Just who is blocking jobs in America? Senate Republicans, thats who.

So, this entire election the GOP has been on the attack about how President Obama hasnt created enough jobs, how unemployment is up…..blah blah blah

Well, the Senate Republicans keep blocking all the jobs bills. (Link: http://www.policymic.com/articles/11510/senate-republicans-block-another-jobs-bill-face-backlash-from-american-public )

As with almost everything political, it doesnt surprise me.

The GOP will stop at nothing to attempt to make the President look bad, when with this, its all on them. This is the NINETEENTH (19th) jobs bill they have blocked.

Even CNN has taken notice (See Link: http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/19/politics/senate-bring-jobs-home-bill-blocked/index.html?hpt=hp_c1 )

The American people have been consistently let down by those in Washington who potentially have the power to make real changes. But instead, partisan politics rules.

They wont even allow debate on this subject, by their use of a filibuster.

I guess its more important to them to see the American people suffer, and the economy to tank to make them look good.

Im not a ‘fan’ of President Obamas policies for the most part, but lets stop this ridiculousness and make our country better by working across the aisle for the betterment of our country.

And lets put the blame on things that havent improved on the specifics of just exactly WHO is making sure things arent improving for once. And lets give politicians (including those we dont exactly support) the credit.

Jeesh.

 

Next week there will be nothing to do in Eldersburg

Its a shame that there really isnt anything to do down in Eldersburg.

Shortly after I moved to Eldersburg (and saw the XFiles 2 movie) the Flagship Cinema movie theater behind the KMart closed due to various concerns. (http://www.eldersburg.net/news/business/290-carrolltowne-movie-theater-closes-not-set-to-re-open)

The closest theater is in Westminster (inside the mall). Or, if youre able to travel, you could go to Columbia or Owings Mills.

Then, we heard that the bowling alley down at Liberty Rd and Rt 32 closed. (http://eldersburg.patch.com/articles/cross-roads-bowling-center-closed-up-for-sale)

Granted, I dont bowl (and yea, Im from Dundalk-so much for stereotypes, huh?) but I dont even believe that there is another bowling alley in Carroll County. And because I dont bowl, I dont even know where the next closest alley would be. So, if you enjoyed that past time, so much for your enjoyment.

Last night, I heard that the Buffalo Wings and Beer in Eldersburg was closing February 6th. (http://votenomalley.blogspot.com/2012/01/closing-in-eldersburg-buffalo-wings.html)

Other than Bellisimos on Liberty and Klee Mill, I dont even know where theres another place with pool tables. And Bellisimos only has one pool table and an air hockey table. So I guess its down to Ellicott City to the VIP if we wanna go out and shoot some pool.

I understand the economy is bad. Really, I do. But without anything of entertainment in Eldersburg, what would a teenager do in Eldersburg? I guess hanging out in half vacant shopping center parking lots would be the alternative.

Development-Schmeveloment!

There are several problems that I can see occurring in Eldersburg. We have the half vacated shopping center where KMart is. When I first moved to Eldersburg, I heard all the stories regarding Black Oak and that assorted mess.

We have some Main Street Project behind the Walmart, that I STILL dont see anything built.

We have this Liberty Exchange project that still doesnt seem to have anything happening in despite articles in local papers saying otherwise. (http://eldersburg.patch.com/articles/liberty-exchange-business-community-signs-first-tenant)

And Peebles is closed (http://eldersburg.patch.com/articles/eldersburg-peebles-to-close-its-doors-in-january)

And not that Im against Starbucks or anything, but the K Bank is going to become one. (and there is a Starbucks inside Safeway) (http://eldersburg.patch.com/articles/starbucks-to-replace-k-bank)

Are our teenagers supposed to just hang out there? Some alternative huh?

I guess everyone can hang at the gas stations that are rumoured to be built. I have to wonder where the planners get their ideas from. Just how many gas stations does Eldersburg need?

Alternatives?

Im guessing that teens and the parents of teens that dont drive yet, will be forced to take their money into other areas in order to be entertained. This is bad news for Eldersburg.

No matter which way you to attempt to spin it, having residents travel out of the area to spend their money will kill the area. When and if another business opens in the area, people will already have been used to going out of the area, and more than likely wont give new establishments a chance.

Someone, please tell me just how Eldersburg can survive?

Someone, please tell us what our kids (as well as adults) are supposed to do for entertainment?

 

Raise the roof?

Im really tired of all the partisan games down in Washington DC. No one knows how to compromise and everyone wants credit. Literally!

The past year, all Ive heard about is raising the debt ceiling, which – in laymans terms means that the government will be able to borrow even MORE money to add to our ever increasing debt.

Quite honestly, this all seems ridiculous considering that it was just a few months ago, they raised the debt ceiling. How many of us can do this when we get ourselves into a financial quandry? No one I know can do this.

Which brings me to how -I- would solve this problem.

Ever heard of Matthew Lesko? If you were ever suffering from insomnia back in the 90s, Im sure youve seen his infomercials. This might jog your memory:

This guy basically showed us how to get ‘free’ federal money…..Sounds good? Right? Well, apparently a simple google search tells me his entire spiel was a scam, but what if ANY of his books did tell us how to get that ‘free’ money?

Lets just say…..for pure conversation sake…..that out of all Leskos books, there were 50 programs that us regular people qualified for. So, you apply and get your federal check (remember, its ‘free’ money). Who inevitably pays for that check? That ‘free’ money gets paid for by United States taxpayers and adds to our debt.

Wanna know how else we add to our debt?

A simple look at the budget (and Im talking line by line) will open your eyes to the waste that occurs in our country. We have, quite literally, several thousand programs that are over a decade old. Some of these programs may only benefit a handful of people. These types of programs typically never end, they just keep going and going, like the Energizer bunny. Why arent programs like these stopped?

How about what our government pays for supplies? Ever seen those websites that lay out how a lightbulb can cost the government hundreds of dollars? If anyone could ‘buy in bulk’ its the government.

How about some of those ridiculous studies? Im not talking about true studies that actually benefit science here. Im talking about the millions of dollars that have been spent on researching the most glaringly obvious idiocy-like these examples: http://theeconomiccollapseblog.com/archives/government-waste-20-of-the-craziest-things-that-the-u-s-government-is-spending-money-on

Why is our government NOT stopping THIS? Granted, I understand that cutting some of these wont put a dent into the trillions of dollars we are struggling with, but isnt it a start?

Lets stop lobbying in general. Lobbyists get paid to stroke our elected officials egos in order to get their pet projects okayed. Not only is it a waste of our money, it does nothing for good legislation. Basically, let your projects and legislative ideas speak for themselves – if they cant do that, what good are they?

Lets stop this picking on our senior citizens and our military all the time everytime theres money problems in Washington. If anyone deserves to be paid, its those two groups. Our elected officials should do without THEIR pay to show a real sacrifice.

Quite honestly, our country needs to learn how to live within our means. Stop taxing the middle and lower class to death. You cant fix the economy if all those who would be spending money have to do without the necessary cash in  their pockets because of higher taxes now…..can you?

***stepping off my soapbox***

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brilliant video concerning our economy

As an Economics major, I am surprised by how many people do not understand how our “money” equals debt.

Please take 47 minutes out of your day to watch this video on how the banking system REALLY works. Yall want real change? Do something to change THIS before it collapses and we have nothing!

I am reminded of a poster that hung in the copy room at a previous employer.

“I once dreamed of starving on this salary!”

Who among us hasnt said that they would be better off making more money an hour? I once made minimum wage and I used to think making $10 an hour would be so much easierand and — then I made $10 an hour! Are you really better off?

One of the highest paid jobs that I had ($24 an hour with great bennies) was really the worst place I worked at. The money was fantastic, but the working environment lacked personality.

I left that place to work for the Lord. Now granted, we all cant work for a church-but its easier to make less money (and work less hours) than deal with the stress of a job that is unsatisfying.

 

Real tragedy from this financial mess

Just what I was afraid of: taking the tragic way out of a situation when there are alternatives.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,433725,00.html

The financial state of our economy as well as the personal debt of many American citizens has led to the second suicide related story of the week.

The details of this story are really not important.
The fact remains that many Americans have too much pride to “suck it up” and get things done.

Is the debt of the American public so bad, that the alternative to paying it down is suicide?

I have personally known and personally know the trials and tribulations of living within your means. I know what its like to HAVE to live this way because of stupid financial decisions. However, I have had to pick my life up and be responsible for what Ive inflicted upon my wallet and credit score. And rebuilding is long and hard.

The best feeling in the world is being able to say: I am debt free and living within my means.

 

My response

My friend, Gary has written the above-linked blog. http://garyarthuryoung.wordpress.com/2008/10/02/sarah-palin/

Gary and I went to school together, but we have different visions. From the blogs of his that I have had the opportunity to read, they are very well written-and very put together. However, I do disagree with his “take”.

So here is my response (and since my name was mentioned, feel its necessary)

I must confess that John McCain is not my first choice for President. I was torn between Sam Brownback and Ron Paul. However, the voters chose McCain in the primary, so that is the hand the Republicans have been given.

I for one, was NOT excited about this election until McCain chose someone who has similar values as my own. I had heard several rumors that Rudy Guliani would be the pick – which I did not especially support. I respect Rudy for what he did after 9/11, but he is not a social conservative. Sarah Palin energized the Republican base just on that fact alone.

Gary stated that the Republican Party represents a certain platform, and while that is true….it is also known that democrats outnumber us almost 2 to 1. This statistic alone prevents Republican elected officials from seeing their agendas advanced. (And to steal a quote, not to be snarky) This also makes those elected democrats happy.

What has occurred in the last 8 years has almost been unavoidable. After 9/11 most Americans wanted to retaliate against those responsible…and it wasn’t just Bush who beleived that there were weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.

And while I am not especially fond of war (remember I AM pro-life), I have to allow our government to pay our military for being there. Our soldiers have families that they have left behind to fight for freedom, whether you support the war or not.

I agree that there has been corruption and scandal on BOTH sides. Anyone who claims one side is “pure” is lying. Our economy is just the start….Right now those WE elected to serve as OUR representatives are not listening.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, instead of figuring out WHY our economy is the way it is…they are “bailing” those banks and companies out. Why isnt anyone investigating the business practices that led us to this downfall? I dont care if its a democrat or republican to blame, the taxpayers shouldnt be responsible to pay for their mistakes. Are our elected officials hiding something? We dont even know, because the public has not been given an opportunity to take part in the process.

Moving on to the next part of Gary’s blog, we are asked if we feel that Sarah Palin is qualified. Honestly, none of the candidates on either side can be called qualified.

Obama and Biden both have “shady” pasts….Obama, who is running for President of the United States refuses to wear a flag pin among other things because he does not want to appear to be partial-doesnt want to play favorites. Seriously! Isnt the President supposed to be partial to the USA? Biden has plagarized material, and has some major snafus when speaking. Neither one respects life enough for me personally. Obama wont even support children born during abortion procedures.

McCain on the other hand, ruined campaign finance. (in my opinion) I will address that in a future blog. I wont go farther…since the democrats do enough bashing. Sarah Palin’s only REAL problem is the Bridge to Nowhere. Since I am not nearly knowledgeable on this subject, I wont go into detail.

Gary also brings up the issue of race. Its no secret that Obama is black….no big deal there. And while he beings up a valid point that Keyes is a loon (I do agree with him there) there are many black Republicans that arent loony.

There is one black Republican that everyone in the state of Maryland should know…Michael Steele, former Lt. Governor. I personally know and respect Mike, hes a great guy and shares the values I deem important. But, because he is a Republican (pro-life as well) he is not considered “black” by many of his peers. I have been told by many of my black democratic friends that they wouldnt vote for Mike because he was a Republican and even said that they dont consider him black enough.

Now, its no secret that I am a white woman, but I have no clue WHY they say that about him.

Again, the bailout…
Gary-heres your explanation-in simple terms

Banking institutions were “asked” to change their lending practices so that more Americans (there were also rumors of illegal aliens also) could own homes. Sounds like a good idea…right? Well, no. These banks allowed people to obtain morgages without proving they could afford them. Some never even proved they were gainfully employed. This led to several problems-as Im sure you are aware. Many could not afford their house payments, which led to defaulting on mortgage loans, and finally foreclosures.

The possibility of a depression could occur, however, in order to get to a depression, our economy MUST have two straight down quarters (this is a recession). Believe it or not, that hasnt happened yet.

Mass unemployment, skyrocketing prices are all effects of a recession and depression.
Of course, then comes other problems associated with recesssions and depressions….which is mass crime.

A loan should be hard to get. You should have to prove you can afford to repay a loan without defaulting.

I hope that answers your questions.