I hate the stupidimulus. And I hate that, AFTER it went through, with some $800 billion in insane spending, Congress has decided it needs to spend MORE money on more crap. Let’s look at the crap in some detail (and this is from the NY Times, so you know it’s not exaggerated). This is just a small sampling, mind you:
1. $1.8 million to help Iowa figure out how to make pigs not smell so bad.
2. $173,000 for research on asparagus production in Washington state.
3. $41.5 million for the three Democratic presidential libraries. FORTY ONE MILLION DOLLARS.
Here’s the thing. This isn’t just a Democratic issue. It’s the Republicans who proposed many of these earmarks in the first place. Which is a perfect example of how the party has lost its way. They’ve been all spend-happy, which is typically a liberal trait, and now the Democrats are taking that ball and running like Forrest Gump all the way off-field with it, and our entire country is tanking because of it.
At least if they could have included some earmarks of value, for pete’s sake. Where’s the funding to make designer shoes more affordable for people like me and Daisy? Where, I ask you?
HATE.
Right on, Mock! Keep this going! Congrats to you and Daisy!
yes mocka.. I would love to have me a paipr of Christian Loubotins!!(sp??)
How about we put some of that asparagus money into putting an end to stinky pee?
How about some money toward figuring out where Obama was born?
Poll Results (from AOL News today)
Do you have any doubt about Obama’s eligibility to be president because of his birth status?
No 53%
Yes 47%
Mock—
I probably shouldn’t visit here too often; thus far I disagree with everything I’ve read to date
On this particular topic, I can’t completely disagree that the “stimulus” is a whole lot of spending that we, the people, don’t really have a say to determine where our money goes.
On the other hand, I laugh (giggle?) at the folks on the right who are somehow able to ignore the last 8 years of ridiculous spending and deficit-creating, and war mongering that put us here in the first place. How many of Bush’s buddies on the right became even more rich while we, the people, were paying over $4/gal at the pump?
It’s hard for me to take the left or right side on the economic crisis; I see that democratic spending can potentially get out of hand; especially on the bad-smelling pig research.
To give it a little perspective – those earmarked projects you mentioned in your post don’t even add up to 1/2 of Bush’s war in Iraq is costing our country (the last I heard, it’s costing those of use who still have jobs around $700 million bucks a day in deficit spending).
Whether people like him or not, left or right or right down the middle, you’d be surprised what our current Pres has to say – read his blog; nothing to hide.
http://www.barackobama.com/index.php
Aww Jay-Tee.
I’m sorry you disagree with everything so far.
For me, it’s kinda hard to compare all the porky nonsense with the Iraq war, because I was in favor of what we did/have done/continue to do in Iraq. I can’t really see comparing the cost of war with the cost of figting the smells of farm animals.
Our current president is incredibly idealistic, and is drowning us in debt. I only had to read one of his blog entries before I just got dizzy from the spin. And nothing to hide? Are you kidding? Did you see Daisy’s post on the CPUSA? Do you see the similarities to his entire agenda? I guess if you’re cool with our country becoming communist, then it’s all roses. But see – I’m not. I am a proud capitalist pig.
I still lova ya – even though we’re politically opposite.
What can I say? I’m a lovable guy
Politics is a tough arena. I’m an idealistic person by nature, which I why I think I dig our new president. Where you and I differ is in where the blame lies. I think that our ENTIRE government is to blame – not just the left or right.
It’s really easy to tow the party line and point fingers; which I see from both sides (like the not-so-subtle comment that Obama made about inheriting debt). I think it’s harder to scrutinize both sides of the coin and admit that neither “side” is innocent.
As far as our idealistic president putting us into debt – I don’t know what to say. Yes, the gumment is spending some serious tax dollars; which includes enough pork to get a majority to vote yes (we’re naive if we think any budget or spending bill doesn’t contain pork). Yes, it sucks that “bailout” carries such negative connotations.
I hardly agree about the country becoming communist; that’s just alarmist tactics to freak people out.
What would you do if you were elected president right now? Democrat/Republican/Green Party/Party Animal; it doesn’t matter your affiliation. This economy sucks…hardcore. There’s no silver bullet to solve this problem.
Let’s pretend that the stimulus porky never happens at all– now what? What if the initial bailout never happened?
I wish there was an easy way for our country to recover. I’m sad that life will suck for so many people during the process.
“I probably shouldn’t visit here too often; thus far I disagree with everything I’ve read to date”…..JayTee, this is the only completely wrong-headed part of your post. What fun is a politcal website if everyone agrees about everything. You make your points in a calm and respectful way, AND you have a cool avatar, so please stick around.
I’m all about blaming everyone.
Daisy and I are the first to admit that Republicans aren’t without blame. But we’re conservatives. So, philosophically, Jay-Tee, we may just not agree on certain stuff.
BUT, I still think it’s the standard liberal answer to say, “Oh you’re just being alarmist” and “Oh yeah? Well what about how bad Bush sucked?” Please look at the CPUSA link that Daisy provided, and tell me which part is alarmist. I don’t WANT to be alarmed or freaked out, but I can’t help it. The degree to which their ideologies line up with Obama’s actions is just waaaaay too close for comfort.
You’re right about there being no silver bullet. Refer to Newt Gingrich’s 12 steps for a New America for what I think should be done. He explains it far better than I can. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mniBvStv4hg If I were elected president, I would first and foremost require that Robbie Williams performed at my inaugural ball. Then I’d make Newt my VP and have him do everything he outlines in that video.
I love that you’re an idealist – it’s probably why I like you so much – that, and your fabulous sense of humor.
But I’m a realist – I can’t help myself. I’m generally optimistic too – and wanted to believe the people who said, “Obama will be moderate.” But he hasn’t been. He’s been as far to the left as one can possibly be. And we’re drowning as a result.
lessismore – Of COURSE I’ll stick around; thanks for the comment! My comment was probably worded poorly; I’m usually better at watching what I write.
Mockarena is too awesome for me to shun her new site, anyway