First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Ron Indiana — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:29:23 GMT

Transparency:

For years spotting inconsistencies and asking questions have served me well. In the campaign Barack Obama favored transparency in government. When the stimulus package was passed, he put on-line where the money was going and how it was to be spent.

However, lately transparency has not been the watchword that describes what is going on in the CIA. Now I understand that what the CIA does is secret and should remain secret for our national defense. Quite frankly, there are a lot of secrets that I prefer not to know.

What is important is that we are a nation of laws and if our government is violating our laws, then, “We the People…” our elected officials in this case have a need to know. It is Congresses’ job to monitor what goes on in the dark places of the CIA.

For 8 years it was V-P Cheney who was the White House link to the CIA, and by his own admission he approved waterboarding and unlawful wiretaping. Now we find out that CIA Director Panetta learned of some secret activity and ordered that activity to cease immediately.

President Obama may want to keep this activity, whatever it is, a secret. Why? I suspect that whatever Cheney’s CIA was doing was unlawful. If exposed it would likely cause more chaos and bitterness than we are currently observing. (Which is already too much.)

Obama is a pragmatist and my guess is that it is more important to him that we have healthcare and improve the economy than expose whatever Cheney’s CIA was doing. A tough call, but for now, the right call. Someday…someday we need to look over our shoulder and prosecute those who broke our laws. Looking at you Cheney, Rove, Gonzales, and a host of others.

It Has to Be a Woman’s Thing:

My wife likes Lawrence O’Donnell also. Feisty, you could have competition. This week he did a great job on Hardball! No curveballs (Gotcha questions) No fast balls (Two questions without giving the guest time to answer the first question.) He struck out Pat Buchanan, and he ended the inning with no errors. Enough baseball jargon: I’m a Hoosier basketball guy.

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:29:28 GMT

Some potpourri this Fine Friday morning to over power some of the stench wafting around here from the right these days…

I’m seeing a trend amongst posters here indicating that the worst of the Great Depression 2008 MAY soon be behind us! Cindy, Las Vegas & others have stated that they are seeing job creation in their states from the beginning of the Stimulus $$$.

I too have noticed little things that don’t seem like much but at least are trending upward instead of down. For instance I stop in the morning at a certain un-named fast food restaurant and 6 months ago you drove right up to the window… however over the last
4-6 weeks there is now a steady line of cars every SINGLE day.

Or driving through my neighborhood on trash day – for months & months the only thing that was at the curb was well… trash! Now I’m seeing signs of remolding materials – new appliance boxes etc…

We ate out at a rather upscale restaurant a week ago Tuesday and the place was jam packed! I could understand maybe on a Fri or Sat night… but Tuesday??

And the fact that my company had it’s first positive sales numbers since October 2008 has given me encouragement!

So the Right will continue to turn their sour grapes into more GEENOPEE whine – but if
everyone takes a deep breath and gives this turnaround some TIME – I think we’re going to be just FINE!

Let’s try to end the week on a POSITIVE note for a CHANGE!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From yesterday:

I will continue to be one little voice on one little message board crying out for thinking Americans to not take ANYTHING they hear in the media at face value.

Nashville_fan (Sent Thursday, July 09, 2009 9:39 AM)
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Make THAT two little voices! I’m right there with you Nash! Scary that the MSM carries the power that they do & can single handedly lead the masses against what’s in their own best interests! Where were these so called journalists for the last 8 years! Never in my life have I seen ANY President have to undergo the kind of scrutiny our current one does!

Oh and BTW… what’s up with Savannah Guthrie – Andrea Mitchell and the rest of them continually referring to the President as ‘Mr. Obama’. It’s DISRESPECTFUL and a DISGRACE! They sure don’t make journalists like they use to! I mean look… if Sarah Failin got a degree I guess my cat would be able to get one as well… my cat has better communication skills and a better work ethic! LOL

Let’s take Fox for example – yeah yeah we are reminded daily that they have the MOST viewers… BUT they also have the lowest educated ones – so what does that tell you?
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Speaking of the MSM – thanks for another week of Righties Gone Wild here @FR Mark & Domenico! I think I speak for a majority of us around here when I say THANKS for popping in here when necessary to set the record straight! Much appreciated!
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Give Gotcha Gregory the old heave ho…
And give Lawrence O’ his own show…

I’m rethinking the whole replace Dumbsh*t David idea on MTP… leave him there I don’t care because I’m enjoying this week with George S!

But for the LOVE of god would you give Lawrence a show of his own??? Instead of rerunning Keith & Hardball why not give him his own slot! I’m talking to you Mr. Zucker – if you read any of the posts here at FR (not to mention he’s also quite popular with the Huffington Post crowd) people are all asking the SAME question! Why doesn’t he have his own show??

Come to think of it… is it just me, but I don’t recall viewers begging for MSMBC to give Dylan Ratigan or Dr. Nancy their own shows? But hey… guess that’s why you make the BIG bucks!

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Amos Whitney, Chicago — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:30:52 GMT

So, how do you expect the Pope to react when he meets The Messiah?

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Pat, Boston, MA — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:31:10 GMT

Hush Hush Sweet Cindy

You know, nothing for nothing, but perhaps it would have been better for all if Ensign and Sanford were in fact just caught nude hiking in the mountains. Just sayin’. They have taken their cheatin' hearts to a whole new level.

It’s Friday, Which Means Takin’ It Easy -

Best headlines last night on MSNBC:

Rachel, on a segment dealing with Senator Ensign, referred to him as Johnny Cash. Keith, on a segment dealing with the GOP, titled the segment: Ignorance Is Bliss. And Truthless People.

Creativity and humor like this doesn’t come around that often in the media. Lol. Also, check out the comments on DailyKos when you have a minute. Laugh out loud funny when they don’t like someone or something. Absolutely hilarious.
_________

"Eisenhower admitted that the budget can't be balanced and McCarthy said the communists are taking over. You don't know what to worry about these days – whether the country will be overthrown or overdrawn." Bob Hope.

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:32:02 GMT

General Motors Out Of Bankruptcy In Record Breaking Time
Good Morning everyone— Hope everyone had a great day on yesterday. Couldn’t wait to put this out here. General Motors emerges out of bankruptcy and they cleared it in record time. Althnough the government owns 61% it does ensure us that our military contracts aren’t posing a risk to our “National Security”. They will be leaner and greener.

Senator John Ensign—Mommie and daddy made a payoff to the mistress of 96,000 dollars in hush money for little Johnnie. This is really getting disgusting to say the least. He should be asked to resign. Those republican lawmakers just can’t seem to keep their pants on. There is more to come from this little jem. These are the “family value” guys…right? He slides around with his friends wife. These people had known each other for a decade, can’t trust friends around your wife..can you?

TARP Money-- TARP is set to conclude at the end of the year unless Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner extends it through fall 2010. This is great news and Treasury Secretary Geithner shouldn’t extend it. The GAO is sitting on $328 billion that hasn’t been spent or legally committed. According to GAO, the government has disbursed approximately $339 billion and promised $102 billion more. That leaves some $259 in the fund plus the $70 billion banks have repaid. This is a little info for the republicans, read it and weep, a sweet victory.

HCR—Democrats are looking at taxing the rich to pay for HCR. I think that they should tax the hell out of the insurance companies that have sucked the consumers dry to pay for it. Get our money back out of their investments. The stock market is already reacting to the realization that HCR will pass. Investors are moving out of insurance companies and retail and are moving to banks. This is an excellent indicator as to what is actually happening on the hill. They are bracing themselves for HCR…

Burris Won’t Run for Re-election—this isn’t news to me. He was supposed to be a spoiler for the Democrats anyway, compliments of Blagojevich. In an attempt to piss off the Democrats (because he knew he was toast anyway) he appointed Burris to President Obama’s
Seat. He wanted an appointment himself, when he knew he wouldn’t get one, he appointed Burris. Burris should not have accepted it; he was unethical for doing so. However, this move will only increase the Democrats chances of holding on to that seat.

The Stimulus—I am getting so sick and tired of the Republicans that are constantly complaining about the stimulus package. They see a ‘tiny” crack in the amour of a few disgruntled nit wits that know nothing about the actual “real” crisis this country is facing and the near collapse of everything that we know of as America and they descend on it like a pack of vultures. They’ve already started the attack ads and it’s time for the Democrats to attack back. They’re disgusting.

These people have no shame. Rather than offering a plan to assist and repair what they’ve destroyed, they insist on trying to ruin America. They are being uncovered week by week, yet they still haven’t got it yet.

They are using in 1990 style politics in the 21st century. They are absolutely disgusting. The politics they are playing are dangerous. They’ve taken a poll conducted in Ohio and are running with it.

Hell Ohio has been in the proverbial toilet for the last eight years and I am sure they are disgusted and tired by now. They should thank John Boehner for it. He’s was so far up Bush’s ass that he didn’t need tissue; all he had to do was reach back and grab Boehner. Stop misleading the public and playing on their fears, the stimulus will work and America will recover…different, but be will recover, no more false wealth.

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Illinois Republicans Voters — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:32:15 GMT

The Democrats are falling like dead flies in Illinois. No Democrat wants to run for anything. Out with old (and corrupt) and in with the new.

Can we Change the state of Illinois?

Yes We Can!!

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Steeler Fan Pittsburgh, PA — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:32:33 GMT

"A doubtful public could turn to the Republicans and their ideas"---well, maybe but what are the Republican ideas? Tax cuts for the wealthy and endless spending on unnecessary war that, worst of all, costs our young men and women their futures. We tried it and it didn't work. So until the Republicans come up with genuinely NEW ideas, they should keep quiet and stop undermining the President.

P.S. It continually boggles my mind that the less affluent think it is OK for dividends and capital gains to be taxed at a lower rate than wages. Most people earn their living from wages but the tax code gives better rates to interest, dividends and capital gains. Makes no sense to me.

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Eric, Salinas, CA — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:33:08 GMT

The GOP has ESP!
Ensign Sanford Palin?
Erratic Sinful Politicans!

Another great week here at First Read, the best place on the web for political discourse. Many thanks to Chuck, Mark, Domenico and Ali for posting so many great articles and reader comments. Many thanks to the great Obama supporters for posting such intelligent and witty comments!

Momma's Boy Ensign had to go to his parents to beg for an advance on his inheritance. He had to ask them for hush money to cover his wicked adultering ways from the public. Him and his secretive crooked christian group need to be investigated for sure after a new book has revelaed their wicked ways. Plus Dipstick Deacon Tom Coburn needs to come clean with what advice he gave his adultering pal. It's obvious that they conspired to cover up Adulterer Ensign's sin by bribing the Hampton family. It's so much fun to see this wound reopened as more truth comes to light!

In First Read We Trust!

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

P Smith. Virginia — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:35:35 GMT

AIG is in new news with new bonunes being paid out? That's nice. But what about the 700 Social Security managers going to a swank resort in Phoenix for a few days to a resort to talk about how they can save money for SS? Total cost, a $1 million dollars.

And what about the White House spending $18 million to revamp the recovery.org website, you know, to maybe have a fact or two on it.

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Andrea, New York City — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:36:20 GMT

Republicans see this as an important time, because a more doubtful public could turn to them and their ideas. "Here is the opportunity for Republicans: The public is listening for a debate," says Republican pollster David Winston.
******************???????????????????????????

What ideas????

I do not mind different points of view. But to mislead and lie to make a point does not work with me and many who think like I do!

Saying no to EVERYTHING is not even using common sense. Those are not alternate and constructive ideas.

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

cindy, las vegas, nv — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:36:37 GMT

TGIF everybody!! Been an interesting week to say the least.

Here in Vegas, I'm hoping Ensign will step down. He's dropping rapidly in the polls here. After hearing how his parents bailed his a** out, people are pretty much done according to the news. You reap what you sow!

Roland Burris - hasn't really done a damn thing since he got into senate. My feeling is the only thing he accomplished was he will receive a retirement check for the rest of his life. Big accomplishment dude!

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Malcom Sears, Evanston Illinois — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:37:25 GMT

First Read: By the way, how has it gotten lost in the public debate that about 40% of the stimulus consisted of tax cuts?

Really? For who? I haven't seen a dime. Maybe it's gotten washed out from all the state and local taxes going up? And from all the fees and fines going up?

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

cindy, las vegas, nv — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:37:51 GMT

Hey guys, why nothing on GM? Just read they are coming out of bankruptcy.

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Jamie Golden, Texas — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:38:35 GMT

Biden get through the day yesterday without slipping up? Barack gives him a gold star whenever that happens. Joe doesn't have very many gold starts.

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Dave, Tn — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:39:34 GMT

"He also said people in Kenya can’t find a job without paying a bribe;"

Sounds like any democrat controlled over unionized corrupt city or state in this country. Wonder if their media works 24/7 to shift the blame to someone other than those in charge too. Good morning New York. What have you done to screw America today? bahahahah

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Pedophiles Inc. — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:40:04 GMT

Anyone see Barack checking out the 16 year olds hinny yesterday? It's in all the papers.

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

no joe, no bo, nj — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:42:08 GMT

An answer to your hypothetical question: what if the good fairy leaves gumdrops on our pillows every morning? What if the sun rises in the west?

What if the Chicago Cubs win a world series?

The economy WOULD have turned around by early 2010 if Obama had enacted the kind of economic stimulus that has been proven to work in the past. And, no, I don't mean tax cuts-the tax structure is low enough right now. What he SHOULD have done was what Bill Clinton did when the tech bubble burst-nothing.

Businesses would have restructured to become more efficient, as they always do in the down part of the business cycle. At this point, unemployment would have leveled off, and hiring would have begun in the fall of this year. This was the CBO's original prediction, joined by most economists. Unfortunately, he chose to follow the discredited Keynesian formula, which means that the recession will drag on, although there may be some weak growth for a short time, unemployment will continue to rise before stabalizing at an unacceptably high level, and inflation will roar back-sometime during 2010 is when it should appear, but he will pressure Bernanke to keep interest rates artificially low until 2011.

Obama is not a student of economics, and, like most idealogues, listens to only the side of the argument with which he agrees. He, therefore, has no clue that what he has set in motion is an economic model for stagflation.

I somehow think that when people voted for 'change', that was not what they had in mind.

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Just askin' — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:42:15 GMT

If the Obama administration wasn't concerned about dropping poll numbers in Ohio, as Axelrod insisted they weren't, why was Biden campaigning in Ohio yesterday?

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Andrea, New York City — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:43:48 GMT

By the way, how has it gotten lost in the public debate that about 40% of the stimulus consisted of tax cuts?

**********************************

THANKS FOR REMINDING US!!

Again the Rethugs are only interested in spinning the negative and not dealing with what is going good. DO NOT FORGET ALSO THAT ONLY 11% of the STIM has been released very carefully.

Can you imagine what would have happened if Prez Obama had not taken steps the way he did?

The rethugs are only interested in one thing: GETTING BACK IN OFFICE.

They do not care about us Americans!

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Bad Chihuahua — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:43:54 GMT

(from late yesterday)

Mark in Seattle

Thank you for the post concerning Franken & Sotomayor.

Man, you are one hateful dude.

Looks like YOU let ME get under your skin.
Something I said?

As always, you make a big deal about nothing. Your assumptions are overwhelming. Then you start that mindless chitter chatter. Like pots and pans rattling in your half brain.

Things are what they are. It is what it is.
Deal with it.

BC

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Gail, TN — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:43:59 GMT

Of course, President Obama's poll numbers will bounce back as the economy improves. People love a winner, and by and large, want our President to succeed. We'll all breathe a collective sigh of relief and be grateful that we went through the pain and uncertainty of now, to have a better functioning economy in the future.

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Llloyd Keynesian — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:44:45 GMT

How many stories are Obama and Biden going to tell on the economy? First it's creating 4 million jobs. Then it's creating or "saving" 4 million jobs. Then it's creating 600,000 over the summer. Then it's that Obama and Biden misread how bad the economy is, even through they called it the sorst since the Great Depression. Then it's talk of a second stimulus. Then it's going to take longer to implement.

Failure upon failure, lie upon lie. What it is is an administration and a congress that packed a so called stimulus bill with so much pork that it's had no effect on the economy, well, at least not positive. And now someone is going to have to pay for all that money Obama got from China.

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Nashville_fan — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:45:46 GMT

Thank you FIRST READ!

Thank you for printing ACTUAL QUOTES from the President instead of repeating political spin as fact!

Thank you for pointing out that 40% of the stimulus bill was the very TAX CUTS that Republicans claim can cure EVERY PROBLEM!

Thank you for admitting that the President's Notre Dame speech was overly politicized (like so many issues are)!

Thank you for bringing us your insights, your RESEARCH, and your unique take on the political landscape in this country!

It is appreciated!

In closing I will say, another thing that the President said soon after he took office was that he would rather bring relief to the American people during his first term, than get very little done trying to keep his powder dry for a second term.

I would have to agree . . . WE THE PEOPLE have waited for too long to be the primary focus of OUR GOVERNMENT . . . do what is right Mr. President and let the chips fall where they may.

Now THAT is the real CHANGE that we need . . . politics should not be a career to be pursued mainly for personal benefit . . . if its not about serving the public . . . then you need to get a "real" job in my humble opinion.

P.S. Off to Kentucky for the weekend - hope all the posters here - dogs included (lol) - have a great weekend!

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Pat, OH — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:45:51 GMT

Who is the political fool that has asked for a Michael Jackson Holiday?

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Juan,Ft lauderdale,Ft — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:45:56 GMT

The party of NO, ostructionists, two-face hyprocrits, partisan hacks and their enablers on this blog, and you know who you are, have been from day 1 along w/ Druggy Limgaugh wanting Obama to fail so GOD FORBID they can return to power and take up what Rethuglicans left for Obama to clean up. The GOP so-called leader like BONEHEAD need a reality infusion. Nah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!SAYING THEY ARE COUNTRY FIRST IS A MORON JUST ADD OXY. That should get Limbaugh's attention.

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Bishop Rutherford — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:46:31 GMT

People think that the Pope will give Obama advice. It's the other around. Barry's going to tell the Pope how he can do his job better. Barry's plan starts by the church borrowing and spending a trillion dollars the it doesn't have.

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:47:11 GMT

*** A hypothetical question: As we've chronicled this week, the White House has certainly taken its lumps over the economy and the stimulus.
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I am not overly concerned about what the Republicans think at this stage. It is too early to call the stimulus dead because it hasn't had time to get through the economy. These people are doing wishful thinking right now, because that's all they have left.

They have no real soloutions because they caused it. They are never good with the economy, history has provedn that. They are only good at screwing thinhgs up for Democrats to fix. Independents may as well forget about the false wealth they've experienced the last eight years and come down to reality.

*** AIG is back in the news:

I don't see a problem for President Obama. These guys wont to hand out bounses and they are seeking clerence from the White House to do so. I want to know if they deserve the bounses. Have they earned the bounses? How much are the bounses? It's a damn shame that they have to be treated like children and still get paid to make sound decisions.

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Houston — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:47:34 GMT

What’s up with Ed Schulz? He always has Republicans on his show, which is fine, but he lets them tell lie after lie without challenge. Last night, Ron Christie told two big whoppers: (1) Obama “promised” to keep the unemployment rate under 8% and (2) the health care reform would cost over a trillion dollars in 10 years, ignoring the latest CBO estimate that it would come in under 700 billion. No dispute at all of these lies from Schultz or his other progressive guests.

And the night before, a clip of Sarah Palin lying about how she had to resign to save the state of Alaska from the “millions” of dollars that “frivolous” ethics complaints against her were costing when the truth is that the costs were estimated to be about $250,000. Christie was there to repeat the lie.

Progressives debating Republicans are like Charlie Brown and Lucy with the football. The progressives seem to always expect the Repubs will behave like ethical, rational people, and the progressives are always surprised when they don’t. The Repub debating strategy seems to be to shout out so many lies so loudly, nastily, and quickly that their opponents are left stunned and paralyzed. That strategy seems to work.

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Pat, Boston, MA — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:47:49 GMT

no joe, c'mon - the Chicago Cubs win the World Series? Now that's something we can all root for. Someday. lol

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

J. Ellis, Virginia — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:49:13 GMT

Much has been said and written about the President being overseas while the economy seems to be sinking like the Titanic. I have asked before and will ask again, what can he do abroad that he can't do here at home? This is the most techno-savvy leader in the free world and because he is out of town, doesn't mean he is not working on the problems at home. He can walk, chew gum, and check his blackberry at the same time, folk.

The President has consistently stated that the recovery will be slow, long and painful, but people keep expecting it to be fixed in 15 minutes. Don't forget that GWB & Paulson proposed the first 350 billion dollar stim pkg and nobody is asking why that's not working. Nobody is even asking where it went!

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Independent Moderate — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:50:03 GMT

The stimulus has failed. It's nothing but another loan the taxpayers will have to pay for. All the money went to the states to pay of their debts to the underfunded pensions and to pay their Medicare bills. Zero jobs created.

Thanks Barack. We'll be sure not to trust you again.

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Bad Chihuahua — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:50:25 GMT

Hey Obie

When this health care thing gets passed, can I get free Panacur C? I sure could use some.

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Dennis, Columbus, Ohio — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:51:04 GMT

The republicans are making progress with all their talk about too much spending and how the stimulus isn’t working.

This will backfire on them if:
1-They don’t begin to have a solid message on how they would do it differently with better results.
2-Things start getting better by the summer of 2010.

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

JD Rockefeller — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:52:32 GMT

By the way, how has it gotten lost in the public debate that about 40% of the stimulus consisted of tax cuts?

**********************************

THANKS FOR REMINDING US!!

Andrea NYC

===================

So where do you spend your extra $8 a week? Have you moved up from McDonalds to Burger King? Flame-broiled is certainly worth the extra dollar or two, isn't it? And the kids meal prizes are a lot better at BK then Mickey'Ds.

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

FT Cruise, California — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:56:44 GMT

*** Obama On health care: Also at the press conference, Obama said the United States is closer to health-care reform than at any time in recent history

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

Health Care is a dead horse. Obama keeps poking the carcass with stick, hard enough so it will move a little, and then he stands back and proclaims "See, it moved, it's going to be fine."

Time to bury the dead Barack. Time to bury the dead.

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

BJ, CA — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:56:48 GMT

Sad facts are ...

A..$$holes
I..n
G..overnment

Bonus since when?

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:56:56 GMT

*** Just askin’: By the way, how has it gotten lost in the public debate that about 40% of the stimulus consisted of tax cuts?
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Hey First Read, thanks for the reminder. Perhaps the Democratic Strategist on these talk shows can stress this. It was "what the repus wanted and it's 40% percent. That's 40% that wont go to creating jobs, all they know are taxcuts, just imagine where this country would be if they were in control right now.

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Eric, Salinas, CA — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:56:58 GMT

The Greatest Fabricator Boehner has come up with the greatest fabrication as he lies that President Obama "promised" that unemployment wouldn't go over 8% and that the stimulus bill would turn negative job growth positive immediately. Barack never promised either, he said he hoped they could keep unemployment down but they hadn't seen the disasterous 4th quarter results to see how badly the bushwhacker had screwed up our economy nor the record job losses the bushwhacker caused. He also never said that negative job growth would end as soon as the stimulus bill was passed. As always yet more greatest fabrications from the Greatest Fabricator Boehner. I imagine soon he'll be seen giving us another sob story pouring out his false crocodile tears.

If Bozo Inhofe wants to see the only clown in the US Senate all he has to do is look in the mirror.

Good question First Read about what happens if next summer the economy is turning around and job growth goes positive. If you look at the stimulus it is an 18 month plan that is supposed to work over 2 years which means we'll be seeing the best effects from it next summer, just in time for the mid term elections. I'm sure that the Obama team is well aware of the question - "what have you done for me lately?". When the economy does turn around next summer the voters will remember that it's the Obama Recovery from the Bushwhacked Economy that got the economy growing again and that the dopes of nope had nothing to do with it. Thankfully the repugnant ones have forgotten to think about this most important question as they've done nothing to help get the economy turned around and the voters will know how to thank them for their lack help.

The Obama Recovery is Coming!

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Bad Chihuahua — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:57:25 GMT

Hey Obie .... did that sexy butt look pretty good to you?

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Dennis, Columbus, Ohio — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:57:54 GMT

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Miquel Lopez — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:58:33 GMT

Banks are now refusing to take the state of California's IOUs anymore after today. With all the welfare payments ending, will the 10 million illegals there now head back to Mexico? Or will they just move to New York?

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Bill, Fairfax, VA — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:59:11 GMT

FR: "Just askin’: By the way, how has it gotten lost in the public debate that about 40% of the stimulus consisted of tax cuts?"

Maybe because that statistic is misleading. Actually only 37% ($288B) was allocated for 'tax relief' but that's just a quibble. The real issue is when you look at the details of the so-called 'tax relief':

$14B expanded college tax credit
$4.7B excluding unemployment comp from taxes
$4.3B home energy tax credit
$15B expand child tax credit
$13B for corporations for renewable energy production
$11B repealing a law that doesn't take effect until 2012 witholding payment to government contractors
$70B raising the floor for AMT, something Congress has been doing every year anyway

That adds up to $132B and that stuff can be most accurately characterized as implementing social policy and not providing stimulus to create jobs.

So when you get down to it, only about 20% of the stimulus package was actually targetd at productive tax relief policies that encouraged job creation.

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Jack Clancy, Florida — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:59:57 GMT

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Leon D. — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:01:57 GMT

no joe, c'mon - the Chicago Cubs win the World Series? Now that's something we can all root for. Someday. lol
Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Friday, July 10, 2009 9:47 AM)

What to bet on this year? The Cubs in the World Series, or health care passing?

Two bad choices, but I'll have to go with the Cubs.

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Bad Chihuahua — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:02:44 GMT

Concerning our butt-watching prez:

"There's no suckcess like failure ...
And failure is no suckcess at all."

- Dylan

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Freddie Hines, Oakland Ca — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:03:17 GMT

Houston - What’s up with Ed Schulz?

Pudgy middle aged white guy without a clue. What more do you need to know?

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:03:27 GMT

I tuned into the late rerun of the ED show and Ron Christie was on there. I declare that one just gets under my skin. Glad he had his glasses on though. He kept taunting the 8% unemployment number. No one actually predicted that unemployment would reach only 8%. No one could actually predict it. We are in the worst crisis since the great depression.

During the Great Depression there wasn’t a mortgage crisis. I am sick to death of them using 8% unemployment as a talking point. When Reagan was president unemployment was at 15%.

Nashville, you are right! Unemployment was already at 8% when the STIMULUS WAS SIGNED.

Watched Morning Joe—some of it before I switched to CNN. Mike Barnicle was doing what he does best, assigination of the ‘President”. This guy is rotten. I watched him host Hardball for the Chimpanzee episode and he did the same thing. The guy is a flaming racist.

He serves no real purpose at MSNBC until it’s time to kill. CNN had coverage of the Presiden’t speech in Italy while Mike Barnicle was assiginating the President's office. What does he really do anyway, other than sit around waiting to assist in rhetoric.

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Seattle Sue — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:04:35 GMT

John Ensign and Tom Coburn both approve of bribes being paid out. Do they approve of receiving bribes?

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

GT Tullman — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:05:15 GMT

So when you get down to it, only about 20% of the stimulus package was actually targetd at productive tax relief policies that encouraged job creation.
Bill, Fairfax, VA

Bill, Bill, Bill. You should know better then to bring up facts. Facts don't matter in Liberal-Land, only feelings do.

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Eric, Salinas, CA — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:07:44 GMT

President Obama is going to cram good health care reform with a public option down the throats of the dopes of nope as they impotently whine baby whine. As always the dopes of nope support the ripoff private industry while the Democrats support the people. It's going to be fun watching Nancy and Harry gather the Democrats to defeat the repugnant ones who are financed by big medical.

I get a laugh out of the fools who post here that the repugnant ones create wealth. So repugnant ones where's all that wealth that was created during the past 8 years? Poof it went up in smoke because it was always phony phantom wealth. Thanks to deregulation and tax cut welfare for the rich and greedy all that phony wealth was created by borrowing from future generations and by falsely blowing up home values. My house was worth $500,000 three years ago and now it's worth less than $200,000 so I ask where's the wealth you liars keep talking about? Boom and Bust economics isn't the way real wealth gets created, it's how phony wealth gets created and phony wealth always goes bust sooner or later.

After several months of positive signs yes this summer we're seeing a bit of a downturn in our recovery. We aren't out of the woods yet folks and it will take time and work to bring our bushwhacked economy back out of the ditch the repugnant ones steered our economy into. Ofcourse the repugnant ones are trying to lie that the recent downturn means the stimulus hasn't worked because they're deathly afraid to wait until the program is done because they know it will work and then the dopes of nope are toast and they know it. That's why they're trying to once again declare premature victory trying to fool people into thinking they're right when the Mission Accomplished crowd has always been wrong.

Wait Until the Stimulus is Finished before Judging It!
The GOP has ESP!
Ensign Sanford Palin?
Erratic Sinful Politicans!

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Cjake — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:08:01 GMT

Republicans don't care if Obama cut taxes or helped get a few state projects off the ground. They want to create imaginary straw men and complain about 'spending'...when they have offered no viable solutions themselves. The orange man from Ohio is perfect example...whinning about his state not receiving enough stimulus money while badmouthing the stimulus itself at the same time. And about Obama's message the only thing I would tweak IS that he needs to talk down expectations still. They hit all the right talking points during the winter..10% unemployment, get worse before it gets better, etc... but then they stopped. When Obama gets back he needs to repeat those words.

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Be Humane - End It Now — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:08:02 GMT

If the Obama administration wasn't concerned about dropping poll numbers in Ohio, as Axelrod insisted they weren't, why was Biden campaigning in Ohio yesterday?
Just askin'

6 months into this fiasco, this Obama nonsense is starting to crumble.

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Chris - IL — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:09:41 GMT

The republicans put all their eggs in one basket this year by totally rejecting the stimulus plan. Odds are, the economy WILL recover before next year's elections. And don't think the Democrats won't make hay out of that!

Of course economists can be wrong (very few predicted this recession to be as severe as it is), but all indications are that things are slowly improving.

The fact that Burris isn't running isn't a big surprise and is a very good thing. Our last "do nothing" Senator, Carol Moseley Braun lost her re-election bid against republican Peter Fitzgerald. By not seeking re-election, Burris has at least opened up the possibility of a strong Democratic candidate. But who will it be?

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Barbara - Fort Lauderdale, FL — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:11:18 GMT

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Malcom Sears, Evanston Illinois — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:12:05 GMT

Really? For who? I haven't seen a dime. Maybe it's gotten washed out from all the state and local taxes going up? And from all the fees and fines going up?
Malcom Sears, Evanston Illinois (Sent Friday, July 10, 2009 9:37 AM)
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Does that mean the tax cut $$ should have been used ofr other things?
How much do you think you would feel those local increases with no tax cut?

Dennis, Columbus, Ohio (Sent Friday, July 10, 2009 9:57 AM)

Pal, unless you live in Illinois, Cook County and the Chicagoland area, you have no idea. And wait until we get the Olympics that we've been told we won't have to pay a dime for. The governments tax form will be simplified to have two lines on it. The first will ask: "How much did you make?". The second will say: "Give it to us".

Government is not the answer, it's the problem.

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Amy B Portland, ME — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:13:15 GMT

"He said that people to get the good stuff without having to pay for it."

This is a weird sentence FR. I have read three times and I still say, huh? Must have slipped by the editor.

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

no joe, no bo, nj — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:13:40 GMT

Pat, Boston-I have dear friends who are Cubbies fans, and even when they make the playoffs, they find a way to lose.

Remember the black cat? Appeared out of NOWHERE during the Mets' series?

I'm not superstitious, but, man, those Cubs seem jinxed.

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

Yesterday, Dominick Montanaro had a post on the CNN/Opinion Research poll that seemed to have good news for Obama. My exception to his post was the line that said it was 'out today'. That poll was out on June 29-not yesterday-and has been on realclearpolitics since then. My question is: do you even TRY to seem objective? I was surprised recently to learn that there is actually a journalistic ethics policy. Fine that I don't know about it-I'm not a reporter-but shouldn't you know about it?

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Jeff Gollin, Holmdel, NJ — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:14:43 GMT

That's what the crawl said - "Obama Loses Support Among Independents..."

It sure got my attention.

Then I took a look at the raw numbers. Evidently, Obama's support among Independents declined 3 - 4 points according to Gallup.

Whoop de doo. If this was a national primary election or primary campaign, Chucky T and others would have dismissed this as a "statistically marginal" indicator.

Yet NBC News continued to hammer away at this for the better part of the week.

The erosion of 3 or 4 points among independent voters nationally, is to be expected after the first blush of the election has worn off. Every time the President makes a decision, there are going to be winners and losers; & he's going to annoy someone.

All of which points to my intense wish that NBC and other news outlets spent more time reporting "what happened & why" and less time prognosticating, creating news and making mischief.

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Cjake — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:16:02 GMT

Oh and here is a tip for the DNC. GOP wants to attack the stimulus...just cut an ad for each swing state and list each major stimulus backed project for that state and what it does for the locals...and ask why their representative is against job creation. Simple as that.

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Stockman Tim — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:17:49 GMT

General Motors Out Of Bankruptcy In Record Breaking Time - Anita, Birmingham, Alabama

If you have no regard for the preferred stockholders and the bond holders, then sure, bankruptcy will go fairly quickly.

Just like with Chrysler, the Obama administration threw the GM bondholders under the bus and they got next to nothing for their investments. Anyone one in the bond market should think twice about investing in companies the government is taking over, such as health care and energy companies.

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

HMI - MI — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:19:01 GMT

Then I took a look at the raw numbers. Evidently, Obama's support among Independents declined 3 - 4 points according to Gallup.

Whoop de doo.

Jeff Gollin, Holmdel, NJ

================

Hey, that's the same thing Bush said!

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Cjake — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:19:01 GMT

It's funny no joe complains about objectivity...kinda the pot calling the kettle black isn't it.

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:19:16 GMT

Failure upon failure, lie upon lie. What it is is an administration and a congress that packed a so called stimulus bill with so much pork that it's had no effect on the economy, well, at least not positive. And now someone is going to have to pay for all that money Obama got from China.
Llloyd Keynesian
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Lloyd, we are paying China for the money that Bush f***ed up. 9% of the National Intake was going twards paying on the debt. So don't try to shovel this pile os s**t on the president and this administration.

If anyone want to know when does the President assume responsibility for the economy, I say when it starts to take an up trun and not before then, because it still wasn't his fault. You can only be responsible for what you've cause and no more!

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

jawillie Philadelphia, PA — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:19:57 GMT

>>>*** Daddy’s money: Finally, all we have to say about the news of Ensign’s father giving the Hamptons $96,000 is -- wow. Why isn’t this story receiving more attention?
==========
Uh, do you guys even WATCH your own network? Ed, O'Donnel, Olbermann, and Maddow could have gotten together and put on an entire show on this last night, as they each had this as a major story. Not to mention that it is picking up steam in the MSM. It's certainly getting enough coverage to make some GOPers nervous.

http://jawillie.blog.com

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:20:50 GMT

Isn't that special...

John Ensign & his new BFF Tom Coburn... the two of them are thicker than thieves!

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Feisty Redheaed, Roswell, IL — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:21:25 GMT

Obama is leading us down the wrong path. The stimulus is not working. Time to stop throwing money at every problem.

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Frank Trusdale, Memphis — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:23:09 GMT

I know the jobs are a lagging indicator, and I have found myself in the same dilemna after the job losses after 9/11. How do we as a country, with an ever-increasing population, have enough jobs for everyone who can and wants to work? This is something that is going to take on new significance as we move forward with another Stimulous Debate and how well the first Stimulus worked if at all.
Barbara - Fort Lauderdale, FL

Good question. And we will not have an answer until the national, states, and local governments of the country get their spending under control. Until then we'll be locked in this perpetual tug of war where whenever a company or individual becomes successful, the government taxes the profits away from them to feed their bureaucracy.

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Anna Molly — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:24:18 GMT

What else does anyone expect from a credit-card society brought up to expect instant gratification and deferred consequences?

It's just like alcoholism; but we're still on Step 1 of the treatment program -- in other words, we're apparently still in denial.

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Benny — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:28:09 GMT

Does anyone else find the irony in Erics hatred toward christians and anything that resembles values? Yet day in day out we read his absolute worship of secular envirolmentalism,barack and liberalism. Its almost cultlike,and you know if you dont agree you must be a fool.

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Econ 101 — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:28:31 GMT

Government is not the answer, it's the problem.
Malcom Sears, Evanston Illinois (Sent Friday, July 10, 2009 10:12 AM)
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
There is no answer for those that refuse to understand economics.

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Bill, Fairfax, VA — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:29:39 GMT

Most people earn their living from wages but the tax code gives better rates to interest, dividends and capital gains. Makes no sense to me.

Steeler Fan Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Friday, July 10, 2009 9:32 AM)

Not true. Interest and dividends are taxed as ordinary income, which means they are just added to wages to produce an individual's taxable income.

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

George Matusek, St. Louis, MO — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:30:23 GMT

GOP strategist Kevin Madden tells First Read, "If grandma had a beard, she'd be grandpa." What does this mean? If such "epigrams" are what is being offered to the GOP as political insight, no wonder the party is in a circling maelstrom in the toilet bowl. I'm an Independent who has voted Republican on occasion -- I'm all for a 2-party system (though 3 parties or more would be better), but I can't believe how reactionary the GOP has become. And it listens to hopelessly boring consultants and pollsters such as Frank Luntz (or "Lunkhead" as I call him). The GOP deserves all the sex scandals it has become mired in, but, better yet, let's hope the IRS finds fault with the tax returns of some of these perpetual-tax-cutting tea-baggers.

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Sounds like a food fight to me — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:31:08 GMT

re: *** Obama On health care: Also at the press conference, Obama said the United States is closer to health-care reform than at any time in recent history. He said that people to get the good stuff without having to pay for it. “What cannot be denied is that the only way to get a handle on our medium and long-term budget deficits if we deal with health care.”
Holy chips! Have I had a stroke or overnight Alzheimers? Hussein the Messy Messiah advocating "getting the good stuff without having to pay for it"...on the backs of honest, hard-working, tax paying legal residents of the USA!!! The empty suit has just come off the messiah with no clothes and no ethics.

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

cindy, las vegas,nv — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:35:19 GMT

Nash - have fun, be safe :-)

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Glenn, Lexington, KY — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:38:22 GMT

No joe, No bo,

You've mixed up your economists; it's not Keynes that has been discredited, it's your pal Friedman. The collapse of our economy after almost 30 years of Friedmanite policies should show that, while, as I recall, Keynesian ideas got us out of the Great Depression.

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

New York City — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:36:12 GMT

Hopefully, as posted, Africa will listen to P. Obama and P. Obama will listen to Africa.

What might President Obama say regarding the recent development that Egypt arrested 26 men who might have been planning attacks in the Suez Canal: http://www.governmentalityblog.com/my_weblog/2009/07/mubaraks-fight-2-days-of-militant-crackdowns-in-egypt.html

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Cathy M, Newport, KY — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:49:23 GMT

Anyone see Barack checking out the 16 year olds hinny yesterday? It's in all the papers.
Pedophiles Inc. (Sent Friday, July 10, 2009 9:40 AM)

More Republican super-thinkers! Get lost!

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Ollie — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:55:00 GMT

During his campaign, does anyone remember Obama saying that the American people deserve the same kind of healthcare that the congress have? I don't hear anything like that now.

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

cindy, las vegas, nv — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:55:50 GMT

Las vegas is hurting and the stimulus money is not here. We are still losing jobs at a large pace. Obama needs to get back here to deal with this. Is he a lame duck already?

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Pat, OH — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:02:36 GMT

Jet engines over that of prop planes.
It's the wave of the future, the wave of the future, the wave of the future. - Howard Hughes

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

The Wolf — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:17:48 GMT

Let me just remind everyone;
without the Constitution being the one and only Supreme Law of this land;
All of us are reduced to the equivalence (rights wise) of Palestinians under Israeli occupation;
We must return to a Constitutional, democratically elected, representative government - in order to be a Just society!
Without Justice life is NOT worth living!

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Mark,Seattle — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:28:15 GMT

Yeah bad chihuahua you got under my skin!

That's why you are still thinking about it enough to reply 24 hours later?

I guess we'll have to disagree on who is more hateful.
From your own posts you hate liberals, minorities, people who live in metropolitan areas, our president, the unemployed,homosexuals and anyone that disagrees with you.
The only people I have seen you support are right wing murderers and Sarah Palin.

I hate right wing extremism.

If you think I am so ignorant then let's talk issues. I'll even let you pick the subject.I'm on vacation all next week and I assume that you are jobless because you spend every day here from start to finish so bring it lil doggy! I'll be waiting!

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Richard, Washington State — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:31:24 GMT

Nashville:

Actual quotes from the President ARE spin!

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Lisa, NY — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:40:07 GMT

"Ensign’s father giving the Hamptons $96,000 is -- wow. Why isn’t this story receiving more attention?"

Because there's no equivalent on the Democratic side of the Right Wing Noise Machine (Drudge, Rush, Hannity, etc.) that the mainstream media feels compelled to follow.

Maybe... crazy thought... journalists should decide for themselves how important a story is and cover it accordingly instead of asking "how high?" when the RW Noise Machine says "jump!"

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Ted, Mid Michigan — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:40:23 GMT

How do we as a country, with an ever-increasing population, have enough jobs for everyone who can and wants to work? This is something that is going to take on new significance as we move forward with another Stimulous Debate and how well the first Stimulus worked if at all.
Barbara - Fort Lauderdale, FL (Sent Friday, July 10, 2009 10:11 AM)

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This is a fantastic, reasonable, and very relevant question!

From research I did a few years back, in order to write a paper for class, I found that population experts expect population growwth to slow and eventually stop over the next 30 years, plateauing at around 9 Billion. This is a 50% increase over current numbers. With America currently at an estimated 350 million we can expect our population to be about 525 million at its peak. To put it in perspective add one more person to every two you have ever seen.

Yes, the numbers are high. But, with more population there are more consumers. What we need to do to ensure we can sustain employment for all these people is to begin to make stuff again! It was widely discussed during the 08 campaign that America's manufacturing base has been devestated by imports and outsourcing. We must return to manufacturing the goods that American people want to buy. This is the only way to sustain employment for that many additional people.

I'm not a isolationist, that is not my intent. But, we must find a new approach to American manufacturing that will dissuade outsourcing. We must once again be able to take pride in manufaturing jobs, and the people who work them. For much too long factory work has been considered "below" alot of us; this trend must reverse.

In addition to increase manufacturing, I beleive green jobs will fill a portion of the gap. Imagine if all the work done overseas getting oil out of the ground, were moved over to America. Maintaining turbines, solar arrays,installing a smarter electric grid, landfill methane processing....

These are my ideas to address your concern anyway.

Good thought, and good day.

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Richard, Washington State — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:22:11 GMT

Kudos to Anita for pointing out that roughly half of the bailout money, maybe a little more, has been used and some has been paid back and her implication that what's left might not be needed.

Keeping in mind, of course, that the first half was spent on George Bush's watch (as everyone loves to point out here)and if things are going so well, Anita, what does that mean?

Now calm down Anita, I know you didn't say it in exactly that way and that your first impulse will be to nitpick my conclusion, but give some thought to the equation at least, OK?

Even Geithner is currently saying that the underlying financial system seems to have stabilized. And as all the Obama cheerleaders seem eager to point out these days: "These things take time to develop and have an effect."

Yes, they do.

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Amy Steal — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:28:40 GMT

I'll steel Eric's line -

Confirm Sotomayor Now!
cindy, las vegs, nv

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No, why bother.

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Richard, Washington State — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:39:50 GMT

Bad Chihuahua:

Hey, guy, go easy on the Prez on the butt ogling issue. I'm older than he is and that's one issue I'm completely bi-partisan on. Assuming bi-partisanship actually exists.

Maybe non-partisan is better with regard to ogling butts.

Besides, if Michelle doesn't like it, she'll be ogling his butt for a spot to place her foot.

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Richard, Washington State — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:40:50 GMT

Excessive Salinas Poop

First thoughts: Obama and the Pope

Binney Munson, NY — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:44:21 GMT

In addition to increase manufacturing, I beleive green jobs will fill a portion of the gap. Imagine if all the work done overseas getting oil out of the ground, were moved over to America. Maintaining turbines, solar arrays,installing a smarter electric grid, landfill methane processing....

These are my ideas to address your concern anyway.

Good thought, and good day.
Ted, Mid Michigan

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Then create a company, present your business plan to venture capitalists to get your funding, sell stocks and bonds if you choose to go public, and off you go. You'll probably make millions. You can also check on T Boone Pickens for initial funding. He has time now seeing his wind farm in Texas failed. You may want to discuss the problems he encountered so you don't make the same mistakes.