Wait a minute...I just thought for a second I got caught in the crossfire between the Flying Dutchman and the IJN Yamato (Silent Hunter 4).
Wow...now I like the discussion going on this thread! I just joined up with the forum today, and I like what I am seeing. People actually talking about the issues! I just thought all Americans had rolled over and played "I don't care about politics." I guess the general concensus is that our government is a train wreck that keeps on giving, particularly to those that made poor decisions. I guess its a bad thing I can still make my mortgage payment.
Ok, all Neal Boortz / Glenn Beck sarcasm aside, I am glad to see this going on. I am also glad to see that most people are starting to look for new solutions to the huge mess we have in DC. The blame for this is on everyone...right down to the American people that elected these clowns. In a Republic (which is what we are despite what Woodrow Wilson started), the decisions are made by our elected officials, and it is up to us to make sure that they carry out our will. Now, how many people do we all know that couldn't tell you who their elected officials are? Yeah, I rest my case. Everyday I meet people that simply confound me on how they even know how to breathe, much less try to debate the merits of anything going on in Congress these days. The level of understanding among the average American on our nation's history, government, or our Constitution makes me sick.
I don't have an fancy studies to back that up, but the simple fact that our country is falling apart and "We the People" watch it all happen on our news channel of choice should say it all. I hope I don't step on anyone's toes, but America needs to wake up now and about face. Anyone that even tries to justify this "crapulus" that got shoved down our throats...got to pass it or the world will fall apart...needs to ask themselves one thing. Do you know exactly what got passed? No one in Congress read the whole thing, and I would have tried had someone kept their word on posting the bill. Funny, why did Obama wait to sign it on Tuesday? I am sure something this "urgent" could interupt Valentine's Day. Yeah...we just sold our great-grandchildren up the river. And it's about time the American people say something about that.
@ surf_ten: Want a third option...check out the Libertarians. I will proudly say that I am one thanks to Neal Boortz. I don't want to go on about it, but if you or anyone wants to know more, read his book "Somebody's Gotta Say it!" It explains Libertarians pretty well. They are also the big FairTax supporters. Feel free to PM me if you want to know more.
@Fr8monkey: I appreciate you willingness to stand up for your beliefs. Do me a favor and remind Obama of all the promises he made that he CAN'T live up too. It is sad when Obama has to pick lobbyists for his Administration. Why? Because that the only way DC can work. Lovely system we have allowed to be created. I think it's time Maryland got is land back. And the states need to take back this Union.
About basic economics...what exactly should we have learned? About the "invisible hand," or about the Keynesians belief that government spending will save us? How about the Laffer curve? This field, like any other, has two sides to the story. Both can be right, and both can be wrong. To be informed, you have to know both sides to make your own call. And no, most Americans never have taken an economics course. They couldn't tell you a "profit margin" from their elected officials. It is optional, like how American history and government are becoming.
Based on your reasoning concerning economics, you may want to check this link our and tell these guys they need to take a basic economics course too:
http://www.cato.org/special/stimulus...o_stimulus.pdf
Keep standing up for what you believe in...but make damn sure you know what that is. I have friends that work on the Hill in various capacities, and not one of them would solely trust anything out of a politician's mouth.
@ Everyone else: Thanks for the warm welcome, and I wanted to leave you with the following thoughts. If you truly want to know our Republic, you must know our founding fathers (not what some Justice or politician tells you).
On your tax dollars hard at work:
"To compel a man to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he disbelieves and abhors, is sinful and tyrannical. " -Thomas Jefferson
Another thought on this stimulus:
"It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world." - Thomas Jefferson
A word of caution about our government caring:
"I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them." - Thomas Jefferson
The difference between democracy and liberty:
"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote." - Ben Franklin
About being self-sufficient:
"The Constitution only gives people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself." - Ben Franklin
About being prepared:
"If we are wise, let us prepare for the worst." - George Washington
And finally, about paying taxes:
“Make no mistake, tax cheaters cheat us all, and the IRS should enforce our laws to the letter. ” (Congressional Record, May 7, 1998, p. S4507, Senator Tom Daschle (D-SD))
OK...that last quote isn't a founding father, but, with all this talk of paying taxes, I just wanted you to know that your leaders are looking out for the cheats. And Tom, if you accidently thought that was a gift, please refer to IRS Publication 950 "Introduction to Estate and Gift Taxes." Yeap, you guys even tax gifts and dead people! But, you knew that...right?
Glad to be part of the family!