Putin calls USA a parasite on the world economy!

[Boethius]

Yes, investment usually involves producing a new product or expanding the production of an existing one to supply demand.  Both would create new jobs.  Do not forget the companies that supply raw goods to the investing company.  Thus, jobs are created and others maintained.  However, during a recession investment activity declines, especially if companies can not determine which way the wind is blowing.

This has been studied by economists, and the OECD did a significant analysis.  Corporate tax rate cuts, according to them, don't create jobs.  Personal tax increases do have an effect on production, but only when you hit about a 45% to 50% marginal rate.  Once rates hit this level people tend to work less.

[Boethius]

Both from obviously prosperous families with great educational opportunity, later both well indoctrinated into the electoral processes.

Obama is not from a prosperous family.  His father abandoned his mother.  His maternal Grandfather (to whom he bears a strong physical resemblance) was a charmer and dreamer, but not a great provider.  His maternal Grandmother worked at a bank, taking the bus to work at 7 a.m. daily, to keep food on the table.  Obama's mother was an anthropologist, but throughout his childhood, she worked on her PhD and, while living in Indonesia, she also worked as a secretary at the U.S. embassy.  When she returned with her children to Hawaii, they lived on food stamps.

Obama attended one of Hawaii's most exclusive private schools on a scholarship, arranged by his Grandfather's boss.  He transferred to Columbia and worked after graduation.  I don't know if he paid for his education by working, or if he had a scholarship, however, he did not list his race on his Harvard application.

One of the reasons Obama pushed health reform was his own experience.  His mother was dying of ovarian cancer, and her primary concern was how she, and her family, would pay her medical bills.  She had spent most of her working life as an anthropologist in Indonesia, where she established a mini-bank system for Indonesian women.  Decades later, the same system was expanded by Muhammad Yunus, for which he won the Nobel Prize.

[BC]

The problem is, anyone can win and I fear the Republicans will nominate a strong conservative rather than a moderate.  Look at the clamor over Gov. Rick Perry.  God forbid, Sarah Palin probably has a chance.

I watched a bit of the debates.. nothing compelled me to continue watching.

Sad lot IMHO..  Lots of religious ballast and not the sharpest blades in the cupboard.

Add discord and the result of the 2012 elections is a no brainer. The home field has the advantage.

Who's your favorite of the bunch?  I found Bachmann interesting, but as a dem convert and hubby living off pork barrel spending to try and somehow 'fix' homosexuals she hasn't a chance.

Perry... will just start the next Crusades

Ron Paul, he looks frail and talks weak, living off the past.

Newt has been out of the loop so long it he can only hope.

Pawlenty might be a sleeper, has some grass under his feet but doubt it will be enough to get ahead. No charisma. VP material?

Romney, from a line of politicians has the 'mark' of politicians and money to go along with it - but if he wasn't good enough to beat McCain who didn't beat Obama, well go figure..  He'll probably end up on top of the bunch though and continue the trend of wealthy, well schooled candidates that know how to play the game.

Palin... She hasn't a clue, never did and never will, but somehow some think she is worth listening to.. Great cheerleader with 'dumb broad' sex appeal.

Barring another huge disaster, Obama has it wrapped up .

I  think the deciding factor will be whether or not taxes on the rich are raised or no, even if it's just letting the Bush tax cuts expire..  Poor vs Rich... that's pretty democratic isn't it?

[BC]

Obama is not from a prosperous family. 

I stand corrected.  For some reason my impression was otherwise.. Maybe living in Hawaii has something to do with it.. lol.


Thanks Boethius.

[SteveOR]

I watched a bit of the debates.. nothing compelled me to continue watching.

Sad lot IMHO..  Lots of religious ballast and not the sharpest blades in the cupboard.

Add discord and the result of the 2012 elections is a no brainer. The home field has the advantage.

Who's your favorite of the bunch?  I found Bachmann interesting, but as a dem convert and hubby living off pork barrel spending to try and somehow 'fix' homosexuals she hasn't a chance.

Perry... will just start the next Crusades

Ron Paul, he looks frail and talks weak, living off the past.

Newt has been out of the loop so long it he can only hope.

Pawlenty might be a sleeper, has some grass under his feet but doubt it will be enough to get ahead. No charisma. VP material?

Romney, from a line of politicians has the 'mark' of politicians and money to go along with it - but if he wasn't good enough to beat McCain who didn't beat Obama, well go figure..  He'll probably end up on top of the bunch though and continue the trend of wealthy, well schooled candidates that know how to play the game.

Palin... She hasn't a clue, never did and never will, but somehow some think she is worth listening to.. Great cheerleader with 'dumb broad' sex appeal.

Barring another huge disaster, Obama has it wrapped up .

I  think the deciding factor will be whether or not taxes on the rich are raised or no, even if it's just letting the Bush tax cuts expire..  Poor vs Rich... that's pretty democratic isn't it?

The Republicans are all running for 2016.  They want to get their names out there for that election season.  Well, except for Romney.  This will probably be his last go around.  You're right about Obama.  It's his to loose. . .
 
 

[Faux Pas]

Barring another huge disaster, Obama has it wrapped up .

You're right about Obama.  It's his to loose. . .
 
 

Anyone who had even a fleeting thought of voting for Obama again in 2012 should have their head examined, once it is removed from their anus.

[Turboguy]

Anyone who had even a fleeting thought of voting for Obama again in 2012 should have their head examined, once it is removed from their anus.

I agree but that does not mean he won't get re-elected.  In Americian presidential campaigns we usually seem to have to pick for the lesser of two evils.  I don't see Romney or Bachman beating Obama.  The ones who could beat him probably won't be the final cantidate. 
 
Although I think Obama is the worst president since Carter and that he may do so much damage given 8 years that the country may never recover I don't see his defeat next year being certain. 

[Anotherkiwi]

Anyone who had even a fleeting thought of voting for Obama again in 2012 should have their head examined, once it is removed from their anus.

...Although I think Obama is the worst president since Carter and that he may do so much damage given 8 years that the country may never recover I don't see his defeat next year being certain.

OK, so you two are life-long Republicans, but why does Obama appear so bad to you?  It just seems so strange to people outside the USA, who generally seem to think that he's not such a bad dude, that so many of his own countrymen relish sticking knives in his back.  Is it because he's black, or a Democrat, or simply because he had a vision of one piece of legislation to be remembered by that too many other people want to see fail?  Forget the intricacies of Obamacare - if there were enough politicians and public servants interested in helping everyone receive affordable healthcare, instead of lining their own pockets with donations from medical providers who don't want to lose a huge slice of the medical pie, a workable scheme could surely have been drafted without all the hand-wringing that continues to go on.
 
I can understand the antipathy towards George Dubya, because he seems like a complete cretin; as for Sarah Palin or Bachmann - God would need to help you guys if by some miracle either became President, because nobody else will.  It might be the "land of the free," but it is also the home of the truly weird politician.

[Faux Pas]

I agree but that does not mean he won't get re-elected.  In Americian presidential campaigns we usually seem to have to pick for the lesser of two evils.  I don't see Romney or Bachman beating Obama.  The ones who could beat him probably won't be the final cantidate. 
 
Although I think Obama is the worst president since Carter and that he may do so much damage given 8 years that the country may never recover I don't see his defeat next year being certain.

I think you might be surprised. I personally didn't think anyone would beat Hillary in 08. She seemed to be full steam ahead and the Republicans offered no one. Then comes Obama out of nowhere to be what will go down as the worst ever, even worse than Carter or Bush Jr.. Obama has literally done nothing but embarrass and run the country into the ground financially while his only concern is getting reelected. We are on the brink as a country and Obama in a 2nd term will push us over. I don't see anyway we could recover. However, you could be right I thought there was no way in Hell voters would fall for his mantra the first time. He has certainly changed the greatest country in the world

[BC]

I think you might be surprised. I personally didn't think anyone would beat Hillary in 08. She seemed to be full steam ahead and the Republicans offered no one. Then comes Obama out of nowhere to be what will go down as the worst ever, even worse than Carter or Bush Jr.. Obama has literally done nothing but embarrass and run the country into the ground financially while his only concern is getting reelected. We are on the brink as a country and Obama in a 2nd term will push us over. I don't see anyway we could recover. However, you could be right I thought there was no way in Hell voters would fall for his mantra the first time. He has certainly changed the greatest country in the world

FP,

I'm surprised.. this sounds like simple whining.  One should look at the Republican Party today.. the general perception is that they are battling more with themselves than anyone else. 

In order to go forward, they will need to distance themselves from controversial issues like religion, abortion and gay rights and concentrate on other 'real' issues instead.

Such used to be a good 'sell' in the past but in today's world the arguments only appear to the fringes and only polarize rather than cohere.

'Republican core' voter support can no longer be taken for granted.

[Turboguy]

 
OK, so you two are life-long Republicans, but why does Obama appear so bad to you?  It just seems so strange to people outside the USA, who generally seem to think that he's not such a bad dude, that so many of his own countrymen relish sticking knives in his back.  Is it because he's black, or a Democrat, or simply because he had a vision of one piece of legislation to be remembered by that too many other people want to see fail?  Forget the intricacies of Obamacare - if there were enough politicians and public servants interested in helping everyone receive affordable healthcare, instead of lining their own pockets with donations from medical providers who don't want to lose a huge slice of the medical pie, a workable scheme could surely have been drafted without all the hand-wringing that continues to go on.

Why do I think Obama is so bad?   When I voted in the last election, I didn't vote for him but to be honest I was not unhappy that he was elected.  I thought he might make changes that would be good for the country and I was happy to see the first black president.  I am old enough to remember when JFK was campaining that there were many who felt a Catholic could not be elected.  The country has come a long way.  I am sure in the future we will have a woman and someday a gay.
 
However once elected I found him to be the biggest disappointment I have ever seen.   I am a Republican but not a diehard Republican.  I am however definitely a conservative and perhaps an ultra conservative.   I believe that the less government you have the better.  I did not care for the health care program at all, my biggest dislike was the requirement for everyone to purchase health care.  There are better ways to reform health care.  I don't care for the way he operates.  I didn't like the way health care was passed.  I don't think you can spend your way to prosperity.  He went into office promising to work with Republicans but when he didn't need them he treated them like dirt or at least like they were non existant.  So much of what he said in his campaign turned out to be lies.  Basically he hasn't a clue how to fix the economy and that is my biggest dislike.
 
There were elements of the recovery programs that I thought were good such as cash for clunkers and the first time home buyers programs but the spending on infrastructure was bad. 
 
One of the biggest flaws of the way government operates today is that Representatives are judged by their constituents on how much federal money they can get for their district.  I don't like the way appropriations are tacked on to unrelated bills at the last minute.  Personally I think the budget cutting should start with our government officials.  They should be on social security, they should be on the new health care program.  They should have their expenses based on an inverse amount the government spends over what it takes in.  In other words if we have a 40% deficit then their operating costs should be reduced by 40%.  Give them an incentive for cutting expenses.  We should have one allowance for regional government programs that is divided by the population in the area.  They should be allowed to spend that amount on earmarks and it should be capped at that amount.  It would be fair for everyone and cut costs dramatically.

[Muzh]

The more the Tea Party gets ingrained into the GOP, the lesser the chances of ANY GOP candidate to win.


If some of you need more clarification; the Tea Party is to the GOP what the Socialist Party is to the Dems.


Also, IMHO, the reason there is so much animosity against Obama is the he is a Black Democrat President. Now, a white woman President would be a little acceptable.

[Faux Pas]

You know Anotherkiwi, that your post really does reek of arrogance? Whether it is intended or not I don't know so I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. I can only imagine you, not being a citizen or living here generally, just only see, what you wish to see. You don't have the advantage of feeling the sting of Obama's presidency directly. The crumbling of the US economy and our inability to function politically will greatly empower other political leaders and machines in the world. You should pray that better ones come along and take the world stage.

 
OK, so you two are life-long Republicans, but why does Obama appear so bad to you?  It just seems so strange to people outside the USA, who generally seem to think that he's not such a bad dude, that so many of his own countrymen relish sticking knives in his back.  Is it because he's black, or a Democrat, or simply because he had a vision of one piece of legislation to be remembered by that too many other people want to see fail?

I am not a life long Republican. I was an active member of the Republican party at one time until I realized there wasn't a dimes worth of difference in the the two parties where my personal concerns laid. It isn't appearance, he is bad for the country and has a single minded agenda. Mostly, those that "relish" sticking knives in his back as you say, are those who have to fund and finance his agenda which generally does not work in our benefit or advantage.


Because he is black? That is a racist accusation and not worthy of a response. IMO, most everyone would love to see Obama succeed, it's not happening. The fact that you ask these questions would indicate you believe we should support failure?

Forget the intricacies of Obamacare - if there were enough politicians and public servants interested in helping everyone receive affordable healthcare, instead of lining their own pockets with donations from medical providers who don't want to lose a huge slice of the medical pie, a workable scheme could surely have been drafted without all the hand-wringing that continues to go on.
 

You have a very decidedly left wing liberal slant to this accusation. Keep in mind it is only an accusation with no basis of fact. That's okay, don't let the facts get in the way of how you wish to perceive the US. Obamacare as it stands right now will bankrupt the country. Obamacare will not solve the healthcare problem that currently exist in this country. Except for those who exempted themselves from Obamacare, the remainder of us will have an extremely diluted and poor quality of healthcare. Those who have to pay for it, reject that idea.


The idea that because the majority of Americans reject Obamacare doesn't mean we do not care for helping our fellow man or those less fortunate. Quite the opposite. Again, you are merely parroting the far left agaenda.   

I can understand the antipathy towards George Dubya, because he seems like a complete cretin; as for Sarah Palin or Bachmann - God would need to help you guys if by some miracle either became President, because nobody else will.  It might be the "land of the free," but it is also the home of the truly weird politician.

Dubya was a complete disaster as President yet, is head and shoulders better than Obama. Tell me AK, what do you know (and stick to the facts rather than the chants of your left leaning information sources) of Palin or Bachman?  Are you a misogynist? What is it exactly you find distasteful about a woman with conservative leanings and ideals? Can women not provide leadership in your opinion?


You strike me as a fine example of what is wrong not only in my country but, in the world as well. You've been both divided and conquered. Your mind is closed to the realities because someone told you so.

[BC]

Also, IMHO, the reason there is so much animosity against Obama is the he is a Black Democrat President. Now, a white woman President would be a little acceptable.

I would hope the US has progressed beyond color, but think it's still a way before the US accepts the concept of a woman President.

I think Obama does appeal to women voters and will enjoy continued support, even over a woman candidate.

[Faux Pas]

FP,

I'm surprised.. this sounds like simple whining.  One should look at the Republican Party today.. the general perception is that they are battling more with themselves than anyone else. 

In order to go forward, they will need to distance themselves from controversial issues like religion, abortion and gay rights and concentrate on other 'real' issues instead.

Such used to be a good 'sell' in the past but in today's world the arguments only appear to the fringes and only polarize rather than cohere.

'Republican core' voter support can no longer be taken for granted.

BC,
Sokay, you can call it whining if you wish. I was scared of what might happen to this country if Obama ever took office and I was correct.    I had rather been wrong


Religion? Look around guy, religion IS one of the most important issues of the day worldwide. The islamic extremist as well as the majority of the muslim world has and will continue to make it center stage. Please your not going to tell me we have armies of Baptist militants out there too are you?


Gay rights and abortion are hot button issues still, to a majority of Americans. Other parts of the world like to pat themselves on the back and proclaim they are so far advanced of the US in moving past these particular issues. Maybe they have, maybe they haven't, history will have to be the judge there.


The majority of Americans are centrist and in the middle. Unfortunately, they are not well versed on the affairs of the political system or the world. They vote for anyone who they believe will make their life better without any sacrifice of they're own. They tend to follow the pretty shiny things rather than make the effort to learn. They'd rather be told than have to think for themselves.

[Faux Pas]

The more the Tea Party gets ingrained into the GOP, the lesser the chances of ANY GOP candidate to win.


If some of you need more clarification; the Tea Party is to the GOP what the Socialist Party is to the Dems.


Also, IMHO, the reason there is so much animosity against Obama is the he is a Black Democrat President. Now, a white woman President would be a little acceptable.

Whoaaaaa


Geeze Muzh, The tea party is as close to the constitution than any other current party in the country. Do you have a problem with the Constitution?


Those are very extreme statements you made there and both completely wrong IMO. I'm not a TP'er and yes they are extreme in their position but the idea is stick to the Constitution. It was/is a ground swell, grassroots party. WHY, does the far left hate it so bad?

[Gator]

Also, IMHO, the reason there is so much animosity against Obama is the he is a Black Democrat President.

None of my Republican friends say that.  Some of my Democratic friends say such.  Playing the race card is dead wrong IMO. 
 
Interesting personal message to the President from a black rapper (starting about 2:00 minutes) (warning:  much use of the F-word).
 
http://www.youtube.com/embed/-McpNtHet3w
 
Many people are calling for the need to balance the budget now.  For sure we need to reduce the deficit, yet I disagree with the urgency.  An urgent program would entail austerity and increased taxes, and that would harm an already slow economy.   The answer is jobs.  Obama spent a lot of money to stimulate the economy, and it did not work.
Obama should not be judged based on his race or where some people think he was born but upon his accomplishments in office.  So far he has failed, and the past two weeks were his worst.  America needs a leader. 

[Faux Pas]

I would hope the US has progressed beyond color, but think it's still a way before the US accepts the concept of a woman President.

I think Obama does appeal to women voters and will enjoy continued support, even over a woman candidate.

It worked the first time. But, that wasn't the demographic that won Obama the presidency, only one of them. He captured the attention of mainstream America. That's pretty much the demographic suffering the most from his broken promises and ineffectiveness. Can he renew that passion again. I don't think so but, he might.


Other than some few select pockets, America is well past the idea of a black president. However, so far, Obama hasn't helped the cause of any future black presidents. The man has been a disaster. The left will use the race card as a defense as long as they "think" they can.

[BC]

The man has been a disaster.

Really, I don't see it.  Neither does the rest of the world, but yes that doesn't matter does it...

Do you really think with McCain and Palin all would be rosy now?  I doubt it... highly so.

Who's your favorite for 2012?

[Gator]

 
Forget the intricacies of Obamacare - if there were enough politicians and public servants interested in helping everyone receive affordable healthcare, instead of lining their own pockets with donations from medical providers who don't want to lose a huge slice of the medical pie, a workable scheme could surely have been drafted without all the hand-wringing that continues to go on.
 

You make a valid point about the influence of lobbyists (donations) from the healthcare business.   Obamacare did not recognize that most Americans are happy with their healthcare.  Nevertheless, healthcare is the projected largest component of the deficit.  Healthcare needs reform.  However, Obamacare does not do it.  Oddly, Mitt Romny is the leading Republican candidate for President, and Obamacare is similar in many ways to what Romny instituted as governor of Massachusetts.   


Under Obamacare,  most Americans starting in 2014 will be required to buy health insurance.  Those who can not afford it would be given a subsidy.  This is the centerpiece of Obamacare as it is a large source of income needed to fund other parts of the plan.  Friday, a federal appeals court struck down this individual mandate, so the issue likely goes to the Supreme Court.  It would be heard during 2012, in the middle of election campaigns.   

People have likened this provision to requiring everyone to buy an electric car simply to reduce the costs of producing and operating such cars via economy of scale.  But how would the electricity be produced?
 

[Gator]

In order to go forward, they will need to distance themselves from controversial issues like religion, abortion and gay rights and concentrate on other 'real' issues instead.

Such used to be a good 'sell' in the past but in today's world the arguments only appear to the fringes and only polarize rather than cohere.

Many people are single-issue voters, and would not vote for someone with different views about religion, abortion and or gay rights.  The Republicans know this, and this is part of their base - the same that the black population is part of the Democrats' base.

[Gator]

Really, I don't see it.  Neither does the rest of the world, but yes that doesn't matter does it...

Do you really think with McCain and Palin all would be rosy now?  I doubt it... highly so.

Not rosy, but on an upward trend.

 

Who's your favorite for 2012?

I am for reduced military spending, I support gay rights,  I believe in choice, and although I subscribe to something equivalent to God the religious right turns me off because I believe in freedom of religion.  Does that make me a Democrat?  No,  I am for smaller government,  I believe in a person getting up each day and going to work, and above all else I am a fiscal conservative. 
 
Probably makes me a Libertarian. Ron Paul probably comes closest to my philosophy, yet he is not a leader and I am not sure about his views regarding the Federal Reserve Bank.  I consider Romney best for America as a proven leader, understands the economy, yet has some empathy for the disenfranchised.  I also believe a moderate Republican would get much of the independent vote and even some of the moderate democrats.  Perry is very shrewd and probably wins the nomination.  Obama would perhaps do well against Perry, especially if B  can show some leadership in this his final year of his term. 

[Faux Pas]

Really, I don't see it.  Neither does the rest of the world, but yes that doesn't matter does it...

No big surprise there. You are an expat living in Italy and pretty far removed from the day to day in America. You can watch the news and your relatives can fill you in but, you still won't experience unless you live here and are reliant on it.

Do you really think with McCain and Palin all would be rosy now?  I doubt it... highly so.

No but, I don't think it would be as dogmatic as it is now. If McCain were president we'd still have some major financial hurdles but, we'd be in more of a better position to deal with them. IMHO, we are in major financial dire straights and we have an Administration with it's head in the sand and intent on spending as fast and hard as it can.

Who's your favorite for 2012?

My favorite as to who I think will win or who I'd like to see win?


At this point I think Romney will win but, it is still way too early. Mainstream America has seen the abyss of Leftist America. I am afraid we haven't learned anything and will now swing hard right for yet more abyss. All the while the problems we face in the country continue ignored and polarized partisan politics as usual.


I am an oddity politically. Of those in the race and Obama included IMHO, Ron Paul would be our best possible choice. If I were a member of a political party today, it would have to be Libertarian Party. I am a conservative, I believe in less government intrusion in every aspect of our lives. I believe in a balanced budget and paying enough taxes to make that happen. I believe roughly 60% of our current obligations and debt are wasted. I believe in a form of isolationism. We should leave the world alone and mind our own business and this is in all aspects.

[BC]

Under Obamacare,  most Americans starting in 2014 will be required to buy health insurance.  Those who can not afford it would be given a subsidy.  This is the centerpiece of Obamacare as it is a large source of income needed to fund other parts of the plan.  Friday, a federal appeals court struck down this individual mandate, so the issue likely goes to the Supreme Court.  It would be heard during 2012, in the middle of election campaigns.   

People have likened this provision to requiring everyone to buy an electric car simply to reduce the costs of producing and operating such cars via economy of scale.  But how would the electricity be produced?
 

Gator,

By mandating that everyone is insured, the pressure on the government treasure chest would be reduced. Insurance industry efforts would be shifted to fully concentrating on costs, working deals with healthcare, pharma and med industry suppliers.  That might not be so bad after all and does follow the concept that business should take care of business..  I do believe that is compatible with 'smaller government'.

Surely you believe that healthcare costs are too high?  EU health systems do use their leverage to keep costs contained.

[Gator]

One of the biggest flaws of the way government operates today is that Representatives are judged by their constituents on how much federal money they can get for their district. 

Turbo, as a former businessman I subscribe to many of your views.   I imagine at one time you had to use your home as collateral for a business loan from the bank.   I did, and taking such risk is very sobering, especially when explaining it to the wife whose name is on the deed.  And it focuses one's attention on making sure the loan is repaid.
 
None of our Congressmen do this when accepting their position.    Perhaps many did it as part of their career prior to politics, yet many seemed to have been groomed without the risk taking. Their biggest risk is not being re-elected.  BFD.
 
Voters sent them to Washington not to save money as if the government were a business.  They were sent to Washington to bring home the bacon to their own home state regardless of the effect on the economy.  This has been ingrained over centuries, perhaps, yet for sure ever since the Great Depression.  There seems to be more and more demand from voters for candidates focused on the overall good rather than the bacon.