Our economic problems didn't happen overnight. It's been happening over the past 15-20 years, but the economy was kept going by middle class Americans tapping into the equity on their homes until they were completely tapped out.

It shouldn't be all about Democrats or Republicans! It should be about doing the right thing for our country and the majority of its citizens. I consider myself an independent voter, but going back to the Reagan days and with the only exception having been Perot, I’ve always voted Republican. But all this single-minded, left versus right, ideological one dimensional bull has got to go! This is the problem with our country. It shouldn't be about Democrats or Republicans! It should be about Americans, especially our elected officials, doing the right thing for our country and its citizens.

Both parties have sold out the bulk of the American citizens, who they're supposed to represent, by allowing the "out-sourcing" floodgates to open wider and wider without taking any sensible measures to stem the tide. (Under Clinton jobs to China, Under Bush I & II influx of illegals or cheap easily abused labor into the US and jobs to Mexico/NAFTA) Our leaders are elected by the Citizens of the United States of America to represent the interests of those citizens and the country itself. They are NOT elected by the Global Market Place or foreign citizens!

We need our elected officals to Start Protecting American Jobs and do whatever it takes to bring back the jobs they let go. We need leaders who will actually stand up for the American people.

We need to bring manufacturing back to the United States of America and both parties are ignoring tariffs as a way to level the playing field, raise money and bring jobs back home. Let's guess why. Oh that's right, tariff is a dirty word. Hum, maybe it’s that our so called leaders (political leaders) are beholden to the same people who are exporting our jobs.

I guess we should keep letting Corp Boards, Wall Street, CEOs and Foreign Lobbyists promote sending US jobs to countries where they work for slave wages, no benefits, no OSHA safety standards or no real environment regulations. How's that been working for us?

The so called “Global Market Place” is not a level playing field. Companies may have made higher profits by "out sourcing", but they've been putting middle class Americans who are a good part of the world’s customer base out of work. I’m not a lefty or member of any union. I run a business that employs over 20 people and produces products that are purchased by customers that do manufacturing and packaging. I’m just an average Joe, but I've been saying this for more than 10 years now. If I can see it, so can our so called leaders (political leaders) who are beholden to the same people who are exporting our jobs.

We need to add tariffs that are proportionate to the inequities in wages and regulations in the country where the goods were produced and or where we’re importing them from. We could then use the money raised by these tariffs to help companies build state of the art manufacturing plants here in the USA, which would create more jobs here at home for US citizens, which would then in turn increase our income tax revenue.

The people with all of the excuses as to why we can’t or aren’t willing to manufacture products here in the US are the same people who have provided us with the thinking that’s gotten us into this mess in the first place.

Over the past 15-20 years, I've seen too many of our customer's close manufacturing plants here in the USA and move those plants to different countries, decimating entire areas here in OUR COUNTRY. And I'm not alone. Returning jobs to American Citizens will provide income tax revenue to OUR Government versus our government having to pay unemployment benefits to those who would be jobless instead.

Bringing manufacturing back to the US not only gives jobs to the US citizens who would be working in those manufacturing facilities, but to the people that would be working in the businesses that would spring up all around them. This should also include the safe harvesting, production and distribution of our own natural energy here in the USA, rather than paying for fuel from countries where they hate us. Let’s keep that money and those jobs here in the US.

These so-called “free trade agreements” have to go. It was obvious when they were passing these agreements as to what was going to happen and sure enough it did. Our leaders had to have known this as well when they were passing these bills. It’s just common sense. We also need to bring customer support services back to the United States of America and staff them with employees who are US Citizens.

The “Global Market Place” is not a level playing field! The whole idea of the tariffs is so we can pay our factory workers a decent wage and not be blown out by these other countries where they don’t play by the same rules.

We may have to pay a bit more for products made here in the USA by US citizens, but at least we'll still have jobs and a future for our children.

The bottom line is that “Our Government” has to protect American industry and the jobs that those industries provide. If they do that, the rest will take care of itself.

We need to Stop Illegal immigration! They’re not just doing jobs that Americans don't want. Do they pay taxes? Don't get me wrong most of these people work very hard, but are a drain on the system if they don't pay taxes, have healthcare coverage, learn the language or get paid wages that are in line with their American counterparts. Who’s footing the bill for the education of their children and the infrastructure around them? We all know that the health care provided to uninsured illegals here in the states is being averaged into our hospital costs and our insurance premiums, which have PROPORTIONATELY increased along with illegal immigration over the last 20 years? These costs are also being passed along to Medicaid and Medicare, which means that not only are they increasing our insurance premiums, but that we’re paying for them again with our tax dollars.

Our tax dollars and insurance premiums should not be used to recoup the cost of healthcare given to illegal immigrants, who shouldn't even be here in our country in the first place.

To the people that disagree, we should ask them should this: If a few illegal immigrants knocked on your door and demanded that you pay some medical bills for them, would you pay them?

Just look around and you'll see who's doing 90% of the residential renovations, construction and property maintenance jobs. That's certainly what we're seeing in the northeast. These are not just jobs that Americans don't want.

Perot 1992 "Jobs getting sucked out of the country" - Many people saw it back then, but unfortunately too many people bought into the spin of "BS" that we were being sold. Seems that both parties were always able to distract and polarize voters with insignificant peripheral issues like gay marriage and abortion, which got most voters so caught up in the BS that they lost sight of the bigger picture.

YouTube - Giant Sucking Sound - Ross Perot 1992 Presidential Debate.flv
And this something that most of us already knew at that time, because it was just common sense!

You may want to check this site out: economyincrisis.org

And these articles:

economyincrisis.org/content/protectionism-matter-self-survival#comment-6632

economyincrisis.org/content/unethical-predatory-practices

Too bad we'll never see these types of articles in the mainstream media

It's appears that the foreign interests are influencing our media as well, just watch the ABC Nightline special on Apple's iPhone and iPad products being made in China that ends with the dramatic biased comment "That you can be the nation that lines up to make these products or the nation the lines up to buy them, but it's impossible to be both". What BS propaganda! ABC has direct ties to Apple and Foxconn. It also doesn't help us compete when these company's factories are subsidized by China's communist government.

A couple weeks ago even "60 Minutes" got into the act with their BS show about US manufacturing companies not being able to find enough qualified help. It doesn't help, since manufacturing has been declining for decades, that our children are being pushed towards liberal arts degrees rather than technical training which could have led to jobs, had we not been going down the ever increasing path of "Out-Sourcing".

In the free trade world, there are a lot of industries not being competitive for a lot of infrastructure issues. The industries that are competitive will have jobs stayed in the US. You cannot put up enough regulations and tariffs to protect the industries that are not competitive. There are a lot of industries you can't just move away like services and retail businesses. US has a lot of competitive industries: technologies, financial, media, lifestyle goods, drugs, natural resources. There would be a lot of energy jobs opening if our government allows it to happens whether it is solely for export if we do not want to pollute our air or as a substitute of import fuel for domestic consumption.

The ONLY REAL FIX is to Raise Revenue, by Bringing Back Jobs to US Citizens who Pay Income Tax.

Massive cutting just puts more people on unemployment, which just depresses the economy even further.

Returning private sector jobs to American Citizens will provide income tax revenue to OUR Government versus our government having to pay unemployment benefits to those who would be jobless instead. We need our elected officials to Start Protecting American Jobs and do whatever it takes to bring back the jobs they let go. We need leaders who will actually stand up for the American people.

The bottom line is that “Our Government” has to protect domestic industry and the jobs that those industries provide. If they do that, the rest will take care of itself.

We may have to pay a bit more for products made here in the USA by US citizens, but at least we'll still have jobs and a future for our children.

Let's focus on the immigrants you clearly take issue with, protect. You claim immigrants are a drain on the system and pay no taxes or anything for that matter into the "system", but only take. So do tell, if they have a job and work, how are they getting paid? It's one of two things. A. the employer is paying them cash under the table and no taxes, including the ones the EMPLOYER is to be paying, are getting paid. In which case the EMPLOYER needs to be held accountable because last time I checked, the EMPLOYER not the employee makes all the decisions. Or B. They are working under a fake SS# in which case they are paying taxes under said fake SS#.

You claim we pay to educate their kids. Well schools for the most part are funded by property tax. Are you suggesting that illegal immigrants are getting free housing? If so please explain how that is accomplished. If they are paying rent somewhere, they ARE paying property taxes. Which also include taxes for local hospitals, so there goes that theory as well.

In order to apply for and receive any type of assistance a SS# is required. Clearly you are unfamiliar with the process of applying for, let alone actually getting assistance. it's no where near the cakewalk some seem to think it is.

You also dispute that these immigrants are doing jobs that American won't implying the nonsensical belief that illegals are "stealing" American jobs. Please do explain how one goes about stealing a job? Again, last time I check it was the EMPLOYER not the employee who decides who gets the job. So again, take it up with the "job creators". And if you think Americans would be doing these jobs if weren't for the scary immigrants, just ask the farmers in Alabama how well it worked out for them.

Are there issues with illegals? Sure there are, and those issues need to be dealt with. Does it ever occur to those who scream about it so much that maybe just maybe if we (meaning American Business) stopped hiring illegals because they are cheaper them maybe just maybe we might in the very least, be able to make some progress on this front? Blame the "illegals" all you want, it is those who continue to employ them that is the bigger problem. Until that is reigned in, there will be no progress made in the influx of "illegals".

ya know what...i think you may be the first crazy right winger that i agree with.... no joke. our congressmen and women are doing NOTHING and getting paid for it... they should get a huge pay cut... i can get down on the POTUS taking a pay cut also... maybe not 75%...although i'm sure the job does come with tons of perks...

i can't believe this.... i actually agree with a RWNJ...

I did and she won. Unfortunately there are too many rednecks and tightwads out there assuring us there will always be some repugs around.

Gerrymandering, worked here in Florida, however, we did get rid of Alan West, 2014 will be a different matter for the GOP. Today's GOP is in its death throws, if it doesn't adapt it will slither into oblivion.

Thomsec,

Republicans are tightwads? Thank God we have you and your generosity to show us the way. Send Obama a check right now for whatever you have in the bank. he'll appreciate it and you'll be able to show all us tightwads how it's done.

JackNY- take a look at how the Repubs redistributed the districts for the House votes... they made it just about impossible for the Dems to take control.

ya wanna talk about redistribution of 'anything' take a good look at how the repubs feel about redistribution as long as it suits them.

Can't really respond to someone who questions the smarts of others while spelling President, Presidaent.

There has only been a Republican house for two years, and that is when all the jobs were created. The question could be what has the Democratic Senate accomplished in 8 years. They have not proposed a budget in 4 so it cannot be that

I think it's interesting that the economy has improved more since the Republicans gained control of the house and started blocking many of the proposals of the Democrats. I think perhaps there are times when the country does better when the politicians do nothing.

The military is being used primarily for a world wide war on marijuana. That's something we can do without.

Do without what, marijuana or the war on marijuana?

how the hell did weed make it into this discussion?

Legalize it, regulate it, tax it, grandfather expungement for simple possession, puff goes the deficit. alcohol far worse drug than Pot will ever be. Nobody has ever over-dosed on Weed, medicinal value keeps being discovered despite attempts to quash any relevant reports. Gate-Way argument pointless, Chic-Fil-A a gate way to obesity.

i don't want jet fuel and formaldehyde in my greens.... no thankyou to legalizing it. i'd rather enjoy discreetly and illegally.. organic greens are the way to go

Marine-1981, I was a Marine 1962-1966. That is all we agree on. Rental prices are based upon market forces. You cannot just raise rents because you have to fix up other units. You can try it but if the market forces are against you, the units will remain unrented or under rented.

Knowing this, I just do not believe that you own those units. You do not sound like a savy landlord and anyone hwo has 100 rental units is a savy landlord.

He's pushing for a 1% cut in spending, if you round up.

Where's socialism. Get back to reality.

And, please explain why our economy isn't great with 2% unemployment, because taxes are low for the job creators and have been, but myth doesn't actually create jobs, because if it did, we'd have them right now.

We've been cutting taxes for a decade and we're not better-- what evidence do you possibly have that suggests that cutting them even more will help?

Only their handlers watch Fox News and listen to Talk Radio. The Republicans get their news from Spongebob.

Jim

Do you support the proposed .85% cut in spending?

Or are you more intrigued by the proposed revenue increase of $60 billion?

cant see how uncontrolled spending is at all healthy for our future.. if you think so, then look at europe!!!!!!!!!!!stupid stupid!!

Jim,

I'll stop watching Fox when you do this math for me. Obama wants to tax the rich but not cut his spending. Taxing the rich will get him 90 billion. He spends around 1-1.3 trillion a year. So it seems were still a tad short there my good man. Maybe you can make up the difference if you've still got a few bucks left over froming buying Sandra Fluke her birthe control...

M.J.-CT: I'm not sure what I support because I see the need for social programs but I also see the need for a balanced budget. To have a balanced budget, I see the needs for spending cuts. The devil is in the details. For me, the military is the first place I'd look. Our nations spends five times more on its military than any other nation. We have become the policeman of the world and I do not like it. This is coming from a former Marine.

I also support national health care and am willing to pay higher taxes for it. Our nation, per capita, spends more on health care than any other nation but we are no where near the top in health or life span. Something is wrong.

I know at the end of the Clinton administration, the federal government had a surplus and had begun to pay down the national debt. We had social programs there and we had a military. What we did not have was two unfunded wars and the Great Recession. During recessions, government costs go up and revenues go down. So part of our deficit is the result of the recession and part is the result of fighting unfunded wars. Then too, I'm sure that there is waste in our government. From time-to-time, I purchase something and then wonder later, why did I do that? I wasted my money. Government does that too but when it does it, it does it in a bigger way.

I did not answer your question but did try to let you know how I view things.

hesfailed

jim ur a damn fool. is 1% a serious offer to cut spending to you?

You must be a moderate; you have to round up to get to 1%. :-)

MJ an hesfailed are typical right wing nuts who make up their own stuff. where the hell do you idiots get this 1%, oh I know Fox news and RWNJ talking points.

1.6 trillion in tax revenue to upper 2%, I repeat because you slow, 1.6 trillion in tax revenue. Another 400 billion in entitlement spending, 500 billion in defense cut. Almost 3 trillion in savings thus far. How is that 1%, please explain nut jobs...

Nakoni

There are some of us that are surprised that President Obama would start the negotiating with a .85% spending cut and a net revenue increase of roughly $60 billion.

I guess that's a brilliant political move as ANY responsible proposal would appear severe when compared to that.

impeached doesn't mean fired.... look it up

Thor, sounds great- now get the hell out of here if you won't want to pay your way.

With taxes you buy a society. If you don't want to pay, then you don't get to play.

Get your one way ticket to Somalia and never utter another word about pride in the USA- never say anything about our soldiers who protect us, or the veterans who saved western civilization. Never drive another inch on our roads or take one step onto a sidewalk.

Don't even look at our state, federal, county or city parks. They're not for you, if you don't want to pay.

I don't see this gutting the military plan that you're worried about.

And since our military budget is insanely high, then I welcome a gutting.

I'm going to side with Eisenhower and say that the military industrial complex isn't good for America. Need an example?

Start getting upset about your tax dollars paying for joint strike fighter engines that the pentagon doesn't want because the essembly plant is in a GOP stronghold.

I can do without that stuff. I don't think playing world police and war are the only routes to peace.

Where were all of you deficit spending hawks when we were pissing our money away in Iraq for a decade?

Suddenly you hate the idea of spending money in your own country.

I don't get it.

D-1129384

Thor, sounds great- now get the hell out of here if you won't want to pay your way.

With taxes you buy a society. If you don't want to pay, then you don't get to play.

Get your one way ticket to Somalia and never utter another word about pride in the USA- never say anything about our soldiers who protect us, or the veterans who saved western civilization. Never drive another inch on our roads or take one step onto a sidewalk.

Don't even look at our state, federal, county or city parks. They're not for you, if you don't want to pay.

D-1129384,

Is this how you run your house? When you run out of cash you just go out and get more credit cards? Because that always works right? I mean what could go wrong with giving Obama a blank check? He's super responsible. He hasn't racked up any debt...

And you want to talk about soldiers who protect us? And roads to drive on? We're all willing to pay our fair share my friend but when your guy can't get through 12 months without blowing over a trillion dollars all i gotta say is "there ain't enough taxes out their baby"

The rest of the world is watching as we argue about gay marriage and free birth control all the while we are slowing becoming a third world nation...

You sound patriotic. That's a good thing. Remember when Obama called Bush unpatriotic for racking up 4 trillion in 8 years? Pretty sure you should be p&ssed at your guy for racking up around 6 in 4 years.

These are great points as long as you completely ignored the context in which these events happened.

Keep living in the echo chamber my friend- the surprises will continue....

DEM: Suprised Califiornia is falling into the ocean

DEM: Suprised Unions are going bankrupt

DEM: Suprised they have the most bankrupt cities in blue states

DEM: Suprised their kids, kids, kids will be paying off Obama's debt

DEM: Suprised they can't buy a 32oz soda in NY

DEM: Suprised their liberty has been replaced by tyrrany

do you know why people are on food stamps?

People didn't just start getting them for fun. Because its not.

People got them because they were out of work.

People were out of work because the GOP handed us an America that was designed for rich people.

Look at the facts. The rich got richer. It didn't trickle down- it sent people to last resorts- to food stamps. It didn't help the middle class, it hurt them.

American dream, let me make this super clear.

You are the problem:

'Tyrrany?'

Do you know what Tyrrany is? Check out Syria or the Congo.

When you compare actual tyrrany to this great country, you spoil the opportunity for a factual debate that actually solves problems.

America is not designed for rich people. It's was designed for people to work hard, make a go of it and prosper. And with hard work and a little luck you can get there too. Without the government digging their nose into your life. It's about liberty not tyranny.

You want a country where everybody is equal? It's called North Korea...

whatever echo chamber

Thor- We waited 30 years for the money to trickle down. It didn't. The rich kept the money for themselves. Now we're trying something else.

30 years of data is more convincing than Bill O'Reilly. Sorry.

If the rich hadn't kept the money, this wouldn't be happening. Blame your own guys.

It's even more convincing than Fox in general, despite their impeccable reputation for honesty.

Unless you're in the top 2%, you don't have a dog in this hunt.

Man that's silly and childlike

Why are the negotiations being held in a closed forum?

President Obama's opening offer is .85% cuts in spending and less than $60 billion in net revenue, not including the first year stimulus.

As you might not have heard; Sen. McConnell laughed upon Mr. Geitner's offering.

Yeah, I love how Obama's contribution is "i've got the pen"

That's true leadership... maybe he can go one extra and bring a scrap piece of paper to test it on.

The President campaigned on raising taxes on the wealthy and responsible handling of the deficit.

President Obama has proposed .85% cut in spending, because apparently he has an issue with 1%.

President Obama has proposed new taxes on the wealthy AND tax cuts for all. New revenue minus the cost of extending the Payroll Tax Holiday brings in about $50-60 billion. And don't forget the $50 billion stimulus...

why cant you left-wing nutjobs just admit you arent serious about spending cuts and all obama's talk about a "balanced approach" is just a bunch of bullsh*t when all dems are really ofering is massive tax hikes?

How about because Obama did not fail.......because you personally will not see a tax hike....and because people usually take offense to being called nutjobs (which is a Newsvine CoH violation)

The only failure here is one of basic comprehension regarding the past 4 years on the part of #90.1 Go on, find a link to the massive tax hike you are going to see.

You are so correct. Sarcasm is their only defense.