State of the Union

1. 76

   Joelipooposted 12 years ago

   Did President Obama actually say anything last night?  What is the state of the union?  To me, it sounded like an hour long campaign speech. Did I miss something?

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      Disturbiaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Nope.
      Who knows.
      Yes it did.
      And, no you didn't.

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         Longhunterposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         What she said.
         
         Quick and to the point as well as honest and correct. I like it.

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      Evan G Rogersposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      IF I'm not mistaken, it was an hour long advertisement for natural gas.

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         kirstenblogposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         The sort I generate sometimes?

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            Evan G Rogersposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            I dunno, that might be unnatural.

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               Longhunterposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               No, it's TOTALLY natural and generated any time Congress is in session.

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               kirstenblogposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               Actually, sometimes it ain't natural!
               If I eat the right stuff, boy it can get toxic!
               
               I'm such a lady!

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   3. 60

      Cassie Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      No, he can't say anything, things have gotten worse since he became president so he's trying to divert attention away from that by making the State of the Union address into the beginnning of his campaign for re-election.
      
      The state of the union is bad, we still have high unemployment which he said was going to be no higher than 8% and his stimulus hasn't done anything for the economy but increase our debt burden.  It was a weird speech, he spoke out of both sides of his mouth.
      
      Yes it was a campaign speech.
      
      No you didn't miss anything.

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   4. 60

      American Romanceposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      He said he wanted congress to give him authority to make the government lean and fiscaly responsible! I laughed so hard I almost busted! Who in their right mind would give this freak of nature any more power than he already has???
      
        He also continued his fight for class warfare! Recent study says it takes an average of 17.8 years and 75 to 80 hour work weeks to become a millionaire!  I guess to some like lovemychris this is absurd and unfair!  Therefore her only solution is to whine and cry and beg Obama to take it away so she can have it for nothing!

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      Ramsa1posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      It was a campaign speech! All the previous presidents have done it and so will all future presidents. Most, if not all, of what he hopes for will not happen even if he is re-elected. The Buffet Rule will never happen. Why? The rich run the country and they will never increase their own taxes.

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   wildernessposted 12 years ago

   The biggest thing I got, an overall feeling, was an immense desire to spend lots more money.

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      Disturbiaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      That's a feeling that comes over me sometimes when I'm at the mall.

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         kirstenblogposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         But do you get that feeling when reading my hubs?!?! If not, I gotta learn from these people!

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3. 77

   lovemychrisposted 12 years ago

   Yeah, he did. He said "all you coddled rich lay-a-bouts who had everything handed to you on a silver platter the last 30 years...time to pay up."
   
   Imagine! It's almost like begging to get wealthy people to contribute...we are so accustomed to worshipping them!

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      Longhunterposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      SHE'S BACK!
      
      Yeah, those evil rich! Damn them!
      
      http://www.whitehousedossier.com/2011/0 … le-giving/
      
      "He said "all you coddled rich lay-a-bouts who had everything handed to you on a silver platter the last 30 years...time to pay up."
      
      Translation: If you worked hard and busted your butt to get where you are and made over a million dollars last year, we're going to take it from you and give it to the bottom 50% of Americans that pay no taxes at all, some of which are far too lazy to even attempt what you did, pursue the American Dream.
      
      The American Dream isn't something that's handed out by a government agency, LMC. It's something you have to work hard for and to keep.
      
      Pretty soon they're going to take away any incentive there is to build a business and make something of yourself. Then the whole country is going to be dependent on the government to give them what they need. Problem the country won't be able to afford it.
      
      Unfortunately, Socialists, Liberals, and Dems are much too blinded by their ideology and hate for America to see the folly of their beliefs.

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      1. 77

         lovemychrisposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Bush handed it out like candy.
         The correct incentive to start a business is to further Human Evolution.
         
         If these troglodytes are stuck in their infantile greed-mode: time to wake them up!
         
         I love America, that's why I hate to see her being robbed.
         
         Power to the People, not the corporations.....or did we forget?

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            Longhunterposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            "The correct incentive to start a business is to further Human Evolution."
            
            You're joking, right?
            
            The reason for starting a business is because you have a product or service you think people will buy. As a result of them doing so, you make money. You should try it sometime. Think of it as a mind-expanding experience.

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         Josakposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         So ridicolous, to expect the whealthy to help out those in their country who are starving huh? My opinion is it shouldt even be necessary, if the rivh had any consience at all they would be giving most of what they have away like I do, since they obviously don't I am quite happy to take it from them, if they donn't like it they can move top a country that doesent care about it's poor, this one does and allways will.

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            wildernessposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            I like the thought and attitude.  If you don't like what someone does with their money you have the ethical right to take it from them and do what YOU want with it.
            
            Expect me on your front porch within a week.

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   2. 76

      Joelipooposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I hope you realize all your liberal leaders in congress are part of that "evil rich". I don't get why hard working people who earned their money should have to give more away.

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      1. 77

         lovemychrisposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         So the coddled lay-a-bouts can pay less!

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4. 77

   lovemychrisposted 12 years ago

   BTW....where in the Sacred Constitution does it state that Capitalism is the form of gvt we must adopt?

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      Longhunterposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      No where, LMC. Capitalism isn't a form of government but rather an economic system, LMC.
      
      Capitalism - an economic system characterized by private or corporate ownership of capital goods, by investments that are determined by private decision, and by prices, production, and the distribution of goods that are determined mainly by competition in a free market.
      
      "a free market'
      
      Those are the 3 words you probably hate the most in the definition above. You don't believe in a free market because you don't understand it. You don't understand thus you hate it.
      
      Rather than hate it, educate yourself on it then open your own business. Once your making enough money to pay all your bills off and have enough left over for what is probably a long-deserved, much-needed vacation, maybe you'll open your eyes to the possibilities.

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         steveamyposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         A  free market like the oil companies function in ????

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            Longhunterposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            Yes, a free market like the oil companies function in.
            
            They are in business to make money, Steve. Any for-profit business is in business to make money. Otherwise, why be in business?
            
            Surely, you understand that.

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               lovemychrisposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               OK, so they are there to stifle the competition. It's not free...they own it.

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                  Longhunterposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                  Again, get some investors and compete!!! Compete!!! Stop complaining and compete!!! The only thing stopping you is YOU!!!!

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                     lovemychrisposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                     I'm not complaining, I'm pointing out the results of Capitalism. Eventually, the top of the pyramid grows ever smaller, as has happened here.
                     
                     And the truly lazy people are those who earn money on money.
                     
                     That is hardly work, and should not be given special treatment. Workers subsidize wealth.

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            2. 61

               steveamyposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               Subsidies and rebates and political influence are not a free market....

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                  Longhunterposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                  On that, you are correct.

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         2. 77

            lovemychrisposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            6 companies own ALL of media. Some free market. Free to be bound to the wealthiest of the bunch! Buy or do without. Free to drop dead.

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               Joelipooposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               That same liberal media that is that is the only reason Obama got elected you mean?

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                  lovemychrisposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                  Sorry, it was the American people who elected Obama.
                  Blame it on the media all you like, it is the Republican policy we voted out.

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                     Longhunterposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                     And it will be Obama's Socialist ideology we'll vote out this time.

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                     1. 77

                        lovemychrisposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                        Doubt it. One for all and all for one trumps me me me.

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                        lovemychrisposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                        "Obama called for an economically beneficial playing field, but not a different game"
                        
                        Could you please explain how you think this quote is wrong?

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                           Longhunterposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                           Just more political BS. He wants to strip us all of all we have and take away any hope of doing better.
                           
                           Sorry, LMC. I just don't like the man nor his policies.

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                              lovemychrisposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                              And I do not see the logic in your opinion! NO attack, just my view.

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                                 Longhunterposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                 I guess we'll just have to wait and see. Hopefully, he'll be voted out or have an impeachment hanging over his head, unable to do anything but resign.

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                                    Uninvited Writerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                    So basically if the majority reelects him you will support the Republican's doing nothing to help the economy and to keep trying to get him out of office?

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                                       Longhunterposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                       If what he's trying to do is more of what he's already done (Obamacare), yes, I would support Congress stopping him by all means necessary.
                                       
                                       I would also support his impeachment if the evidence is there to do so. He's getting real close so we shall see.
                                       
                                       Hang on, UW! It's going to be a wild ride!

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                                       logic,commonsenseposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                       In turn, would you support the president vetoing any Republican measure to improve the economy?  Works both ways you know.
                                       They have different ideas on how to accomplish the same task.  The Republicans think we should be free to succeed or fail with our own choices, Obama thinks we're too stupid to do things for ourselves and the government must solve all our problems.  Hows that working out for the Soviet Union and China and all the middle east despots that are dead or on their way out?

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                                          Ralph Deedsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                          I haven't heard any Republican proposals to improve the economy. Many of them would actually make the economy worse and undermine or destroy our social safety nets.

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               2. 77

                  lovemychrisposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                  Interesting......
                  
                  "Sunday Morning Talk Shows Featured Twice As Many Republicans As Dems Last Year
                  By Alex Seitz-Wald on Jan 24, 2012 at 6:00 pm
                  
                  McCain has made at least 53 appearances on Meet the Press alone
                  The Sunday morning political talk shows have long played a key role in American political discourse, providing a venue for balanced discussion about key political topics. But in 2011 at least, they were heavily skewed to one political party over the other. According to a new analysis of shows like Meet the Press from Roll Call, Republican lawmakers appeared nearly twice as often as Democratic ones last year, and held a smaller advantage in previous years:
                  
                  In 2009 and 2010, Republican Members held a small advantage over Democratic Members in appearances on these programs, getting 52 percent of the invites in both years. In both years, CBS had more Democrats as guests than Republicans by a narrow margin; in the same period, Fox News had more Republican guests by a wider margin.
                  
                  But in 2011, the GOP lawmakers captured 64 percent of the Congressional appearances on the five shows that Roll Call tracks, and every network featured more Republican lawmakers than Democrats. Of 330 Congressional appearances tallied by Roll Call last year, 210 went to Republicans and only 120 went to Democrats — fewer if you subtract the eight appearances made by Sen. Joe Lieberman, a Connecticut Independent who caucuses with Democrats."
                  
                  Liberal media, ehh?

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                  steveamyposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                  liberal media is a fiction dreamed up by the right so they can appear victimized.....statistics shoe the right gets far more appearances than does the left

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               Longhunterposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               Then get some investors and start your own, LMC. Who knows you might find you like making money by doing something other than working for someone else.

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      2. 77

         lovemychrisposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Good! Just what I thought. There is no "god-given" mandate for Capitalism. So, any form of gvt is just as welcome.
         
         Geeee, who was it forced Capitalism on us all?
         
         Robber Barons for one hundred Alex.

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            Longhunterposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            But neither does it say we should take what hard-working people make to give to the ones that are too damn lazy to do for themselves.
            
            You seem like a hard-working person. Start your own business. You just might find making money for yourself rather than your boss is a good thing. Be your own boss and reap the rewards that go with it.

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               Uninvited Writerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               If everyone starts their own business, where will you find workers?

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                  Longhunterposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                  You're joking. Right.
                  
                  Given the number of liberals that either don't believe in the capitalist system or are too lazy to try it on their own, I would say not everyone will be starting their own business so there will be plenty of people to consider.
                  
                  The problem is then whether or not those liberals are capable of doing the work. There in lies the real problem.
                  
                  This is my smartass answer to a ridiculous question. Good answers to reasonable, thoughtful questions are just as easy but first there must be that all important reasonable, thoughtful question.

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         2. 61

            steveamyposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            as others have mentioned capitalism is an economic system ... not a form of government

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   2. 76

      Joelipooposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Why does it matter what the constitution says?  Obama hasn't seemed to care...

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         lovemychrisposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         What was left of it after Buscho? Not much.

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5. 88

   Stacie Lposted 12 years ago

   it's time to take the money out of politics...
   http://www.getmoneyout.com/
   http://boingboing.net/2010/11/30/winner … -poli.html

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      Longhunterposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Truer words were never written, Stacie.

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6. 77

   lovemychrisposted 12 years ago

   Thank you for reminding me...another down-side to Capitalism. No money, no voice!
   Lots of money: Lots of voice.

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      Longhunterposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Some people will never change no matter how wrong they are. You're one of those people, LMC.

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         lovemychrisposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Ohhhhh, if I agree with you, then I'm right!geee, should have known that in high school.
         
         "Mom-- I agree with Longhunter, no more schooling needed."

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            Longhunterposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            Honestly, I would like to see you open a business, be successful, and take a much-needed vacation. That would change your perspective. Then you would be able to help others as you seem to want to do so badly. Just try.
            
            I don't expect you agree with me, LMC. Just try. Is the way you're doing it doing it for you? Are you as successful as you think you could be, working for someone else?

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               lovemychrisposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               I live paycheck to paychek. I'm behind on all bills....I have 3 kids in my care, and an aging mother. My nrg is taken up by life. None left to go begging for money. And given the state of USA, I'm grateful for a job. Thankfully, they can't outsource Cape Cod!

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                  Longhunterposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                  I understand, LMC. I live paycheck to paycheck as well and I'm behind on some of my bills. I got married almost two years ago and adopted my bride's son. She's a Type 1 Diabetic and can't work. She's selling Avon to try to help. I have another son in college. I spent all my retirement to get him an education that he's pissing away with low grades. I have two jobs, full time and part time, and doing all I can to make ends meet.
                  
                  All that being said, we're still trying to start our own business. I haven't given up on the American Dream. It seems a waste that a person like you with so much determination has.

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                  1. 61

                     mom101posted 12 years agoin reply to this

                     Longhunter,
                     
                     I graduated hs at 17, got married at nearly 19, operated a business started by my parents starting at age 20, bought the business from them at age 25 and ran and operated it until having to close it to take care of my dad.
                     
                     The business was dependent of our clients. Without them, we didn't have a business. Ok, here is what the good ole gov did, they kept placing new laws into effect that one by one caused those clients to close their doors, which, when they did, ours were closing as well.
                     
                     Opening a business is easy as it gets. Keeping it open is hard as hell is said to be hot.
                     
                     My personal opinion is this, it is not our government that does not want a business to prosper. It is corporations, but, wait, dont members of the gov take "funds" from corporations?
                     
                     Our business was a good one. Not a wealth builder by any means. We grossed about 150 grand a year. It was just my husband and myself. We did manage to build a house, (we did the work ourselves), and when we finished it, it was paid for.
                     
                     As far as making money, I work full time, make a hell of a lot less than I did in business, but, guess what. My "take home pay" is more seems like.
                     
                     Opening a business is easy. Funding it is hard. there are so many taxes you wouldn't believe it. Not just taxes, you also have other huge expenditures you don' t have as you do say working for someone else.
                     
                     not everyone is cut out to or wants to open their own business.
                     
                     You and Lmc are both correct and I honestly think you both are on the same side of the coin.
                     
                     the problem isn't the government but it is at the same time.
                     
                     Things need to change. And they need to change quick. Laws are written not for the honest but to protect the lawless.
                     
                     When my parents bought this house the neighbors had a beautiful fence of hedge bushes.  The neighbors have passed and we have a new neighbor who has let the hedges grow out of control. They are taller than my 3 story house and are now growing over my roof.
                     
                     What needs to happen here to the uncontrolled hedges is to take a chain saw and cut right above the roots to let them start over.
                     This is also what needs to happen to the way USA does things.
                     
                     The gov seems to forget who they work for. Period.
                     
                     It makes no difference if one is rep or dem, the outcome is the same. Period.
                     
                     WE THE PEOPLE HAVE GOT TO GET UP OFF OUR SHOESTRINGS.

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                        mom101posted 12 years agoin reply to this

                        It breaks my heart to see people at odds with each other. Especially when they are on the same page with each other.
                        
                        We need to see the culprits as what they are and go from there.
                        
                        Yes, there are loopholes in any system. Some people would rather make it a career to find them and live that way, knowing they could have so much more if they worked outside the loophole.
                        
                        Problem: loophole.  Solution: Close them.
                        
                        Advantages: Lots of money.
                        
                        Separation of church and state: Really?

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                           Longhunterposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                           "You and Lmc are both correct and I honestly think you both are on the same side of the coin."
                           
                           What? LMC and I couldn't be more different. I'm a Christian Conservative. She's a flaming liberal, Obama supporter. I have no idea what, if any her religious affiliation is. Don't care.
                           
                           I want Obama out even if we have to impeach his sorry butt starting Monday, January 21, 2013. LMC wants to name him king for life.
                           
                           Your story sounds familiar. What I gave is just from the last couple of years out of almost 50. Believe me, I'm not complaining. My situation is of my own making and I'm doing all I can to fix it. It's getting there slowly but surely. I'm doing it by hard work and watching every penny, not waiting for the government to bail me out.
                           
                           As for the true culprits, you're right, Mom101, it's the idiots in D.C. I agree with you and I get the feeling you've pegged me the wrong way.
                           
                           I'm not at LMC's throat but rather encouraging her to start something that could help her improve her life. There are no 100%'s in life but if you don't try, how would you know.

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                              mom101posted 12 years agoin reply to this

                              Longhunter,
                              
                              No, I have not pegged you wrong. You seem to be a man who has worked hard much of his life. I can also tell, you are a very caring person with a heart of gold.
                              
                              Lmc, also seems to be a very caring person, who like the majority of us have a huge load on our shoulders.
                              
                              Here is the problem. It appears that the 3 of us are from around the same generation, we are all on the same side of the coin. We are United States Citizens. Our political standpoints, religion or other likes and dislikes are our makeup. They do not or should not separate us from that fact.
                              
                              Back when we were growing up and listening to our grandparents talk about their "pick" for the white house, it meant something. There was pride there.
                              
                              Now, we live in a totally different society. Controlled by greed.
                              
                              Diversions are a god send to our government. They take a restful breath when they know we the people are at odds with each other and wont come together to solve issues, cause the way I see it, this gives them time to secretly pass more laws that are not in our best interest.
                              
                              In todays society, republican/democrat/liberal/conservative//independent, they all are twins. Well, maybe not twins but all have the same goal in mind. They may just take a different route to get there.
                              
                              I too Longhunter, share your same desire about impeaching. But, the sad truth is, my guess, he will be re-appointed.
                              
                              Somehow, somewhere,  something  snuk up on us and put blinders on us.
                              
                              Longhunter, we gots serious issues facing us. Monopolies. They should be banned or outlawed at any cost. Here are 2 examples: Electricity. If monopolized, and they decided to flip the switch, many would die. They could not survive. I personally could at this time anyway, as I am not dependent on ele for any life saving equipment but, many would not know how to cook with a wood stove or to read by a coal oil lantern.
                              Example 2. Food and monopoly do not mix. Period. If one company owns the seeds (used to grow our food) and decide to stop making seeds, we would not have to worry about cooking. We would not have any food. It is my understanding the seeds they are producing will not reproduce.
                              
                              Please do not think I am griping. I am not.
                              
                              We, as citizens have a lot of work that needs to be done. One politician aint no better than the next one. It is up to us, we the people to fix the problems that we are facing. We have to take the responsibility. We owe it to our children and their children to do so.
                              
                              No, one person cant fix things. But, if we come together, we can. \
                              
                              But uh oh, now there are laws that would put us in jail for coming together.
                              
                              So, now what?

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            wildernessposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            Interesting.  I had not realized that all the "occupy" crowd was rich. 
            
            In fact, I have heard (without verifying) that much of the "Occupy Boise" bunch  than are camped out on public land are actually homeless.  Maybe they've invested all their money, trying to get rich.

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   barryrutherfordposted 12 years ago

   Didn't You 'Fracking' listen to the speech?

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      lovemychrisposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Yes--natural gas.....and oil bidness has INCREASED under Obama. So--how is he a socialist?

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         steveamyposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         because Rush told me so...

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8. 77

   lovemychrisposted 12 years ago

   I'm not giving up! I want to see it available for all of us, not just the lucky few.
   
   And, this place is NOT an equal playground...not by far. And deliberately so! How do I know? Because I remember when it used to be.
   
   For a kid to go to college, think of owning a home?? Nowadays??? It's a pipe-dream, where it used to be expected.
   
   All the goodness has gone to the top. We live in a cream float. And it does not have to be this way.

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      Joelipooposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      So raising four kids and sending them all to college on less than $50,000 with none of them having any debt because they worked hard in school to earn scholarships. They worked every summer and all through school. Three of them are married already and own homes and the fourth is on the way. Yup that sounds impossible right?  Nope it's not because I lived it. It's called earning it through hard work and not having it giving by the government.

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9. 77

   lovemychrisposted 12 years ago

   Yup....personal attacks, just like I said. The perps are all still here.

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    logic,commonsenseposted 12 years ago

    You hit the nail on the head mom101!
    They do forget who they work for and they are all the same, with minor superficial differences.
    Just like what were doing subsidizing GM.  If we government did not collect $24,000 in taxes from each taxpayer, we would be better off than when they give it to GM to make the next Edsel called the Volt.

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    A Troubled Manposted 12 years ago

    Probably the most important thing Obama said in his speech that will be his message going forward...
    
    "We don’t begrudge financial success in this country.  We admire it.  When Americans talk about folks like me paying my fair share of taxes, it’s not because they envy the rich.  It’s because they understand that when I get tax breaks I don’t need and the country can’t afford, it either adds to the deficit, or somebody else has to make up the difference – like a senior on a fixed income; or a student trying to get through school; or a family trying to make ends meet.  That’s not right.  Americans know it’s not right.  They know that this generation’s success is only possible because past generations felt a responsibility to each other, and to their country’s future, and they know our way of life will only endure if we feel that same sense of shared responsibility.  That’s how we’ll reduce our deficit.  That’s an America built to last."

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    Ralph Deedsposted 12 years ago

    Obama said quite a lot AND gave quite a good campaign speech, in my opinion. One thing he said that I liked was that he's going to step up prosecutions of financial fraud and put the kibosh on the SEC/Justice Department settlements that let multiple offender banks off the hook with big fines but with the boiler plate language "without admitting guilt" and without any individuals being criminally or even civilly prosecuted.
    
    "WASHINGTON — President Obama called on Congress Tuesday to toughen laws against securities fraud and to strengthen the ability of the Securities and Exchange Commission to punish Wall Street firms that repeatedly violate antifraud statutes.
    
       "In his State of the Union address, Mr. Obama also said he would ask the attorney general to establish a special financial crimes unit to prosecute cases of large-scale financial fraud....
    
    "Many of those cases involve financial companies that have violated the same laws many times before.
    
    A New York Times analysis of S.E.C. enforcement actions over the last 15 years, published in November, found at least 51 cases in which the S.E.C. concluded that Wall Street firms had broken antifraud laws that, as part of settlements of earlier fraud cases, they had pledged never to breach. The 51 cases spanned 19 firms, including nearly all of the biggest financial companies — Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan Chase & Company and Bank of America among them."
    
    http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/25/busin … ;st=Search

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