WoodyIV's Comments (202)

“Very good point!”

“Of course they are...”

“Just a note, our gross external debt has actually decreased, along with many of the other contries mentioned, from the level of 2nd qtr 2008. In addition it has only increased 27 billion form year end 2007. I mention this because both of those marks are prior to TARP and the Stimulus package.”

“Read the details as to what happened, The numbers are still materially valid. Much adoo about nothing, being made by the enemies of progress.”

“The bailout? are you talking TARP or Stimulus, Neither have been fully applied yet. Also, of course he paid 100% for AIG instruments, they were the interest rate swaps that so many other institutions held as insurance against loss. If they were not made whole, many would have either failed or loss confidence in the US system. Can you imagine if China stopped buying our debt? The whold kit and kaboodle would have sunk. The devil is in the details my friend. One last thing, the stimulus funds are not being used for federal "make work" projects that would quickly reduce unemployment, but rather being used to establish a strong foundation for future growth. Because of this, the stimulus will translate into longterm GDP growth, rather than on one shot deal. You have to know what the heck you are talking about.”

“Add the ability to whine to the conservative list of abilities.­... you know like lying, and hypocritical thought!”

“I must say that I'm semi-surprised at many of the comments that I've read here. It must be noted, that macro - economic issues appear not to be greatly understood. The fact is the TARP program, (initiated under the previouse administration), the stimulus package, the possibility of an expensive but necessary new GI bill, and even the advent of an imperfect healthcare reform system, have all been necessary and will prove to be great successes. However, what I am sensing is a lack of patience comming from a lack of understanding where the nation was, as opposed to where it stands now. That coupled with a street level backlash against the FED and Wallstreet. It's complicated, but I for one think that Tim G has done a great job in substance if not in communication. If he should leave, it should be due to the fact that our treasury's priorities have changed.”

“I agree with just about all that you have said. Especially concerning the corp taxes, and individual tax rate on those over 500k fam's over 1mil. The disconnect between Wall street and Mainstreet however is a structural one. It can't be fixed by legislation alone. That is, Wall street profits when operating expenses for companies in general go down. Part of this rebound on wall street is connected to the high unemployment rate, since employees are expenses. Thus to fix the issue, we must encourage new industries, that cannot export jobs. We must encourage and push these industries to be the world leaders in these new endevours. While this is a period of challenge, it is also one of opportunity. The technological environment presently coupled with a growing demand for such things as clean and renewable energy, more energy efficient housholds and businesses, the professional opportunities, (insurance, financing, design etc) that these new industries will need. All of this represents a great opportunity for us to build a solid foundation for a growing and profitable economy for the future.”

“It is disappointing to see people still don't understand that all of what you mentioned are connected. Healthcare reform, if done right will serve to reduce the devicit. Cap and Trade will generate taxable profits that will reduce the deficit, it will also spur new industry that will reduce the deficit, thos industries that are created, will be non - exportable industries, which will reduce the deficit. Connect the dots man!!!”

“baby steps....a­s a nation, we do not adapt easily. Still baby steps are better than sitting on our arse.”

“There is no "Pro Abortion" side, that is something dishonest people make up. There is only Pro Choice, and anti-choice involved here.”

“What people do not appear to understand is that if a single payer system was implemented, or at least a fairly open robust public option, as health insurer's profits, (and indeed the entire industry) would shrink, the profits of every other sector would increase. Jobs would be created, wages would dramaticly increase, new technologies would get a boost in developemnt, tax revenues would increase (thereby reducing the deficit) nation wide. The reason for this, is that the cost for individual companies to hire and maintain personnel would dramaticly decrease; thus making our industries more competitive throughout the world. This would be due to the fact that employers would no longer be the primary source for healthcare benefits.”

“If this is true, I want names, so it can be verified. I know the white house has said that it's own representatives will appear on FOX when necessary. Why then would they frown on an independant strategist appearing. Doesn't add up. Sounds very fishy. Hell, if the person is a political strategist at all, he would not be at any disadvantage from the administration. Ther person would simply work for the republicans. Sounds like a lie to me....”

“Actually, they are doing a great job. Remember, Obama predicted that we would not see positive GDP growth until end of summer. 3q09, he was right. (I should point out that I predicted the same thing) The present administration also pointed out that job creation was pretty much the last thing to occur when comming out of a recession. I believe you will see job growth 2nd quarter 2010. All indications are that the managed recovery is on or ahead of schedule. There is only one eco/stratigic question to be asked. Would direct government speading on jobs been a better way to attack the problem? Politically it would have been expedient, but may not have lead to a sustained recovery. Also, there is a question as to wether or not the 782 billion stimulus package was large enough. One key thing to remember here though, is as of this point, only a little over half of the funds have been spent. This was planned to allow for a slower, but deeper recovery.”

“Well said, the standard for national journalist has sunk too far. I'd love to hear some possible remedies. These people after all do influence the majority of the public. A public that must have good information in order to make the right choices. Still, Shep didn't come off like Beck, or Hannity. It's a shame, but we need to encourage any thought in these guys.”

“You know the CBO cannot give an accurate prediction of the cost of healthcare reform since they cannot measure the indirect savings involved. Just so you put the CBO report in perspective.”

“So you side with the evil???”

“Love the comparison!”

“When you talk about waiting list, we have them too. Except you may find yourself waiting to hit the lottery. People die due to this also. Did you know that in many countries with socialized medicine, if you cannot get the care you need within that countries borders, they will send you to another country for the treatment at their expense. (Canada, UK, Sweeden, Denmark, etc)”

“As an Insurance professional, I can categorically state that openning the market of health insurance accross state lines, without individual state regulations, would lead only to people getting health insurance at a cheaper price, but will not cover what they need. They will be paying for nothing. For instance, you may be able to buy an insurance plan in a different state for a cheaper amount, but if you get sick, the limit per occurance may easily be too small to cover the illness if it is treated in your state. Premiums by state are based on cost in that state. So unless you want to travel to the state in which you purchased the insurance, you will be left owing the difference. If you get in a car accident, go to a hospital in Arizona, or Mississippi, even if you live in New Jersey, else you will owe a great deal. You see. So, when you hear about buying insurance across state lines, to have competition between cost in each state, realize that the insurance you buy will be based on the cost in the state that you purchased the insurance, not the one in which you live.”

“Very well put... though I don't think they should leave the country, they should learn what they are talking about, and stop hating so much. That's all reasonable people should ask. How can they be a good American, if they don't know anything??”

“A natural born US citizen is one that is born in the United States, or some other form of US soil. (Such as on Emassy soil, or US Military base.) Obama is a natural born US citizen. That's it. game over. move on.”

“Thought I was done being shocked, but here I am... Good for him! Wonder what affect this will have on the debate? Probably none...I believe he'll reverse his opinion. But we can only hope Bill has finally used his brain.”

“LMAO”

“Unlike repub's, the democratic party, and indeed the democratic ideal, is to contain many points of veiw. In fact this guy is complaining about the inference given by some individuals who clain that they are addressing some of the wacko's fears. The fact is that no person who is here illegally was ever to be covered. The verification procedures wanted by the republicans is rediculous since they would go beyond what is already required, and would not be easily verified. Thus this is nothing to worry about. Also, for those of you who are so scared of people here illegaly, you should remember that most of your ancestors were here illegaly at some point in time. Finnally, under the Reagan administration, we passed a law that all hospitals must provide emergency healthcare for every one regardless of leagal status. One of the few good things to come out of that administration. So for repubs now up in arms over this issue, it is just another sign of their hippocracy.”