You have to wonder where the common sense has gone to. How can a historical site in Mississippi cost $600,000,000?
You have to wonder where the common sense has gone to. How can a historical site in Mississippi cost $600,000,000?
Wally you are talking politicians here. Common sense isn't a job requirement.
Wally wrote: You have to wonder where the common sense has gone to.
One of my dad's great words of wisdom he imparted to me: "Common sense isn't."
Tim Baxter wrote: http://stimuluswatch.org/
Good one, Tim. I'm trying to figure out how buying a new ambulance in some little Indiana town creates 20 jobs at the cost of $160,000.
this doesn't sound like a very good ROI:
hell, give me $10k and i'll kick $500 into a Pell grant...
All those construction projects also only stimulate the pocket books of a select few and a select few areas, not the country in general.
Tifosi2k2 wrote:Tim Baxter wrote: http://stimuluswatch.org/Nice post Tim. Some interesting propositions in there. A program to rehab hookers in Dayton, OH? I guess I am left with a question: All of these construction projects will certainly create jobs, but they are short term jobs. What happens once the projects are complete? We have another 5 million unemployed construction workers. What then, another trillion dollar "stimulus" bill full of short-term construction projects to put people back to work? And then when those projects are finished, etc.... Where does it end? Seems to me like we are creating a really expensive circle of "need". As in, every few years the people will "need" their government to come along and solve their problems. I wonder if they can time our "needs" to coincide with election years?
i think the idea behind it is that it'll provide short term jobs for people that are out of work, which will give those people some money in their pockets, they can then afford to buy goods and services from businesses that have seen slower times lately. this improves the outlook of struggling businesses, which then can feel more comfortable expanding their business, or buying that new delivery truck. then once the economy is back on track, presumably there will be more jobs for those people whose project has finished, because the funding is available for them via other means (like people paying for their own E36 M3)
its like the "trickle-down" effect, just they won't call it that, because, ya know, this is SOOO different.
Tim Baxter wrote: http://stimuluswatch.org/
Yes. I've been watching this since it came out.
A good effort. Not pefect, but a good effort.
It appears that after 8 years of "my way or the highway" combined with leaders in undisclosed locations, folks don't quite know how to handle what is at least an attempt on transparency and inclusiveness.
And I'm puzzled about why getting together with my neighbors makes me into a Brown Shirt.
Gosh, I better stop going to all those Lutheran pot-luck dinners! Who knew?!? 
I don't care who wins politically; Democrat, Republican or Independent. Just so long as they make an honest effort to run the country efficiently. Govenment will always spend our money, sometimes on things we don't like. At least with this, we have some idea about where it goes, rather than just treating us all like mushrooms.
Strizzo wrote: i think the idea behind it is that it'll provide short term jobs for people that are out of work, .
I think it's just to pay back campaign contributors, friends, cronies, other Dems with pet projects, etc., etc. and has nothing to do with real economic recovery in any way. They're like kids on Christmas morning
aeronca65t wrote: It appears that after 8 years of "my way or the highway" combined with leaders in undisclosed locations, folks don't quite know how to handle what is at least an attempt on transparency and inclusiveness.
Did you listen to the inaugural speech? Our brave new foreign policy is "my way or the highway" just gussied up with a bunch of talk about reaching out hands. Did you not hear the part about if you are against us we will defeat you? Do you mean inclusiveness by not letting the GOP house members debate or add amendments to the pork spending bill? Sure, reach out a hand, let them vote with you or not.
aeronca65t wrote: And I'm puzzled about why getting together with my neighbors makes me into a Brown Shirt.
It certainly doesn't. Gathering in little groups to talk about what a great new world it is might make you into a gullible shirt though.
TJ wrote:aeronca65t wrote: It appears that after 8 years of "my way or the highway" combined with leaders in undisclosed locations, folks don't quite know how to handle what is at least an attempt on transparency and inclusiveness.Did you listen to the inaugural speech?
Yes. Evidently we disagree on what was said.
TJ wrote:aeronca65t wrote: And I'm puzzled about why getting together with my neighbors makes me into a Brown Shirt. Gosh, I better stop going to all those Lutheran pot-luck dinners! Who knew?!?It certainly doesn't. Gathering in little groups to talk about what a great new world it is might make you into a gullible shirt though.
What great new world? I'm interested in improving the present one. Apparently you belive that when people get together "in little groups" they are discussing "a great new world". Doesn't sound like I'm the gullible one.
But anyway, whatever.....I like your car! 
Thanks. I too am interested in improving the present world. It's just that I have spoken to alot of people who are very misinformed and got way too carried away by the whole "change" thing. Shouldn't have lumped you in with them, sorry.
"To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist. To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds."
"We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you."
Seems like a more eloquent way of saying you are either with us or your're against us. Not sure how else to take it.
TJ wrote: It certainly doesn't. Gathering in little groups to talk about what a great new world it is might make you into a gullible shirt though.
One of the primary things I do at my job is coordinate public scoping meetings, many of these are for projects being planned by some level of government. This sounds very much like one of those, except that these meetings aren't required by any particular law (most of the ones I've worked on are part of the NEPA/CEQA process). The fact that they're choosing to do these I think is very prudent.
From my experience at public scoping meetings, I can tell you that it is not going to be a bunch of people gathered to talk about how great these projects are. Most just want to know what's going to happen near them. A few will sing the praises of what a great idea this is. A lot more will stand up to complain about how this is going to impact them.
TJ, Actions speak louder than words.
Salanis wrote:TJ wrote: It certainly doesn't. Gathering in little groups to talk about what a great new world it is might make you into a gullible shirt though.One of the primary things I do at my job is coordinate public scoping meetings, many of these are for projects being planned by some level of government. This sounds very much like one of those, except that these meetings aren't required by any particular law (most of the ones I've worked on are part of the NEPA/CEQA process). The fact that they're choosing to do these I think is very prudent. From my experience at public scoping meetings, I can tell you that it is not going to be a bunch of people gathered to talk about how great these projects are. Most just want to know what's going to happen near them. A few will sing the praises of what a great idea this is. A lot more will stand up to complain about how this is going to impact them.
Has an "economic recovery house party" ever been crashed before?
I mean, we used to be the Grand Old Party...
Salanis wrote: From my experience at public scoping meetings, I can tell you that it is not going to be a bunch of people gathered to talk about how great these projects are. Most just want to know what's going to happen near them. A few will sing the praises of what a great idea this is. A lot more will stand up to complain about how this is going to impact them.
That is spot on. Instead of complaining about this massive waste of money we don't have, they will complain that state X or city Y is getting a bigger serving of pork than their place.
I'm going to look again at the closest ones and see if I can make it to a meeting.
Osterizer wrote: Has an "economic recovery house party" ever been crashed before? I mean, we used to be the *Grand Old Party*...
Speaking as a guy who's "not a member of an organized political party", I think that's a great idea.
You never get a good result if everyone in the room has the same opinion. I hope lots of these house parties get crashed by folks with an alternate viewpoint.
Honest discussion and debate can be painful, but this country needs it right now.
I know what I think the stimulus should be spent on, but I think I'd rather compromise on what I want and get more folks onboard. You can never please everyone, but the results will be better with more folks buying in.
Ultimately, this is all for selfish puposes.......I want the economy to get better so more folks can afford to go racing with me.
Wally wrote: You have to wonder where the common sense has gone to. How can a historical site in Mississippi cost $600,000,000?
Seems like 600 mil would buy Mississippi.
bamalama wrote:Wally wrote: You have to wonder where the common sense has gone to. How can a historical site in Mississippi cost $600,000,000?Seems like 600 mil would buy Mississippi.
I dunno, eBay has no completed listings to compare with...
It should at least pave it
Tim Baxter wrote: http://stimuluswatch.org/
Thanks for the link, Tim
I am going to call the Mayor and ask why two projects the city is working on that will bring in ~1000 long term jobs are not on the list for MD. Seems like all the projects for MD are in Annapolis or Baltimore. Typical Maryland political crap!!
carguy123 wrote: I think it's just to pay back campaign contributors, friends, cronies, other Dems with pet projects, etc., etc. and has nothing to do with real economic recovery in any way. They're like kids on Christmas morning
I know! Haliburton had to earn every dollar it earned in the last 8 yrs! Contracts aren't just handed out to companies that the VP used to work for and most likely retained stock in all throughout his V Presidency...oh wait...
TJ wrote: Seems like a more eloquent way of saying you are either with us or your're against us. Not sure how else to take it.
If that's how you take it I'd say take comfort in the fact that Bush felt the same way. He didn't seem to mind ticking off...most everyone.
Myself, I take it to mean we'll work with you as long as you don't crap on us or your own citizenry.
Xceler8x wrote: If that's how you take it I'd say take comfort in the fact that Bush felt the same way. He didn't seem to mind ticking off...most everyone.
I don't take any comfort in the fact that Bush and Obama are so close on so many levels. I am not a big fan of either of them.
TJ wrote: I don't take any comfort in the fact that Bush and Obama are so close on so many levels. I am not a big fan of either of them.
A politician is a politician right? I see your point.
I do think Obama is trying to be more inclusive, open, and willing to compromise, more so than Bush's school yard bully style Diplomacy.
But hey, my opinion. Opinions are like buttholes. Everyone has one and they usually stink. Mine included.
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