Obama: We'll Invest, Invest, Invest (Spend, Spend, Spend)

[WhiskeyGirl]

4:21pm UK, Saturday December 06, 2008

US President-elect Barack Obama has said he will make the largest investment in the country's infrastructure since the 1950s.

"We'll measure progress by the reforms we make and the results we achieve - by the jobs we create, by the energy we save, by whether America is more competitive in the world."

This sounds a lot like Wall Street.  We'll take your money.  We'll keep everything a secret.  And we'll let you know it's working at our posh resort.  Why shouldn't local communities and states share in their own success?  Maintain and build their own infrastructure?

There are some that have few resources available to them.  I think there are many that just choose not to maintain infrastructure.

Some communities take responsibility and raise local tax money to meet challenges, others similarly situated refuse to take responsibility and raise local tax money, and some that are poor and have no resources available.

Where does the Obama plan reward people and communities that have been responsible?  Or, is responsibility a dirty word?  Responsible people are bad, and rich, and can afford to give more to those that are greedy and to those that are truly less fortunate?

"We'll invest your precious tax dollars in new and smarter ways, and we'll set a simple rule - use it or lose it.

"If a state doesn't act quickly to invest in roads and bridges in their communities, they'll lose the money."

Are taxpayers giving this money away to Obama favorites?

Who determines the (state/community) projects that will be eligible?  Who determines the best use of taxpayer money?  Matching funds?  What are the taxpayers in these communities/states investing?  Who determines if something is effective?

Is this another ripoff on responsible taxpayers?

Here, in the country that invented the internet, every child should have the chance to get online, and they'll get that chance when I'm president - because that's how we'll strengthen America's competitiveness in the world.  -  President-elect Barack Obama

What's on the internet that children can't find at the library or school?  Will it increase thinking?  Education?  Learning?  Will our children be smarter for spending their days on the internet? 

How many children go all day without the internet, TV, computers, or game systems?

Have these things been making them smarter?  Maybe there is some data that suggests such children are more competitive with others around the world when they spend hours watching tv, playing computer games, or surfing the internet?

What is the real value of the internet?  Access to what?  Porn?  Global computer games?

What happened to teaching basic education skills?  What happened to teaching children to think?  Reason?  Sending them to school prepared to learn?

"What is less clear is how this plan will address the immediate job losses and keep them from spiralling out of control.

"Although most of these jobs will be in the construction sector and there will be a ripple effect stimulating the suppliers, these jobs will not match the salaries or the skill sets of the large number of people who have lost high paying jobs in the financial and service industries of the economy."

What about all the small business that have been lost?  The little people that supported families on one small shop?  Is there something that will trickle down from the Obama plan for them?

What about all those people that do not work construction related jobs?  Information technology jobs?  Customer services jobs.  Jobs that have been moved offshore over the past ten years?  Those that are to old or in poor health that cannot work manual labor jobs?  What will trickle down for them?

What is to prevent the money from flowing to offshore jobs?  Maybe that's part of the plan?  Provide Offshore jobs too at taxpayer expense?  Is the Obama plan for some, but not for all?  What will trickle down to those people that have already been put off the bus for the past ten years? 

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/President-Elect-Barack-Obama-Vows-To-Boost-Broadband-Avaiability-And-To-Boost-Infrastructure/Article/200812115173932?lpos=World_News_Top_Stories_Header_2&lid=ARTICLE_15173932_President-Elect_Barack_Obama_Vows_To_Boost_Broadband_Avaiability_And_To_Boost_Infrastructure

I see continued policies of the past, just different millionaires made on taxpayer money.  Nothing for Main Street.  Just new companies/players to replace Wall Street and the auto industry and current big government favorites. 

I see change I can believe in--increased poverty and slavery.   

just my humble opinions

[WhiskeyGirl]

Taxation without representation = Big Government

Daley wants road money in his hands, not gov's
By: Paul Merrion Dec. 06, 2008

Mayor Richard M. Daley is lobbying to keep Gov. Rod Blagojevich's mitts off several hundred million dollars Chicago is poised to get through a proposed economic stimulus package under debate in Congress.

Historically, almost two-thirds of federal road funds go to metro areas, where locals decide how to spend them. But Mr. Daley and other U.S. mayors and local officials are worried that Congress will shift highway project decisions to the states in an attempt to simplify the process and create jobs more quickly.

"This is creating a great deal of heartburn," says Robert Fogel, senior legislative director for transportation at the Washington, D.C.-based National Assn. of Counties. "There's no guarantee that counties or cities will see one cent of the money for work on all of our many ready-to-go projects."

"We're trying to get the simplest approach possible and let states sort (it) out with their counties and cities," says John Horsley, executive director of the D.C.-based American Assn. of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

The Illinois Department of Transportation has identified 252 ready-to-go projects totaling $783 million, mostly for highway resurfacing and bridge repairs, across the state.

Maintenance and repairs?  Why isn't the local community and state responsible for these things.  Illinois has some of the richest communities in the nation.

Who's paying for all these improvements?  I think the simplest thing is to let the states raise their own taxes.  Sort it out with their counties and cities.

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=32113

just my humble opinions

[WhiskeyGirl]

Governor sends infrastructure wish list to Obama
Associated Press
12:12 PM CST, December 6, 2008

The Illinois Department of Transportation has identified 252 ready-to-go projects totaling $783 million, mostly for highway resurfacing and bridge repairs, across the state.

The Blagojevich administration has identified bridge repairs, airport runway extensions, road resurfacing projects and improvements to the Chicago-area transit and commuter rail system.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-obama-economy-ill,0,5077496.story

"resurfacing and bridge repairs"  aren't these already part of the state or local community budget?  Already providing jobs?

What NEW jobs will be created by "resurfacing and bridge repairs"?

Taxation without representation?  Why aren't the state and local communities already providing for resurfacing and repair?  Why does it have to come out of the federal taxpayer pocket?  My pocket?

JMHO

[WhiskeyGirl]

Two northeast Ohio counties are assembling wish lists of infrastructure projects that officials plan to implement if given a portion of a proposed $500 billion federal economic stimulus package.

Officials say the lists detailing road and transportation projects in Lake and Geauga counties will help officials enact new economic initiatives as quickly as possible if a proposed bailout bill passes.

President-elect Barack Obama has called for a massive economic recovery bill to generate 2.5 million jobs over his first two years in office. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., has vowed to have a package ready on Inauguration Day for Obama's signature.

http://www.portfolio.com/news-markets/national-news/ap/2008/12/06/ohio-counties-prepare-wish-lists-ahead-of-stimulus

The federal government is broke and deeply in debt.  Social Security is broke, no fund, no trust.  Medicare/Medicaid/other entitlement programs are broke.

Who is going to pay for this package?  If states have all these projects ready to go, why haven't they gone to their own taxpayers first?  Why not raise their won money?  Invest in their own future?

The federal government is broke.  Who's going to pay for all this?

[WhiskeyGirl]

Supporters of such public works spending say it is a surer way to create jobs than, for example, the $600 to $1,200 tax rebate checks sent out to individuals and couples this year, and can provide lasting economic benefits.

Skeptics say infrastructure spending is relatively slow-acting and its effects will not be fully felt until the economy is already on the rebound.

With the $600 to $1,200 tax rebate checks, seems like a large group of people shared the benefits, knowing the burden is mounting.  Will everyone share in the benefits of all this new spending?  How many generations of Americans will this debt be passed onto?  Where is the money for recovery to come from? 

What's the game plan for restoring Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid? 

Are politicians giving up anything for these golden eggs they're passing on to a privileged few?  Where's the remedy for all the gas and indigestion that is sure to come in the future?

The projects are mostly repairs and upgrades to existing roads and bridges considered "ready to go" because they could be under contract within 180 days, Horsley said.

"It's the type of stuff that you can get out the door quickly," he said.

The state with the highest dollar list of projects was Utah at $10.8 billion, followed by Florida, almost $7 billion; Texas, $6 billion; North Carolina, $5.2 billion, and California, $5 billion. The District of Columbia, $56 million, and Vermont, $78.4 million, had the least expensive projects lists.

Texas had the longest list of projects, 853. Washington, D.C., and Alaska had the fewest, three and four, respectively.

(snip)

The recession has meant big reductions in tax revenues, and 43 of the 50 states are running budget deficits. Since virtually every state has to live under a balanced budget, governors have begun cutting services, laying off workers and considering tax increases.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gfLL8XDTB-n9NTimM8ElSukdHGhAD94TCM0G1

Why isn't the federal government living under a balanced budget?

Is my check for $1 billion in the mail yet?  I thought change meant the government was going to try the "trickle up theory" of economics?

[WhiskeyGirl]

Education: US schools fail to prepare kids for big world

...although the schools have made impressive progress in the last 15 years, many students still don’t graduate with the abilities today’s jobs require.

“In our high schools, we need to prepare our young adults to be college and career ready,” says Gerald Chertavian, chairman of the state board of education task force that prepared the report. “Unfortunately, we are not in that position today.”

Indeed, the study found that although the schools sent some 64% of the matriculating class of 2000 to university , seven years later only about 35% had actually graduated. Further, according to another study by the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education, government employers say high school graduates lack essential job skills.

Mastering those skills means learning how to think critically and creatively, work collaboratively, use the Internet to do research, and communicate clearly and effectively. Students also need to be responsible and accountable, to be up on the news, and to have a workable knowledge of economics and business.

http://www.thetimes.co.za/Careers/Article.aspx?id=898910

From my reading earlier today, only a piece of one of those skills is on Obama's list for education - "Internet" access.

What about the other things involving thinking critically and creatively?  Working collaboratively?  Communicating clearly and effectively?

It may take a village to raise a child.  I believe it is most effective for the parents or guardians to feed the child breakfast and make sure they get off to a good start every day.

How are US students doing in the basics like economics and calculus?  Maybe we could throw some money at that?

Maybe have internet access will make everything ok? 

[WhiskeyGirl]

Why isn't Obama focusing on FEDERAL projects?  Projects that benefit ALL Americans?  I remember reading about many federal efforts that have remained unfunded for years.  Toxic cleanups, waterway cleanups, rebuilding FEDERAL projects?  Buildings?  VA?  Federal land management...

Hmmm...maybe we'll be paying someone like $10,000 per lightbulb in Federal buildings...
(Who is the Obama "Haliburton"?  Will all these projects be no bid?  If they're ready to go, have the bids been determined already?)

Repaving roads and rebuilding schools sounds nice, but who benefits?  Who should be budgeting and maintaining these things on a regular basis?  All taxpayers or the local communities?   The shaft is growing wider and deeper every day.  Some get the gold, taxpayers get the shaft. . .

It's easy to spend other peoples money.  It looks like the Obama administration will be spending, spending, and spending.  The obligation will fall on future generations--taxation without representation, and benefitting only a few...sounds a lot of Wall Street and Freddie/Fannie.

Should all Americans/taxpayers pay for new schools thousands of miles away?  Repaving roads hundreds of miles away?  What are local communities responsible for?  Seems like my local community shouldn't be taxing me for ANYTHING.  The Obama administration will buy us new schools too.  Pay for resurfacing and rebuilding roads, bridges, ditches...

Why shouldn't communities and states look to their own tax  base for supporting these programs?  There is an old saying "Those that dance to the music pay the piper."  Is that something Obama is changing?  Everyone pays the piper so that the elite may dance all night long on the taxpayer dime?  Some never even hear the echo of music?   


I hear a loud sucking sound.  Why should responsible people, who budget for maintenance items, pay for others that seem to be lining up to foist their responsibility on ALL taxpayers?   


Taxpayer communities that have acted responsibly over the years will be paying for everyone else and get no benefit from any of these economic slave dollars spent by the Obama administration.    


Jobs for rebuilding schools and repaving roads and stormwater runoff should already exist.  They should be funded by people who live in the community.  These are not new jobs.  These are not 'saved' jobs.  imho - This is just a new way of stealing.  Part two of Wall Street...

What happened to the theory of 'risks and rewards'.  Will that continue to exist for the elite only?  Those on Wall Street?  Big 3?  Obama public works?  

I wonder if the "Obama Public Works" is a new scam being foisted on ALL taxpayers.

Taxpayers are already on the line for Fannie/Freddie and TARP.  Who knows how much Obama will spend.  Taxation without the benefits.  How much will FEDERAL taxpayers enjoy from all the prosperity?  Will these same communities have their hands out again in a few years?  Taxation foisted on future generations.  Will there ever be anyone held accountable for all these pyramid schemes?  Just future slave generatons?

All I'm asking for is an even billion.  Check in the mail yet?

Where can I send the bills for oil changes for my car?  I think if taxpayers can pay for road resurfacing and rebuilding schools, I think they should pay for maintenance on my car.  My house to.  Where do I send the bill? 

Is my billion dollar check in the mail yet?

just my humble opinions

[crazybabyborg]

Two northeast Ohio counties are assembling wish lists of infrastructure projects that officials plan to implement if given a portion of a proposed $500 billion federal economic stimulus package.

Officials say the lists detailing road and transportation projects in Lake and Geauga counties will help officials enact new economic initiatives as quickly as possible if a proposed bailout bill passes.

President-elect Barack Obama has called for a massive economic recovery bill to generate 2.5 million jobs over his first two years in office. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., has vowed to have a package ready on Inauguration Day for Obama's signature.

http://www.portfolio.com/news-markets/national-news/ap/2008/12/06/ohio-counties-prepare-wish-lists-ahead-of-stimulus

The federal government is broke and deeply in debt.  Social Security is broke, no fund, no trust.  Medicare/Medicaid/other entitlement programs are broke.

Who is going to pay for this package?  If states have all these projects ready to go, why haven't they gone to their own taxpayers first?  Why not raise their won money?  Invest in their own future?

The federal government is broke.  Who's going to pay for all this?

China, because they'll call in the debt and own the country. It's already got such a foothold that we can't break loose and in the last several weeks, with a Trillion dollars in bailouts, the deal is sealed. The country is being used to secure the loans. America is not in control of its' own destiny at this point.

[WhiskeyGirl]

I wonder why Mayor Daley wanted money to go directly to Chicago and not stop at the Governor's mansion? 

Is this a sign of things to come for the nation?

For the "Yes we can" generation, why can't they look for a better system?  Why stick with the old ways of previous administrations? 

If we're all in this together, why not look for programs that benefit everyone?  Programs that anyone on Main Street can apply for?  Where is the "Can do" attitude?  Why can't the Obama administration take a litte time and make sure that the awards are as transparent as possible?  Fair?  Equitable?  Benefit everyone? 

Why aren't they using all this money to promote the common good?  I do not feel that maintenance items promote the common good.  It punishes those that save, plan ahead, and are responsible.   Maintenance items (road resurfacing, rebuilding schools, etc.) should already be in the budget and have jobs attached to them.

What about starting on those wind farms?  The transmission lines needed for the alternative energy?   Building NEW/retrofitting for plug in cars?  People in the north have plugs already due to the cold.

How about offering a stimulus to homeowners to add insulation?  Make some jobs available to small business?

New windows (hint - that company in Chicago that let all those people go)? New energy efficient roof?   New furnace?  Basement insulation?  Air conditioner?

Insulation works for air conditioning too.

Apartment buildings? 

jmho