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StumbleJohn Ensign votes against jobless benefits extension
Wednesday, March 3, 2010 | 10:40 a.m.
John Ensign
Sun Coverage
WASHINGTON -- The congressional stalemate over extending unemployment benefits ended late Tuesday without the support of Republican Sen. John Ensign, who voted against additional jobless benefits for out-of-work Nevadans.
Ensign joined a minority of Republicans who supported fellow Republican Sen. Jim Bunning of Kentucky in opposing an extension of the popular program at a time when the nation’s jobless rate is 9.7 percent – and 13 percent in Nevada.
The bill overwhelmingly passed, 78-19, and President Barack Obama quickly signed it into law.
Ensign’s office declined to comment on his vote.
Bunning brought the Senate to a days-long standstill, arguing that the $10 billion, 30-day extension of unemployment benefits, Cobra subsidies and other measures should be paid for by either using untapped recovery funds or closing a biofuels tax credit loophole. But he could not win support from his colleagues for what many argued was an emergency measure and not subject to pay-as-you-go rules.
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Why isn't he unemployed yet? This is the first mention of this "place-holder" in the press in weeks.
Ensign is right to vote along with Senator Bunning against this unneeded bill. I'd say that over 95% of the benefit recipients are milking the system and should be out there trying to work.
Has money for Iraq and and Afghanistan but not his constituents
Dear Sen. Ensign,
I'm an unemployed Nevadan and I heard that you were able to a find high-paying lobbyist job for Doug Hampton. My question is could you do the same for me?
One problem is that I don't have a wife (and a nine month sexual affair) to offer you in return for the favor. But I'm wondering; would you consider a female Black Labrador instead? She's very smart and knows a few tricks -- maybe not the kind you find stimulating (roll over, shake, fetch) but kids think it's cool.
Anyway, I hope you can help. I'll be waiting patiently for the good news. Thanks.
Sincerely,
LastThroes
That's okay he'll be back sticking thermometers up a dog's behind soon.
He wanted a tax breaks for tanning salons instead
Bremmer oversaw millions of dollars of US money disappear down the Iraqi rat-hole. Rebuild Iraq and Afghanistan but not the USA.
What about 30,000 troops in S Korea and 30,000 in Okinawa as well? South Korea makes 75% of the world's flat screens, Hyundai has shown increasing sales as Toyota and others wain, they can't they defend themselves?
Ensign has always been about Ensign. His money, his sexual gratification, his family, his career, his image. To hell with the unwashed hobos and their lives.
when does it stop.......we are going toward communism if it doesnt stop soon....good vote...get a JOB! spend the money on CREATING JOBS through SMALL BUSINESS LOANS...its simple folks....SIMPLE!
hes the poster child for the republican party and all it stands for; a complete waste of humanity.
Hopefully the working people of this country are waking up from believing the Republicans give a damn about them! They are tools of the wealthy and the corporations which want the cheapest labor possible!
Fellow Idiots !
Yes, all the corporations now in foreign countries, yes - all the unregulated banks under AWOLBush, all the companies now out of business like car dealers for one, all the states cutting employees, all the restaurants and bars closing, hotels closing (any come to mind here in Vegas? or is your mind now a mass of jello which we know it is from your words) ... yes, there are idiots out there who think these wonderful workers are milking the system - those who even have health care that cannot pay the 20% not covered are filing bankruptcy - one lady just on CNN trying to pay $15,000 out of her pocket even tho she is a teacher with good benefits ... this creep Sen. Enginee , the family wrecker, is still in office .... how really crude and to think this jerk voted against the very people he supposedly represents .... he should quit and get out of office ... he has dirtied it horribly ! He has ruined a family. He paid hush money. He is a liar. He is an oath breaker.
This is what the country is getting for having AWOLBush in office 8 years, no mind he stole one election with the help of his conspiring brother Jeb.
God Help Us All ..... Save Us From Any More Republican Hatred .... Yours Truly Lovingly - Merci !
"I'd say that over 95% of the benefit recipients are milking the system and should be out there trying to work."
What work? Not a lot of jobs out there, not even digging ditches or flipping burgers. Most of the ads in the paper for "jobs" are for various pyramid schemes or work-at-home scams.
Sitting at a local bar Friday night and started talking to a guy a few seats over. He said he is single, lives alone and has been unemployed for almost 2 years now. However, he had a new book with him from Borders Bookstore and he was leaving shortly to go to the movies. Did I mention he was in a bar paying for drinks????
This is why unemployment needs to be reigned in. Like any other government entitlement, too many people abuse the system.
remember Saddam Hussein
Too bad everyone can't beg Mommy and Daddy to bail them out like Ensign did.
Hard-working Nevadan families needed Ensign's help and he said no. Should those families send letters to Ensign's parents asking for cash?
It worked for his mistress.
And thanks to rory reid firefighters are raking in nearly six grand a week on straight time. All on the taxpayers dime.
What a great state we live in. First, Rep Dean (the doofus) Heller compares people collecting their benefits (that they worked for) to hobos in the depression. In the worst state in the union for available jobs, except for maybe Michigan.
Now, Senator John (Daddy give him a bribe, I wanna' keep playing) refuses to help his own citizens. Geez, what a nice guy.
Where do we get these people? Why do we elect them? Are they Teabaggers, a foolish bunch of old fools and loonies who stand no chance of changing anything? Or are they just horny old men, who could care less about those in need? So they're worried about the national debt, and they stick it their own people?
Please God, come down and straighten them out. And then leave. We've got enough problems without another know it all...
Now that he's history, he's going to show his real allegiance - to big money - and NOT for the people. He never has been OF the people or FOR the people. Go figure. . .
"However, he had a new book with him from Borders Bookstore and he was leaving shortly to go to the movies."
And I suppose you asked him who bought the book he was holding, and who was paying for the movie tickets?
Extending unemployment benefits increases the number of people dependent on a government check. Many people think this is OK, many people think government subsidies and control of people's lives is not what the federal government should be about.
Ensign voted based on his belief system, which coincides with the wishes of a large percentage of his constituents. I'm pretty sure that's his job.
" Has money for Iraq and and Afghanistan but not his constituents "
RIGHT ON tvegas!!!!
Noindex
Don't judge that man at the bar on this one time. This may be his only night this month out so cut him some slack (unless, of course, he admitted that he goes out drinking all the time, goes to the movies, etc.). Sometimes you HAVE to get out of the house or else you become homicidal. Or maybe the guy just knows how to budget his money really well and allows for this going out stuff once in awhile. Don't be so hasty to judge.
johnny boy i slept with my best friend's wife then ran to mommy and daddy to fix my boo boo ensign...
is nothing but a snot nosed spoiled rich punk who rode mommy and daddy's coat tails all the way to washington...
so that he could fight for other snot nosed spoiled rich kids...
and for mommy and daddy...
who the hell would join the stupid pathetic ugly lying republican party this days...
only l-o-s-e-r-s!!!
Many of the unemployed and under employed our veterans, Ensign is in league with his cronies in local hate-talk radio.
On local talker said: "troops who commit suicide are quacks anyway.." Whatever that means.
Step 1:
Visit with a local talk show host secretly for lunch. Discuss what questions can be asked, and how long and in depth the follow-up question will be.
Step 2:
Local talk station runs an unscientific Internet poll on what should be covered in the upcoming "exclusive" interview. People can vote more than once. Poll shows that "people just want questions on political issues, not personal ones..." Gee do you think the poll was rigged?
Step 3:
Conduct a wimpy light weight interview with no follow-up questions, and very few on key issues, involving ethics, lobbying, political jobs for his sex partner's husband, the $96,000 parental pay-off.
Step 4:
Have the station manager hide Ensign in the back of his SUV and use a decoy car to hide Ensign from members of the waiting press who have real, non-prescreened questions for Ensign.
Step 5:
Have the afternoon host skype with channel 13. What are the listeners saying about the Ensign interview? "oh they are very satisfied.." The only problem, the listeners did not call in and give their opinion. IT IS THE OPINION OF THE AFTERNOON HOST MASCARADING AS THE "LISTENERS OPINION."
Step 6:
Ensign goes on CNN with Rick Sanchez and refuses to answer any tough question about the ethics, the lobbying and the scandal saying: "I already answered those questions..." Yeah, really.
If there are no jobs exactly what are the 10,000, 000 unemployed people supposed to do?
They need to feed their families and hopefully be able to keep their homes.
John Ensign wants more foreclosed and abandon homes in Nevada.
Next time don't vote rich corrupt people into office.
Only real average low and middle income people should hold elected office. Then maybe they will care about the people rather than their rich corporate friends.
"I'd say that over 95% of the benefit recipients are milking the system and should be out there trying to work."
Pierre whatever
And you KNOW this figure to be accurate? Guess again, moron! I don't doubt some are milking the system, but 95% are out LOOKING FOR WORK, not the other way around. And.....what jobs? How many have YOU created to get people to work? My guess NONE but you sure like to hear yourself express your idiotic opinions. Until you CREATE some jobs so people can go to work - shut the F up about something you know nothing about.
Det_Munch, I have no problem if people don't want to work and would rather budget their money enough for some drinks and a movie. My problem is we are the ones paying for it. I know jobs are scarce, but I personally would rather work 3 fast food jobs then go on unemployment....and that's the difference.
Time for a changing of guard in November. I say vote out both Ensign and Reed. Nevada deserves better leadership that truely cares about the people of Nevada, not the Washington Lobbiest they seem to represent.
"I'd say that over 95% of the benefit recipients are milking the system and should be out there trying to work."
dumb statement. These people were at one time productive work force members. They got laid off. Now we should assume 95% of them are milking the system?? There's no doubt some are milking the system, but the fact remains that companies are firing workers in the thousands every month. Unemployment pay in most states isn't close to what people made working real jobs. They can't sustain themselves anyway. At one point, they were working. Now they got fired (laid off, whatver you want to call it). I doubt the idea in most people's head is "yeah, fired, now I can milk the system"....
"I know jobs are scarce, but I personally would rather work 3 fast food jobs then go on unemployment....and that's the difference."
That assumes that there are jobs in the first place. In case you haven't noticed, that's the flaw in your argument.
Best post goes to LastThroes in my opinion. Captured the fear of unemployment, with the strings that CAN be pulled by our elite if they are sufficiently motivated.
My compliments.
"I'd say that over 95% of the benefit recipients are milking the system and should be out there trying to work." - YOU would say that? Do you have any actual empirical evidence to back that up? Some of those recipients are children. Do you enjoy watching them starve?
I have been unemployed for almost 7 months and I cant tell you how many jobs I have applied to, resume's sent, knocking on doors looking for work. I either hear I am over qualified, we want someone who speaks spanish, or I get those saying, ok we will call you, they never do. I have yet to find one employer to just give me a chance, I dont care how crappy the job is, its a job. But I cant even get that.
Finally politicians are putting an end to ridiculous spending! Good job Mr. Ensign. There are jobs out there, maybe not $50k/yr jobs but McDonalds and Del Taco are always hiring, get off your lazy butts and go look.
lazy butts huh, been there done that, all they say is over qualified.... not spanish speaking.
"That assumes that there are jobs in the first place. In case you haven't noticed, that's the flaw in your argument."
There are low or lower paying jobs available. The problem is why would these people work for equal or less than what unemployment pays them. Nobody wants to make less money, but sometimes in life you have to take a step back before going forward again. With continued unemployment benefits they lose all incentive to take whatever job they can get.
That's my argument.
Great segway... get rid of the spanish speakers and that will create jobs, brilliant!
These unemployment funds were in the bi-lateral Jobs Bill two weeks ago and Harry Reid stripped them out in lieu of his own bill.
In the end, all of this crap was Harry Reids fault.
I am on unemployment as well but I do agree they need to get the money from somewhere before they keep paying us, the stimulus has billions just sitting there they are just saying use some of this money to pay the unemployed don't just sit there and say we will pay and not know where it will come from and that is what the congress has been doing.
Last Throes-I'm sure your black lab is much more intelligent that the Moron that some call the President.
I too am sick of trying to apply and companies won't even look at your resume if you don't speak spanish. Gotten to the point I won't even apply if they want spanish but the spanish will sure get the jobs if they don't speak english.
"I have yet to find one employer to just give me a chance, I dont care how crappy the job is, its a job. But I cant even get that."
I hear ya'!!! Part of some of that is the "online" applications, too. It seems you can't even get inside the door to sell yourself no matter what the job may be.
In response to Noindex.
If you want to work 3 fast food jobs than collect unemployment, all the power to ya. If I could get one job at fast food, fine..but I am overqualifed for that job. Second, I have paid into unemployment for many years when I was working, so as for the extension, it would only help the local economy and keep further people unemployed if we have money to spend, even a little. Thirdly, the people, like Sen. Ensign, never had to worry about where thier next meal is, a forclosure, or if his health insurance runs out, so I don't think he has the best interest of all Nevadans.
Let me ask you this..how many of these people who think all us unemployed people on the "system" are hobos, paid money to buy books written by Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, and support boobs like Rush Limbaugh and Pat Robertson..I mean do these guys create jobs in Nevada to keep our neighbors in work, or are they taking the money and run and sponge off disgruntled conservatives. For the price of Glenn's book, you could go out to eat and support a local economy.
I mean really..would you only be satisfied if all unemployed people had to grovel to the "haves"..I thought that went out with the adventures of Robin Hood.
"Nobody wants to make less money, but sometimes in life you have to take a step back before going forward again."
Even if you receive the maximum unemployment benefit, it works out to just about $9 per hour. And most people don't get the maximum benefit, so telling them they have to accept less than that is kind of a silly argument because anything less than what most people get would be below the minimum wage.
He knows that he is not going to run for re-election.
The only people expiring benefits have bee collecting for almost TWO YEARS. At some point they people need to realized "they need to get a job". People expiring are refusing to work for less than they used to make. Well -- Life sucks sometimes.
I as a taxpayer helped you out, now you need to get a job.
Personal responsibility needs to kick in at some point. I think 2 years is that point.
tbvegas:
If you read the rules for qualifying for extensions, it states that once you enter the emergency extension you have to take ANY job. Even if that job pays only minimum wage, if you are offered it and refuse, you lose your benefits.
TGG,
I didn't buy any of the conservative talk show host books but it is pathetic that you can moan that they haven't created jobs in Nevada and you think your point of view is justified. Nice attempt at a weak straw man.
Their syndication do create local jobs at radio stations. Obviously they more greatly affect the state where they are based out of. That might be too much common sense for you.
Those that are diligently looking for work while receiving the benefits are doing what they should. Those that grumble and complain that all they get is a max of $9/hour are pathetic because they are expecting someone to pick them up. Employers have to pay into these programs each year when that money could have been in your pockets. The money isn't there so recipients can thrive, it is to survive. Honestly, the program shouldn't exist.
Ensign made a decent choice here. Nevada already gives out 6months of benefits. When does it stop and for those that collect, do you understand that the money comes from somewhere?
Please keep in mind that I know that there are some good people out there that appreciate the benefit and are trying not to leach onto the program but we also know that leaching is a huge problem with federal programs.
There is a welfare building by my house (about 2 miles away) and the parking lot is full of cars (most big trucks and SUVs and most are quite nice compared to my old Honda. I'm not making a conclusion at this moment but it does make me wonder.
For the sake of our grandchildren we MUST stop borrowing from the next generation and spending it now! Why can't everyone understand this?
Just a few weeks ago Obama touted the PAY-GO scheme, have they forgotten that already?
We MUST cut the borrowing and spending madness NOW, by at least 50%. Over the last 50+ years Congress has been spending our money just to get votes, with no possible way to repay it. The tide has gone out and we all now know they have been swimming naked! And we are all screwed!
It will be extremely hard for America to get off the free money gravy train addiction congress has been enabling for so many years just to get re-elected, but the scam has been revealed and the American people are ready and willing to make the sacrifices necessary to save America for future generations.
The time to start is NOW! I agree that helping unemployed people is a necessary expense, but it must be limited, and most of all IT MUST BE PAID FOR! No more borrowing! Either cut some other program, or raise taxes.
If we are going to pay people so they don't need to work, how long should we pay them? Most people find work within a few weeks after they exhaust their unemployment benefits. Employment is not a right, the pursuit of it is!
High school dropouts PWNED.
Well, maybe next time anyway.
"Please keep in mind that I know that there are some good people out there that appreciate the benefit and are trying not to leach onto the program but we also know that leaching is a huge problem with federal programs."
So the good people who are doing everything they can to find work that doesn't exist are punished just because of the few "bad apples"?
How compassionate of you.
It's the useless republican administrations who over the years have bloated our national debt and now they are going to play games like this. What a joke the republican party has become. I say SARAH PALIN 2012!!!!
The irony ...
The rich fat cats are the ones who have shipped our jobs overseas.
Also, someone suggested "business loans to small business to stimulate the economy" ... I own a small business, all the loans in the world will not help if no one can afford to buy!
We need public works projects like the last Republican depression.
Folks if you want more of this republican say NO to everything attitude and crap all over the people you are suppose to represent, then vote for Sue Lowden. She will give you more of the same BS that enswine has been giving. Pretty much nothing. Unless you are his best friends wife you aint got squat. If you are her you got 5 semi hard inches and $96,000 bribe and a good lobbying job for your husband.
I'm surprised he even made it to the vote.......probably out with someones wife and had to run, hitching his pants up just to get into the room to vote.
Go away Ensign, just go away.
the people whining about the unemployed receiving benefits were no where to be found when THOUSANDS of BILLIONS were wasted chasing osama bin laden in iraq, yet the same smug and sanctimonious cry babies are now worried about future generations having to foot the bill because of the nickels and dimes being used on the unemployed.
"Ensign's office declined to comment on his vote."
Nothing like a representative government in all its splendor. Makes me feel all warm and trusty.
Amazing!!!! Taxpayers loans billions to banks for a "bail out" not to mention billions and billions in zero percent interest loans, (interestingly, it has been noted banks at treasury auction purchasing, pretty sweet deal: borrow over night funds for free, buy treasuries, collect interest from the serfs who made your zero percent loan possible) And so many people are bitc**** about unemployment?
I'd bet a dime to a donut that if the government quit paying unemployment benefits overnight, there'd be 95% more employed people the next day, even if they hired on to menial, low-paying jobs.
"I'd bet a dime to a donut that if the government quit paying unemployment benefits overnight, there'd be 95% more employed people the next day, even if they hired on to menial, low-paying jobs."
I'd like maple icing on my donut, thanks.
You all forget that two of those unemployed, are "Close, personal friends" of the Ensign family. Helping the Hamptons, who were "having some financial troubles", is the reason Sen. Ensign asked his parents to write that check.
LastThroes:
If I could stop retching at the idea of schtupping that man, we could have worked together, to get you that lobbying job. (I mean leave your poor girl out of it. Really- isn't putting her near a snake animal abuse?)
To all those debating the McJobs/Unemployment:
It's true that people are being turned away from jobs like that, for not speaking spanish. Being overqualified is legit too.
GoingBust:
Even those of us who have continued beyond High School, are getting pwned.
Ivegotcha, Munch, Nancyb, DougDem:
I'm with you guys...more than you know. Guess what's worse than being on unemployment for 2+ years? That's right- NOT being on it.
Oh, and JR99- if I should ever be down at that welfare office, you'll know me. I'm the one in the car that, this year, is now old enough to drive herself.
The problem is that there is NOT a lot of low paying jobs around town. Teen-agers and illegals have grabbed most of them.
The easiest way to get to these people that don't have trouble bailing out the banks and the car manufactures is to see they don't go back to Washington. What have they done to help this Nation let along Nevada. They guy from Kentucky must be smoke'en dope and drink Moon Shine Whiskey. Guess he has his farm loan with BoA? Ensign is another story, he cannot manage an affair without looking like a dear in the headlights and now he wants to show how smart he is by back the support of extending unemployment for the people in the stat that sent him to DC. Wonder were he will be after he loses his re- election??????
Pierre-
I see what you're hinting at. You think it's a lack of brainpower and/or laziness.
If I admit I'm as dumb and lazy as you think I am, would you take me by my little hand, and help me get one of the (obviously numbering in the thousands) "menial low-paying jobs"?
Please?
Douglas,
"So the good people who are doing everything they can to find work that doesn't exist are punished just because of the few "bad apples"?" -Douglas
They aren't punished when they are handed a check. This isn't an entitlement even though your employer was forced to pay into it. Additionally, the money is already gone and yet you claim that the benefit is their right.
Like I said above, I don't believe that unemployment should even be around. Compassion is not taking from others to give to another. Compassion is giving what one has to another willingly. Unemployment, ss, wick, chip, welfare checks, tax credits, section 8, food stamps, energy assistance, etc are not example of compassion or charity. They are all examples of government handouts and wealth redistribution. An example of charity is when a person chooses to donate money to a certain cause or donate time (freely) to help others. I know that many people out there think that Charity and government is synonymous but they certainly are not the same.
jr99, now I know where you come from.
You are straight from a Dickensian story - if they are down on their luck, let them beg for the compassion of their betters. If no one shows them that compassion, then they should starve and die.
My word, you are to the right of even the most die-hard Conservative Republican. Atilla the Hun looks positively cuddly compared to you.
We have lost Ensign. He shot himself in the .......foot. This will be a loss for Nevada, because although I have no use for the the guy, he had become very powerful and he worked well with Reid for the benefit of Nevada.
Reid is the second most powerful guy in the US. He has the largest chunk of appropriations of anyone in the Senate. He can direct a LOT of money (translate: jobs) to Nevada. If we loose both Ensign in '12 and Reid this election, Nevada is screwed.
We will have two freshmen Senators that will be sucking hind t*t. If you live in Nevada and want to get rid of Reid, you deserve the consequences of the state getting zero, zip, nada from the Federal Government. Remember we all pay our income tax and it is nice to get some of it back to our communities.
The irony in this is Reid is one of the Senate's most conservative Democrats. If you are a Nevadan, vote against him at your own peril.
DougDem:
I'm glad to know I was not the only one who was hearing:
"Are there no prisons?" "And what of the workhouses?"
I'll bet he claims to be a Christian, as well. I'm told that Christian charity, is extended to those in need- even if you don't like their personal choices.
I read a story once, about a prostitute named Mary. I seem to recall the big JC liked her ALOT.
I could be wrong. Maybe I got a bootleg version of that story.
**ATTENTION ALL READERS** Bdover and Nednougat are the same person. Here is proof from a prior Bdover post listing a NedNougat email address. On some posts he argues with himself and also asked himself for help. In the recent LLV article, he tells himself he is mean and stupid.
-------------
Comments by user: bdover
Page 49 of 63
Older Newer Posted on: Residents of bankrupt Lake Las Vegas face uncertainty
Oops. nednougat@hotmail.com. Sorry, old lawyer, I was educated on the west coast.
(Suggest removal) 3/24/09 at 5:15 p.m.
Posted on: Residents of bankrupt Lake Las Vegas face uncertainty
Old lawyer guy, I didn't mean to infer that LLV is a toxic waste dump. No, it's built on a nearby hillside, so it has avoided the perchlorate and hexavalent chromium runoff nearby in the groundwater. But think about it-the departing mayor pushed through all kinds of remediation projects to allow development on toxic waste areas near LLV. Tuscany is one, there is now underway a project at Lake Mead Pkwy and Boulder that might lead to 15,000 homes being built on the same toxic waste-nearer to the WW2 factories that produced the hazards. I have such an amazing article from 2007 that points out the corrupt way that the City of Henderson, and specifically Mayor Gibson, pushed through remediation on these toxic areas. Did you ever watch the film "Erin Brokovitch?" Hexavalent chromium big time. I'd be happy to send you the article-I sent it to Jon Ralston-He did nothing. My e mail is nednouget@hotmail.com. Best of luck...
Silver spoon little rich boy. He certainly does not represent Nevadans, only himself and other rich folks.
I wonder how the investigation is going.
For the sake of this country, we must unite along no party lines.Congress is beholden to corporations.Stand together as Americans have throughout history,& remove the repressive ties that divide us.It is our duty to implement a new form of government when the current form no longer benefits us-per the constitution. We are strongest when we stand together, shoulder to shoulder.We all want the same things.The freedom to live our own lives w/o Gov't intrusion, a home for ourselves & our families, a good paying, respectable job, good health & the ability to see a doctor when we need one.We all want to be happy & live in peace,free of fear.We are one, they would like to keep us divided. Away from the media, congress are friendly to eachother. 58% of Congress are millionaires.They have encouraged us to despise & attack eachother, but the truth is, any one of us would help an injured stranger before finding out what party we belong to.The 1st step is to be nicer to each other. We have more in common w/ eachother than w/ Congress or the media.They are millionaires putting on a show.They have sold America & American's out. All it would take to bring this economy back would be for construction projects to start up again & workers go back to working.They start spending again, invite friends & relatives to town, who also spend.Why aren't our elected reps talking to these individuals & doing everything they can to convince them to start construction back up? Even helping to cover some costs could convince owners to start back up. Why is this such a foreign plan to them? That would bring back supply jobs, restauraunt jobs & businesses,& all sorts of positions.Instead, they talk about construction starting back up in 5 years or so, when the economy gets better.THIS IS HOW THE ECONOMY GETS BETTER_NOW. WE CAN'T WAIT FOR 5 YEARS.They bailed out the banks & wallstreet & foreign countries.Put some incentives into starting up construction projects that are laying dormant-which brings all kinds of jobs back in Vegas. Let us save our own homes. OUR COLLECTIVE FUTURES ARE BEING STRIPPED FROM US RIGHT THIS MINUTE.
Douglas,
You did make me smile with your last comment. I guess that if that is the best you have. You will remember from the story that it was Scrooge that gave in the end making him the man that was as good as gold. I am for that sort of Charity which I why I donate and participate in programs like rebuilding together.
If you believe that everyone that has a job should pay for the lives of those that do not currently have one than say so ,but don't pretend that is charity when it is not.
Vegasvixen appears to play the "christian card" on me but the numbers don't lie when they show conservatives giving more to charity than liberals. I made no reference to the people except I did mention that some abuse the system when others don't.
Just because I don't want another extension of unemployment doesn't mean I don't care. I have had my struggles and I didn't enjoy getting laid off a year and a half ago but I do believe in the power of the individual and in their ability to rise up when things are down. Additionally their are other costs that always are ignored by the overly "compassionate"(I don't mean those that donate).
I do like the Dickens reference though. Made me smile.
"The best way to help the poor is to make them uncomfortable in their poverty." - Benjamin Franklin
The Real ID Act is a sham. They say it is all about safety. If that is true, then why do they send it in the mail, 7 to 10 days later, instead of giving it to you in person, right away? Mailing it during the foreclosure crisis is the most irresponsible & unsafe method that could possibly be pursued. After all, we just proved who we were in person. There is no way to predict who will take posession of the card from the mail box.They are laughing at us in Washington D.C. One big joke on us-paid for by the state alone.No federal funding.Rumor has it, while on a personal call w/ Pres. Obama, Laurence Weekly agreed to "get this put thru".If this is true, Mr. Weekly (& the NV legislature)has made a terrible mistake & misappropriated funds for this program. This program is associated w/ the "War on Terror" & the Tsunami Emergency.We, (the citizen's of America),are not terrorists.Stop treating us like we are.Take a look at the elected officials in Congress who own stock in Airport Body Scanner companies. They profit every time another scanner is installed somewhere.58% of Congress are millionaires, how can they possibly relate to the need's of the people?
"I have had my struggles and I didn't enjoy getting laid off a year and a half ago but I do believe in the power of the individual and in their ability to rise up when things are down."
Again, the problem is not a lack of willpower. Do you REALLY think that most of the people on unemployment WANT to be there? Do you think they are not TRYING to find work?
You want to kick them when they are already down, because then the ones who do abuse the system (and I am not so naive to think that there aren't people like that) also would feel the sting. How is that just? How is that right?
"If the misery of the poor be caused not by the laws of nature, but by our institutions, great is our sin." - Charles Darwin
To all the unemployed, benefit-receiving lot of you out there:
You and I know that as long as the milk is free, you won't be looking and getting "any" job, and in today's job climate, most are menial and low-pay. So, it does have to do with being:
1. lazy
2. bottom 3 quadrants smart.
Does that make you feel better?
What would be fitting is that next election we make sure that Ensign needs jobless benefits himself.
I can't imagine any legislator voting 'no' on this bill. The mentally ill and the disabled are unemployed through no fault of their own. This even applies to people who have lost his or her job due to structural unemployment. This appears contradictive to his 'so-called' personal values which as being Christian: the true nature of forgiveness and help for the needy, even if sometimes a person might need a second chance is lost to a party constantly proclaiming righteousness, but instead such beliefs are debunked as one's true character eventually is revealed. Thus, Senator Ensign is a full member of the party of "NO." He fails to see what is humane in contemporary times. The struggle, the angst and the not knowing where one might get his or her next meal or where a schizophrenic might get his next pill is truly neglected with such ideology. I can't imagine Harry Reid subjecting an indigent person to such misery and condemnation (he wouldn't)--allowing the mentally ill to live on the streets and in the sewers to die and rot.
"You and I know that as long as the milk is free, you won't be looking and getting "any" job, and in today's job climate, most are menial and low-pay."
I swear, the later it gets the dumber the arguments are.
Apparently you are not getting the message - not even the menial and low-paying jobs are hiring. At least not people who are older, or highly skilled, or highly educated, which describes a fair number of the unemployed at this moment.
McDonald's is not going to hire a 50-year-old to flip burgers when they can get a teenager to do it, because the teenager is less likely to either leave for the first better offer that comes along or have particular bad work habits that can't be shaken off.
Again, I'll ask: do you really think most of the people on unemployment want to be there? It's demeaning and humbling, but people do it because it's that or end up on the streets. After all, you seem content with looking down your nose at them.
DougDem:
He's NOT getting the message.
The message is: Most people would be glad to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps...
But in this economy- the people you're talking about are not only too broke to OWN any boots- but they've had to pawn their FEET.
Get it?
JR-
You're obviously not familiar with the fuller quote...:
'Are there no prisons?"
'Plenty of prisons,' said the gentleman, laying down the pen again.
'And the Union workhouses.' demanded Scrooge. 'Are they still in operation?'
'Both very busy, sir.'
'Oh. I was afraid, from what you said at first, that something had occurred to stop them in their useful course,' said Scrooge. 'I'm very glad to hear it.'
'Under the impression that they scarcely furnish Christian cheer of mind or body to the multitude,' returned the gentleman, 'a few of us are endeavouring to raise a fund to buy the Poor some meat and drink, and means of warmth. We choose this time, because it is a time, of all others, when Want is keenly felt, and Abundance rejoices. What shall I put you down for?'
'Nothing!' Scrooge replied.
'You wish to be anonymous?'
'I wish to be left alone,' said Scrooge. 'Since you ask me what I wish, gentlemen, that is my answer. I don't make merry myself at Christmas and I can't afford to make idle people merry. I help to support the establishments I have mentioned-they cost enough; and those who are badly off must go there.'
'Many can't go there; and many would rather die.'
'If they would rather die,' said Scrooge, 'they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population."
In order to become that man "good as gold, 'e was"- he not only had to see the above, as an inhuman action- but he ended up giving freely of his weath, to their noble cause.
Pierre Dis-Regard:
You say let them eat cake- and add that there is plenty to be found. I challenged you to show me where I have overlooked such 'bounty'.
You apparently cannot say WHERE these jobs are that no one will take, because they only exist in your own mind. Sorry. Even the smartest and most highly driven people couldn't wade through THAT for a job.
On deck- Brian Sandoval - the wanna be governor.
Cut programs, no leadership, puppet for the large corporations, to heck with education, let the mines rape our state for 20 more years, let gaming get away with 6.75 tax when they will pay 50 % in Philly.
Why are people so stupid? We need ideas not slogans! NO NEW REPUBLICANS- how's that!
Want to see whats really going on Vegas? Here's a video for all of you that still believe there is hope of a rebound anytime soon. Sorry to tell you, but anyone who doesn't vote out your current administration is a moron! And people need to call your local media and ask them why they are lying about how bad it really is. Its time for the truth.....Watch this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnWVmTP7l...
I never got a job from a poor person.
liberals = we hate rich people...but, can we borrow some money?
a buddy of mine in st. louis got laid off about 5 weeks ago.
he finally got a job driving an ice cream van.
ya, it's a crap job...but it's A JOB. he's a man. he's an adult. he's rather drive an ice cream van than collect money for doing nothing.
if you want to work = you can work.
I think we should borrow $10 trillion and give everybody at least $200k and then we will P.A.R.T.Y.
Screw the future the generations.
We will be dead so we will not have to hear them whine about the super super high taxes and major major cuts to government programs.
Let the the party start now!!!!
"if you want to work = you can work."
Well good for your buddy - but not everyone is so lucky. Some people CAN'T work because THERE AREN'T ANY JOBS THAT WILL TAKE THEM! Not everyone can be a burger flipper, a ditch digger, or a ice cream truck driver (and I'm surprised he got such a job in the middle of winter, but I digress).
Lyon County has 20% unemployment. That's 1 out of every 5 people in the county is out of a job. Are they all just looking for a handout?
Are you folks thick or just wedded to the stupid ideology that EVERYONE who draws unemployment is just a parasite?
Oh come on Douglass, i bet you'd be a great burger flipper!
"To all the unemployed, benefit-receiving lot of you out there:
You and I know that as long as the milk is free, you won't be looking and getting "any" job, and in today's job climate, most are menial and low-pay. So, it does have to do with being:
1. lazy
2. bottom 3 quadrants smart.
Does that make you feel better?"
I had this huge reply all ready to go, but then decided....why bother commenting on this moron's idiotic and unintelligent comments.
rusty, I already have a job.
But I did apply as a burger-flipper. And guess what? They don't want people with two college degrees because they believe they won't stay. I was told that specifically "Why would we hire you? 6 months from now you'll get a better job."
"not everyone can be a burger flipper..."
oh...so, you only want to work at a GOOD job.
if you can't make $30.00 per hour...you just don't want to work, huh?
i think that's exactly the attitude most people have that have been on unemployment month after month. many of the jobs that were lost...aren't coming back, folks. i just saw a thing on the news that worker productivity is UP!
that means the people that ARE working are doing more work. they're getting more done, so there is less reason to hire a new worker.
at some point that unemployment gravy train is going to end.
and i would not call march 1st the "middle of winter" and he doesn't start for another week.
"if you can't make $30.00 per hour...you just don't want to work, huh?"
Wow, way to miss the point.
I have a job right now - full-time, full benefits
I took a 50% pay cut to take it. And I have student loan debt AND medical debt. If I had to take ANOTHER cut, I couldn't afford the medication I need to stay alive.
So take you sanctimony and shove it, pal. Get out of my face. You don't know me, and I really don't have the inclination to know a jerk like you. So step off. Are we clear?
I too am out of work, but good for Ensign.
Why don't you be honest with yourselves -
How come the stimuloss DIDN'T create real jobs? How come the Dems are waiting till election to spend the money on campaigns not jobs? How come we have 92 weeks of un-employement and higher taxes? How come gReid forced Yucca mountain closure when the Fed would have paid us at least 1billion a year - and it's safe storage now, not 3 mile island storage...
Bottom line is these menial jobs are not out there.
StevenM: Your buddy got a gap job not a crap job, unfortunately a lot of these opportunities for gap jobs dont exist here. One reason, if someone generally over qualified applies, thet are turned down. Why? Because they know it is only a gap job to them and will jump ship at the first slightly better job that comes by. The employer did not become the employer by being stupid they know this. And even then they are not many of these jobs available.
Pierre: you a bit reality challenged. The jobs you seem to think are out there are not. And somethin you might agree with. I had a discussion with 90 year old who said "at least in the great depression you could sell fruit or what every you had to sell, now they'll fine you and arrest people because they dont have or cant afford all the licenses and permit they have to have".
Sgt Rock makes a great point, future generations are getting screwed, (so are we) that seems to escape many people. They are not screwed by giving unemployment benefits or even food stamps to people. No, they and the rest of us are being screwed by the billion dollar hobos of wall street. I love the absolute ignorance of people, lets forget that and bi*** about unemployment! The fact is the "bail out" wasnt made up of the bs tarp and 700 or so billion, it was more like 14 trillion to this point in giveaways, "loans at zero %" (someone is paying the Chinese and Europeans interest on that money, not so much the Europeans, they were a bit smarter and stopped buying our treasuries in bulk some time ago) loan guarantees and it goes on and on. So yea lets bit** about unemployment benefits. Its a great diversion, start people fighting over largely meaningless things while we sneak in and rob them blind.
"I never got a job from a poor person." but you have probably got a job from some a business owners barely hanging on. You may not have known it as many seem to think business owners are rich and always willing to hire someone.
In my business experience one thing has been plainly apparent, they understand needing to help people and the "scre the lazy bums crowd" consists mainly of a)employees dependent on others for their livelihood b) people who think they are "business owners" because they sell some soap, lotion, potion or magic juice in some mlm and call that a business.
To close my rambling rant; A) the job menial or other wise are in very short supply B)Stop focusing on pennies when the real crooks are stealing trillions (not billions) C) be careful about bagging on people you very well may be in their shoes, the way things are looking
If the voters of NV still haven't demanded that this man resign, they deserve all they get!
Politicians have got to be the world's stupidest bunch, completely out of touch with the real world. THERE ARE NO JOBS TO BE HAD!! People like me with degrees and 20+ years experience are up against 20 somethings who get the job for less money. On average there are 7 people applying for 1 position. I would say do the math, but as leaders of the USA you are too stupid to. John Ensign used to be a vet, but now he's just another horses ass on the hill banging bimbo's and on the take. We are not lazy and looking for a free ride, we want a job that will pay the rent, put food on the table and pay for things like insurance, prescriptions and bills. If our country cant help us out when we are in need of assistance, then who the hell can we turn to?? Once again our illustrious government has let us down in favor of their own agendas. All you imbecile politicians need to pull the silver spoon out of your ass and look around and face the reality of the problems YOU have caused in this country. It's all your doing, now try to remedy the situation.
When your president states he's there to "redistribute the wealth" why on earth does anybody think that this is a "job creating atmosphere"?
"When your president states he's there to "redistribute the wealth" why on earth does anybody think that this is a "job creating atmosphere"?"
Oh, here we go again...when in doubt, call the President a socialist.
The last refuge of the desperate. If you can't win on the merits, go for the tried-and-true "shiny object" argument.
Douglass: Democrat means you're unable to connect the dots. Or do you still believe "90% of the jobs created by the stimulus will be in the private sector"?
jr99. You quote Franklin: "The best way to help the poor is to make them uncomfortable in their poverty." - Benjamin Franklin
Here's one from Thomas Jefferson: "Experience demands that man is the only animal which devours his own kind, for I can apply no milder term to the general prey of the rich on the poor.".
"Or do you still believe "90% of the jobs created by the stimulus will be in the private sector"?"
I didn't believe it in the first place, and what does that have to do with the topic at hand?
See, "shiny object" argument - let's go chase this red herring instead.
Douglass: The topic is jobs. Let me know if i'm going to fast. But then you probably believe climate change legislation will produce jobs too.
Here is another item that will help the "job creating atmosphere" from those who can't connect dots:
"To meet the Obama administration's targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions, some researchers say, Americans may have to experience a sobering reality: gas at $7 a gallon."
http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/0...
Martin:
I liked your comment about the Great Depression.
I had recently been thinking that out here, in the West, you didn't hear many 'soup-line' stories. It was thanks to that same fruit you mentioned. It was free for you, (since most people would grow at least one tree in their yard out of custom) and if you lived near a major roadway, you might be able to sell a bit to the people fleeing the 'dust-bowl'. But, fruit trees can take years to mature.
During the WWII rationing, there was a push for people to cultivate "Victory Gardens". The government even distributed seeds, in some cities/towns. (Yes, to EVERYONE rich or poor.)
That sort of supplementation could help people who are out of work to feed themselves and their families...just about everywhere in the country except here. Not only is there a major drought, but water is expensive. Most of us can't afford to keep a lawn green- and most food-bearing plants require even more water than that.
It's going to take time for us to really get turned around...maybe it's time to plant some seeds?
rusty,
The topic is Ensign voting against unemployment insurance. You are trying to turn it into "Obama is a socialist" and "Obama will make gas more expensive", which is off-topic and irrelevant.
So here's your dot connecting: I will not respond any further to off-topic and irrelevant posts. Good day to you.
Wow, Chediski, great quote.
Rusty, the government is not in the job creating business you are right. Who knows it might work, the government made created 100% of banking bonuses and huge salaries.
Okay doug, maybe someday you'll be able to understand the relationship of jobs and unemployment. Until then, you'd be better blog on a different subject.
Yea Vixen it is so true. It is absolutely astounding how many people buy into the red herring crap and fight about unemployment benefits bankrupting us or the "lazy people" who wont take menial jobs. Keep arguing dummies, the real crooks appreciate the diversion.
As I mentioned we are on the hook for trillions in bail outs, not billions as they like to say. Yet we argue about unemployment benefits, just like the whole "irresponsible people caused this buy buying houses they couldnt afford" b.s. The problem was, is and continues to come from the derivative market, wall street created to magically make 2+2= 400,000. And guess whos paying the 399,996 that came up missing when they realized their new magic math doesnt work. The "lazy guy" and the hard working people. So yea.......lets keep focusing on unenjoyment and that money that will actually be put right back in the economy, while trillions go into the wall street black hole.
Interesting note, when Angela Merkel (she the German Chancellor for all you Sean Hannity listeners) told the German and European banks to eat crap an interesting thing happened. The world didnt end as they told her it would, they survived and are in better shape than our banks. They didnt give out 100's of millions in bonuses cause the government didnt pay for them.
Moreover, why is CITI starting a new derivative product (the main source of our problems) based on the next "financial crisis"? Especially when a)they dont have the money to cover it if no crisis happens b) They know a hell of a lot more about how bad things are than we do c) they are capable of creating a crisis (and making billions) all on their own accord. The only firms that are capable of selling something this dangerous are the "too big to fails" because only the government can back something with this much risk of loss. Oh, my didnt the government give citi over 300 billion in "loan guarantees"? hummm. See this telss a thinking person a few things: a citi is betting on massive inflation, things are more screwed up than you can imagine and finally they have nothing to lose. So keep bit**ing about unemployment benefits and Billy nothaving a job flipping burgers. Enjoy now self righteous a**es because you may be walking down the street with a donkey and clanging pots pans tied to him on of these days if you keep getting distracted by shiny bouncing balls.
http://bx.businessweek.com/banking-indus...
I got so worked up I was in typo heaven in the last rant.
martin123, its easier for alphabet media to beat up republicans on failing to vote for indefinite unemployment benefits then to say something intelligent about government spending.
Back on the Republican house organ talk station this morning for another game of softball will Alan Stock, no tough questions, no caller questions.
Bragging about the tourism bill, which is a $10 tax on visitors to the USA. (tax not fee John)
You could have tourist destinations pool their resources for advertising travel to the U.S., but "little government John" wants the government to get involved marketing USA travel to foreigners.
You would think one thing the private sector does well is advertising and marketing. "You wonder where the yellow went when you brush your teeth with Pepsodent." "Aren't you glad you use Dial, don't you wish everybody did?" "Don't squeeze the Charmin." and so on...
"Visit the USA home of throw back hypocrite politicians."
See, Ensign is for government, like the monorail earmark, or the tourism tax, when it benefits his contributors. He has no core philosophy or ethics. He is too cowardly to go on a media forum that would hit him with tough questions.
He is for Ensign, a hand out to the Casinos, is par for the course, but extending unemployment to the unwashed Hobos is out of the question.
Rusty very true, sad, but very true. The over lords at goldman have probably given strict orders to ignore any thing that may cause people to think.
If we knew his home address we could picket his house and let him know hes on the way out,and dont't bother living in Nevada when he's done in office.
he needs to be 86'd from this state that no good piece of %^$& , and boycott his families casinos too.
Martin:
I agree our banks are in trouble- but no one ever asked me if I wanted to bail them out, and no one has asked me if I want to fix it. I had to stop yelling down the national well for awhile. ;)
If by some miracle, I'm ever able to afford a mattress again, I'll be keeping my money there. It may not grow, but I will know exactly what happens to it!
However- as there are still so many people unemployed, I'll have to keep ranting about THAT.
I can't afford the donkey, or the pots to...clang...in.
Douglas,
I never said that collecting unemployment is what people want. What fault do the employed have in the layoffs that have taken place? Additionally, it is business that needs to be strengthened. I'm not sure what you past comments have indicated but I personally grow tired of people that moan and complain that business is bad and government programs are good. I am saying the government programs are taking from the private sector and from wage earners when they do not create jobs that you say people need and can be sustained by choice of individuals. As evil as some may think the rich and businesses are, we need businesses to create wealth opportunities for many. What we don't need is more government intervention that is slowing recovery and demanding that they need more money to shuffle around at the cost of jobs.
Douglas I know that your intentions are good but they are flawed because they fix nothing. They don't create what we need to get the good that are down on their luck into a sustainable jobs.
Vegas Vixen,
The rest of the story changes nothing and again you miss the point when Dickens put it very well and so did you.
"In order to become that man "good as gold, 'e was"- he not only had to see the above, as an inhuman action- but he ended up giving freely of his wealth" -Dickens and Vixen
Scrooge already paid taxes but that did not make him good. HE GAVE FREELY BY HIMSELF!!!!! You don't get to give freely when the government takes through taxes. No growth opportunity exists there. You write the correct things but you can't seem to make the connection that is lacking in you personal ideals even through you state my beliefs with Dicken's Story.
You believe that the taxes make you good when I believe freely giving does.
Dont worry Vixen you can tie your pots and pans on my donkey, I might be able to spare a few and I'm always willing to help where I can. We need to keep our ranting on target, so dont give up your rant, I just need to vent about the root cause. I'd let you hide money in my mattress but it might be repo'd by then I have to choose my donkey payment over my mattress payment. Need transportation to find nonexistent jobs.
JR, I think you and Douglas have the same good intent, just a different view of the problem. Governemnt isnt going to fix the problem only small business is capable of saving us, as usual. Problem arises when the population is bilked and sucked dry to support massive institutions who have really screwed up. To compound matters the same tax base that is literally scambling for foos, shelter and keeping lights on. The math just doesnt work.
People need help now, period. Too big to fails have sucked us dry. Maybe the people need to be able to eat food and they should eat crap for a while. If we can survive (the people) we will rebuild. It is going to be us, who fixes the problem not the gov or big businesses, the people just need a fraction of the love they big boys have gotten .
JR99- I believe that I do indeed see your point now.
You're not against welfare,or unemployment benefits, nor do you have a problem paying for the 'widows and children's' fund. You just don't want the amount of your yearly 'donation' SET for you. (Taxes)
I understand that. But I also know a bit about human nature, and intent vs. actions. Overall, people WANT to do 'the right thing'.
But how many times have you known people to forget to mail that annual check to the Red Cross, claiming they'll make up for it, next year?
Has anyone you know ever put their food drive items out, only to have it overlooked? Did they drive down to the food bank themselves, or did they just put things back into their own pantry?
Have you tossed things into your trash that still have value, rather than donating them? I mean the shirt that is mising 3 buttons, the charger plug to the iphone your kid dropped, the painting your Aunt Martha did, that makes even your dog barf.
I'm not saying that you had no regard for others, if you did toss those things. I'd bet it's simply beause of something like; you weren't doing your big spring cleaning, so it was the ONLY thing that you'd be donating, and you felt it wasn't worth it.
Now, if I made sure everyone in the country knew someone would be by for that check on a certain date, or if I came by every house once each week to collect the food or other items for donation, you have to admit that people's good intentions would be far more likely to become good deeds.
That was why 'first world' governments took over the social welfare from the private charities, to begin with.
Martin:
I've always been a sucker for a man who will put his ASS on the line for me! ;)
The only flaw in your plan to bring back the small-business owner, is the Wal-Mart problem.
If I only stock one item in my store, and your store has two- you'll be able to bring in more customers.
When our prices and selection are nearly identical, it's just a matter of preference- your blue dodad, or my green dodad.
But, when Sen. Ensign opens HIS store, with twice the shelf space, blue, green AND red dodads- and can offer it all at 30% less than either of us can- we're going to lose.
Even if our friends and family don't want to buy from Ensignland- There may come a time that they must choose to pay for our dodads, and go without food, or his doodads- and use the savings to buy that food.
Without the Government helping us to buy and sell our goods at a competitive price- we'll end up with our hat in hand, asking the Tan Man for a job stocking his shelves.
Jeez. There are two unemployed, benefit-grabbing commentators here making what seems like 1000's of non-sensical comments about the nobility of being unemployed because as one of them put it "who's going to hire an unemployed astrophysicist with 10 degrees for six months" and the other telling us to feel sorry for her because "she's rhetorically lazy and not very smart."
Enough already!
Pierre (LOLOLOL)
You can't even "quote" the posts correctly. Are you having a problem comprehending these posts? Understanding the English language? Basically understanding intelligent posts?
Go take your meds and then it's time for your afternoon nap. Make sure you remember to put on your Depends; can't have anymore accidents.
Vegasvixen,
Let me start by saying I really do appreciate the good comment conversations.
You are correct to assume that I am not for forced charity and I am against because it is not charity. I agree that many intend to give but then don't right the check or don't take the cans to the shelter. I do donate clothing and sometimes it takes me some time to get it out the door But I can say I have not thrown away one shirt was in decent shape in years. I haven't because of personal perspective when I used to live in Ecuador(2year) and Mexico (1year and then many trips to visit family). Although I agree with most of what you have to say, they essential part choice is the one I favor and wish to never take away from the citizens.
Government takes over what they think will make them look great (always in the name of the great good) but private companies and charities do a better job disseminating charity in a timely, less fraudulent, and less expensive manner. As I have said before, when a person gives, it is because they want to be as good as gold.
Seriously, I do understand your point of view because I used to have it and I know you mean well.
"There are two unemployed, benefit-grabbing commentators here making what seems like 1000's of non-sensical comments about the nobility of being unemployed because as one of them put it "who's going to hire an unemployed astrophysicist with 10 degrees for six months"
Pierre:
I'm going to shout, because obviously you are not listening well.
I HAVE A JOB! I AM WORKING!
But I was unemployed, and I know what it's like to pound pavement until your feet hurt and knock on doors until your knuckles bleed. And that's why I'm so adamant about unemployment continuing to exist - in this economy, no one's job is truly "safe".
"Government takes over what they think will make them look great (always in the name of the great good) but private companies and charities do a better job disseminating charity in a timely, less fraudulent, and less expensive manner."
You're putting me on, right?
How many stories have we heard about private charities where MAYBE 10 cents of every dollar donated actually gets to the people who need it? Of the heads of these "non-profits" making as much, if not more, than the President?
And I'm not talking about the fly-by-night operations. I'm talking about places like the United Way and the American Red Cross.
Martin123,
Vixen and I were simply sticking to the article above and a specific topic.
If you want to talk business...
I am a believer in the free market. My wife owns a small business and I work for one. The economy changes constantly and I do not believe in too big to fail garbage. Anytime government gets involved prices go up. Big banks that were failing should have fallen but members of congress had a vested interest in AIG and a few of the banks. Democrats had a large interest in the Auto Industry and they couldn't let that fall. I am partially speculating when I tell you their intentions since I don't know each member personally but the money trail doesn't lie. If the market would have had its way, the big bad banks would have disappeared and midsized and small companies would have bought up the health pieces and would have become larger. Did tax payers gain anything from acquiring AIG, GM or Chrysler? The answer is simple, heck no!!!! Cars increased in price faster than the regular pace of inflation and banks large banks did not ease up on taxpayers. The only ones that win are unions(pension funding) and politicians(campaign financing).
Sorry about the tangent but back to business. As long as government can stop pretending they can fix the problem, we will be ok. Businesses will pop up and grow (bringing jobs that lower unemployment) as long as you have a niche, good timing, have something that people want, and funding (not all are super costly but you may need an investor).
Vixen,
Please keep in mind that even Walmart was a small store at one time.
Ensign's a POS.
Douglas,
I didn't say all charities were perfect did I?
This is what government programs look like and this was hailed as very successful....
"The average rebate was $4,000. But the overwhelming majority of sales would have taken place anyway at some time in the last half of 2009, according to Edmunds.com. That means the government ended up spending about $24,000 each for those 125,000 additional vehicle sales."-Peter Valdes-Dapena, CNNMoney.com senior writer (I picked a CNN writer)
Wow, what a deal! Taxpayers pay $24,000 so that someone can get a $4,000 rebate.
Or "Obama's federal government can weatherize your home for only $57,362 each" -LA Times
I don't donate to the Red Cross after I saw the president was making over $750,000. People need to do research and give to causes they believe in. Find a charity that donates a good amount of the money our personally take the money or goods to the place you want it to go to. Where is that choice with government?
Jr:
I too, enjoy our healthy debate.(now- en garde!:D)
It would be very nice, if we could find a way to solve our collective ills, without taxes. (The commune/socialist idyl has mostly been abandoned, I'm afraid.)
As liberal as you know I am, I don't think it's a PERFECT system. I do have some ideas for reform that I think could not only save money- but would actually HELP people.
The catch is- people like you, would have to agree to continue paying your taxes,(invest) EVEN THOUGH, there would undoubtedly be some short-term 'losses', during the transition to a new system. Maybe someday I'll start a blog to open the debate about it. (Hope you'd join in!:D)
Pierre:
To paraphrase my friend DougDem:
I'M UNEMPLOYED! I'M NOT GETTING BENEFITS! :)
I never asked you, or anyone else, for pity. I did ask for your help in locating one of those plentiful, menial employment positions you've claimed are out there- but you have yet to reply to that.
That many positions SHOULD be as easy to get ahold of, as spawning salmon. I have some bait, (but I shouln't need to USE it) I'm in the middle of the river, hip-deep, with my finely woven net, hearing you tell me that if I weren't such a dim bulb the fish would be jumping right in.
Doug:
Shhhh! Elizabeth Dole EARNED all that money. ;)
He has no character at all, he should do the right thing and resign. At least he won't have to campaign for an election that he will lose by a landslide.
HE BANGED HIS WIFE'S BEST FRIEND. NOW HE'S DOING THE SAME TO THE MANY UNEMPLOYED NEVADANS. WHAT A P.O.S
VegasVixen,
Contre-attaque :)
I'm glad you have some ideas and if they cut costs I welcome them. However you say that people like me would have to agree to continue paying my taxes. This isn't a cable bill, I kind of have to pay my taxes. I am not a senator or Tim Geithner, so I can't evade my taxes without penalty.
I don't subscride to any blogs and I am not a member of facebook but if you started a blog, I would join in. As long as you don't delete my comments :)
cptraym,
Pretty sure he's not doing exactly the same thing to unemployed Nevadans. His parents don't have that much money.
THE PEOPLE RECIEVING UNEMPLOYMENT PAID THEIR TAXES, SO I WOULD MUCH RATHER THEY RECIEVE BENEFITS THEY HELPED PAY FOR THAN WATCHING THE GOVT PASS OUT BILLIONS TO FOREIGN COUNTRIES.
John Ensign is another lying, republican low-
life, who should already be out of a job.
LET ME EXPLAIN SOMETHING TO THESE RIGHT WING JERKS AND JERKETTES. I COOKED AT 2 CASINOS FOR THE LAST 5 YEARS, AND I GOT LAYED OFF BOTH BECAUSE OTHER COOKS HAD MORE SENIORITY THAN ME. I'M NOT MAD AT THE COMPANY AND I DONT BLAME ANYONE. THE ECONOMY WENT SOUTH AND MANY OF US ARE SUFFERING THE BECUSE OF IT. TO SAY I DONT DESERVE THE UNEMPLOYMENT I RECIEVE WHEN I PAID INTO THE SYSTEM DOUBLE FOR THE LAST 5 YEARS IS CRAZY. I DIDNT GO TO THE MOVIES, OR TREAT PEOPLE AT BARS WITH THE UNEMPLOYMENT MONEY. I FED MY FAMILY. I AM A GOURMET COOK AND I CANT EVEN GET HIRED AT A MCDONALDS. (TO MUCH EXPERIENCE) I'M TRYING TO GET A BUSINESS OFF THE GROUND BUT I NEED FINANCING. I'M BARELY HANGING ON AND THIS JERK WANTS TO CUT THE STRING.
Jr:
Touche!
I know it's not a cable bill. I guess I meant that if 'you' were to agree to an overhaul, at status-quo- rather than just demand that the entire system be scrapped, as it is not working in it's current form.
But, let it be known that I too, pay taxes. I only say 'you' because it is MY plan- so I have no trouble backing it with my money. :P
I don't Space, or 'book myself, so I totally get what you're saying!
If I were to start a blog, I would not only keep your posts safe from deletion, but might even invite you to partner with me. To stay in balance, every point needs a counter-point!
I'm not a "yes (wo)man" type, so I've never felt that I have to agree with someone about everything, in order to respect their view. We don't agree on some finer points, and perhaps never will.
I have learned that when one finds honour in their opponent, even in the heat of battle, that honour is likely to remain when emotions cool.
I'm happy to tip my hat to you- Honourable Gentleman Jr, no matter how often our swords are destined to cross in the future, I will enjoy the experience.
PS- I KNOW he's not doing the same thing- he'd have to at LEAST kiss me first! (He's not brave enough to come within striking distance of ME!)
Cptraym-
It doesn't help to shout. Sen. Ensign doesn't seem to care enough about what the 'little people' think to be reading any of this.
Besides that- we sometimes use big, scary words here, and there aren't enough pretty pictures for him to look at. ;D
Enough already!
Go get a real job, no matter what it pays, just get off the public doles, get rid of your hobo/streetpeople EBT card, and take your free milk ticket back to the community center, give it to an illegal alien so he/she can go back to Mexico carrying a liberal Marxist-Democrat under each arm.
Sig Heil!
Pierre:
I have yet to turn down ANY job, and I have applied for many that offer minimum wage.
I'm not on the dole. I don't have an EBT card to get rid of, and I don't even KNOW what you mean by a free milk ticket.
Or is it "MEAL" ticket? If so, I don't have one of those either, sorry.
Man- those illegals ARE hard workers! Or maybe they have superpowers! I'm not sure I could carry ONE liberal marxist democrat to Mexico...let alone TWO!
Okay- I'm done with you, I'm developing a sore spot on my cheek from where my tongue keeps rubbing.
cptraym posted:
"TO SAY I DONT DESERVE THE UNEMPLOYMENT I RECIEVE WHEN I PAID INTO THE SYSTEM DOUBLE FOR THE LAST 5 YEARS IS CRAZY."
cptraym, you did not pay a penny into the Federal or State Unemployment systems. Your employer paid in to the system based on all wages that they paid...
It is a shame that people think the way they do. I have been unemployed since December 2008 and was told it was due to the economy. It was because of our new President as he was not republican. I had worked full time for the last 30 years before I was laid off. I apply for jobs 3 to 4 times a week. So for the people on here that is saying 95% is milking the system, you are so wrong. Just hope you don't get laid off and then you will see. May God bless all the idiot's posting crazy comments, and John Ensign. For those of you that don't know what a idiot is, here you go. A idiot is a mentally deficient person, or someone who acts in a self-defeating or counterproductive way.
A symbol of Nevada's wonderful representation at all levels. I think he will get re-elected! Go Ensign! Go sleep with some more women on the tax payer dime! Nevada loves you!
Makes you wonder when they ever have time to work.
Is it just me or does Pierre sound a little dumber with each post?
By the way, if your gonna invoke the old commie and or slash nazi crap at least know what your talking about. "liberal Marxist-Democrat under each arm.
Sig Heil!"
A) Marxists and Nazi were arch enemies, try to read a book rather than listenig to your boy hannity
B) Its Sieg not sig, just for the record.
He needs to GO! The damage that he has done to the State of Nevada and then has the nerve to pull the rug out from under those in need is pathetic. Go back to your sex games Ensign, Nevada doesn't need you!
Sen. Bunning was right. Congress should fully fund any new spending. We are hanging to the very edge of financial ruin in this country, and this Congress, our States and Cities keep spending, borrowing or printing.
Nevada's deficit of $887 Million could easily be addressed: the cost to Nevadans for illegal entitlement programs is estimated to rise to $950Million this year,more than enough to take care of the shortfall. I wrote many of the Assesmblymen and also Governor Gibbons, but none will touch this thorny issue. They want their vote. You may not approve of Ensign personally, but in this instance he voted correctly. Our State legislature, our federal government, our City governments have got to stop the grants, the welfare, the entitlements, the social services especially to illegals, and Legislators personally should contribute by slashing their own wages and staffs, get on Soc. Sec. like the rest of us, and leave Healthcare alone. Stop the madness!
Sandygirl:
You know I'm with you about almost all of what you said. But this;
"I have been unemployed since December 2008 and was told it was due to the economy. It was because of our new President as he was not republican."
is just a mix-up of issues.
In December 2008, we didn't HAVE a new President. We had a new President-Elect, who was not the same man as the one who steered us into the iceberg. That was the (VERY) Republican President, Bush, who had been around for 8 long years, at that point.
So, if the layoff was due to the economy at that time- it had nothing to do with (now) President Obama's politics. It also can't be blamed on the President not being a GOPer- because that's who WAS in charge.
Just a gentle reminder.
If only the good senator had a bimbo erruption squad he wouldn't be having these problems now.
YOU WOULD HAVE TO BE PRETTY HARD UP TO SLEEP WITH THAT
Bob635, while I agree with your "Next time don't vote the rich....." theory, the problem is they are the only ones who can afford to run a campaign that gets them elected. That's the REAL problem with government as I see it - the ones who CAN relate, the 'average joe', blue collar worker who WASN'T born with the proverbial silver spoon shoved up their a$$e$ don't have the kind of money it takes to get themselves elected - that 'privledge is reserved for the wealthiest only'. And that's why things stay as they are - we continue to have politicians in office who do not a have CLUE what average citizens face on a daily basis... they only know their way to the bank and back (and maybe to their mistresses and whores homes too).
Wow, ol enzyme actually had time to pull his pants up and after checking with mommy and caisno bucks daddy he did something. I am not at least suprised by his vote but isnt his ex-mistress and ex best friend out of work too? Oh daddy casino bucks is taking of that little wh***.Right. ya betcha!
"Is it just me or does Pierre sound a little dumber with each post?"
No, martin, it's not just you! My 11 year old nephew is more intelligent then "Pierre" and has a better grasp of things than Frenchie has.
Methinks "Pierre" itself is unemployed and doesn't like it one bit so It lashes out on those who are with idiotic comments. Or "Pierre" is just a horse's ass who is ignorant.
Vegasvixen,
George Bush was not a very republican president. He was a "republican" but a true republican would not have said, "We have to abandon free market principles to save the free market." Additionally your post ignores Clintonian legislation that assisted in the housing bubble and the democratic congress that was overseeing Fannie and Freddie Mac while they collapsed. Bush had fault and made some bad moves (stim but I don't recall Obama stopping one of Bush's policies except Obama overturned one thing and now the US funds abortion oversees again(big economy stimulator). Obama continued bailing out companies, screwed investors at GM and Chrysler to take over them and hand shares to the unions. What has Obama done to create jobs except raise the debt ceiling twice? His idea of job creation has been bailouts, take overs, Health Bill, Unemployement benefits, increasing food stamps, abortion funding, cash for clunkers, and know he is trying to hammer out immigration reform. He did pass a stimulus bill that funded short term projects that are difficult to track and his own people have said they can't track where all the money is going. He attempted to pass Cap and Trade, before a jobs bill, when on his campaign trail he promised the bill and promised that our energy cost with this bill would "inevitably sky rocket".
To top it off, the only people smart enough to help him (according to him) have shady histories of tax evasion(Geithner claimed turbo tax was too complicated), lobbying, heavy union interests, bank executives (mostly Merrill Lynch), a person that believes animals should have have the right to sue, and much more.
Bush was a joke but please, don't think that Obama is blameless or that his concern has anything to do with jobs when all he has done so far is pushed a very left agenda.
Pretty sure that it is much more left than you Vixen.
"Obama continued bailing out companies, screwed investors at GM and Chrysler to take over them and hand shares to the unions."
Had he not, and GM and Chrysler completely collapsed (which was where they were going), we'd be in a much worse position in terms of unemployment (remember the "ripple effect" of secondary suppliers and support industries going under when a major corp fails).
Nobody was exactly beating down the door to take over either of those companies. Not to mention all the hundreds of thousands of GM and Chrysler vehicles (including the '05 Chevy that I drive) that people drive would suddenly have no warranties or recourse for defective and recalled issues.
Were the unions at fault? Partially. But management didn't exactly have a gun to their head when they negotiated those contracts with the unions. They were equally to blame - GM didn't adapt fast enough, or adapted in the wrong ways (remember the Nova and the SSR?), and Chrysler went high-end and didn't expect the bubble to pop.
Jr:
I'm so far left, I've gone and bumped up against the right! (you) ;D You're the Mary to my James.
I was merely trying to tell Sandygirl that in Dec '08, blaming Obama for her layoff was akin to blaming me for Steve Wynn's 'elbow damage' the moment I agree to buy his painting.
I prefer the idea of seeking input from many sorces, to the Rovian 'Jedi Mind-Tricks'. I can't stomach Warren Buffet- but I'd value his input on financial matters.
Your post ignored that the Clinton administration left office, with a plan in place to give us a zero-deficit, by 2010.
You've added in things that were never meant to be economic stimulators. The Clunkers program was an environmental bill, food stamps is more of a humanitarian aid mission right now, and even you conservatives have to admit that dealing with immigration is going to be a large part of any recovery effort. Ignoring it hasn't worked.
Funding abortions overseas? I don't claim to be intimately familiar with all of the programs, bills or laws, on a local, state OR federal level...but I don't even remember hearing the Pro-Lifers screeching about this one. Care to refresh my memory?
I continue to believe that Obama is concerned with finding a solution. I actually think that his attempt to appease the right-wingers is hindering his effort to do so. As bitter a pill as it may be, he might have to take a page from the GOP rulebook, and just start strong-arming some changes through.
"I don't claim to be intimately familiar with all of the programs, bills or laws, on a local, state OR federal level...but I don't even remember hearing the Pro-Lifers screeching about this one. Care to refresh my memory?"
I can refresh - shortly after he was sworn in, President Obama rescinded the "Mexico City Policy", which had banned non-governmental organizations that operated overseas and received federal funding from providing or counseling about abortion services.
The policy had been instituted in 1984 by President Reagan, then rescinded in 1993 by President Clinton, and then re-established in 2001 by President Bush.
People who are unemployed, whether they receive unemployment benefits or not, and are able to keep posting leftwing/Marxist/Democrat propaganda on this website, need to get a job of some kind and get with the program once more.
My God, this is America, the land of Big Capitalism, where everyone pulls their weight, except the crippled, the widow, the orphan, etc.
"People who are unemployed, whether they receive unemployment benefits or not, and are able to keep posting leftwing/Marxist/Democrat propaganda on this website, need to get a job of some kind and get with the program once more."
Qui bete va a Rome, tel en retourne.
You got to love Pierre he may be a reality challenged moron but he is persistent in sticking to his nonsense ramblings.
Now he takes it even further by telling people they need to get a job, whether they need one or not.
Heres an idea you are so insistent that there are all these jobs to be had why dont you provide a list where people can go get one. That way you will actually be contributing to keeping people off the "hand out" wagon. I'm sure someone as motivated and smart as you can help the lazy dummies. Or better tell everyone where you work so people can show up there and offer to do it for 25% less than get paid! From your posts we can safely assume you aren't launching satellites or anything terribly complex. Of course you wont do it, dont want to chance that some lazy loafer will give you a little comp for your job.
"My God, this is America, the land of Big Capitalism, "
By the way- apparently not anymore we are more socialist than France now, gov has a stake in the majority of homes (thanks fannie and freddie, is now in the auto business and and is the banks day)
Unfortunately if you are a small business or individual you are assumed to be in a capitalist system if you wallet is deep enough it is socialist all the way.
Would you left wing bleeding heart Liberals please tell me how long a person should be able to draw unemployment...
"Would you left wing bleeding heart Liberals please tell me how long a person should be able to draw unemployment..."
You won't listen anyway - the way you phrased the question shows that much. Why waste the effort to talk to a brick wall?
In fact, talking to a brick wall would be more productive - it doesn't hurl insults.
Martin:
I already challenged him to show me where the jobs were. I'm still waiting for his response. Because I DO indeed need a job!
Personally, I'm still pml (pissing myself laughing) about being accused of spreading propaganda-and then being told to 'Get with the program'. ;)
DougDem:
Thank you for the reminder. I do recall (some of it) now.
I love it when the same arguments develop over the same issue time and time again
Alright,since nobody else will admit it,I rode the system,and was able to save my house because of it
Save your comments,boys and girls,because I,personally dont care what moral or ethical value you place on me
I saved my house,and my daughter is still attending school
Accepting a 8.00 job to please you elitists is ludricous when i recieve 522.00 weekly
Why would anyone, whether right or wrong accept an 8.00 position over a 14.00 hourly stipend.
Why should i subject myself to application filtering,subliminal language questions,and companies hiring you at 32 hours,just so they dont have to pay your health benefits
I worked 23 years in the construction industry,and as long as you are actively seeking work in same/similar lateral/parrallel move ive completed my obligation to the state,federal,etc agencies.
in closing I dont like making gaurantees,but anyone on here projecting that the unemployed are just milking the system,have not had their life ,or job,or health insurance eliminated.
and also save your corrections above about the 522.00 weekly benefit,as im aware that nevadans dont make that much..Im from MN,and federal extensions interstate with you.
peace out
gotta go grab a beer,and a movie now
ROFL
judging an unemployed person,because he is out having a beer,and talking about seeing a movie.
having no hope,or direction,and losing that moral compass we all once had causes yourself to maybe have a beer,and movie,rather than sitting and stewing internally
Yes i have a job,so dont come at me with that either,but i did collect 62 weeks,and am not ashamed whatsoever
atleast im not driving a bmw,or mercedes and using that credit card thing the state gives you for food and general merchandise
Thats milking the system!
Yea Vixen, isn't funny that Mr "Just go get a job" cant help direct anyone where to find one.
Personally, I'd bet he doesnt have a job. Sounds to me like a guy who lives at home, sponging off hims mommy and daddy.
I love how anyone who says anything he doesnt like is a leftwing/marxist democrat. Because God knows if you disagree with him you must be a commie. I don't know but maybe HE'S THE COMMIE after all he is taking a free ride on everyone elses discussions with out adding a single bit of value.
pierre are you out of touch with reality, i bet your not even american huh frenchy? lets put this into perspective. unemployment is something you pay into when your working, so how is using my money milking the system. okay pierre if your so smart explain to me what capacitive current is and its affect on a circuit when a motor starts from a locked rotor state. hey pierre whats an I2R loss buddy? i normally dont say this but i am quite intelligent and the reason i am unemployed is because i spent to much time working and not enough time sucking up to the right people. you want to call me lazy? you couldnt keep up with me if you tried buddy and there is very successful people in this town that would vouche for that. so lets look at the issue pierre instead of trying to degrade hard working people that got the short end of the stick. I had my last job for ten years and let me tell you something i worked hard for everything i have and unemployment dont pay crap. if i didnt have a savings id lose everything, so explain to me how i can work at burger king? id still collect because it wouldnt cover my benefit so pierre what do i do, am i lazy? im up every morning at 4 ive drawn blueprints foer every system in my house to scale, ive clean organized and labeled every shelf and drawer, ive even graded my backyard so the water drains more efficiently out of it. I submit resumes every morning, ive put in countless apps for anything that will pay me 10 bucks an hour which isn't enough to pay my bills. you should see the look on these managers faces when they see i made 149k last year and supervised a 50k a week payroll. how am i supposed to find a low paying job when im more qualified than the people doing the hiring? cmon pierre you have all the answers. i have no choice but to wait it out and keep trying to stay positive. so pierre if your up to the challenge buddy lets compete for your job. we'll cut your work in half and well each take an equal share and we'll see who does better.Im ok with it, and if you lose ill gladly help fund your unemployment benefit.
I am having some computer problems.....
On the urgent abortion funding.
http://www.cnsnews.com/Public/Content/ar...
Funding abortions in other countries is very important.
As for Cash for Clunkers, it was an ideological expensive push masked as aiding the economy and saving the environment. I do find the timing convenient after government takes over GM and Chrysler (attempt to show governments wisdom since they screwed investors to aid unions).
http://moneywatch.bnet.com/economic-news...
As for Clinton's surplus, I wouldn't applaud tax increases during economic prosperity as a solid victory. He did not reign in on spending. He actually was lucky that so many think his surplus was due to him being so aware of spending.
I will say that I applaud Clinton when he stopped pushing for Hillarycare when American's spoke out against it. Obama just keeps pushing a bill that he, his union friends, and congress are exempt from.
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/un...
I don't think that Obama is trying to appease anyone from the right. He is a charming guy and he is probably great for a laugh but that is it. How does he respond to criticism other then dismissing it as biased? I for one understand that there is a reason to your madness but I won't dismiss you idea unless you have severe logical flaw or start with the unwarranted name calling(which you haven't really). Just because the word jobs gets thrown into a speech doesn't mean he is trying to create jobs.
Obama promises to make jobs the number one priority but again he is on the healthcare bill.
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/State_of_the_U...
I know that the state of the union was a while back but come on!
Like I said before, he is all for programs and increased funding to all welfare programs but shouldn't the money be diverted to job creation and debt control? Welfare state will fall. Greece is a great example. I know you want sources so take a look at this link.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/con...
VegasVixen, the comment above was in response to your comment.
Thank you
Doug the Democrat can't answer my question, so I will make it a multiple choice question.
Would you left wing bleeding heart Liberals please tell me how long a person should be able to draw unemployment while they are supposedly looking for work:
(a) 6 months
(b) One year
(c) Forever
(d) Only until Republicans take over Congress and the White House.
Jr:
I will admit that my opinions/arguments are usually opposite to yours- but I don't think I've slung any mud...especially on you! :(
I wasn't demanding that you cite a reference for everything you say- I just wasn't familiar with the "abortion funding" you mentioned. (Thanx again, Doug!)
I have even found something to agree with you about, JR...No, we shouldn't be funding abortions in other countries. We should be funding them HERE.
The "Hillarycare" bill didn't work, because too many of us had jobs/health coverage at that time. I supported it then, and was sorry to see it fail.
There is, I admit, plenty of fat in the 'public health system', (like Medicare/aid) but there is no incentive for those big corporations to re-negotiate, on things like prescription drugs, and the coverage vs cost breakdown.
Federal money pays for Tricare coverage for the Military, and half of the Medicaid program. So, why does Medicaid pay more for the same drugs?
If someone is overweight, and due to that, gets type 2 Diabetes, they suddenly require that alot of money is spent-They need to monitor their blood sugar- many of them multiple times every day, (those testing strips usually run at about $1 each!!) they get a drugs to help with insulin production, drugs to help 'boost' the insulin, cardiovascular risks are increased, so many need statin-type drugs....and so on...
Why is it then, that Medicaid has only recently approved (some) gastric-bypass operations? If the diabetes can be resolved, the savings in drugs and procedures pays for the surgery in almost no time at all!
Just a little re-negotiation could save BILLIONS on just these programs alone- and once it's re-done, we just expand coverage to everyone. I would bet we'd STILL save money on it. (So, where do we find the REFORMERS, on both sides to get it done?)
I agree that President Obama appears to be a charming man. I also know that I wouldn't vote for him (or anyone) on that basis alone. Believe it or not- I've been waiting for him to find his focus, as well as anyone else.
That is my critique- the man needs to stop multi-tasking so much, and focus on point-by-point issues. But, I give him credit for trying to move ahead. I wouldn't want to choose between saving lives via healthcare, and creating jobs, for example.
ALL of the money can't be diverted to debt reduction and job creation, but I agree with your point that the welfare state as it IS, will fail- but again, we need it reformed.
I hope your computer starts to behave.
Bldblu:
"Alright,since nobody else will admit it,I rode the system..."
I'm glad that it helped to keep you on track- that's why it's there! Keep on keepin' on- don't let anyone try to shame you for it, either!
I WOULD admit it, if I were on unemp, but I had taken time off when I had my baby (not covered under FMLA) and it was the wrong time to have done so. When I got to the point that I needed help, I didn't qualify because I hadn't been working. If not for that- I WOULD be on unemployment, AND I'd be happy to have it.
LarryVegas:
Your answer is:(e) Until they pick up their first paycheck from their next job. In any case, it won't be much longer.
If there are no jobs created, the people will rise up, and destroy the entire system- Public, and private. If the unemployment money dries up, they'll just get to that point more quickly. (See my 'French Revolution' post)
If Harry Reid wasn't already finished in politics, he soon will be.
Celebrating the loss of 36,000 jobs in the American economy in February may be one of the most clueless political statements ever seen...
Vegasvixen,
I am using my home computer and this is treating me much better.
You know why Hillarycare didn't work but I think Obama understands what you do. I don't think he is interested in getting people into jobs because people will want to do things for themselves and he won't pass obamacare. Emmanuel said the game plan best when he said, "you never want to let a crisis go to waste".
We don't agree on much but we have common ground on believing changes are needed. I do think that cost needs to be renegotiated in healthcare and that competition needs to be increased and that it is in serious need of tort reform.
I do like your diabetes examples but that person should end up with higher premiums if that is what they choose. Create incentive but don't take away choice. 9times out of ten, diet and excercise could fix the problems instead of taking the easier way out with GB.
I do not agree with the abortion funding outside or inside of the US.FYI... we already fund it through the billions that go to planned parenthood. I'm not saying it must to disappear but it would be nice to see liberal endeavors funded by liberals instead of tax payers. I'm just tired of politicians funding ideology with tax payer dollars instead of funding it with there own dollars. There is a reason Obama has never given more than 4% to charity, he can get taxpayers to fund his projects.
As for Obama's multitasking........ I don't think what he does is called multitasking. Welfare states crumble in the end. You have the right idea of what happens in the end end of welfare states... "If there are no jobs created, the people will rise up, and destroy the entire system- Public, and private. If the unemployment money dries up, they'll just get to that point more quickly."-Vegasvixen
We do agree there.
Please excuse my sentence structure and many subject changes, I am tired and don't feel like proof reading.
Jr:
I don't usually jump on anyone for minor errors. The errors I focus on, are the MAJOR ones- like being a Republican...;P
Rather than tort reform, I'd like to see a review board, to decide the merit of each case. I don't want the jury to be restricted on how much they could award to those who are TRULY victims of a bad doctor. (and we know they exist)
"I do like your diabetes examples but that person should end up with higher premiums if that is what they choose."
Jr, the point is that a bypass would SAVE the system money. The drugs, the co-morbidity issues like-amputations, sleep apnea gear, heart bypasses, scooter chairs- let alone organ transplants and/or dialysis...they all cost more, than the surgery does.
As to the welfare state; I was referring to the French Revolution, and the result of taking an already underprivileged majority, and removing even more resources. But, you have to offer them BREAD, not cake.
larry vegas why are you such a hater? is that what the gop represents? they way you talk it appears to me that the gop would rather start a civil war against the democrats than actually take the time to be compassionate for the people adversley affected by this economy. I cant beleive that a real american could have that much hatred for another american, I mean c'mon we are all in this together right? As far as im concerned i dont care who wins the election because its all the same to me 6 in one hand half dozen in the other, i mean anyone with any inkling of intellect can clearly see neither party has the peoples best intrests first. Larry if you disagree tell us exactly what lowden will do to create jobs and put people like me back in a job that can actually pay my bills. Or you can attack me, someone you dont know, and accuse me, someone you dont know, of being lazy and milking the system. enough already with the attacks on regular people. remember larry if it wasnt for the hard working people of this community these corporations would have squawt, so i challenge you to hit us with actual facts and convince this registered voter who is unemployed what i have to gain by voting republican
I understand your intentions, and the preventative health idea is a good but people need to learn to make a correct choice. GB is an option and in some cases it is necessary but how does the person develop good and healthy choices if options like that are easily thrown on the table. GB isn't do perform miracles. Good old cardio and diet have been proven to be greatly beneficial. In situations where it isn't making a difference, sure GB is a great option. I know 2 people that fell into that category and they look great.
As for the French Revolution, I know what you were referring to, The absolute monarchy was a society that stepped on the poor and viewed people as their means to an end. It was utter rubbish and the poor were destined to always be poor and the ruling wise could decide the fate of all. Taxation was a weapon, as it is today, to keep the ruling class and their friends in power.
The people need bread but more importantly, they need choice. They need jobs and they need to make money and save and buy what they want so they can be happy. The United States has provided wealth and wages to so many. If you are as left as you say, you may entertain communism (I know I used to). If so, where has that worked without really destroying the people. USSR didn't exactly thrive. China has about 200 million (US standard are much higher than that) that do well but they also have 800million that live in horrible conditions. The poor of China and other countries are quite different than the poor in the US.
If the welfare state continues to grow, we will run into the same problems of France, they ran out of money. Pres. Obama has stated several times that we are out of money but nothing has changed. No one can spend without consequence.
"Why is it then, that Medicaid has only recently approved (some) gastric-bypass operations? If the diabetes can be resolved, the savings in drugs and procedures pays for the surgery in almost no time at all!"
Diabetes can also be resolved, along with high blood pressure and high cholesteral, with proper diet and exercise. Why can't the insurance companies promote "prevention", ie pick up some of the tab for joining a gym. $35 a month for a gym membership is a lot less mo ney than what it costs for diabetic meds and insulin. Or how about the insurane companies paying for part, if not all, the diabetes education classes that any good doctor wants his diabetic patient to take? The program at Desert Springs Hospital costs $500!!! Insurance companies do not pay for those things and the classes are preventative. My own theory is the drug companies and the FDA (who i believe is in "cahoots" with the drug companies) are always "poo-pooing" tried and true simple remedies for diabetics (like the vinegar thing) because they want you to take the meds and/or insulin because that is money in THEIR pockets. The gastric bypass surgery is very successful in controlling or "allegedly" stopping the diabetes in it's tracks. Of course, they won't change their stance now or ever since there is a staggering number of Americans with diabetes, and another staggering amount that don't know they have it. You do NOT know if you are diabetic or not and sometimes just a "fasting blood test" is not accurate and not enough. It is at epidemic proportions in this country right now and will only get worse with future generations since Type II diabetes is now being diagnosed in young people in their teens and 20's. It is no longer an "old person's disease". And it's all because of DIET and not enough exercise. Very easy solutions.
Another thing that has turned around recently: Pet scans. 5-6 years ago no insurance company would pay for this very expensive procedure but now they do because of the preventative benefits of having one when the doctor orders it. The American Cancer Society doesn't like the idea because their stance is it will "panic people", but hell - my guess everyone on here would rather know if theyh have cancer BEFORE it gets out of control and can most likely be eradicated then waiting until it is too late.
We all know the bottom line is just $$$$.
PS I apologize for the length of my post.
JR-"If the welfare state continues to grow, we will run into the same problems of France, they ran out of money. Pres. Obama has stated several times that we are out of money but nothing has changed. No one can spend without consequence."
We already have run out of money. We've been out of money for a long time. Just wait til the treasury rating are down graded. Then we are gonna pay the price for borrowing the money we have been spending.
By the way, I enjoy your posts.
Munch:
" Why can't the insurance companies promote "prevention", ie pick up some of the tab for joining a gym. $35 a month for a gym membership is a lot less mo ney than what it costs for diabetic meds and insulin."
I've thought this was a good idea, as well. Add in some policy rebates for home excercise equipment, too!
"And it's all because of DIET and not enough exercise. Very easy solutions."
There is a majority of people with type 2, who have it because they are overweight. However, there are still going to be those who have it, because of heredity or other factors.
Jr:
"I understand your intentions, and the preventative health idea is a good but people need to learn to make a correct choice. GB is an option and in some cases it is necessary but how does the person develop good and healthy choices if options like that are easily thrown on the table."
I'm not saying that people don't need to learn corrective behaviours. I'm saying that an adult that is 100# or more overweight is FINANCIALLY better off to get the surgery.
We're talking about how to best trim the fat in the SYSTEM, not the people.
Well, if it made any financial sense I'm sure they would have given financial incentives for exercise equip. and gym membership. They try max profit everywhere. Why would an insurance company pay for your gym or equip? Their is hundreds of thousands of miles of road to run on and public parks taxes apy for to use and push up, sit-up and other effective excercises cost nothing. Vast majority of people who wont do those things wont go to a gym or use equipt. They probably have figured that out.
I think that continuously extending unemployment benefits is one of the reasons the recession is lasting as long as it is.
This recession is called the Obama Recession for all you Liberals who don't know who is in the White House...
Larry
Spamming the boards with the same comment across multiple threads is a violation of the Terms of Service for this website.
"Agree not to post the exact same (or very similar) comment on multiple stories, especially when said comment has nothing to do with one or more of the stories."
Reported.
Boo hoo there Dougy...
My comments had everything to do with one or more of the stories.
Who cares.