POSTED BY: G. Aston (November 05, 2008 09:04 AM)
If anybody, repub or demo thinks that Nancy Pelosi, and that jerk from Nev. are going to sit by and let Obama set the agenda, they are dreaming, not only does the majority of dems HATE Bush and the repubs, soon they will be hating each other....

POSTED BY: Paul (November 05, 2008 12:11 PM)
Obama ran and won on his promise to withdraw rapidly from Iraq. The war will not end, and the radical jihadists will rise up - fueled by Iran. Coffee and conversation with the Iranian mullas (not to mention Hamas) in won't solve this one as bloodshed and turmoil ensue. The tax cut for 95% of taxpayers will vanish but some wealth redistribution will take place as more and more members of the middle class are tapped to fund this campaign promise. Trial lawyers will be rejoicing, domestic oil and gas drilling will end, business investment will shift to overseas, and we will embark on a road to European socialism complete with high taxes, unemployment, and a stagnant economy.

POSTED BY: Bob (November 05, 2008 12:37 PM)
This is a great day in America and an end to the failed policies of the Bush administration. I now see a bright funture for America in which we give opporetunity to the consumer who drives 70% of our GDP. When you pay someone a wage you need to ask yourself if they make enough money to purchase the goods and services they are producing. Consumers drive our economy. The big greedy corporations will be fine, it's time to help the consumer and get this economy rolling!

POSTED BY: doug (November 05, 2008 02:31 PM)
Bob, put the Kool-aid down. Other then National Security, Bush pretty much ruled like a Democratic President, spent money we don't have and print more. G Aston has it correct, with Harry and Nancy running around, approval numbers won't be high and the economy will be stuck.

POSTED BY: TC (November 05, 2008 02:59 PM)
Great, concise article. I think Obama will follow an agenda like this well. Paul (above) seems to forget the trouble our nation is mired in after 8 years of Bush, 6 years of complete Republican control of congress. They've piloted our nation into a storm and the plane is out of fuel too. What we need, and now have, is a new President who is INTELLIGENT, thoughtful, caring, fair and understands the world. We only pay taxes when we have income or capital gains. The economy, under McCain, would have continued to decay. There wouldn't be much income, and virtually no capital gains to tax. If however, we see the economy rebound and people start to prosper more under Obama, then at least we'll have some money to pay taxes with! Notice that 52%(!!) of those with incomes over $200K a year voted for Obama. Why? The wealthy know they'll prosper more under Obama than McCain, regardless of tax rates. Just as they prospered more under Clinton than Bush.

POSTED BY: Clark (November 05, 2008 03:42 PM)
We can sit and blame President Bush for the lapse of our economy, or we can blame a lame Congress and it's oversight...or lack there of, which is when I last checked, being led by......the Democrats. President-Elect Obama has a lot to live up to, the Democrats have the perfect opportunity to show what they are capable of. There should be no reason why with a Dem. President, Congress and Senate we shouldn't see results...and positive ones at that.....so, I say "Jump Frog!" No one to blame your inadequacies on now....oh wait...the American people.

POSTED BY: Bruce Thompson (November 05, 2008 06:06 PM)
Bob: When you pay someone a wage you pay them what the supply and demand in the market sets as the value of their services. While I respect and have myself performed these jobgs when you need a fry cook, teacher or construction worker the fact is that many, many people can be trained to do those jobs, so the supply of available workers is high and the demand is limited so the wages are fair but not great. When you need someone who can fill a stadium or 10,000 movie theaters with paying customers you hire Michael Jordan or Brad Pitt. Very few workers available - high demand. So they are paid great sums. Like it or not that is the classic way wages find parity.

POSTED BY: HJ (November 05, 2008 06:26 PM)
What concerns me about Obama does not involve his politics or his party or any of that. Quite simply, he is in no way qualified for the job. A term as a state senator, a cakewalk election to two (mostly absent) years as a US Senator does not a President make. Bill Clinton's lack of experience began to show early on, and his two terms were nothing more than a protracted exercise in covering his tracks. That lack of experience leads to things like 9/11. At least as a governor Clinton got experience handling appointments, managing a budget process and working with two houses of a legislature. Obama isn't even this ready. I am very afraid that Obama is going to be on the job about three days and quickly realize how far over his head he is. I am genuinely afraid for our country and its future. And though I despised Clinton (I lived in Arkansas when he was Governor), I never felt this genuinely worried.

POSTED BY: David (November 05, 2008 08:38 PM)
Watch how Obama's "tax cut for 95% of Americans" changes almost immediately, a la Bill Clinton, once he takes office. He will somehow "discover" that the economy is in worse shape than he anticipated and, therefore, can no longer promise tax cuts because "America cannot afford it." Just watch, because here it comes.

POSTED BY: JD (November 05, 2008 11:27 PM)
That's funny, Bob. I always thought we paid people what their work was worth to us. Apparently that was wrong?

POSTED BY: J A (November 06, 2008 06:14 AM)
Bob, isn't it the "consumers" responsibility to take care of themselves, not the governments? Isn't that what "freedom" and "libert"y is all about?

POSTED BY: Penelope Nino (November 06, 2008 09:43 AM)
Looking out !!! Hiding and watching is the name of this game. Does anyone know whats really going on ???

POSTED BY: Jan (November 06, 2008 10:00 AM)
As a retiree who did (I thought) plan well and take care of myself, I am now going back to work to wait out the significant drops in my modest portfolio. I am hopeful part of the stimulus package includes a tax free withdrawal from our IRA as that (formerly) was part of my income and now the amount I would have withdrawn over the next two years is gone. Fortunately, I have health and can work, although it was not my first choice. Let's hope there are other recovery options in whatever tax plans are implemented so that all of us receive some consolation in this mess.

POSTED BY: momg5 (November 06, 2008 10:31 AM)
I will hold judgment until he actually does what he said he would do. Obama promised alot of stuff, but didn't say how he was going to pay for it. 95% of us will not see a tax break, wait and watch him raise taxes on everyone. Fluff and misleading promises. Also we already have Russia testing him, and either China or Russia hacked their campaign computers(McCain's also). He just plain scares me. He is already talking about cabinet positions-Why all the liberal democrats? He should place middle of the road dems. It would sure boost my confidence a little. I pray I am wrong, I would love to be wrong about him, but his inexperience really scares me. For the record I am an Independent, I voted Dems and Repubs depending on policies and who made me feel more secure about our government. It is great that history was made by electing an African American as President. BUT, his lack of commitment on issues when he was in the senate and lack of executive experience at such a crucial time in our country does not give me any reassurance that he can actually do the job without taking orders from Pelosi and Reid connection. Gwen

POSTED BY: justpicky (November 06, 2008 12:05 PM)
First you need an Open Mind to understand so take a moment and relax . Companies in United States received more tax breaks than anyone on this earth. A.I.G , Lehman Brothers , and many other companies took advantage of all investors and retirement , they did exactly or close to what World Com and Eron . They took employees money they've invested , which I feel that's a crime . They should all be in prison for this . Oct 2008 C-Span had on "Live TV" with A.I.G , C.E.O's of this company put millions of dollars in there personal bank accts , recieving millions in bonuses and paychecks , they didn't care who they were going to hurt along the way. There bank accts and assests should be frozen , taken away and sold , to give back to the employees. This government going to bail these companies out , but the companies are the ones who broke thereselves , then they expect taxpayers to flip the bill. I think that's a crime , it shouldn't be done , but the government will help . So if that's the case the government can take $200 million , give every citizen (18+ and older ) $1,000,000.00 so they can pay there debts off or save for college put money in the economy , it will place faster . Yes taxes will be taken out , which is expected. Someone will reject to this . But, I feel it's Fair for the citizen of United States. ( taxpayers ) . Just remember this will help you. No, I'm not a democrat , just a person who feels citizen needs help too. Through these tough times. For those who read this , Thank You.

POSTED BY: Rich (November 06, 2008 12:24 PM)
Let's see how Obama, to quote him, deals with a "tiny country" like Iran. At least President Bush kept us safe from any further attacks after 9/11. To elect an inexperienced man for the office of president will pose a number of serious problems...both with foreign policy (hello Russia, N.Korea, as well as Iran ) and the economy. I hope Obama is more than "all talk and no action" when it comes to running the country. After all, it was Joe Biden, of all people, who said that the office of the presidency was not a position for "on the job training" during the Democrat primaries. Biden directed his comment to Barack Obama...how prophetic! Let's hope and pray that we can survive the next 4 years!

POSTED BY: A Lewis (November 06, 2008 12:51 PM)
I am really hopeful that Obama will move at high speed on both children's health care and investment in green technology research (preferably through universities). Both of these are relatively cheap to achieve. Incidentally I see no need for a hybrid vehicle subsidy unless it were only available to people driving over 25,000 miles a year and with an income threshold as I see plenty of people who are well able to afford hybrids. What left me bemused was the comment "Bush pretty much ruled like a Democratic President, spent money we don't have and print more." Sorry to say but this sounds like Reaganomics and is the exact opposite of the surpluses achieved by Clinton. I also hope that Obama quickly moves on his promises on infrastructure - there is some incredible new technology out there for bridge inspection which enables significant cost savings. Having said this, right now there does need to be an economic stimulus - so call me a Reaganite if you like! But only for a short time as we need to get back to the Democratic budget surplus behavior. My only other hope is that Obama finds a way to work with McCain (who got almost 50% of the vote) on McCain's plan to shake up Washington.

POSTED BY: BA (November 06, 2008 01:09 PM)
why is the government bailing out wall street when they should be bailing out the middle class? Give that $700-billion to the people who need it, not the wall street excuitives that make between 6 and 7 figure salaries. There are more middle class people and if the middle class cant afford to buy things you think the economy is going to go any where? NO! The majority of the USA is middle class so if you can increase their spending wall street will gain from it may not be right now but eventually.

POSTED BY: betty leo (November 06, 2008 01:40 PM)
some of "the changes" seem reasonable..............BUT, where does he stand on ABORTIION!?!?!?!?!

POSTED BY: DMichael (November 06, 2008 03:37 PM)
To A.Lewis--The budget surplus was a result of the Republican Congress controlling spending and Clinton not screwing it up. It is said Clinton was about the best Republican President ever.

POSTED BY: Gp (November 06, 2008 03:52 PM)
President-elect Obama is making great strides in his determination to "unite" people and "cross the aisles" as well as leave the "divisiveness" aside in choosing his Chief of Staff--only one of the MOST divisive individuals in the Democrat Party. Gonna' be a long 4 yrs

POSTED BY: Jaded (November 06, 2008 04:16 PM)
I agree with the previously posted comment. Why are we--the nation's taxpayers--bailing out the very men and women that placed us in this "fine mess?" For years now, political theorists, such as Skokpol, have been making a case for the middle class, to no avail. To this day, neither Democratic nor Republican party leaders have heard our cry for help. In the mean time, we are losing our homes for various reasons (high interest rates, devalued appraisals, high-rising cost of living, etc.). We have, for decades, supported the rich and the poor, and now it is time to help ourselves. President-Elect Obama has promissed change, but we are tired of false promises that change will come. What we need now are not words of hallow meaning, but rather, action. The time has come: he wanted the job, now he has it, but those of us in the middle class are tired of getting "screwed" while the poor access public aide and the rich access public bailouts. This weakened, many retail chains announced tough times...one will actually be closing its doors forever. My question with regard to this, is will there be a federal bail-out for all of those middle-income people that will be affected by this crisis of losing their jobs? What will happen as other retail chains follow suit--who will help these workers, white and blue collar, make it through the hard times? We demand help!!! I pay taxes, and I think that most people from the middle income bracket will agree, that we seemingly pay the highest percentage. Stimulous checks would be nice, but in my case, mine only helped to offset the aggregate amount that I paid not only during the year, but when I filed in March. We need more, like public assistance for those stuck in the middle income: we are not poor enough to qualify for programs that our taxes help to create, maintain, and support, and we are not rich enough to be bailed out...the time for change is now, mister President-elect. HELP US!!! Since you fought for and wanted this job!

POSTED BY: FED UP (November 06, 2008 04:17 PM)
I am fed up with all the phony empty rhetoric from this guy. He is a "plant" from Indonesia ( his homeplace ) sent to disrupt and bring down the USA..and you dumb Democrats all bought into his lies. You deserve what you get now...live with it and while you are at it..enjoy your new higher taxes and all the welfare recipients getting more of your hard earned money.

POSTED BY: Desert rat (November 06, 2008 05:11 PM)
That's right, BA. It should only be about what we can get. We are the gimme group and we don't care about the economy or the government long term, only how much can we get, NOW. It is obviously easy to earn those salaries, BA. Why not apply now.

POSTED BY: Its Just Me (November 06, 2008 05:29 PM)
I believe Obama and Biden can bring this country back from the turmoil we are set it. People just have to have faith in the Pres and VP of the US. His views and policies are obtainable, but people need to be open-minded and stop looking at race!! It has absolutely nothing to do with the color of his skin. It has absolutely everything to do with his morals, ethics, and ability to run this country.

POSTED BY: dave (November 06, 2008 05:53 PM)
Barrack Hussien Obama may have gotten elected but hes not my president because he is not fit to be president. I will never trust or follow this left wing radical and America will vote him out in four short years so enjoy it while you can . nobama today tommarow or ever for me id rather move to another country than call this liberal president.

POSTED BY: Mactart (November 06, 2008 07:28 PM)
When will we learn not to bite the hand that feeds us. I may benefit in the short term if at all from the new administration's spread the wealth policies, however, in the long term, I fear companies will do one of two things. Raise the price of the goods that they produce to fund their higher taxes, thus the users (i.e. we the people)who are the users of their products will end up with paying their tax increase, or the companies will layoff employees, cut programs in the company, stop hiring, stop research and development, and basically try to get lean and mean. Thereby, we the people will not get raises we feel we deserve, our children won't be able to find a job even after college, and that company Thanksgiving party, well it never happened. The caterer, had a free night or weekend. Oops they are suppose to be working to make a living right. Because they are not working, the folks from Target, Walmart and Home Depot didn't sell the door prizes for the company Christmas party that never happened either. And because mom and dad didn't go to the Christmas party, they don't need your daughter to babysit so she can safe up to buy that new computer or MP3 player. And because you didn't get a raise, or probably your salary was cut, you can't afford to buy her one because you love her and want her to be hip like her friends want to be, but can't because they can't afford it either. Going back to the salary thing, no extra money, then no evening out and because they aren't going out, the little Italian Restraunt is begining to lose business and cuts some of their cooks and dish washers. They don't buy as much food to make meals because the customers are staying home. The cook that got fired, he goes on welfare to support his family. Your son and daughters that can't find a job, can't move out because they can't afford a place of their own. Because they don't have a job, idle hands make for mischief. They get into trouble with the law taking that MP3 player without paying for it. They have to go to jail if even for only a few days to show they there is consequences for their actions. We have to pay more for police, prosecutors, and jails. So even though I'm one of the ones that will benieit maybe temporarily I still can't get excited about getting a few extra dollars from the goverment's spread the wealth program. I think in the long run that I will be in much worse shape than I am now. Mr. President Elect, please prove me wrong.

POSTED BY: Vincent (November 06, 2008 09:44 PM)
We have to look at "the big picture." The days of tunnel vision are over. Our nation better wake up and smell the coffee. With all our bail outs along with the 168 billion economic stimulus package, that btw did nothing for our economy it is hard to understand why our government can't see the need to bail us out of our dependence on foreign oil. I am appalled at news stories of green technology losing hope of being furthered because of lower gas prices. How long does anyone really think this decline will last? OPEC holds the key and we are at their mercy. They just cut 1.5 million barrels in production a day and vow to cut more if prices don't rise again. Instead of spending billions upon billions on bailouts, why don't we instead invest in renewable energy. We have GUARANTEED returns if we do this. I just read a fascinating book by Jeff Wilson called The Manhattan Project of 2009 Energy Independence NOW . I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in seeing our country become energy independent.

POSTED BY: ShariLynne (November 06, 2008 10:56 PM)
If we read the scriptures in the Holy Bible we understand that this is exactly how the Bible scritures says that it will begin.. Their will come a person that everyone will falsely believe in, they will support him and when elected he would fool the people and hand them straight into the hands of the enemy. I do not trust a Man who I have personally seen wearing the Musilim attire and holding a Kuran. I believe in the Holy Bible. I hope four years go by FASTTTTTTTTTT!

POSTED BY: Brandi (November 06, 2008 11:00 PM)
About the above post. You are dead on on your view of economics, but that's where innovation comes in. You're looking at the world as a finite supply of services and products. If the caterer can't cater, he/she needs to figure out something else to do to make an income. Figure out what the need in the market is and create another business. Target and Walmart, too. Figure out and anticipate what consumers will be wanting and needing and adjust. Don't sit there and cry because yesterday's inventions no longer work in today's recessed market. We're America. Innovate! And while we're at it, let's create something the country and world NEEDS. That way there's a constant demand for the good/service. Clean energy, anyone?

POSTED BY: ACE (November 06, 2008 11:37 PM)
You people kill me talkin about Obama is not qualified! Exactly what are the "qualifications" of the President. Can either of you really define it! Obviously Sara Palin couldn't!! And apparently, Bush and his administration wasn't qualified either 8 years ago or now!!! If he was, maybe the country wouldn't be in this mess. Whatever Obama does, or doesn't do in the next 4 years - will still be an improvement, because Bush hasn't done anything but ruin the U.S. and our reputation over the last 8 years! In other words, Bush is not a "hard act" to follow! SO WHAT if Obama doesn't live up to EACH And EVERY promise - name me one politician that has!!!

POSTED BY: tired of the bs (November 06, 2008 11:53 PM)
aren't you people tired of the republicans? they tried and failed. they took from everyone and gave to themselves' they didnt care about the little guy just what they could get from us.I dont think you can spread the wealth unless you earn it, so lets get off our butts America and work for what we want .let the big companies pay for our hard work with out us they wouldnt get no where.give obama a chance the people who voted for McCain our the people who want to exploit us and the people they brainwashed. joe the plumber is mad and he isnt a plumber plus he owes back taxes he is the last guy who should be complaining about taxes. lets pull together and make this country a country for the people and not a select few good luck president obama your gonna make alot of the wealthy and thier puppets pissed.

POSTED BY: Mactart (November 07, 2008 01:23 PM)
Brandi, you left out a critical element. Time. That caterer is 60 years old. He doesn't have a great deal of time to establish a new company or business. He doesn't have the capital to start up a new company either. His company he owns it. If he has to sell it, he will get pennies on the dollar. He and his wife have been catering for 30+ years. They have between 11 and 37 employees. Eight of them are full time the rest average between 20 and 30 hours a week. I don't know the figures but a large percentage of startup companies fold after one year. With the economy failing, my company has announced that they will be going to a bread and water mentality. The group celebrations have been cancelled and even one of my friends who was to have his 30 year celebration and reward has been cancelled. Yes if you are 25 fresh out of college to 40 or 50, a new innovation or invention is a possibility, but at 60 it's scary enough just keeping going as is but a new start-up is a longer shot. Chances are many of those 11 employees and the two owners will have to draw unemployment, start drawing Social Security but hopefully not have it so bad that they have to draw welfare, but if there aren't jobs out there because everyone has cut back, then welfare may be the only option for some at least for a while.

POSTED BY: Jerilee (November 07, 2008 02:18 PM)
Obama was elected because he has promised "Change" Please remember all of you-with change comes unwanted change as well. Lets make sure that what is implemented goes across the board, meaning should effect everyone. We all as Americans need to pay the price, not just the "rich" and if Obamas idea of rich is 250K and above, I have news for all of you, 250 with a tax rate of approx. 35% which is at currently, well do the math is 87500 in taxes leaving only $162.500. My husband and myself have a small company with 20 employees and we work very very very hard many times 10-14 hour days. We feel that is a lot of coin to supply to taxes as it stands, any more in taxes against small business makes one question "is it worth it?" And please don't forget the driving force is the small business, because without it there is no empoloyee!!!!!! Really makes us think......will it be worth it? Gotta say several of our employees crest the 6 digit mark, that is one income, hmmmmm our income for the 2 of us working, living, breathing our company with MUCH liability to be around $150,000 after Obama tax rate. Not sure is will pencil out for us logically to stay in business with employees. There may be more unemployed in Calif if there is not a more desireable tax rate across the board, I.E. a straight tax! God Bless America, we need it!

POSTED BY: mari (November 07, 2008 02:46 PM)
How can any of you make judgments about Obama when he just got started??? It's just like republicans to judge. Just sit back and watch how he handles the country..and some of u ppl need to get over the fact he was elected. I'd think some of you would be tired of the same failed polices of the last 8yrs...hmm I guess not.

POSTED BY: Dave (November 07, 2008 06:54 PM)
To Jerilee. Sorry, but whenever I read about someone who is successful, makes a good living, and "...works very very very hard many times 10-14 hour days...", I don't feel very sympathetic. I've worked those kinds of hours for years on weekdays and weekends for a lot less money. It sounds like you are adequately compensated for your time and risk. To most working Americans you are rich.

POSTED BY: Darryl (November 07, 2008 08:29 PM)
This is chilling. It's a 1985 interview with an ex-KGB agent talking about the plan of the world-wide communist network to morally destabilize a country for a generation and then introduce a big-brother welfare state as an answer to their idealist liberal dreams, when in fact it is communism, the ugly Cuba and Russia communism.... What he is describing is what is happening now with liberal Hollywood (who he calls the "useful idiots"), the media promoting every depravity known to man and calling it "Choice" and "Freedom." Here is the link: colleenhammond.blogspot.com/2008/10/1985-interview-with-kgb-agent-wow.html There are a few things we MUST do: 1) look ahead to the elections in 2010. We need to win back Republican seats in the House and Senate and make sure the Dems don't make further gains. We need to get going NOW with a ground game as well organized and funded as the Obama machine. 2) Pay very close attention to what is being taught from K-college (listen to the video..our only chance is to supplant the liberal trash with patriotic truth). Get more conservatives in teaching positions (by stealth if necessary; act like a lib until you get tenure and then "come out" as a conservative). Have parents sit in classrooms and audit content. 3) Somehow (no ideas on this) reign in the lib media and fight with all we have to prevent the fairness doctrine from being reinstated. 4) Pray for Obama and our country. Like it or not, he is our President and he's idealistic, inexperienced and drinking from a fire hose. Pray for God to give him wisdom and strength to deal with our enemies. Pray that he sees the folly of his financial vision and chooses a better path. Pray that this country somehow gets back to the moral and economic excellence of "The Greatest Generation."

POSTED BY: peterk2 (November 08, 2008 07:47 AM)
ob is in way over his head. the stock market is voting on his plans now, and so far it isn't pretty. mccain's election would have been worth a 2000 point rally, thats why it rallied in the days prior to the election. congratulations america; you've voted for communism!

POSTED BY: Jerilee (November 10, 2008 03:18 PM)
To Dave, Sympathy? Not looking for that, just a perspective of someone with much tenacity and skill who does not mind paying their dues, with hard work and thier taxes but does not want to give it away either to be used for freebie programs for the more sedate. Sounds like your not afraid of hard work and long hours-our company could have used someone like you who is not afraid of work, because you are not the majority. My complaint is not everyone is equal and anyone willing to sacrifice their time and saved money to invest in their own business has the right to keep some of the return. I have been an employee the most of my life and understand both sides and have never begruded the small business, they help to drive the economy. And frankly "adequate compensation" ? that is just your opinion of compensation and you have no clue of the risk, you know not what we do!!

POSTED BY: Bryan (November 10, 2008 04:21 PM)
This country is in a world of hurt and all tax paying Americans are going to pay. Who pays, "how much?" is the question. Gov Scharzenegger is proposing a large increase in sales tax, alchol tax, labor tax, etc to help California. I say GREAT. This is a fare way to collect tax from everyone, even the illegals. As close as we can get to a straight tax. Everyone pays. Nobody should have to pay more precentage of thier income than anyone else. Let's not discriminate, I'll be glad to pay 10%, 20%, 30% or more of all my income or whatever it takes to repair this great nation under God if everyone else will. It's just not fair for someone who works hard, saves their money, starts a business, and begins to make a good income only to have to pay a higher percentage than the folks with less drive. Let's all pay the same, a STRAIGHT TAX is needed and is fair to all, NO DESCRIMIATION PLEASE. I would pray for "Joe the Plumber" if I was in the working class, as Small Business drives this country, Pray he stays in business and keeps the working class working!

POSTED BY: Rod (November 13, 2008 03:29 PM)
All I can say from a psychological stand point, this is what happens over the years of creating such a huge monster and being dishonest to the country. The rich gets richer and pay less tax and the poor gets poorer and pay more taxes. Now America is in panic mode, Thank God for Obama, a man with a level head, morals and thinks about more than just the rich, come on people open your eyes.

POSTED BY: Dotti Rose (November 14, 2008 01:07 PM)
I only hope he follows the 10 steps first. National health care program and all his other pet projects are going to cost taxpayers $ instead of helping the economy. The only ones I see it helping are the ones on welfare and others who just won't spend $ for insurance.Government should Stop government waste in existing programs, enforce current regulations and apply maximum sentences for officers of companys that are defrauding investors. Put a freeze on existing spending, then review federal budget line by line after prioritizing by most important program.

POSTED BY: juanita (November 14, 2008 01:07 PM)
What is our PRESIDENT-ELECT going to do to help in public schools to get the money and the education back on track. I work for a great school district and they already cut our pay and there is no money for supplies for the studrets and they are realy the ones who suffer due to the lay offs and all . I know our PRESIDENT-ELECT will mark our schools a lot better in the long run, but i only wish it he will adress it sooner OUR STUDENTS AND EMPOYLEE'S REALLY NEW OUR SCHOOL FUNDED LIKE IT WAS. OUR INSURANCE IS TOO HIGH AND WE DON'T HAVE THE MONEY WR HAD TO EVEN HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE ON OUR FAMIY'S SO PLEASE HELP ALL OF OUR PUBLIC SCHOOL GET THE FUNDING WE NEED NOW. THANK-YOU AND CONGRAT'S FOR GETTING VOTING INTO THE OFFICE

POSTED BY: Seperate Church&St. (November 14, 2008 02:39 PM)
This has nothing to do with Religion, which is the primary cause of the war. Not just the Iraqi war, but the 'rights' wars in our own country. I deserve the same rights as the man or woman that is next to me. It shouldn't matter weather i choose to carry a Quran or a King James VIII version of the 'Holy' Bible. Religion is the reason people were burned, beaten,or tortured for the last 20+ centuries. More people have been killed in the name of their God then in war people! If your that blind then face the facts, compared to the Holy Church's reign more people have died then when Hitler started the Holocaust. So keep your bible out of the countries improvement. It has it's place but not to decide what our country needs.

POSTED BY: Branden (November 14, 2008 05:00 PM)
To Bryan, Yea it would be nice for everyone to pay the same taxes, not at the same time these companies that make millions of dollars a year should pay higher taxes and let the little people get ahead or at least caught up. As a middle class worker I struggle when gas is three to four dollars a gallon. Ask yourself if those people making 2-3 hundred thousand dollars a year didn't make a mortgage payment late because they had to save enough money to get back and forth to work. I don't look for handouts I get up and go to work a minimum of 5 days a week sometimes more. I do believe that anyone who does that should get a break on something instead of just taking time off of work to go play golf just because you make so much money you have nothing to worry about/

POSTED BY: keepingup (December 14, 2008 11:08 AM)
I think the new president is moving in the right direction to get American back on track. How soon can the changes be expected