Bravo. It only took a few extra months to pass something they could have passed much ealrier had they axed the Keystone measure in the first place.

But none the less, good for them in moving forward with a measure that will help students and bolster our infrastructure.

It never ceases to amaze me how quickly Congress can act when they think it is in their best interest to do so.

Oh my God the House did SOMETHING. I think it was all poilitical. Now they can say we did something. PUN!

I agree with the Issa admendment. Get that ass out of the House.

The transportation package is slated to generate jobs, student loan rates stay at 3.4% for another year, flood insurance programs remain intact, and according to a letter presented in Senate chambers by Majority Leader Harry Reed, the Congressional Budget Office claims the bill cuts the deficit.

When it rains, it pours! There's all sorts of news coming out of Washington these days and all it shows is that all of those hypocrites on Capitol Hill are a bunch of procrastinators!

What do they want, a pay increase for doing their job? Bonehead the cryer is totally worthless.

So, basically, when the Republicans stopped trying to force other item (Keystone pipeline) into a bill it had nothing to do with (like they always do), the bill got done in a day. Now you know why to vote them out. Now, maybe instead of trying to prosecute the DA, they could actually propose some jobs bills since they are always yelling that is what the President needs to focus on.

On a personal note, I hope some of this highway money go towards Route 422 outside of Philadelphia. Would be lovely if we could get commuter rail service into the 21st century at some point as well.

Goodness!! They actually got something done!! If I ever did less than one percent of my real job like congress does I would be fired!!

They did it without increasing spending, nice work now work on spending cuts.

Instead, Republicans were able to use funds set aside for "beautification, bike paths, and sidewalk lighting" for higher priority infrastructure projects such as the national highway system instead. They were also able to keep funding at current levels.

I'm surprised Rand Paul didn't try to sneak another anti-choice rider on this one too... Good job on this progress, and great job Dems keeping the focus on the items at hand instead of on pet projects.

For all of those thinking Congress never does anything, they passed Obamacare two years ago and the bailouts, and Obama's stimulus package. They also passed cash for clunkers, caulkers, and airplanes. Then yesterday Obamacare was rubber stamped by our Supreme Court so they could hurry up to their golf game.

Maybe Congress should take the next 6 months off because they've passed 10 years worth of bills already.

I have to go back and take beginning classes in our constitution and America's evolution into the sinkholes of rte 422. Why are we always so eager to say thanks to those who are there to work for us, not to use our taxes and hard work to stuff their accounts. I am very confused at this point; so I will take upon myself to learn my bill of rights and my constitution. Hopefully I will have the " " to stand up and stake my claim. Yes, I would run for office; but the closet is full of skeletons. Good luck with getting 422 up and going and also your advocating to get light rail moving. The Supreme Court holds that Obama Care is constitutional; what does that mean? What does it all mean?

Sounds like both parties came together and compromised on something most people think is good for the country. Good job to both parties!

If we must continue to build bike paths, let the freakin bikers pay for them.

Keystone again? GOP would attach this to every bills. It has been proven to do almost nothing to America and the one that benefit the most is the oil company.

This is the reason why I don't vote for GOP. They would use this again and again and again to try to get this and use everything else as hostage to get what they want.

I think the writing's on the wall.. the GOP knows that Romney now is a loooongshot at best of becoming President - so now they're playing nice so they too don't get kicked to the curb.

Yeah great news, especially for the future generations that get to pick up the tab. We are living in a political climate where no amount of borrowing from future generations isn't worth our desire to be selfish. All the partisan bickering aside, all congress did today was pull out the credit card, again. The United States is digging a hole that will do one of two things. Either collapse the entire world economy, or force every citizen of the United States into indentured servitude. But no worries, so long as we satisfied our needs today.

Long shot? that's funny. I can see that you are very myopic in your news input. Try not to be so insulated and you will see that Romney is actually in a virtual tie with 0bama and gaining momentum, especially after yesterday. Its going to be like 2010 all over again.

Could it be that our government is actually starting to function?

Lol...well, after a week of getting their asses handed to them look who finally decided to compromise.

I hope it feels even better to be productive than it does to hear about it. Thank you, Congress!

ellliot - remember the feeeling yesterday when you digested the supremem couicsion. That is very similar to the feeeeling you willl experience in early Novemeber when Preisdent Obama is reeelected by a large margin. I FInd the prospect encouraging as Obama is leading the country through very complicated times and has avoided the most obcious pitfallls (stupid wars, escalating anti-Muslim feeeeling)

When is Congress going to send Issa packing? He is a despicable human being.

You got that right! Darrell Issa is a human turd using our Congress and tax dollars for his baseless political witch hunt. Just more waste of what little time Congress is actually in session.

Republicans got a real slap down yesterday on our Supreme Court ruling, so they are finally passing important, overdue legislation with tucked tails. It is about time!

Great, more waste of taxpayer dollars that we are already borrowing

Momus2009
When it rains, it pours! There's all sorts of news coming out of Washington these days and all it shows is that all of those hypocrites on Capitol Hill are a bunch of procrastinators!

Maybe the Senate will pass a budget (Today is the 1,166 day since Democrats in the Senate passed a budget)

@ elliot-3020456

Oh, how about the primary goal is to lower the gas price? However, Trans-Canadian said that it would ship most of their oil oversea.

How about the temp jobs going for 250k to 25k and now less than 5k? We all know how great the leaks will do to the environment and who will foot the bill? Not them, it's us tax payers. Not 1 year, but for decades of clean up and that is billions upon billions. You want to pay it?

How about oil of barrel is below $80 for months and gas price barely lower? Funny how oil barrel increase, gas price increase right away, but it took months to lower.

How about the lies that drill more baby would lower the price? But the fact that oil is a global commodity and the number 1 export in 2011 is oil.

How about records profit from oil companies each years? They said they didn't even need subsidies, but GOP pass the bills to give them more money anyway.

Obviously there's a huge payoff by the Keystone Pipeline XL. Temporary construction jobs, active eminent domain actions against private landowners (by a foreign company to boot), the inevitable leaks are not benefits. Just who in Congress is getting paid off and how much?

It's called fear for their jobs, but it will prove to be too late. All Republicans must GO too move America forward there is too much work to be done and these GOP Clowns can't work because they made a pledge not too, We need to remove all Republicans that signed that pledge for the good of our Country!

I don't understand how Congress can keep passing spending bills when this is the 4th year the Senate has not passed a budget or even attempted to make a budget.

The only reason they did it is because they want some kind of claim that they participated.That will be their claim to fame for the elections.

To little to late for me

In Palm Springs Ca

Finally these " jackass's" did some real work ! And stopped playing these childish game's on the taxpayers dime !

Here's the problem. from the article:

The House voted 373 to 52 to approve a $120 billion, 27-month bill. Attached to that bill was the student loan extension, which prevented rates from doubling from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent on July 1

The average student loan is about $400 per month on $18,900 in debt. That's $13.60 per month @ 3.4% or $27.20 per month @ 6.8%. Forget compounded interest, etc because, technically, every payment that knocks some of the principal down actually lowers what you're paying per month in interest. Basically, we just spent $120 BILLION to save students $13.60 per month. To break even, that would have to apply to $120B/$13.60, or 8,823,529,411 students. THIS is the kind of gov't beaurocracy math we will now have applied to the insurance industry.

@ ChasSD

Bankrupt how?

I didn't know decade of tax cut for the rich and 2 unfunded wars are from Dems.

How about global banking and global worksource? That is "capitalist" idea and look how great it is, nearly destroy Europe and create a sorry state we are in now.

When you try to make a point, at least spend times to research about it and provide some evident. You are the one of those that create this sorry state we are in now. Never read anything, never bother to research, never try to understand and so easy to manipulate.

It seems to have finally gotten through to Boner. Lead, follow, or get out of the way. He was tired of being run over. He's not a leader, he doesn't want to follow, so best to step aside.

Yes the writing is on the wall. the GOP now knows that they are on the defensive and it is because the American people are sick and tired of this divisivness. That doesn't mean that everything the Dems do is perfect, it is just that they have been trying to work in a bipartisan manner and that is what the country wants. Sorry right wingers, the country does not want to rehash the health care debate, the country does not want to revisit birtherism, the country does not want the religious right to force everyone into an anti-choice country. We want you the elected GOP senators and congress to work with the other side in creating Jobs, jobs jobs jobs. Enough with the social stuff already.

ChasSD: Do you have any proof of what you wrote "Great, more waste of taxpayer dollars that we are already borrowing"? This bill is not about tax dollars, but more about the transporation bill and revenue generated from Desiel and Gas! We sure like to see where your claim of "waste of taxpayer dollar" on this bill... Otherwise BS walks.

ChasSD: "So you would rather vote for libs and bankrupt the country?". I like to know when has our country gone bankrupt? If you are suggesting that we are on the road to bankrupcy, then I would highly suggest that you start with Republican leadership. Our government racked up higher debt under Republican leadership than any Democratic leadership... Remember, BS walks! The reality is that you farted and trying to pretend that someone else for your foul stench! Disgusting and irresponsible!

CoCo: You need to read the entire Bill instead the title of the article or being herd about by your favorite shock jocks/writer...

I wish I could believe the Congress did this on the strength of permanently modified behavior. I am more inclined to believe it was due to upcoming elections that could permanently modify that bodies party membership. Glad It finally did something worthwhile for the people, whatever Its reasons. I was beginning to think the whole she-bang was so out of whack it would finally have to be converted into a mental hospital. I will not, aye gwad, concede that suspicion on one worthwhile deed.

alright folks.. tell me what you think of getting a petion together to stop the taxpayers for paying for congress' health care.. let them hunt and be rejectd , or find it is really unaffordable..

since the republicans are so into cutting services for everyone else it's time they understood that those m oonies put out for them and it ADDS TO THE DEFICIT

@CuongDNguyen, you're against global economics? How strange because global economics is what has kept Greece afloat (and us as well) and has given numerous jobs to people here and abroad because companes based in different nations decide to send jobs elsewhere. I build computers for a company who's HQ is in France, they have an office in South San Francisco and they sell worldwide. As an example, we recently shipped a computer out to an island off the coast of India (started with an M but I forgot its name) as well as selling to names like Ericsson and Huawei.

So without this "capitalist" idea, I'd probably be out of a job or making far less money working at Best Buy or something.

Also, while I wouldn't dream of challenging the statement of two unfunded wars, I remind you that it was Dems who pushed certain equal housing legislations that caused the housing bubble to burst because people were getting houses that they weren't paying for. And do you really even think for a second that even though Dems publicly voted against tax cuts for the rich, that they weren't wiping the sweat off their brows later when these tax cuts got pushed through? After all, the ending of these tax cuts will affect them greatly (here's a hint: they too are part of the 1%).

I feel very happy about this....don't care who got it done, but just that its gonna get done. Hopefully this will not end up like they did in Arizona and use these tax dollars elsewhere when no one is looking...i think it was prop 100...as soon as it passed they announced "sorry this really isn't going to education, but instead some unpaid bill of our legislators".

Republicans are a disgrace to and for this country. Adding amendments to Bills so they sit and receive no votes. Inaction created by them and then lay the blame on others. thank you John Robert's for once you used your brain?

ChasSD...

We are actually about the 13th best country in the world...

Norway is usually number 1 in most of these studies..

Guess what, Norway is a Socialist country! ;)

Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/here-are-25-more-signs-that-america-is-not-1-2012-6#ixzz1zDE4cL4c

Federal student loans are the reason why tuition rates have been skyrocketing. Once again, the federal government is creating another credit bubble, and we're all going to suffer for it.

@ChasSD

You obviously know nothing about US programs. Over 40% of US programs are "socialism", yes it may shocks you to learn that US is a mixed of socialism and capitalist idea.

Capitalist make us one of the greatest? You mean like global banking that allows the rich to denounce US citizenship to avoid tax and move money from countries to countries, so they can screw people and run when they see first sight of trouble.

You mean like global work source that ship millions of jobs to China and India. Oh, that makes US so strong now that we are at high unemployment rate.

Socialist destroy Europe? You mean those countries like Greek or Spain or Italy with "global banking" and "global work source".

You should look at Germany, Denver, and others top Europe countries with low unemployment rate. Like Germany, they have a law to have labor representative on top of each company to prevent "crony" capitalist.

Oh, You are not interest in any of that, you just don't even know what you are talking about. At least do some research before you say anything, you are clueless just from all those posts you make. "Vulture" Capitalist from BAIN that Romney made millions off, I bet you support that too, right?

Allen-968499

How dare you use numbers! Shouldn't we just be using our feelings to make decisions?

Republicans finally did something right and the right-wingnuts can't stand it, they don't want this country to move forward, they want all of the negative things republicans talk about to continue.

Die-hard republican voters: Republicans are not stupid, they just think you are.

Chas, what kind of argument in that?

HAH! If you truly believe those silly "study" and "statistics" thingamajigs, well you can just LEAVE.

The only thing I need to know is I FEEL LIKE THE U.S. IS NUMBER 1!.

GO USA.

American Exceptionalism. Leading the current crop of right-wingers to believe that we can be the best without doing a damn thing to achieve that.

@ ChasSD

LOL, you are really clueless on everything. So far, all your points are nothing, you provide nothing to back up any points and refuse to even read anything even if facts hit you in the face.

A GOP troll by any definition.

Rick-3416939 I know this is crazy but, Im not so sure the world economy needs to remain standing...so let it fall. I wish i could grow squash for your cotton...really I do, but unfortunately they have eliminated that possibility too....so as it stands...I guess we should fear the collapse of the world economy, but I say bring it!

"......along with a one-year extension of low student loan rates that were set to double".

WHO sits there and says it's a good idea to DOUBLE interest on student loans when they can't even find jobs to pay for their loans? This is a crock....this administration is using this to buy the votes of the youth who already think they are entitled! I do not have faith in either party anymore. They are ALL selling us out. All of a sudden both houses agreed on something? What's going on here?

The House passed legislation to extend lower loan interest rates for students?

Wow....

In consideration of the popularity of yesterday's Supreme Court decision, is the Right wing

r...u...n...n...i...n...g away from its irrational and heartless polices?

Hopefully, the answer is yes!

Obama/Biden 2012!

When is Congress going to send Issa packing? He is a despicable human being.

I missed the part where Issa covered up the death of brian terry. Im sure just like the liberal you are, you think this whole thing is racist.

• Wow... Boehner did something in the HOUSE without CRYING. AMAZING!!!!

Finally.... the House does something that actually makes sense on both sides. Now, if they would only work together the remaining 364 days of the year.

@ChasSD: where are your facts to support your claim that the Bankrupcy started with Roosevelt's New Deal and followed up by Obama Care? Do you people are so stupid to believ that these 2 programs are the reasons for Bankrupting America? Or is it just you? Like I pointed out earlier, where are your facts to make such claims? Otherwise BS walks....

SSPerfectChaos: You want Capitalism? A perfect capitalism? Go to Somalia... That is a perfect and unregulated capitalism. So please stop with the rambling about understanding capitalism. You simply don't like the result from the regulatory measures, because you're on the wrong side of the scale... well, it sounds like you would rather bully your way to make more dinero.... So perhaps a change of scenery would be better for you and your family's health?

@Ed-2990755

Too bad everyone doesn't feel the way you do about this country

ChasSD

Actually the intervention began in 1932 with Hebert Hoover. The very programs Roosevelt then renamed doubled and kept coughing and sputtering for nearly a decade.

@ ChasSD

Oh yes, because it's has nothing to do with cheap labors, less regulation and more profits.

Learn more about "Capitalist", it's a competition. You tell me, how can we compete for less than 1 USD per day, no benefit, no regulation and more than 12 hours work per day.

A troll like you who know nothing with all those empty points.

sorry, ELLIOT

The MSM broadcast networks have a majority midwestern audience, so they want to give the out of touch ex one-term GOV from Mass. the slight lean.

As soon as the AFFORDABLE CARE ACT actually is read by people and they realize that the GOP had been running a scare-tactic campaign, everything will go back to Richie Rich's tenure at Bain---where he closed factories here and created jobs in Singapore, Malaysia, and China, and off-shored the profits to the Carribean and Switzerland.

HE HAS NO CHANCE OF BECOMING WASHINGTON'S DOG CATCHER!

uaw-779887

AGREED! glad its done, but these filthy animals should know we see right through them! Its always nicer to let someone go who feels good about themselves and their little accomplishment, now is our chance.

....now if I could just get the door to swing hard enough they will finally know what it feels like to be me sitting here without work and only head hunters call back to give them money for a position they want to offer me....(it should be against federal law to call a position a "job" if it requires money up front, Aflac, Farmers Insurance, etc...oh and gotta to mention those so called employment agencies...they post and post but there is no job, they just want someone to see their name...not offer jobs)..as a student with ungodly amount of loans and no job.....I hope we fire them ALL no matter what they finally get done so that they can win your affection, vote and your wallet and your "service" to our leaders the old mighty Wall Street. but hey at least we can buy our kids a gift of campaign contributions....lol

CuongDNguyen

Bankrupt how?

For one, the US debt has now passed GDP.

I didn't know decade of tax cut for the rich and 2 unfunded wars are from Dems.

Oh yeah, this has nothing to do with the out of control spending from a democratic super-majority...and a president that has created more debt than all of the first 41 presidents combined...not to mention a stimulus plan that did not work.

How did two unfunded wars and the tax breaks break the private sector economy anyways? Seeing how your incredible economic insight is at our disposal...

How about global banking and global worksource? That is "capitalist" idea and look how great it is, nearly destroy Europe and create a sorry state we are in now.

Europe is more socialist than capitalist! What would you recommend? Should we no longer buy goods from other countries, or should we wrangle in unions, big government and out of control regulations that would allow us to make a more competitive economy?

When you try to make a point, at least spend times to research about it and provide some evident. You are the one of those that create this sorry state we are in now.

Really? California is run almost entirely by democrats and look at the problems they have there...Is there anyone on this page that would say that they would like to turn the entire country into the state of California?

Never read anything, never bother to research, never try to understand and so easy to manipulate.

I could not put it better myself...you nailed the closed minded democrat right on the head with that line!!!

ChasSD...

"The only reason that jobs have ever been shipped overseas is because of the ridiculous wages and benefits that the liberal labor unions demand"

Um...card card companies shipped thousands and thousands of phone jobs overseas....credit card companies don't have unions.

You should really just quit making a fool of yourself.

We know this is all that will be accomplished until the election. The rightous leadership we currently employ in the white house is our best bet for our childrens futures EVEN if this new gop gains strength, God forbid. Seems to me that NOW is the time to TRULY damage this new and unhonorable GOP good once and for all. NOW is the time. OBVIOUS we are not going to find them any weaker than they are now. Now is the time to stomp em and stomp em good. The republicans have crap for a poker hand and WE KNOW IT! Let us place our bets.

Palm Springs,

Probably just a momentary set back because they became temporarily delusional from Roberts screwing them over. Do not worry, as soon as they get over the ACA ruling they will be back to their "break the Government" comedy act, they may even double down.

Elliot-3020456:

RE: your post #1.15

Gee Elliot, I thought you would know the FULL story of the Solyndra investment. Below will give you ALL THE FACTS, if you care for facts and ALL the TRUTH and not 'bits and twists' that you will hear from Fux Noise. At any rate, thanks for asking! Oh, by the way, please note that the loan process for Solyndra was initiated in 2007 by your boy George W. It comprises less than 1.5% the Department of Energy's Loan Portfolio, and is the only bad loan in the portfolio. Investors would love to be right 98.5% of the time. Smile, it will get better after President Obama is re-elected!

http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2011/09/13/317594/timeline-bush-administration-solyndra-loan-guarantee/?mobile=nc

I recommend that you all read redsfan's seeded article on Newsvine called Romney Says: Students should get as much education as they can afford". It is really scary how dangerous and how out of touch Romney is.

@Mark L-464288

Here is some facts about deficit and stimulus for you, don't let's the facts hit you on your face again:

2009 - $1.4T - they projected a $1.2T deficit before Obama ever took office. Bush signed off on that with not even a threat of veto. Bush's biggest parting gift to the US economy? A 17% increase in government spending in 1 year! $185B spent on stimulus.

2010 - $1.3T - the biggest problems here: 1.2% decrease in income tax revenue and 3.4% decrease in payroll tax revenue along with a 34% (!!!) increase in unemployment benefits. $420B spent on stimulus.

2011 - $1.3T - very little change from 2010 - same low tax revenue, about the same unemployment. $135B spent on stimulus.

Most of the deficits seen in the last 4 years has been due to the poor economy, not Obama's stimulus program. Obama's stimulus program was to total $720B over three years. Actual cost will actually be about $800B over those three years. So there wasn't any $5T in stimulus. The $800B in stimulus that was spent is credited by the CBO to have added 0.9 million jobs in 2009, 3.3 million jobs in 2010 and 2.6 million jobs in 2011.

Making massive cuts in spending to reduce those deficts over the last 4 years would have made the recession much worse. Not spending the stimulus would have made unemployment worse. Yeah, the national debt is not good, but trying to cut it all at once, right now while the economy is still weak, will lead to even worse economic times.

@Mark L: wow, ... a few mistakes on your partisan filled statements;

• Democrats never had super majority.
• In fact, GW Bush WhiteHouse was concern with the Democrats curtailing his unaccounted spendatures on the 2 wars given the looming economy slow down, hence he had serveral meetings with Nancy Pelosi and defense committee and then later the TARP passage.
• Stimulus did work according to majority of independent reviewers. Here is an excellent blog that listed a variety of models that tested the 2009 Stimulus. You also have to remember this blog's samples of economic modeling were done in early 2011 (even priror to some of the auto industry revivals). http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/did-the-stimulus-work-a-review-of-the-nine-best-studies-on-the-subject/2011/08/16/gIQAThbibJ_blog.html
• President Obama did not CREATE more debt than previous 41 Presidents, please show your figures
• Democracy, Socialism, Communism are forms of poltical structures. Capitalism is a form of economic. So your comparison or differentialtion is simply ludicrous, proving that you are simply repeating sound bytes. China is an example of a cobination of communism and capitalism.
• Several countries in Eurpoe are highly regulative and yet they are highly productive which are counter intuitive to your suggestion of high production not meshing with regulative govt. Several of them are actually ranked ahead of USA in several areas.
• Your broad generalization of California Poltics is just that... stereotype. California's debt is not due to Democrats, but due to Prop 13. If you don't know what it is, then you lack the knowledge to continue our conversation in regards to Californian budget situation.
• May I suggest that you actually understand the facts rather than repeating someone else's sound bytes... How are you trying to inform others when you don't even understand the issues nor armed with facts...
• Like mentioned earlier, BS walks.

The House voted 373 to 52 to approve a $120 billion, 27-month bill to fund highway projects. Attached to that bill was the student loan extension, which prevented rates from doubling from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent on July 1.

It's about damn time. Unfortunately, $120 billion isn't enough. Our infrastructure is crumbling, and we are in dire need of massive infrastructure projects. I say go big, very big. I propose a $2 trillion infrastructure program, spread out over 10 years, and funded by a 5% VAT consumption tax. This program will be similar to the current infrastructure program, but larger, and more comprehensive. Furthermore, roughly $500 billion will be earmarked to modernize our electrical grid, and an infrastructure bank, with roughly $100 billion in funding, will help expand our infrastructure expenditures.

How about global banking and global worksource? That is "capitalist" idea and look how great it is, nearly destroy Europe and create a sorry state we are in now.

Europe is more socialist than capitalist! What would you recommend? Should we no longer buy goods from other countries, or should we wrangle in unions, big government and out of control regulations that would allow us to make a more competitive economy?

Well, to be fair, globalization has its ups and downs, but had we focused on making ourselves more competitive via education and healthcare reform, not to mention re-regulating Wall Street and sponsoring increases in the minimum wage and by trying to increase median income in any possible way, we would have insulated ourselves from the problems that we are facing now. Regulatory policy and government tax policies played a very marginal role in the outsourcing of American jobs; it lied mainly in the cheap labor in China. And contrary to conservative opinion, private-sector unions are virtually nonexistent, thanks to anti-labor government policies. And by the way, Europe is not socialist, at least not in the usual sense. Socialism requires a majority of a nation's economy, if not all of it, be controlled by the government. Europe still has vibrant private-sector economies and industries; only airlines, healthcare, and education in Europe is socialized.

I didn't know decade of tax cut for the rich and 2 unfunded wars are from Dems.

not even close to being true, the bush tax cuts were mostly for the middle class and poor, very little tax breaks went to the upper class but since thats what the dems focus on, thats what you believe.

Actually, the following websites disprove this allegation: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/08/washington/08tax.html, http://www.ctj.org/

pdf/bushtaxcutsvshealthcare.pdf, http://www.epi.org/publication/the_bush_tax_cuts_

disproportionately_benefitted_the_wealthy/.

the '2' wars is really part of the same 'war on terror' iraq and afganistan were/are war fronts not 2 different wars and the whole 'war of terror' including iraq and afganistan is fully funded and always has been but since you know nothing about how the government appropriates monies and how they keep records, you allowed the dems to play games with the truth.

Actually, the two wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were never paid for. The Bush tax cuts pushed the budget into a shortfall, and the wars only widened the deficit. The wars could have been financed by taxpayer money, but other spending would have been financed by borrowed money from China.

the dems fully supported irag and afganistan and the bush tax cuts, until they were against them when political winds changed. the dems wanted to go to war with sadaam in the 90's, thats all they talked about was how bad sadaam was and how he had WMD's but as soon as a republican parroted those lines people like you call them liars and every name under the sun, because thats what the dems told you.

Well, actually there were numerous Democrats who opposed both the Bush tax cuts and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, among them Ted Kennedy, Charles Schumer, and Harry Reid. Not to mention that dozens of economists begged the Bush administration to not enact the Bush tax cuts.

OBAMA BIDEN 2012

And the next vote to increase the National Debt LIMIT will be on ______________.

Maybe Mr. Obama will hit his $ 6,000,000,000,000 mark before he is voted out of office.

Ahhhhh, yes.....I paid off my student loan years ago and my son's just recently.

Do you smell Tea Party FEAR? I do. So, the TP congress passes a nearly common sense bill. Good for them. Will it wipe out all of the OH SH!TS they've managed, and get them re-elected in Nov.? Ummm, no.

ldo,

every Congress since the beginning of the Government credit card has voted to raise the debt ceiling. It has nothing to do with the President. Sorry if that deflated your "$16 Trillion" stamped Obama head balloon.

I think I read somewhere that during Bush's presidency the debt ceiling was raised seven times during his eight years in office:

http://www.davemanuel.com/how-many-times-was-the-debt-ceiling-raised-while-george-w-bush-was-in-office-107/

and has been raised a total of 74 times historically.

I can't believe Congress did this for the good of the people. They did this because they want Romney in the White House so they need to stop damaging the reputation of the GOP. HOWEVER... people should remember all the years of bickering and refusal to play ball with the Dems.

People need to grow up, educate themselves and STOP blaming Obama for the lack of jobs!! MANY big companies have been making record breaking profits and yet are NOT hiring! How is Obama supposed to force them to hire? The name of the game for the heads of those companies is to keep unemployment high so they can blame Obama and force him out of the White House. It's shameful. We shouldn't be giving any subsidies to the oil companies. They are making a killing. Even when the price of crude oil goes down, we don't see the same reflection at the pump. They keep changing what they're blaming it on (the average American doesn't even question it), but the bottom line is it's a ploy. I sincerely hope that the fools who can't even bother to LOOK for the truth (instead it comes from faux news or what the neighbor said) do NOT vote in November!! The GOP is nothing but a bunch of rich crooks who will do anything to "win". Even at the expense of the people of this country.

I want to understand how this fits in with the President's promise regarding the deficit. Without preconditions to include any act of congress, the President promised that the 2012 federal deficit would not exceed 229.27 billion dollars yet his own White House is predicting a deficit of more than 5 times what the President promised. It is now getting close the end of the fiscal year. I want to know what magic the President is planning to perform in order to keep his promise to the American people.

Where is the article on the ROAD TAX ?

I am so sure this TAX will be used for road improvements instead of paying down the Nation Debt or placed into the General Fund. Wait a minute.....this article talks about $$$ for INFRASTRUCTURE and creating those "I have a laser beam on JOBS" announced in the Spring of 2009, or the follow-on announcement that "I will reduce the National Deficit in HALF".

They have done nothing but smoke and mirrors. They should have been doing this for the past 4 years and now make it look like they are working for votes. Our system is so screwed up now. I full term in office to get a few weeks work out of them. Are you kidding me? Student loans, since they cram college education down everyones throats, should have an interest rate at least 2 points below the current mortgage rate. Banks will still make money, they need to suck it up. One side note, if everyone had a degree, who would do the minimum wage jobs when they would now feel entitled? Who would pay if all wages went up a couple 100%? The infrastructure of this country has been collapsing since the 80s. It is time to invest our taxes in us. In our country to stabilize our economy and get jobs back on our soil. It will take someone willing to p@#$ off the rest of the world by making our country a priority, not everyone else. Sorry to say, but if we do not take care of us first and very soon, we are a doomed nation. Everything around us will crumble. It is not rocket science and having the elected government just now showing motivation to do something is like slapping us all in the face. Give me a break.

This is nothing but pandering from both sides of the aisle. This student loan rate reduction will save the average student an insignificant amount of money, but will cost the gov't millions that could be better spent elsewhere. Don't say I'm not informed either because I'm currently paying back student loans

lol at people thinking this bill was passed for the "good of the people". You people are funny!

Mac Forrester

I wish I could believe the Congress did this on the strength of permanently modified behavior.

It most certainly has to do with the upcoming election and unpopularity of Congress and Teapublicans in particular. The venom is at an all time high, for example the Republican who condoned physical attack of the Nuns on the Bus--and they wonder why they are so unpopular.

The GOP/TP are hedging. In the unlikely chance that Romney wins, they want at least something in place to begin turning around the economy so they can take credit. If the president is reelected, than it is a moot point.

What would the GOP/TP do after the president's reelection? Continue their premeditated plan of obstruction and destruction for another four years? And they would do this with even less members, possibly without control of the House?

They will do their grandstand repeal of "Obamacare," and then begin to plot and plan what to do about the debt ceiling, the expiration of the Bush tax cuts, and automatic cuts to defense spending. And jobs? Well that never was of interest to them...

And then when the final parts of ACA go into effect, any Teapublican governors remaining will be stuck between a rock and a hard place. If they follow Texas and refuse Federal Medicaid funds, it will leave many of their citizens without healthcare (and their state without savings to their budgets). If they refuse to implement the Exchanges, the Feds will do it for them--so they won't refuse, they will obey the law.

Obama/Biden + Reid and Pelosi + Dem Governors in Florida, Wisconsin, Michigan, Virginia, Arizona, etc.!!!

This article highlights one of the stupidest things that we, as voters, are allowing congress to do.....put different laws into one bill. Student Loan extensions should not be attached to anything like a spending bill. They are two totally separate issues. I wonder how much pork was stuffed into the back end of this bill as well that we aren't hearing about? Another pension increase for Reps and Senators?

Carl Lafoon

Oh my God the House did SOMETHING. I think it was all poilitical. Now they can say we did something. PUN!

I agree with the Issa admendment. Get that ass out of the House.

Carl...you may actually want to try reading here and there. The House has passed quite a few bills. Reid, in the Senate, refuses to put them to vote or even up for debate. The Senate happens to be the part of congress that is currently broken.

You can find how each member voted on www.senate.gov. The website is pretty good about posting how members voted within an hour from the final vote tally being announced in chambers.

Votes for members in the HOR are posted at http://www.house.gov/#votes.

Obamaschool? Is that the one that requires you to stay in school and get a freaking diploma? Too bad you are being tongue in cheek, because that is actually a good idea!

Obamaschool would be a good idea. Because the longer you stay in school, the higher your income tends to be. The higher your income is, the more taxes you pay. Wait a minute! Pay more taxes because I am forced to stay in school! I'll show them. The Constitution says nothing about me be educated. I'll drop out so that the government can't raise tax revenues to fund entitlement programs with my tax dollars.

There are 30+jobs bills on Harry Redi's deesk he has not even sent to committee. MAYBE one of them could create jobs. But then when the Senators campaigned they could not take the credit so just let them all sit and no one gets the jobs.

Vince, how are you paying for them. These are loans that are paid back with interest. So how are you paying?

Really Vince, by that logic you must love that john roberts upheld the health care law. But I bet you don't

You are correct Romneyinmynightmare, I truly despise this decision. I was raise by parents who took care of their responsibilities as I have.

My brothers kid graduated college in 2008. He might as well shove that college degree up the teachers a$$. He is now cleaning @!$%#ters fulltime. So, I say to these little spoiled college kids pay as you go, or don't go. Well, I told him they can't outsource cleaning @!$%#ters.

No Tea Party, College is not for sucker. It is for those who wish to further their education. I commend anyone who takes the time and effort to better themselves within their budget, not burdening others.

Tea Party taliban, electrical contracting in Afghanistan pays damn good and is tax free. I haven't met that many college students here. I get a vacation every 3 months, very nice perks.

shamrock66646

ahh. does this mean you get a really good military contract/pay similar to what Cheney received for Iraq?

sad....

I feel for these college students. The mantra of our society is "Go to College, it will get you a better job and a better Life". Now, since so many of our jobs have been exported to other countries (gotta love that tax credit corporations get from the GOP), they have to take minimum wage jobs to get by...

Guess I have to adopt the full GOP mantra "We're sorry, but it is not our responsibility to 'help' these college students really. Its not our fault that you cannot find a job in your field of study, and the government really owes you nothing".

I'm not saying give up, I'm saying pay as you go. That idiot nephew of mine picked an arts degree and sat in college for years taking out student loans one after another. His lazy a$$ should've been paying as he went.

Yeah good luck afforded medical school without student loans. Be thankful there are opportunities for kids who weren't as lucky as you and didn't have parents that got their s@!t together. This isn't welfare, these are loans. It's an investment in their increased earning potential and therefore, increased taxes.

Every jobs bills, every bills have Keystone XL attached to it. Yes, another bill with Keystone.

Either include Keystone or you will get nothing. Nice try, 30 jobs bills with Keystone attached to it.

Hell, work slowed down in Dallas. I had to make a choice to go Afghanistan. I thank god for Cheney/Bush allowing me this job.

shamrock66646 - that's another issue with financial aid, every major is equal in financial aid (even though degrees are NOT all valued equally).

Would be almost better if they didn't pass this.

For profit healthcare/education is a farce, they are only delaying the inevitable crash. There are not one trillion dollars (plus interest) worth of jobs out there to get, it has already gone way past the point of affordability.

Yes Tea Party T, I see the pattern! I'm subsidizing the education of too many, including those from other countries.

Mac Forrester ..perfectly said.

I haven't paid a dime on my student loans in over 13 years. I got my degree in a marketless subject, and am unemployed, living on charity(not the dole). I am one of the freeloaders Vince above was talking about. It amuses me how you fringe people on the right and left point fingers and screech names at each other. I don't even care anymore. @!$%# you all.

Hey Vince since you apparently paying for everyone elses education, do you want to pay my student loans off?? I work full time, am a full time mom and working on my masters degree. The only thing I can get is loans which I pay back, not you. Maybe if they revamped the system where tax payers weren't paying for people who sit at home and continue to have children they can't support because the governments going to pay for them things would change. As far as "Obama Care" its unrealistic. How are they going to force people to pay for health insurance if they can't afford to get coverage to begin with? Who is going to be able to enforce that? I am SO glad this is an election year!

Vince you really need a reality check. How is a kid out of high school going to afford college at $30K or more per year. I've worked for over 30 years and can only help my sons so much. The rest is on them. Even though they are burdened with serious debt which will take years to pay off it affords them the chance to succeed. Unless your parents are in Romney and friends social strata they wouldn't be able to foot your bill either. Our kids to deserve a chance to get an education and pay a reasonable interest rate to do it. Hell, the CD rate is around 1% and the fed is giving banks money for free. Why shouldn't studenst, who are our future get a fair shake?

I haven't paid a dime on my student loans in over 13 years. I got my degree in a marketless subject, and am unemployed, living on charity(not the dole). I am one of the freeloaders Vince above was talking about.

You illustrate my point... unless you can pay cash or the school has some skin in the game to make sure you get a good job with a strong wage and can EASILY afford to pay it back, it is just going to lead to runaway debt and collapse. The average starting wage after college is $45,000 and nobody on this is going to be paying 2/3 of what they make in interest to some bank for years upon years. It is unrealistic and an extremely stupid way to set up something vital to the future of our country.

This student loan rate reduction is pandering at its finest from both sides of the aisle. It'll save the average student an insignificant amount of money but cost the gov't millions. Don't say I'm misinformed either because I'm currently paying back student loans.

check it out...i am currently LOCKed out of my class because I owe 186$ to the school, even though they have 32k$ from me in the form of loan and grants....and then they put on the "lock out" message, two weeks of being locked out kicks you out of schoool entirely......

Vince, you have to understand these schools are ripping us off and they are doing everything they can to take our money and throw you back out to the welfare office called government....I was told to take out another loan and that the school could not work with me at all except to help me ask the government for even more moeny....this was a institutional loan for 700$, but they already have 32K$ ...and now they wont let me go to class!!!! Something should help me....and now you tell me I deserve to pay DOUBLE next month??? Im unemployed and cant find a job anywhere at all...some of this does have to do with being in the Mexico state of Arizona....but as it is...because of 186$ I am now kicked out of school and they took my money

The Republican Congress must have gotten the message after the SCOTUS upholding the ACA law. Now they want to look like they are not the Congress of "No" just because our President is black and better educated. With rebuilding our infrastructure and keeping interest rates low new graduates from college will be able to find jobs and in turn we get our infrastructure updated and made competitive with the world. Hey this can change our lot as opposed to the last two years of a "Just say no" Congress. Of course not everyone takes 10 years to finish a degree in History like Boehner at a second rate school. Yes, Boner is quite the scholar and wealthy too. The city of Cincinnati should be proud of their scholar and legislature. Get rid of the entire lot of Congress including the Teabaggers so we can build a future for our posterity instead of flipping burgers or digging ditches to no where. You will have less competition for your job, Vince in ABQ. From your rant I suspect you were fortunate to matriculate from high school.

Home sweet Texas

Kudos to you for going back to school to work on your masters degree. I do agree, those individuals who make our social programs a way of life should lose it. However, I would be really interested in you provide the exact number of people who are like this. I don't think this number is nearly as big as you might think. Please also exclude the elderly, I think there are A LOT of those individuals who paid their taxes faithfully, paid into SSN, etc, but due to the RISING cost of everything, they have to choose between paying their bills or taking "costly" prescription drugs to live.

As far as Obama"care" as you put it. Romney did the VERY same thing in Mass. Should we just change the name to RomneyCare to make it easier for everyone? Also, we are already paying for people who do not have any health insurance. The hospital passes those costs directly to those who do have health insurance already. Maybe this is why a single kleenx costs $5.00. I think its time that uninsured americas GET insurance to help cover these costs.

I am glad this an election year too. We can't afford to have Romney in the WH. The words "Corporate States of America" comes to mind.

P.S. Why is it that illegal immigrants qualify for in state tuition in Texas, and American's who move to Texas have to wait a year before they qualify? Interesting in a state that has a GOP governor.

CuongDNguyen

Every jobs bills, every bills have Keystone XL attached to it. Yes, another bill with Keystone.

Either include Keystone or you will get nothing. Nice try, 30 jobs bills with Keystone attached to it.

No Cuong, every bill does not have the pipeline attached to it. Many were written before it was ever in question. But, as for your assertion, the bill would go to committee and the parts the Senate does not approve are removed and the bill is sent back to the House. See, that's how it's supposed to work.

Unfortunately, the drain is clogged with a large chunk of scum named Harry Reid. When the scum is removed, the Congress can get back to work and so can the country.

I had to pay for college myself nobody gave me @!$%# 8( no programs during the early 90s no free rides, no handouts....The real ? is how many young people have degrees but no work...

ChasSD Comment collapsed by the community

@thturd

Our road to bankruptcy started with Roosevelt's "New Deal" and is being followed up by Obama Care

********************************************************

ARE YOU FRIGGEN SERIOUS??????

LOL, since the New Deal started in 19friggen33, Id say the "road to bankruptcy" is pretty looooooooooong road....LOL

Gimme a breaque, your reality is based on taking from others because it's to hard and whining that you and your sons don't have what others have.

I have a total grip on reality. If a 19 year old out of high school hasn't earned a scholarship or doesn't have the means to go to College he shouldn't go until you have the means. Some of my children at the age of 18 and 19 have made the choice to attend college and they paid their way.

At 19 I entered into the field of construction working long hard hours to support my wife and family. As my family grew I took on more challenging roles in order to take care of my responsibility. When I decided it was time to cover my wife and seven children with health care I purchased it. I earn a six figure salary these days on hard work and good ethics. I have seven wonderful kids and sixteen grandchildren, none living or depending on other's money.

@ jpeg

Ah yes, because every bills with a little Keystone hidden somewhere is the way to go right?

If you can't pass it the right way, hide it away, hidden it somewhere or create hostages situation to try to force your way. Nice try.

Bill Bob, I have taken out many loans and have had a mortgage at full unsubsidized rates and fulfilled my responsibility by paying them all off. I am not against any loan whether it be a student loan, automobile loan, home mortgage, Christmas loan, vacation loan, pay day loan or even having a credit card. I just don't want to pay the portion that is being subsidized to make up the full loan percentage rate!

Don't you people understand the only reason the government, Congress, is stepping in is to take our money (TAXES) and pay a portion of someone else's gain.

Vince in ABQ do you have any facts to back up your claim? What you provide is nothing more than rhetoric. If I had to make a postulation you never made it to college and are working the blue collar route. Mind you there is nothing wrong with blue collar, been there done that, but I did go to college and earned a BS in science and a post graduate degree paid for by loans under the old system before Bush II, the rocket scientist, began messing with the system, I am paying back every dime for over $100K with a set interest. Unlike some my parents were dirt poor and I started college at the age of 35. Without college educated scientists and engineers there would be no work for blue collar or others who depend on new inventions and design engineering for heavy and consumable goods.

Intellect, too bad you didn't use your education to learn how to read then you wouldn't have to postulate. You should have paid attention in your Government classes, as you would have learned what Congress does and how taxes are distributed. I find you pompous and pretentious. Mind you, there is nothing wrong with pompous and pretentious, been there done that, but I believe that the BS in your BS is BS.

Vince, you said that if a person can't afford college then they shouldn't go, that you are tired of paying for freeloaders. Are you married? Do you have children? Do they go to public school? Well, I'm tired of paying school taxes to send other peoples' kids to school. If you have kids and they are going to public school they shouldn't go-- cause I'm paying for them to go to school.

And do you realize that when someone goes to the ER and can't pay for it YOU are paying for it?

So evidently you are a college graduate. You know what is meant by BS, MS, PhD don't you? I wou7ld imagine in your case those meanings apply.

Vince, I see you have grandchildren. Do they go to private schools? If they go to public school, others are paying for their schooling.

billy bob, Vince can't help it. He thinks he is better than other people because he is in the 1% class-- up there with Romney and the other rich biches.

I notice that Vince said his parents took care of their own medical bills. Well, back in the olden days you could pay your doctor bill with chickens and other food products-- or do the sewing for the doctor's family. And doctors didn't charge hundred of dollars for an office call. And there were more doctors who made house calls.

Medical school didn't cost an arm and a leg. The medical practice was not as advanced as it is now.

Susie, Vince in ABQ is one of those self made man's man. Vince cannot help his far right thinking process as it seems to be ingrained into his mind from a rough childhood. Since Vince has never set foot inside a college classroom, but has worked construction he feels he can dictate as to who in society can earn a higher education based on ability to pay and not on their ability to learn and contribute to society for the betterment of the masses. A real mountain man ole Vince in ABQ seems to represent himself as especially since he made the statement "He" decided when to provide healthcare to his family. Pathetic.

Good morning Susie, fortunately all off my children and grandchildren have received or are receiving their education at Catholic schools, where values, ideals and morals are correctly presented and taught. I never stated that I hadn't gone to college or taken any college course, I have, as I felt it would help my career and further support my family.

I believe in alms giving and contribute to the charities of my choice. I am no better than anyone else and no I am not anywhere close to being one of those blessed or burdened with enough to be in the 1% class.

You do understand that this is just lowering the interest rate for the student loans? I don't get where we are paying for their college education. They are paying the student loans. The only thing this bill does, as far as I understand it, is to continue to give loans at the lower rate, thus making it easier to pay it back. The reason it has to be "paid for" is that the government had it earmarked before it was made and now has to get the money elsewhere. It's like if you had $2000.00 you planned on spending for vacation and you were going to get the money by doubling your kid's rent. If you decide not to double the kid's rent then you will have to figure out how to get the money somewhere else. That doesn't make your kid a freeloader anymore than it does these students. It just means that you planned on money that you didn't yet have and now have to make adjustments to get it elsewhere.

CoCo-1551796

There are 30+jobs bills on Harry Redi's deesk he has not even sent to committee. MAYBE one of them could create jobs. But then when the Senators campaigned they could not take the credit so just let them all sit and no one gets the jobs.

There was a jobs bill that Obama sponsored with BIPARTISAN ideas (not just red-meat, like those 30 bills), that was GUARANTEED to create at least 1.3 million jobs, and would put money into fixing roads, keeping public employers on the payroll, and thus lowering the unemployment rate by increasing demand. It was even paid for by a tax on millionaires (which is partisan, but consider the fact that it CUTS taxes by over $200 billion). But the GOP filibustered it; and so most of it got discarded. You want to get things done??? Stop filibustering and bite the damn bullet.

We had three Indian trainees working with us and they told us that the Indian Government paid the U.S. government their wages whilst they were being trained. They had to promise to return after the successful completion of their training and stay in India for x years .All except one intended to honor that agreement,but one of them told me that he intended to find a job in Europe where he would make more money.I left the company soon after so I never found out the end results, At leaast one country ,that I know of understands the value of making it possible for the youth of their country to be invested in.

@ Gimme a breaque

Community college doesn't cost $30,000 a year. What is wrong with working and paying your way towards an associate's degree and then using that to obtain a higher paying job? Then if you desire, transfer to a 4 year school to get your bachelor's degree, using the money from the job you got because you had your associate's. A simple progression really, which I believe used to be called growing up, but one that has apparently fallen by the wayside.

You're right Adler. The GNOP who is stuck on stupid would never have passed this legislation had this not been a critical juncture in an election year.

The party of NO just seems to be bent on rejecting anything and everything unless it is completely their way.

Even after the SCOTUS upheld the ACA they still want to refuse to take YES for an answer. This is by far the worst Congress this country has ever had.

This is by far the worst Congress this country has ever had.

And I would go one step further - Romney is by far the worst candidate for president I have ever seen. He is as corrupt as they come.

Romney is by far the worst candidate for president I have ever seen. He is as corrupt as they come.

I agree completely Pat.

I just finished reading an article about Romney in Time magazine. He was asked a multitude of questions by the author of the article. Throughout the article NitWitMitt dodged every question about his plans if he were elected. All he did was to say that Obama isn't doing enough.

The article shows what all of us already knew: He has no actual plan. All he is doing is running a smear campaign. His only answers to the questions about what changes he would implement came with the answer: "Well, things aren't going well for America and we need a change". Hardly a response that would sway me to vote for the nimrod.

The ONLY chance he has is to Purchase the Election.

The superpacs will spend Billions to get President Obama out of office. FOX is allowing Karl Rove to be a Political analysis on Fox while he is in charge of the Romney Superpac.. Any conflict of interest in that arrangement. I guess Rove can just be corrupt that doesn't seem to be a crime to the Republicans.

Not according to Rachel Maddow she spent alot of time on her show commending Romney. It seems that Romney care is a huge sucess in Mass 98% of people in Mass have health care because of Romney. SO he must not be to bad Obama copied Romneys example of health care and now its nation wide.

SO he must not be to bad Obama copied Romneys example of health care and now it nation wide.

Then can you tell me why the GNOP/TP and Romney would rather eliminate the health care nation wide rather than to keep it intact or tweek it to be better?

Sorry, but IMO the GNOP is still showing their true colors of hate and obstructionism.

Pat and Nomoresamero. The plan is not to have one, this way government (good or bad) will wither on the vine leaving a power vacuum for Romney and his other plutocracts fill.

Or, maybe, just maybe, the Republicans also want to make things better in the US for everyone, but have different ideas on how to do that...

Just because someone has a different idea on how to solve a problem, doesn't mean they have evil intent. Democrats are not trying to make everyone dependent on the government, and Republicans are not trying to make everyone slaves of the 1%. Those are just BS talking points from the parties.

High Rolla has just lie when he said Rachel Maddow. She was not commending Rommey only on the health care he pass he hate the health care he pass the people of that state love it. As Governor he was real sad peace of work 47 in jobs. As for Bain capital he destroy company and ship them over sea.

Ron, excellent post.

Pat, your candidate is just as pathetic!

@Ron-1861300

Different? I am sorry, but how many times they attached Keystone again? It has proven by facts and experts that it would do nothing to America. Even the company in Canada admitted that it wouldn't lower the oil price because they will sell most of their oil outside of the US.

I am sick and tired of oil company lobbies again and again so they can pass something that clearly benefit them the most. The only thing we got from this is some temp jobs, but will spend billions to clean up if something went wrong.

Cuong,

The Republicans keep focusing on Keystone and the Democrats focus on taxing the 1% more. They do this because both ideas appeal to their base, and make for good soundbites. However, neither issue is significant for the US as a whole.

Also, saying Keystone (or taxing the 1%) will do nothing is just an opinion. With something as complex as the US economy, it's practically impossible to state for certain the outcome of any action. Sure, there are experts that say "course A won't help", but you can also find experts that say "course A is a good thing".

Specifically talking about Keystone, I have heard experts on both sides of the issue. Keep in mind, the price of oil is only one aspect of the equation...further reducing our reliance on oil from countries that hate us (Middle East, Venezuela, etc.), is another potential benefit of Keystone.

Just curious, how do you feel about oil spills in other parts of the world? Is it ok to push production to say, Africa - which has much less stringent environmental controls than the US? What about the negative impact that would have on their citizens? To me, it seems like, if we want to use the resource, we should be prepared to pay the environmental cost of obtaining that resource.

It seems that Romney care is a huge sucess in Mass 98% of people in Mass have health care because of Romney. SO he must not be to bad Obama copied Romneys example of health care and now its nation wide.

Maybe so, but now Romney's going out of his way to disavow it.

If Keystone will not benefit our country why would We want to cut our own throats, it will only make it easier to Export all the oil being drained from our country so who benefits, the GOP masters. HELL NO!

OK Palmquist the unemplyoment rate is over 8% under Obama so she probaly not in favor of Obamas job numbers either.

The other hilarious thing is that romney's position is "repeal and replace". Those of you on the right that hate health care reform sure are going to be pissed when the "replace" part comes into focus. Any republican care to comment on the "replace" part? I thought not

Romneyis,

Actually, if you look at things like the Ryan Budget, there are lots of Republican ideas out there on how to fix healthcare. I realize you may not agree with some (all?) of the ideas, but they are out there.

Also, I haven't heard of anyone that was against healthcare reform. The question is, what's the best way to reform it? Personally, I don't think there is a simple answer and each party has put forth ideas I like and ideas I dislike. What we need is constructive debate - which means all of us need to actually try and listen to others with opposing views - not just to hear what they are saying, but to try and understand why they think their ideas can solve the problems we face.

I think Romney is saying repeal and replace is just poltical like Obama evolving to be in favor of gay marriage and the illegals . Its a poltical move because most people dont like Obamacare. Hell Obama care is Romney care.

We have never hated healthcare reform, "Romeyismynightmare"....we just loath dishonesty and incompetence. It will be repealed, and as usual, it will be up to the GOP to create a truly comprehensive healthcare bill. Still, with the GOP in power at all levels in 2013, the "left" will do what it has consistently done since Clinton and refuse to compromise.....don't lie....you know that's what you're going do....like little children throwing a tantrum. But then, hypocrisy always has been your forte....

Romney in 2012!....you're going to lose a lot of sleep, Romneyismynightmare! *wink*

Okay, I just want to say in the interest of fairness; Obama probably wouldn't have given amnesty to the illegal immigrants brought here as children if it wasn't an election year. I don't think any of our polticians do something because it's "right", they do what will get them reelected. Also, when Obama gets to replace one of the conservative justices with a liberal, and the decisions are again 5 to 4, except now in favor of the liberal viewpoint, I'm willing to bet the conservatives will be screaming about how political the court is and the liberals on here will be defending them. Just a little reality check.

Also, I'm confused about the student loan interest rate. We have a Stafford Loan that already has an interest rate of 7%, where do we get these 3 1/2% loans? Apparently, I'm clueless on this subject.

knightofdespair and in one to two generations, they will be no education....your plan sucks so bad! I mean really is a terrible thought. Basically you are telling me only those born with a silver spoon can even consider college....dude really this is not 1900!

@Ron-1861300

Except you failed to read the part that all the oil will not be sell in US. Trans-Canada clearly stated most oil will be ship oversea.

As for other countries, it is their policies. However, the problem here is when there is a spill or leak, not a matter of if because we all know there will be spill or leak in the future, who will foot the bill?

I can tell you that oil companies will not foot the bill, it will be us tax payers. We are not talking about 1 year or 5 years of clean up, we are talking about decades of clean up on spill/leak that will amount to billions upon billions.

Why is it that when we have the prototype which has been up and running for 6 yrs, and we can glean from it much to help us understand and even improve on it, we won't accept it as a starting point and move the discussion forward? What a majority of elected officials passed 2 yrs ago and a Supreme Court validated yesterday, is what we have to work with right now. Lets implement the damned thing and look forward. Sadly, we are probably in for 4 months of re-litigating it with billions more wasted on building it up on one side and tearing it down from the other. Policy experts have already said it would cost tax payers 300 billion to dismantle if we started in january after election results! The President didn't spike the ball in his 1st remarks yesterday. He indicated he would be willing to work together to tweak it, but he isn't willing to move backwards and for God sakes I don't blame him. Yes, 40ish % of the country is against him, but 40ish % is for him and the rest of us are in the middle watching and endless volley in a tennis match. Lets roll it out, see where we stand and tweak it where we can agree!

Cuong,

I didn't comment on who would buy the oil. My point was that Keystone and taxing the 1% are politically motivated distractions by the 2 parties, designed to appeal to their respective bases.

As to oil spills in other countries - we have different perspectives on this one. Personally, I do feel guilty if I buy a product that is made by abusing workers or the environment in another country. It does not appear you feel the same way. This doesn't mean either of our positions is right (or wrong)...they are just different.

As to the oil spill cleanup cost on US taxpayers - again, I think if we demand the oil, we should help cover the cleanup cost - no matter where it's produced.

Weneeda,

Although I understand where you're coming from with giving the current legislation a chance, I think it's so bad in certain areas that have not yet been implemented, that tweaks (or major changes) are needed before those areas go into affect. I was reading articles on the Huffington Post yesterday also stating some parts (ex: the tax penalty for not having insurance) are laughably inadequate.

I do disagree with the Republicans calling for a reversal of the whole bill, but I would like to see major changes in certain key areas right now.

Also, concerning the cost to dismantle it, I've also seen $1+ Trillion 10 year estimates on the cost of the law (over and above what the estimated healthcare cost would be if no changes were implemented). My guess is both of these estimates are off since they were likely done by partisan sources. But, I think it's safe to say there are costs either way.

Sam2468

If Keystone will not benefit our country why would We want to cut our own throats, it will only make it easier to Export all the oil being drained from our country so who benefits, the GOP masters. HELL NO!

Sam, did you miss the part about the pipeline coming from Canada...IT'S NOT OUR OIL!

Ron, Canada would not permit the Keystone XL to run across their land to the western ship ports due to the potentional of oil leaks from ruptures and other catastrophes. Why should be take the risk of the Oglala aquifer being polluted and running out of precious water when the oil from Keystone will be shipped to China or other countries willing to pay more for it? Have you forgotten the BP rig in the Gulf that blew out due to poor concrete batch design and a failed blow out valve put in by Haliburton? We paid for the initial clean up and our resources were ruined. It is a no brainer if Canada does not want it running across their land then it must be too big of a risk but we, the dumb American GOP all greedy to make a dime at any cost, would sell out our posterity for this fiasco waiting to happen. This does not make sense unless you are a GOP and/or have a stake in making money on this pipeline.

@Ron-1861300

Like I said, if there is a spill on another countries, it is up to them, not us. We can't dictate or demand their policies. However, we can only do what we can here in the US.

Part of doing business is to be able to clean up after yourself. We also paid more money at each gas station to help chip in on the clean up. However, the problem is oil companies want more profits, they would cheap out and know that we will foot most of the bills if they screw up.

Also, you would want to look at Romney, he increased 2 cents for each gallons in his state to help clean up. This 2 cents increased would add around 650+ millions each years, but only 13 millions are spent in clean up. The rest is to spent on pet project and when there is a real need for clean up, we pay more.

Cuong, The Alaska pipeline can be considered an example. Whenever there is a leak; which, is not very often, the oil companies pay for the clean. There is a good record on containing these leaks and cleaning them up with litle environmental impact.

Ron, nice idea as far as hearing both sides and coming up with a plan. The problem is both sides use scare tactics instead of facts when making a point. In order for it to work both sides need to have an honest discussion about it. It will never happen as both sides feel a need to win and winning means the other side has to lose. It doesn't occur to them that it could be a win for all.

As far as healthcare goes, I predict in 50 years or so we will have some sort of universal healthcare (only about 100 years behind all other developed countries) and we will fight tooth and nail to keep it, just like we do now with social security. And if Romney wins in November and manages to repeal Obamacare, what will he come up with? Romneycare? What will be the difference.

As far as Romeny not giving any sort of details on anything, it can only be one of 2 things. Either he has no plan or he has a plan that he has no confidence in that it will get him elected.

To me, it seems like, if we want to use the resource, we should be prepared to pay the environmental cost of obtaining that resource.

Well, I would be willing to accept building the Keystone Pipeline, but I want two things to happen first. One, the US gets 50% of the oil (okay, maybe I'll edge down to 30% or 40%), and two, it gets built on a safer route. If that happens, I'll gladly support it. But if 98% of the oil is exported, I say pass. If we are going to shoulder the burden of holding this pipeline, we ought to get a decent amount of the oil.

Bringing up the Canadian Pipeline again.I must repeat what I said when it was a hot item.Why does Canada want it to go thru theU.S? they have large shipping ports of their own on both the East and West coast of their own country. Wouldn't it be more economical and make more sense for them to build the pipeline in their own country?

The Canadians do not want the Keystone pipeline running across their land due to the possible environmental catastrophe it represents. In turn they knew the GOP would jump on it so they presented it to some lobbyists who were able to sell it to the Republicans as job opportunities without consideration for our own environment not to mention the Oglala aquifer it would pass over, which by the way is the largest aquifer in the US. GREED is bringing it to us and environmental catastrophe scenarios kept it out of Canadian ports. The Canadians know our wonderful GOP supporters well enough to exploit their greed.

What....I thought their jobs WERE permanent vacations!

I didn't see it Rick, but your description was almost as good. Stewart and Colbert are the best for political humor. "I killed Bin Laden Lane"! I hadn't thought of how similar those two presidential addresses were.

Dave Loebsack is my district's House Representative. He said at the official opening of the local democratic county and OFA office, that the thing he hears most from constituents is why they aren't working more and he responds by saying it is the GOP's schedule, not the democrats. He also said that since the GOP House has them working only about 9 days out of every three weeks, he has had more time to meet more people, hold town halls, and introduce himself to those in the new parts of this district.

Since that was the first thing the "right leaning conservative media" was so breathlessly reporting I think the moron label better fits those who can't wait to diss the president until they have valid information, and anyone who can't tell the difference.

At least for the next two weeks they will be doing what they say they are doing...vacationing. After that they come back and pretend to be at work, while vacationing. Mix that with Boehner's tears and they are always at a seaside resort somewhere.

Actually, it was 40 seconds. But you are right. In order to be correctly informed, one should never watch Fox News. Just goes to show.

@ Rick, KY

"O yeah, now Congress can go Home & enjoy another 2 week VACATION from doing Absolutely NOTHING!"

Or they can just walk out while on the job (as Dems are known for) , like they did yesterday.....Dems are good at throwing "political tantrums" when they don't get their way..... That's okay, there's still enough "adult" supervision with the GOP to get some things done...

Now, Now, Now, Western patriot, the RightWingBibleThumpingRepublican's, Perfected this move you Loathe.

Yesterday, the Democrats Almost showed Solidarity, when they Walked out to waiting Microphones & Cameras, Protesting the NRA Vote of No Confidence in AG Eric Holder!

Ther's an Old saying that goes sumpin like Dis;

Ifya can't Beat'em, Join'em!

YeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeHaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaW!

I'll Hug your Elephant, if you'll Ki$$ My A$$ !

You Betcha!

Occupy SoggyBottom!

I thought the Navy SEALs killed Bin Laden or did Obama rappel in with them and pull the trigger?

averon1,

Did you have the same feelings when the Republicans repeatedly declared "George W. Bush kept this country safe for 7 years? All I remember him personally doing was to show up on the deck of a carrier wearing an obviously over sized codpiece proclaiming "Mission Accomplished" 11 years early.

Can somebody criticize Obama on here without being labeled a lockstep radical Republican or a racist?

they have to not be one first of all averon. The article is about the president getting a bill from congress to sign. What, you don't like the way he holds the pen? You are correct, your criticism is justifiable.

I'm not the one that brought up bin laden in the first place. I like how you also imply that I'm a racist. There's a radical lockstep party follower in this conversation but its not me.

They also managed to spend even more money today they don't have

At least they didn't spent more money, they just reappropriated money meant for "beautification"

"Instead, Republicans were able to use funds set aside for "beautification, bike paths, and sidewalk lighting" for higher priority infrastructure projects such as the national highway system instead. They were also able to keep funding at current levels."

JW 101--you are commenting as if every illegal will be riding the pony because of Obama. The change will be that children who were brought to the US by their parents through no fault of their own, have not commited any other crime, have stayed in school or served in the military will be allowed to stay. That will encourage children of illegals to stay in school, keep out of trouble and serve our country, becoming good taxpayers. Too bad our natural born citizens are not held to the same standards.

Alan, did you read the article or are you being deliberately stupid? The money for this was already set aside. It was not "new" money.

Ronacrone

JW 101--you are commenting as if every illegal will be riding the pony because of Obama. The change will be that children who were brought to the US by their parents through no fault of their own, have not commited any other crime, have stayed in school or served in the military will be allowed to stay. That will encourage children of illegals to stay in school, keep out of trouble and serve our country, becoming good taxpayers. Too bad our natural born citizens are not held to the same standards.

So Ronacrone, I guess you missed he part where the Federal government just told AZ and AL to go to hell as far as illegals are concerned. And no, not just students, all of them.

Obama should have really given Stewart and Colbert something to poke fun at and repelled out of Marine 1 in front of the SCOTUS to declare mission accomplished!

.....were being told by Governors and Mayors including republicans to get off their collective rears and do something.

Spot on Jody. President Obama and the democrats now have momentum going their way and the GNOP see it. NOW they suddenly are able to do their jobs as they should have all along.

Can you imagine how well off we would all be at this point had the GNOP worked WITH President Obama and the democrats from day1?

@ nomoresameo

Just like your impotent Dems did prior to 2010 when they controlled everything? LOL People like you give me such hope for Romney in November....you're so clueless as to your party falling apart and jumping ship to distance themselves from our current POTUS....

Hey Vince,

If you hate freeloaders, then the AFFORDABLE CARE ACT is for you! It requires that ALL people get health insurance, so they won't go to the hospital for free and jack up your rates.

Oh Wait!!! were you one of those people that refuses to buy health insurance? If you aren't then YOU DON'T HAVE TO PAY THE TAX!!!!! Please listen in the future.

BTW Patriot,

Having barely 60 votes in the senate when one of those filibuster proof votes was Leiberman, that campaigned for McCain was not enough to stop over 150 filibusters and secret holds performed by the GOP.

To say that the pre-2010 congress diddn't do anything is disingenuous when you factor in the refusal to govern by the GOP caucus.

Your argument holds no water, just like your candidate. Rhetoric without fact is just opinion, son!

Bill, I guess you missed the part about illegals being covered and people making up to $80, 000 being subsidized by those making more. Yup, sure sounds like everyone is paying their fair share to me!

jpeg, the law specifically states that illegals will NOT be covered.

H.R. 3200: Sec 246 — NO FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR UNDOCUMENTED ALIENS

Nothing in this subtitle shall allow Federal payments for affordability credits on behalf of individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States.

Personally I think that Congress should only be paid for the time that they worked on this bill. Everything else to date has been political games. Dock their pay for any time spent crying, whining or chest thumping in front of the TV cameras. I am sick of the bunch of them and the fact that they are getting paid with benefits for doing nothing.

Zannie 84, "Term Limitation" is the only answer.....left in there indefinitely, the US Congress invaritably becomes corrupt and drunk on it's own power....it doesn't matter which side either. And their 100% retirement needs to be repealed as well....

You guys are right. Congress shouldn't be an occupation or something to retire from but rather you get elected and serve a few terms then you come home again. It keeps everybody fresh and there would be a lot less pandering and more cooperation between parties.

I used to be against congressional term limits because the members were elected by their respective states. If the people in their states were happy with their representation, they should be allowed to send them back to congress. After the last few years, I'm just not all that sure. I am so disgusted with the present group of bozos, term limits might be an idea whose time has come. I haven't seen such juvenile, egocentric behavior since I was the mother of an infant. It was understandable and even funny in my baby. It is definitely not funny when it comes at the expense of this country and its future.

WesternPatriot, indeed! Repeal the 100% retirement and make 'em live with the people they "served" plus make 'em buy their own medical insurance! I'm sure that was NOT in the minds of the SCOTUS, POTUS or the congressional 'elite' when they passed 'Affordable Care'!

I am of The opinion that that the most effective way to deal with our political representatives would be to thoroughly investigate their finances before they take office, then do a more thorough investigation every three years and then make them prove where the extra money comes from,with severe penalties if the loot can't be prov-en to be not only legal but ethical. Do you think that they would pass that?

I miss the days when journalists were non-partisan....

I like to read MSNBC and then read Fox News. I think these days they balance each other out. When I want completely unbiased news I go to the BBC

As part of the ACA.

The Prime Rate is the rate of interest between banks, not what is applied to standard personal loans like student loans.

Prime rate is the rate that banks charge their biggest customers. The rate between banks is the Federal Funds rate which is the money banks borrow to have enough capital on hand.

By 'did something' do you mean spend lots of money to appease a crying public, in hopes they will repay their representatives with votes?

No, our infrastructure is crumbling and I had hoped that instead of the stimulus being packed with tax breaks it would have addressed that crumbling. It would have provided construction jobs and all they add to local coffers AND our roads and bridges could have gotten the attention they needed. But since that was not done then... at least some of those projects can address those issues now.

@alan_static, how do you envision Congress ideally functioning? They passed a good measure with broad bipartisan support. Can you supply a scenario that you wouldn't bitch about?

This is an extension of the loan rate cut for new, not existing student loans. Lowering the rate allows universities to raise costs because loans cost a student less. It's better to keep the loan rate high to push prices down. The explosion of student loans during the easy credit era fueled the ridiculous rise of college tuition rates. Now, every school has a brand new student union with latte machines to fuel you up for your 2000 student mass psychology lecture and multiple choice quizzes.

You're calling Republicans obstructionist isn't really an insult. I'll take it as a compliment. It's about time people recongized us for what we are.

Repubs did something to help future problems. All the students lured in by these "low" interest rates will be occupying Wall St. in four years. You can educate an idiot, but you still have an idiot. Drop college, use the money to start a business.

Drop college, use the money to start a business.

It's a whole lot easier to get a student loan than a small business loan. Student loans aren't dischargable in bankruptcy.

By the way the Democrats were looking for a one year bill and the Republicans help out for a 27 month bill so they would not have to go through this every year

But, hey, it's worth a try.

True. and they ought to rip up all other pipelines. It's time for horses and buggies, people. Technology just covers up the problem we all have. Human Nature! People just suck, Period!

I love how Tea Partiers / NeoCons / Whatever you want to call them have to go to extremes (Horses and Buggies!) to justify their beliefs.

Keystone would have provided NO benefit to US consumers as far as oil prices go. It would have caused gas prices to go UP in the areas it ran through. This has been stated time and time again. Stop cherry picking what you want to believe and calling everything else lies.

Stop drawing the most extreme conclusions you can just to justify your point. Seriously, this is why Godwins Law came into existence.

I'd pick Cantor as the first to go.

If they already had loans it wouldn't have affected them anyway.

Yay the government is saving the students from their loans and joblessness!

There are 30+ jobs bills on Harry Reid's desk waiting for him to give to committee. Harry Reid is now leaving on holiday.

Name one of those bills that is a job bill and please explain how it will provide jobs.

Bet ya can't.

CoCo, just because the Republicans call them Job bills. That does not make them so. You are buying into the propaganda. And how many times are you going to post the same thing??

You will also find that every single bill has something toxic attached to it.

First, Democrats (technically) control the congress in that they control the agenda but they don't control the congress in the sense that Republicans can block anything and everything they want to. Meaning, that while your statement is technically true it lacks the complete truth buy suggesting that Democrats can pass anything they want in the congress; they cannot.

Commenting on what the house has passed; it also somewhat lacking facts; yes, the house has passed a lot of bills (not much to help jobs though). But the bills they pass intentionally include things they know would not be passed by Democrats; things like lower standards on clean air and water so again, while technically true, the Republicans have passed bills they know cannot pass the Senate. It is kind of like the bully (House) passing things they know won't pass in the Senate and then blaming the Senate for not taking action. If they passed something that was bipartisan maybe more would pass (think about that the next time you blame only Democrats).

Well said, Ken.

In addition, Blg95, being that almost nothing can get through the Senate without a filibuster proof majority, it's quite accurate to call the Republicans obstructionist.

It's a well documented fact that Senate Republicans have filibustered more then any congressional group in history.

If a bill originates in the house, and Republicans control the house, and frequently vote on bills, then how are they obstructionists? That question has not yet been answered. Secondly, are republicans supposed to pass bills that are friendly to Democrats?? Democrats shut the GOP out when they controlled congress. They did the exact same thing but NO ONE complained about it then. IT is obvious that Republicans have different ideas on job creation so because they haven't passed legislation that adds more to the deficit and more jobs to the public sector at the expense of the private sector then they haven't done anything. Again obstructionism would be the GOP holding up bills in the house and not passing anything. The senate has ben a mess since the Dems took control and lets not forget the filibustered Bush a number of times and again no one complain. Perhaps if Harry Reid tried to compromise and allow GOP to have a voice in the legislation there might not be so much fillibustering also, Democrats have held enough Senate seats that they could end the filibuster but even some Demcorats were voting with republicans against cloture. Wow. Shocking isn't it! I guess obstructionism to liberals is when a party you don't agree with passes legislation or when someone from your own party joins the other party to hold up legislation.

While your point on the house of the 112th congress may be technically correct, in that they are the majority and therefore set the agenda and schedule, your argument becomes saturated there. There is a stark difference between "IT is obvious that Republicans have different ideas on job creation" and "Bill after Bill has been passed and sat in the Senate where Harry Reid won't even bring it up for a vote (wonder why that is). When a house majority demonstrates to the watching nation that 1) they obviously cannot contain the rogue element within their caucus 2) said element has made their pledge to a Sub-party external leader more important then their oath to uphold the Constitution and serve the American people and 3) perpersistently shown a disdain and almost confederate like contempt for a president and his administration the like of which have not been seen in politics for 150 yrs, I think the American people have a right to be concerned. Labeling your party "Obstructionists" is a rather mild and flattering description for actions and behavior that frankly you should be ashamed to support publicaly.

So you think 2006 through 2010 were our boom years because the Democrats controlled both houses and for the last 6 years have controlled at least 2/3's of the government

I don't know, Alan. Do you have any specific examples aside from a vague feeling?

Well let's see, maybe colleges are getting more expensive. What do you think?

The federal government has no input in college tuition. Try again.

Anything else, Alan?

As an aside, if you can't think of anything, or can only come up with one or two examples (being that the Gov't has SO MUCH CONTROL OVER EVERYTHING now, or so I've been led to believe by the Tea Party), are you willing to concede that maybe your beliefs might be wrong?

Come on Ed what things are getting more expensive in the economy right now? Healthcare, housing, and education. The government tries to make all those cheaper and what happens?

The Gov't doesn't control housing and tuition prices. Healthcare you can now make an argument for, however since the Gov't just got involved, I don't see how you can make assumptions on what's going to happen there.

I'm still waiting for examples, Alan. Not vague amorphous ideas, what Government Product have you bought has gone up in price since the Gov't took it over?

Helath insurance has been increasing at the same rate for the laast 20 years. THe last couple of years, the insurance companies blamed it on Obamacare, before that they had other 'reasons'.

Health care costs are determined by the providers, not the government. The law (the one deemed constitutional by the way) addresses the availability of insurance coverage primarily. Try again Alan.

Maybe the government shouldn't be encouraging these loans in the first place. We have a government who wants its people to go into debt.

So Alan, you think all higher educations should be free to American students? How wonderfully progressive of you!

I'd agree with that actually... it would wind up paying for itself in the long run.

Agree, SB. I would gladly pay higher taxes for that idea.

I'd rather have it free then have government sponsored loans.

Great idea Alan! Thanks for suggesting it.

Would you be willing to pay extra Taxes for it, Alan? Nothing is free.

Alan...Loans---Tax..In your perfect conservative world everything would be privatized. That said, most public education is supported or subsidized in some form thru taxes. I would venture to guess that most bloggers here are products of "public" education and had to work their way thru college and or had to take out student loans. Also let us not forget the GI bill that returning soldiers used after WW2, Korea, Viet-Nam...Remember that was publicly funded and was paid for thru a TAX. These are our future engineers, innovators, manufacturing workers and "shudder<" Wall Street Bankers all of whom pay taxes.

Get the logic now Alan?

Please remember, the next time you see someone going to the "financial aid" office at their school that the real name for the office is "debt aid."

Ken/Tax refunds may be horded away by the people that you know,but the people that my younger adult family know are desperately waiting,every year for their tax rebate to buy something that they perceive that they need.

By 'governing' do you mean pandering to the wishes and hopes of the population in exchange for their votes?

Republicans don't follow the wishes of the population, they just want you to think they do.

That's the point of representative government, Alan. Feel free to petition your elected officials for constitutional reform if you'd like to change it.

... but then the politicians would be pandering for your vote, wouldn't they?

I believe the intent of the Federal Government was not to give people loans, or healthcare, or to appeal to the wishes of the population. It was there to keep the country together and allow the states to act within their own boarders, while protecting the country with the military. We have or at least we used to have, a constitutional Republic, not a democracy.

The government exists to exert the will of the people through law. If the people's representatives want something that falls under the enumerated powers of the constitution, the federal government is very well within its rights to do it.

If you don't like it, then don't vote for politicians that act in that manner. The only way to change minds in the parties is to get them to pander to your point of view. That's the point.

In a Rebuplic I don't think it's necessarily true that the government is supposed to respond to the will of the people. That's what democracies are for, and our founding fathers understood the difference however flawed they all were.

Alan-static,

You have swallowed the Kool Aid... you are officially tripping. Whose wishes should the Fed. Gov't. pander to then; just the billionaires? The so-called, Job Creators who are hoarding 2 trillion in cash because they fear, "uncertainty?" Is that who Gov't. should pander to? How many dams, bridges and interstate highways have these rugged individualists built in this country?

People who are too old, (Medicare) too young, (SChip) too poor, (Medicade) and those who protect (Veterans Admin.) this country (and your lame ass) all get Gov't. supplied health care... so whether you 'believe' it or not, our Gov't. is in the business of health care and actually does a better job of it than the private sector.

Private Sector Insurance cos. spend .26c of every dollar you pay them on administrative costs... the Gov't. only spends .4c of a dollar on administration.

The power that supplies the computer you post your drivel on is most likely supplied by a dam that was built by the taxpayers and the food you probably super-size yourself on gets to market on taxpayer built hgwys. in trucks driven by Teamsters. I don't know of many privately built bridges over any major waterways.

We had a little incident called The Civil War in which the proper relationship between the States and the Federal Government was decided. The Tea Baggers in Congress are trying to breath life into the corpse of the side that lost. The only ways left to them now are Unlimited Corporate Campaign Money, Voter Suppression, Union Busting and trumped up witch hunts...

So now getting back to your smarmy, brainless remark, no, I don't mean pandering, I mean doing their F-ing job; governing; instead of being racist, hyperbolic, fanatical, lying, cock blockers, bent on one thing and one thing only; getting rid of the President.

Clear enough?

Republicans are c blockers?

So if a bunch of people want free broccoli for everyone and they demand it from Congress should Congress vote for that too? What's the difference between student loan rates and broccoli?

There are only TWO really good reasons for national government: roads and defense. The rest of it is all very expensive eyewash.

<facepalm>

Alan, sometimes complex ideas and institutions don't boil down to a simple analogy (Student Loan Rates and Broccoli, really?).

Reminds me of the Tea Party comparing the US Economy and Federal Budget to their household budget.

Kevin explained in a well thought out and written post what was wrong with your logic and assumptions. You respond with a comparison of student loan rates and broccoli.

That's when you know you've lost.

alan_static,

I made the mistake of capitalizing your name last time... the lower case is definitely in order.

More student loans might just mean fewer minds as vacuous as yours and whereas plants in the cabbage family are notorious for producing greenhouse gasses after being ingested by warm blooded animals, the loans might result in some future student discovering the solution to all our energy needs, while the broccoli will only contribute to global warming, so the one is preferable to the other.

But more importantly, what is the difference between your intellect and a cauliflower? A caulifower knows the GOP in congress are cockblockers.

Thanks Ed!

Just one thought; How the __— do student loans and infrastructure end up in the same bill? Sometimes I think our elected officials truly are elected by idiots!

You are a wack job Kevin....really, you came out and the doctor literally wacked you on the head. I bet you are incredibly socially retarded or just compensating for something. Maybe you should be running the country. It sounds like you have it all figured out. All heil Kevin!

Maybe alan and bob are right. Maybe we need to get back to the good old days of the Articles of Confederation. Maybe the federal government should be a weak, powerless umbrella that leaves the group of independent states underneath entirely free to do their own things. Maybe there's no need for a comprehensive, unifying economic or monetary policy. No need for federal rules on immigration. No need for universally recognized, individual rights. Maybe what the U.S.A. needs is to be more like the E.U. Look how great it's working out for them.

Or...maybe not.

Troy,

I know it's exhilarating being in the presence of superior intellect. Now wipe your hands off and go play with the kiddies before you spit up on yourself again.