More great news about the economy

“Citizens of what? The International? The 'board'? The mutual fund or retirement fund or health insurance co. or the few individuals that own common stock and who's votes are the straw that never found the camel?”

“HPD...the sad thing is that CITIZENS pay all the costs of Corporations. When you nail the corporation and they have to cut...employees pay, when you tax em...the consumers pay.

The sad fact is each time a corporation gets stuck we get it.

Sadly when a Senator makes a deal he profits and we get stuck worse.”

“Don't forget that Corps tax consumers the Gov does, but lobbyist tax and health care(for employees)tax don't scare the hell out TV's squawking heads like the GGGOOOVVV does.”

“Despite more jobless, crime rates drop
'Remarkable' given unemployment and the recession, expert says
The Associated Press
updated 1:16 p.m. ET, Mon., Dec . 21, 2009
WASHINGTON - Unemployment is high, the economy is down. Yet for all the signs of recession, something is missing: More crime.

Experts are scratching their heads over why crime has ebbed during this recession, making it different from other economic downturns of the past half-century. Early guesses include jobless folks at home keeping closer watch for thieves, or extra benefits keeping people from resorting to crime.

Preliminary figures gathered by the FBI for the first six months of 2009 show crime falling across the country � at a time when many experts and police officials had expected crime to rise under the pressure of high unemployment, foreclosures and layoffs.

Murder and manslaughter dropped a surprising 10 percent for the first half of the year, according to the FBI�s data.

�That�s a remarkable decline, given the economic conditions,� said Richard Rosenfeld, a sociologist at the University of Missouri-St. Louis who has studied crime trends.

Rosenfeld said he did not expect the 10 percent drop in killings to be sustained over the entire year, as more data is reported. But he said the broad declines are exceptional, given that past recessions have boosted crime rates dating back to the 1950s.

Jobless benefits, stimulus as factors?
The professor said there are several possible explanations, including that extended unemployment benefits and other government attempts at economic stimulus �have cushioned and delayed for many people the big blows that come from a recession.�

Those benefits will have to run out eventually, he cautioned.

Another possible factor is that with more people home from work, it is harder for burglars to break into a home or apartment unnoticed by neighbors, he said. Rosenfeld said another possibility is that because big cities tend to have an outsize impact on crime statistics, those cities� so-called �smart policing� efforts are still working to drive down rates.

�What you see are the large cities, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York in particular are down considerably, and those large cities are driving the overall change,� he said.

Overall, violent crimes fell by 4.4 percent and property crimes dropped by 6.1 percent, according to the data collected by the FBI. Crime rates haven�t been this low since the 1960�s, and are nowhere near the peak reached in the early 1990�s.

The new figures show car thefts also dropped significantly, falling nearly 19 percent and continuing a sharp downward trend in that category. Some believe that big drop in car theft is due largely to the security locking systems installed on most models, as well as more high-tech deterrents like global positioning systems.

The figures are based on data supplied to the FBI by more than 11,700 police and law enforcement agencies. They compare reported crimes in the first six months of this year to the first six months of last year.

Decline in 2008 as well
The early 2009 data suggests the crime-dropping trend of 2008 is not just continuing but accelerating. In 2008, the same data showed a nearly 4 percent drop in murder and manslaughter, and an overall drop in violent crime of 1.9 percent from 2007 to 2008.

According to the FBI figures, reports of violent crime fell about 7 percent in cities with 1 million or more people. But in towns with 10,000 to 25,000 people, violent crime ticked up slightly by 1.7 percent.

Each city�s data was different, but collectively pointed to less crime in every major category.

Nationwide, rape fell by 3.3 percent, and robbery by 6.5 percent. Arsons, which are subject to a variety of reporting standards, declined more than 8 percent.

The FBI�s data for New York City shows 204 reported murders in the first half of 2009, compared to 252 in same period last year. By comparison, Oklahoma City saw reported killings increase from 26 to 32, the FBI said. Phoenix, Ariz., saw 10 fewer killings, dropping from 86 in the first half of 2008 to 76 in the first half of this year, according to the data.

Separate statistics compiled by the Justice Department measure both reported and unreported crimes.


� 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed”

“Rape goes down 3.3% when prositution goes up 253%? Oh, that didn't say that half the housewives put out a red light to weather the depression.”

“Not in my hood. Robberies are up 150%.”

“LOL..whoops

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20091222/D9COD2OG0.html”

“Not sure if anyone else noticed this, but it seems at least around here I'm noticing more people panhandling and even holding signs up at street corners around town looking for work than with any other recession I can remember.”

“This is a depression, the TARP just made some rich richer and cost the rest for the rest of their lives. Until you get a government that controls these people, instead of being owned by them, nothing will change.
last edited: 12/23/09 7:19:03 AM”

“They're just copying the party that spent our way into the depression.”

“LOL!!!”

“

U.S. Economy: Growth Jumps 5.7%, Fastest Pace in Six Years

Jan. 29 (Bloomberg) -- The U.S. economy expanded in the fourth quarter at the fastest pace in six years as factories cranked up assembly lines, indicating the recovery may be strong enough to be weaned from government support.

The dollar rallied as the data signaled the momentum generated by the world�s largest economy last quarter will carry into the new year. Rising investment in equipment and software is boosting sales at companies including Intel Corp. and may help bring the jobless rate down from close to a 26-year high as employers add staff to meet demand.

�We are getting on to something that is pretty sustainable,� said Bruce Kasman, chief economist at JPMorgan Chase & Co. in New York, who correctly forecast the gain in GDP. �Both consumers and businesses are beginning to increase spending. To get validation, we need to see a return in hiring, which we think we are going to get over the next few months.�

Consumer spending, which comprises about 70 percent of the economy, rose at a 2 percent pace following a 2.8 percent increase in the previous three months. Economists projected a 1.8 percent gain, according to the survey median. Efforts to rebuild depleted inventories contributed 3.4 percentage points to GDP, the most in two decades.”

“I'm surprised there was no comment on this yet... they're trying really hard to find a way to make this into another Obama failure”

“Every Senate Democrat voted to raise debt limit to $14.3 trillion
By Michelle Malkin • January 28, 2010 01:02 PM

Every Senate Democrat voted to raise the debt limit to $14.3 trillion. The vote was 60-40 on straight partisan lines.

Let me repeat that — and let it be repeated loudly and often:

Every Senate Democrat voted to raise the debt limit to $14.3 trillion.

That’s $45,000 per American.

Here’s the roll call vote:

”

“Actually I was wondering if Violin has been on vacation or something. We've missed almost a year's worth of his reports on how bad the economy was doing. It's like he took a year off or something.


Anyway, carry on...maybe tell us how this "success" can be attributed directly to Daddy-O. Pepsi strives for the truth---maybe he can get Violin to tell us.”

“I'm not saying it should be directly attributed to Obama (in fact, I think he probably had a minimal role, if any, in it), but I would say an increase this large is a pretty big deal. It's a little strange that the red side of this message board hasn't had anything to say yet, that's all. It's probably really hard to spin it into a negative thing (though Stratdood, bless his soul, tried), and since admitting anything positive has happened in the Obama years is quite likely impossible for some people, silence is golden I suppose.”

“Be patient dude! It'll happen! You're like a kid staring at the microwave waiting for his burrito, lol!”

“yeah, but there's some sort of satisfaction in calling it before it happens. It's a step closer to winning the game of internet.”

“It's a lot easier to crawl out of a #&%!$hole when you had recently jumped into one. The question is, how much do you now stink? We have increased our debt and have no real assets to back it up. We're screwed.”

“there it is! Damn, and I had my money on XL too...

then again to bet on XL and beat the spread, he'd have to publish a ten volume dissertation for each response...”

“Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.
Thomas Jefferson”

“Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.

Funny how during the Bush era the libs were all concerned about debt debt debt ... now that doesn't seem to be an issue any more to them.”

“Ignorance is preferable to error, and he is less remote from the truth who believes nothing than he who believes what is wrong.
Thomas Jefferson”

“Information is the currency of democracy.
Thomas Jefferson”

“"There's a sucker born every minute"
-P.T. Barnum”

“It is always better to have no ideas than false ones; to believe nothing, than to believe what is wrong.
Thomas Jefferson”

“It is error alone which needs the support of government. Truth can stand by itself.
Thomas Jefferson”

“Never spend your money before you have earned it.
Thomas Jefferson”

“Our country is now taking so steady a course as to show by what road it will pass to destruction, to wit: by consolidation of power first, and then corruption, its necessary consequence.
Thomas Jefferson”

“Resort is had to ridicule only when reason is against us.
Thomas Jefferson”

“There is not a truth existing which I fear... or would wish unknown to the whole world.
Thomas Jefferson”

“To penetrate and dissipate these clouds of darkness, the general mind must be strengthened by education.
Thomas Jefferson”

“Whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government.
Thomas Jefferson”

“you missed a few good ones from your hero, d00d (I can google Jefferson quotes too!)

"I do not find in orthodox Christianity one redeeming feature."
Thomas Jefferson

"I have recently been examining all the known superstitions of the world, and do not find in our particular superstition (Christianity) one redeeming feature. They are all alike founded on fables and mythology."
Thomas Jefferson

"I hope we shall crush in its birth the aristocracy of our monied corporations which dare already to challenge our government to a trial by strength, and bid defiance to the laws of our country. "
Thomas Jefferson

"In every country and every age, the priest had been hostile to Liberty."
Thomas Jefferson

"The man who reads nothing at all is better educated than the man who reads nothing but newspapers."
Thomas Jefferson

"The spirit of this country is totally adverse to a large military force."
Thomas Jefferson

"War is an instrument entirely inefficient toward redressing wrong; and multiplies, instead of indemnifying losses."
Thomas Jefferson


... smart guy, that Jefferson”

“no, I saw all of those too


California controller: State will run out of cash before April

By Denis C. Theriault

Posted: 01/22/2010 05:13:27 PM PST


SACRAMENTO — State Controller John Chiang issued a stern warning Friday about California's cash reserves, telling legislative leaders and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger they must act on nearly $9 billion in budget cuts the governor is seeking by March — or the state will run out of cash to pay its bills.

Without making those cuts — which Chiang says will pump $1.3 billion into the state's checking account — California would be broke by April 1, no fooling.

The state wouldn't climb back to what's considered a safe level of cash on hand, $2.5 billion, until later that month, when tax revenues are expected to begin flowing into Sacramento.

"While our current cash condition is marginally better than it was one year ago," Chiang wrote to leaders, "it is still precarious."

Even with the budget cuts, the state's cash reserve would still be far below that cushion in March and April.

To that end, Chiang is calling for an additional $2 billion in cash-flow "solutions." Looking at previous cash crunches, that could mean some payments, like income tax refunds, would be delayed for a few weeks to keep the cushion intact.

"Call it overdraft insurance," said H.D. Palmer, spokesman for the state Finance Department. He stressed that officials are still huddling over specific solutions.

If the budget gridlock lingers all the way to July, then IOUs could come back into play.

And because many budget cuts
Advertisement
require months of ramp-up to take effect, delaying action on a new budget could inflate the state's overall $19.9 billion deficit by $2 billion, Palmer warned.

"Inaction ignores the projected cash shortfall which we face in less than 70 days," Chiang wrote. "Only you can prevent history from repeating this year."”

“funny you didn't mention them. It appears that you feel Jefferson's wisdom was so great and unquestionable that a few simple line attributed (or misattributed) to him are enough to prove a point... but you only picked the small handful of quotes that supported your argument, ignoring the others. Isn't dat veerd???”

“it's almost as if you're implying that Jefferon would be a teabagger. Something tells me he'd find your whole movement completely repulsive”

“Wrong answer....

try again”

“"The Proposal"


When a company falls on difficult times, one of the things that seems to happen is they reduce their staff and workers. The remaining workers must find ways to continue to do a good job or risk that their job would be eliminated as well.

Wall street, and the media normally congratulate the CEO for making this type of "tough decision", and his board of directors gives him a big bonus.

Our government should not be immune from similar risks.

Therefore:

Reduce the House of Representatives from the current 435 members to 218 members.

Reduce Senate members from 100 to 50 (one per State). Then, reduce their staff by 25%.

Accomplish this over the next 8 years (two steps/two elections) and of course this would require some redistricting.

Some Yearly Monetary Gains Include:

$44,108,400 for elimination of base pay for congress. (267 members X $165,200 pay/member/ yr.)

$97,175,000 for elimination of their staff. (estimate $1.3 Million in staff per each member of the House, and $3 Million in staff per each member of the Senate every year)

$240,294 for the reduction in remaining staff by 25%.

$7,500,000,000 reduction in pork barrel ear-marks each year. (those members whose jobs are gone. Current estimates for total government pork earmarks are at $15 Billion/yr).

The remaining representatives would need to work smarter and improve efficiencies. It might even be in their best interests to work together for the good of our country!

We may also expect that smaller committees might lead to a more efficient resolution of issues as well. It might even be easier to keep track of what your representative is doing.

Congress has more tools available to do their jobs than it had back in 1911 when the current number of representatives was established. (telephone, computers, cell phones to name a few)

Note:
Congress did not hesitate to head home when it was a holiday, when the nation needed a real fix to the economic problems. Also, we had 3 senators that were not doing their jobs for the 18+ months (on the campaign trail) and still they all have accepted full pay. These facts alone support a reduction in senators & congress.

Summary of opportunity:
$ 44,108,400 reduction of congress members.
$282,100, 000 for elimination of the reduced house member staff.
$150,000,000 for elimination of reduced senate member staff.
$59,675,000 for 25% reduction of staff for remaining house members.
$37,500,000 for 25% reduction of staff for remaining senate members.
$7,500,000,000 reduction in pork added to bills by the reduction of congress members.
$8,073,383,400 per year, estimated total savings. (that's 8-BILLION just to start!)

Big business does these types of cuts all the time.

If Congresspersons were required to serve 20, 25 or 30 years (like everyone else) in order to collect retirement benefits, tax payers could save a bundle.

Now they get full retirement after serving only ONE term.”

“The Boston Globe

Income angst? Not for public employees
By Jeff Jacoby

January 27, 2010



LAST MONTH, the US economy shed another 85,000 jobs. It marked a miserable end to a calamitous year in which an estimated 4.2 million American jobs were liquidated, and unemployment rose to 10 percent. In addition, more than 920,000 “discouraged workers’’ left the labor force entirely, having given up on finding work and therefore not included in official unemployment data.


Meanwhile, millions of Americans who do have jobs have been compelled to work part-time or at reduced wages; many others have not seen a raise in years. But not everyone is having a rotten recession.

Since December 2007, when the current downturn began, the ranks of federal employees earning $100,000 and up has skyrocketed. According to a recent analysis by USA Today, federal workers making six-figure salaries - not including overtime and bonuses - “jumped from 14 percent to 19 percent of civil servants during the recession’s first 18 months.’’ The surge has been especially pronounced among the highest-paid employees. At the Defense Department, for example, the number of civilian workers making $150,000 or more quintupled from 1,868 to 10,100. At the recession’s start, the Transportation Department was paying only one person a salary of $170,000. Eighteen months later, 1,690 employees were drawing paychecks that size.

All the while, the federal government has been adding jobs at a 10,000-a-month clip. Between December 2007 and June 2009, federal payrolls exploded by nearly 10 percent. “Federal workers are enjoying an extraordinary boom time in pay and hiring,’’ USA Today observes, “during a recession that has cost 7.3 million jobs in the private sector.’’ And to add public-sector insult to private-sector injury, data from the Office of Personnel Management show the average federal salary is now roughly $71,000 - about 76 percent higher than the average private salary.

Needless to say, it isn’t only at the federal level that government pay and perks increasingly outstrip those in the private sector.

In Ohio, a joint reporting effort by the state’s eight largest newspapers found that even in a time of severe budget cuts, “one expense government leaders have not cut is pensions for their workers.’’ The annual public pension tab in Ohio, currently $4.1 billion, is growing by around $700 million per year. “Retirement incomes for the most experienced government employees top out at 88 percent of their active-duty pay,’’ writes James Nash of the Columbus Dispatch. “Unlike most private-sector workers, whose retirement is driven by the strength of the stock market and 401(k) plans, government employees’ pensions are guaranteed.’’

Moreover, government retirees in Ohio enjoy taxpayer-provided health care, and in many cases can retire at 48. Especially egregious are “double-dippers’’ - public employees who “retire’’ and get a full pension while returning to work and collecting a paycheck. In 2009, double-dippers were paid nearly a billion dollars by Buckeye State public-pension systems.

Ohio is hardly unique. A public-pension tsunami is beginning to inundate government budgets at every level. As more and more of taxpayers’ earnings are confiscated to fund outsize public-sector benefits, the backlash from the private sector will only grow angrier and more intense.

“We are about to get run over by a locomotive,’’ warned California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in his State of the State address this month. Over the past decade, he said, pension costs for state employees swelled 2,000 percent - but revenues only increased 24 percent. The state has had to come up with funds to close that gap - funds diverted from “our universities, our parks, and other government functions.’’

Public-employee unions fiercely defend their pay and pensions, but even union-friendly Democrats are starting to acknowledge the inevitable. “The deal used to be that civil servants were paid less than private sector workers in exchange for an understanding that they had job security for life,’’ former San Francisco mayor and California Assembly speaker Willie Brown recently wrote in the San Francisco Chronicle. “But we politicians, pushed by our friends in labor, gradually expanded pay and benefits . . . while keeping the job protections and layering on incredibly generous retirement packages . . . Talking about this is politically unpopular . . . But at some point, someone is going to have to get honest about the fact.’’

A showdown is coming, and more likely sooner than later. Taxpayers will put up with a lot, but their patience has its limits.”

“What the hell does any of this have to do with the economy?

“Wrong answer....

try again”

Exactly, you have the wrong answers for everything.”

“Did that f ucker really say all that s hit?”

“prolly not - Jefferson is one of those (like Franklin and Twain) who gets thousands of ridiculous one-liners misattributed to him”

“If we could turn back time and sit in with these supposed heroes, would we find no difference from what we have now, excepting less press to ride their butts.”

“http://www.cato-at-liberty.org/2010/02/01/obama-can-blame-bush-all-he-wants-but-his-budget-is-even-worse/

Well the spoiled little rich kid is whining about Bush being responsible. In a way I guess he is right. If Bush had not been such a wuss the PrezBO would still be trying to learn his Senate job.

OH and lets not forget he VOTED for every Bail Out that was put before him. ..UM Yeah Pepsi see in the US Government the President can only choose to sign or veto a law...the Congress actually passes it.

Not once does the president acknowledge the role the government played in fomenting the recession. Instead, the president promises to move away from �business as usual� even though more spending, deficits, and debt are precisely that: business as usual. In this regard, the Obama administration�s first term is looking more like George W. Bush�s third term. Bush left the president with a $1.4 trillion deficit in FY2009; the deficit under Obama�s first year is set to rise to $1.6 trillion and would still be $1.3 trillion in FY2011.

Just like Bush, the president proposes minuscule savings through a small number of program terminations and reductions. But overall spending continues to rise, and in a $3.8 trillion budget the president�s disingenuous attempt to �cut� anything amounts to little more than a rounding error. The president also proposes to freeze non-security discretionary spending for three years, which he falsely claims will �help put our country on fiscally sustainable path.� In reality, last year�s stimulus and appropriations spending binge will mean actual outlays for this tiny portion of the overall budget will still be higher than what Obama inherited.”