Obama's Stimulus: A List of "Objectionable Items"

"$1 billion for the 2010 Census, which has a projected cost overrun of $3 billion."

Are you kidding me!! An OVERRUN of $3,000,000,000! The overrun alone averages nearly $1000 for each person in our COUNTRY!!!! Grrr...

--$248 million for furniture at the new Homeland Security headquarters.

Hello!! Can you say IKEA!!!

--A $246 million tax break for Hollywood movie producers to buy motion picture film.

Didn't Hollywood just get some cash in the PORK passed out with the $700B bailout??? Why do they need more... wholly cow!

--$1.4 billion for rural waste disposal programs.

--$1 billion for the 2010 Census, which has a projected cost overrun of $3 billion.

$500 million for state and local fire stations.

These are good and would help some. The rest are all hog fat and should be eliminated.

I cannot believe that what should be a fairly straight forward program can become such a mess. Here are my two favorite wastes of money.
1) $850 million for Amtrak. The only national funded rail system we have and the only schedule that it can keep is about ever 4-6 months it is going to be involved in a wreck somewhere.
2)$100 million for reducing the hazard of lead-based paint. Maybe I am wrong on this one, but I thought we had removed lead from all paints in the US, the only lead based paint I have heard of in years came from China. So here is my way to stop this problem and it does not cost a dime......STOP IMPORTING STUFF FROM CHINA!

I maybe making things to simple for Washington, but that is the way I see it.

We can keep the aid to fire departments, but most of the rest is just piggy fat!

"$160 million for "paid volunteers" at the Corporation for National and Community Service"

Only the Dims would cough up $160M of OUR money to pay "volunteers."

Don't even get me started on all the "green" crapola they want to squander our money on....

Well, IKEA is a bad idea. That stuff falls apart a week after you put it together.

These seem ridiculous, but some, like the lease of alternative fuel vehicles would save the Govt money in the long run, wouldn't it?

and $160 Mill for paid volunteers at the Corp. for National and Community Service. How do you form a network of volunteers who then go on to do great things for their community and their country without organization?

Turning Federal buildings into green buildings would stimulate employment--somebody has to do that work.

I'm going to search for an explanation to the items in the bill. I don't know. Does the GOP have a better idea. trickle down isn't working. How many years do you support the old idea before someone just admits it isn't helping?

I agree that their is too much Pork, but where were all you naysayers when it was Republican Pork that was smoking on the grill? Huh?

there not their

"These seem ridiculous, but some, like the lease of alternative fuel vehicles would save the Govt money in the long run, wouldn't it?"

But therein lies the problem. We are told we are being faced with the greatest economic disaster since the great depression. If we don't do something now about the economy, we may never recover. Given the "dire" condition we are in for the short term, shouldn't our efforts be focused on the short-term and not the long-term?

"How do you form a network of volunteers who then go on to do great things for their community and their country without organization?"

Organization, fine. But the minute they get paid they are no longer volunteers. And why do we assume that they will go on to do great things? Couldn't they just as easily NOT do great things?

"Does the GOP have a better idea."

The GOP offered an alternative that was more balanced between tax cuts and spending, but still featured both. They couldn't even get Harry Reid or Nancy Pelosi to consider it. Despite the president's calls for bipartisanship, the House and Senate do not seem interested in working together.

"I agree that their is too much Pork, but where were all you naysayers when it was Republican Pork that was smoking on the grill? Huh?"

It's not an either / or, Republican or Democrat. It's both parties, it always has been, and it always will be. The point is that it shouldn't be in there at all.

No. AC, we need permanent, paid employees to run the volunteer organization. If we only have a mish-mash of volunteers the whole thing fails. If there are competent people running the Corp, then great hings will happen. I have renewed faith in the American people.

Also, we need a combination of short term and and long term solutions. It seems like only short term would peter out

I agree about having no pork at all. A bill should stand alone, our legislators would then all vote on it and we could keep track of their vote on each individual measure.

I'm not making excuses for the Dems. If you ask me, they failed on the first bill after the 2006 election and they continue to do stupid things. I don't like Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi seemed to cave in to pressure from the Bush White House.

What I am saying here is, at first blush we might think the item is a waste, but let's keep an open mind and see if perhaps we are not thinking far enough, or big enough. Unfortunately, this is going to get done without our input, but we can watch to see how our legislators voted. (What else can we do?)

I dont see why, whoever put this stupid package together ,,,,, added some of these stupid bills, which is a waste of money for taxpayers... Do they not give the American people any credit for having a brain and being able to think this out...
This is not rocket science here people..... why is our politians playing us as fools?? This shows that they have no respect for the American people... I am glad that the Republicans held out... they seem to have our best interests at heart....

"No. AC, we need permanent, paid employees to run the volunteer organization."

Why? Can you explain their purpose, objectives, etc.? How do you define need? What will happen if we don't have paid employees? Do we really know? Are we talking about ALL volunteer organizations, or just the ones favored by whichever Congressman / Senator included it in the bill? How exactly is this going to stimulate the economy?

"I have renewed faith in the American people."

When did the American people change in such a manner that would "renew" your faith in them? Given the results of the last election (53% to 46%) I'd say not that much has changed.

"Also, we need a combination of short term and and long term solutions."

Yes, but do we need the long term solutions NOW? This has been billed as an immediate crisis, yet some of the provisions don't kick in for years. What will change between now and then?

"A bill should stand alone, our legislators would then all vote on it and we could keep track of their vote on each individual measure."

I agree. But that's not what this bill does. One of the chief complaints of Senator Snowe (R-Maine) was that there were literally hundreds of items in the bill that are normally part of the regular budget process, but were stuffed in this plan because it provided the cover of an "emergency."

"I'm not making excuses for the Dems."

I'm not making excuses for any of them. Both parties are behaving irresponsibly, and many of the provisions of this bill are targeted at securing votes for reelection in 2010 and beyond. It's a disgrace, and we get to pay for it.

"I don't like Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi seemed to cave in to pressure from the Bush White House."

Yet both have said they will oppose Obama when they don't agree with him (Reid actually said, "I don't work for the President)." Odd, isn't it?

"...but let's keep an open mind...."

And an open wallet.

"Do they not give the American people any credit for having a brain and being able to think this out..."

No, Vickey, they do not.

Good list.

Thanks

>>Why? Can you explain their purpose, objectives, etc.? <<

No. I can’t right here, right now. I’ve only just heard of this organization. But I will do some research. You know, for all the time you are here posting, you could be cleaning trash from a river or painting (over the old lead paint) a senior citizens kitchen. I’m hoping my research finds an organization that aids me in finding volunteer programs that I can be of help to.


>>When did the American people change in such a manner that would "renew" your faith in them? Given the results of the last election (53% to 46%) I'd say not that much has changed. <<

When they voted for Hope instead of falling for the same fear mongering that had been going on for the last 8 years. When students came out en masse to vote for Obama. When a bunch of rural white people voted for a man with brown skin.

Quote me all the statistics you’d like on this, but I was on a major college campus daily during the ’04 and ’08 elections and there was a huge difference in the involvement of the student population.


>>Yes, but do we need the long term solutions NOW? <<

YES! Now. You are far too short sighted, AC.


>>I agree. But that's not what this bill does. One of the chief complaints of Senator Snowe (R-Maine) was that there were literally hundreds of items in the bill that are normally part of the regular budget process, but were stuffed in this plan because it provided the cover of an "emergency." <<

I’m not arguing with you on this one. What can we do about this? We need reform.

I’d have to go back and read what I said, but I don’t feel like it. It’s Saturday and I’m out of here in about 20 minutes.


>>I'm not making excuses for any of them. Both parties are behaving irresponsibly, and many of the provisions of this bill are targeted at securing votes for reelection in 2010 and beyond. It's a disgrace, and we get to pay for it. <<

Well, you’re probably right. Have you called your legislator? I’ve called mine twice this week. I also called both Harry Reid’s office and John Boner's office. (They don’t know if I’m from their states or not). I used to call Bill Frist's office a lot too. Did I make any change? Doubt it, but it felt good.


>>Yet both have said they will oppose Obama when they don't agree with him (Reid actually said, "I don't work for the President)." Odd, isn't it? <<

No, it's not odd, it's great. Reid has opposed Bush, too. The President isn’t an imperial figurehead. Oppose away! Show us what you're made of. No body needs yes-men/women


>"...but let's keep an open mind...."

And an open wallet.<<

You know what? After all the money we have spent on blowing people to bits in Iraq, spending money on Americans in need doesn’t seem all that bad.

I doubt anything or anyone would make you happy or hopeful or easy to be around, AC. Now why don’t you turn off your computer and go do something fun? That’s what I’m doing. Maybe I’ll see you Monday and you’ll be all rested and pleasant?!!?

:)

a list of just why most of the morons in DC should be at least kicked out, preferably into jail for awhile to ponder their thefts.

"No. I can’t right here, right now. I’ve only just heard...."

So this is speculation you're engaging in?

"You know, for all the time you are here posting, you could be cleaning trash from a river or painting...."

Why are you concerned about what I do with my time? In fact, what business is it of yours? I don't worry about what you do with your time.

"When they voted for Hope instead of falling for the same fear mongering that had been going on for the last 8 years."

First, Bush wasn't on the ballot. Second, in case you didn't notice, there was no sweeping victory in the popular vote. Obama got barely more than half, and McCain got barely less than half.

"When students came out en masse to vote for Obama."

I'd have to do some more research, but I'm pretty sure the exit poll data I saw showed that the youth vote wasn't significantly different than in past elections.

"When a bunch of rural white people voted for a man with brown skin."

So what are you saying, that before this election rural white people were racist? Kind of a broad brush to paint with, wouldn't you say?

"...there was a huge difference in the involvement of the student population."

Two things here: first, you're talking about your personal observation / perception, which may or may not be valid for the particular campus you were on. But that cannot be extrapolated to infer the student vote nationwide. Second, there is a distinct difference between involvement and actual voting.

"YES! Now. You are far too short sighted, AC."

Really? What does a job that starts in 2011 do for the economy now?

"Have you called your legislator?"

Actually, yes. Both Senators and my Representative.

"After all the money we have spent on blowing people to bits in Iraq, spending money on Americans in need doesn’t seem all that bad."

For the record, the vast majority of deaths in Iraq have been from Iraqi on Iraqi violence.

"I doubt anything or anyone would make you happy or hopeful...."

Actually, I am quite happy.

"...go do something fun?"

What makes you think that this isn't fun? Don't we all have different ideas about what constitutes fun?

AC,

How can you question the Messiah? The appointed and anointed Obama? These expenditures are "only" 1% of the budget and it IS for the good of the country (according to the Messiah).

Even though he was a member of the majority party in Congress for the last 2 years he's going to bring change. Really! How many of Bushs' cabinet were tax dodgers? Isn't that change?

(note the dripping sarcasm of this post)

"How many of Bushs' cabinet were tax dodgers? Isn't that change?"

Now that's funny.

I don't know, Linda. Maybe I just bring out the combativeness in people.

vickey, thank San Fran Nan Pelosi for most of the bill. She and her staff drafted most of the bill (with both Democrats and Republicans bitching that they had been cut out of the process) and then the Messiah gave it his blessing.

The Speaker and the President deserve all of the "credit" if it works.

heh heh heh heh heh heh heh heh

It's just so stupid to tag all this on a "stimulus" bill. I wonder how much of the money is actually going to help the economy?

"$160 million for "paid volunteers" at the Corporation for National and Community Service"

Since I first saw this one, I have been trying to figure out what is a "paid" volunteer? Anyone know?

Looking at the list provided in your link, there are a few items that could create jobs and stimulate the economy. However there are some questionable items such as...

"A $246 million tax break for Hollywood movie producers to buy motion picture film."

You've gotta be kiddin' me?

"These seem ridiculous, but some, like the lease of alternative fuel vehicles would save the Govt money in the long run, wouldn't it?"

Have you ever used the alternitive fuels? They cost the same, and give you less milage. We have that here, and you drop from 30 MPG to 22 mpg, plus your engine bogs down more on hills, lacking power. So you would actually end up spending more money. We do not get fuel from Quick Trip anymore, it costs to much, and gives less performace.


This is such a waist of tax payers money, in large scale!

Timothy,

There's no doubt some good and some bad in the bill, just as there is in every bill that comes out of Congress. My chief complaint is that an emergency "stimulus" has turned into an excuse to raid the wallets of taxpayers for decades to come just for political gain.

A "list" of objectionable items, AC?

The WHOLE THING is OBJECTIONABLE!

I would like to comment on the "paid volunteers" statement made about needing paid people to organize. Sorry, but it doesn't fly with me. I have been doing volunteer work for many years. I have worked in situations where there were paid organizers and also those where the organizers were true volunteers, that is to say worked without any monetary compensation..or any compensation other than the joy of doing what is right. In my opinion those who are dedicated and experienced at what they do, do not need compensation to be fantastic organizers. So the misnomer "paid volunteer" is just a way of putting icing over a pile of manure...in my humble opinion...to cover the stink!

And you will notice that I signed my last name. I stand by my opinions and am not ashamed to put myself out there for criticism....because the way I feel is that we all have opinions and we all can learn from the opinions of others..if nothing else then how to get along with people who are different from us in their way of thinking.

To Linda W.
I haven't read any of your posts yet, so I have no idea if they were bigotted or not. But I have found on other message boards and blogs that SOME people who cannot find a reasonable comeback will resort to calling names...that's what calling someone a bigot is. It is name calling. There seems to be a lot of bigotry going around these days. It seems whenever you disagree with someone of your own race it is just a disagreement. But if you disagree with someone who is not of your race it is bigotry. This is a way for some people to try to negate your opinion, by tagging it bigotry. It is a way to try to shame you into not voicing your opinion or to make you fear voicing your opinion..because you will be called a bigot. When I use the term "you" I do not necessarily refer to you personally, but to anyone. I remember when my husband used to call me a "women's libber". That term was used any time I tried to justify my opinion about something or receive equal compensation for something. It was a term used to try to humiliate me or make me seem like an outsider. I think the word "bigotry" is being used that way as well. I know there truly is bigotry in this world. But it doesn't apply to every person who disagrees with someone who is of another race. Now...I am waiting to be called a bigot because I have made this statement, even though my race is not stated here...you have no idea....I could be green! LOL!