First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Steeler Fan Pittsburgh, PA — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:34:16 GMT

Re: Wall Street-it is troubling to me to see the market in chaos yet I find comfort in the fact that Wall Street isn't happy with the Obama administration. They want a quick fix that lets them continue with the behaviors that got us into this mess so the fact that they don't like what the administration wants to do tells me that President Obama and his advisors are on the right track.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Nashville_fan — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:39:20 GMT

"Here's what might be going through the minds of key members of the White House team today: Many of the folks who helped get the country into this economic mess -- including Wall Street and even a few financial pundits -- have been complaining the loudest that the administration, just seven weeks on the job, isn't up to the task." - First Read
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
It is ironic, and sad.

You know what's sadder? Comedians like Jon Stewart doing more accurate reporting than the corporate owned news outlets.

Watching Morning Joe-ke try to defend Jim Cramer this morning was television at its lowest - why can't the media ever just take responsibility for screwing up?

You pundits can't hold up under the same scrutiny you apply to everyone else.

I am still left wondering what magical remedy Wall Street and the news media are waiting for?

All of the remedies being proposed - letting the banks fail, "nationalizing" them, creating a bad bank - rely on tax payer money.

Let's quit pretending that once the Obama Adminsitration tells us how the BILLIONS of taxpayer dollars are going to be spent we are going to feel better, because we aren't.

Maybe the reason it is taking so long is because as the Treasury Department is conducting these "stress tests", they are discovering all the off book shenanigans that have been covered up for years while these "titans of finance" give themselves fat bonuses and million dollar bathrooms.

You wanna know where "the floor" is? So far, looks like it'll be in hell.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Pat, Boston, MA — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:40:16 GMT

"Isn’t it ironic? Here's what might be going through the minds of key members of the White House team today: Many of the folks who helped get the country into this economic mess -- including Wall Street and even a few financial pundits -- have been complaining the loudest that the administration, just seven weeks on the job, isn't up to the task. Their latest criticism: The Obama White House is doing too much. Rather than focusing exclusively on the economy, they argue, the administration is also working on health care (as it did last week), stem cells (yesterday), and education (today)."
_______________________
I think this is the most important story to come out about Wall Street, which was reported last night on Keith Olbermann's program. It's pretty bad, however, not surprising:

Wall Street Watch: 5 Billion Dollars In Political Contributions Bought Wall Street Freedom From Regulation, Restraint, Report Finds
March 4 - The financial sector invested more than $5 billion in political influence purchasing in Washington over the past decade, with as many as 3,000 lobbyists winning deregulation and other policy decisions that led directly to the current financial collapse, according to a 231-page report issued today by Essential Information and the Consumer Education Foundation.
The report, "Sold Out: How Wall Street and Washington Betrayed America," shows that, from 1998-2008, Wall Street investment firms, commercial banks, hedge funds, real estate companies and insurance conglomerates made $1.725 billion in political contributions and spent another $3.4 billion on lobbyists, a financial juggernaut aimed at undercutting federal regulation. Nearly 3,000 officially registered federal lobbyists worked for the industry in 2007 alone. The report documents a dozen distinct deregulatory moves that, together, led to the financial meltdown. These include prohibitions on regulating financial derivatives; the repeal of regulatory barriers between commercial banks and investment banks; a voluntary regulation scheme for big investment banks; and federal refusal to act to stop predatory subprime lending.
______________________________
Wall Street demands more from President Obama? My question to Wall Street: Shouldn't they demand more of themselves, instead of the unethical business practices they've been involved in for years and years? No one has any sympathy for Wall Street. No one.

Good. It's about time. They're used to being catered to and living the good life. And now they demand action from President Obama? Suggestion to these SOBs: They should first look in the mirror.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Lynn Wheatly — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:40:28 GMT

The market is the economy, and it's showing its approval (or lack there of) of the Obama administration. Obama needs to stop whining and get to work on fixing the economy. Throwing money at the problem hasn't shown anything positive, so maybe he should use that Harvard educated brain of his to actually think his way through the problem.

This country was sold a bill of good by Obama that he was going to get the best and brightest working on the economic problems. What a disappointment those so-called "brains" have been so far. Pushing higher taxes on capital gains and on companies just isn't the right thing to do, but Obama is so sold out to his liberals base, there's not much he can do to stop it. That combined with 95% of the country getting a tax break (gee, how are going to spend that extra $8 a week?) have put the markets into a tailspin. And Obama sits, there, and does nothing.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Diane from Illinois — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:40:37 GMT

Again, given the horrible mess President Obama was handed in January, I feel he doing a wonderful job. He is very calming whenever he's on TV and I feel like he'll get us out of this mess.....given time. He has so much on his plate, yet he handles it with dignity and grace. I shudder to think of a McCain Administration and am thankful, once again, that the American people put Barack Obama in the White House.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Clara Kansas City, MO — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:44:54 GMT

"...As smart Republican strategists have asserted,..." okay, FR, this struck me as hysterical. No one out here reading believes this is anything but a myth. If this person exists, they certainly aren't plural. {tonogue in cheek meter set to 23% - we all know there are no 'smart republican strategists', if there were, they'd have shown up long before now - HA}

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Small Business Owner — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:45:12 GMT

[[The Obama White House is doing too much]]

That's what happens when you implememnt socialism and central planning. The government thinks it can do a better job then the people that are actually doing the job. All those point-headed academics that Obama has working for him are great at drawing things up on a black board, but they've never lived in the real world of having to increase shareholder value, having to make a payroll, having to show profits in a quarterly report. Obama and his team have no clue about those concepts. They just try to implement polices based on their theories they learned in school. We're seeing the results. The markets are the people. The people are voting against Obama's polices by getting out of the market.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Rick, NC — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:46:34 GMT

The clowns on wall street and in the republican party have no credibility...I have no idea why the media thinks the likes of jim demint, lindsey graham or david vitter are worth listening to...they've been wrong since 2001 and nothing has changed...

why is it the republicans want to protect a status quo that has ruined our economy, made america the laughinstock of the free world and mired us in a war none of the chickenhawks want to serve in?

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

New GM CEO — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:46:48 GMT

I just pooled all my money from my various penny jars around the house, and I bought GM!

Thanks Barack! And I got it at a fair price.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Nashville_fan — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:47:04 GMT

Congratulations to President Obama for a very productive first 50 days!

Thanks for working so hard to keep your campaign promises and build consensus in our government.

Thank you for laying a foundation for a better future instead of just doing what is best for the next election.

Thank you for putting the needs of America's most vulnerable ahead of the needs of America's most powerful.

Thank you for being positive AND realistic, and trusting the American people to handle the truth.

WE THE PEOPLE see how hard you are working, and we appreciate it.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Obama, One and Done/Atlanta — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:47:44 GMT

The merit pay/pay for performance plan for teachers is about the only thing I agree with Obama on. Of course, the union will undoubtedly be fighting this to the wire. Nothing like spending our tax money for lazy, incompetent teachers. While we are at it, why not pay for performance for Congress?

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

BamaBoy — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:48:22 GMT

Fix the economy first. Then go with the social experiements.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Sally Randle, Holland MI — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:49:11 GMT

{ As mentioned above, at 9:45 am ET, President Obama will deliver a speech on education reform }}

Ehhhh! And at 9:55 am ET, the markets will tank again. Every time Obama speaks, it's about more government takeover and more government spending of what ever he's talking about. You're broke Obama! Just admit it!

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Scott Strahan, Knoxville, TN — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:49:30 GMT

When is MSNBC going to stop using that disgraceful excuse of a graph showing the stock marking plummeting since November? That truncated bit of dishonesty is staggering. The stock market peaked in Oct. of 2007. How is it ethical to stir up this story of "Obama's recession" and try to anger people with the drama of the new president causing this economic problem when he has presided over roughly 16% of that timeframe? It's just dispicable.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Tom Kaye — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:49:43 GMT

50 Day Mark

The good ol' Republicans . . . "just say no" is an outstanding way to help the country get back on it's feet.

All they got is finger-pointing . . . but what else is new from them and their right-wing talk radio hosts?

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

T. Maples, Modesto CA — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:53:55 GMT

the White House has realized that it needs to do a better job in talking to Wall Street, so it is dispatching key economic aides (like Larry Summers and Tim Geithner) to give speeches and interviews.

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

God help us all. Geithner is the worst speaker, ever! He is ill-prepared and dense as a piece of granite. He looks more like a ECON 201 teacher then a Treasurey Secretary. And then there is the hyprocracy of him being a tax cheat and lecturing the markets on what they should do. Summers is no better.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Suburban Mom paying attention, IL — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:56:17 GMT

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Greg Towns, Little Rock Arkansas — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:57:41 GMT

== -- but he never said he’d eliminate earmarks; that said, the president did tout that his stimulus didn’t contain a single earmark; and the White House has said Obama will outline a process moving forward on earmarks. ===

Obama would have worked well in the Clinton administration. And now that the Clinton administration is working for him, they seem to have maintained their skills of parsing down Obama's statements until what ever Obama says is what ever you thought you heard him say, and of course it's all meaningless.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

pat huntington ny — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:57:56 GMT

I find it amazing that Wall Street would criticize Obama at all about his handling of the economy, and the plunging DOW, considering it was Wall Street that put us in this economic disaster in the first place [with the help of Bush and his party]. And Wall Street appears to be acting like a spoiled little brat who breaks things and acts out if he doesn't get enough attention from those around him, when it says Obama needs to put all other things aside and only deal with economic issues or else the DOW will continue to plunge. Please! The current market plunge was pre-ordained from economic conditions that pre-date Obama's presidency, and will continue until it self-corrects.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

jesse St.Paul Minnesota — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:59:33 GMT

Now who are the ones whinning about the president trying to do all he can to correct the train wreck called George W Bush.8 years of highballing and out of control spending,of using our country like a personal credit card while he made China his Bank of choice.The ones I hear are the ones who had all the aces,for six years,and now there house of cards has crashed in,and they have to blame it on someone else.Now we all can tell from your posting here that no one at FR majored in economics,and we the people see how bad the economy has gotten,so who in there right mind would want to have Geithner or Summers job?I think it's been so long since MSM saw a president multi-tasking,they forget how it's done.And the boys over at CNBC have been a little loud,they act like they can't believe how bad things have gotten,just goes to show that even the people that call them selfs pros can't explain what has happen.Vitter,heres a guy that was whore crazy for years,he's lucky his wife didn;t take a bite out of crime.I say let AIG crash and burn,give the money to real people, that would better use the funds,AIG acts like collage kids on a four year bender,PARTYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

J. Ellis, Virginia — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:00:05 GMT

What in the heck can the Obstructionist Party give anybody advice about? They have no ideas, they can only gripe and complain about a President who is working hard everyday to make this country better. But then they complain about him doing too much. President Obama told us that his administration knew how to multi-task and with the mess that was left to him, he has to be able to juggle all the things on his plate.

The only thing the GOP can do is to talk down the President, Nancy Pelosi, and Harry Reid. They despise this President and his agenda and pray every day that he will fail, and that the economy will keep tanking. They forget that their fingerprints are all over the mess that the nation is in. They supported, praised and defended every wrong policy that George Bush and his band of pirates rammed down our throats and never flinched once.

The country is sick of the whining, complainig GOP (Grumpy Old Pitifuls) and will not be fooled any longer by their Voo Doo Politics.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Suburban Mom paying attention, IL — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:00:13 GMT

But if McCain, who hails from a border state and who championed comprehensive immigration reform, couldn’t do that, then which Republican can? Romney? Palin? Pawlenty? Jindal?
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Short answer: Any candidate that shuns the hateful, exclusionary rhetoric that reared its ugly head at McCain-Palin rallies. Good luck with that.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Juan,Ft Lauderdale,FL — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:00:47 GMT

Why is politics the final arbiter of what happens in this country. The crooks in Wallstreet along with the Banks have the audacity to complain. It like the fox insisting on once again guarding the hen house. No regulation, market capitalism is god, the masses will continue to lose their jobs, houses, etc., while the movers/skakers in Washington continues to be cowards by focusing on partisan politics, their earmarks and status quo. Now the cry/anger is directed at POTUS because he's trying to accomplish too much at once. NEWS FLASH! He campaigned on CHANGE and that what we're getting. Lets hlthcare be put in the back burner again because god forbid we do not have millions of Americans going bankrupt. It all seems interconnected. I am so sick of this partisanship where nothing gets done and this congress is either eating it's own and/or obstructionist. GOD HELP US. Are we Rome yet?

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Ben, Atlanta, GA — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:02:21 GMT

*2920 Day Mark*

Don't you wish you would like to have known how the RNC would have commemorated Bush's 2920 Day Departure? With glorious overtures to democracy in Iraq, safety in the US, and... and... and...
well, if you can't say anything nice about deficits, war, the economy, health care, as my Mama always said...

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Clara Kansas City, MO — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:02:35 GMT

AIG sucks,...I would argue if Congressional pensions weren't so closely tied, we wouldn't even be entertaining additional funding. Funny how that works. But not in a rolling on the floor laughter. More like a gas pain funny.
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Jim Cramer sucks and so does Morning Joke. Scarborough is such a conflated egomaniacle twit I don't see why anyone would go on his show. Cramer 'tried to take the high road' - his own admission, since Jon Stewart IS after all a Comedian. But Joe just spouts off like a vapid volcano. I think we need stimulus money to keep him from erupting,...at any rate - Joe, just to put things in perspective - Nothing that Stewart has said about the fallacy of Squack Box or Mad Money even remotely compares to the new verb in our language called "Dixie Chick'd". So get a grip. Oh, and if you will recall - Santelli cancelled an appearance with Stewart; because he was a coward, and that's where all of this 'fun jesting' began. Mr. Brzezinski was exactly right, Joe is stunningly uninformed. I would say at least 80% of the time. And he tries to 'compensate' by talking over and down to people. The only 'strong' woman he can even tolerate is Katrina Vanden Heuvel and that's cuz' he's convinced himself he has a 'shot' at her. MSNBC does not do woman any favors with the poser Mika, Contessa, etc.

Much as I try to legitimize Erin Burnett, she came off as a complete poser on Bill Maher Friday Night. When the subject gets complicated or heated these women flap there arms over the back of their chairs and suck their cheeks in, it is EMBARASSING to watch. Say what you will about Candy Crowley; but she knows her sh!t.

PS. I have seen Rachel take on Joe on other shows and he gets his panties so knotted he actually gets up and leaves the set. What an immature horse's ass. I hope Stewart turns his spotlight on him next. MSNBC seems lame when they don't call Joe out on his crap on either Rachel or Keith's shows and then keep them in opposite corners of the studio at all times. It's just so FAKE. I would argue that The Daily Show is to fake news what MSNBC has become to real journalism. There may be nuggets of truth in there, somewhere - but it is all for 'show'.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Clara Kansas City, MO — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:04:44 GMT

Nashville_fan (Sent Tuesday, March 10, 2009 9:39 AM)

EXCELLENT ASSESSMENT! Standing and clapping! My thoughts (better articulated) exactly!

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:05:17 GMT

I for one am so tired of all the whining and complaining that’s going on these days! The President has been in office a whopping 42 days and all of a sudden all of our problems should be fixed immediately?? WTF!!! Bush and Company took 8 WHOLE years to drive our economy off a cliff… BUT President Obama is supposed to fix everything right now??? Sheese! What planet do these people live on??

The problem is the MSM and Rethuglicans don’t know how to handle a President that can walk and chew gum at the same time! Folks!!! It’s called multi tasking and he’s doing a damn fine job! So sit back and instead of bitching and moaning do something positive to help out someone that can use some help!

I absolutely LOVED the making a difference segment on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams last night! It was sooo refreshing to see some good news for a change!!

Keep up the good work Brian! And I have to give a big shout out to David Schuster on 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and his nightly hypocrisy watch! About time someone tells gets the truth out there!!

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

MORTGAGES TO THE "CREDIT-LACKING" CAUSED THIS MESS — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:06:11 GMT

OBAMA'S DISDAIN FOR THE AMERICAN WAY OF LIFE WILL DESTROY OUR COUNTRY.

OBAMA HATES CAPITALISM === HE CLEARLY PREFERS A FORM OF SOCIALISM.

OBAMA WILL DESTROY OUR ECONOMY BECAUSE BUSINESS INVESTORS REALIZE THAT HE HATES THEM AND WILL TAKE AS MUCH OF THEIR WEALTH FROM THEM AS HE CAN.

THE 'PEOPLE' ELECTED OBAMA ---- NOW WE ALL WILL SUFFER HIS LEFTWING RADICALISM.

THAT'S DEMOCRACY === WE AE FREE TO DESTROY OURSELVES. !

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

matt — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:07:42 GMT

And the markets and conservatives and the media would be trashing Obama for being "lazy" and "out of touch" if he were taking a laid back approach to policy. This is madness...

http://www.political-buzz.com/

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:12:24 GMT

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

LT Hobkins, Detroit — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:13:26 GMT

Sending Geithner and Summers out there to do PR work isn't going to solve any problems. The problem isn't communication of the Obama plan, it's the Obama plan itself that is at fault. And Obama can't keep blaming others like he continues to do on a daily basis. This is his economy now, and he can't keep pointing fingers at others for it's problem. His lame excuses just aren't adding up anymore.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

J Billingsley, Washington, SC — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:15:25 GMT

I work in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Are we supposed to sit idly by until the guys over in the Banking/Finance side have everything all down pat? Don't you think more than one department can work effectively at the same time? In fact, if some of the versions of the National Health Care Plan could actually be implemented it would save the country billions of dollars a year. The problem is a National Health Care Plan that actually works will NEVER be implemented for the same reasons that Pat of Boston discussed above. The insurance companies spend millions of dollars each year to the campaigns of congressmen/women and senatorial campaigns to make certain that an innovative Health Care Plan will never see the light of day. Medicare currently runs with a 2% administrative cost, the average insurance company appx 38%. Either they are very inefficient or that money is going somewhere. Affordable health care for all is something that can be achieved in our lifetime- but not as long as insurance companies are allowed to pedal their influence to Congress.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

J. Ellis, Virginia — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:15:35 GMT

This country was sold a bill of good by Obama that he was going to get the best and brightest working on the economic problems. Lynn Wheatly (Sent Tuesday, March 10, 2009 9:40 AM)

Lynn Wheatly, you must have your head betwix the cheeks to not see that the President has made the economy the #1 issue. While the Stim Pkg is not a cure all for this economy, at least you know what is being done with the money. The President has vowed that he will make everyone accountable for the spending. Can you say the same thing about the 350 billion dollars that Bush and Paulson suckered us out of in January?

Didn't think so.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Tzalaran — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:16:41 GMT

Fix the economy first. Then go with the social experiements.

BamaBoy (Sent Tuesday, March 10, 2009 9:48 AM)
****************************************************
The president can only set an agenda for the economy, he can't wave his fingers and fix it. only investors can do that.

while all the fat cats sit on their hands and day traders are the ones working Wall Street, there will be no magic DOW reversal. investors are the only ones who can turn the economy around, and while the media continues to blast the president and his policies, no investors are going to throw their wealth into what is now an out of control fire.

if the media would start focusing on business sectors that are performing better than average, we might see some confidence appear in the markets and see a reversal of the past year and a half, but i think that might be unthinkable in todays media market. no one is interested in success stories in their news, they want fear and slander because those stories make ratings...

Olberman and Maddow excepted from that comment, the pieces on the regulation industry on Keith's show and the interview with the ex-journalist in Afghanistan were both excellent, thought provoking, and helped to highlight the real problems we face.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:16:47 GMT

MORTGAGES TO THE "CREDIT-LACKING" CAUSED THIS MESS (Sent Tuesday, March 10, 2009 10:06 AM)

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Pat, Boston, MA — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:17:06 GMT

Joe Scarborough and Mike Barnicle and others are upset that President Obama is spending money on healthcare instead of giving more money to the banks.
Tough.

Eugene Robinson. At least there was one sane, likeable thoughtful person on tv this morning. One.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

MSierra, SF — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:21:28 GMT

David Vitter, Christian Seantor and 'Family Values' proponent

From Wikipedia:

'...D.C. Madam

In early July 2007, Vitter's phone number was included in a published list of phone records of Pamela Martin and Associates, a company owned and run by Deborah Jeane Palfrey, also known as the "D.C. Madam", convicted by the U.S. government for running a prostitution service. Hustler magazine identified the phone number and contacted Vitter's office to ask about his connection to Palfrey.[135][136] The following day, Vitter issued a written statement:

This was a very serious sin in my past for which I am, of course, completely responsible. Several years ago, I asked for and received forgiveness from God and my wife in confession and marriage counseling. Out of respect for my family, I will keep my discussion of the matter there - with God and them. But I certainly offer my deep and sincere apologies to all I have disappointed and let down in any way.[137]

The statement containing Vitter's apology said his telephone number was included in phone records dating from his days as a member of the House of Representatives.[7] Phone records show that Vitter's number was called by Palfrey's service five times, the first on October 12, 1999, and the last on February 27, 2001.[138] Two calls were placed while House roll call votes were in progress.[139]

On July 16, 2007, after a week of self imposed seclusion, Vitter emerged and called a news conference. Standing next to his wife, Vitter asked the public for forgiveness. Following Vitter's remarks, Wendy Vitter, his wife, spoke. Both refused to answer any questions...'

'...that Clinton should resign as well and move beyond this mess", referring to the Monica Lewinsky scandal of President Bill Clinton.[144] In 2000, his wife, Wendy Vitter, commenting on the same scandal, said, "I'm a lot more like Lorena Bobbitt than Hillary. If he [Vitter] does something like that, I'm walking away with one thing, and it's not alimony, trust me," referring to the incident of Lorena Bobbitt severing the penis of her husband and to Clinton's wife, Hillary Clinton.....'

Just call him 'Stumpy'
Stumpy Vitter !!

'...anal Street Madam

On July 10, 2007, Jeanette Maier, the "Canal Street Madam", alleged that Vitter was a customer on more than one occasion in the 1990s, when Maier was identified by federal prosecutors as operating a $300 per hour brothel.[161] The Times-Picayune reported that "Maier offered no evidence or documents to support her claim."[162] Maier said that Vitter "was not a freak. He was not into anything unusual or kinky or weird," and that he favored one prostitute in particular, Wendy Cortez,[163][164][165][166] the name of the prostitute with whom Vitter had been accused, during his 2004 campaign, of having had a lengthy affair. Vitter denied that allegation during the campaign.[167] On July 12, Cortez told the Times-Picayune that Vitter was "a regular customer" during his time in the state legislature, but that they "did not have a romantic relationship." [168] On September 12, 2007, The Times-Picayune reported that the woman, whose real name was Wendy Ellis, had passed a lie detector exam.[169]....'

David Vitter, 100% American, FOR YOU !!!

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Suburban Mom paying attention, IL — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:21:45 GMT

To the poster who blames all of this on "MORTGAGES TO THE "CREDIT-LACKING", saying:

"OBAMA HATES CAPITALISM === HE CLEARLY PREFERS A FORM OF SOCIALISM."
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My question to you is simply this: What about the Wall Street gamblers that bundled up those assets and bet on them exponentially? Sounds like we need to keep an eye on them. Oversight DOES NOT equal socialism!

Our capitalist society could work fine if these degenerates weren't being allowed to game the system. They're like the spoiled brat kid that smashes up the sports car Mommy and Daddy bought them; then screams because they aren't being given a new car NOW!

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Claire — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:23:15 GMT

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

tobrian — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:23:46 GMT

The sad part is people who or parties who have something negative to say everyday about Preasisent Obama's agendas look like they have a problem with a Afro American doing what he think's is not only right but long overdue,see changing the politics of business as usual as a sin. The religous aspect on how or what it is invovled in being a member of faith blinded threw devil minded ideas look listen and veiw his policies most of them do approach the folk's who could and always should have been helped out during the ast occupants of the office see a new definiton of insanity comes from these peolple we hear day in and out complaining about his agenda or what he should due, with out even thinknig about while he was campaigning on his plans and away from the Senate could have actually been stating those cases while our economy was falling apart no-no they just sat by and kept collecting those checks and perks mean mostly every Republican politician is rich or wealthy enough to not ever need help yet I makes me wonder if they are in accord with a treason theory for it seem like the are trying to get some good american's to turn against him stop crying and pass all of his budget palns this year so we can at least see if the plans coing from the White House are goingt to work and when next years budget come forth express your opinions see you really lost most of the right to think that he has to listen to any of you but he given his open hand to your closed fist,those tactic's are schoolish and imature grown men crying on T.V. and knowing in their hearts that he's doing a great job at least addressing these problem's which are not really a political problem but a National problem so keep it up if believe holding up process helps your ego yet if any person's like siding with the messages the are taunting then race will always be a factor in your lives and the Christian faith some claim to follow is of no good to stand on for one main character in President Obama is charity always starts at home and our home is America sure concern is good but progess seems better not to jump on Bush, he did good with the America dream program on Housing it just got out of Control but did give folk's a sense of pride and owner ship/no complaints their just that some other thing's were not that popular and wre careless anyway we must move forward and fix most of the problems here first so good Job President Obama your character is a good buildere for some of the people who say they follow your leadership and those who don't to get on board, maybe we can get rid of some of this hatred flowing about you and your team have this counrty at least looking to go in the right direction.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Brian Crooks, Naperville, IL — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:23:47 GMT

The "he's doing too much" canard is so transparent. The obstructionist conservatives know it will take a long time for the economy to get on track, so they want President Obama to drop everything else until that happens. That way, they can portray him as a "do nothing" politician that made a lot of promises and then didn't follow through on anything in his first 2 years in office. Rather than come up with good ideas they want President Obama to just sit and wait and wait and wait so they can say he's asleep at the wheel.

Keep on doing stuff, President Obama. There's a lot to get done and sitting and waiting won't get anything accomplished.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

pat huntington ny — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:24:06 GMT

So, let me get this straight? All Wall Street needs is some kind self reassuring words that everything is gonna be ok, as well as some hand holding, and perhaps a thumb to suck on, and the Dow will rebound with vigor? If these are the kind of people who've been running America's economic engine, no wonder the weels came off the stock market! What a bunch of wusses!

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Nashville_fan — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:24:08 GMT

Nashville_fan (Sent Tuesday, March 10, 2009 9:39 AM)

EXCELLENT ASSESSMENT! Standing and clapping! My thoughts (better articulated) exactly!

- Clara Kansas City, MO
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Thanks Clara, but I disagree . . . your post here:

Clara Kansas City, MO (Sent Tuesday, March 10, 2009 10:02 AM)

was articulated QUITE WELL I think . . . and you hit it out of the park!

As Anderson Cooper loves to say, thanks for "keeping them honest"! :)

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Alan, NJ — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:26:39 GMT

Some well thought out ideas this morning. Seems that it's all back to name calling.

Watched Bernanke this morning and for the first time heard some reasonable thoughts and ideas for solving the financial mess.

My thought this morning was about the cap-and-trade tax. Are Americans really being prepared to use less energy? For this tax to work, if it is really aimed at climate change and not just a tax, what is the average reduction in energy consumption expected? I would guess that it would need to be around 30% - 50% to actually have an effect on the environment.

More likely is that it is just be another tax.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Nashville_fan — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:27:10 GMT

*waves to J. Merle Stanely, Westchester, NY*

Welcome back . . . you were missed . . . you always kept things so, shall we say, lively! :)

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Mo. — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:27:33 GMT

To small Business owner: That's whats a matter with this financial mess were in, Company's had to show a profit, not actually make a prifit.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Mike Groshong, McMinnville, Or — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:28:59 GMT

After 50 days I begin to feel irritated with both the Republicans and Democrats in congress and for the same reason - they hinder what President Obama is working to accomplish due to their own agendas.

We had eight years of George W Bush running roughshod over this country while destroying our foreign policy and economic system in the process. Now when it requires herculean efforts to begin the healing process, all I hear and read is that he is wrong.

His is the only comprehensive plan for recovery in town - the opposition has provided nothing but the same tired shibboleths, repackaged, that got us into this fix in the first place.

It is going to take time for the plan to work and the intervening time will be painful. A look at what happened in Great Depression will give examples.

FDR's bold spending polices began the process and providing hope to the nation. WWII spending pushed the economy into gear. We recovered from the debt then and will do it again and hopefully without another world war. Domestic spending is a lot more productive than bombs.

Give the President's plan time to work.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Tzalaran — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:31:12 GMT

The G.O.P. is out there trying to convince everyone they weren't really in charge for the last decade, and that all this bad economic "stuff" just started happening since Obama took over.
You gotta' be KIDDING me!

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY (Sent Tuesday, March 10, 2009 10:12 AM)
***********************************************
unfortunately, they are serious. they started to believe their own spin. can you say "self inflicted brainwashing"?

the dems are not innocent in this by any stretch of the imagination. they were all too content to sit back and let GWB take the country in this direction from 2002-2006. perhaps if some of them had stood up against everything that he was doing then we wouldn't be here today, but they played politics with our future instead of standing up for the beliefs they are clinging to now.

The 2 party political system in this country is one of the greatest threats to her continued excellence. The false dichotomy of dem vs. repub ignores the middle ground where 60% of american's political views lie. we don't care about party as much as we care about solutions and making a better life for our children. the politicians who have been serving for the past 3 decades have allowed our future to be sold for campaign contributions and political favors. it is past time that all politicians were held accountable for their actions and are voted out of office for their self serving policies and lack of interest in making a better country for their constituents.

when you are choosing between the lesser of two evils, you can't be surprised by their bad actions... corruption knows no political party, it is happy to use both.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Pie In The Sky — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:33:27 GMT

Alan, Nj: My thought this morning was about the cap-and-trade tax. Are Americans really being prepared to use less energy.

We're trying to expand our manufacturing base, but use less overall energy. Unless the miracle of Green Energy appears in the next 5-10 years, that goal is not acheivable. So any ideas that include using less energy, at least for the next few decades are just that, ideas.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Moon Dawg — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:34:13 GMT

The ONE thing that Obama lacks is common sense.
The vision for America's future is blurred without it. He continues to stumble around in the dark.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

James Wendell, SC — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:34:54 GMT

Obama isn't doing too much. He's doing the wrong things. And he has too huge of an ego to change direction.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

jawillie, Philadelphia, PA. — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:36:07 GMT

I'd like to know exactly what more do we expect Obama to do that he hasn't already done. You accuse him of doing too much, but if he WERE to concentrate soley on the economy, you'd be complaining about all of the other stuff he's tackling (two wars, health care, education, etc.) not getting enough attention. And if he were to simply go on vacation for most of the beginning of his term (a la G.W.BU--SH--) you'd claim he's lazy. Maybe some of you righties who believe he's the anti-christ think he's just going to wave his pitchfork and all would be better, provided we sold our souls to him. However, those of us who live in this place called REALITY (86% according to polls)understand that this mess didn't just start on January 20th. GET A GRIP!

http://jawillie.blog.com

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Dallas Franks, Indiana — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:36:13 GMT

WE THE PEOPLE see how hard you are working, and we appreciate it.
Nashville_fan

We? Maybe YOU.

You get free pompons with the cheerleading outfit you're wearing?

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Just Sayin' — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:38:23 GMT

What did Bush Accomplish in his first 6 weeks in office......oh, that's right, he took a 6 week long vacation. Enuf said.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Terry, Kansas City — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:40:37 GMT

I can appreciate the Republicans, Wall Street and some in MSM having philosophical differences with President Obama's agenda. That is fair and why we have a two party system.

I'm still waiting though for a thoughtful, intelligent alternative to any of the President's plans. What is your alternative to fix the economy (and you can't say tax breaks)? Energy? Health Care? Education?

Complain if you like that the President is taking on too much. That may well be the case. But we don't know that now. History will make a judgement on that. In the meantime I would really like to see the various mouthpieces for the party of no either work with the President, present viable alternatives, or shut up. Pick one!

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Tzalaran — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:41:08 GMT

Medicare currently runs with a 2% administrative cost, the average insurance company appx 38%. Either they are very inefficient or that money is going somewhere. Affordable health care for all is something that can be achieved in our lifetime- but not as long as insurance companies are allowed to pedal their influence to Congress.

J Billingsley, Washington, SC (Sent Tuesday, March 10, 2009 10:15 AM)
***********************************************
my wife works for Allstate, and i dislike the insinuation that all insurance companies are inefficient or in some other way unethical. 38% on administrative costs isn't a horrible percentage when you think about their number of employees, cost for their buildings and records saving procedures.

i agree that a solution to the Health care problem in this country can be met, but let's not paint all insurance companies with a broad brush because AIG and others have been shown to be unethical and not looking after the best interests of the american people. lets not forget about big pharma, the oil lobby, and who ever came up with the idea of selling derivatives on second mortages as securities. these all have played a huge factor in the stock market tanking, which is setting off a chain reaction of panic in the economy. to blame it all on insurance companies, or to claim that the insurance lobby is the major obstacle to health care reform does not ring true to me.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Former Investor — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:41:19 GMT

>> The president can only set an agenda for
>> the economy, he can't wave his fingers
>> and fix it. only investors can do that.

And investors are pretty smart people. And they see an investment environment that just does not work for them, both now, and in the future. They see an over-reaching government trying to micro-manage the market, and from past experience, we know that does not work. The investors are voting on American's economy with their feet, taking their money out of the market, and waiting for the government to let up on their regulations and taxes before they even think about re-entering the market.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

CJake — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:42:36 GMT

That's my problem with all the Obama should be doing more meme from Wall Street and Banks. You drive the car into a ditch and complain that the tow truck can't get it out fast enough. And all of these investors and speculators on TV and the street are screaming at Obama because they can't go back to their old practices. In my opinion.."the old" way has to die, and the new reality has to sink in. The DOW will continue to drop until Wall St. understands that the current economic system has failed and the rules have changed. All of the old players need to be purged from the system and new firm rules established. I suspect you'll see mainstreet, small business, and unemployment recover much faster than Wall Street by the end of next year.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Lynn Wheatly — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:43:49 GMT

J. Ellis:

Lynn Wheatly, you must have your head betwix the cheeks to not see that the President has made the economy the #1 issue.

===========

When did I say it was, or wasn't?

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

MSierra, SF — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:44:01 GMT

Nashville_fan: '...You know what's sadder? Comedians like Jon Stewart doing more accurate reporting than the corporate owned news outlets...'

John Stewart was GOLDEN last night !!
He nailed Worthless Cramer to the Wall
It is a pity that the media doesn't DO ANYTHING about clowns like that on the truth!!
Stewart's reply was great: FU !!

Pat, Boston, MA: '... think this is the most important story to come out about Wall Street, which was reported last night on Keith Olbermann's program. It's pretty bad, however, not surprising:

Wall Street Watch: 5 Billion Dollars In Political Contributions Bought Wall Street Freedom From Regulation, Restraint...'

What's IMPORTANT is that it wasn't JUST Phil Gramm and Newt Gingrich and George Bush that were architects of this melt down

...... It was Democrats, too !!
Bill Clinton and Lying Al Gore are just as culpable as the Republicans

And Democrats like Evan Bayh will STILL try to carry water for Wall Street and the special interests
The DLC is in eclipse, but its' ideas and supporters live on.
They're called 'Centrists'

Newt Gingrich: '...We're the party of less regulation, less red tape and less big government...'

It's not just Republicans

THANK YOU, KEITH !!
THANK YOU, JOHN !!

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Private Worker — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:46:04 GMT

I work for HHS - J Billingsley, Washington, SC

Congratulations on your job security! To my knowledge, you (the federal government) are the only ones hiring these days.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

GP NW Indiana — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:46:06 GMT

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Ed, FW, TX — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:47:33 GMT

To all the doomsayers, currently the DJA is up almost 250pts on some positive banking news. Must be that damn DEM President's fault this time, lol.

I grow tried of the tirads both here and in the Media. Wall Street greed and influence buying as reported by Olberman are really at the bottom of this mess.

Try a little reality check on what has happened to the middle class since 1973 Courtesy of Bob Herbert

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/10/opinion/10herbert.html?ref=opinion

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

katiec — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:49:26 GMT

Is anyone else getting sick and tired of the republicans and their irresponsible antics?
And, the media, especially CNN (will not include Fox
as they are not media, just marketers for the GOP)
constantly throwing out negatives about our President and the Democratic party? Not addressing lies and distortions by the republicans?
We are encountering a stacked deck, but the American people will prevail as we have more intelligence than they give us credit for.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Palomino — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:50:02 GMT

I got an e-mail this morning showing all Obama followers jumping into a bottomless hole, lost forever.

Of course I didn't believe it. They may be lost ... but MAYBE not forever. Certainly some Obama followers are capable of changing their minds about Obie. Just watch your back if you ever hang out with these "changelings."

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Tell it to Al — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:51:58 GMT

previous post: "My thought this morning was about the cap-and-trade tax. Are Americans really being prepared to use less energy?"

How can we use less energy when we've had record cold and snow and heating bills/usage is through the roof? We need to stay warm. Global warming is a hoax.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

God Help Us - Obama Won't — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:54:59 GMT

What's ironic is so many sheep believing that an inexperienced extreme radical leftist can actually run this country when it's painfully clear that he is doing everything he can to flush it down the toilet. He's in over his head and Pelosi is pulling his strings.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

nick bartow, lester, pa — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:55:02 GMT

i have just bought 3 stocks. have been on the sidelines for 9 months. will buy more around 3:00 pm.
is it over? i don't know. the stocks i bought were cheap and i bought small lots. i want this country to succeed and i know our president is very capable of leading us to that end.
nickb

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:57:12 GMT

The G.O.P. is out there trying to convince everyone they weren't really in charge for the last decade, and that all this bad economic "stuff" just started happening since Obama took over.
You gotta' be KIDDING me
---------------------------------------------------
No one is saying that. But I think it's important to remember that we haven't been in a recession for 10 years. We've been in an economic downturn for about a year. No one expects Obama to solve everything all at once, but his focus on everything else can wait. Contrary to what Gibbs says about the burning house, what the President should be doing is first identifying the source of the fire, putting it out, and then take care of the water and smoke damage later. Education and health care, while important, can wait.
Claire (Sent Tuesday, March 10, 2009 10:23 AM)
******************************************************
Actually Claire, that's EXACTLY what CANTservative posters like "LT Hobkins" are doing.....

".....Sending Geithner and Summers out there to do PR work isn't going to solve any problems. The problem isn't communication of the Obama plan, it's the Obama plan itself that is at fault. And Obama can't keep blaming others like he continues to do on a daily basis. This is his economy now, and he can't keep pointing fingers at others for it's problem. His lame excuses just aren't adding up anymore......"
LT Hobkins, Detroit (Sent Tuesday, March 10, 2009 10:13 AM)

...and OTHER GOP spokespeople are doing the same thing.
Now, bear in mind I am NOT an Obama supporter.
But, there's something seriously wrong with you, if you cannot see that he has indeed made the economy his first and foremost priority.
However, that doesn't mean all else should be ignored. A Presidential administration always has a full plate in front of it, and this one is no different.
Why don't republiCANTS & CANTservsatives, who by the way CREATED the current economic environment, stand behind and work with the President to solve this crisis and do the job we elected him to do; instead of playing politics with our livelyhood and our lives by obstructing everything he puts on the table?!
I know I'm sick of watching it, and I'll bet the rest of the country is too.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

sophie, columbus ne — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:57:30 GMT

I thought it funny that screamin' Joe is almost in a panic this morning , over health care. typical repub.
And trying to convince his guests,and they wouldn't budge! That is why all these deadbeat republicans are on their way out. Of course ,as usual,he had to get on his soap box, when we would much rather hear from his guests. Honestly , don't you people read any of these comments?!

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

stan chicago — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:59:29 GMT

there is an easy to pass bill's like this in order for a earmark to be on a bill the sen. or rep. MUST vote for the bill.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Mo — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:01:34 GMT

LT Hobkins: Sounds like a true Brushie

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Jim, Santa Cruz — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:01:37 GMT

Wall St needs to be repaved. The system is broken. Financial whiz kids and crooks have ruined American business. MBA programs that trained so many of these geniuses are a joke. Business should be relatively simple - a company has a product, employees build it, the market buys it. Once Wall St gets involved the stock price becomes the number one issue. This leads to offshoring labor, reduced R&D and more MBAs.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

KJ, Dallas, TX — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:12:01 GMT

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Disgusted, Iowa — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:12:35 GMT

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Tuesday, March 10, 2009 9:40 AM)
I agree I listened to Keith Olbermann last night and his news was shocking but truthful. A lot more truth than what I have heard lately from all the pundits crying in there bear because of wall street. If Wall Street is unhappy then the President must be doing his job.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Small Business Owner — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:13:56 GMT

To small Business owner: That's whats a matter with this financial mess were in, Company's had to show a profit, not actually make a prifit.
Mo. (Sent Tuesday, March 10, 2009 10:27 AM)

So what do you propose? And for that matter, what is the difference between showing a profit, and making a profit. Profit is profit.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

JustThinkin — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:14:48 GMT

I don't know why anyone thinks it's possible to solve our problems one at a time (me first, me first!) when everything is so inter-connected. Wall Street tanked - and we all now know why. People have lost their life savings/investment. No less important, people cannot afford health insurance in this country. Look at the bankruptcies due to medical bills. Also important, people are losing their homes because of subprime lending strategies AND others because of job loss. Equally important is all the jobs losts. Just last summer people were screaming about the cost of gas and how they couldn't afford to drive to work - and now they have no job, but gas is cheaper. However OPEC is going to get those prices back up - and we're still dependent on foreign oil. So our economy is continuing to drop and we could still end up with higher gas prices... and on and on.

I believe that President Obama IS taking the right approach. To truly succeed we can't focus on one problem. That's a luxury we just don't have. We have to address all of the problems together. And it would help if instead of complaining that they aren't getting enough attention, if Wall Street would start trying to deal with some of its issues on its own. These are bright people; they know what a disaster they created. So they should be able to start coming up with some solutions - even if they aren't the easy answers and it cuts into their pocketbooks. And they need to figure out how to get the DOW stabilized. Instead the brats are throwing a temper tandrum about lack of attention. Try doing your job and quit expecting the president and the American taxpayer to bail you out!

And Republicans, if you truly want to put America first, then try coming up with solutions rather than thinking about the next election. The party of no has lost all its luster. We will all remember that you sat back and did nothing but complain while we all suffered. Quit catering to Rush and work for the people who pay your paycheck!

And btw - Nashville Fan and Clara from KC, I really appreciate your intelligent, articulate posts here.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Mishka Mehrens Anaconda MT — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:25:33 GMT

Small business owner!!!!!! Do you believe McCain and Palin could have helped you more. When McCain was the
"Economy is stable king" Palin doesn't even know what is or is not deductable on her taxes Yea right get real.McCain married money and has never had to live on a budget or make payroll You have got to be stupid to think McCain would save you.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Lisa, Naples, FL — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:25:33 GMT

President Obama HAS to do mutliple things at once. Number one, that is what smart intelligent people do who are real leaders. AND, most importantly number two, when everything for the last 8 years was neglected (Dubya) the new President has alot to do to play catch up!

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Paul — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:28:03 GMT

Claire

You are anything but clear in your thinking. The economic downturn has been laying in wait for us for seven years or more. When you deliberately create a false profit economic BUBBLE and expand it with deregulation and virtually eliminate meaningful oversight of it you are creating a catastrophe to drop on someone else's head. This same mentality then opposes CLAWBACK and CRAMDOWN legislation because they are hoping to be able to GET AWAY WITH THEIR CRIMES. Investigate, prosecute, convict, penalize, RECOVER in every sense of the word.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Wudtke,Elmwood Park, IL — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:32:45 GMT

I have just had it. I am so sick to death of the media spotlights being put on people who complain about the Obama administration agenda, what they are doing, and what they "should" be doing. There is nothing - repeat - nothing this administration could possibly do that wouldn't engender criticism by some people and the media would jump on those people and it would go on and on in print and on television ad nauseum. It is beyond ridiculous. Now they are complaining that Obama is doing too much. But mark my words, if he did anything less, they would be whining that he isn't doing enough. There is no way for him to win - becuase of the media. Back in 1987/88, during that recession, there was a big life insurance company domiciled in California called Executive Life Insurance Co. They were one on the originators of flexible premium universal life insurance which enjoyed a "bubble" of success from about 1981 through 1988. Then the recession caused the interest rates on a lot of those policies to go down to the guarantees, which were a lot less than the projections prospective policyholders got when they bought those plans. And guess what? BECAUSE OF THE VIOLENT NEGATIVE SCARY PRESS that Executive Life received primarily in the Wall Street Journal (cable news hadn't been invented yet), policyholders made a "run on the bank", cash in their policies and Executive Life went down. The Wall Street Journal is responsible for bringing that company down. They are responsible because they did not just do the reporting of the news, they editorialized up the wazoo, negative, negative and more negative. This managed to scare the policyholders. And the very same thing is happening now with the media chewing on the negativity, and the political gambits to try to discredit Obama and his administration to win more seats on 2010/12 - and the media is scaring people, investors included. If you media would just report the news and STOP the feeding frenzy, the recession would not be nearly as bad as it is. So it is on your heads, media. I am through with you entirely and am spending my time watching Law & Order reruns which are WAY more rewarding that your "national enquirer" media feeding frenzy. Print this. I DARE you!

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Elizabeth — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:40:12 GMT

Small Business Owner: The people are voting against Obama's polices by getting out of the market.
-------------------
I beg to differ. The people are voting against Wall Street greed, mismanagement and illegality by getting out of the market. Do you really think Bernie Madoff has had no influence in convincing people to put their money elsewhere? I think Obama has more chance than anyone who could possibly have won the Presidency to get us out of this mess in some decent shape (think about watching McCain even try to understand it) ..... but do I know for sure that even he can do it? Of course not! Even Obama doesn't work miracles and there are no guarantees in life. It would take a belief in both (miracles and guarantees) to convince me to put my money in something like GM or AIG or some multi-national bank right now.

If I did have money, I'd invest it however ... but not in companies that register on the Dow Jones or Standard & Poor. I don't trust a one of them anymore after having a glimpse of how they've been willing to operate. I'd buy into smaller companies, ones that produce *real* and needed goods and services and appear to be well run and responsible. (In fact, I'm curious what is happening in that un-tracked sector of the market...)

Obama hasn't run people away from the stock market and he isn't keeping them away. In fact, his influence is responsible for what small trickle of investment there is. It's the behavior and (lack of) ethics of the companies themselves that have accomplished that goal! It's utterly ridiculous to expect him to reverse in 50 days something that decades of unchecked greed and lawlessness has achieved. And I'm with Steeler Fan, the fact that the usual fat-cats are squealing so loudly give me hope: maybe what Obama is working toward is not just a return to *less* greed and lawlessness but perhaps to a system that is radically different and rewards transparency and fair dealing. What a concept.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

Saber Afzal, Kingston, Canada — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:40:22 GMT

Morning Joe belongs to the Fox network along with Oreilly and Hanity.

First thoughts: Isn't it ironic?

donna Quinta Manassas, Virgiinia — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:44:22 GMT

When in the heck are YOU,Mr. Todd and the other 'experts' going to call out the Republicans on their opposition to Obama signing the budget bill? these VERY same folks on TV going on and on about the 'cost' of this bill are among those with the most expensive earmarks...Please, get honest and call them on this!...instead of harping on 'what a bad job Obama is doing'...and it's about time that MSNBC and morning Joe fessed up to their immense part in the 'lack of confidence' in the American People.? This hogwash each morning should be called' The sky is falling, the sky is falling" and now, you Mr. Todd, someone who I thought was not the usual Morning Nonsense talking head...seem to have pretty much sold out your own objectivity..guess that's what happens when one gets a big promotion huh?..
start calling them honestly and NOT what the morons on Morning Joe want..IMO, a big blame of the lack of confidence is the result of the nonsense of gloom and doom each day from such ill informed, bombastic, and negative crew on Morning Joe...not a REAL jounalist among them...
Get your intergity back Mr. Todd. Maybe make an appearance on the Hypocrisy Segement of MSNBC-TV 6:00PM show?