Government Bailout Funds for Auto Industry

Trent Liljestrand posts the question “Should we bail them out?” and I have filtered this in my head as well. I was totally blown away when I found out that such a large amount of rescue money was only going to be divided among three top dog car dealers. Two out of the three have stated they cannot promise a loan payback in a reasonable timeframe or at all for that matter. Ford is confident they will profit in the next few years and have no problem returning the favor.
What in the world is going on? We are designating bailout funds for foreclosure prevention, or shall I say foreclosure prolongment? Now we are loaning funds to salvage car dealerships and manufacturers? What’s next?
I agree with Trent that this issue has both pros and cons in relation to our economy, mass production, jobs, etc. Either way there is going to be a significant impact. One possible impact that is most likely is the companies being sold to foreign corporations and run on U.S. soil. Another impact could be that more vehicles would be produced in larger quantities, turning profit and retailed cheaper.
My opinion is that we are supposed to be united and one under God. If the monies are available and U.S. Companies are pleading for help, give it to them. Was our goal to succeed or plunder? The United States Government should, by all means, do anything in their power to aid in the success of our country. Either way we win some and we lose some. So are we going to continue to help others while we suffer, or are we going to start helping each other with issues on hand and rising here, at home?
“It is a very confusing time to be an American because their are so many things that would go wrong no matter what decision is made”, says Trent. You said it, couldn’t have done it better myself. Damned if we do and damned if we don’t. Time to pull together and bail one another out is here. We are all neighbors and it’s time we start acting like it and lending a hand to someone in need. Personally I love my mustang and I want Ford to succeed, they are one of the largest car manufacturers across the nation that we have. Love them or leave them. People need to stop being so bitter and realize that these issues are very critical to their future and the future of our children. Peace, Love and Happiness! Vote! Let your voice be heard! Great job Trent!!

http://trentliljestrand.blogspot.com/2008/12/should-we-bail-them-out.html

Middle East War Zone Almost Over?

Robert H. Reid, of the Austin American Statesman, writes about the approved security pact between the American-Iraq coalitions. The U.S. General, in a letter, informed American troops that changes are in the near future and will affect operations in Iraq. The U.N. mandate will expire on December 31, 2008 and will require all allies to pull out and American troops to withdrawal from cities and, in a couple of years, the whole country. Sweeping operations are now restricted in order to initiate an effort for Iraq to take back what is rightfully theirs and rebuild their country.

I couldn’t agree more and I have been patiently waiting for some relief effort to take place for the safe return of our soldiers. I kept asking myself when the day would come when we would hear some good news. This new security pact will enable new joint-efforts for the American-Iraqi troops. American troops will slightly back off in raids and detaining civilians on the notion they might be a risk, now warrants will be required. This is the first step for Iraq to build their democracy, with our guidance, prosper, appreciation for their country, and take back their sovereignty. They deserve freedom and dignity and the chance to be proud of who they are and glorious in their country, just like everyone else. We are all equal in God’s eyes, so it’s time we treat each other “like he is your brother”. How the hell can anyone live each day looking over their shoulder and wondering “am I gonna die today”? Iraq is finally on its way to recovery!

Most of all of our allies have already pulled out, are in the process, or have plans to withdrawal their troops from the Middle East by the end of the year. The remaining troops are mostly Americans, British, and very few from a couple of other countries. It is time to set them free and let them rise with dignity and faith. The war is over and it is reconstruction time. We have given them the backbone needed to save their country and build a strong government; it is up to then to stand up straight or to slouch. As a country, we cannot any longer endure anymore countless deaths, economic strains and suffering on the account of another. We have done everything we could to fight, defend, and protect. We have created an opportunity for Iraq to get back up and ride that horse. As we start vacating their country they will become stronger and more independent. I believe they will succeed and become a beautiful and peaceful country. The Middle East will survive and the American troops will step foot on familiar territory very soon! God Bless all of you.


http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/28/world/middleeast/28iraq.html?pagewanted=1&sq=Security%20Pact&st=cse&scp=5


http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/world/12/06/1206iraq.html?UrAuth=aNcNUOcNZUbTTUWUXUaUZT[U\UWU\UWUZU\UaUcTYWVVZV&urcm=y

Breakdown

Kaylee Franklin wrote an excellent piece about the dissolving relationship between the U.S. and Russia; "The two countries have no trust in each other, only suspicion."


I totally agree with your statement of the eroding relationship between the United States of America and Russia. For years, there has been great tension and hesitance to restore our trust in one another. I remember writing about something very similar to this very topic. Neither one of us fully trusts one another and is very cautious when it comes to taking care of business. You just never know. Now that our allies are feuding with another, we will support Israel and Russia will support Iran. So it’s a dead end situation, and we will never be at peace, with Russia or any other rival country. It’s a never ending battle and will continue to fight until we cannot endure anymore suffering and surrender. I believe we are treading water and need to back off before we fall in head first.

Kaylee's link:
http://kayleefranklin.blogspot.com/2008/09/fears-of-us-russia-breakdown.html

Tuition on the Rise

Everyone is aware of the Economies current downward spiral. The Government has made an effort to help homeowners, but now students are the target. Justin Pope, of the Austin American Statesman, wrote a fabulous article about the average tuition across the states. As a student I am very unhappy about the increase because it eliminates my chance at pursuing my education.

The US Government has met its match when it comes to the economy. People across the nation are suffering tremendously. Jobs and dreams are vanishing as quickly as camera flash. I can speak from the heart on this one, facing some sacrifices of my own. All the while, I am a student trying to make a better life for myself by seeking an education. How can I continue to attend school if it keeps rising as the income is dwindling?

Justin says the average college tuition increase is 6.4 percent for in-state students, 5.9 percent for private schools, and 4.95 percent right here at the University of Texas. Concordia University at Austin students took a blow with 8.4 percent! You know, I agree with Justin in that we are crawling deeper in debt and the government wants to keep taking and taking. He reported that Campus Officials wanted to seek higher figures and Gov. David Dewhurst intervened and limited the increase to a more reasonable figure. Finally, someone put their foot down! The least they could do is ease us into it, instead of throwing us right in. You want people withdrawing from class all over the nation?

I am a homeowner, I have debt, bills to pay, working full time and going to school full time. As if that’s not enough I am downsizing because of the current mortgage issues. I am a waitress, who makes a living solely from tips, and work is slow. All of these life events are the result of the economy going into the crapper. I am working toward a degree so I can make more money and live worry free. Now, tuition is going up and it didn’t come in small increments either. How in the world am I supposed to go to school if I can’t afford it and if there is not enough funds for federal aid? We are seriously slowly fading away. Take everything I own, but the government does not have the right to take away my opportunity to further my education. What is this world coming to? I feel like the US Government is sitting back watching everything we have worked so hard for fall apart at the seams. Someone needs to do something fast before we all end up in another Great Depression, GOD FORBID!


http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/nation/10/30/1030college.html

It's Not Our Battle Anymore

Bringing our troops home is a very touchy subject. Helen Thomas, a Hearst White House Columnist, offers her opinion in this matter. She referred to the war as "mindless" in comparing McCain's pursuit of an endless war to Obama's verbal negotiations promise. Helen questions McCain's intentions of creating another war to cover up the current mess and he charges Obama with going in unprepared.

She reflects on the dignity and authenticity of our former U.S. Presidents. Most of them would rather attempt to make peace through talking to the opposing leaders and reasoning with them. I agree that war should be the very last resort, and our leaders need to exhaust every resource and option available to make peace, without violence. If nothing can be accomplished reasonably then we consider the possibility of war. Control Freak Syndrome sets in and we are quick in jumping to conclusions.

The American people are the main target of Helen's editorial. Americans say bring them home, or let's stay and end this thing. But, in reality neither task is easy. I say bring them home, we are wasting money, resources and risking innocent lives. Not to mention the sanity of the American People who are standing by watching the news every night and learning of at least 3 American soldiers deaths. We have done all we can for the other countries, up to this point. Now it has become a revolt against their own people and we are trying to protect the victims. You cannot help someone who is not willing to help themselves first.

On the other hand, what happens if we pull out too quickly or suddenly? Will they follow us home like bees on pollen? What will happen if we withdraw tomorrow and then next week, the same scenario continues on our territory? There is no right or wrong answers because we have gone way too far this time. We rushed in without honest reasoning, the damage is done, and now we must clean it up.

As Helen reaches out to the American people, I reach out to my fellow Americans and ask you for an honest vote this Nov. 4, 2008. We need a leader who is willing to march down a path of peace and arms negotiations. We need not a leader who wants to revolt into an endless warfare. Wake up people and vote! The United States of America can still uphold to the "American Dream." The future is in our hands, at our very own fingertips.


The original blog link in below:


http://www.thebostonchannel.com/helenthomas/17599942/detail.html

Economic Downward Spiral

In the October 3, 2008 edition of the "USA Today", Richard Reichenbach targeted the middle class American Homeowners. The author argues that the Wall Street bailout vote is a Congress' solution to our economic distress involving mortgages. Instead of creating realistic and long-term solutions, they have allotted $700 billion dollars to Corporate Welfare. This vote was a desperate attempt to cover up the bad business created by our very own elected officials.

Facts from various news releases, and articles influenced Reichenbach's conclusion. He is accurate when he describes the hard times we are facing in the present. Many hard working middle class American citizens are threatened with foreclosing on their homes because of our economic distress. Many of us can barely afford to put food on the table because the cost of living has increased dramatically. Vanishing jobs and credit solicitations are flooding the American people, burying us deeper in the never ending black hole called debt. He argues that officials have been wasting our taxpaying dues on corporations with special favorable treatment. Bad investments and budgeting have been the cause of our Corporate Welfare. Our system is failing because Congress is failing.

The author stated that this was a political vote instead of a vote to do the right thing. Why should we have to pay more taxes to fix the problems they have created? Congress surrendered to the bailout vote because they were faced with fear of a Revolution. This large sum of money is going to cost us more to "help" investors purchase these properties and resell them. It's not a government grant applied to your loan so you can salvage what little you may have left. It is simply a way for the defaulting banks to cover their tracks. How much more economic distress can we face before all of us are filing bankruptcy? Why are we being forced to clean up their messes?

I agree with Reichenbach's conclusion that we, the American people, need to place liability on the appropriated lawmakers. They think they are full proof and can get away with this. They need to be removed from office and stripped of their retirements and other investments just like they are deteriorating ours. We need to take a stand and let our voices be heard. Our Government needs to stop wasting money on "inside jobs" and give us what is rightfully earned in putting the money back into our hands so we can survive the tragedy that has begun and repay our own debts. We shouldn't have to pay for their mistakes, but that is the whole idea about politics.

This editorial was spot on. As a home owner facing foreclosure, I agree with Reichenbach and am thankful that someone is finally putting the issue out there. We need to make Congress aware that this is not right; they can't keep taking from us. They are the ones who need to be held accountable for the nightmare(s) we face today and will face tomorrow. We almost don't have anything left. Home equity and retirement investments are a joke. Soon we will be owned by the government, because we won't have any resources left to pay them with.

The origional post is below:

Hold lawmakers liable for economic mess

Richard Reichenbach - Boca Raton, Fla.

I don't get the feeling that our representatives in Congress have solutions to restoring our economy. The average family is in distress and needs to hear more positive news not that we are giving $700 billion to corporate welfare ("House races littered with fallout over bailout vote," News, Wednesday).

Thomas Jefferson once said, "The price of freedom is eternal vigilance." I have always stressed this to my children and added a quote of my own: "Get involved in politics or be a victim of politics." I don't think they truly understood this quote till now.

Members of Congress are paid to guard our future. With the banks defaulting, jobs vanishing, wars escalating and energy speculators taking advantage of the American people, I don't see where they did their due diligence. It is time to hold all our representatives accountable for these problems. Thomas Jefferson also said, "When a man assumes a public trust, he should consider himself public property." Telephone and e-mail your representatives regularly. Let them start worrying.

Credit still flowing

Rick Slone - Odenton, Md.

In the past week, I have received two phone calls and two letters offering to refinance my home. I've had no fewer than 10 letters and two e-mails requesting that I sign up for new credit cards. So I had at least 16 offers of some type of credit in one week from financial institutions.

If these organizations stopped the maddening flood of advertising and solicitation, perhaps we would be well on our way to fixing this financial mess without a bailout, which will probably help fund this continuing onslaught of unwanted offers. We would also save trees from being cut down for unwanted snail mail.

Make heads roll

Michael J. DeVillez - Rochester, N.H.

I can accept a government bailout if it includes the immediate resignation of all members of the House and the Senate banking committees, Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Christopher Cox, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke. Also, revoke any retirement plan they might have had.

These leaders were either asleep at the wheel or in bed with the crooks on Wall Street.

A better use of that $700 billion would be stimulus checks to all American taxpayers who earned less than $250,000 a year.

My fellow American taxpayers, we need to wake up and realize the current political system in the U.S. is broken. We need to clean out the House and Senate this November. Vote against the incumbent.

Posted at 12:09 AM/ET, October 03, 2008 in Economy - Letters, Letter to the editor, Politics, Government - Letters | Permalink

Border Patrol

On September 19, 2008 The Austin American Statesman posted an article titled, "Department's mismanagement blamed for delays in the completion of the ,Texas/Mexico, border fence." This article is about the mismanagement of funds for the completion of the 670 mile "virtual fence'. The Governments misappropriations have halted the resources needed for Homeland Security. They have run out of land to build on, because they only own certain portions of it. Ranchers and civilians are not willing to sell their properties because the monetary offers are not justified. Since they are not willing to sell for a "cheap" price, I believe sub-contractors will be hired to make them move.

The government doesn't even have enough funds to hire border patrol to keep illegal immigrants from crossing. Vigilantes are ex-military, off duty police officers, ranchers and free lancers who volunteer their time to observe and report and criminal activity taking place. They vigilantes get in trouble for reprimanding the immigrants who are committing crimes. What are they supposed to do? Sit back and watch them cross over? Del Rio, Senora and El Paso are a few of the bigger border towns that they can't keep secure because of the drug traffic and immigrants. The civilians are making money this way, so they don't want to sell their land. To this day, 341 miles out of 670 miles have been completed because of the funding and land issues.

Congress has requested the border fencing be completed by December 31, 2008. Americans need to be aware of this serious issue, and become more involved. We need to do whatever is in our power to complete the fence. Illegal immigration has been an issue for quite some time, and is becoming out of control. Where is the governing in this situation?

On the flip side, we wouldn't be able to walk across the border to Mexico without being interrogated by authorities, so why are we not standing our ground? Why isn't there enough money to complete this project that has been planned out for so long? Don't we pay enough taxes?


The original article is posted below.

Department's mismanagement blamed for delays in border fence

Homeland security agency failed to specify requirements or implement effective testing for 'virtual fence' portion, federal investigators say.

HEARST NEWSPAPERS
Friday, September 19, 2008

WASHINGTON — The Government Accountability Office — the nonpartisan investigative arm of Congress — on Thursday blamed mismanagement in the Department of Homeland Security for delays and failures in the construction of the planned 670-mile fence along the U.S.-Mexico border.

There were "some serious gaps" in the department's approach, the GAO said, citing what it said was a failure to specify performance requirements for a high-tech segment of the fence and to implement effective testing.

Randolph Hite, director of information technology architecture and systems issues for the GAO, told the House Homeland Security Committee that the failure to complete the fence was "not a technical issue, it's an acquisition management issue."

Congress directed the department to construct the fence by Dec. 31 as part of a larger effort to combat illegal immigration.

Richard Stana, director of homeland security for GAO, said the department did not set strict "performance standards" for a high-tech "virtual fence" being constructed in Sasabe, Ariz., in conjunction with the Boeing Corp. The project has faced significant technical difficulties.

The department has said troubles in acquiring land have also slowed the project, although 341 miles of the planned 670 miles of fence have been constructed and contracts for the project's entire span have been completed.

Where do I fit in?

Pro-Government Conservative Based on your answers to the questionnaire, you most closely resemble survey respondents within the Pro-Government Conservative typology group. This does not mean that you necessarily fit every group characteristic or agree with the group on all issues. Pro-Government Conservatives represent 9 percent of the American public, and 10 percent of registered voters. Basic Description Pro-Government Conservatives stand out for their strong religious faith and conservative views on many social and cultural issues. They also express broad support for a social safety net, which sets them apart from the other two core Republican groups. While backing George W. Bush by roughly six-to-one, this group has one of the lowest incomes levels in the typology. Pro-Government Conservatives are skeptical about the effectiveness of the marketplace, favoring government regulation to protect the public interest, and government assistance for the needy. Defining Values Religious, financially insecure, and favorable toward government programs. Support the Iraq war and an assertive foreign policy, but less uniformly so than Enterprisers or Social Conservatives. Back government involvement in a wide range of policy areas, from poverty assistance to protecting morality and regulating industry. Who They Are Predominately female (62%) and relatively young; highest percentage of minority members of any Republican-leaning group (10% black, 12% Hispanic). Most (59%) have no more than a high school diploma. They also are poorer than other Republican groups; nearly half (49%) have household incomes of less than $30,000 (about on par with Disadvantaged Democrats). Nearly half (47%) are parents of children living at home. 42% live in the South. Lifestyle Notes Most (52%) attend religious services at least weekly; nearly all describe religion as “very important” in their lives. Gun ownership is lower (36%) than in other GOP groups. Just 14% trade stocks and bonds in the market; 39% say someone in their home has faced unemployment in the past year. 2004 Election Bush 61%, Kerry 12%. Fully 21% said they didn’t vote in November. Party ID 58% Republican, 40% Independent/No Preference, 2% Democrat (86% Rep/LeanRep) Media Use Most Pro-Government Conservatives consult traditional news sources, including newspapers (48%) and network TV (31%). No more or less engaged in politics than the national average. Note: All descriptions and percentages are based on the national sample of adults surveyed by telephone in December. Based on your answers to the survey questions, you most closely resemble survey respondents within this group, even though you may differ significantly on one or more issues or traits. In the overall typology there is a ninth group called “Bystanders” who are defined as adults who are not registered, who do not follow news about government and public affairs, and who say they rarely or never vote.
Your responses:
	Statement 1	Strongly agree	Agree	Agree	Strongly agree	Statement 2
1	Government is almost always wasteful and inefficient					Government often does a better job than people give it credit for
2	Government regulation of business is necessary to protect the public interest					Government regulation of business usually does more harm than good
3	Poor people today have it easy because they can get government benefits without doing anything in return					Poor people have hard lives because government benefits don't go far enough to help them live decently
4	The government should do more to help needy Americans, even if it means going deeper into debt					The government today can't afford to do much more to help the needy
5	Immigrants today strengthen our country because of their hard work and talents					Immigrants today are a burden on our country because they take our jobs, housing and health care
6	The best way to ensure peace is through military strength					Good diplomacy is the best way to ensure peace
7	We should all be willing to fight for our country, whether it is right or wrong					It's acceptable to refuse to fight in a war you believe is morally wrong
8	Most people who want to get ahead can make it if they're willing to work hard					Hard work and determination are no guarantee of success for most people
9	Success in life is pretty much determined by forces outside of our control					Everyone has it in their own power to succeed
10	Too much power is concentrated in the hands of a few large companies					The largest companies do NOT have too much power
11	Business corporations make too much profit					Most corporations make a fair and reasonable amount of profit
12	Elected officials in Washington lose touch with the people pretty quickly					Elected officials in Washington try hard to stay in touch with voters back home
13	Most elected officials care what people like me think					Most elected officials don't care what people like me think
14	This country should do whatever it takes to protect the environment					This country has gone too far in its efforts to protect the environment
15	Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy					Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost
16	Homosexuality is a way of life that should be accepted by society					Homosexuality is a way of life that should be discouraged by society
17	Books that contain dangerous ideas should be banned from public school libraries					Public school libraries should be allowed to carry any books they want
18	Religion is a very important part of my life					Religion is not that important to me
19	I'm generally satisfied with the way things are going for me financially					I'm not very satisfied with my financial situation
20	I often don't have enough money to make ends meet					Paying the bills is generally not a problem for me
21	It IS NOT necessary to believe in God in order to be moral and have good values					It IS necessary to believe in God in order to be moral and have good values
22	Using overwhelming military force is the best way to defeat terrorism around the world					Relying too much on military force to defeat terrorism creates hatred that leads to more terrorism
23	The growing number of newcomers from other countries threaten traditional American customs and values					The growing number of newcomers from other countries strengthens American society
24	It’s best for the future of our country to be active in world affairs					We should pay less attention to problems overseas and concentrate on problems here at home
25	The government should do more to protect morality in society					I worry the government is getting too involved in the issue of morality

In politics today, do you consider yourself a Republican, Democrat, or Independent?
Strong Democrat	Democrat	Independent, Lean Democrat	Independent, no leaning	Independent, Lean Republican	Republican	Strong Republican

In general, would you describe your political views as very conservative, conservative, moderate, liberal or very liberal?
Very Liberal	Liberal	Moderate	Conservative	Very Conservative

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