First thoughts: Nowhere to go but up

Posted: Thursday, February 19, 2009 9:17 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: First Thoughts

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, and Domenico Montanaro
*** Nowhere to go but up: One thing was absolutely clear about the home-foreclosure plan President Obama unveiled yesterday: It was received MUCH better than Geithner’s rollout of Phase II of the bank rescue plan. Of course, that probably says more about the banking plan than the home foreclosure one; there was nowhere to go but up, right? Still, GOP criticism over the foreclosure package was pretty tepid. House Minority Whip Eric Cantor released six questions about the plan. And House Minority Leader John Boehner issued a statement 1) asking why the government should reward Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and 2) wondering if taxpayers will be forced to subsidize ACORN. Seriously, when the GOP starts trotting out ACORN talking points, you know they don’t have much to complain about. But, after reading between the lines, there is a common thread linking the foreclosure and banking plans: The Obama administration was very careful about what it didn’t say -- namely, that not every homeowner and bank is going to be saved. There are going to be a lot of folks allowed to go under, as well as a lot of banks that fail the stress test. The question is how the administration can prove what's happening (when it happens later this spring and summer) is not as bad as if nothing was done. Will the markets react that way as well?

Video: James Lockhart, director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, discusses details of Obama's foreclosure plan on CNBC.

*** Just askin’: So how much is the housing plan going to cost? $75 billion or $275 billion? The White House insists that the cost is $75 billion, saying the $200 billion being used to stabilize and recapitalize Fannie and Freddie shouldn't be counted because not all the money is necessarily being spent. (Speaking yesterday to First Read, a White House aide compared it to the FDIC. If you raised the money that the government insures bank loans from $100,000 to $200,000, he said, that doesn't mean the federal government is spending new money. It's just backing up that amount.) That said, Fannie/Freddie could not offer the lower interest rates to refinance without the capital safety net, and it's pretty clear this plan will never cost $75 billion. So isn't it more correct that without $275 billion in total money, this housing plan couldn't be implemented? Discuss.

*** A GOP litmus test? This is a fascinating story, per the AP: “A half-dozen Republican governors are considering turning down some money from the federal stimulus package, a move opponents say puts conservative ideology ahead of the needs of constituents struggling with foreclosures and unemployment.” Who are these GOP governors? They’re a “who’s who” of possible presidential candidates in 2012 -- Sanford (SC), Jindal (LA), Palin (AK), Perry (TX), and Barbour (MS). What say you, Mitt Romney? This could become the ultimate litmus test for Republicans. But what will happen if residents decide they need the assistance and don't want to lose out on the money? Can governors block this aid? Will state legislatures allow it? Remember, governors have to balance their budgets, so if these Republicans decide not to accept the money, will they get blamed for the future spending cuts or tax hikes that have to follow?

*** Time to unleash the “Strange Brew” references, hoser: In his first international trip as president, Obama today travels to Canada. He arrives in Ottawa beginning at 10:30 am ET, where he’ll later be greeted by Prime Minister Stephen Harper. After that, the two men will attend a working lunch (along with several other U.S. and Canadian officials). Then, at 2:45 pm, Obama and Harper will hold a joint media availability. And finally, Obama will meet with Canada’s opposition leader and American embassy personnel before returning to DC. What questions will come up at the media avail? Trade? Afghanistan? Cuba? Mexico’s drug violence? And which questions won't be touched with a 3.2-meter pole? (Two bonus points for any reader who remembers THAT previous reference.)

*** Flashback time: Speaking of 1) Austan Goolsbee and 2) Canada… Today’s Obama-Harper meeting, of course, comes almost a year after U.S.-Canadian relations jumped to the forefront of the Democratic primary fight, when a leaked memo from Canada's Chicago consulate office claimed that Obama adviser Austan Goolsbee was downplaying Obama's anti-NAFTA rhetoric. The memo reported that Goolsbee, after meeting with Canada's consulate, said Obama's tough talk about NAFTA during the campaign "should not be taken out of context and should be viewed as more about political positioning than a clear articulation of policy plans." The Clinton campaign, of course, pounced on the memo in the build-up to primaries in Ohio and Texas, both of which Clinton won (although Obama won the Texas caucuses). And as it turns out, Goolsbee was speaking the truth. It was the classic instance of a Kinsley-defined Washington gaffe -- accidental truth telling.

*** Sebelius speculation: Meanwhile, the New York Times reports that Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has emerged as Obama’s top choice to head HHS. Our sources won't yet classify Sebelius as a "leading candidate," but no one is disputing she's on the short list for this post. Some in the White House may be a tad spooked by the “she's gonna get it" reporting because they fear she may not and they will have disappointed her yet again. Sebelius had been seen at one point as a shoo-in for Labor, and then suddenly was passed over. Obviously, the president and the Kansas governor have a good personal relationship, but it could get strained if it looks like she's being yanked around. Of course, the big blow for Democrats in all of this Sebelius speculation is that it now seems pretty clear she's not interested in running for the open Senate seat in Kansas. Would she allow herself to be talked about like this if she were seriously looking at running?

*** Dead pol walking, part II: Yesterday, we mentioned that Roland Burris looked like a dead pol walking. Well, the New York Post’s Fred Dicker -- picking up on David Paterson’s new low poll numbers -- notes that the New York governor might soon be joining him. “‘It looks like it'll be Gov. Cuomo,’ sighed a longtime Paterson loyalist. Words like ‘unprecedented’ and ‘unbelievable’ were being used to describe Paterson's collapse in popularity - but many on the inside said they weren't all that surprised. Those who've known Paterson well for decades say he's always been unfocused, self-centered, often lazy - and, at times, clownish and immature.” It’s amazing what one badly handled Senate appointment can do to your political standing. Back to Burris, we're wondering what the difference is between an editorial page calling for a resignation and the New York Times recommending that he "consider resigning." Discuss.

*** Coleman’s final move? Someday, the Coleman-Franken race in Minnesota -- which has been going on for 107 days past Election -- is going to come to an end. But that isn’t going to happen for weeks. Or now maybe even months, given that the Coleman legal team seems to be laying down a marker that it will take its case to the state Supreme Court or U.S. Supreme Court. This all comes after a three-judge panel yesterday declined to reconsider its ruling last week to exclude several different categories of absentee ballots, reducing the overall pool of ballots Coleman needs to overturn Franken’s 225-vote lead. After yesterday’s decision, Coleman attorney Ben Ginsberg fired off this statement: “The net effect of the court’s February 13th ruling, and their decision today to not reconsider this ruling, is a legal quagmire that makes ascertaining a final, legitimate result to this election even more difficult.” Meanwhile, the Coleman camp is still trying to raise money, releasing this YouTube fundraising solicitation from GOP senators.

Countdown to NJ GOP primary: 103 days
Countdown to VA Dem primary: 110 days
Countdown to Election Day 2009: 257 days
Countdown to Election Day 2010: 621 days

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Comments

What’s next?

It is going to be a while before we see results of the various economic packages, and besides, they center on the age of problems of money. The President said during the campaign he would increase the number of troops in Afghanistan, so that is no surprise. Is the blossoming issue of trying Bush, Cheney and many other officials for war crimes going to be a big issue?

What ought to be next is something we can sink our teeth into. Let’s face it the long election season was fantastic. The whole country became energized. Since the President is speaking next week to the nation, maybe he can start us down a new path. I say we need a national goal, or project, or timeline, or whatever you call it, but we need that national energy back.

Nobody is more capable to lead us in this endeavor and get us out of the doldrums than Barack Obama.

CHUCK, WA (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 9:24 AM)

I applaud those GOP governors for taking a principled stand. The problem, though, is that residents of those states will still be on the hook for paying for it so it's a no-win situation.

Barney (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 9:28 AM)

Sebelius's going to DC would be a really huge blow to Senate Democrats. Not that she is sure to run if she is not tapped to the Cabinet, but she would certainly have been a VERY VERY strong candidate for Democrats. A recent poll had her leading her potential Republican opponents by double-digits: http://campaigndiaries.com/2009/02/06/poll-sebelius/

Dan, NY (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 9:29 AM)

So I’ve been thinking about the argument we’ve been having here for two years about who should address some of our financial problems – the government or the private sector.

There are some solid points to be made for both approaches, and clearly much of the prosperity we have experienced in this country has come from the private sector, which is often more nimble and less bogged down with “procedure” to respond to unforeseen changes in the marketplace.

However, here is what I have realized:

The private sector COULD have acted to address many of the problems we see today, especially the mortgage foreclosure situation. Once it became clear what the scope of the problem was, and that the banks could not be profitable with so many people not paying their loans, why didn’t the leaders of the top banks get together, structure a private sector plan, and present a united front? The same could be said for Wall Street and the auto industry.

The simple fact is the reason that the government HAD TO address this crisis is because the private sector DIDN’T. America placed its future and its trust in the private sector, and the simple fact is, that trust was repaid with deceipt and denial.

Whether you like President Obama’s approaches to our financial problems or not, you have to give him credit for LEADING the charge, HAVING a plan, and being ACCOUNTABLE for the results. Who in the private sector has stepped up to the challenge? Who else in the government is willing to take a clear stand and do what’s best for the country and not just their congressional district?

Nashville_fan (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 9:29 AM)

Essentally Obama released a mortgage bailout plan, that isn't really a plan at all. That's why the Republicans can't be critical of the plan, because it's not a plan. It's more about salesmenship then it is about any substance. Obama doesn't say who won't be saved by the plan, because most people won't be saved by it. So where is the money going? Good question.

Lee C., CA (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 9:30 AM)

Chuck Todd, what happened to you ?

You used to be a reasonable, well spoken analyst, its why i still read FR. ...

But these days you have sunk to the level of cheap reporting (gotcha questions), always looking for some cheap drama ... ive watched you during the WH briefings and it saddens me.

WhaT HAPPENED TO YOU ?

It just boggles my mind that the republicans in congress simply refuse to see the reality of what is happening in the country.

People are tired of their old arguments ... the election results proved this !

GET A CLUE !!

STEVEN , New York (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 9:31 AM)

You have to love Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius plan for her states income tax returns this year. She's running the same plan as California, sending IOUs to Kansas taxpayers for their state income tax returns.

We prefer cash Kathy.

Walt G., Topeka KS (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 9:33 AM)

Will coleman's last move be to heed his own advice to Franken the day after the election where he will finally step aside so that the healing process to begin? Nah he doesn't have that kind of class, party first country last.

I was rather amazed at how brazen and dishoinest McNasty has become when he said Sunday that he thought the stimulus bill was generational theft. McNasty has made a career out of voting for generational theft supporting all those big budget deficits so he and his wife could avoid paying their fair share of taxes. He also supported stealing from Social Security so the rich and greedy could have tax cut welfare they didn't need or deserve.

Investigate the bushwhacker's criminals!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 9:34 AM)

I can understand helping people out who lost their jobs. But, why is the federal government helping people out who had no business taking the loans that they did? Isn't this encouraging the wrong behavior? Would I have been better served by not paying my mortgage for the last few months? Eric Cantor asks a great question...what about the 90 some percent that have played by the rules. Why are WE subsidizing the people that got into bad mortgages?

Dookie (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 9:34 AM)

The stimulous package is not perfect but it will be there to help every state. With the American people hurting so, any governor that refuses this aid is committing suicide. People, country first! When will
this ever sink in to these hypocrits??

katiec (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 9:34 AM)

Obama's War....19 Feb 2009

The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan offered a grim view Wednesday of military efforts in southern Afghanistan, warning that 17,000 new troops will take on emboldened Taliban insurgents who have "stalemated" U.S. and allied forces.

Army Gen. David McKiernan also predicted that the bolstered numbers of U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan — about 55,000 in all — will remain near those levels for up to five years.

OBAMA’S WAR DEEPENS....unfortunately many will die under his leadership in Afghanistan as Commander in Chief.

The estimated level of 55,000 troops needs "to be sustained for some period of time," he said, adding that could be as long as three to five years.

Some of the 17,000 U.S. troops soon headed overseas will be training Afghanistan police while battling insurgents as the nation's August elections approach.

Yes, this is Obama’s war, he identified Afghanistan as the real target in the campaign and he is sending troops there to fight it.

Who can know for sure that we have not been lied to by Obama.....How can we know he is telling the truth……what makes this the right war....

Ed Crane, Middlebury, IN (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 9:35 AM)

NAFTA and renegotiation thereof?

Deborah Greenlawn, NY (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 9:37 AM)

It's not too surprising that some GOP governors are turning down Jobs Bill money. When you look at it closer, they tend to be Southern states that are strong GOP. To let conservative ideology get in the way of taking care of people is dumb, dumb, dumb. It is also facinating to watch House Representatives who voted against the bill to get in line for the money, or to say that they supported the bill. What a bunch of hypocrites!!
The question will be will the hypocrites also vote against the housing bill, the medical bill, other stimulus initiatives? If republicans think about it, they will keep their base (of conservatives) solid, but lose moderate republicans who are hurting economically. All President Obama has to do is continue working for the people. He received outstanding support in Phoenix.

Ron Indiana (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 9:37 AM)

“A half-dozen Republican governors are considering turning down some money from the federal stimulus package"

Yes! Yes! Yes! Let them put their money where their mouth is. And while we're at it, lets make a deal not to send anymore disaster relief money to Louisiana and Mississipi or federal money for bridges or roads to Alaska. It's time for the hypocrisy to end. These rightwingers call Democrats "socialists" while taking more money from the feds than the blue states. Enough.

Amy B Portland, ME (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 9:37 AM)

gepa (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 9:37 AM)

States turning down federal money from this pork saturated "stimulus" bill should be commended! This money is nothing but a reward to states that could not keep there fiscal house in order. The money being used to reward incompetence is being stolen from our children and grand-children. The states with financial problems will turn themselves around a lot faster without the federal money.

Good for these Republican governors. That's known as "Walking the walk.".

Chris Steeple, Cary NC (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 9:37 AM)

Beware of "Gonzo-Gate".

Z (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 9:39 AM)

While there may be some republic party governors talking about not taking some of the stimulus package's money don't even be surprised when they wimp out and then take it. This is just petty partisan political lies meant to make them look tough but they'll fold in the end like the political cowards they've always been.

It's amazing at how many lies the repugnant ones can spread about the stimulus bill. Just a bunch of spoiled brats whining that they can't dictate the rules anymore. The Dopes of Nope have nothing constructive to put forward so they create a pack of lies their braindead robots believe because they don't bother to fact check the lies.

I was watching a show on the Roman Empire, an episode about Julius Ceasar, and over 2,000 years there has been no change in the classic clash between Liberals and conservatives. Conservatives are just cheapskates who don't want the rich and greedy paying their fair share of taxes.

Tax the Rich and Give to the Poor!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 9:40 AM)

" The Obama administration was very careful about what it didn’t say -- namely, that not every homeowner and bank is going to be saved."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Not true. The Obama Administration has said REPEATEDLY that not every homeowner and bank will be saved. You all must have been in the bathroom on those parts . . . this "selective hearing" is getting out of control, no?

_______________________________

"So isn't it more correct that without $275 billion in total money, this housing plan couldn't be implemented? Discuss."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
You say to-may-to, I say to-mah-to.

A better question might be how much will it cost us to do nothing? How much has doing nothing up to this point already cost us? How many ghost neighborhoods have we created already?
__________________________________________

" And as it turns out, Goolsbee was speaking the truth."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I must say, it's a little disappointing for you to trot out this "he said, she said" incident, do a misleading bullet point synapsis, and then end with the statement above.

Austin Goolsbee disputed the way his statements were "spun" in the media, and there was quite a firestorm in Canada leading to some resignations as well, although First Read is still holding on to their original "spin" even now.

I guess there is no need to let the "facts" interfere with your "narrative", eh? Sad.

Nashville_fan (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 9:41 AM)

$75 Billion/$275 Billion?
Well, the $200 billion COULD be there if needed. But where, exactly, do they put such things anyway? Just on a spreadsheet? To extend the FDIC analogy, do we have all the cash set aside somewhere for $100,000 protection per account for every bank in the country that could go belly-up? In my meager finances, there's no cost if it isn't spent and out the door. If it's on hold, it's still there. (Or is it just the Wall Street mystical investor CONFIDENCE thing?)
So, I vote $75 billion, for now...

Deborah Greenlawn, NY (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 9:41 AM)

All of these democraps mentioned in this article are a joke! The republicans do such a better job of governing our country. I'm so laughing at Obummer for not being able to fill the HHS or commerce cabinet positions. He might as well give both spots to republicans since they would do a way better job than any democrap!

Seat Sen. Coleman NOW!

Eric Salinas, CA (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 9:42 AM)

It's going to be so good seeing Obama travel overseas, well just a short hop to Canada. It's going to be so strange to see people in other countries cheer our president and wave American flags proudly instead of burning an effigy of the bushwhacker and our flags.

Isn't it funny that after whining about several of Obama's Cabinet choices having back tax problems we now find out that Blamey Whinehouse Palin has her own back tax problems because she didn't pay taxes on her per diem like she should have. Better belive we Democrats will be remembering this tax deadbeat in 2012.

Impeach Palin!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 9:44 AM)

"Seriously, when the GOP starts trotting out ACORN talking points, you know they don’t have much to complain about."

Huzzah! Calling out lame GOP talking points? Well-played, First Read. Credit, where credit is due!

Can we please "mike-up" Michele Bachmann and Eric Cantor the way professional sports coaches/managers do? Their daily doses of idiocy will only further drive their hapless party into the wilderness.
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"This could become the ultimate litmus test for Republicans. But what will happen if residents decide they need the assistance and don't want to lose out on the money?"

Just ask Joseph Cao about this one. There is already a recall effort being put together against him, as a result of his "No" vote- after he had pledged to his constituents that he would vote for the stimulus.

By the way, did you catch Charlie Crist's approval numbers after appearing with President Obama in Florida? He's over 60% approval both generally AND with self-identifying Repubs in FL.

Take-home message for the GOP: Sitting on your (well-manicured) hands and hoping for the economy to fail isn't going to play well. You will NOT be able to spin your indifference to the suffering of so many Americans.

Suburban Mom paying attention, IL (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 9:44 AM)

The question is how the administration can prove what's happening (when it happens later this spring and summer) is not as bad as if nothing was done. Will the markets react that way as well?

----------------------

Went to the recovery.org website. Is this site a joke? What exactly is $81 billion dollars for "Protecting the Vulnerable"? Gee, I feel vulnerable, so when do I get my check? The site also makes it look like tax cuts are the biggest portion of the bill. They are not, tax cuts are less then a third of the bill. And Infrastructure and Science are lumped together at $111 billion. Less then 12% of the bill is spent on Infrastructure? That's all Obama talked about when he was pushing this bill, and it's less then 12%?

I think doing "nothing at all" would have solved the problems this country is having a lot quicker then spending a ton of money on "Protecting the Vulnerable".

Carrie, Iowa (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 9:45 AM)

What nimrod would vote for a governor (are they all running for re-election?) or worse, a President, that did NOTHING to help them in a dire time of need when there was REAL money coming from WASHINGTON???
Other than Alaska and its (formerly) pork pipeline,
you know, MS, SC, and LA aren't doing so hot in the financial area to begin with-ever. Maybe no one has a mortgage to be foreclosed??? TAKE THE MONEY AND HELP PEOPLE! (Or shut up forever about KATRINA, in the one case.)
Cluelesser and cluelesser.

Deborah Greenlawn, NY (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 9:45 AM)

And as it turns out, Goolsbee was speaking the truth. It was the classic instance of a Kinsley-defined Washington gaffe -- accidental truth telling.
---------------------------------------------------

You're getting really sloppy. Goolsbee denied that he had said anything like what was claimed by the representative of the _conservative Canadian government. The meeting was brief, informal, and initiated by the Canadians, not Goolsbee. If you're going to have "flashbacks" you should at least make them conform to the facts so they don't look so much like Republican acid trips.

Media Skeptic (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 9:46 AM)

Everyone seems to be asking what is in the Stim Pkg for me? Why should I get no consideration for paying my mortgage on time, even if I have to work two jobs to do it? These questions are understandable but don't make much sense.

If the government were giving away vouchers for corrective surgery that would save a life, but I don't need the surgery, why should I say, "me, too, me, too! What about me?" The President explained yesterday the mortgage aid is for those that need help keeping their mortgage from going underwater. He also explained who would not benefit from such aid. There will be no reward for bad behavior or bad judgements.

I would like to see each taxpayer receive at least $10K to help stimulate the economy, but that ain't gonna happen either.

J. Ellis, Virginia (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 9:46 AM)

Bill Maher had it right:
These GOP obstructionists are the great fiscally responsible ones-Ha! Worst deficits were left by two Republican Presidents: Reagan and Bush 43.
Who had a surplus leaving office? A DEMOCRAT-CLINTON.

Deborah Greenlawn, NY (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 9:48 AM)

THe most laughable gov on that list is Jindal............from Katrina stricken Louisiana. I was in New Orleans recently---not on vacation mind you, but on a mission trip to help repair homes and neighborhoods still up to their treetops in rubble. Cup full of levy anyone??

laughaday (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 9:49 AM)

Bush got his butt kicked for-

Cost for Bush War on Terror - 700 billion over 8 years

Cost for Bush relief for Katrina - 1.4 billion

Cost for Bush fight against Aids - 30 billion over 6 years

Cost for Obama stimulus bill - 827 billion in 1 month.

Obama is obviously the big winner for most tax dollars spent in the shortest amount of time as president. Show me the money.

Cindy, Macon, GA (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 9:49 AM)

WHEN WILL ERIC HOLDER BE JOINING ROLAND BURRIS IN THE OUTHOUSE?
HOLDER IS ANOTHER OBAMA "MISTAKE" --- A REINCARNATION OF ANDREW YOUNG.
HOLDER THINKS ITS HIS JOB TO PREACH TO US ABOUT HOW BAD AMERICA IS!

--- ERIC HOLDER SAYS: "BAD, BAD, BAD AMERICA" --- ! (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 9:50 AM)

It's no surprise that Eric Cantor and John Boehner began to criticize the mortgage relief bill the President introduced yesterday. The current Republican Party is really the party of NO. President Obama will not hear any praise for his proposals from Republicans not matter how good his ideas are. They just don't get it. They think that if they oppose everything they will win support from their base and get reelected in 2010. I believe this is the wrong approach and Republicans will lose seats in 2010.

Dottie, Swarthmore PA (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 9:51 AM)

Eric, Salinas, CA - It's going to be so good seeing Obama travel overseas, well just a short hop to Canada.

Overseas? What sea is Obama going over? The Gulf of Erie? The Sea of Huron? Or the big one, the Superior Ocean?

Edmund Fitzgerald (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 9:54 AM)

Speaking of ACORN, didn't Repub Congresswoman Michele Bachmann say Pres. Obama gave several Billion Dollars to ACORN in his Stimulus Package? Keith Olberman last night said this woman has a history of saying many untruths, and it is catching up to her 'Big Time'.

gepa

Okay, Keith O. is the new voice of truth. Please don't hate on Limbaugh listeners those of you who tune in to Keith and Rachel.

People belive what they want to believe, doesn't make either right.

Josh Larson, FL (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 9:56 AM)

'...A half-dozen Republican governors are considering turning down some money from the federal stimulus package...'

Pass that money this way, bro's

California can use that money

Southern, Red states have been feeding at the federal trough for too long
California gets less benefits than it pays for in taxes

Texas, South Carolina, Georgia all get more than they pay

MSierra, SF (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 9:57 AM)

Take-home message for the GOP: Sitting on your (well-manicured) hands and hoping for the economy to fail isn't going to play well. You will NOT be able to spin your indifference to the suffering of so many Americans.

Suburban Mom paying attention, IL
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

My families cars are old and broken down, we live in an old house that we can hardly afford, we can't afford vacations, and our jobs are in jeopardy every day.

To help our situation my wife went to the mall last night and racked up $20,000 worth of bills in credit card debt. We're not sure it will help, but at least she's trying to do something.

In Debt (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 10:00 AM)

Hold your appaluse for Jindal & the rest of the rethugs that would turn down funding - it's no more than being part of the "let's say NO to anything the President suggests" club - they don't care about their consituents and believe me, they'll be remembered for the selfish idiots they are. The rethugs were screaming for a housing plan and so Pres. Obama gives it to them and they're still screaming. They're nothing more than a bunch of childish morons but they're playing games when there's nothing childish about this country's financial crisis. Shame on the rethugs as they live up to their motto: Repbulicans: Pride in Ignorance

JINDONG (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 10:00 AM)

Sandy Moore, Indy (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 10:00 AM)

Could we hate the repuglicans more? I don't think so.

Repugsuck (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 10:01 AM)

The - Democrat Soldier (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 10:02 AM)

I was watching a show on the Roman Empire, an episode about Julius Ceasar, and over 2,000 years there has been no change in the classic clash between Liberals and conservatives. Conservatives are just cheapskates who don't want the rich and greedy paying their fair share of taxes.

Tax the Rich and Give to the Poor!
Eric, Salinas, CA

I just love the 35mm film they used back then. And who knew Julius was that tall? I always thought he was a smallish weasely little guy, kind of like Rahm Emanual.

Justin Ceasar (distant cousin) (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 10:03 AM)

Point of Order

States that elect to not take the stimulus bill money should not be required to contribute taxpayer dollars from their state to help the other states. They should be able to keep that money in their state for their people. Money given out should be paid for by the states who take the money, putting the tax burden on their states, not all states.

Sandy Moore, Indy

Fair enough!

I just wrote my states 100% run by the Democratics governor and legislators to tell them the same thing. Not a chance that will happen though with those greed b*stards.

Fran Neely, Chicago IL (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 10:06 AM)

Dan, NY excellent assessment - Sebelius is the only Democrat I've seen who could win a Senate seat in Kansas. People LIKE her.

And Walt G., Topeka, KS - this 'crisis' was recently averted as the budget was reconciled yesterday - see article here:

http://www.kansas.com/news/story/703417.html
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Interesting that you challenge us to remember the snafu and then fully report it? Unless I am missing something that was the scandal - that 'someone' on Obama's team spoke with Canadian's about NAFTA and to pay no attention to campaign rhetoric.

I finally figured out that this forum is for us, the reading audience. Not a news source. I was confused for awhile; but now I get it. Discuss. (and thanks, Chuck, Mark and Domenico)

Clara Kansas City, MO (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 10:06 AM)

I hope all the politicians (governors/senators/members of congress) that voted against the stimulus package will refuse the money. I saw Pawlenty say he was not for the plan but he wanted his citizens to get their share. I thought I saw Stanford say the same, but maybe he just used some weasel words

Seattle Sue (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 10:08 AM)

What nimrod would vote for a governor (are they all running for re-election?) or worse, a President, that did NOTHING to help them in a dire time of need when there was REAL money coming from WASHINGTON???
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I would, in a minute. And let's clear up some confusion: REAL money coming from Washington is OUR money.

Claire (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 10:14 AM)

Except, Josh in Florida, you can find out that ACORN is NOT getting 5 million by reading the package itself. You do know that right..that it is easily verifiable? Bachmann is a joke and I think the people in her district are going to get tired of Palin-lite making them look like fools.

newdayDawning (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 10:16 AM)

Carrie from IA wrote: "Went to the recovery.org website. Is this site a joke? What exactly is $81 billion dollars for "Protecting the Vulnerable"? Gee, I feel vulnerable, so when do I get my check? The site also makes it look like tax cuts are the biggest portion of the bill. They are not, tax cuts are less then a third of the bill. And Infrastructure and Science are lumped together at $111 billion. Less then 12% of the bill is spent on Infrastructure? That's all Obama talked about when he was pushing this bill, and it's less then 12%?"
=================================================
Carrie, Obama has said that he wants to "manage the knowledge" of the American people. That sounds like a code phrase for "pull the wool over their eyes." There are lots of things that he's purposely hiding from us. Trying to lump things together, thinking we won't figure it out.

Yes, the website is a joke. So is the whole crooked Obama administration.

God Help Us - Obama Won't! (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 10:16 AM)

"Nashville_fan (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 9:29 AM)" Nashville_fan the post referenced is one of the smartest things I've seen posted here of late. The private sector COULD HAVE behaved in a way that prevented this, but each of those companies saw it to be in their own best interest to act in a way that turned out to be against the best interests of the nation. As I see it that's the fundamental weakness of the free market and it determines where there should be regulations. Unregulated capitalism gives us the world of Dickensian England and Malaysian sweat shops. Properly regulated capitalism gives a strong economy and strong nation.

John B, Des Moines, IA (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 10:17 AM)

Chuck - you guys are losing the promoting of the Republican agenda's war - I think you'd better get off their ship and start looking out for yourself.

The Republican's battle fleet is sinking - and fast.

You are a great man; I can see it in your eyes, don't let them bring you down.

We need people like you - you are opened minded and very politically savvy -

Don't get it twisted!!! Speak the truth and save yourself.

Thank you and GOD BLESS AMERICA

The - Democrat Soldier

Promoting Censorship- Not very democratic.

The democratic/liberal philosophy used to be,"We may not agree with what a person says, but we will die for the right for them to say it"

Funny how things change over time and some who fought for freedom now promote limiting or removing it. Should be The Hypocritic Soldier.

Pete, Salinas, CA (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 10:17 AM)

To In Debt:

Yes, I know, I've heard all the arguments that we shouldn't spend money we don't have. Here's the part of your statement I found most interesting:

"To help our situation my wife went to the mall last night and racked up $20,000 worth of bills in credit card debt."

If that much credit were available, we might not have as severe of a problem. The main problem is stagnant credit flow. Things have to keep moving. Both the national, and global economies, depend on it.

No one that is paying attention is saying that this is an easy fix. It won't be. There will be severe inflation, and any positive outcomes will be slow to reveal themselves. But the consequences of doing nothing may be far more dire around the globe.

And yes, the state of the global economy does affect us all. There is no sitting back and saying- "Let it all go- what's the worst that could happen?"

Suburban Mom paying attention, IL (Sent Thursday, February 19, 2009 10:17 AM)

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