.
April 16th, 2009 at 9:55 am
It is time to bailout the people the common middle class people. Mr. President I think you send a stimulus check of 10,000. plus give all working and retirees that make below 150.000 a tax break. Look after all we are the people that worked to build the rich and famous and they got all the tax breaks. The little guy here needs some help, with the people loosing there jobs and unemployment is high there bills continue on. You have helped the banks, now please lay some cash on us. I think you will find that the people will spend there money so fast and that will stimulate the economy quickly. Oh, Mr. President you surely need to raise taxes on those whom make over 200,000. a year. It is there turn to pay for the past eight years we have had to pay now its there turn.
April 16th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
I THINK INSTEAD OF BAILING OUT BANKS & BUSINESSES WHERE THEY CAN HAVE 200,000.00 PARTYS THEY THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD TAKE THE BAILOUT MONEY DEVIDE IT AMOUNG ALL TAX PAYERS & WHAT IT IS WOULD BE THE AMOUNT GIVEN TO EACH INDIVIDUAL. WE SHOULDN’T BAIL OUT COMPANIES WHEN THEIR EMPLOY’S MAKE THE KIND OF MONEY THEY MAKE. IT LUDACRISS TO BAIL OUT A COMPANY THAT PAYS BONUSES TO EMPLOYS THAT ARE FAILING AT THEIR JOBS, IF THEY WEREN’T WE WOULDN’T BE BAILING THEM OUT ANYWAY.
April 16th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Why don’t we start using our brains and stop thinking that somehow the money they give back to us is a gift. Why do we need a stimulus check at all? I have a better idea… how about they shut down the federal reserve (a private institution controlled by the big banks), stop the income tax entirely, and let the “free” market actually be free. The government steps in and breaks people’s legs and then gives you crutches and says, “well, if it weren’t for us, you wouldn’t be able to walk”. we need to shut down all these ridiculous buerocracies in the government that waste money, pull our troops home, stop spending so much overseas, shrink our global empire, and worry about ourselves. We CANNOT solve our problems by stimulus packages or checks. Let me ask everyone something, where does the money come from? Obama talks of spending billions and billions to “save” the economy and yet still try and cut taxes? You can’t cut taxes and spend more. Where do we get the money then? We print it. We borrow it from China and other foreign countries. The government needs to employ the same common sense principles that the typical consumer should employ. You can’t pay off credit cards by taking out more credit cards. Sure you can fix the problem now, but eventually you have to pay it all off. THE ECONOMY NEEDS TO CRASH. The sooner we realize that, the shorter the recession will be. The more debt we rack up to prevent the crash will only prolong it by decades. All these big companies are getting bailed out because they made horrible business decisions. What happens when no one wants to buy a companies’ product? They go out of business. What happens when a company makes stupid decisions to make a quick buck… they go out of business. Why? Because the market requires that. The government steps in to save the day, but all they are doing is fighting against what should happen thus making it worse. I could go on and on, but the point is, stop looking for the free ride people. Let’s take back the country that we have let go because we follow like sheep instead of standing up for what is right. The root of the problem is as simple as this… we do not have sound money. Our money is backed by nothing more than credit. It doesn’t exist. It’s not backed by gold or anything else of value. Every civilization from the start of mankind falls starting with the debasement of it’s currency. The value of the US dollar is dropping. If you don’t fix that problem, then I don’t care if they hand out $1 Million stimulus checks to everyone, we will hit a major depression and it will last a whole lot longer than if we were to just accept the fact that the market is calling for a recession and just let it happen. Get the government out of the way.
God bless us all.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fTVn2tMI3E
April 16th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
Hello well I see alot of diffrent opionions here. Everyone voices there input not one is right nor wrong. I feel what not one person mentioned was yes we will get a tax cut in are weekly pay checks but the thing is we wont see the measly 12.00 becuase either pica or social security tax will take it anyways. The more in are pay checks just the few measly dollars a week here goes social security taken it. So workers will not see it then to hear when we get old for retirement their might not be a thing called social security. So many business have outsourced some of you Americans just dont understand why most towns u go throughout the states are run down. Why becuase the factories or buisniess ran over seas becuase they can pay people lower rates and it cost less to be there. So bring in more business why to have them eventually run over seas like the others.We need the states to put an end in outsourcing and keep the business here. Other thing yes we are the ones that put ourselfs in debt yes and we should be the ones getting out but u need to look at all aspects. We had a great paying job for years didnt expect it to run across seas. No one can count on having this happen. Didnt expect robots to take over alot of the workers jobs either. So how can anyone judge anyone for the position there in even the president. No one has a magic ball to say what will happen in the future. What job pays enough to keep us going. We go back to school why to try and get a better job there’s all the loans we owe afterwards. The biggest thing many people go through other termoil through there lives what set ones back. Examples death, divorice, become disabled. Things like these puts many americans behind not becuase they go out spend for un neccessary things. We strive to maintain our ability but what happends where let down becuase why the buisness left us here standing others wont hire becuase to many our standing in line. The goverment is now having to lay off so where do we stand now. U wanna talk about stupid parts of the stimulus plan these towns get money for fixing there roads okay when they are not being done who is fixing our vehicles becuase the towns are not doing there job or doing it right. Lets put a slab here and there well now there fixed wrong becuase weeks later here comes the big bump we go through, out goes the tire. So many thing just look around see what changes have been made in ur communitites nothing much hummmm. Yes so what a store was brought in can they really hire that many people in one community no. Who can afford to go shopping now a days so was this a good investment nope. Lets try and find ways to cut cost for a buisniess and bring them back here. My family works very hard for what we all recieve and the thing is what I am upset with here take my husband job work hard for the clients getting the food to them to work there a year and no they do not do the 30,60,or 90 day evaluations then get u a raise. He works for minumum wage still a year later. Year comes still no evaluation nor pay raise. We no people are hurting to pay the people so we put up with it. But honestly its unfair and for the gentlemen above whom had to think he did everything better then others well guess what maybe hopefully not u wont be in situations like other Americans have gone through why ones are in debt or are now going into debt. Like the head said we Amercians put ourslf in this situation we shouldnt cry well I am sorry didnt no I would go through a divorice either and thing is I didnt think I have to take abuse for anyone to be in this situation now.
April 17th, 2009 at 11:28 am
If you use the money to pay down debt or save, you can still buy things. You will have a little more to buy things. It still stimulates the economy because your savings are good for the banks. You have to think these things through, before opening up you mouth and going “blah,blah,blah”
April 17th, 2009 at 11:06 pm
I really hope and pray that President Obama will reconsider a second stimulas check. We poor class poeple could really use this money to help pay off medical bills,get out of debt,and help our families with thier bills as well.I truly believe our President is already doing a wonderful job in office in the short few months he has been there and I support him 100%. Thank you for all you have done and for all you have yet to accomplish Mr,]. President Obama!!!!
April 19th, 2009 at 10:07 am
i agree u people should just be glad u r getting something it is extra money that u did not have so get over it and grow up!!!!!!
April 20th, 2009 at 7:29 am
We’re making our own stimulus check. Just a suggestion, get a second and third job, maybe even a forth! My husband and I are in debt, oops, we did it again, we’re bailing ourselves out. We’re from Ohio, high unemployment, we have gotten part time jobs on top of our fulltime jobs. It’s hard to work for a good wage then turn around at 5 pm and go to an $8 an hour job, but we made the debt, now we’re paying for it. Do my children miss us? Yes. Do we miss going out or even relaxing? Yes. But, I was brought up to take care of my own problems. Don’t get me wrong, if President Obama or my bank would offer up a reduced interest rate on my home mortgage(not modify the principal) that we would qualify for, we would apply, but we purchased the house, and the toys. I beleive when you invest….home, stocks, etc. you take a risk, you know you can lose it all, why should someone else pay for your actions?
April 21st, 2009 at 8:23 pm
ok, I’ve read all these post and I can say wow.. I feel for all of you. My husband makes $7.00 an hour, I make $80.00 a week, and we still pay our bills. No we dont get to go to the recent concerts or the new theme parks, but our 9 yo has everything he needs. The stimulus check last year that we was suppose to of got, we didnt because the federal government said we owed money, which of course we never received a letter stating we owed money before hand only a letter saying they took it. We live on a very fixed income and I could careless about the government sending me money. I really dont see how it would help us anyways. How is sending money that my son will be paying for when he gets older. All this money they send out will have to be repaid somewhere somehow. And I do not want my son having to pay for our debts. Obama isnt the person people thinks he is. He is not for the hard working americans, nor the low income americans, but hey who is. No one in those offices cares about us little people. We are living and thats it. I just pray someone will make things better for our future adults.. We usually have a $5.00 a week to make it to the next week and I drive a 1983 pickup truck, my husband walks too work so I can use it to get to my job. Pay check to pay check and still we are happy. Our son doesnt miss out on nothing. we have each other, adn we go to parks and spend time together. Which is something alot of children dont have. Mine knows that I will get him anything he needs and I have never let my son down. If we can make it without a bailout then I know these BIG COMPANIES could have made it without one either. thanks for letting me shout out. OH yeah one more thing, the government needs to quit helping out these other countries, and start worrying about us. GOD BLESS THE TROOPS AND VETERNS AND THE COPS. GOD BLESS AMERICA
April 21st, 2009 at 10:10 pm
most american who voted for obama really disappointed when their stimulus check not give them but they give only those big company who give away their employees bonuses and then ask the govt again for bailout. do u know how much they get from govt???? 787 billion dollar and other trillion dollar, 700 billion bailout remain from bush admin??? do u think if obama give away to hardworking american 10 000 dollar. what gonna happen? i think that if he does, everybody can pay mortgage for couple money , pay credit card, property tax ….. and money from their paycheck they can spend on other thing so do like this economic can back up on track cos they want people to spend their money not those big company? anyways, i voted for old guy anyways.
April 23rd, 2009 at 3:46 pm
I have been unemployed since June 2008 and trying to stretch every dollar of my unemployment comp benefits which can be more than depressing since I have to consider high utilities and food since I’ve been told my benefits are too much for me to get food stamps. I haven’t paid my mortgage in so long, I fear that not only will I lose my home of the past seven years, but will be rendered homeless. I can no longer afford the luxury of a home telephone or propane fuel to cook with so I was reduced to a two-burner hot plate to prepare meals. Bernie Madoff is probably eating better in prison than I am in the land of the free.
It even more utterly depressing that 1000 people show up for one job offer in this ecomonic crisis. I have worked all my life and have paid more than my share of taxes. Now I can’t even afford to go to the grocery store, pay car insurance, and the other mounting bills that I don’t even open anymore. Since I don’t have a telephone, I don’t have to worry about the collection agencies calling me. I desperately need to see a dentist, but who can afford health insurance. Each night I go to sleep with a throbbing toothache that I am in no position to take care of since the going rate for a tooh extraction range from $175 to nearly $300 despite the fact that it’s already loose.
I am currently driving my 1999 without a valid tag or liability insurance because I can’t afford it. And you must have insurance in order to get a tag. I pray that I do not have an accident or get stopped by the police since I could end up in jail for either infraction. I also rely on public transportation for destinations of more than three miles and only drive in my immediate neighborhood.
No one can tell me that a stimulus payment wouldn’t help those who are in situations such as mine. There are many hard-working Americans who are in desperate need of a bailout, but it seems that our hard-earned tax dollars continue to go to the banking and car industry who continue to live high on the hog while throwing us the intestines.
April 23rd, 2009 at 3:53 pm
Does anybody out there feel me?
April 23rd, 2009 at 4:11 pm
Hesitantebony,
We all feel for you. You are most definitely not alone as the hundreds of blog comments tallied here can attest to.
Americans are still suffering….President Obama and his administration seem to be working hard as we speak to guide us through this terrible economic recession, but troubled waters are still ahead. Hang in there! Take it day by day…Tomorrow is another day and the sun will shine again.
I think if the situation does not improve in late 2009….the President may very well consider stronger measures. Who knows, maybe even a round of Obama stimulus checks. Right now we are only riding on Obama’s clouds of optimism…eventually reality will make things clearer and we’ll find out whether current economic stimulus package measures are working…and whether more aggressive measures will be required.
April 24th, 2009 at 7:22 pm
Thanks for the words of encouragement Raymond. But there’s a heavy cloud of gloom and doom in my weather forecast despite trying to remain optimistic. I realize that my situation is not unique and we all deal with crisis in various ways, but my tolerance level for pressure is zero even though I am trying to deal with it..
April 24th, 2009 at 9:13 pm
i have read alot of crap from u dumb ass republicans, serena in particular. all yall dats talking shit probably had shit gave to u from ancestors long before u new, so stop trying to down da less fortunate folks.
April 25th, 2009 at 11:40 pm
No body is getting anything for nothing. We get a stimulus check and we pay for it in the end or our kids do…it doesn’t matter. I am thankful to say I still have my job, but I took 2 paycuts that slashed my income in half, I divorced my abusive husband, and sold any and all nice items I had. Last years stimulus check was spent on food,clothes and medication for my daughter. I doubt it stimulated anything, as it wasn’t spent on a sinlge America made item, are there affordable America made items even out there??. Would I love another Check?????Hell yeah. I am busting my ass day in and day out. I work 78 hours a week. I make shit pay but put up with a lot of abuse in my job. My daughter is able to be with me at work during the weekends, but during the week I have to shuffle her between my sister and mom because I cannot afford daycare. I am barely keeping up with my mortgage and basic needs. We do not have a cell phone, cable, or goodies! I have to bake cookies or brownies for my daughter to have a snack then we eat a lot of noodles and hot dogs for meals. I do not qualify for any assistance because its only 2 in my household. And what really pisses me off about that………cun guzzling gutter sluts that shit out tons of kids, sit on there lazy asses, and we pay for it!!! why not give the stimulis checks only to those of us hard working citizens? If you get state assistance you already get money, every damn month. Help us out…hell I would be happy with $100, thats more noodles and dogs for me!
April 26th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
Obama is a man just like everyone else. he can only
do what he can for the American people. Were all going
through a tough recession right now but im very sure that he’ll
make it right. Obama’s doing a real good job right now all it takes
is one step at a time. The main question is do the american people get
a secondary stimulus check and if so , when do we get it?
April 26th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
I am looking for the 1040A tax form for verterans serviving spouse. I am wondering if there is a place to order a form or get one of those forms.
April 26th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
im looking for a 1040A tax form. Can someone tell me where to get one?
April 27th, 2009 at 10:09 pm
Geraldine,
Just go to the irs.gov site and look under forms and publications and you can print it out from there.
April 29th, 2009 at 2:27 am
hey all im just lost with the stimulus talk the only thing i ever wanted to know is if obama is going to represent for the people who got him there or if hes going to turn his back like bush
May 5th, 2009 at 1:51 pm
I agree with the larger stimulus check. I am a member of a low income family and it would help me get out of debt and be able to actually spend my paycheck on frivilous things instead of payments to all the creditors i owe. I would help alot of people probably maybe even keep some from having to go to welfare and food stamps, like me. Im at my wits end trying to keep my head above water. Me and my husband both have jobs. But we cant seem to make ends meet with the high cost of food clothing our 3 kids creditor bills doctor bills and housing costs. We need help fast, not some dumb plan that might help us in a couple years or so.
May 5th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
What happens now? I really need this money to get back on my feet!
May 6th, 2009 at 4:28 am
I would really appreciate receiving another Stimulus refund check. It’s very easy to oppose this idea for someone who isn’t finacially strapped. However, the poor will only continue to suffer and crime rates will continue to rise. I feel everyone deserves the chance of happiness and dignity and not to have to live from paycheck to paycheck. We have a long road ahead of us, because some of us feel it’s OK for others to be able to survive off little or nothing while they live the life of Riley. Prior to Pres. Obama’s election he made a lot of promises to the American people which has since changed, and what he is now offering is “Long Term’ promises which is really nothing (a dollar here or there). I feel $10,000 is not enough, however it’s a little help but technically it’s not enough. “The World Is A Ghetto”.
May 8th, 2009 at 8:32 pm
i think that we should get a stimulus check it will help us out a lot,i have 2kids and i’am
single parent tryin to make it help us please…
May 8th, 2009 at 8:35 pm
i just want my kids to have the best in life there honor roll kids we have been through a lot.
May 9th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
TO SELF RELIANT: you say PATHETIC, PLEASE…and you think no one is smarter than you, and that they havent done the things you say you have done, and yet you call them dumb or ignorant in financial responsibility, i call you naive—no i am not saying we all need a handout, but for the ones who do what you have done and LOST THEIR JOB TO A COLLAPSING ECONONY so that CEO jobs, degree jobs, banks, oil company’s are letting people go left and right, being on jobs for YEARS THINKING it was a secure position, having a lower house payment—not the dream home they wanted–having one car and buying a second hand car for $2,000.00 HAVING THEIR IRAS wiped out IS ALL THEIR FAULT OF POUR PLANNING—PLEASE…who’s pathetic!!!!
May 11th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
I am sure President Obama knows what he is doing but, I can sure use a stimulus check. Indebt single mother.
May 11th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
Well well,I guess the big hope party is over,it was great to be black a few months ago….but have we made the right choice?…how could a president who is supposed to be so in-touch with the REAL people,why on earth does he think it’s ok for our stimulus package to be split up over time when the big wigs on wall street got theres in full…we need to PAY OUR BILLS TOO!!!
May 11th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
I want to ask you’ll the money you’ll got last year for stimulus check did they charge you back the amount when you filed your tax return? The reason I’m asking is because I was suppose to get back $3000 and the person that did my tax return ask if I got $600 stimulus check adn I told her yes and then she decucted that from the amount and I only got back $2400.. Thank you for all your help.
May 11th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
why is the goverment giving you a stimulus check then turn around and take it tight back for child support and student loan debts its not fair don,t even tell me about it if you are going to take it anyway
May 12th, 2009 at 11:59 am
I think Mr. Obama should do what Mr. Clinton done, and that is bring home the troops, then help out with the economy, by sending us a stimulus check worth the harder workers money. Heck we paid it why not give it back to us!
May 12th, 2009 at 10:33 pm
Ok so what I want to know about this how stimulus thingy is What if you haven’t/don’t work all year in 2009…Do you get any kind of stimulus payment or do we just get nutta. Like a friend of mine works and her is going to be going in her paychecks to lower the taxes they take out, and another friend who is on disabilty is getting a check…But what about me??? Will I be getting anything at all??? Can any one please answer this for me thank you.
May 13th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
I think it would be smart to hand us $10,000 What would I do?? I would put a down payment on a house. I have no debt of any kind so I could put the whole thing towards a house!!! That will never happen though, because in american you only get rewarded if you are already rich. When did america stop being a democracy??? I thought the people in goverment were suppose to represent the people???
May 14th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
I know how you get people to spend a stimulus check on goods. Give them a Visa Gift card!
May 14th, 2009 at 8:56 pm
I just wanted to say this is awful! I feel the money would have helped the economy more if it was given to the people. It would also have helped if the checks were more than before. All of that money that went to these companies could have still went to them. Just from ourselves, investing or things of that sort. Come on now. . . . Was all the money really used for it’s purpose? Basically the way I see it is: if the government gave it to us, most of it still would have ended up going to consumers. Only because, Americans have to live, right?
May 16th, 2009 at 7:28 pm
Now did anyone think the banks and mortgage companies, once they received our tax dollars would do the right thing and begin to ease the depression/recession by loaning it out or building new plants here in America? If you were fooled by that rhetoric which was spewed out early on by the politicians, then you were the real fools. To have your money stolen and given to others who could care less about you is one thing. But to willingly give your tax money to others while you are starving is complete foolishness. Those of you who believed in the current band of merry-makers who reside in Washington DC when they were up for election last November are the real fools. Ever hear of someone smiling in your face while stabbing you in the back? Did you think you would get the change you could believe in? Did you know what change you were even voting for? The thugs in DC are in cohoots with big banks and big business. They rely on the kickbacks they receive from said same in order to grow their Swiss bank accounts. The poor underbelly of Americans on the other hand have nothing to offer the politico’s other than their vote which seems so easy to obtain by thinly vailed lies which they put forth during the longer and longer campaigns proceding each election. We are the fools. All of us poor working people who fail to demand real change. I’m talking about the ouster of both parties and move towards independant candidates who aren’t connected to the system in any way prior to taking office. $1000 or $10,000 will not solve your problem. Only truthful and honest leaders who represent the real interests of us who elect them will suffice. Don’t be fooled again next year when the same run of the mill bunch in Congress beg you for their vote with promises of the moon and stars in exchange. Sure, I’d like a check in my pocket the same as any sane person would. But just like I know robbing and stealing is illegal and has consequences, I know that unless we get those who are supposed to represent us inline, we will not solve what really ails this failing nation. Think about most everything you buy as being made in some foreign land, because it is, you know. And without manufacturing being done here in America our future is nothing more than government hand outs. Our future is dim indeed, when we’ve come to rely on handouts for survival. I agree we must survive short term and maybe the stimulus check is necessary. But we also need a solid game plan going into tomorrow. And I don’t see one on the horizon.
May 18th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
What is the deal? I’ve been told stories that we are getting the checks then I’m getting told we aren’t and I’m a parent with two kids and I’m in debt beyond belif. Im also on the verge of losing my car so the government needs to get there s**t straight. When will we get a check sent out? And are we getting one or two?
May 25th, 2009 at 5:41 pm
This is ridiculous. I’ve been reading these posts for over an hour and, with the exception of a couple of realists, you all are just a bunch of greedy, lazy whiners. “I’m a single mom,” “I’m going to have my car repossessed,” I can’t pay my mortgage.” Wahhhhh!! Shut the hell up and take some responsibility for your lives. I can tell you right now, without a shred of doubt, that you lazy, greedy bastards will not be receiving one red cent from the government in the form of a stimulus payment in 2009 (or probably ever again). Why do you think that the US government should take care of your sorry asses? Because you all have a false sense of entitlement. The government is only good for taking your money. I’m personally getting sick of all the pissing and moaning from all of you socialist idiots. You are the retards that voted this piece of crap into office to begin with, and now you’re bitching about it. You all made your choice, so you can do one of three things: 1. Shut up and deal with it. 2. Get off your fat, lazy asses and do something about it (and I mean actually DO something. Complaining is not the same thing. 3. Move somewhere else so at least I don’t have to listen to the excrement spewing from your mouths.
May 25th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
Amen Anthony. I don’t mean to put others down, but we don’t live in china, so don’t expect the government to take care of you. That’s not their job. The government’s job is to secure our borders and provide a sound currency. Both of which they have failed miserably at so what makes you think they are going to be able to fix anything else…? Stop the entitlement and the welfare state thinking, that’s the path to socialism and loss of freedoms. I think it’s hilarious that everyone is boobing about stimulus checks… don’t you realize that that money comes from printing more money, and borrowing from china? You people of all should know (the people saying they need the check) that you can’t pay off credit cards with more credit cards. That’s exactly what the United States is doing and you’re encouraging it.
May 25th, 2009 at 10:15 pm
Stop bashing President Obama. He’s the greatest thing that’s ever happened to this country and I don’t appreciate all the negative attacks on him and his policies
He’s doing the best he can and will get us out of this mess that Bush started. Yeah I’d like a second stimulus check or whatever…but it’s ain’t happening for now. Let’s support the Prez instead of spreading negative comments on blogs and online! Yes we can!!!
May 26th, 2009 at 1:57 am
Screw you, Lakisha! Why the hell should I support somebody I don’t believe in? That’s exactly how socialism and communism get started. “Support our candidate or we’ll hurt you.” As far as Bush starting the current situation this country is in…EEEEHHHHH!!!!! Wrong again. I don’t recall George W. piloting any of the 4 planes that attacked our once-great nation on 9/11, and I certainly don’t remember him telling any of you welfare-loving attention whores to live outside your own means. Why don’t you whining beggars just admit that you screwed up and now you have to live with the consequences of your own actions. Besides, the problem with the housing market began waaaaayyy back when Slick Willy was in office. (Clinton for the retards.)
Oh, and I don’t particularly care if you appreciate negative attacks on Obama or not. Since the attacks are not aimed at you, then you have no reason to take offense. This guy is going to be the financial downfall of this country; and that isn’t opinion, rumor, or speculation; it’s fact. If you can’t handle a little healthy debate and criticism, then I’d say you have bigger issues.
May 27th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
my story is like everyone else out there, living from paycheck to paycheck. not knowing whats tomorrow will bring. when will things get better. i agree with another stimulus check ( not tax breaks ) what was the talk about a check to offset the gas prices or did that turn out to be part of the tax break. we are in need of a bail out of some kind just like banks automakers
May 27th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
Don’t get me wrong. I completely agree that the country and it’s citizens need something a little more tangible than imaginary tax breaks, and I wholeheartedly disagree with the government’s decisions to bail out the banks and to take over GM. I do not, however, believe that I or my family, or anyone’s families should be financially responsible for bailing out people that have no common sense. If you racked up the credit card charges, bought a car or house that you knew you either couldn’t or barely could afford, and didn’t give any thought to your economic security for the future, well then, that’s your own damn fault and you probably deserve whatever you get. If you are one of the hundreds of thousands Americans that have lost your job or taken a pay cut so that our illustrious leaders could “spread the wealth,” then I sympathize with you and I emplore you to stand up and let your voices be heard. Enough is enough. Let GM fail! Let Morgan-Stanley fail! Part of capitalism and democracy is having the freedom to fail. If you can’t run your business profitably, if you don’t know how to make money, then you have no business running a business. Don’t make the taxpayers responsible for your incompetence.
May 29th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
this stimulus thing has gotten way out of hand. I’m not sure if it is really doing what obama was planning on it doing int he first place
June 2nd, 2009 at 3:38 am
Since I haven’t heard too much on this particular upcoming news, I’ll plug what I know about the $250 Social Security Stimulus Check for 2009 here. Here goes:
For those of you who don’t know, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 gave all social security benefit recipients a one-time $250 payment. Those who qualify will get the stimulus check the same way you are getting your current Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit payments. If you get it by paper check, you will receive the payment as a separate check. Likewise, if you get the payment by bank direct deposit, you will get it as a separate direct deposit. Visit the Social Security Administration’s website for the One Time Economic Recovery Payments information page to get more info if you’ve not already yet received your Social Security stimulus check.
Basically, anyone who is entitled to SSI or to any of the Social Security benefits at any time during Nov 2008 thru Jan 2009 is eligible to receive a small but handy $250 Social Security Stimulus Payment check. If you are a recipient of any of the following benefits, you qualify:
-Retirement Social Security benefits.
-Wifes or Husband’s Social Security benefits.
-Disabled Adult Child benefits (but not other child’s benefits).
-Widow’s, Widower’s, Mothers, Fathers, Parents Social Security Benefits.
-Disability Insurance benefit.
-Special age 72 benefits.
Children qualify for the $250 Social Security payment only if they are disabled and qualify for SSI.
June 2nd, 2009 at 12:30 pm
Well, speaking of economic stimulus packages….don’t forget the $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers that was included in the economic stimulus bill signed by President Barack Obama in February 2009. That certainly ought to be more substantial than the measly $250 Social Security Stimulus Check.
What is one supposed to do with just $250 anyway? That’s like the cost of a Playstation 3, Xbox 360, or Nintendo Wii..
June 2nd, 2009 at 5:07 pm
Now I can’t… No WON’T say anything bad about Obama cause I agree with Lakisha says…. Don’t ya think we should as least give the guy a break and run the country. I mean gees He only been in office for 6 mths… That’s not enough time to change everything going wrong. Bush had 8 years to screw it up. No I’m not blaming Bush for all our troubles but since he was the leader of the country it was his responsibility to take care of us.
Sorry got off topic…. the stimulas checks….I read that part of you think that we (the people) shouldn’t get the check and rely on the government. Well when it comes to money THIS country has; WETHE PEOPLE should be able to decide where at least part of that money goes. The goverenment give car dealerships and other big companies money, that we all know part of it get pocketed and CEO’s go on early vacations and stuff. I mean look around, more and more families are having troubles just keeping bills paid and food on the table trying NOT to rely on the government. When we can barely get by with only getting the neccesities… how do they expects us to get new vechiles when this country’s credit sux, banks won’t give loans not to mention many Americans are getting laid off. It’s not the we can’t work, it’s that there is no work. The government needs to get us more jobs or make it more affordable to go to school for a trade or a new trade. Then we wouldn’t be wondering about stimulas checks, we would be able to work and support ourselves. Then at the end of the year for income tax we can use it for something fun, what ever that may be for you, a cruise, a road trip, shopping, saving it, haveing a big party… what ever you want. But that’s not the way it it right now, well unless you’re already rich then chances are you’re not worried about it anyways, but for the middle and lower class it would be nice to do something different besides work, sleep, pay bills, work, pay taxes and die!
This is only my opinion but Stimulas money should be spent to boost the economy but where it’s spent should be our decision. We need more jobs and places for kids to go. I’ve seen so many parks and arcades torn down to build some new buisness, and people wonder why the kids now a days are ending up in gangs and killing people over stupid crap. Again this was only my opinion and thanx for listening….well reading. Bye
June 2nd, 2009 at 6:56 pm
You WON’T say anything bad about YObama because you are probably a tree-hugging, bleeding-heart liberal who thinks that the government is in place to serve you and only you. DON’T GO THROUGH LIFE THINKING THAT THE GOVERNMENT OWES YOU A HANDOUT JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE THERE. For fuck’s sake, sheeple! Take responsibility for yourselves! You are all the most pathetic bunch of whiners I have ever encountered (and I’ve worked at the Pentagon.)
What you really need to do, Pia T., is spend a little less time in front of the television, put down your crack pipe, shut the fuck up and work on your tenuous grasp of the English language.
Would you like to know the real reason that kids today are the way they are? It’s because of lazy jack-asses like you who are too busy teaching your own kids to take advantage of the welfare system and believe everything they see on CNN. Obama is a tired piece of shit that has no business anywhere near Washington DC. If you have a problem with that, tough. Where is your Messiah with all of the crap he promised? Give him a chance? He’s had his chance, and, in my opinion, he has failed, and lied, and waffled. He is a typical politician, nothing more. He will tell you exactly what you want to hear and do the opposite. Pull your heads out of your asses, sheeple.
Now, I’m not saying that Bush was a road scholar or anything, either. Ever time the man opens his mouth I can feel the intelligence being sucked out of the room. But for someone that was preaching change for 6 months, Obama has only convinced me that he is just like every other politician in the world. He is a liar, and a thief, and he will tell you anything you want him to as long as it shuts you up.
And if you don’t like that, then bite me.
June 2nd, 2009 at 8:54 pm
Simon, The $8000 first time home buyers tax credit is something that will be taken back over over so many years when you file your taxes. I spoke with my financial advisor on this and was told only to take it if you need the money right now. I, fortunately, do not but if you are in situation where you get money back every year and won’t have to worry about paying it back in the future then go for it.
June 3rd, 2009 at 12:37 am
Boost the economy with a 2nd stimulas check; sounds good but think about where the money goes…
If we spend the money at Wal-Mart, it will all go to China.
If we spend it on gasoline it will all go to the Arabs.
If we spend it on fruit and vegetables it will all go to Mexico,
Honduras, and Guatemala.
If we purchase a good car it will all go to Japan.
If we purchase electronic gadgets it will all go to Taiwan or Malaysia.
We need to keep that money at home to strengthen our economy here, so
the best way to spend it is for prostitutes and beer, the only truly
functional businesses still in the US.
My name is Elliot Spitzer and I approved this ad.
June 3rd, 2009 at 2:27 am
so what, just give me my money!!!
June 7th, 2009 at 12:05 am
I think it would be great to get a stimulus check. My husband and I would use it for a home. I just hope no matter what OBAMA does are economy will get better and those out of work can get back to work. I pray for all of us…
June 9th, 2009 at 9:18 am
I could really use a stimulas check as my ex left me high and dry(had my car repoed and no place for me to live)I woud help me alot to get back on my feet
June 11th, 2009 at 10:01 am
I’m a State employee who has not received even a cost of living raise since 2005. Our pay rate is already below that of private industry and now the State is implementing a 2-5% pay reduction. I’m 59 years old and, because my ex-husband spent all my “my” money, I have very little saved and retirement is only a dream. I will have to work the rest of my life. I do not own a home and cannot afford one at the ridiculously high prices. I would not quality as a “first time” buyer. I cannot afford to replace my old vehicle, so I continue to patch and repair it. I’ve worked hard to pay off all credit cards. I owe $300 on my final one and it will be paid this month. I’ve been responsible with my paltry salary. I’m attempting to get a college education, but it is difficult. At my age, I don’t know that it will help much. I always thought I’d always be a stay-at-home wife and mom….who knew?
The ‘08 stimulus check was not enough to assist me with needed purchases. I think some of it went for another car repair. $10,000? Now that would be enough to help. I could at least buy a better and safer vehicle. I’ve wondered all along why GOV didn’t give the tax payer more of its own money back to them to “stimulate” the economy. Instead, the same people who have victimized us are being rewarded! It’s instulting to me. The underhanded tactics of the credit cards companies have caused enumberable problems for the consumer and have kept us locked in a prison of debt which has made it almost impossible for many of us to struggle out of. I’m one of the lucky ones. After being victimized by a company owned by Bank of America…I went to work to get rid of them! NOW…where’s my money going? To rescue any company that has intentionally robbed from me is ridiculous! Yep…here we go again: rob from the poor – give to the rich. How much more burden is going to be placed out our backs before we rise up and do something about it? I think not much more!
June 12th, 2009 at 7:43 pm
I say the government should seize a portion of the multi billion dollar individuals
(bill Gates ect.) to help stimulate the entire US. If not seize at least come to an agreement. That would give anyone with half a brain to bring back the economy and more. Give people a chance to start their own businesses. It would forever change the US. Image a world where there wouldn’t be such thing as a stimulus package because nobody would need it. The insanely rich people would be reimbursed of coarse, after millions of people start up there own businesses.
A 300 dollar check will not forever change the US. because we will just need another one next year. 100,000 dollar check would..unless your 100,000 in debt.
It costs money, to make money.
June 12th, 2009 at 9:21 pm
Manbearpig, (love the South Park reference, btw) how can you possibly justify seizing assets from ANY private citizen? All you’re doing is promoting Socialism. Remember the Soviet Union? Socialism doesn’t work, period. And I didn’t serve this nation in the military for 5 years and take 2 bullets for my country just to have liberal, communist morons like yourself turn this once-great nation into a socialist state bound to fail. If you want to “spread the wealth” so much, why don’t you move to China, North Korea, or Cuba? Believe me, you won’t be missed.
June 12th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
One more thing…
All of you IDIOTS out there,
STOP BEGGING FOR MONEY LIKE SO MANY DOGS BEGGING FOR SCRAPS!!!!!
TAKE SOME PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND SHUT THE HELL UP!!!!!
June 13th, 2009 at 1:52 am
I believe I said “come to an agreement” as in find the people that want to make a difference. You need to read closer before you start talking smack. And nobody would miss you either if you had been shot and KIA. I served in the military for 12 years and you dont see me pullin the military card. You sound pathetic, like people will listen to you when you say ” i took two bullets waaa” Trust me i lost more than you did. I didnt get shot so the governments not paying me for the rest of my life.
your one to talk about scraps.
June 13th, 2009 at 2:04 am
Listen up, cock-stain. This is EXACTLY what you wrote…
“I say the government should seize a portion of the multi billion dollar individuals
(bill Gates ect.) to help stimulate the entire US. If not seize at least come to an agreement.”
Notice how you started right out of the gate with the whole seizing assets thing? Too bad you can only read as well as you write. (You must have been in the Navy.)
And, for your information, I don’t collect jack from the government because I know how to take responsibility for myself and I don’t take handouts like all of you lazy assholes are begging for. Grow the fuck up and shut the fuck up. It;s lazy pieces of shit like you that are dragging this country and it’s economy into the sewer.
P.S. – Let me guess… you got kicked out of the military when they found out you were a bleeding-heart, liberal homo.
If I was on the battlefield with you, I would have put a bullet in your skull myself.
June 13th, 2009 at 1:41 pm
Your just a regular keyboard commando huh? Give me you address and lets see how much of a man you really are. You wont do a damn thing when I show up at your door. your all talk so just shut the fuck up. And how the fuck am I lazy for making a suggestion. Your fuckin dumb man.
PS: you can take you ps and shove it up your ass along with your fathers dick thats already up there.
June 13th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
Come on over, bitch.
610 Helena Street
Clifton, CO
Let’s see what kind of pussy you really are.
June 13th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
You also seem to have an ass fetish which just proves my theory that you are a filthy fag.
June 13th, 2009 at 6:11 pm
Gary the Grand Valley Gardener
maps.google.com
610 Helena St # 10
Clifton, CO 81520
(970) 434-4702
Get directions
that is the only place that comes up when i put in that address, You aint nothin but a weak ass bitch that has issues.
June 13th, 2009 at 11:55 pm
250.00 is nothing
June 14th, 2009 at 3:20 am
Gary’s my neighbor, asshole. You’ve got a map. Bring your bitch-ass over here and do something. Or are YOU all talk. I called your bluff, dickhead. What are you gonna do about it? Be a fucking man and come over here and tell me this shit to my face and see what happens.
June 14th, 2009 at 1:47 pm
So you gave me your neighbors address, how bout I call him and tell him that you are trying to get him killed, that your talking shit to random people and giving them him address and provoking them. Are you ready to take 2 more bullets?
June 14th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
You didn’t call anyone’s bluff asshole, you gave me a fake address. But at least I know where to start looking. And im not going to say anything to you when I see you, dick for brains. Because I will be looking at you threw a god damn scope!! I will take care of your family when your gone too, don’t you worry about that.
June 14th, 2009 at 3:22 pm
Anthony and ManBearPig
Will you two please cool it? And watch the language. This is a personal finance blog forum, not a site for two fellas to duke out their differences. If you two wish to debate about the economic topic at hand, then please do so. Otherwise, please refrain from flooding this comment thread with your various threats of bodily harm and foul language. They just make both of you seem really infantile and unintelligent. Both of your comment statements started out discussing the economic impact of having Obama’s economic policies, but nose dived into a full out war about who can be a tougher guy. Please stop. Thanks!
June 14th, 2009 at 4:21 pm
I AM SOOOOO SICK OF HEARING DONT OFFEND OBAMA—OMGGGG PEOPLE HE ISNT A DANG SAVIOUR, GEEEZ HES A POLITICIAN, OR THE BEST LIAR. END OF STORY HES NO DIFFERENT THAN ANYONE BEFORE HIM.SO DAMMMMMMM WHAT WHO GETS OFFENDED IF I DONT LIKE HIM, YOU DONT LIKE HIM, JOHN DOE DONT LIKE HIM, GET OVER IT.. WE HAVE A RIGHT TO OUR OPINION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
June 14th, 2009 at 7:07 pm
Fake address? You are such a retard. Ever heard of having two structures on one property? Sorry, I was using pretty big words for you. That means 2 buildings right next to each other that each share the same address. Get back on the short bus with Obama and all his other cronies.
June 14th, 2009 at 7:26 pm
To the two gentlemen writing as Manbearpig and Anthony:
I don’t wish to listen to your banter any longer. Can you both please be more civil with each other. Why the vitriol and uncontrollable verbal attacks? We are all here because we want to discuss the wisdom and feasibility of another second economic stimulus check – not here to wage attacks against one another. We can all certainly disagree vehemently with each other’s opinions (it’s a free country after all), but there is no need to resort to petty behavior.
If you are going to criticize each other, then level the attacks with reason and thought instead of using mere childish language. Disagree with the idea of getting Obama to issue a second stimulus check? Feel free to attack that opinion. Support the idea of another round of stimulus checks, then express it eloquently or better yet, blog about the topic like this particular financial blogger has and moderate comments to your liking.
Attack the position and opinion, not the person. Stop talking about visiting each other’s homes and using firearms against each other. If the Holocause Museum shooting in Washington DC by that old, white supremeacist nutjob has shown us – it’s that the world has more than enough of crazy psychotic people to go around. We don’t need two more.
Please do better guys. Thank you and God bless!
June 14th, 2009 at 9:58 pm
Whatever Im done. You win. you started it and you finished it. congrats.
June 15th, 2009 at 3:16 am
There is no wisdom in a second stimulus check. This country is beyond repair thanks to the “people” that have been abusing the welfare system for years, but mostly due to the corrupt and dishonest politicians that have no other agenda than to line their own pockets.
It’s time that everybody stopped empowering the government and the “Nanny State” mindset. The only reason that the government is able to keep taking away our civil liberties and freedoms, and have more and more control over our everyday likes is the fact that people, for the most part, in this country no longer have the ability to think for themselves…they have turned into sheep, and the politicians have recognized this and have used it to their advantage.
As far as the rhetoric between manbearpig and myself, I apologize to you, Grace, and to everyone else posting recently (yes, manbearpig, you too) for getting sidetracked from the original issue. But please, let’s leave god out of this.
June 15th, 2009 at 4:00 am
I totally agree with Jonathan. I thought this was a blog where we could all have a stimulating exchange of ideas about an economic stimulus without the use idle threats and name calling. It’s so juvenile and it seems that both of you (anthony and manbearpig) have limited vocabulary. You both need to quit the madness now and get the conversation back on track. Otherwise find another blog where you two can go toe-to-toe. I receive enough junk mail without having my email address clogged up with comments from supposed-to-be adults taking shots at each other. Enough is enough, and that’s a direct order.
June 15th, 2009 at 4:02 pm
Hesitantebony, while I appreciate the sentiment, please feel free to kiss the fattest part of my ass.
June 15th, 2009 at 7:45 pm
I do agree about the sheep thing. But they are elected to represent the people. How would we stop them? I agree that theres nothing we can do about it at this state. you say we should stop empowering them..How?
June 16th, 2009 at 3:06 am
I agree; there really is no one definitive way to keep the powers that be in check, but there are ways to get the ball rolling. The tea parties were a good start, although the more liberal media outlets found ways to twist the events to fit their own agendas. The problem with throwing tea parties is that few people today can afford to miss an entire day (or even part of a day) from work because the politicians, democrat and republican, have managed to screw up the economy so badly.
As far as empowering them, one very easy way is to stop kissing Obama’s ass. I’m still trying to figure out why the liberal left is treating him like some sort of messiah. He is nothing more than an under qualified trained circus monkey. And no, for all of you that are so quick to jump to unsubstantiated conclusions, that is not meant as a racist comment.
Another good thing to do would be to stop listening to what Hollywood has to say. Actors are entertainers, not politicians. No matter how smart an actor thinks he or she is, the fact remains that they are just actors. Who honestly gives a rat’s ass what Oprah or Tom Hanks or Sean Penn or anyone else in Hollywood thinks about politics? If they’re so concerned with the direction of the economy or the country in general, why don’t they just give up acting and go into politics for themselves? I’ll tell you why. It’s because they would never give up their precious money and tax breaks to do something that actually benefits somebody other than themselves.
And as far as the “regular” sheeple, they’re too quick to believe what they see on TV for fear of actually having to think for themselves. Most people during the last presidential campaign tuned into the post-debate coverage rather than watching the debate for themselves and reaching their own conclusions. They rely too much on other people’s opinions and analysis. If everyone that claims to be interested and concerned about the major issues that we face were to actually take the time to study the issues, and the ramifications of putting or not putting policy into effect, then they would be better able to understand why the country is in the shape it is in. I know I place blame on the government and it’s elected officials, and blame should be placed with them, but blame should also rest with the uneducated masses that so blindly elect these idiots.
People tell me to stop bashing Obama. Screw you. I place blame where blame is warranted. Obama has done absolutely nothing, NOTHING, to fix what he calls an inherited mess. The only thing he has done is blame everybody else for the problems that his administration faces. “It’s not my fault. It’s all Bush’s fault,” I believe is the mantra he and the left has adopted since January. He needs to stop placing blame. I really don’t care who’s fault it is. He was preaching “change” throughout his campaign, but has only perpetuated the stereotype of dishonest political practices since he took office. Business as usual.
If you want to truly make a difference, then you too have to make a conscious effort to stand up for what you believe. If you think that others will take the steps to make a real change for you, then you are seriously misguided. No one, including the government, will do anything substantial to improve your life other than you. They, like everyone else, are only out to serve their own interests. There is nothing wrong with looking out for yourself, but the government is supposed to be in place to look out for everyone (in an ideal world). Unfortunately, this is not an ideal world, and politicians will always find ways to exploit the people for their own gain, unless we rise up with one voice and let them know that we have had enough.
Honestly, do you really care about why pigs smell bad? Well, our precious leaders do. In fact they spend millions of YOUR dollars a year to find out. I’ll tell them for free. They’re pigs. They smell because they’re f***ing pigs that roll around in mud and dirt and their own filth. Wow! I did that without having to establish any kind of committee and without spending a dime. Since we all like blogging and spending time online so much, why don’t we put our time to better use by inundating the White House switchboard with phone calls and emails telling these baboons what we want them to do. It is our right and our responsibility as Americans to make sure our elected officials are actually doing their jobs and not just sitting around spending OUR money on stupid crap and getting blow jobs from hookers and interns.
Do you really want to make a difference? Do you honestly want to help fix the corruption in the government? Then hold these morons accountable for their actions.
June 17th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
I would like to know why the fist people that have thier hands out for goverment bailout money are the same ones that put us in this mess in the first place.and the goverment give them the money,and what is it they do is take the money and then file for bankruty.Giving them the money was suppose to stimulate the economy not make it worse.How many people got layed off and are still getting layed off.They made the mistake in building houses and cars that no one can afford.I feel that the american people are always the one that has to pay the price.As i see it is that if they don’t get thier money out of one way then they get it another way,by cutting peoples hours or raising the price on the things we buy.or laying people off and making the others work twice as hard to keep up.Why can’t everyone get the help not just the rich.We the american people work hard to make the products and then we buy the products.I feel as well as most americans probably feel that we could uyse the money now.What if the way that they are planning on doing it dosen’t work.Then we will be worse off then we are now.I would think that those who make the dicisions in washington would give the american people what they want and then if it don’t work then we will have no one to blame but ourselves.You are right the checks that we recieved last year wasn’t enough to stimulate any kind of economy and as small as it was we could only spend it on bill,but if we got a large amount then people will spend it to have more.It all comes down to one thing in my eyes is it has always been and it will alway6s be that no matter what we do the rich will get richer and the poor will get poorer.If you let people make a good living then you would see better productive people.Like they say ,A happy worker is a productive worker.People now work hard and are still sruggling to make it.We are the back bone of this country and you can only see that the american people are tired of it.I think that would be nice to afford clothing for your kids and maybe see that us the american people count.
June 17th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
You’re right, the first stimulus package was a joke, and it did absolutely nothing for the economy. The bailouts were designed to save failing companies, not to stimulate the economy. They are two completely separate issues. It’s also NOT the fault of manufacturers for building homes and autos that were overpriced, it’s the fault of the consumers and the finance companies for financing people that couldn’t afford the payments, and for buying things that they knew they couldn’t afford. It’s real easy to blame big, faceless corporations, but it’s time that people learned to take a little personal responsibility.
This latest stimulus package could have been a lot better and more wisely spent, but, unfortunately, our government doesn’t think with the same logic that most people do. In fact, many would argue that the government uses no logic or common sense at all.
Don’t fool yourself, we haven’t seen the worst of the situation we all face right now. The way I see it, we will all be very, very fortunate to get through all of this and still end up speaking English when everything is all said and done. Chances are we’ll all be speaking Chinese in the next decade or so.
The United States of America, as it was first founded and envisioned, is gone and it will never return. The best we can do now is to try to rebuild in a different direction, because the political and economic systems in this country just plain don’t work anymore. The American dream that attracted our grandparents and great-grandparents to these shores is dead. People just can’t get ahead anymore because all of the politicians and Wall Street fat cats have created all of these ways to completely fleece and take advantage of all of the rest of us. It’s about time we just clean house, get rid of ALL the politicians, and start over from scratch. After all, a little revolution once in a while is a very healthy thing.
June 18th, 2009 at 5:52 pm
I know that a few bad apples can spoil the whole bunch,but no matter how you look at it the low and middle class looses.Its really hard to keep up your payments when you get layed off or your hours get cut back.Everyone wants nice things and most of them do not like loosing things they get,but face it what can you do.You say that the bailout is a separate matter ,but i feel that everything goes hand in hand.We all are hurting and that is sure,but lets try looking at it in a nother prospective.There are big companys that need our tax dollors that are bailing them out and we didn’t cause thier problems alone they should have to fix thier problems without our help.I am pretty sure if they made better gas efficency cars instead of gas hogs and made cars that everyone can afford,then they would have more people that could afford the payments.When you are paying big executive big bonuses and laying the ones who built the cars off,then where does that make sence.Also its hard to make your payment when everyone raises thier prices on the cost of living and you have a family with kids ,then you are to put things in prospective,and sometimes you can’t afford to make that large payment on time and when you have the ones that loan you the money won’t work with you and then you don’t only lose your property you get bad credit because of it.All i am saying that the money they gave them came from us and where do we get ours.We really didn’t get a say on how our tax money got spent .I f you asked they could of taken that money and used it more wisely.Why is it that toyota and honda companys can make it but our other companys can’t.All i am asking is to give it some thought.Building cars are made by the people for the people and then they get layed off or fired when they can’t afford thier payments is that really thier faults or is it the big car companys fault for being to greedy and making cars that no one can afford.The gas prices also have a big roll in it.
June 19th, 2009 at 12:42 am
Everything that you stated is extremely valid, but I want to clarify that I didn’t mean that the stimulus and bailouts were separate in that respect. The idea I was trying to express is that as far as their intended purposes, they are different from each other. They each, as well as many other issues and industries do tie directly into one another.
You say that people like to buy nice things, that’s true, and there’s nothing wrong with that; as long as people know how to live within their means, plan for rough economic times (much easier said than done, especially these days), and are willing to part with those things (at least temporarily) when times get tough. Unfortunately, many people today are suffering because of those few people that can’t take care of themselves. It’s like the kid that chewed gum in class when you were in school. It only takes one guy to ruin it for everybody.
We would all like to think that the government could take charge and fix everything in our economy, but they’re all pretty much morons, and at what cost? Do we really want the feds making cars or being in charge of your home loans? It’s just more aspects of our lives that the government will be overseeing. And with all the “czars” that have been appointed lately (no, I don’t like that term, either) how much more of our tax dollars are being wasted? These are new government positions that come with a hefty paycheck, benefits package and usually a whole committee for each position. One could argue that you have to spend money to make money, and while that’s true for a business, it has no place in the federal government.
Were the bailouts a bad idea? Absolutely. One of the great things about a capitalist economy is that, while companies and individuals are given every opportunity to succeed, they are also afforded the same amount of opportunity to fail. That’s one of the great things about how our economy is supposed to work. Essentially, you reap what you sow.
My biggest fear (next to waking up without my penis) is that we will soon be reaping what our so-called leaders have been sowing for years. Each generation pays for the past one’s mistakes, but we may be bankrupt, literally and figuratively, by the time we and our children get finished paying for these.
June 19th, 2009 at 3:35 pm
My main concern is for my children and my childrens children.I feel that we are messing it up for them,and what will happen in the future.I probably won’t be around long enough to see.I have no faith in my goverment and boy has things changed since i was young.You also are right it will get worse if the goverment takes over completely and i think thats why most people want to get thiers now .I know that if i had a choice, i rather take a chance on my own dicisions not thiers.I think that most people feel that the goverment want control and maybe with us wanting another stimulas check is really saying that we are not happy with how they spend our tax dollors.We want to give to our kids now not wait and see if our goverment plans work.You only live one life and you want it to be the best life that you can have.I feel that the people are crying out ,but it comes out in differant ways.We all want the same thing we are just going about it wrong.The president isn’t the only one to blame.I feel that its the system and the law makers fault as well.I feel that washington has gotten a big head and decided that they would decide whats good for us.Why can’t we have a vote on every dicision that is made.The people complain about why they didn’t get this and didn’t get that and maybe on some cases they are right.You can say that we are in control on who we elect,well i say when you only have a couple to pick from then you are stuck with one or the other.I heard that you say that we are sheep and in some aspects we are and the goverment plan it this way.If we decide to rebel we lose if we try to stand up and be heard we are only talking to ourselves,but really what can we do.Things in life are suppose to get better not worse.Another problem is we have a problem on sticking together and thats another way they win and the goverment knows this.We give them control on every aspect of our lives and when they drop the ball we complain.I also so believe that they masguide us and make us believe on them then they do another and that is not right. I want the money because i need the money and i want to be able to take care of things in my life and every one from what i gather want the same.We see money going here and money going there,but really how does it help everyone as a whole.We are suppose to be a powerful country and we can’t even take care of our selve.There are so many lies coming out of washington its pathetic.AND YOU DON’T WANT TO GET ME STARTED ON THIER DECISIONS ON THE WAR POLICIES.I have so many thoughts on the goverment and what is wrong with it.They could use me to decide on what to do with this country.I could do better on it then they do.If you was to ask me if i am bitter,my reply would be hell yes i am bitter.I am disapointed on the way this country is going.
June 19th, 2009 at 11:08 pm
My point exactly. One of the things the government wants us to do is behave like sheep. It’s a whole control thing. I agree that we could all probably have spent the latest round of stimulus money much better ourselves, but the government doesn’t want to give up that kind of power. That’s also the whole reason, in my personal opinion, behind all the bipartisan politics. If you keep the people divided among themselves, then there is no possible way they can have an effective “revolution.” We are being pitted against one another through political party affiliation, or race or income so that we are distracted from all the BS the feds are doing with our tax dollars. I suppose that, in effect, it’s just a more subtle form of divide and conquer.
And I whole-heartedly agree that we need to start taking care of our own countries needs first. I honestly feel for all people that are in need of food and homes and medical care, but, face it, charity should start at home. Besides, why should we expect any nation to take us seriously when we preach to them about civil rights reform or any other issue when our own system is so screwed up?
July 12th, 2009 at 5:52 pm
Republican, Democrat, Socialist, Black, White, Native, Mexican, and any other nationality, or race. We are all to blame. Have you read where your tax dollars really go? $1 Billion to the sexuality of bees? Is it really necessary? Does Government cut
back on their spending? Flights aren’t cheap. They’re flying all the time. To see this to
check that. And don’t mention uneccessary “vacations” with a clause that involves the job. That way, it’s paid for by us. They also need fine suits to look nice in. Give me a break, all the way around! $300.00 did nothing for me. I wouldn’t have noticed if they kept it. We’re in trouble. All of us. Yet we, the people pay the price. I could care less if I’m given anything. It would go to pay the Education bill I aquired while in college, and I wouldn’t see it, anyway. I cannot break into what I studied, because it pays less than my job now. Bankruptcy is out of my hands,because I can’t afford to file. I DO NOT spend beyond my means, but I DO live paycheck to paycheck. I get by through pay-day loans. Gotta love it. My car is a 94 Ford. Rusted and falling apart constantly. I’m a single parent of 1. I make too much, but not enough, for any programs. I’m sick of the whole thing, and I don’t care, anymore.
July 13th, 2009 at 7:00 pm
What I think needs to happen is that everyone who has helped build and create the “Stimulus Package” needs to take a year and cut them diown from their $200,000+ jobs and sit them in a job that earns them $24,000 a year and see how fast their lives have changed. Im sure that they will see how fast that money goes away. If this “2nd” stimulus is going to be 13 dollars every weekly pay check, that will not help at all. The only thing it will help is Washington when they answer the question of, ” Is the stimulus being payed out?” and they will say yes. Sorry but that is BS.
I remember an aritcle somewhere about how a family of 5 was having such a hard time living with an income of $500,000. After reading the article I literally had to sit there and say ” Are you kidding me?”. They were having a hard time paying for food because they bought a 2 million dollar condo in NY. And now we the middle class that is actually making money is starting to see that money go toward people like that. Im sorry but I shouldn’t pay for other peoples problems and no one else should pay for mine. Yes I could use the money but I dug this whole myself and I know its up to me to get out of it.
My last statement is that AIG needs to be controlled by the Treasury to make sure they pay back the $235 million that they still owe and to also stop the millions in bonuses to the Retarted Executives and CEO’s. Im am litterally sick of this in the news.
July 13th, 2009 at 7:26 pm
People people…im a CEO for a huge bank (in your face!).
Now let’s talk about this stimulus package (for you common pathetic fools) for Wallstreet, Automakers & Bankers…we all agree with Mr. President Obama great plans.
With the trillions and billions (hehe) aid we are receiving, don’t you see we CEOs can afford to create HUNDREDS OF NEW JOBS for sucke…I mean hard working slav…Americans (yeah right…ill hire SOME but make sure their work is doubled, anyone complain ill just lay him/her off and hire some new fool that really needs a job).
Those who are asking for handouts…SHAME ON YOU this world is not all about YOU & and I might add the WORLD DOESN’T REVOLVE AROUND YOU !!!
Enough said! We the great leaders will put that stimulus money to good use and hopefully turn this economy issues around. (darn I have to fix my BUGATTI VEYRON…nevermind I better just buy a new one with my BONUS)
July 14th, 2009 at 12:07 am
Hi,
I am the first to admit that I haven’t been following this as closely as I should. I am beginning grad school at a private cahtholic college this fall, and I had been getting unemployment (I know that there are some opinions, but I had to leave my job to take over guardianship for 3 kids when their mom was in hospital and it was 2 hours away, so I had no choice)
I do not get any more unemployment and need to worry about living expenses. What is the deal with the rebate? Are we getting checks and do we have to do anything to get them??
thanks
July 14th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
CEO yea mmhhmmm sure you are….. As for DREW I agree with you and most on here actually it sucks and hope this all gets better SOON!!!
July 19th, 2009 at 8:20 pm
I am really having a hard time with me and my two kids being a single parent . a big second stimulas check would be a blessing for me and my kids now.
August 11th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
Duah, Me grand pappy going to college and makin’ lots fo money was just a waste of a good fishin day. Free cars from the government, Free money, Free housing, Free Fishing, FREE, FREE, FREE. This is the american dream!
October 13th, 2009 at 9:48 am
hi, i live in puerto rico, and i like to know WHY WHY WHY the federal government sends these funds to department of the treasury in puerto rico, and not directly to the tax payers LIKE THE OTHER CHECKS THAT YOU SEND TO PUERTO RICO
October 29th, 2009 at 7:29 pm
I THINK IT IS A GOOD THING, ONLY I SAY MORE THAN $250.. FOR ELDERLY!! tHEY ARE SUFFERING JUST AS BAD AS ANYONE ELSE!!
December 4th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
I’m a retired person who was denied my cost of leaving increase. This cost of living increase never gave me more money,because my insurance rate went up just as high as the cost of living increase. This year my insurance went up 40 dollars.
That increase lowered my social security income…so instead of scrimping I’m starving.
I really have to feel for some seniors that have to buy medicine every month with their soc sec money.
President Obama said he was going to give the seniors a stimulus check of 250 dollars to help them out.
It appears that it was ALL TALK .. I guess he’s good at that.
December 13th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
A larger stimulus check would be great and we all know if people have money to spend they do just that. Whether it is in clearing up back house payements or new tv it will to a large degree be spent. Until the money is in the hands of the consumers so they can purchase goods we are going to be in the same position we are in now. Putting people to work – great for those who are out of jobs. For those who were hit with higher rates and pay rate increases that were put on hold not so good. I am all for the people getting the money, after all it’s their’s from taxes paid for years and years, they are the ones who need the bailout. After all if the bail out had included stipulation that they had cut 25,000 off each mortgage they held – that would have bailed them out and also bailed out people facing loss of their homes. Other than that I do not see where that bailout helped anyone but the banker.
January 2nd, 2010 at 12:59 pm
Hey did any onenotice that most of all puertoricans haven’t recieved there stimulus checks. And they havefound some of them stolen. What is going to happen to those people who haven’t recieve ther check… please help those in there need ofecnomical status they live in specially in the being of this year. What will the goverment do with us Puertoricans in this year too?
January 9th, 2010 at 12:18 pm
PEOPLE ARE WAAAAY 2 GREEDY NOWADAYS….I THINK IF PEOPLE STOP BEING SO DARNED GREEDY AND SHARE THE WEALTH AMONG EVERYONE THEN WE CAN ALL BE HAPPY ..THERE IS NO REASON THAT ANY ONE PERSON SHOULD HAVE SO MUCH THAT THEY CAN NOT SPEND IT IN 2 LIFETIMES IF THEY TRIED…AND THEN THERE ARE PEOPLE ANDD CHILDREN STARVING NOT ONLY IN AMERICA BUT EVERYWHERE …..TO ALL YOU GREEDY …SELFISH …LOW LIFES …WAKE-UP !!! STOP BEING SO GREEDY !!!! THERE ARE FAR MORE IMPORTANT THINGS GOING ON THIS WORLD THAT YOUR POCKETS BEING FILLED WITH OTHER PEOPLES MONEY…I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO LIVE WITH MYSELF KNOWING THAT THERE ARE STARVING DYING CHILDREN IN THIS WORLD WHILE I AM STUFFING MY POCKEST FULL OF MONEY THAT IS UNNECCESARY…..LESS IS MORE PEOPLE …COME ON !!!!!!!!!!