Excellent points, Leslie. You have my vote.

Perhaps you can answer my question? How does raising taxes help the economy? Obama wants to raise taxes on "rich" people, who comprise of the lion's share of total consumption by their purchases of more expensive homes, cars, boats, planes, clothes, food, etc. How does taking THEIR money help the economy? The obvious effect will be lower consumption, leading to lower investment, lower productivity and ultimately fewer jobs. Further, for the sake of argue, do you honestly think the revenues will increase and investment will move offshore? Lets say revenues did increase, what will Obama do with the money?

You're assuming any tax break they receive will immediately be spent and put back into the economy. I can't imagine that someone pulling in a couple million a year would be holding back - until they get that tax break - on buying that extra car, that next pair of shoes or that next dinner at a restaurant. In contrast, someone plugging along on 45K a year, given a couple thousand $ tax break, would likely be sinking that right back into the economy for immediate "trickle over" and "trickle up".

Your assuming that the money will flow right into the Federal Reserve. There are reasons why people look elsewhere outside the US to invest their money. What purpose would the supposed money be used for, more government?

How does money trickle up? Are there lower income people with more purchasing power than the upper income levels? Do lower income people run small companies that hire 50 or 100 people? It makes no sense.

The budget for the national parks, for ensuring clean air, clean water, safe food, safe air travel is gone within 13 years anyway. Quoting Obama's bi-partisan deficit reduction comittee: Within 12 years tax "revenue will be able to finance only interest payments, Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. Every other federal government activity – from national defense and homeland security to transportation and energy – will have to be paid for with borrowed money. Debt held by the public will outstrip the entire American economy, growing to as much as 185 percent of GDP by 2035. Interest on the debt could rise to nearly $1 trillion by 2020."

We've all let this happen because when a guy (Ryan) makes an attempt he is demonized, by people who are afraid to propose a budget or solution (Obama). Looks to me like the tax the rich scheme is merely an attempt to make the less fotunate ones feel better.

The Dot-com bubble of 1995-2000 is mostly responsible for the budget surpluses. It created mega companies and millions of high paying jobs, and all of that generated strong tax revenues from economic growth. The smart money moved out before the bubble burst. The net result was a huge movement of wealth to the top %.

Ms. Coolidge you probably know the above from your time rising to Partner at KPMG, as your company specialized in setting up tax shelters for wealthy clients. "KPMG LLP admitted criminal wrongdoing in creating fraudulent tax shelters to help wealthy clients avoid $2.5 billion in taxes and agreed to pay $456 million in penalties in exchange for a deferred prosecution agreement. KPMG LLP would not face criminal prosecution if it complied with the terms of its agreement with the government. On January 3, 2007, the criminal conspiracy charges against KPMG were dropped."

Were you a participant in the fraudulent tax scheming, or as a top employee were you oblivious to the wrongdoing of everyone around you?

Dan F. said: "The Dot-com bubble of 1995-2000 is mostly responsible for the budget surpluses."

You are correct! And don't forgot about all the jobs created due to the Y2K scare as well.

Store A makes a profit, and you are inferring that is the end, money goes into mattress? Honestly, the linear approach to understanding Economics makes one easy prey to Bill Clinton cliches.

Interesting facts. If you all have been following the whole process there is those fact finding places that check who says what and if its true. These places also check statistics on our countries past. Well, for all my republican friends here's the news and you will not like it. Bill Clinton was correct on every point in his speech except they found one error when he called joe bidens wife Joe. Heres another fact for my republican friends. Since 1961, the democrats have created almost twice as many job as the republicans. And trickle down works? Then for those who still don't get it about raising the taxes for the very wealthy, we have to because for to long, elitest like romney have paid in to little. So who pays for it in the long run? Middle class folks like me. And we are tired of it. If Romney is elected I guarantee all of you here, get your middle class wallets out cause your going to get hit a couple thousand more a year. If you think romney cares about common folk, I need some of that magic dust you all are sniffing. Learn please from the bush era. God bless.

Bucephalus,

A lot. Many companies were getting old programmers familar with languages like Fortran to reprogram various systems. There were a lot of programmers, engineers, and other computer-related jobs who started getting pink slip in February and March of 2000, because Y2K issues had been fully resolved.

I know a number of people who were on Y2K teams, particularly with companies who perform customer service or billing for other companies.

The answer isn't raising taxes on the rich because they don't pay enough. The answer is reducing taxes for everyone else. The government has more than enough money and need to live with it. Dept of Homeland Security has hundreds of thousands of employees and didn't exist a decade ago. Now we have drones flying over Chicago!

I'm still waiting for an answer from Leslie Coolidge, how does the economy grow by raising taxes on the "rich" or any other citizen for that matter? And, what happens to the, in your linear theory, "extra" revenue when collected?

Creating government-funded jobs using taxpayer money is not creating jobs. We are in this situation because the government has taken on the role of job creator, income supplier, insurer, and business funder that has created a dependent subclass that depends on the government for its very existence. In order to pay for it they're taxing the income of upper and middle class Americans (yes you Paul) in order to pay for it. The more they create, the more we pay and it will never end until the entire house of cards implodes. Lastly, it baffles me that anyone can DEMAND that those who make more money are obligated to turn it over to the government to use it as the government sees fit. That is how Socialism works; do people not understand that basic fact? Please learn from the Soviets, French, Greeks, Spanish, and Chinese. The only thing keeping the Chinese going is the fact they are producing goods for capitalist economies. Fairy dust? No, this is how Grifters operate, all smoke and mirrors.

And this is the very horse-hockey the Obama Administration has to offer on the jobs situation. Blaming the republicans for not passing another bloated jobs bill which would poor more taxpayer money into creating federal, state and local jobs. The DOL has become nothing more than a taxpayer funded mouthpiece for the president's reelection campaign. She is spending her work time and government resources blogging and tweeting about what a great job he is doing and how he should be reelected. Ms. Solis, please do the job the taxpayers are paying you to do, otherwise quit your post and go volunteer to campaign for the president.

Lead Follow or Get Out of the Way, really? We are in the situation we are in because of deregulation and corporate greed. AKA the bush era. As for government jobs, your statements are not accurate. This is just my opinion, but you really do not understand what has taken place the last 12 years with our economy. Take this however you want, but go and read up on FDR and what some of the things he did to get us out of the great Depression. Nice try. But the facts are the facts.

One last thing, I am not demanding the rich hand over there money. But they should pay the same percentages that the common guy pays. Why should a family of 5 for instance pay 20% or more on federal and a guy like mitt get away with paying 13% to 15%. Thats not demanding anything. I see is as common sense. What's good for the goose is good for the gander. So if you want to vote for mitt and he paid 13% last year, I want a refund!!! Can I make it any clearer? Another thing I have to laugh about is the phobia about socialism. My friends, have you not read the articles about our neighbors north of us? The average houshold in Canada has more money than us.

I confess, economics is confusing to me. But I'm not alone...Congress is as confused as I am and THAT'S the scary part. Bottom line is no matter what the president does (whoever wins, psst: Romney), any money gained through any tax incentive is going to go wherever Congress puts it and there's nobody who is going to watch where it goes. I don't trust ANY politician anymore to do what he/she says they'll do.
Leslie, it seems to me that all of the stuff that Clinton (who made a laughingstock of his presidency) says would be cut back if Romney wins...is some of the stuff that got us INTO this economic depresseion to begin with.
Aw to heck with it. Smarter ppeople than me have no idea what to do so I'm just going to say what I said and go enjoy my coffee. And personally, I'm REALLY tired of having to vote for whomever I think will do the least damage to the country. To me (MY opinion), -Obama didn't follow up on his promises from his first election and if he's re-elected is going to do some damage knowing he can't come back again AND I'm not sure Romney is the answeer either. Who will do the least damage to the US? Romney.

Sentinel, we can agree to disagree. With all do respect, Not sure you listened to Barack the first time around but his promise was to fix it but he said something else that a lot of people do not want to hear!! It is going to take a lot of time!!! Clinton was a great president and had a great record and it kills the republicans, yea the monica scandal, i get it. But the facts speak for themselves. Republican party-For rich people. Good luck to all. Get your wallets ready if romney is elected!!!

How about simply changing taxes on all...removing all the special interests and deductions. go to a straight tax across everyone. You earn money...be it through work or investment...you pay x% on it. A simple 1040 EZ form is all that is needed and anyone with a 1st grade education can do it without fear of being penalized because the IRS doesn't know ist own rules.

Deductions, etc. are the biggest place where the 'Rich' reduce thei percentage until it matches or is lower than the supposed percentage the Secretaries pay....though they get their deductions too and actually pay less than everyone thinks.

Yes, I do, and understand what has gone on during the last 4 years as well. In regard to the term "corporate greed", making a profit is what corporations are supposed to do. It is how corporations stay in business; otherwise, they would be operating like the USPS and Amtrak.
In retrospect, economists have said they believe FDR's actions actually prolonged the depression (for the reasons stated in DG's article). Most of those jobs, as with today's stimulus, were temporary. Instead, the increase in manufacturing needed to provide goods for WWII brought us firmly out of the depression. The US economy and the world's economies are vastly different in 2012 than they were in the 30's. Thus, how we addressed an economic situation 70 years ago may not be the best solution in 2012. I agree Sentinel - Congress, as a whole is not working in the best interest of our country. I don’t believe a majority have a basic grasp of economics or of what they are doing. As for Canada, who knows? Bloomberg says, it’s a bit of luck, abundance of natural resources and policy. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-07-15/hardheaded-socialism-makes-canada-richer-than-u-s-.html. Although most Canadians would refuse to be called Socialist!
Paul keeps saying, ‘the facts speak for themselves’. Obviously, that depends on who is doing the speaking! Thank you all, this was a nice civil discussion devoid name-calling or other such unpleasantries. Best of luck to all on November 6, 2012.

Lead to follow, and my friends and relatives in canada make better beer then us. LOL

Kent, I agree. Flat tax would be great. Ole mitt should release some more of his returns and if i saw he donated 15% to charity, hey I could not knock that then.

Seems everyone in this race wants to keep something about themselves secret, taxes, college records, etc.

Sorry, just couldn't resist. One of the reasons we have not seen inflation like we did in the past is because of Quantitative Easing. The Fed is set to decide if they are going to enter into their 3rd QE. QE has been keeping the stock market up, and the fed has kept interest rates low, neither of which has helped the real estate or job market. As explained by Peter Schiff, this is why we are seeing inflation in food and energy prices and not elsewhere. It's a long video but well worth the watch. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGqSs7piyP0&feature=share&list=UUIjuLiLHdFxYtFmWlbTGQRQ

I have to thank everybody. I thought I'd get my butt handed to me for being on the right but...it didn't happen. It HAS heppened before. You all kept to the topic instead of blasting me and I appreciate it. I've read all the responses and I'm still confused but I can see there are a lot of people who do grasp at least much of the problem. Glad to see that. Keep it up...and maybe sooner or later we'll find the right solution.
"Lead, Follow..."...I had that saying on the license plate holder on my Harley for years. Very applicable in a lot of ways. Good day all.

Kent, I remember the 80's quite well. But you got to remember that ole ronny did not inherit the problems obama has. Theres a big big difference. Ole ronny had a mess but no where near the size as obama has. And another point that needs to be made. Our congressmen and senators need to stop fighting the guy on every move he makes. Did they do that to bush? Maybe they did that to bush but not as hard. I think based on what he inherited being as close to as bad as the ecomomy from the great depression, 8% or 8.2% is pretty darn good. Maybe once our corporations stop shipping jobs over to india, Taiwann, etc etc, we will grow more. Very complex and complicated. I am done all for the day. Was fun.

After Obama gets re-elected and he raises taxes on those greedy rich, more jobs can then be shipped overseas. Then things will be more fair, as you say, for those 88 million currently unemployed. Please explain to me what corporate greed is?

If you want to turn the US into a socialist country you still have a couple problems. First, you need to halt all immigration and seriously revamp the immigration policy in this country. Sorry liberals, you can have your socialism but you would bankrupt a socialist country with the immigration policies in this country in no time flat. You can‘t waltz into France or Germany (pun intended) and demand to be employed because you have rights because you were young when you arrived. They protect their money from outsiders and becoming a citizen doesn’t involve walking around with a sign telling the government how wrong they are. Next get rid of any seller/manufacturer of foreign products (auto/electronics/retail) if the product can be produced here and form a workers union. I hope you like Dodge because that is what you will be driving (so will everyone else though) – it is what keeps socialist countries afloat. Get rid of your Wall Street aspirations –regardless of how successful you are the majority of your money will go to ensuring that other, less successful people live at a comfortable level regardless of their societal contributions or motivations. Imagine a property tax bill 4 x your current bill as a start. Lastly, and probably the worst side effect of socialism, ingenuity will suffer in our country as this is a natural byproduct of an environment where complacency is rewarded and where everyone is entitled so the same standard of living as everyone else. Hi Greece!

Leslie Coolidge, I thought you were running for political office, with all due respect, you choose not to answer my basic question.

Wendy, et al - I guess I should have made myself more clear. I am talking about corporate sponsorship in excess of $500,00 and private donations of $5K and above. Non-profits all around the country are hurting, the arts in particular. For most, private and corporate donations have shriveled to a trickle since 2009. Those that are giving are giving half or less of their previous level. Everyone is holding their breath waiting to see what their tax situation will be in 2012.

Jeff and mccloud, lighten up. Your way off base. I never said anything about wanting to be socialistic. All I said is our neighbors up north who are as close to socialistic are laughing at us. I actually have relatives who live up there and we communicate all the time. There homes are worth more than ours, and to those who said four more long years if obama gets re-elected, let me say for me, how do you think I felt after bush got in after the 1st 4 years. Bush was the worst president in modern american history. Mccloud, seriously? 88 million unemployed? Seems to me you have been sniffin that magic dust I spoke of earlier. You all are ticked because an actual and proven fact that since 1961, the democrats have created almost twice as many jobs as the republicans. Unbelievable!!!

Mary Jo, very well said. However, unless you or your housholds income is greater then 250,000 your taxes should not go up, thats if all the boys and girls in washington can make a call for a change and agree on something.

wendy, not blaming the rich for holding back, thats there money which again proves my point that trickle down does not work.

Whats unbelievable is that according to the US Department of Labor there are 88,921,000 Americans not in the labor force out of 325,000,000 Americans. I'm still waiting for an answer from anyone, since Leslie won't, to my question how raising taxes will benefit the economy. I have no reason to care for what you deem as fair, or any such nonsense, I'm interested in the actual benefit to the economy as a consequence. See, I'm interested in those 88 million not in the work force.

Mccloud, Raising taxes needs to be done to pay off debt, it is as simple as that!! What don't you get? Its a no brainer my friend. And again, how many of those 88 mill are shipped over seas? Come on man. And 88 mill? Please!!!

Jobs are not created by Democrats or Republicans, thats where you and many go off the deep end. Jobs are created by business owners, who make product or service. Any polictical hack, like Clinton, who uses such rhetoric is hoping minds like Paul are in tune with buying the magic bean.

Amen McCloud!

Did I miss Obama saying he would "pay down the debt"? When has that ever happened in history? Like when you write a check to pay your credit card, guess what, ITS NEVER BEEN DONE IN US HISTORY.

You are a no brainer my friend.

Political math is very different from the math that I am familiar with. In political math 2+2 is anything you want it to be.

Is this the same Guy (Bill Clinton) that was almost impeached and had Monica under his desk? What a laugh, to think that voters have such short memories

The Federal Government has been out of control and overstepping it's Constitutional bounds for a very long time. This has been done by both Parties. It is unfortunate. It may very well be past the point of no return. It used to be a person/family could vote with their feet and move to a different "freedom loving" state. I don't see that as an option anymore. The States have allowed the Federal Government to get too big and have too much control. Shame on our Congressmen and Senators. We very well may be close to another civil war. When, not if, WHEN that happens - God Help U's All. Better option, divide the country - liberal, progressive, Big government Democrat types on one side. Strict Constitutional conservative, small government freedom loving Republican types on the other side. I would / will bet my life and fortune on which side self destructs first !!! Give me Liberty, or give me Death!! DON'T TREAD ON ME !! Words to Live by!!

Mccloud, wow, best you can do is say I am a no brainer? Politicians my friend have a lot to do with creating jobs. I can see a bit to much airplane glue when you were a kid perhaps? You are out there!! You sound very bitter and mad. I thought we were all doing well yesterday with out the insults so let me guess? Tea partier? Paying down the debt has happened and suggest you re-read your history. Again, the facts are the facts. I have been in corporate america for 35 years, No a lot about business. Give me a break.

Another thing to those folks here that are republicans and dems and whatever you want to call yourslves these days. Moderates!!! Meeting someone down the middle. this would be good for everyone!!!!

Paul, it is beyond me how someone would still be loyal to a President who has done so much damage to our country, and yet I'm learning some of the reasons why. You seem to be more than happy absorbing the magic beans and blissful in thinking that raising taxes will actually increase revenues to Obama who will then make the decision to pay off the national debt with the pot of gold. Somehow you must think he has demonstrated fiscal responsibility, and has governed as a moderate. Absolutely amazing. Some people just are not willing to admit they made a mistake in who they voted for.

Just another article long on rhetoric, short on data. The county is $16,000,000,000,000 in Federal Debt. 85% (85!) of municipalities are projected to go bankrupt w/in 15 years. And all we get are articles and bloggers saying the same crap.

Regardless of the outcome on November 6th, Republicans needs to focus on picking up more house and senate seats this election.

Clinton is a liar, "I did not have sexual relations with that woman"... Have any of you read any part of Obamacare, Hold on to your socks because it's gonna get real nasty if Obama wins.. We need smaller government!! The working class can not afford to pay for all the "entitled" forever and with all the people out of work there will be less and less tax dollars coming in.. So how in the heck can we cover the Governments "budget", oh wait they haven't passed one in 3 1/2 years.. I could go on and on.. The EPA over regulate, coal plants are being shut down, energy prices are soaring, gas and electricity, fuel prices at the pump are at an all time high, if we drilled our own oil rather than give rights to the likes of Venezuela and then buy oil from them. Oh yeah that makes perfect sense, NOT!!! If you lower the taxes across the board, those rich company owners would be able to grow and HIRE people because they would have more money to pay employees! The Federal reserve, Not a government entity I might add, needs to GO.. If they print more money, QE3? it devalues the dollar and will be sure to cause hyper inflation.. You think stuff is expensive now? Just wait things will only get worse.. Lets see what else.. Should we touch on Sharia law and the Moslem Brotherhood? Go see the movie "2016 Obama's America" It is quite an eye opener, you won't know what hit you if you are uniformed about our current POTUS and his Socialistic ideology!!

I want my country to stay a REPUBLIC, we need to adhere to the Constitution or we will be lost! Have a great weekend everybody and pray for this once Great Nation to be Great again. God bless the USA!!!

What America is going to get when and if The President gets another 4 years.

E-mail him and ask him if it is true because it is. You will not get an answer to your question. This has all been fact checked and is true.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wIfI2whjiM

I know a number of people, both Democrat and Republican, who feel that the Democrats made a horrible mistake by nominating Barack Obama, rather than Hillary Clinton in 2008. Considering how poorly the Democrats did in 2010, as well as the dissatisfaction with the President within the Party, my friends from both parties are curious as to why no one challenged the President for the nomination this year, as Ronald Reagan challened Gerald Ford in 1976, Ted Kennedy challenged Jimmy Carter in 1980, and Pat Buchanan challenged the elder George Bush in 1992.

Hey all, thanks for your input. I see I am getting beat up on. I can only laugh. We have people who think what they want to think and see what they want to see. It is obvious to me that my original comment of the facts are the facts has been ignored. Some of you have some very good points and some way off the wall. It is obvious to me that people who have it in there hearts more then there minds will vote for who they want. All I stated was the facts. The facts from politco.com. And to those who think that lowereing the taxes and corporations will hire more. Does not work folks. They hoard the money. Thats the great american lie. You probably do not realize how many companies actually have not paid taxes the last 2 years because of loop holes. But great debate all. God bless all.

Mccloud, I just could not help commenting on Barack damaging the country the last 4 years. You still do not get what has taken place the 8 years before Barack!! Once you figure that one out, I would be more than happy to continue this discussion with you. Until all of you admit to and realize that he took the steps to keep us out of a Depression not recession, but depression!! there is no point in talking about this anymore. Mccloud, have a great Day. GO Bears!!!

One thing you are correct on is there is no point in talking about this anymore, since your comments have all been the superficial pundit program variety without substance. All I wanted to know from Leslie was how raising taxes on whomever helps grow an economy. This seems to be the only card Obama has left to use, and I wanted to find out more about it's consequences. Seems like a reasonable question.

Mccloud, you are probably a very good and decent person and I believe I am. I have just stated honest to god facts since records started being kept. Thats all!! I really don't want to fight with any one. This was a good debate. Leslie will not answer you because you do not believe her article to begin with, which are the facts. And for Kent, I aggree and do not dispute you on your latest comment. I am apart of big corporation and see things in my own company that is just not right!! Its called greed. Thanks again. Church day.

Thanks for the compliment, you probably are decent too, however, none of that is relevant in this discussion. Sure, I don't agree with Leslie with her statement on our economy needs to grow in order to solve the budget crisis yet she supports tax increases. I'm willing to listen, should she respond, to exactly how tax increases help in the matter of growing the economy. See, I don't think she even has an answer. I have a thought that her understanding of economics is very small. Reliance on Bill Clinton's propaganda does not make up for this lack of knowledge. I like to isolate particular policy statements and refuse to move on in weak conjecture.

Mccloud, you have not figured out the truth versus propoganda. Otherwise we would not be having this back and forth. Bill Clintons speech was true and factual on every point. Not propoganda.

Paul, even the Washington Post, a regular friend to the Obama administration, could not spin this speech http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/fact-checker/post/fact-checking-bill-clintons-speech-and-other-democrats-at-the-convention-in-charlotte/2012/09/06/55b9df68-f7e1-11e1-8b93-c4f4ab1c8d13_blog.html

Incredible, what kills me here is that not only was it the washington post but a number of other sources that do the fact checking. It appears as though the truth kills you folks. OH, neil armstrong never landed on the moon. It was just all a spin. LMAO!!!

This is why these threads are so ridiculous and I swear the writer only puts stuff out there for one reason.. to see how many comments they can get. No one is going to change my mind and I'm not going to change anyone elses mind... not on a PATCH/AOL newspaper that anyone can blog on.

Yup. I'm LMAO too.. at all the sheeple who think Obama is the best thing since sliced bread. Guess both sides can LTheirAO, eh? We'll see who's laughing come November. Have a great week...looks like the weather is going to be just about perfect.

Paul must think that the economy is in full recovery, as Clinton mentioned. He thinks this despite the facts, which can be obtained from government sources, showing GDP at 1%, 4 million less jobs in US economy since Obama was sworn in, record levels of unemployment continue to peak since the ceremony, record level of deficit spending, in fact 5 trillion added since the Obama administration started, a credit downgrade, first in US history, a record 88 million people out of the labor force the most in US history, and I'm sure I could go on and on. Some people just refuse the facts that are available from the sources provided from the US government, not some charleton from Arkansas. Increase taxes on this mess, and watch the geometric collapse of a super power.

No, I never said that at all mccloud. The more you write the more you have that disease called foot in mouth. You claim you don't believe and thats fine. But ask this, where did he get his numbers from? And where did they get there numbers from to check? So, if you don't believe the numbers why do you believe 88 mill are unemployed. First of all, we would be in a great depression if there were 88 mill unemployed. But I think you are pretty close on your numbers above as respects to the deficit. Which again just goes to show you that he inherited 11 trillion from Bush!! Or pretty close. You know, wars are expensive!! they cost lives also. Your boy bush loved going to war with Iraq. By the way, did they ever find weapons of mass destruction? Ohm thats right. He got bad info. Have a good day. All ways happy to make you all look worst every time. I was never hear Kota to change anyones mind. First of all, one has to have a mind to change. I am just amazed however on how ignorant people are about these sorts of things. Anyway, have a blessed week all. Hugs and kisses.

Here it is...

http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=15918

Where do who get their numbers from and what numbers are you talking about? The fact is that 88 million people are no longer in the labor force, you can find that number displayed from the US Dept of Labor. I still wait for an answer on how raising taxes helps an economy. While you wish to avoid admitting Obama is a failure, you bring up Bush, just like the President does. You are a good listener, but not much of a critical thinker.

Get your google fingers ready, as I'm sure you have no idea. What is a Depression? What is a Recession? Maybe I start slow to help educate you?

The Democrats had control of congress for the last 2 years of the Bush presidency. You know, the years where the economy started going bad!!! The Democrats pretty much forced banks to give mortgages to people who couldn't afford them. Bush tried to reign it in - Barney Frank would have none of that!!

Dear editor of this article, please pull the plug. The debate is over with. As Ron White would say, 'YOU CAN'T fix Stupid"!!!! I am more depressed than ever not because of the subject or debate but on how dumb some of you are here. Its discouraging to think that IQ's have fallen so much over the last 30 plus years. The people who just refuse to admit to facts spelled out and proven by various reputable sources is just amazing to me and anyone who has an IQ over 100. Then some whacko is blaming the last 2 years of bush's term on the democrats? You are all nuts. Mccloud, there is no hope for you. You must think you are a real brain trust and it appears to me that you have this all figured out. The best economists in the world have said what needed to be done to keep us out of a depression but you all are smarter than these guys. Right Mccloud? 88 million unemployed? Did you do the math? that would be a 25% unemployment rate. What are you smoking mcloud? The democrats forced big banks to give out bad loans? Thats laughable. It was a greedy freaking banker pig or pigs due to deregulation. You all are so uneducatuted it is truly scary.

Did you google the terms to understand what a Depression is? How about Recession? What is a Best Economist in the world? How did they keep us out of a Depression? You've got it right, actually almost a third of Americans are not in the labor force, not counting kids who do not qualify. You are amazed by these "reputable sources"? Geez, all I wanted to know, and still ask, is how tax increases on anyone helps the economy. Should I ask the best economists in the world?

Yeah, the Democrats caused the housing collapse. They restricted the lenders from using underwriting guidelines, claiming that some of the lender's procedures were racist, perhaps you should read up on the CRA, Community Reinvestment Act. The lenders were given the option of selling off mortgages to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, leaving them with no risk and high rewards, an artificial market. Its no wonder the bubble burst, and it was an easy political play to blame Bush, you were the perfect prey to fall for their rewriting of history. With you being so educated, how did you miss this one?

Leslie, are you running away from your constituents? Why write an article in the Patch, stating your beliefs, and not answer a basic question? How do tax increases improve an economy? Huh, I thought so, no answer. I guess you would rather duck real questions, so how am I to think of you if you were wlected?

Mccloud, I took yesterday off due to 9/11. She will not answer you because she realizes that first of all, you really have never listened to Bill Clintons speech and what he said, and second of all, she is with me, your a MORON. Especially based on your last few posts which are so untrue one might think you have not broken that drug habit.

I get insulted, but I don't get an answer to a basic question. I stopped listening to Bill Clinton when he was President. See, when you lie to the American people, and tell other people to lie under oath to subvert justice, and you are the President, you have nothing more for me to hear.

Paul, here is some homework for you, read this article. There will be a test afterward.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/sep/11/obama-on-track-to-have-worst-job-record-since-worl/?page=all#pagebreak

Let's focus on the issue at hand and not deflect from it by bringing up someone else's transgressions from the 90's.

McCloud, you said in an earlier post that you don't believe anything you read from any of those publications. You just prived one thing, You are still a Moron. And a hypocrite to boot.

Paul tried to answer my question earlier by claiming that Obama was going to raise taxes, collect more revenue, and pay down the national debt. Never in history has the national debt been "paid down". Like when you decide to pay down or pay off a credit card, Obama is going to do this. He had mentioned drugs earlier, perhaps he's had some magic mushrooms when he attempted to answer me. As I stated earlier, raising taxes on the "rich" naturally leads to lower consumption, lower investment, lower GDP and more unemployment. He's just too high to get it.

Our economy has been held hostage for the last four years, not knowing from year to year what to expect for income tax, and knowing fees, penalties and now taxes expected from Obamacare, threats from Obama on the "rich" to raise their income tax, irresponsible spending wasted on green companies starting with Solyndra and about 25 other companies all have filed for bankrupcy and were owned by Obama supporters. A potted plant would make the better President.

I agree that George Bush spent too much money but how can you say that and then ignore the 5 trillion more that have been added in the last four years. Clinton is right. It is about math and Obama increased the deficit by almost 50% in four years (from 10.5 trillion to 16 trillion). Both sides are at fault and we need to keep throwing the bums out until someone does what the American people want - which is to get control of the spending. Kris

Kal, He had to because if he did not pump money into AIG, GM,Chrysler and there are couple of other huge corporations that helped bring down the housing our economy would have really tanked putting us in a great depression. that's how I can say that. He has had the best Economist in the world tell him this. A couple actually said he did not spend enough. Folk, we can all agree to dis agree. I do know this and it has been substantiated by every fact finding source available right now, that the deocratic party has created almost twice as many jobs then the republicans since 1961. I also do know that I for one, will never want an elitist like romney running the country. No, I feel for obama. He has had to deal with Boehner, name is very fitting and a couple other clowns who refuse to do anything but get this guy out. By the way my republican friends, wheres mitts tax returns? What is he hiding? Hugs and kisses all. OH, almost forgot, sad to say, but a lot of teabaggers want him out because he is black.

Well educated one, these cheap comments that somehow make sense to you, like "He had to if he did not pump money into AIG, GM,Chrysler", given such nonsense, let us look at the arithmetic. AIG bailout = 40 Billion, GM Chrysler Bailout = 80 Billion, totals 120 Billion. Now if you take the 5 trillion Obama added to our national debt, that means you have about 4.8 Billion unaccounted for genius.

Really, I'm not even sure why I continue here with comments. Still no answer to a simple question, another liberal goes down in the gun fight of logic, Blammooo. (cue the Clint Eastwood music)

Hey Mcclud and now sentinel. Let me help. I said a few other big corps also. Again, read!! A basic fundamental to get by life with. And a leftie? Another term created by ignorant slobs on the far right!! You boys have a great day!! I am. And yes Mccloud I am educated. Thanks. The facts kill you 2. Hey, I think we should make it mandatory that all who enter this domain have at least an IQ of 100. That would eliminate you 2 for sure. LMAO.

You said enough to easily determine your complete and undeterred loyalty to a failure. There are many people like you, unwilling to face the clear results after 4 years and admit you were wrong when you cast your vote in 2008. It's obvious when you present weak answers to basic questions, and have limited ability to parrot obtuse political nonsense that you heard from some hack who has already been exposed as a liar.

Normally, I let this go, but our country cannot afford four more years of this guy. I hope that someone else reads this and understands the evasive and intellectually dishonest points coming from the supporters of a failed President.

Thanks sentinel. And mccloud, lets talk losers. Did you cast your vote for bush? The 2 of you are so so funny. Sentinel, nothing to prove to you. As for the IQ thing, not proud of this, but at least mine truly is higher then the arsewipe you 2 probably voted for the last 2 times around. And it is sad but true. So if you 2 clowns think that i am stupid because I am a democrat, then I guess bush and his new clone romney are like ape house material.

And one last thing sentinel, you were not insulting? HMMM interesting perspective.

OKay Sentinel. Have a good day. Whatever you say. Hehehehehhe.

"Sorry friend the wealthy do not drive our consumer economy" Was that what you decided on your own? According to new research from Moody’s Analytics, the top 5% of Americans by income account for 37% of all consumer outlays. A large chunk for just the top 5%, and consumer spending accounts for roughly two-thirds of U.S. gross domestic product. "he'll use some to reduce the deficit" Again is this something you just decided? Never in our history has the national debt been reduced, yet somehow you think some of the "expected" revenue gain will be used for that? Roads and infrastructure? Did I not hear that was what the trillion dollar stimulus was supposed to be for? How did that one go? Raising taxes on anyone will reduce consumption, investment, GDP and employment. The economy will shrink more than it is doing so now. Please get some help understanding economics before you vote.

The deficit never paid down? Mccloud, Read history of our country. Read some stuff on FDR. And Henry Ford. You have to grow the economy from the middle not the top and there once was a surplus, granted not very much before the GWB administration. I did not want to reply again on this subject but someone has to reign in your falsehoods.

Please stop replying, I am embarassed for you.

No, I can'y help myself. When someoneas far off as you keeps replying, I need t oput them in there place. If I were you, re-read some of your posts and who would be embarrased. Again, the truth kills you teabaggers.