For all the haters who have recently come out of the woodwork, this Obama's job approval rating. Which I might add, is the highest presidential job approval rating in over sixty years.

And yes I know it's only the first week, but that hasn't stopped the naysayers from trying to assissinate his character has it?

Approval ratings have nothing to do regarding if the person is doing the right things.

As well, it is down from the 82 percent it was on Inauguration day.

I fully expect it to normalize more in the coming weeks.

Approval ratings have nothing to do regarding if the person is doing the right things.

Well, 68% of the country believes that he is. Does that mean that the majority of the country are idiots?

Just because a majority of people agree on something doesn't always mean it is right.

An understanding of Plato's Republic will show you that.

There are many times the masses are incorrect. Is Obama a good president? Who knows...its too new to tell...but in saying that....how can one approve of the job he is doing when he hasn't done anything yet?

Either way, the masses can be wrong. That is whey we are not a democracy, but a Democratic Republic. Even the founding fathers knew that the general public are not suited to run the country.

Well, 68% of the country believes that he is. Does that mean that the majority of the country are idiots?

If the public is anything like what I see on some of the TV shows and similiar to the folks that Jay Leno interviews on the streets. Then yes, I believe that the majority of Americans are uneducated, uninformed, sheep. Who have no sense of economic issues, how government is supposed to function and no idea of history. Most overspend, cannot balance a checkbook and truly believe that someone else should subsidize their free wheeling lifestyle.

I could pretty much own any car that I want (Porche, Corvette, BMW etc.) however, I choose something that runs on regular and gets good MPG. (Hopefully like most people on this site) Why, because I still have a lot of friends fighting overseas. The thought of driving some overpowered, gas guzzling Fruerdian (sp it is real late) status symbol is repulsive.I still have 2 perfectly functioning 27" TVs (Cannot kill the damn things) and a great stereo system that is 34 years old. (In fact the stuff sells on ebay for more than 5 times I paid for it new.) Why do I dop this? Because my parents were children during the Great Depression (And no it is not something you take a pill for) I learned that you work, save, budget and God forbid don't get into over your head in debt. I heard the stories first hand. Problem is now we are 3 to 4 generations passed that. WEEE live for today and screw tomorrow, claim bankruptcy and pass on the debt to everyone else. Well folks, the music has stopped (notice that the mailings for zero% interest on balance transfers on credit cards has dried up) and there are a lot of people who have been left standing, who are now looking at 25% + interest rates on their credit cards. Not to worry, claim bankruptcy or hope the the government will bail you out. And, if you don't think it will get worse, think again.

I also believe that I should not be expected to pay for someone elses' moment of orgasmic joy. Which 9 months later produced a bundle of joy for the American Taxpayers.

Just because a majority of people agree on something doesn't always mean it is right.

An understanding of Plato's Republic will show you that.

There are many times the masses are incorrect. Is Obama a good president? Who knows...its too new to tell...but in saying that....how can one approve of the job he is doing when he hasn't done anything yet?

Either way, the masses can be wrong. That is whey we are not a democracy, but a Democratic Republic. Even the founding fathers knew that the general public are not suited to run the country.

Who decides what's right Steve, you? What you, I or anyone else feels is right, is relative to our values. It seems that the majority of the country is in agreeance right now. You do have a point in the fact that most of the general public is not suited to run the country, and that includes you and I as well. Yes, I know that it's too early to judge whether or not he is a good president but that's exactly my point. Like I said in the OP, many people on here have shown no mercy when making comments about his ability as president when they haven't given him a chance to prove himself.

Panzer lets hope people are shocked enough to go back to taking care of their stuff make them last, stop buying things they don't need, and stop treating cars like disposable cups they throw out every couple of years. No wonder why american cars weren't built to last or with any reasonable quality, if people treated them as disposable why would you? Make them so crappy so they only last 2 years and make more money. It's ashame it has come down to this, put everyone in peril so the idiots in society will finally wake up and figure out how to balance a bloody checkbook. I still don't see how anyone can have credit card debt. You spend what you have, not one penny more, it's as simple as that. The only reason you should use a credit card is convenience of not carrying cash, and an extra layer away from your checking account so that you can dispute bogus charges.

I'm betting some, if not most of the 68% of the people who approved of what he was doing, don't even know what he did during the first week. I've had people I work with at the University of Chicago (him and his wife's alma matter if you don't know) not be able to tell me a thing he's done or stands for but say he's great.

I am by no means a far right crazy, but I can't stand the far left loon crap I have to deal with every day at work...

Don't get me wrong, there are people who do need help. And I try to do my part. But it scares the hell out of me to think where this country is heading. I have been in many countries and lived in many cultures, so it is/was always somewhat of a shock to come back to the U.S. As the old saying goes, "A hard head makes for a soft a--."

Plato's Republic lays out exactly what is happening in America. I can't summerize the entire thing on the forum and won't as I'll do it an injustice. When the masses realize they can vote people into office in order to directly affect their personal liberties over the liberties of the whole is when democracy fails. Are we there yet? That is TBD, but I say we are on our way.

I agree 100% with Panzer. I was not put on this earth to be my "brother's keeper." Why should I bail out those who file for bankruptcy? Why should I be the saftey net of those who can't handle themselves? Why should I assume the costs of those who don't pay their obligations (whatever they may be)?

I refuse. This is why I max my Roth IRA. I don't run the country, I can only vote. I use my vote as I see fit, but I am also smart enough to put my money in places where the general public's hands can't touch it no matter how hungry for it they might be. I have realized that I can't rely on the government to take care of me, so I will do it myself and fully plan to leave others out.

I also agree with Peniole. Why have 8k in credit card debt? Doesn't America read the fine print? Of course not...we complain about the "fine" print all of the time....yet it is always supplied in everything we do! I read the fine print. I know that my credit card has a 9.9 percent interest rate and I think it would be downright stupid to pay that. I don't live in the most expensive apartment in town, unlike many of my fellow colleagues.

This country needs to learn how to live within their means. This also means saving for the rainy day b/c people like me are tired of being the saftey net.

For many years, I've said along with others, that America needs another great depression to get back to its roots. I may get my wish even though I hate to see the hardships it is going to cause.

Right. People who truly need help because they did all the right things and still got screwed deserve help. That's why socialism is not a dirty word, you can't be a completely capitalist society, or a completely socialist society there has to be a balance.

For all the haters who have recently come out of the woodwork, this Obama's job approval rating. Which I might add, is the highest presidential job approval rating in over sixty years.

And yes I know it's only the first week, but that hasn't stopped the naysayers from trying to assissinate his character has it?


Um.....

http://www.hist.umn.edu/~ruggles/Approval.htm

Seems bush was at 91% at one point, so he must have been a fantastic president by your assertion.


Anyway, Illinois seems to be one of the few places where the career path for polititicians ends with making license plates. Now THAT is service to the people.

Um.....

http://www.hist.umn.edu/~ruggles/Approval.htm

Seems bush was at 91% at one point, so he must have been a fantastic president by your assertion.


Anyway, Illinois seems to be one of the few places where the career path for polititicians ends with making license plates. Now that is service to the people.

ok Check mate.

Let's get something straight here. Just because I support a liberal president does not mean that I am looking for someone to "carry" me. I was raised to live responsibly and I do. I make nearly 100k a year, I paid 90% of my Accord on purchase and will pay it off next month (10 month loan), my mortgage is $525.00 a month, I have no credit card debt, I have A1 credit, and I own rental property. It's because I'm so thrifty that when I want something I can buy it without thinking twice and pay cash for it. The recession has not affected me one bit because I do live within my means. You guys need to stop assuming that everyone who isn't a republican or a conservative are a bunch of lazy sloths looking for a hand out.

I don't think anyone said that. I'm certainly not a republican, I not a liberal either though. Financial responsibility has nothing to do with you political affiliation, just they way one was raised.

Its tough, I understand both sides of this argument. I dont want people to starve or kids to go hungry, but when I see people being interviewed after Obama becoming president saying that they are so happy because they dont have to worry about their mortgage, health care problems, etc you have to wonder what they were sold. I feel like a lot of people are looking for the wizard of oz here. Offering "hope" set some super high expectations, and I am not sure that anyone here knows exactly what that means anyway, but a lot of people are expecting it to mean what they want it to mean. How do you deliver on that?

I think it is going to be impossible to deliver on what is expected of him.

Let's get something straight here. Just because I support a liberal president does not mean that I am looking for someone to "carry" me. I was raised to live responsibly and I do. I make nearly 100k a year, I paid 90% of my Accord on purchase and will pay it off next month (10 month loan), my mortgage is $525.00 a month, I have no credit card debt, I have A1 credit, and I own rental property. It's because I'm so thrifty that when I want something I can buy it without thinking twice and pay cash for it. The recession has not affected me one bit because I do live within my means. You guys need to stop assuming that everyone who isn't a republican or a conservative are a bunch of lazy sloths looking for a hand out.


Also, that is awesome that you are in the position you describe, but the assumptions I understand would say that you are a fiscal conservative. Democrats in Illinois dont typically hold your same fiscal values.

I think there is an opportunity to have someone run on a platform that is apart from the social engineering we see today because most of it fails anyway.

For example, in Illinois, we give a property tax break to those who own their houses, and even more for seniors who own thier own houses. We dont want landlords (businesses) to get that same tax break (greedy monkeys, dont worry I owned rental in illinois too) so we dont offer the tax breaks on rental property. What did this do? It created and environment where the more well to do (home owners) ended up paying less than the most succeptable people living in rental property. Lets face it, if the taxes go up, I have to pass that on or perhaps loose money on the property.

Dark Shark never meant to imply that. Politically I vote case by case for the person or the issue. WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER! I hope that he is a great President. No one in their right mind wants him to fail. I have more respect for someone stealing a loaf of bread than I do for crooked politicos or the Wall Street Bandits. And, BTW, Illinois, don't worry, Louisiana politicians are right there with yours. I love the politicos (Right, Left, Republican or Democrat) when they are running for office. "I have a plan that will solve everything." OK what is it? "Well, I won't tell you untill you elect me." Yes, its $19.99 plus shipping and handling. But wait, if you order right now will send you two plus a set of steak knifes. Whoever thought that people would pay over $200.00 for tennis shoes, or over $100.00 for blue jeans because it had someones name across the butt. WE have let Madison Avenue turn us into Pavlov's dog. And tell us that we are not happy if we don't have this or that. Or you are not a success (sp, its getting real late) if you don't buy some BS item. THEY are driving us nuts with this crap and driving the country into financial ruin. They don't care if you are left, right, White American, Black American, Asian American, Hispanic American or whatever. Like Micheal Douglas said, "Greed is good" It is a maddness that pitts people against each other. Like I keep saying, where else are you going to go? Hell most of them are trying to get here.

Im waiting and watching my mail box for my Socialist Republic of USA card to come in.

There is no way in hell all the crap this joker wants can be paid for. No Way!

I was in a local quicky mart were many of the locals meet up here the other day. One of the regulars was so happy that free health care was coming. When asked the question, "who is going to pay for it and how?" he had no clue. And didn't care. His retort was " its free!" This sort of limp minded person is the core back bone Obama supporter. They are crawling out of the wood work like roaches. He also had no idea what he pays in tax on his pay check, a 401k, savings, whats that? Forget about investments. The town I live in is full of people like that. They are every where.

Im all for giving Obama time. I did not vote for him and can't stand the democrat platform. But as it sets now he is my president.

I am worried.

Also, that is awesome that you are in the position you describe, but the assumptions I understand would say that you are a fiscal conservative. Democrats in Illinois dont typically hold your same fiscal values.

I think there is an opportunity to have someone run on a platform that is apart from the social engineering we see today because most of it fails anyway.

For example, in Illinois, we give a property tax break to those who own their houses, and even more for seniors who own thier own houses. We dont want landlords (businesses) to get that same tax break (greedy monkeys, dont worry I owned rental in illinois too) so we dont offer the tax breaks on rental property. What did this do? It created and environment where the more well to do (home owners) ended up paying less than the most succeptable people living in rental property. Lets face it, if the taxes go up, I have to pass that on or perhaps loose money on the property.

Yeah you're right, fortunately the condo that I rent out I bought dirt cheap, so I can charge a reasonable amount for rent and still come out on top. I never attended on trying to make money hand over fist anyway. This property is basicly going to help pay for my kid's college tuition when that day comes. I never have a shortage of tenants either because I can afford to charge much less than others for rent.

Dark Shark never meant to imply that. Politically I vote case by case for the person or the issue. WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER! I hope that he is a great President. No one in their right mind wants him to fail. I have more respect for someone stealing a loaf of bread than I do for crooked politicos or the Wall Street Bandits. And, BTW, Illinois, don't worry, Louisiana politicians are right there with yours. I love the politicos (Right, Left, Republican or Democrat) when they are running for office. "I have a plan that will solve everything." OK what is it? "Well, I won't tell you untill you elect me." Yes, its $19.99 plus shipping and handling. But wait, if you order right now will send you two plus a set of steak knifes. Whoever thought that people would pay over $200.00 for tennis shoes, or over $100.00 for blue jeans because it had someones name across the butt. WE have let Madison Avenue turn us into Pavlov's dog. And tell us that we are not happy if we don't have this or that. Or you are not a success (sp, its getting real late) if you don't buy some BS item. THEY are driving us nuts with this crap and driving the country into financial ruin. They don't care if you are left, right, White American, Black American, Asian American, Hispanic American or whatever. Like Micheal Douglas said, "Greed is good" It is a maddness that pitts people against each other. Like I keep saying, where else are you going to go? Hell most of them are trying to get here.

Thanks for clarifying Panzer. As you said we are all in this together and I know that the reputation of Illinois politicians is pretty shotty. This latest incident with Rod Blagoevich is really embarrassing, but as the nephew of an Illinois politician I can assure you that they are not all corrupt.

Im waiting and watching my mail box for my Socialist Republic of USA card to come in.

There is no way in hell all the crap this joker wants can be paid for. No Way!

I was in a local quicky mart were many of the locals meet up here the other day. One of the regulars was so happy that free health care was coming. When asked the question, "who is going to pay for it and how?" he had no clue. And didn't care. His retort was " its free!" This sort of limp minded person is the core back bone Obama supporter.

I am worried.

I say again, enough with the generalizations. The person that you are describing does not represent me in any way, shape, or form. That's like an Obama supporter saying that anyone who doesn't support Obama is a racist and only wants to see him fail because of his skin tone.

This country needs to learn how to live within their means. This also means saving for the rainy day b/c people like me are tired of being the saftey net.

For many years, I've said along with others, that America needs another great depression to get back to its roots. I may get my wish even though I hate to see the hardships it is going to cause.
You can say that again brother.
And with the mentality that we're going to spend our way out of the hole (to the tune of ANOTHER trillion dollars), the question is 'when', not 'if' we're going to be in a depression. I don't foresee it as deep as the 'great' one in '29-33, but we probably haven't seen the bottom yet; not even close. Hope I'm wrong though. We'll see soon enough. Take care.

Dark Shark I really hope that there are some "Mr. Smith Goes To Washington" types still around. I have seen a lot of bad stuff in my time. I always said a little prayer of thanks and thought, "Not in my country." But, the fact is their are kids and people in the Appalacian mountains, in the inner cities and if you really look, probably anywhere that go to bed hungry, cold or sick. Yea, I am a softy for those folks. So I have a hard time dealing with those who can but won't, those who mismanage the public trust, and those who just plain steal like some in the corporate world. My Grandmom use to tell me, "Make sure that when you put your head on the pillow at night, it is with a clear conscience, cause you just never know when the Good Lord might call you." (Also said the Boggey Man lived under my bed. I think she was kidding on that point)

Dark Shark I really hope that there are some "Mr. Smith Goes To Washington" types still around. I have seen a lot of bad stuff in my time. I always said a little prayer of thanks and thought, "Not in my country." But, the fact is their are kids and people in the Appalacian mountains, in the inner cities and if you really look, probably anywhere that go to bed hungry, cold or sick. Yea, I am a softy for those folks. So I have a hard time dealing with those who can but won't, those who mismanage the public trust, and those who just plain steal like some in the corporate world. My Grandmom use to tell me, "Make sure that when you put your head on the pillow at night, it is with a clear conscience, cause you just never know when the Good Lord might call you." (Also said the Boggey Man lived under my bed. I think she was kidding on that point)

Good insight Panzer. Ya know the Boogey-Man was the reason I slept with the closet light on for a few years during my childhood :). Your grandmother is right about ending your day with a clear conscience, but unfortunately we have beings on this earth who do despicable things and somehow still find a way to sleep like a baby. I have family members and associates who can't seem to get their act together, despite the many opportunities afforded them. Yes, it makes me sick too, but in the end I realize that every man/woman is responsible for their own actions. I can't waste energy worrying about what someone else is or isn't doing. There will always be those who ride the back of others to get by. Heck, even some animals in the wild have been noted to be lazy asses. I believe that there are more responsible people like you and I than there are freeloaders in this country, and there is no way that we will let this country go down the tubes.

I see you are from Nawlins'. Were you there when Katrina hit?

Jesus Christ Give Obama a chance first !!!!!!!!!! I hated it when Bush was voted in a second term but i waited and saw nothing improve.So why dont all you Obama haters shut up sit back and wait to see what happens.Besides he will be YOUR/my president for a while so you kinda have no options.

Dark Shark, Yep. Had just retired from the Army. My house took a neighbors tree, my mother-in-law's house took 5 ft of water on the inside. BTW, I went through Betsy and Camile as well when I was a kid. (Lower 9th ward and Chalmette flooded then too) I have to tell you that there is no levee system that can take a hit like that. Did the Feds do some bonehead stuff, yep! Did Gov. Blanco do some bonehead stuff, yep! Did Mayor Nagin do some bonehead stuff, yep! Did Arron Broussard, the President of Jefferson Parish do some bonehead stuff, yep! The whole area was devestated, and having work operations and especially logistics I can tell you that moving that many people, supplies and equipment into an area w/o an infrastucture does not happen that quick. As I used to tell folks, we haven't perfected the Transporter Beam yet. Also, it will happen again, not a question of if, only when. Not certain if the city will ever fully come back in size. You can go down the major streets and it looks really good. But if you turn off onto the side streets there are still homes that are simply gutted. Anyone whose house was paid for and had flood insurance simply moved out and are sitting on the property. Those who did not have flood insurance (And there were many who could have afforded it and knew the risk) have pretty much got their federal monies. I don't know a country in the world that could have gotten the overall relief package together. Anyone who needed a trailer got one. In most countries they would have been lucky to get a tarp and a blanket. As far as the formedehye problem, the trailers were being moved as fast as possible from the production plants to the area. As such, the curing process time was cut short, normally, those trailers are also meant to be aired out. Again the Feds took a cheap shot on that one. Damned if you do, damned if you don't. It's also like the old saying, "When you are up to your ass in alligators, you forget that your original plan was to drain the swamp." BTW my niece is going to School in Chicago, called home today crying that it was 6 degress there. Oh how the Windy City gets cold when the Hawk is out.

Panzer, Did you evacuate or did you stick it out? Oh yes, it's currently 3 degrees in Chicago and we are supposed to get more snow tomorrow. I've lived in Illinois my entire life so I'm used to it, but the older I get I also get more and more tired of it.

Dark Shark, on Friday night before Katrina hit I watch the weather around 10OM. It looked like it would miss and was not that large. On Saturday morning got up early, turned on the tube and told my wife we are outa here. The storm had almost tripled in size in less than 10 hrs. Since I had to make sure that my parents and aunts got out early we left that day. (Storm hit Monday) From a purely logistical standpoint here is a summary of events:
1.) Saints played a preseason game Friday night, not many people paid attention to what could happen. To his credit Mayor Nagin said exactlly that on Friday night.
2.) AMTRAK offered several empty trains sitting in New Orleans as a means to evacuate people out. These in fact would have been great for nursing home patients and ambulatory hospital patients. The trains pulled out empty.
3.) The public school buses went unused. Something about keys, drivers and the fact that they belonged to the school system and not the city. Don't fuly comprehend all of that, but when you are facing a strike of that magnitude you use on assets and ask for forgiveness later.
4.) A mobilization order for the NG units had been posted but not fully implemented by the Gov or the State AG. The States Combat Brigade was in Iraq but a lot of the other type units were still here in the state.
5.) The Super Dome was identified as a "Last Resort" evac center. Everyone going there was told to bring at least 4 days of food and water. This is the same instructions that were put out to anyone who was planning on staying there homes. The Federal Gov. stated that it would take at least 4 days after the strike to get relief efforts into the area. You have to remember, when it hit, it cover an area of almost 65 miles west of New Orleans and all the way east to Mobile and at least 60 miles plus inland.
6.) Now, for 40 years almost to the day that Hurricane Betsy hit, the local and state officials have held Hurricane Operational Planning and Exercises. All areas from commo, damage assesment, transportation and resupply were looked at and reviewed. Standard Operational Plans were developed (SOPs) Well my friend someone was BSing someone on that point. I guess a lot of coffee and doughnuts were consumed. Remember, forty years to get ready for the "Big One".
7.) Hurricane hits and passes. Almost a direct hiot with the worse winds on Eastern side of city. This pushes water from gulf into the passes that connects the lake to the gulf. (BTW check out some of the home videos on UTUBE of some people who stayed, especially people in St Bernard) I do love the guy in the single story house who has to cut his way through the roof. Now thisguy has his wife and family with him. BTW filming the whole time. He gets on the roof , wind is blowing and says, oh crap there are snakes and furry creatures on my roof. I hope they will rescue us before nightfall" Yea right, what day? This guy had the means to leave and didn't go figure. You will also see his neigbor whose boat is floating but still strapped down to the trailer. Our hero is trying to unbuckle the straps, the neigbor on the roof says cut them, the boat guy says they cost $100.00. Again hard to remember that your plan was.............
8.) Yes TW there was shooting at the USCG and Army helicopters. Don't know if it was anger, frustration, or trying to alert the helos from people on the roof tops BUT if you are on a roof top, w/o food or water, why are shooting at the very people coming to rescue you and are risking their lives to do it.
9.) Everyone pitched in. People in areas not flooded hitched up their boats and headed south to rescue people and pets. They just saw their fellow Americans at peril. No alligators were not eating people and no the Corps DID NOT blow up any levees. But somehow, for some unknown reason this BS gets put on the news.
10.) Meanwhile back at the Govenor's mansion there is the famous "battle" between her and Bush on whether to fedrally mobilize the National Guard (NG). Who cares as long as things get done, right. By Federalizing them, the federal government pays not only the salaries but also all the other costs, gas, repair parts etc. If the state keeps control the state pays. Now remember she is a Democrat and the Prez is a Repubulican . Bottomline, that really does not matter to the folks stranded in new Orleans, who are up to their ass, wondering when the swamp is going to be drained.
10.) Meanwhile, the Mayor orders the Police to confiscate all weapons in the city (Check out the video of the lawyer dealing with the police on his front lawn) The Mayor it seems has forgotten that he does NOT have that authority. Also, check out the cops grabbing the little old lady and taking her pistol. This gives rise to that famous qoute from G. Gordon Liddy who once said on his radio show. "When they come for your guns, go for a head shot because they will be wearing body armor." And again remember the plan was to drain the swamp.....

Now I hope that someone has taken down the ringbinder with that Hurricane SOP in it, dusted it off and simply wrote the following, "Plan for the worse casr scenerio, because if you don't. thats exactly what will happen." And BTW, add this PS, "It is better to have and not need it, than to need it and not have it." Damn I hope they have fresh coffee and doughnuts at their next meeting.

68% approval for doing nothing but getting press approval.........lol

oh yeah spending 150mil for inaguration and recarpeting 132 rooms and missing the medal of honor ball but making hte BET ball.

I wish that they would just take the oath, give a speech and get to work. Never like the other BS. Like I said before, elected officials are government employees, they are NOT:
1.) Rock Stars, 2.) Royalty and 3.) Religous Leaders. Now, to be honest there are some who have thought they were and worse there were voters who thought they were. Don't know why he did not attend the MOH Ball. Bad judgement call by whichever staff member who was handling his schedule. I would hate to think that he intentionally did not go.

As far as the White House, does seem that every President wants to redecorate it. (Imagine the grief he is getting from his wife). So I don't question that one too much. But isn't there a discount carpet store somewhere around D.C?

Yea $150 million, (if that is correct) seems a little too much but every President does it. I think that the parade maybe a little long. Some military units and bands would be enough for me. I am from New Orleans, we have a lot of parades but by the 12th float I have had enough. Just how many twirlers can you stand. Of course, down here, we throw cheap beads, doubloons and coccanuts, While in Washington they throw bailout money.

Panzer, all I can say is wow. At least you only had a tree in your house when you returned, as many of the houses were damaged beyond repair. And you've been through this three times? Thankfully you and yours made it through ok. Did you ever want to relocate or are you going to stay in New Orleans? I remember hearing all the rumors about the devastation and it doesn't surprise me that much of it was B.S. I'm sure you know that even in more simple situations gossip always snow balls the further it goes.

oh yeah spending 150mil for inaguration and recarpeting 132 rooms

One of his daughters is severely allergic to dogs. The Bushes had two. That's why it needed to be done.

I am okay with the carpet. That really is fine...it is their house for the next 4 years.

I am not okay with the 150M party that was held for a government employee....no justification is going to overcome that number.

I can understand that. But are they not looking for a Dog? Thought he wants to get a Newfoundland NEWF I believe. Can understand the problem. But like I tell my wife, just keep inside a reasonable budget.

I am not okay with the 150M party that was held for a government employee....no justification is going to overcome that number.Though, I'm not keen towards such a large allocation of tax-payer gov't funds being used for a celebration, the total quote/unquote amount of $150 million isn't/wasn't of Prez' Obama's doing. There was nothing lavish, ornate, or excessive on the part of the incoming Prez'. The bulk of that total supposedly spent was for added security for the millions upon millions who nested in D.C. for days, as well as providing basic services & maintaining civil/civic order. If anyone is to be blamed for the large amount that needed to be spent, it should be the masses who flocked to the capital as if undertaking a pilgrimage to encounter a sage or guru. What was the Prez' to do, say: "please don't come!" Wishful thinkin'. . .

If we have to pay toll for certain roads/bridges/tunnels that we wish to use, pay a tax for security-related expenses to use the airport, pay a special tax for hotels/car-rental/hospitality/etc' for area stadiums/arenas for pro' sports to be built/maintained, I see no reason why not the ~3 million individuals flockin' to see a cult-of-personality (not that there is anything wrong w/ that) can't pay $5/day upon entering the 'District for the costs/expenses incurred to host such an event, which largely is of entertainment value outside the actual ceremonial oath ceremony & following inaugural address. If the individuals don't want to pay it, then the organizations that promoted the event to get the masses to attend should chip in. The actual direct inaugural costs were relatively on par w/ past events (GW's cost roughly mid $40'ish where this one was low $50'ish, excluding the massive security/services/logistics costs). As aforementioned, there was nothing overly excessive, ornate, pageant-like, or such w/ the recent inaugural event that can be attributed to the incoming administration.

No matter how much spin can be put on the matter of the inaugural expenses, on the flip-side, it's rather analogous to the ongoing Iraq war & expenses. Whereas any major/serious military operations have largely ceased, per-month costs for U.S. presence in the region is still staggering, mostly attributable to the ridiculous added cost of extremely high security & so forth at all levels (whether diplomats/bureaucrats, contractors/consultants, Iraqi politicians, supply-line transports & convoys, military hubs/bases, civilian infrastructure construction, etc').

Long-story-short... I'm miffed & peeved about the total cost to the tax-payer due to the whole inaugural spiel, but I don't personally hold the new Prez' accountable. I feel that the individuals who arrived in droves & lingered for days in the nation's capital should have to pay for the added costs for the Woodstock'like scene. Much like everything else in life (for an American), gotta have to pay to play. . .

Osiris X11, you make good points. I don't know why everyone thinks they have "to be there." But it is a free country. Just think it could be better spent. I like watching on TV, have my bathroom close by (see what you have to look forwrd to when you hit 58, pee, pee, pee), my dog at my side, cold beer and hot popcorn. Is this a great country or what? BTW, I wonder how many folks, young and old got sick from waiting up to 6 hours in the frigid weather. But that is their choice, I guess I would go if Sylvester Stallone ever wins.

Dark Shark, don't get me wrong the city got zapped. It was all the other BS stuff that got on TV that no one confirmed. Relocate, yep been thinking about it. Even have thought of out of the country for awhile. Then you think, no, I just have to stick around to see how this whole thing turns out. BTW, is it me, or is the President already getting more grey. God Bless him, I wonder if the thought has passed his mind, "What the hell was I thinking."

Dark Shark, don't get me wrong the city got zapped. It was all the other BS stuff that got on TV that no one confirmed. Relocate, yep been thinking about it. Even have thought of out of the country for awhile. Then you think, no, I just have to stick around to see how this whole thing turns out. BTW, is it me, or is the President already getting more grey. God Bless him, I wonder if the thought has passed his mind, "What the hell was I thinking."

Yeah, he has aged a lot in the past two years. He was particularly greyer after the Democratic primary. It's only going to get worse too. On CNN last week they were saying that Presidents tend to age four years for every two that everyone else does. If you look at pictures of Bush just four years ago he looks a lot younger. Even pictures of Lincoln just before and after the Civil War look very different. Anyone still wanna be president? :)

Naw, not me. If I was, then everyone would be doing postings on me. He's left, no he's right, no he is middle of the road, he should have done this, and he should have done that. Then again I saw the special on Air Force One. No screwing around with check-in, baggage claim, and I bet the in-flight movies are first run. And full retirement after 4 years, hhhmmmm I could be persuaded. Do I get to have an intern and smoke cigars in the Oval Office?

Naw, not me. If I was, then everyone would be doing postings on me. He's left, no he's right, no he is middle of the road, he should have done this, and he should have done that. Then again I saw the special on Air Force One. No screwing around with check-in, baggage claim, and I bet the in-flight movies are first run. And full retirement after 4 years, hhhmmmm I could be persuaded. Do I get to have an intern and smoke cigars in the Oval Office?

Yeah there are some amazing perks to being Commander in Chief. Not to mention that you get a salary but really don't spend money on anything. Even after his presidency, Bill Clinton continued to make tons money in books guest apperances etc. Still, like you said, the job of the president is a daily dose of stress and ridicule. You have to have very tough skin and resilience to do that job.

Then yes, I believe that the majority of Americans are uneducated, uninformed, sheep. Who have no sense of economic issues, how government is supposed to function and no idea of history.

Case in point, 40-50% (http://people-press.org/commentary/?analysisid=118) of our population still believes in creationism over evolution.

Kopimon, I believe in a Supreme Being, OK earth created in 6 days. OK, but what was 6 days. Was anyone there timing God with a stop watch? Mayve it was 6 million years and God rested for 1 million. However, despite NASA claims to the contrary, I do believe that the Earth does ride on the back of a giant turtle.

Kopimon, I believe in a Supreme Being, OK earth created in 6 days. OK, but what was 6 days. Was anyone there timing God with a stop watch? Mayve it was 6 million years and God rested for 1 million. However, despite NASA claims to the contrary, I do believe that the Earth does ride on the back of a giant turtle.

Oops, I didn't intend to hijack this thread and turn it into a debate on theology .. I should have been more clear in my previous post .. pretty much my point was that I don't understand how devout creationists can just ignore scientific evidence like fossils. Regardless of one's personal beliefs, I think that kind of attitude is ignorant

Case in point, 40-50% (http://people-press.org/commentary/?analysisid=118) of our population still believes in creationism over evolution.

Calling people an idiot b/c they believe in creationism is a VERY UNEDUCATED statement.

What do I believe....maybe a little of both, but calling someone an idiot b/c they believe in the Bible shows just how errogant, ignorant, and intollerable a person really is.

Freedom of religion is one of the greatest aspects of this country.

For all the haters who have recently come out of the woodwork, this Obama's job approval rating. Which I might add, is the highest presidential job approval rating in over sixty years.

And yes I know it's only the first week, but that hasn't stopped the naysayers from trying to assissinate his character has it?

Assissinate?

Who decides what's right Steve, you? What you, I or anyone else feels is right, is relative to our values. It seems that the majority of the country is in agreeance right now. You do have a point in the fact that most of the general public is not suited to run the country, and that includes you and I as well. Yes, I know that it's too early to judge whether or not he is a good president but that's exactly point. Like I said in the OP, many people on here have shown no mercy when making comments about his ability as president when they haven't given him a chance to prove himself.

Agreeance?

Agreeance?

Yeah, It's defined as the act of agreeing in the dictionary. Take a look Einstein.

Assissinate?

Any point you care to make other than my grammatical mistake, Einstein?

Any point you care to make other than my grammatical mistake, Einstein?

Ha.....all I know is I'm the LAST person on earth who should be allowed to make gramatical corrections:blush:

I like to banter / discuss / etc....but grammar is not my strong suit.

Ha.....all I know is I'm the LAST person on earth who should be allowed to make gramatical corrections:blush:

I like to banter / discuss / etc....but grammar is not my strong suit.

And in a heated debate most of us aren't spell checking everything we write because we know that the other person will know what we mean anyway.

Calling people an idiot b/c they believe in creationism is a VERY UNEDUCATED statement.

What do I believe....maybe a little of both, but calling someone an idiot b/c they believe in the Bible shows just how errogant, ignorant, and intollerable a person really is.

Freedom of religion is one of the greatest aspects of this country.

Yes but that's not what I'm saying. I never judge people based on their religious belief. However, when such a large amount if people simply write off proven scientific fact as 'new age hokum,' especially in today's world is mingboggling.

Even scarier is when the man who holds the highest position of power in the world (GWB) does it. Who knows what researchers could have discovered by now with stem cell research if our ex president wasn't so ignorant and shortsighted.

Kopimon, I agree, but it is how they get the stem cells that bothers me. But you are right, the gains would be fantastic. But, I think you need to be very carefull, it is a very fine line. But just think, you will be able to live to 150, the IRS will love that.

Do we really want people to live longer? How useful is a person to this country past the age of 90? Do they pay a lot of taxes? Am I expected to pay their medicare all of the way to 150? How about social security?

I for one have not seen any reason to prolong life that long...but then again, I'm only 23 and have a very different perspective.

Do we really want people to live longer? How useful is a person to this country past the age of 90? Do they pay a lot of taxes? Am I expected to pay their medicare all of the way to 150? How about social security?

I for one have not seen any reason to prolong life that long...but then again, I'm only 23 and have a very different perspective.

I'm 23 as well and I agree. I don't particularly want to see everyone living to 150, but stem cell research can find new treatments or cures for cancer.

Gee guys that was a joke abot the 150 thing. Then again, when you are a 148, you might reconsider. Along the same line. a lady gave birth to 8 kids today, over 46 doctors involved in the delivery. AAHH, science marches on! Who thought that Frankenstien was fiction? On another topic, Stevencrosbie, did you catch the report this morning out of the UK, that the Brits have been trying for years to shoot down a UFO? So come clean, how many have you downed? They always try to get me, but that Stargazer 500 Super Warp just pulls away from those UK Air Breathers. Talley Ho!

UFOs....hmm......I can tell ya...but I'd have to kill ya :)

You know how it is Col. Panzerleader :) One doesn't make 0-6 without understanding. :)

Stevencrosbie, understanding, well maybe, but you really need a good sense of humor.

I am okay with the carpet. That really is fine...it is their house for the next 4 years.

I am not okay with the 150M party that was held for a government employee....no justification is going to overcome that number.

do you think that it would have been any different party-wise if someone else was elected president???

honestly, i don't...

Stiller fan, exactly the point.