With everything that’s been going on with the economy, the election and the blaming of Bush and his administration, I decided to reflect on the last eight years or so…..

I decided to start with Bush. Honestly, I can’t say that hate him or even have a huge dislike for the guy. I mean, the majority of the people elected this guy and to top it off they re-elected him! I thought to myself, “Did he really do anything that just made things worse for me?” My answer was no. Actually, I think I benefited in some ways. I served in the Military for four years while he’s been in office. Each of those four years I received a pay raise once a year. Anybody that has served before he took office will tell you that it has been a while since they had a raise other than making rank. I was in some financial trouble in 2001, but that was self inflicted and nobody is to blame but me. I always had a job when I wanted one. As a matter of fact, most people I know that really wanted a job, had jobs. It may not have been the job we wanted at the time, but most of us believe we are better people because of it.

This bailout/rescue plan, holy smoke! Not only is there a huge crisis on our hands, it is also the biggest poor me session in the history of the Earth! I can’t believe what I have been seeing and hearing the last few days. “Nobody is bailing me out”, “where’s my money at”, “it’s the fault of the Bush Administration” and a million others. With the majority of the people carrying on this way wanting their share of the “pie” and instant gratification, it’s very hard to believe that this took them by surprise. The very behavior they are displaying is the very behavior that got us here. Not one person out there wants to accept any responsibility for their actions. From the top down. We are selfish people. If $700 billion were divided up and everyone got $2200, the majority would not apply it to their debts anyway. They would probably go shopping!

I believe that America is a direct reflection of the people that live here. Ever set foot in a country that doesn’t like us? They don’t say, “we know it’s not your fault your this way, it’s Bush’s fault!” They don’t like Americans period! What are we doing as Americans? We are waiting on the Government to do everything for us. That way, if something goes wrong, it won’t be our fault, it’ll be their fault. “How come they do use the money to feed the poor”, “how come they don’t use it for victims of natural disasters”, “how come this”, “how come that”. Well, paying taxes is the least we could do. I mean, you kind of have to one way or another. Why not do a little extra, give a little extra, do a little more than our fair share? Why would we expect the Government to do the same, if we are not willing to do it ourselves? Do I give a little extra to those that really need it? Yes, but not as often as I should. Can I afford to give more? Yes, but a lot of times I think I need to buy something, that later ends up in my closet for years. Do you volunteer your time? Sometimes, but I don’t have time usually because I have a lot of web surfing to do. I believe that every time we Americans point a finger, we have three pointing right back at us.

Blame me, I am guilty. I have not always looked after my fellow American. I have not always helped those in distress. I have stepped on the toes of others for my own selfish interests. I have taken hand outs when I didn’t really need them. I have been too busy doing things that didn’t matter, instead of helping someone whose life depended on it.

I Thomas Atkinson am responsible, when anyone anywhere reaches out, I want the hand of America to be there.

Hmmmm...interesting...

I am still working on figuring this out.
These people wanted to buy something and took out a loan. Then they reniged so they took back the house or the car. Now isn't it up to the lender to take the people to court and garnish their wages to get the rest of the money back.

Also, what about the ones that lied about the interest rates?
Are they going to be prosecuted?

prolly a LOT of people are going to be prosecuted. The politicians are gonna need a lot of scapegoats after this one

get ready to see a series of "perp walks" on CNN/FOX

I hope it happens to the right people and not some tokens.

Who put the politicians in office?

All I'm saying is, that the people should soak up some the blame as well, learn and make better decisions. Not just as consumers, but who we elect to office too.

I've been saying that all along

the people get the government they deserve

actually I see this as analogous to 1976 (Jimmy Carter)

the people are so weary of a strong President like they were with Nixon ("the Imperial Presidency" it was called) in 76 (Ford doesn't count) that they want a weak President who won't be a threat. Tha is what we have with Obama and McCain. Neither one of them is going to be a strong President

I just cant see the goverment buying all these foreclosed homes. I bought two of them. and I'm telling you they are wrecks.
some of them have no plumbing at all. And now crooks are stealing the wiring too.

Do you think the same ones that were crying no bailout last week, will be the ones crying bailout this week?

yup

but it might be too late then

More than a $700 billion dollar price tag?

snort

we send $700 billion a year to OPEC for oil. it's not that much money compared to our overall economy

I bet it's gonna cost MUCH more than that

I think new rules need to be made and these arms need to be federaly adjusted to fair interest rates. not all of them have hit their arms yet.

yeah I think we'll get a pretty strictly regulated market out of this

the politicians have to exploit it for their own gain first

I realize the number is small compared to our overall economy, but when it was presented to the American public in that lump sum, you saw the dramatic affect in had.

What about when they toss out a number like a trillion or so?

"I was thinking...."

And that was your first mistake. (just kidding!)




This is the most wisdom I have seen posted in these politicals threads yet.



Thanks for saying what I have said for many elections - "Quit your b*tching if you do not vote!"

There was a very important adage, from a relatively famous thing and it said: "WE the PEOPLE".

Remember that one, "people"?

I think they are working on it. I would like to see exactly where they are and who is saying what. Two sides the banks and the governments. I figure the government came up with an offer and the bank turned them down.

from what I understand it's the Dems and Bush versus the Repubs (it's a strange world)

even Newt has changed his mind and thinks the bailout is necessary

and Nancy soured everyone with her mouth

Check that, It the NeoCons and Dems against the Conservatives and Patriots.