Another Stimulus Package?

[[michele]]

Maybe every household should just be issued a personal currency printing press???

Pelosi urges Bush to back second stimulus (http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/pelosi-urges-bush-to-back-second-stimulus-2008-10-09.html)

Michele

[kjbstevens]

Yeah that is really bipartisan effort there Pelosi.

[tammy1999]

The first one was a joke and the 2nd one will be an even bigger joke. Yea, just give everyone an open line of credit at the banks. Take what you want. *and just for the record. I didn't receive one of those checks. For some reason the government doesn't think that my $32,000 AGI was low enough*.......hhhhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmm

I really wonder about Pelosi's ideas.

[Stephanie Ogren]

She's insane.

[Glueless Media]

Your kidding!? Does anyone else have a headache from all this POLITICS-debates lately??LOL I can't keep up with all of you..lol

[LindsaysMom]

The government just wrote an $700B overdraft check (actually $850B with added pork) so what is another$150B?
This country is going down in a handbasket and both sides are equaly at fault.

[DirtyFeetDesigns (heb1976)]

I cannot believe that people are complaining about this $700 billion bailout (Pelosi for sure), yet we are supposed to accept another $152 billion for another stimulus. And Bush is looked at as not caring because he threatened to veto it. Bush got attacked for doing it before we were in trouble to prepare for the possibly and now the same one that was against it is requesting one? Sheesh ... I can't figure these people out - on both sides.

US News Article (http://www.topix.com/us/2008/10/president-bush-has-threatened-to-veto-speaker-pelosis-150-billion-stimulus-package-proposal)
Once again President Bush has shown his contempt for working class Americans by stating he would veto a stimulus package proposal introduced by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to help struggling Americans. That is interesting being that the President rushed to assist big business. This was no surprise, but here is the skinny on how we are being robbed by our own government. Bear Stearns---$30 billion Freddie Mac & Fannie Mae---$200 billion AIG----$122 billion Wall Street-----------------$800 billion The working and middle income Americans; well, we get the bill.

Unfortunately this is all a political scheme in my opinion. If Bush vetoes it, then Republicans show they just don't care ... Democrats win.

[Glueless Media]

I cannot believe that people are complaining about this $700 billion bailout (Pelosi for sure), yet we are supposed to accept another $152 billion for another stimulus. And Bush is looked at as not caring because he threatened to veto it. Bush got attacked for doing it before we were in trouble to prepare for the possibly and now the same one that was against it is requesting one? Sheesh ... I can't figure these people out - on both sides.

US News Article (http://www.topix.com/us/2008/10/president-bush-has-threatened-to-veto-speaker-pelosis-150-billion-stimulus-package-proposal)
Once again President Bush has shown his contempt for working class Americans by stating he would veto a stimulus package proposal introduced by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to help struggling Americans. That is interesting being that the President rushed to assist big business. This was no surprise, but here is the skinny on how we are being robbed by our own government. Bear Stearns---$30 billion Freddie Mac & Fannie Mae---$200 billion AIG----$122 billion Wall Street-----------------$800 billion The working and middle income Americans; well, we get the bill.

Unfortunately this is all a political scheme in my opinion. If Bush vetoes it, then Republicans show they just don't care ... Democrats win.


Political schemes, manufactured crisis, of all parties to make the big dogs look good. We the little people of all parties suffer together.

[DirtyFeetDesigns (heb1976)]

Amen to that!!

[NellieRose]

They are trying to ply us with money and once again distract the public from what they are all really up to behind closed doors. Insanity.

[tammy1999]

Political schemes, manufactured crisis, of all parties to make the big dogs look good. We the little people of all parties suffer together.

I'm glad to see someone else thinks this is a manafactured crises.

[Scorpiosue1102]

I think we have a very real crisis on our hands, but I think that politicians are just mucking it up even worse. I don't want money to spend. I want money for my kids college fund. The bailout, rescue plan whatever they're calling it now can help if the gov't and then the citizens of this crazy country get the profits. I do not think that it is our responsibility to get all of these companies out of trouble. If GM fails or United or Citigroup then that's what happens.

I keep having to pull that soapbox out. It's gone for now.

[DirtyFeetDesigns (heb1976)]

Here is the plan. Take the $700 billion and give each family in the US $1 million. Tell me that wouldn't help us all out. The would still have some money leftover for themselves to play with.

[Gina.Maria]

Who do they think they're helping with stimulus checks? We've got to figure out a way to get away from rampant consumerism so we're not so tied to the overall economy. The idea that we can just "shop" our way out of this mess is preposterous.

[Gina.Maria]

Here is the plan. Take the $700 billion and give each family in the US $1 million. Tell me that wouldn't help us all out. The would still have some money leftover for themselves to play with.


I think it actually works out to just over $23,000 per person (including children) so I don't think the $700 billion would stretch to $1 million per family. :)

[scribler]

Have they lost their ever lovin' minds? Lets just keep throwing money around and solving nothing. Great plan. Ugh!!

[lunafaerie]

Here is the plan. Take the $700 billion and give each family in the US $1 million. Tell me that wouldn't help us all out. The would still have some money leftover for themselves to play with.

No that's downright socialist, welcome to my side hehe, just kidding ;)

[tammy1999]

No that's downright socialist, welcome to my side hehe, just kidding ;)

I read a study one time that if you gave 1 million dollars to 1 million people, (for instance this would be equal people of all walks of life, rich and poor, and none of these people would have any money what so ever to start out with) that after a time the same people that were wealthy would be wealthy again and the same poor people would be poor again.

It was saying that if you don't teach people how to take care of money and learn to invest, we would all always be in the same place we started from. I thought it was very interesting.

Take the stimulas check that was given out. I wonder how many people actually spent the money on something not needed or how many people saved the money?

Give a person a fish and they will eat for a day, teach them to fish and they will eat for a lifetime

[sandersmr]

Well since they determined I was too rich to get the initial stimulus check, I'm assuming I won't get one now!

Too rich and still don't make 6 figures - go figure!

[tammy1999]

Well since they determined I was too rich to get the initial stimulus check, I'm assuming I won't get one now!

Too rich and still don't make 6 figures - go figure!

Girl, neither did we and our AGI was under the $35,000 they suggested. So I don't know how they figured out who was lucky and who wasn't.

[Scorpiosue1102]

Give a person a fish and they will eat for a day, teach them to fish and they will eat for a lifetime

So true!

[lunafaerie]

I read a study one time that if you gave 1 million dollars to 1 million people, (for instance this would be equal people of all walks of life, rich and poor, and none of these people would have any money what so ever to start out with) that after a time the same people that were wealthy would be wealthy again and the same poor people would be poor again.

It was saying that if you don't teach people how to take care of money and learn to invest, we would all always be in the same place we started from. I thought it was very interesting.

Take the stimulas check that was given out. I wonder how many people actually spent the money on something not needed or how many people saved the money?

Give a person a fish and they will eat for a day, teach them to fish and they will eat for a lifetime

Well I'm not rich and I did save it. Actually used it to pay off some of student loan early. I could have gone out and bought a new Canon Digital Rebel, but didn't.

Sounds like an interesting study, I'd like to see it. I did a lot of work on my masters regarding the child benefit in the UK and similar programs throughout Europe. I never came across that study.

Socialists are usually in favor of educating every one too, btw ;) I agree, educating is always the best way for a nation to raise itself out of poverty. Too bad the US doesn't invest more in it's children.

[kjbstevens]

Well HERE (http://biz.yahoo.com/usnews/081009/09_as_the_economy_sinks_so_do_odds_of_a_tax_cut.ht ml?.&.pf=taxes)was an interesting article. Basically it says don't vote on either people because of their tax plans because both aren't going to happen because even many democrats oppose Obama's rebates for the poorest and McCain's business help. It also says Pelosi's plan is going to end up probably being the solution over either of their tax cuts. Ugh.

[Chreamps]

Thanks so much for the great link. It gives us a lot to think about and relates to the thread concerning if we felt like the candidates' plans would really be instituted once they were in office.

[kjbstevens]

Yeah basically it makes it seem like just sit and wait on our checks again since it doesn't seem like either is going to be able to do anything. Nothing like going into a presidency doomed to be able to do none of your campaign promises from the start for either of them.

[ccouch]

Well HERE (http://biz.yahoo.com/usnews/081009/09_as_the_economy_sinks_so_do_odds_of_a_tax_cut.ht ml?.&.pf=taxes)was an interesting article. Basically it says don't vote on either people because of their tax plans because both aren't going to happen because even many democrats oppose Obama's rebates for the poorest and McCain's business help. It also says Pelosi's plan is going to end up probably being the solution over either of their tax cuts. Ugh.

Thanks for that link :)
I guess I didn't realize that Obama had the brilliant idea of giving rebates to those who don't even pay taxes. wow. It's comforting to know that if elected, his chances of passing some of his legislation are limited ;)

[Chreamps]

ccouch posted: I guess I didn't realize that Obama had the brilliant idea of giving rebates to those who don't even pay taxes. wow. It's comforting to know that if elected, his chances of passing some of his legislation are limited ;)

I respectfully want to point out that "those people who don't pay taxes" are in poverty, and I would say the majority are not there "by choice" and have been left out in all the rebates. I have no problem in them receiving help, too; but you are entitled to your view and I respect that.

[NellieRose]

I agree, educating is always the best way for a nation to raise itself out of poverty. Too bad the US doesn't invest more in it's children.

:clap:clap:wub:clap:clap

[Scorpiosue1102]

I respectfully want to point out that "those people who don't pay taxes" are in poverty, and I would say the majority are not there "by choice" and have been left out in all the rebates. I have no problem in them receiving help, too; but you are entitled to your view and I respect that.


Exactly. Considering that we've had nine straight months of job loss and with the markets all over the world as they are that is only going to get worse. There is a very good chance that GM is not going to survive since they have to rely on profits and their credit/car loans for money though they just got a bailout too.

There are some that totally take advantage of the system, but there are some that are in an area that when the local factory shuts down they are SOL or like my mom she did not work and my dad left. She had no skills and was stuck with all the bills. I've been there. One Christmas we only got a bank and pants so I feel for these people. It's very scary right now.

[Natalie]

Instead of giving people money to spend, wouldn't it make more sense to actually use that money to pay down the US debt?

Or, if we're just going to blow it, let's have each American get a week at the lovely spa resort where the AIG agents were going to go next week. It might not help the economy, but it should do something for our stress level. :lol

[strangejen]

One Christmas we only got a bank and pants

once in middle school I got a sleeping bag and a curling iron -- then my mom told me that one of those presents (I could pick!) counted as my January birthday present.

[Chreamps]

Natalie posted:Or, if we're just going to blow it, let's have each American get a week at the lovely spa resort where the AIG agents were going to go next week. It might not help the economy, but it should do something for our stress level. :lol Great idea, Natalie, or promote "team building" for U.S. citizens:yahoo

[Chreamps]

Bush, Bernanke say time is right for new stimulus (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081020/ap_on_bi_ge/financial_meltdown#full).

Momentum increased Monday for a new economic stimulus package to help cash-strapped Americans as President Bush and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke threw their weight behind an idea they earlier opposed....

...Pelosi has said an economic recovery bill could be as large as $150 billion. Economists have told leading Democrats the plan should be twice the size...

...The Fed and the world's other major central banks recently joined forces to slice interest rates, the first coordinated action of that kind in the Fed's history. The central bank meets next on Oct. 28-29 and many economists believe Fed policymakers will again lower its key rate — now at 1.50 percent — to brace the wobbly economy....

What's that saying, "Desperate times call for desperate measures"?

[kjbstevens]

No I think it's we've already spent all of their money we have trying to fix it so let's just take some more to make sure they vote us all back in next month or these people are really going to be mad. The people don't like us... just throw them some money and they'll be quiet for a few months. ;)

[Chreamps]

The people don't like us... just throw them some money and they'll be quiet for a few months. ;)Yes, more money will make it go away!;)

[scribler]

This is so they can say they have a plan without coming up with a real plan. There is no way that they can send enough money to really make a difference for those who are in serious financial difficulty. All it does is allow them to say they are trying to make a difference, when they are just avoiding coming up with a plan that will make a real difference for the future, but will probably be very unpopular right now.

[daly]

Well I'm not rich and I did save it. Actually used it to pay off some of student loan early. I could have gone out and bought a new Canon Digital Rebel, but didn't.

Sounds like an interesting study, I'd like to see it. I did a lot of work on my masters regarding the child benefit in the UK and similar programs throughout Europe. I never came across that study.

Socialists are usually in favor of educating every one too, btw ;) I agree, educating is always the best way for a nation to raise itself out of poverty. Too bad the US doesn't invest more in it's children.

I think we pay more per capita on education than most (all?) the countries that consistently perform better than us academically.

I believe the problem is that there is a monopoly in the public (government controlled) education system of the US. You are forced to send your kid to the school that you live near. If you are dissatisfied, you must move into the district you want.

Anyway....there is an interesting article (http://abcnews.go.com/2020/stossel/story?id=1500338) here by John Stossel

Quote:
Jay Greene, author of "Education Myths," points out that "If money were the solution, the problem would already be solved ... We've doubled per pupil spending, adjusting for inflation, over the last 30 years, and yet schools aren't better."
He's absolutely right. National graduation rates and achievement scores are flat, while spending on education has increased more than 100 percent since 1971. More money hasn't helped American kids.
Ben Chavis is a former public school principal who now runs an alternative charter school in Oakland, Calif., that spends thousands of dollars less per student than the surrounding public schools. He laughs at the public schools' complaints about money.
"That is the biggest lie in America. They waste money," he said.



and another quote:
American schools don't teach as well as schools in other countries because they are government monopolies, and monopolies don't have much incentive to compete. In Belgium, by contrast, the money is attached to the kids -- it's a kind of voucher system. Government funds education -- at many different kinds of schools -- but if a school can't attract students, it goes out of business.

Competition inspires people to do what we didn't think we could do. If people got to choose their kids' school, education options would be endless. There could soon be technology schools, science schools, virtual schools where you learn at home on your computer, sports schools, music schools, schools that go all year, schools with uniforms, schools that open early and keep kids later, and, who knows what else. If there were competition, all kinds of new ideas would bloom.

{Sheesh, is it possible I'm becoming libertarian?....:lol? I sure seem to be leaning that way lately}

[kjbstevens]

{Sheesh, is it possible I'm becoming libertarian?....:lol? I sure seem to be leaning that way lately}
Nah it's not liberatian completely. I'm all for that type of system too. Throwing money at stuff doesn't solve things. Do they really think these stimulus checks that just throw money at us magically solve our financial difficulties. For people really in trouble it doesn't skim the surface. It's more wasted money that they could have just not collected to start with so we'd have had it when we made it to put towards bills or future savings when we earned it instead of them controlling our earned money to redistribute.

[txmusicmom]

It was the Dem's idea...........

[tammy1999]

I think we pay more per capita on education than most (all?) the countries that consistently perform better than us academically.

I believe the problem is that there is a monopoly in the public (government controlled) education system of the US. You are forced to send your kid to the school that you live near. If you are dissatisfied, you must move into the district you want.

Anyway....there is an interesting article (http://abcnews.go.com/2020/stossel/story?id=1500338) here by John Stossel

Quote:
Jay Greene, author of "Education Myths," points out that "If money were the solution, the problem would already be solved ... We've doubled per pupil spending, adjusting for inflation, over the last 30 years, and yet schools aren't better."
He's absolutely right. National graduation rates and achievement scores are flat, while spending on education has increased more than 100 percent since 1971. More money hasn't helped American kids.
Ben Chavis is a former public school principal who now runs an alternative charter school in Oakland, Calif., that spends thousands of dollars less per student than the surrounding public schools. He laughs at the public schools' complaints about money.
"That is the biggest lie in America. They waste money," he said.



and another quote:
American schools don't teach as well as schools in other countries because they are government monopolies, and monopolies don't have much incentive to compete. In Belgium, by contrast, the money is attached to the kids -- it's a kind of voucher system. Government funds education -- at many different kinds of schools -- but if a school can't attract students, it goes out of business.

Competition inspires people to do what we didn't think we could do. If people got to choose their kids' school, education options would be endless. There could soon be technology schools, science schools, virtual schools where you learn at home on your computer, sports schools, music schools, schools that go all year, schools with uniforms, schools that open early and keep kids later, and, who knows what else. If there were competition, all kinds of new ideas would bloom.

{Sheesh, is it possible I'm becoming libertarian?....:lol? I sure seem to be leaning that way lately}

I agree. I watched the school system where my son went. There were 175 kids that started in Kindergarten when he did. When he graduated from high school, there were 51 kids and only 5 of them went to college and those 5 graduated from college. I don't understand the drop out rate, well, hell I do too. I guess I don't understand why the kids don't want to stay in school. If there had been a private school system available close, I would've have taken my son there for a better education and where he could really excel in his music. Compitition is good in all aspects in life.

Then I look at Charter or private schools and how many kids graduate and go to college. Makes me wonder if all the good teachers are going there first. And I have been told by other teachers that private schools don't pay as much as public schools.

But after teaching myself in a public schools system and seeing how the schools have been taken over by the parents and kids and how the school board or principals don't stand behind their teachers because they fear law suits. I remember subing one day and telling an unruly child to leave, his mother called me that night and told me what for. I told her to come to class and watch how he acts, but of course, she never did. Thats really sad.

My son switched schools because of the principal not standing behind his teachers and found a school with a good principal. His principal will go to court and tell the judge that this certain child has not been to school so many days and that child will lose his drivers license. They have that law in Arkansas. You stay in school, you keep a drivers license.

[lunafaerie]

I think we pay more per capita on education than most (all?) the countries that consistently perform better than us academically.

I believe the problem is that there is a monopoly in the public (government controlled) education system of the US. You are forced to send your kid to the school that you live near. If you are dissatisfied, you must move into the district you want.

Anyway....there is an interesting article (http://abcnews.go.com/2020/stossel/story?id=1500338) here by John Stossel

Quote:
Jay Greene, author of "Education Myths," points out that "If money were the solution, the problem would already be solved ... We've doubled per pupil spending, adjusting for inflation, over the last 30 years, and yet schools aren't better."
He's absolutely right. National graduation rates and achievement scores are flat, while spending on education has increased more than 100 percent since 1971. More money hasn't helped American kids.
Ben Chavis is a former public school principal who now runs an alternative charter school in Oakland, Calif., that spends thousands of dollars less per student than the surrounding public schools. He laughs at the public schools' complaints about money.
"That is the biggest lie in America. They waste money," he said.



and another quote:
American schools don't teach as well as schools in other countries because they are government monopolies, and monopolies don't have much incentive to compete. In Belgium, by contrast, the money is attached to the kids -- it's a kind of voucher system. Government funds education -- at many different kinds of schools -- but if a school can't attract students, it goes out of business.

Competition inspires people to do what we didn't think we could do. If people got to choose their kids' school, education options would be endless. There could soon be technology schools, science schools, virtual schools where you learn at home on your computer, sports schools, music schools, schools that go all year, schools with uniforms, schools that open early and keep kids later, and, who knows what else. If there were competition, all kinds of new ideas would bloom.

{Sheesh, is it possible I'm becoming libertarian?....:lol? I sure seem to be leaning that way lately}

Hmm, not sure that I meant that the way to invest was only to throw more money at the problem. I think you might have assumed that.

I'm fully aware of the amount of money we spend, my problem is we don't spend it evenly and equally. Not all children get the same education in America, which is probably why some people don't pull themselves out of poverty. It's also true that we don't invest as much in Early Education and Higher Education than those countries. Our children are way farther behind than those other countries when they enter school and when they exit. And it has nothing to do with the amount of money we spend, obviously, it has to do with the importance we, as an entire society, value education. There isn't even a thread in this forum about education, but there are at least 5 about Ayers and just as many about taxes. That's what I meant by investing, making education of our children our number one priority in this country.

I'm not going to get into the whole competition voucher thing here, mostly because I think it should have it's own thread, and also because I have to get back to work, LOL :)

[strangejen]

d repNot all children get the same education in America, which is probably why some people don't pull themselves out of poverty.

yup yup. and not all parents are educated enough to help their children with the skills necessary to start school. I sent Jake off to Kindy mostly reading, and able to not only do addition and subtraction, but some multiplication. (Looking at a calendar the other day -- how long until Christmas? I'll count -- 30, 60, 90. About 90 days, mom.) We happen to talk alot and interact a lot in the reading, writing, math subjects just as a matter of how we function -- not all families are like that. When we have extra money, I go to Goodwill and buy a bunch of books. Families who are trying to scrape money enough for food together don't buy books and workbooks for fun. Not all have the resources, not all have the time, not all are able to make it a priority . . .

when kids are already behind at the get-go, EVERYONE suffers, because teachers have to work on teaching half the class their ABCs, while the other kids who can read are sitting around bored.

The point that I'm trying to make, is that when Jake is successful in school, it's not JUST because he's "working harder" . . . he just happens to come from a family who has the resources to HELP HIM be successful. When kids are already falling behind and can't read by 2nd grade, you don't think it just gets worse from there? It's easy to say that poor folks should just have worked harder in school, but that's not the whole story. The cycle of poverty applies to MANY parts of people's lives, and this is just one example.

*ETA -- when you have a mom who is as big a lit. geek as me, you're going to know how to read when you're 4. It's something you can't get away from. And that doesn't make him better or naturally smarter or anything . . . just means his mom is a total geek.

[DirtyFeetDesigns (heb1976)]

d rep

yup yup. and not all parents are educated enough to help their children with the skills necessary to start school. I sent Jake off to Kindy mostly reading, and able to not only do addition and subtraction, but some multiplication. (Looking at a calendar the other day -- how long until Christmas? I'll count -- 30, 60, 90. About 90 days, mom.) We happen to talk alot and interact a lot in the reading, writing, math subjects just as a matter of how we function -- not all families are like that. When we have extra money, I go to Goodwill and buy a bunch of books. Families who are trying to scrape money enough for food together don't buy books and workbooks for fun. Not all have the resources, not all have the time, not all are able to make it a priority . . .

when kids are already behind at the get-go, EVERYONE suffers, because teachers have to work on teaching half the class their ABCs, while the other kids who can read are sitting around bored.

The point that I'm trying to make, is that when Jake is successful in school, it's not JUST because he's "working harder" . . . he just happens to come from a family who has the resources to HELP HIM be successful. When kids are already falling behind and can't read by 2nd grade, you don't think it just gets worse from there? It's easy to say that poor folks should just have worked harder in school, but that's not the whole story. The cycle of poverty applies to MANY parts of people's lives, and this is just one example.

*ETA -- when you have a mom who is as big a lit. geek as me, you're going to know how to read when you're 4. It's something you can't get away from.

That is fantastic about your son. And you are right, a teacher is only capable of doing so much. The parents need to extend the education at home. I make Justin read a book every night and we switch between levels. He get very intimidated by big words, but he notices that the more he practices - the better he does.

[txmusicmom]

d rep

yup yup. and not all parents are educated enough to help their children with the skills necessary to start school. I sent Jake off to Kindy mostly reading, and able to not only do addition and subtraction, but some multiplication. (Looking at a calendar the other day -- how long until Christmas? I'll count -- 30, 60, 90. About 90 days, mom.) We happen to talk alot and interact a lot in the reading, writing, math subjects just as a matter of how we function -- not all families are like that. When we have extra money, I go to Goodwill and buy a bunch of books. Families who are trying to scrape money enough for food together don't buy books and workbooks for fun. Not all have the resources, not all have the time, not all are able to make it a priority . . .

And sadly some just don't even know to do that........I had a neighbor whose child had never to the library- in our house , that would be :eek

Educating the parents is just as important as educating the child.

[strangejen]

I had a neighbor whose child had never to the library

OMG, we have 5 different libraries we visit . . . although sometimes I really score at Goodwill and we don't have to make so many library trips. ;)

[Scorpiosue1102]

Educating the parents is just as important as educating the child.

Absolutely correct Donna. Hey, we agree on something :lol

[Chreamps]

Since my computer was "wonky" today, I spent part of my morning watching C-Span and the Finance Investigation Committee discussing what should be done with some economists, a president of a university and previous "financial" post holders from previous presidents (sorry can't remember their names and I didn't take notes) but each of them said that for the "short-term" that a big stimulus package was needed. Asked how big of a stimulus package and the one replied: about $300 Billion.

[scribler]

Since my computer was "wonky" today, I spent part of my morning watching C-Span and the Finance Investigation Committee discussing what should be done with some economists, a president of a university and previous "financial" post holders from previous presidents (sorry can't remember their names and I didn't take notes) but each of them said that for the "short-term" that a big stimulus package was needed. Asked how big of a stimulus package and the one replied: about $300 Billion.

Did they explain how this would help? I'd be very curious to know how they thought this would help.

[kjbstevens]

*gag on the stimulus plan* LOL

Do they have HIPPY or other programs like that in your alls area? Here 3 and 4 year olds are all homeschooled at the expense of the school board. They give us crayons, scissors, all of the supplies, books, everything totally free because it's so much cheaper than hiring teachers and building schools. We have a woman that comes by every Thursday to collect her "homework" and to give us the next weeks lesson plans. It's only short things we have to do, but its all essential skills for school.

[Chreamps]

Did they explain how this would help? I'd be very curious to know how they thought this would help.

My understanding was to help the economy in the short term till regulations could be put into place and confidence built up to free up the credit. Some short quotes: To turn the economy around in the short term, had to be carefully crafted, help homeowners that can make some payments to stay in their homes, "big bang for the buck", aid to states and localities, strong infrastructures, help the home owners on the foreclosures and quickly, aid to lower income people, bankruptcy reform in reference to foreclosures. Please note, as I missed this part, Manuel Johnson did not agree to a stimulus package. Here is the link (http://www.c-spanarchives.org/library/index.php?main_page=product_video_info&tID=5&src=atom&atom=todays_events.xml&products_id=281896-1) if you want to watch it. The part about the need for a stimulus package is about 2:38:40/05:00. It was interesting but a lot of it was over my head (LOL).