In his defense he HAD to take the money, the tuition he had to pay for his children's home schooling was through the roof! snark/

So Santorum "cashed in" after he left political office ...

And that would be as opposed to say .... "cashing in" during office like ..... Obama?

I was just about to say the same thing Bob. In 2008 Obama's net worth was $7 million. In 2010 it increased to $10.5 million. His salary is $400K. Somewhere along the way he increased $2.7 million.

Is Obama part of the 1% or not?

Santorum's been given millions in graft to sway political hacks to favor other millionaires.

Go figure.

This ain't the party of Lincoln, it's the party of Bernie Madoff.

36 IRAs? I didn't know you were allowed to have more than one.

Excellent reporting Domenico, but this should be on the front page, not tucked away where only political nerds read it.

That you didn't know that Amy is sad.

But I fear the sadder part is that you don't even have one.

But I fear the sadder part is that you don't even have one.

And what business is it of yours whether she does or doesn't, Spanky?

caching in like bush/cheny?

Spanky -

I'm not sure which is sadder - your constant need to put Amy down, or your constant need to remind everyone here how rich you think you are.

But here's a clue - the best things in life aren't things. I know Amy, and she's far richer than you are.

Excellent reporting Domenico, but this should be on the front page, not tucked away where only political nerds read it.

Domenico,

What would really be cool is to see the same thing on Obama.

Surely the President of the United States is as politically important as a little repub who came in 2nd in some caucus, right?

JoAnne in PA,

You put it much better than I did. I am really sick of his picking, picking, picking on Amy. It's really sick behavior. He's a bully, and I have the distinct impression he doesn't like women.

But here's a clue - the best things in life aren't things.

From thinkprogress?

Like the best facts aren't facts ..... the best truth isn't the truth ....

Spanky,

I think you missed the point that Amy was trying to make. By placing this information on the front page, it will make the average reader believe: "Hmm, these republican candidates are all filthy rich. I think I will vote for a democrat, they are all folks just like me." It's call class warfare; and the democrats are depending on it working to keep their guy in the whitehouse.

Good afternoon Joanne.

As for this particular comment - the fact that Amy is unaware of how something as basic as an IRA works is horrible. That most people have multiple IRA, from multiple employers is just basic.

But it goes to the heart of most of the libbie arguments here - a fundamental lack of understanding of how the world works, i.e., you all don't know what you don't know.

But of course this never stops you all from commenting on the things you don't know. Like this comment by Amy. She is obviously ignorant about the subject, yet here she is tossing out a silly statement.

But seriously - Amy is well past 50, is a receptionist and has stated here many times she has no retirement plan or funds.

That she likely has no IRA is sad. Most part time/minimum wage people don't.

Oh and Joanne - to be very clear you do not know me, but I hope she is as you say. She's gonna need it.

In January 2007, he joined a Washington-based conservative advocacy group, the Ethics and Public Policy Center, where, as a senior fellow in the last year and a half, he made $217,385.

Further evidence we do NOT want the government run like a business. What did the guy do to merit this pay? Get on a couple talk shows and tout his "bomb IRAQ" message to a couple of right-wing extremists. What a waste of money.

Amy---I'm guessing that means that he has spread his one IRA (or maybe one for him and his wife) to 36 different investment accounts. Not sure why he would do that---seems to me a lot of record-keeping to keep up with them all.

All in all, I'd say GOP politics has been very good to Mr. Santorum--no wonder he didn't pile on old Newt!

But I fear the sadder part is that you don't even have one.

Here's the thing, Spanky. It's clear to anyone who has been reading your posts for any length of time that you don't find it sad at all. You seem to delight in putting Amy down. It's cruel, and uncalled for.

Amy,

I too think this is an excellent article and hope it get more coverage than FR thread.

Santorum sure lived an American dream. Son of a coal miner, to Congressman, Senator, seller of influence to companies, lobbyist, and dabble in the media.

One missing piece of information is his Federal pension : guaranteed for life.

New adage for your children: Go East young one , DC is the land of milk and honey.

Santorum is such a hypocrit. Republicans keep spewing that drivel about being selfsufficient and saving for your own retirement. Oh, wait, I gues having savings for retirment and getting a job are ways of being selfsufficient. I do notice that all departing Democrats take jobs for minimum wage at micky d'ss to make sure they are not being hypocrits an not living off the government handouts.

Nope Jack - it's sad on so many levels.

Sad that she has lived her life and not planned for retirement. Sad that she is/will be totally dependent on entitlements.

Sad that there are so many just like her.

That's all very sad. Cause at the end of the day it will be the ones who did plan, have saved, and HAVE that will have to take care of the rest.

That is why I wish everybody had good jobs, retirement plans and funds, and did not have to rely on entitlements.

Especially Amy.

Northstar

The Federal penison is what gets me, for all of Congress. They have to serve so little time to collect it. My husband served 25 years in the Navy, to get a pension. I'm sure Santorum's is much more than my husband's.

@Jack Amy is a big girl and as my mother used to say "If you can dish it out you better be able to take". She dishes it all day long everyday.

Actually, on Senate pensions, the actual rules are highlighted below. A lot of folks aren't sure how the pensions system works for members of Congress.

Members of Congress are eligible for a pension at age 62 if they have completed at least five years of service. They are eligible for a pension at age 50 if they have completed 20 years of service, or at any age after completing 25 years of service. The amount of the pension depends on years of service and the average of the highest three years of salary. By law, the starting amount of a member’s retirement annuity may not exceed 80 percent of his or her final salary.

http://www.senate.gov/reference/common/faq/retirement_for_members.shtml

And that would be as opposed to say .... "cashing in" during office like ..... Obama?

Bob1805***-

Yeah Bob. Obama came by his cash in the usual Democratic Party way: He earned it. Novel concept for you eh sonny?

He didn't inherit it like the Bushes, Reagan, Romney and the rest in the fortunate sperm club, nor did he swindle it like McCain and Abrahmoff.

@RedDevPS

5 years in Congress gets you a pension

20 years in the military gets you a pension 50% of final salary

I read they are 460 past congress people collecting an average $60,000 a year!

Who writes the rules the 1%.

RedDev PS

Thanks for the post and the link.

I did go to the actual law , Retirement for members of Congress Feb 20, 2007.

A nice little summary:

As of October 1, 2006, 413 retired Members of Congress were receiving federal pensions based fully or in part on their congressional service. Of this number, 290 had retired under CSRS and were receiving an average annual pension of $60,972. A total of 123 Members had retired with service under both CSRS and FERS or with service under FERS only. Their average annual pension was $35,952 in 2006.

ksw,

I'm not interested in your opinion.

Spanky,

Three things.

First, a lot of us here get snarky or rude with each other, and some of us call others fools and frauds and a whole host of other names. I don't deny that I'm as guilty of it as anyone else. But what I object to is the tone you use, which is very unlike any other poster here. When you pick on Amy there is a sadistic quality about it that is very unpleasant. I said this once before--it's like a kid who stands just out of range and continually pokes at a chained dog with a pointed stick. It's sick.

Second, your comment that "I wish everybody had good jobs, retirement plans and funds, and did not have to rely on entitlements" is just that--a wish. It doesn't happen to be the world we live in, at least at the moment. I don't know what Amy's job is, but I have met many a woman who works as an administrative assistant who didn't start out in life with that goal. Maybe they were married or had a life partner at one time or had significant savings and investments, but suddenly, for whatever reason, their life fell apart and they had to start over in life. I have met people of all ages and all genders for whom this is true. You're fortunate it hasn't happened to you--yet. Because for all your careful planning, it could.

Third, society is made up of people from all walks of life. Not everyone can be an attorney or doctor or accountant or CEO. If all of us could, there would be no one to do all the other work that needs to be done that allows people to be doctors and accountants and CEOs and attorneys. Which is to say, not everyone is going to be equally well off when they get to retirement--some people are going to have to rely on the safety net.

None of this means that there aren't deadbeats out there who aren't pulling their weight--they exist in all societies. But that's another matter altogether.

Well GOP - explain the $2.7 million Obama's gained above his salary between 08 and 10. Books just don't pay that much money in royalties.

@ RedDevPS

5 years in Congress gets you a pension at 80% final salary

20 years in the military gets you a pension of 50% final salary

I read there are 460 past congress people getting a pension

Who writes the rules the 1%

Sandy - BINGO! Your elected officials decide on the retirement... name one member of Congress, the Senate or the President that's not a 1%er.

Wow, Jack! EXCELLENT response! Spanky always makes me think of the sadistic little kid pulling the wings off of flies. He is not someone I care to know.

Well GOP - explain the $2.7 million Obama's gained above his salary between 08 and 10. Books just don't pay that much money in royalties.

Tell it to Sarah Palin.

Thanks, newday. I'm not going to stick around for his response. Time to get out for a long walk and turn my thoughts to the pleasant things in life.

Good for you, Jack, enjoy your walk. I just came in from outside. Too nice a day, and too rare a day to be in.

So Jack - it is interesting that you are good with the outright name calling, like we see everyday from Feisty and the gang, but take issue with my comments.

The simple fact here is Amy thought there was some rule that you could only have one IRA.

If I understand you correctly, the better play would have been for me to have simply called her stupid, or some other name. You have no issue with that it seems.

Instead you do have an issue with me saying it was sad that she didn't know you could have more than one, and sadder still that she does not have one at all.

So Jack, you certainly are not saying you have to be a CEO, doctor or accountant to have a retirement plan, are you?

There really is not reason for anyone not to have at least an IRA, is there? As you know, a retirement fund can be funded with as little as $5 per month.

You know one Starbucks coffee.

Brianb: "explain the $2.7 million Obama's gained above his salary between 08 and 10. Books just don't pay that much money in royalties."

I don't know what you consider "that much money" but I'd settle for this:

"President Barack Obama earned between $1 million and $5 million in royalties from his book "Dreams From My Father" and between $100,000 and $1 million in royalties from "The Audacity of Hope" in 2010, according to financial disclosure forms released Monday.

The forms, which are required by the Ethics in Government Act of 1978, also reveal Obama approved a $500,000 advance against royalties under an agreement for an abridged version of "Dreams From My Father" that will be "suitable for middle grade or young adult readers."

He received a $133,334 advance for his children's book "Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters," which hit the shelves in November 2010. The book's proceeds are being donated to a scholarship fund for the children of fallen or disabled US soldiers."

http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpps/news/obamas-2010-financial-disclosure-forms-list-book-royalties-dpgonc-20110516-bb_13232664

Jack in Portsmouth - Standing ovation. Enjoy the rest of your evening. And thanks.

@Jack Your comment belies the problem with extremists, they are not interested in anyone's opinions except people who believe exactly as they do. There is name calling and ridicule done by the regular posters on this site everyday and yet have I never seen you say they were picking on anyone. Sad to be so one sided and narrow minded.

Holy Cow Jack in Portsmouth!

Thread #1.27

Third, society is made up of people from all walks of life. Not everyone can be an attorney or doctor or accountant or CEO.

You'd better be careful lest you start to sound like a conservative.....lol.....good job!

Lean Forward Libs!....This won't hurt a bit!

@ Brianb Why do not the TEABAGERS see congress pension

as a cost cutting item?

Spanky always makes me think of the sadistic little kid pulling the wings off of flies

Let's not forget the Boob lots of #'s, who gets off tearing wings off butterflies!

Quite a pair them two!

Best thing I ever did on First Read was put Spanky, the @!$%# stirrer on IGNORE!

He can't sail, if there is no wind! ;o)

And you Feisty relate to a schoolyard bully that continually blams everyone for you problems by using nasty words.

You can't simply articulate an issue.

NorthstarDFL - Thanks for the post re: Retirement for members of Congress, Feb 20, 2007. Now here is a difficult question for Republicans. Who was the President that signed this legislation and which party was in the majority at the time? (Jeopardy theme music in the background) And do any of you think they have really changed? Old bums = News bums. Its not rocket science!

winemaker,

In English, please and less inebriated, perhaps?

Keep Spanks on Ignore, and you don't have to hear the little paralegal and his foolishness. Has worked wonders for many!

Well done spanky and ksw calling out the foibles of being a FR liberal wingnut.

What they and others have chosen to ignore is...

SS was never advertised as being the sole source of a retirement income.

IRA's, 401k's and other retirement plans were created by the government to encourage us to plan ahead.

The lack of any planning or doing research is directly due to that individual only wanting to live "in the moment".

FR is a public forum and that ANY poster is likely to be asked questions on their individual comments. If Amy wants to ignore the questions then obviously she thinks that she knows it all or can't post a comment of value to all.

-------------------------

Yep jack of poomouth...

I'm not interested in your opinion

is rather telling, hard to learn anything or expand your horizons without taking stock of others ideas. Here is a thought, if you load all the cylinders of a revolver and hold its muzzle to your head then squeeze off a shot you are not going to like the result.

As for picking, picking, picking, spanky cares more about amy and others than you do.He at least wants amy to do better planning, regardless of what little she can afford. You on the other hand thinks it is just fine for her to be thrown to the wolves. Such a nice guy you are! <sarcasm intended>

Nice observation on your third point from your post 13.27...

Which is to say, not everyone is going to be equally well off when they get to retirement--some people are going to have to rely on the safety net.

Those same people are also going to have to realize that without having saved or planned on what they want to do in retirement, that safety net won't give them what they expect.

What is really sad for you and amy is that you chose to believe what obama and other politicians are saying rather than looking down the road and asking questions.

american, you are possibly a bigger fool than spanky, although the jury is still out.

the only reason certain investment instruments are created vis a vis tax shelters is to encourage a certain type of behavior (on the surface); but the fact is, it's just another BREAK for the wealthy who can afford to take full advantage of the bennies.

Paralegal is too advanced,...I've decided it's more like process server.

step three, get on your knees and beg to kiss AZZ.

Step four, learn to get closest to the middle, you get more money that way!

Wait! You forgot the part where they write a book!

And ... Step five - forget the meaning of ETHICS.

Noid, they haven't hired the scribes yet to actually write it, not enough pages yet...(besides using a pencil is work)

Noid, they haven't hired the scribes yet to actually write it, not enough pages yet...(besides using a pencil is work)

www.amazon.com/Takes-Family-Conservatism-Common-Good/dp/1932236295

Pen thinks democrats don't do this, it's only the republicans. EGAD!!! I did it again... I pointed out that liberals never mention democrats when they are making statements about republicans and the way things are done... my bad!!! I totally forgot that democrats are exempt from doing things wrong... sheesh.. I gotta stop doing that.... the liberals will get offended.

but, BrianB, I thought the point was Republicans are Libertarian, Ayn Rand-loving capitalists, who make money building things, while Democrats are socialists sucking on the public teat...you mean they're NOT?

Forgive Amy, for she just doesn't seem to get it- all politicians are scum.

Some are slightly less scummy than others, but they all suck.

Problem is for Amy and those like her is she loves her politicians. In fact she has said many times she'd walk over hot coals for Obama.

Think what you want about Obama, but he is a politician who has already started cashing in. He is absolutely a 1%-er now, and will certainly increase his net worth after he leaves office.

But my hero is Pelosi - an individual who apparently gets direct IPO offers.

Astounding.

Spanky, you are so dumb. The problem isn't that there are wealthy people in politics - many of our founding fathers would be considered "1%'ers" by today's standards. The problem is these little two-bit politicians like Santorum making huge money off their government connections, all out of proportion to their real value as entrepreneurs, and in contrast to their small-government rhetoric.

That's right Amy - most all of them were full on 1%-ers.

The failure of your argument is the 'value as entrepreneurs' as it relates to small government.

Oh and Amy - words hurt. So far today you have called me irrational and now dumb.

Pelosi isn't your hero, Spanky, it's her husband Paul Pelosi, whose Apple stock rose to 1 million in 2010, while his investments in California real estate jumped to at least 5 million. He also has partnerships in sport franchises and other investments. See, Spanky, some smart people get rich by choosing their investments wisely, not by taking more than $300,000 by "consulting," post government office. Paul Pelosi is a wealthy businessman in his own right, his wife isn't running for office to boost her book sales. Get the diff?

Brianb-999431 - Politicians enriching themselves cuts across both aisle. My worry is......... why do GOP politicians want Govt. out of our lives while they stay in this same Government and get rich? WHY?

But, Spanky you are dumb and irrational.

Oh Amy.

Cursory reviews that barely scratch the service only do you a dis-service.

And has for Pelosi - perhaps you can tell us why she got a personal offer for Visa's IPO? Could it have anything to do with the legislation she was putting through at the time?

Plus, was someone to offer you $330k to consult I am certain you would turn it down.

Isn't it funny, Amy, how poor Spanks can't resist dogging your posts? It is sad that the nonsense that he writes is the only way he can feel some competence. He hates being ignored, so put him in time out.

Spanky,

Thank you for the clarification.

"All politicians are scum.

"Some are slightly less scummy than others, but they all suck."

It explains a lot about your cynicism underneath" your fun time "here on FR.

Now attorneys, doctors and entrepreneurs are as a category, what? Do they suck too?

Like I said Amy - words hurt.

Oh and NewDay - I only 'dog' the silly ones.

I do note that Amy did not say if she even has an IRA.

Amy?

Spanky, what, are you jealous the Pelosies got offered Visa's stock and you didn't?

Aren't you the one going on about how great it is to be rich? IPO's get offered to wealthier investors because they are more apt to buy large blocks of stock, and hold onto them longer. And, there is no evidence whatsoever Visa got preferential treatment from Pelosi in exchange for the opportunity to buy their stock. I know, I looked it up:

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Latest-News-Wires/2011/1115/Did-Nancy-Pelosi-profit-from-Visa-stock-purchases

Sure Amy, and the timing was just pure coincidence.

She got a direct offer from Visa, as an individual, not an investment house or broker.

Very out of the norm.

So, Amy, really? No IRA whatsoever?

How is that possible?

Spanky,

You are a cad and a jerk. Your obsession with Amy is almost psychotic. You need to go someplace else or see a therapist.

Ah Spanky, the naivete of some posters on here is astounding..... but entertaining to say the least. It must be wonderful to think everything is all puppies and sunshine.

Yep, phine. Time to put ol Spanky on ignore!

The best-est part of all ksw is that they are all defending Amy's statement that she thought you could only have one IRA.

And of course my pointing out the absurdity of that, or that someone who so clearly has no clue about a topic would post anyway is one thing.

The real issue here for the Blue is Amy herself - of course she is ignorant about IRA. She does not have one herself.

She literally is the poster child for entitlements.

How about you phine - I know you have at least on IRA, right? Of course you do.

ksw - it really is too sad to be entertaining.

Oh no NewDay is going to put me on ignore. Wait - haven't you been saying that for at least a year NewD?

newday

Right behind you there!! Wow, it does clean this thread up nicely!

You will be surprised at how much more interesting FR becomes if you ignore Spanky and don't let him derail the topic to his giant ego.

I am learning that. Thanks for the advice. Much more pleasant reading. LOL

So Spanky, haven't you learned your lesson yet, or are you just thickheaded?

The latter, Mickey!

IRA,.......... SchMY R A,

One illness'll suck every nickel out of Spank-me's IRAs in less than half a millisecond.

Trust me.

I'm just trying to figure out how I suddenly turned into some moronic idiot because I don't have an IRA. Wow, who knew. I guess my other pension options are just trash.

GOPisextinct

Does that include mental illness?

Funny, phine!

There coming to take me away ha ha he he to the funny farm where life is beautiful ALL the TIME....

I guess that makes me the richest amongst us right? ;-0)

Egilman,

I LOVED that song. I sometimes try it out on my granddaughter, but she just doesn't seem to appreciate the way I do.

Weird Al, one of the greatest stress relievers out there!!!

AmyB, care to differentiate between your two comments....

The problem is these little two-bit politicians like Santorum making huge money off their government connections, all out of proportion to their real value as entrepreneurs

IPO's get offered to wealthier investors because they are more apt to buy large blocks of stock, and hold onto them longer...

Interesting on how you imply that it is right and proper for the pelosi's to be honored in such a way but santorum is not worthy of what someone else thinks he is worth.

BTW - the position of speaker of the house is not without significant influence for making policy and please don't try to imply that pelosi's husband is without lobbying his own wife.

When a stock goes south, don't think that the wealthy are going to hold onto their shares longer than anyone else. Ever here analysts talk about stock rallys and profit taking as the rally fades?

"I believe they all talk with forked tongue" ... split by the silver spoon

They should eliminate the residency requirements for politicians in their respective states. Because, when 95% of them get to Washington DC something happens to their brains that makes then think they are more entitled than any one else...

If they were children they would be spanked and put to bed without supper...

(most of them deserve it) ::-(

Egilman, do they actually live in DC or is it some more upscale place like Bethesda? Last time I was down there asking for directions all I got in response was, "I don't live here."

Yep that's one, Rock Creek Park is another one of the "upscale" territories, lots of them live in Virginia or Maryland, almost none of them live in the city proper, too much crime and murder. (and now they get to carry guns...)

I thought crooks aka politicians couldn't get guns.

I liked Georgetown.

As did I circa 1986 ... it was all jazz bars.

As did I circa 1986 ... it was all jazz bars.

And they had some good ones too like Blues alley on Wisconsin and Duke's on "U" St.

Good old days....Fond memories;-))

... seeing as your question is both rhetorical and baiting, you may have a long wait.

Nobody with a functioning brain will even attempt to answer that one. ;-0)

I would love to hear what were the qualifications that justified paying him twice as much. If you move jobs it is very unusual to be offered twice your former salary. If anything the shareholders/board of this entity should have investigated this contract because in the normal world they could have got him for a 15% - 20% raise. It's an obvious case that they paid him for his connections to Washington, just like Newt's history job.

The whole corruption of congress is sickening. Every one of them should be audited and investigated for insider training because I have never seen so many people in one organization become millionaires since Microsoft (or Google etc). Their salary is 175K but they all seem to be millionaires by the time they leave.

Alan - Qualifications were......... he was a former government official. If that is what the employer needed, that's what they pay. Consultants make big dollars compared to a company staff as they are considered "the experts" in their field. They are hired as contractors and are therefore responsible for their own income taxes, SS taxes, and business taxes and on and on. So even though he grossed that much, the net was probably half. Still a lot of money I know but, if the market will bear it, they will get it.

Too funny gang.

You all are aware of what our man Chris Dodd is up to these days, right?

And I know you are aware of his current salary and job performance.

See, our man Dodd, after playing such a sizable role in the financial meltdown is now employed by the Motion Picture Society.

Yep, he's the guy responsible for the horrible box office receipts last year.

And golly, but job performance and salary do not seem to be related for our man Dodd.

So Spanky, tell me how Dodd chooses which films will be made and which will not. That's a studio decision.

Oh noooo ideology - that's not the question. The question is why is what knowledge skill or training does Dodd have in this area?

But I wonder, do you know what his job duties and responsibilities are?

And more importantly given the topics discussed above - did he take a job after leaving office that paid a hell of a lot more for which he has no experience?

But I get it - you are a dem, so the fact that they hired an incompetent boob as the boss is totally unrelated to outcome, right?

experience none ... lobbyist behind the scene (pun intended)

your last question is just stupid.

He is not responsible for box office receipts.

Yeah - having an incompetent executive is 'just stupid.'

Of course it always has consequences.

Like a Right Track/Wrong Track at 70% plus negative.

Chris Dodd, SLAYER.

your reading skills have dropped over the holidays Spanky ... as have your writing skills ... my, my, words in capital letters, you must think you have something important to say that needs emphasis to make it so. You include an inane comment about box office receipts and run or obfuscate. I have often noticed that you are great on asking questions but rarely do you answer a posed question.

Naa - the caps lock just got stuck.

So ideology - just what is the Right Track/Wrong Track at this week?

Probably in the neighborhood of -40 +or- ... it will improve, we are neighbors and ours is in the + range. We lead, you follow these days.

Good point JoAnne,

Since he has more in savings and has a nicer car, we should despise this fellow. He has more than us, so he must be a bad guy. Oops, you have described things that you have that would make a person living on food stamps jealous. I guess that makes you the bad person because you have more than them. My car is 12 years old, you have one that is only six years old, you are a bad person! Must be nice to be a 1%er that has $16,000 on hand to buy a car. The rest of us don't have enough to pay cash. Hey, it looks like Rick didn't either, he owes that money to for credit.

JC -

I don't despise Santorum because he has a lot of money.

I despise Santorum because he's a dangerous fanatic who wants to impose his personal religious beliefs on everyone else. I despise Santorum because he's so critical of everyone else's "family values" that don't align with his. I despise Santorum because he cheated the state of Pennsylvania on his kids' education. I despise Santorum because of the way he intervened in the Terry Schiavo case. I despise Santorum because he wants so desperately for us to go to war with Iran. I despise Santorum because of the ghoulish way he treated his kids with that whole "bringing home the dead baby" incident. And I despise him because he's a sanctimonious, self-righteous prig.

But his money? Hey, more power to him. I just don't understand why you'd want to pay interest on a car loan when you've got millions in the bank. I don't - it took a lot of years of hard-earned savings to pay for that car. If that makes me a bad person, then so be it. I think it just makes me a cheapskate.

JoAnne in PA

"P.S. - I read some of his columns in the Inquirer. Trust me, they weren't worth $28,000!"

I trust your judgment ! :0)

Straight to the point Steeler Fan...good for you!

" putting down people who are sincerely engaging in political discourse."

Feisty's bitter crew in here wouldn't know political discourse, unless it came attached to their government check (or is George Soros their sugar daddy?)

Most of what is posted in here consists of nasty personal attacks and venom directed at Republicans and conservatives....and also nice sweet posts to fellow progressives reassuring themselves that Obama will be re-elected...

Ever look in the mirror BoB? So what if we throw crap at the fan, learn to duck.

So Steeler - you don't do any estate planning, eh?

But let's get back to brass tacks shall we Steeler?

Amy said she did not know you could have more than ONE.

You really going to defend something like that?

Actually, Spanky, as a tax attorney and CPA with an MBA, a large portion of my practice is devoted to estate planning. I have found that many people are not familiar with the rules regarding IRAs and other aspects of financial and estate management. It doesn't bother me at all---why know the intracacies when there are people like me who can advise them.

That's great Steeler, but I'm fairly certain that most working adults understand that you can have more than one IRAs.

But that's our Amy - she tries to engage in political discourse but often lacks a basic understanding of the underlying concepts.

I get it Steeler, you are compelled to defend her, particularly against me, but come on, that was a dumb thing to say, especially in light of her purported message.

Say Steeler - how many IRAs and 529s do you think Barrack and Michelle have between them?

Spanky---I don't expect you to admit you were wrong in your comments to Amy.

The Obamas post their return online every year and I always look at it. My guess is that they get better financial advice than Santorum and don't proliferate accounts all over the place. I would say they probably have 1 IRA each and 2 529s-one for each daughter.

The only other thing I can think of for Santorum and all these accounts is that to diversify his investments--say in mutual funds---each one had to be a separate account.

Steeler Fan

I would imagine having 7 children would add into that mix? Just curious.

Spanky You can have someone new to pick on.

I did not know you could have more then one IRA.

As my Dad would say, "I'm too poor to Pay attention"

He was a good role model as a Gentleman, also.

sandy: thanks for stepping into the fray. Spanky likes to get attention by picking on people he think he can best. He underestimates Amy.

But, it is the only way the poor boy can feel good about himself.

Sandy - You're living proof that your Dad was a good role model.

"Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength”

- St. Francis de Sales

Thanks. I really was suprised you could have more than on IRA.

Not knowing that fact, does not make someone less smart than someone else.

steeler fan...

but I have to say to Spanky that we lawyers have a bad enough reputation without your sanctimonious drivel here, putting down people who are sincerely engaging in political discourse.

You sure fooled me about the sincere political discouse here on FR. Obviously you and I have a different concept of what sincerity means. Why not mention some of the other posters that also display sanctimonious drivel and put downs? I am sure that based on their drivel you wouldn't hurt their feelings even if you like them.

Dude - what is a 'call back?'

Either the turgid POS's are broke and need to be fixed or not.

Call Back?

How ridiculous. Obama is tops - all that cash to Fisker, all recalled, and for the Volts, 'called back.'

If you really want to see President Obama's Financail disclosure, WCA, just go to whitehouse.gov. Easy as google.

Still waiting to see Gov. Romney's tax return. Tick tick tick tick

A call back is a voluntary recall by the OEM. NHTSA has not issued an official recall.

But then again, why would they since they covered up this problem in the first place so as not to effect the Volt's "Fragile" sales.

On a much more important note, it appears GM is setting up to build future Volts in China. Seems it is the only way to get around making sure the Chinese get the $19,000 subsidy to buy the car. Can't get it on imports.

China is a huge emerging market, but I don't know how well a limited range electric car will do in the grid lock that is Chinese traffic.

Think the Libs would be mad about Volt manufacturing going overseas?

Almost forgot, heard from my friends back at Fisker. They are laying off big time. Seems they have not met their deliverables to get more government money and so they are shutting down. They did this back in March of 2009 for 9 months. It doesn't look very good for Fisker.

It's a shame, I have a lot of friends that are still there. Lucky(Smart?) for me, I could see whare things were headed and got out.

No offense Phine, but I would like to see a disclosure that hasn't been scrubbed by the White House.

As long as they leave the US plant open, they can open a second plant on Mars. But yes, this car girl, GM retiree would be ticked off and yes I am a liberal.

And if you google, you can find it all - it is what comes from everyone's favorite agency - the IRS.

Donors lists I believe come from FEC after January 15th.

Well phine, prepare to be mad. They don't sell enough Volts to build them in both places, so China will be the sole manufacturer.

The bigger dissapointment is they are going to give away all their proprietary info for the electric technology to the Chinese, who quite frankly, don't have a clue on how to engineer an electric car.

It is the price they will pay (Extortion?) to be able to sell cars in China.

I can only pray they will rethink that decision.

PS Plus getting everyone I know to send a barrage of angry emails! Maybe some snail mail too!

phine does Obama's report come with the snarky comments like "he hasn't done so bad for himself" like in the story above?

Domenico is such a hoot!

phine,

Using your logic, then why is Boeing being sued by the Obama administration for building another plant in South Carolina? At least it is in the US, although not in a union environment like Washington state.

So, will you also be elated when the new unemployment numbers come out tomorrow illustrating only 361K or so new claims filed during the reporting period, with the unemployment rate down?

What ever happened to the 2+million now off of the unemployment compensation roles? Why are they now included in the figures we see from the administration?

WCA

Now here's where we part, this is FR, it is his blog. If you don't like that, don't read his blog and move on to something you would prefer. See. Simple. Like last night's fiasco in Miami, got bored, didn't like it, changed channels.

winemaker,

How about telling me all about those stellar numbers that George Bush had?

Sorry phine, you misunderstood my comment.

I was trying to be funny. It is comments like those from Domenico that keep me coming back here. They make me laugh.

WCA

My bad. Did you try and watch that game last night?

I was footballed out by last night phine. Michigan State OT on Monday and my Alum Michigan OT on Tuesday did me in. Great wins for both though.

Now we have the Lions in New Orleans on Saturday night in the playoffs.

A win there would be great, but I don't like our chances. Drew Brees is real good.

That looked like a basketball score last night!

I gave it up by the 3rd quarter. Our local football team could play better than Clemson did last night! (Of course, a previous quarterback from our high school is getting a lot of attention now, kid named Tim Tebow, ever hear of him) LOL

Love Tim Tebow, Phine!

In fact I once posted Tim Tebow for President here. I remember you posting he was from your high school. Always a thrill to see your own make it big.

I played at U of M 30 years ago, but that was as far as I got.

How the vine twines when the lead post lingers.......electric cars and football, hey, football, there's a topic I can get excited about!

The BCS bowls for the most part have been thoroughly entertaining. Damn kickers!

GO 49'ers!!! (don't see 'em getting past either the Saints or Packers, but anything can happen - after this season 'niner fans are a tad giddy and can be forgiven for some unreasonable optimism)

I am going to be in Glasgow, Scotland during the Super Bowl - any suggestions for a good expat bar there to watch the game?

Mark,

Not sure, but a good friend of ours was out in San Fran when the Florida/Georgia game was on, asked the front desk where he could watch the game, and lo and behold, he went to a sports bar that happended to be a Georgia fan club bar!!!

So best advice, ask the doorman or front desk (not management but a regular guy)

Good call, phine, seems bellhops and doormen frequently seem to know where all the chice joints are!

Mark,

Found the best, hole in the wall place for breakfast that way in Savannah. Great food at little bitty prices.

wca --- what's with the mich state fans always wanting u of m to lose even outside the conference. i don't know any u of m fan that is against state in a outside the conference game. could it be the republican hate from grand rapids?

Egilman,

I have the Jaguars, I share your pain.

You are welcome to climb on the Steeler bandwagon for the playoffs!

Steeler Fan,

One slight, 87 year old problem - she is still mean enough to hurt me!!!!! LOL

@phine off topic Is your husband active duty Navy or retired?

My husband is Navy retired served 25 years.

Sandy,

Retired, 20 years. Chance of ever living away from an ocean - zip.

@phine I loved the ocean. But now I am land locked and hubby loves it.

I love this blog. As a military wife, I was told not to talk politics.

Maybe, the newer members are more free to do so.

Steeler Fan,

Thanks for the invite, but you guys might not appreciate my humor, I'm a Hawk's fan....

Phine,

and I yours, girl!

Although I just might caucus with Mark in So Cal & anaBanana if They'll have me...

It's worse when Obama does it because he's a sitting President and not in the private sector. Obama is a Union crony and he funnels "green" projects to all his Democrat donors.

right, and bush/cheney derived no cronyism benefit from halliburton or any of the middle east debacle?

and really, what examples do you have of Obama cronyism. come on, now, links and all!

leona, again, you are full of it,...

ONE WORD..................SOLYNDRA.

I guess you never heard of it??

LOL

leona --- two words ......... iraq and haliburtan! have you ever heard of it?

oh, think think think,

Wasn't Solyndra begun under Bush? yep,...no CRONYISM there, eh?

lmao,...lame, leona, lame, AGAIN.

Diane,

Have you been sleeping for the last few years??

Poor kids have Medicaid. Seniors have Medicare.

Republicans say we need to REFORM those programs so that they are here for future generations, or they will go bankrupt.

As far as tax breaks go, the tax system needs reform too . Repubs want to lower the corporate tax rate and do away with loopholes. That will effectively bring in more revenue.

Did you forget that GE (Jeff Immelt, Obama's buddy) paid NO TAXES because of the current tax laws.

Put down the kool aid.It's bad for your brain cells.

diane --- you just gave a good definition of the republicant/tea party.

Leona- what is your definition of "Reform?" The Ryan plan does away with Medicare and medicaid and replaces it with a voucher system and no implementation of cost saving so the inflation rate on medical insurance can continue rising at double digit rates as they have been doing.

So I get a lousy voucher pegged at one rate and the private for profit insurance companies continue to raise future premiums at 10% per year and soon enough we are back at the poor and elderly not being able to afford health insurance premiums. Back to the future

Why do you think medicare was started? In 1964 the largest group among the "official poverty line" were seniors.

Leona- forget politics if you look you will see the average doctor earns something like 150k a year, the average nurse like 50k, hospitals are not noted to be high profit centerd. So who exactly is making all this money on medicine if its not the doctors, nurses, or hospitals. The two other players are medical technology companies and health insurance companies. Now when the head of United Health( I think the 2nd largest) earns like 100 million in income in one year(salary+ stock options+ bonus) I think we may have unearthed where the inflation source may be.

I dont expect you to respond as you never do. I would honestly like a response and would love to know your sources. I was discussing something with an individual to learn his source was like faithfreedom.com where you honestly have to doubt the accuracy and source material but there he is spouting off inaccurate and misleading information where if you go to a more vetted source, like factcheck.org, you would learn your iformation is questionable.

paxil --- good post. i suspect leona gets her talking points from (flush) limbaugh, who pulls things out of his rump daily and presents them as fact and the rest of the tea guzzlers sip this brew. any lie they pick up on they present as fact.