Larry-Baby, The question keeps coming up, What will you do with your $5oo.oo dollar tax credit stimulus ?. I don't think Washington is getting it yet. We just sold our children, and Grandchildren into financial slavery, for the rest of their lives, with all the undeserved hundreds of billions of dollars in bailout money, to banks, and wall street, etc. Now,as usual, our Government thinks they can sedate us further, by throwing us a half eaten bone, in the form of a $500.00 dollar scrap?
Straping on another hugh chunk of debt, just to give us this pittence, is disgracefull, and further throws our children under the financial bus.
Heres a novel Idea, stop spending money we don't have, let the chips
finally fall where they may, take the licking now, and stop postponing the inevitable pain that must come.
Most Americans will tell you it's not the $500.00 bone they are anxiously awaiting, it's honesty, integrity, transparency, accountability.
and harsh criminal penalties for those found to have commited crimes while in office. Anything less will keep us right where we are.

I would like to know how this stimulus package help createing jobs? until new jobs are created, people wont spend their money because they are afraid they might not have a job tomorrow.

Watching last nights' LKL show was slightly disappointing. The interview with Mickey Rourke was constantly interrupted with adverts, the night before blog comments, and promos for AC360. Rourke was only given a total of 15 minutes tops. We never learned what he was doing before he took on "The Wrestler" or how he overcame many different obstacles in his life.

I watch you every night Larry...keep up the good work and unexpected questions!

I would like to see President Barach Obama change the labor law in a more balancing fashion in the corporate arena. At the moment, Companies can fire someone if they dont like the color of their skin or their clothes. It should be tougher for Companies to fire civilian and be persecuted , especially if the civilians dont deserve.

Coral Springs, FL

Larry - some night in the weeks ahead please have Harry Dent,Jr. on for an hour to explain to the Congress - other government leaders including our new Priesident– and to the American people why much of this slowing in the economy is happening. It's not all caused by what is being talked about by the Media or the President. Some of it for sure is from the mortgage and banking problems - some from consumer and businesses cutting back on spending - BUT MUCH OF IT IS FROM THE SLOWING OF THE SPENDING BY THE BOOMER GENERATION. THIS WAS GOING TO HAPPEN NO MATTER WHAT THE ECONOMY WAS DOING. IT'S A DEMOGRAPHIC NUMBERS GAME. Not one person in the Media or government has picked up on this - or if they have then they don't want to talk about it. It' not brain surgery - just do the numbers.

One thing I have a problem with is simply this. Does anybody realize that the banks are making out like bandits, litraly. They are getting billions of OUR tax payer money, yet they are still getting payments from the people who can make them. Not only that, but just this morning my mom ( who has never missed or been late with a payment ) received a "risk assesment" letter from Wa/mu/Chase and now instead of $42.00 mo intrest for a $6500 credit card, she is paying $130.00. She can't pay that and the bank does'nt seem to have a good answer for why they increased her interst 150%. My question is who is regulating these banks and keeping them in check. Obviously they don't feel the need to change anything on thier part. What with the millions going to executives and remodling thier offices. I can promise you that my mom is not the only one to have this happen to. They are acting as though they are not getting billions from the government to help in this situation. Why are they allowed to say " we've been talking and have decided that you owe us more money than you previouly thought; than is right" without any justifacation whatsoever. I would honestly expect this from a communist China, but right here in my own back yard? It's more than a little disturbing.

What about hurricane Katrina? It seems we have had a stimulus package project ready to go for years. Cut through the red tape and rebuild the gulf coast states, this alone would create thousands of jobs and help those in need!

I have thought for some time that the quality of Larry King's show has been going downhill. I am really disgusted that he would have a hypocrite like Haggard on his sow.

Should have said I am really disgusted that Larry King would have a hypocrite like Haggard on his show.

Larry, you know I've been in agreement with everything thus far that the President has done, but this stimulus package I don't get and I'm a democrat. I've never agreed with to much the Republicans do, not to mention that we're in this mess because of the decisions they and Lame Duck Bush did. I am however in agreement with the Republicans on this. I haven't seen or heard one thing in this package that goes to stimulate the country and get things moving.

I was surprised and dissapointed that President Obama would even try to send this package through congress. It's not put together very well, it doesn't seem as if a lot of thought went into planning it. It seems to me that the Democrats just want to have their way and see if they can pass any old thing, just to see if they can get by with it like the Republicans did when Bush was in office. This whole mess could have been avoided if when the housing industry started folding. The government should have giving the home owners the money to pay their mortgages off and had the homeowners pay the government back, instead of giving the money directly to the banks. The homeowners should have been giving a check made out to whatever instituion held their mortgage. But NO! the government wanted to help the big corporate America, so here we are. I'm starting not to believe in anything or anyone. I had high hopes for our new President, but it seems as if he's already turning into what we've just had. I'm so dissapointed.

Stimulus Package …Bull...I say Bull..it's PELOSI CALIFORNIA STIMULUS PAY FOR PLAY.. These should individually go through the regular way/appropriations and pass and fail on their own merit. BULL …..THE SMELL OF MENDACITY , PORK, AND PAY FOR PLAY IS IN THE AIR.
1) 10,000 schools..No ... Furnish the names of these schools...how much to each..what do they want to pay projectors? BULL! Pay for play for favored neighborhoods….and teachers union...you can’t cover all the schools in this country.
2) SCHIP/Medicaid…..increasing to family of 4 making $130,000…Medicaid raised to $120,000…illegal aliens covered .... should be for low income children….this is not a stimulus for the economy….needs to be handled by itself.
3) Neighborhood Stabilization/Revitalization….pay for play for ACORN…who wrote that in…no economic stimulus there…just favored politicking and can’t cover all neighborhoods?
4) The Arts...pay for play ….Bull….nothing for the Arts.
5) Washington Mall....redecorating & grass.. please...that’s a different request form…that's Bull.
6) Contraceptives./Abortions...pay for play for ideology ….to reduce pregnancy…not a government problem.
7) Bailing out the states...they should be balancing every year...poor management. They are paying for services for illegal aliens and previously high gasoline prices…..and now it becomes all the taxpayers problem. California is the number one example. Never a grant….only loans….you make them pay it back and require and make it law they become balanced…set regulations…..not free money…the good states are being punished for their fiscal responsibilities.
8) Pell grants...Bull. That won't stimulate crap this year ...another pay for play to college students and a campaign slogan in 4yrs.
9) Head start...Bull... campaign slogan in 4 yrs... won't stimulate crap right now.
10) Day Care for Military….not an economic stimulus….we do need it….but not under this.
11) Bike Trails….hello
12) Off Road Trails….hello
13) Hollywood…pay for play
14) Dept of Ag building…388 million of pork last year
15) Welfare and Food Stamps….what????
16) Tax Rebates to those who don’t pay taxes?
17) Amtrak..no profit in 40 years
18) TV coupons…..ludicrous
19) STD’S
20) Carbon Capture Conversion
NO PORK...NO PAY FOR PLAY…..NO PELOSI CALIFORNIA STIMULUS PACKAGE… I HAVE FAITH IN THIS COUNTRY...WE WILL DO JUST FINE WITHOUT IT. WHERE ARE THE CUTS….AND FREEZING PROGRAMS. PRESIDENT OBAMA PLEASE GO THRU IT WITH YOUR RED PEN.

Mr. Haggard, continue to seek comfort in Him and cling tight to your family for these are the only people who count while God is dealing with your heart;. To the rest of America, this is yet another example of putting your faith in Almighty God-not man. Mr. Haggard is a man of flesh and his sins are being dealt with publicly. Perhaps, we should all think about dealing with our sins before it gets out of hand as Mr. Haggard found out. when he crossed over to the dark side. And, to Mrs. Haggard and your children–you all are the ultimate Christians; instead of choosing to judge and abandon your loved one, you have chosen to forgive. So you see Mr. Haggard, throughout all of your struggles with your own life, you' have managed to serve God well by being a leader in your home; your family has mastered the basic principles of being "Christlike" as outlined throughout Bible 101: Forgiveness. Stay in prayer and smile, Jesus loves you...

I believe we need to get this country back on track.
Yes on the stimulus package.
Yes on President Obama interview to the muslim world.
Yes on what he is doing so far.
I feel Pres. Obama is a gift to not only the American people but, an eye opener to the World.
Thank you,
Beverly,
Seaside, CA

RE: JERICHO CALLS OUT ROURKE ON LARRY KING LIVE

Now I would pay to see Mickey Rourke make Chris Jericho BLEED! Jericho the smart ass punk that he is better keep his mouth shut. Mickey boxed professionally...and fought on the streets...Jericho is just a punk living in his make-believe world of phony choreographed WWE fake entertainment!

You had it wrong Jericho...jump in a boxing ring with Rourke...and it will be the end of your career!

How does this package get rid of the Financcial Services Economy we have ?

How does this package get rid of enormous burden costs like Home Insurance, Auto Insurance, Healthcare Insurance, Property taxes, etc... ??

The Borgen Project has some good info on the cost of addressing global poverty.

$30 billion: Annual shortfall to end world hunger.
$550 billion: U.S. Defense budget

Change Means Change,

Not Trickle Down Economics over and over again.

Tracking the money, fails every time. Where did the 9/11 money go to, Katrina Money, Bailout money and now we trust this money to go to those who could actually use it, I wont take that bet , thank you!

Why dont we build and remodel factories to once again make what we need and use in our own country. Seems far better use of the money to me than anything proposed.

Funny how China has factories to make almost all the goods for America and they can loan us billions . They arent asking for money from us, just our business. So why arent we keeping the business right here??? then we wouldnt havent to borrow money!! and have jobs, China has jobs , we dont? Turn a light on for anyone!

On the Question of the Day:
No. This thing stinks with unnecessary projects disguised at "stimulus proposals."

I am a Scot who lives in the Canary Islands,just a little younger than larry king,will you please please ask Larry to stop calling president Obama " A BLACK" very annoying , he is of mixed race and deserves respect from all people as we all need to respect each other regardless of color. thank you.

I don't care what Country you live in so when the government puts together a stimulus package it only benefits the government and not its citizens. In Canada we just heard of our stimulus package and all I can say is "STIMULUS WHERE ARE YOU"

There is no way the stimulus package or a republican tax cut will help any of us. They ALL know it, it’s just a way to fool us into thinking they care and are doing something to help. They are just arguing for the sake of argument. Let’s get them back on the old beer argument, tastes great or less filling, and get them out of the way for a while.

You can’t stack more money on top of the stack and hope some falls off. The people at the top started the problem with greed, feeding there greed will only help them.

Like everything else in the world, you want to build something, start at the bottom.

YOU WANT TO GET THE ECONOMY MOVING?? Give everyone who files a tax return a kicker check of between $50,000 to $200,000. that would cost us a whole lot less them 800 billion. It would have the economy moving tomorrow.
People in Foreclosure would settle and keep there homes. FORECLOSURE Problem OVER.

Others may buy or remodel there home. HOUSING problem OVER. Side note here, manufacturing of EVERYTHING you find in a house would be moving again. Furniture, appliances, fixtures, tile, consumer electronics, nuts bolts, washers, carpets, hard wood, and the more noticeable things like lumber. Drywall, paint, roofing materials, ect. Just look around your home, then look inside each of those items. Right down to the little springs in the door lock.

Yet others would buy cars. AUTOMOTIVE Problem OVER

People who might be doing ok now would likely invest, Wall Street Problem over.

Others may start business or re-invest in one they already have. This would put people to work NOW.

All this money would go through BANKS. Bank problems OVER.

Make this check taxable income if you need to. Get some of it back next year. This is a plan for putting the country back to work. Not 3 to 5 years from now but tomorrow.

I can’t believe no one in government is smart enough to figure out something that to me seems so basic.

Hi Larry,

Yes I support the recovery plan. Our economy is sick and it seems Republican's want to continue with their same old broken down out of touch polices. Don't they get it? Obama and his views WON, the public spoke and voted for change. So let's get some.

Why don't we allocate some of the bail out money to imprison the executives who bankrupted their companies while robbing them of millions of dollars. Also, how about including the ones who really caused all of the financial problems by making banks lend money to people who couldn't afford to own houses, like Christopher Dodd, Barney Frank, Nancy Pelosi, and others.

Mike, Zephyrhills, FL January 28th, 2009 6:05 pm ET
Tracking the money, fails every time. Where did the 9/11 money go to, Katrina Money, Bailout money and now we trust this money to go to those who could actually use it, I wont take that bet , thank you!
--–AND where did the millions of unmarked bills that terrorists were given in Iraq end up? [the Splurge]
my guess – Pakistan and Afghanistan
---as for the 'stimulus' when there is a basket in hell, you can't reel it back with a fishing line. it will NOT work

Ethics comment: Today some prominent news people referred to our president as "Mr. Obama". In case they do not remember he was overwhelmingly elected to be president - mine and theirs. I have never heard these same people refer to George Bush as "Mr. Bush".

I'm against the stimulus package. Frankly the ONLY thing it seems to be stimulating is the greed and ridiculousness of congress as they try to get their hands on tax payer money to buy votes.

Larry – Please ask you guest why can't Bill's be simple? One request as example 100 Billion for bridge and highway infrastructure. Disbursement by percentage of population of each State. Employed workers must be American Citizens. Oversight provided by Department of the Interior. No PORK, no hidden agenda! This HR1 is business as usual, to large to digest, but certainly large enough to bog down the sytem and hide all the PORK. It is business as usual in Washington and I'm very dissapointed!

Obama has won a political victory as the economic stimulus passes in the House. This will boost the ailing economy by providing millions of jobs, it will help repair or replace the nations aging infrastructure, and will also provide tax cuts putting money in all of our pockets.

How many jobs, for how many days, are created by resodding the Capitol Mall? Who's special interest project was that? The White House Lanscaping company? Give it some fertilizer! Jobs are in ignored infrastucture repair. Wind energy implimentation and research. Coal energy research and implimentation. Those are jobs that will lead us to the future and will last more than a couple months of resodding the Mall. NO MORE PORK! NO MORE SPECIAL INTEREST PROJECTS. NO BIRTH CONTROL that is an individual's choice not our Governements. I am sick to my stomach at HR1 I spent hours reading it and all I see is business as usual. Let the people vote on it, not the business as usuall Washinton Good ol' boys.

No they waisted enough give each tax payer $100,000 it would be a lot cheaper and it would help the people not the greedy pigs!
I am a small buisness owner who will bail me out?
thanks matt

Why don't we give each tax payer $100,000 it would be a lot cheaper then 800 billion dollars and it would help the people . Not the greedy pigs! If the people received $100.000 they could pay there mortages or what other bills they might have ,or maybe they whould buy a new car. let the people spend there money there way.
I am a small buisness owner who will bail me out ?

Absolutely yes! We bailed out wallstreet, home to the rich and powerful, how about a bailout for the poor and voiceless?! The corporate elite will fight Obama tooth and nail; they think our taxes should only go to pay for their miserable failures. Give the less fortunate a break, at least it would be a change. Those who are well off and fortunate call it socialism when you give money to the needy, then call the same a stimulus package when you give away hundreds of billions to corporations.

Yes, I support the stimulus. In fact, I think it needs to be larger. Another 10,000 people are out of work today. This nation is facing a crisis of a sort we haven't seen in decades. The Republican policies of the past 15 years have failed. We need to try something new. It's time we invest in America for a change.

I'm sorry if this is off topic but I saw the show last night with Micky Rourke and I'm so impressed by him and happy for him. Chris Jericho on the other hand... I don't know much about him or "wrestling" but I thought he was horrifying but not in the way he probably intended. I'm sure it's all part of his persona to act like an idiot and maybe his fans like it when he acts like an idiot but talk about the wrong place and time. If it was his decision or his advisor's to show such little grace or tact. to be so disrespectful as he was. He sure didn't gain any NEW fans that's for sure. I thought Micky Rourke handled an ugly situation very well and with grace. Good for him.

I do not support the current stimulus package. I feel that this type of
masive stimuls requires an incredibly organized plan, properly
reserached with full transparency, and day by day accountability.
The challenge is the ability of government to effectivly implement
this process. Remember the government never saw this downturn
coming. They stood by while a giant shadow banking market
attracted trillions of $ of honest hardworking peoples life savings from
all over the world. This market breached all of the integrity and
morality that formed the foundation of the American financial system.
and yes TARP was supported by a house lead by the democrats.

Today in the USA the economy is on life support as a result of to
much government. big, bloated, multiple layers, and not doing its
job. My point is if the SEC was doing it's job they should have shut
down the fraudulent practices before they destroyed the system.

And now that the house of cards is falling down what are we doing?
allowing the same government to make the call on our collective
financal future. In other words throwing more of the problem
at the solution. the stakes are massive, if they get this wrong we are
mortgaging future generations. Does anyone realize they have effectivley doubled the national debt from 10 to 20 trillion $. Here is
one last scary thought, I bought my first house in 1982 and I paid
21% interest on a one year mortgage. Whats 21% of 20 trilliion?

As i said before. why should welfare people get anything. these are the same folks that sit around waiting on our money to get paid. and they are the same ones that are having babies after babies and smoking it up or giving it to their no good boyfriends.. i have worked 27 yrs and for what? to help those folks. something smells "fishy".

I just want the greedy ________ that did this to our country IN JAIL.
And Republican's to sit down and shut up... Capitalistic pigs.

I don't think anyone knows what will really work. All of the people surrounding Obama have to give their opinions based on history, however, we are in different times. I feel he is looking at short and long term objectives, and that there is no quick fix. Lets hope the short term plans last long enough to carry us through until the long term objectives kick in.

I've been out of work for 15 months and cannot even get a part time low pay job becuase I'm told I'm over-qualifed. In the meantime I have zero income and living off of credit and will not be able to make a mortgage payment for February. Does Uncle Sam understand that becuase of all the jobs going off shore it is taking away our livelihoods? I feel companies that send even just one job off shore is unpatriotic and I feel the US should impose large fines on these companies as punishments. We are the "richest" country in the world, yet we are all broke.

What I don't understand is if the Republicans have the best ideas – What is their reason that they didn't do anything?

We are in need of a stimulus that will get the banks off their behinds and get credit flowing to the public. Banks are now sitting holding bank owned properties and wasting time holding short sales up, they need the flag to get moving, if this is the stimulus or something else that can move this problem off the page...we need it and we need it now.

Give it to her Barney. Why dosen't John King let or make her answer Barney's question??????????????

I support the stimulus bill and the President's plan to get the economy moving. I am glad the President is calling for oversight in spending all of this money. My question is: where is the 'bipartisan support' from the Republicans? It seems we're back to politics as usual, with votes falling along party lines

NO

Yes, if they take out the pork. We have to do something. Remember this, the Republicans brought this whole mess on during the last administration. They will never agree with the Democrats EVER, because if they make the Democrats look good and they will never get back control of Congress. Get real. That's a given. They only care about their jobs, not the taxpayers. They need term limits, just like the President.

All of a sudden Republicans have all the answers...please!!! We have the audacity to represent ourselves as peacemakers when Republicans and Democrats can't agree to work together in our own country. What must other countries think?

YV Riverside, CA

The Republicans had 8 years, I repeat 8 years to do something to help this economy and now they think they have the answer to fix the economy. Please give me a break already. I admit some things need to be revised in Obama's $819 billion economic stimulus package but the Republicans should have no say at this point.

I like the fight between Barney Frank and that Republican women. That gives good ratings for CNN. I'm pushing my rederic buttom. I like John King is very good for his presentation of profession. Keep up with the good work everyone from CNN Staff.

Ron T, you are correct and I agree, where is the bipartisan support from the republican????

As a Republican, I'm FRUSTRATED with my party. Please stop this nonsense. We had tax cuts under Bush – which I simply pocketed – and will do again. In reality, under Bush, the government took in less tax revenue – and saw the largest growth in government and debt. Let us not cry "foul" on the debt....since under Bush, the Republican Congress didn't seem concerned then.

What do we have to lose under Obama's plan? Remove the "fat" and earmarks from the plan; more responsible government spending.....but, we, Republicans, can't try the same game plan and hope to have a different result.,,,that is idiocy. If we oppose Obama's plan, then what is our Republican plan?

I would like to know what is wrong with giving coupons to buy Digital TVs.
Since most people are not working and analog signal is set to cut soon what is wrong with helping those who would will be left out? Matter of fact isn't that a national security issue? Not everyone can afford cable etc...

Tell Barney Frank & Marsh Blackburn – Americans don't care which political party is right! Americans care about a solution....

Stop your ridiculous bickering and start working together!!

The Economic Stimulus Package will do more damage than good!

The US will go bankrupt and then things will start to get better.

The next big thing will be "Robotic Parts" for people / Artificial Intelligence...

Northport, NY

WHAT HAPPEND TO THE FIRST 350 BILLION? ITS NOT ENOUGH TO SAY WE LOST THAT OR WE DON'T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED, SOMEONE HAS TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THAT. WHO?

5.5 Billion to Acorn?...Whew....

After just watching that I now know Franks is just pure crazy! It has nothing to do with republican or democrat.When are people going to open their eyes. It has to do with saving this country. The fact is STOP the pork. I don't care what party you are from. I am sick of politicians blame each other. If they would take that time to work with each other they might be surprised what gets done. This is just the beginning of a huge mess. What was it 50 Mil for the arts? Are you kidding me? When people are standing in food lines that never thought they would be there? I am a independent and vote not for a party but for who I think would do the best job. I am beginning to think it does not matter what party it is they are all clueless.

Larry,

When a president, CEO, CFO, or the like are put in front of the public and says something needs to be done. Many of the public believe that they are not responsible for themselves.

I can't wait for a President to look good by taking money out of the checking account that is empty to help me. You more than most know that many companies fail because of poor financial decisions and why should the government (tax payer) become responsible.

Then consider that perhaps all of the money leaving America to help(?) other countries be held here and used instead of a stimulus package. Drastic right, well that is what all in DC say we need, "to take drastic steps right?"

5.5 Billion to Acorn?...Whew....

John,
Bupkiss is actually a yiddish word, ask Ben. Ben Stein is the only Republican Jew I know, I think he has forgotton where he comes from. If aint broke dont fix it, it's broke.

Has anyone discussed tax breaks for corporations that would be given if they agreed not to lay off their workforce.... this will increase productivity and increase ameican confidence

Exactly what amount of the $800+ billion will flow into the economy within 3 months? Within 6 months? Within 12 months?

good that 11 democrats had guts to stand up and say it is not going to work with all the pork hiding there. If a news organization with all the resources they have can't find all the pork, how do you expect an average american with all the days' work to find it.

How is it that not a single Republican voted for the stimulus today??

You could poll an equal number of Republican voters off the street and not get all to agree or disagree on any one issue. NO WAY!

A slap in the face to our new president and just another reason why politician's approval ratings are so low. Just more political BS as usual!

John K; am sorry.but as a registered INDEPENDENT"; I think the BIGGEST problem right now is Nancy Palocey and Harry Reid. They do too much showboating and will cause President Obama the BIGGEST heartache among his own party. I do not TRUST the House Leadership!

I would like to know why the democrats shot down the republicans tax break for the middle and lower class? The republicans wanted to lower the percentage of how much tax someone pays in the lower two tax brackets. They wanted to lower the 10% to 5% and the 15% to 10%. I would think that if we paid less taxes out of our paychecks we would have more money to spend?

I think Obama is a very very smart man. He put things in this stimulus package knowing that some of it will be revised and/or removed, in the end, when this package is reviewed by the Senate he will get what he wants. He is playing with the republicans. Watch and see what happens next week this time. This man is not the President b/c he is stupid. Give him a chance at lease. It has only been a week.

When all the stimulus packages are completed, what will be the effect on the value of our dollar?

I think this will work because it will snowball from on place to another. I think republicans just love to give the Rich tax cuts, What about Me Ben Stein?What am I chopped liver?

Does the Rublican Party not understand that tax cuts is not the solution They tried that, they lost tewo million jobs and left the U, S. wi the greatest debt in history.

THIS "WE WON" BS MUST STOP!!!!!!! IF YOU TRULY WANT CHANGE THEN MAKE CHANGES – DON'T CONTINUE THE SAME OLD SAME OLD JUST BECAUSE THERE WAS AN HISTORIC ELECTION!!!!! i WISH THE NEW PRESIDENT WELL AS WE SHOULD ANY NEW PRESIDENT AND THIS IS INDEED AN HISTORIC EVENT AND WE SHOULD ALL BE PROUD BUT COME ON "WE WON" OVER AND OVER – GIVE ME A BREAK PAUL BEGALA!!!!!!!

My 3 partners and I are trying to borrow on a construction project. We HAD 15 million in net worth and the bank was willing to lend us $12 million. Now our net worth is $10 million and they say we need marketable securities worth $12 million for them to loan to us $12 million. We have 25 years each experience in the self storage business. They will not consider land we own as part or our net worth. The bank is Wells Fargo which received $25 billion in fed money. This is just silly.

hello, im watching the show now and i am a small business owner and i am very concerned about keeping my business afloat in these times. we are a small family business that was started in 1972. we need to find a way for the banks to start freeing up more money to help cover A/R and various other aspects of running a business. it is taking far to long for the banks to loosen the loan strings. what can we do

John King, why did you not hold Barney Frank accountable for his part in the Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae debacle? You let him ramble and spin and make it appear that he was an instrument of change. Each politician should have to come clean about their ties and alliances. Who is going to step up to the plate and do this and not let these politicians spin. What Barney Frank just said did on the show was classic spin and frankly is disgusting.

Hi John,

The core of our fanancial crisis stems from our mortgage crisis and these bad debts, what i want to know is why are we not using this large sum of stimulas to pay off these bad debts?

It seems to me like we have been throwing money around the problem, and it also seems like the government simply doesnt want to help out the average person.

I would like the Republicans to tell us in specfic ways the things that should be eliminated from the budget as it stands. If task breaks were to work, why are we at this BAD situation?

Please! Doesn't Congresswoman Blackburn realize that their way did not work? How does she think that tax cuts will stimulate the economy? Don't we have to have jobs first in order to pay taxes in the first place?

I support the plan but would like to remind the Republicans that are insisting more cuts for small business (and large) that if we give money to the little guy the demand will be there to ensure that teh companies have someopne to serve. A balanced system will work.

I think the banks which get money from the Stimulus plan should have a REQUIREMENT that they only get the money if a percentage is available for loans to consumers/businesses (and it should be a hefty percentage).

What happened to Obama's plan to provide funds for the medical industry to go paperless?

What about the theft being perpetrated on consumers by credit card companies like Amex, Chase, and Citibank? They take the taxpayers bailout money then turn around and double the interest rates on their cardholders and/or slash their credit limits, thus driving down consumers FICO scores. This is being done by all the banks but why is no one reporting on it?

Michael, you are a smart republican. Thank you.

And to Miss ignorant gail that thinks the stimulus plan is meant to help welfare people, you have just demostrated how inept your thinking is and how uninformed you are. That you've been a store cashier for 27 years does not permit you to be myopic in your thought and think a stimulus plan is meant for welfare recipients alone. Your job is on the chop block and you'll be without your meagre savings when the unemployment wave hits you. Educate yourself and your mind. Sad to know you're still mentally stagnant after being a menial labourer for 27 years.

I don't understand what's so difficult when it comes to a bill that both parties can agree to. I would like to know why a bill can't be crafted that takes 50% of the 819B and do what the dems think will work and 50% of the 819B and what the reps think will work? It's amazing to me. It's not rocket science if people would just put their egos to the side we could get something done is America.

what about all the people that are not aplying for unemployment....they are not being counted...contractors...

or people working one day a week

they have no way of judging it....

How about we get some small business owners in the white house to show Washington how to keep a balance sheet. You can't run in the red all the time and keep spending like there's no tomorrow. Sooner or later the bill comes due and "we the people" are going to be stuck paying this one for awhile.

I don't understand it, bailing out the banks. They are spending money like crazy and we continue to help them. The banks have no interest is helping us. I can not negoiate rates with either BofA or Chase. In fact Chase just raise their rate to 22%.

Where do you think all this money is coming from?

Northport, NY

The Reublicans have proven they are not 'conservative' but blatantly regressive and don't know the meaning of negotiaton or compromise. Clearly they care more about their party and power than the best interests of the United States

WAIT A MINUTE...Are all the Republicans who voted as a "block" against the stimulus bill voted on behalf of the 'block" of Republican citizens who are daily loosing or are now out of their jobs???

What about Jon Stewart's "trickle up" suggestion that stimulus money should be given to people in need SPECIFICALLY to pay off their credit card debt–the banks would get $$ and the people would get out of debt? It's a win-win!

Barack Obama is trying hard to encourage government spending and to drastically change fiscal policy. We need to repeal the tax cuts for the wealthiest, -Bush tax cuts, and we need to distribute the left over $350B to the people to pay off their debts so that they are debt free, and the banks have no excuse to refuse to lend anymore. What actual percentage of the Funds will be spent, not just for "stimulation" but spent overall in the first 2 years? we all know that spending is stimulation, not spending in only certain industries.

Whose mess is this? Just about two months ago, the Republican administration and its congressional leaders demanded in a 3-page memo “immediate” “swift passage” of their $700 Billion bailout package “without strings” “within a week” and threatened economic collapse if passage was delayed or denied. Now, suddenly, when most economists, etc., agree that a second equally large stimulus package – this time containing specific oversight and regulations – is essential, those same Republican leaders are “against” excessive expenditures! How stupid do they think we are? Have they forgotten so soon? When will they remember its their mess and stop being obstructionists?

The Republicans had 8 years of putting "Business" ahead of the "people"...assuming that business creates the jobs for the people...Obviously business acted like kids in the candy shop having a republican government...now we'll try putting the"people" first & see how that works out...business has to pay some price for thier selfish behavior...remind Stein that the banks had 8 years to do the right thing-so lets cut the crap & start digging ditches!
It is time for bold changes...why not...the statis quo hasn't worked.

YES I DO....AND WHOLEHEARTEDLY TOO. THOSE CHEEKY REPUBLICANS HAVE OPTIONS NOW.. THEY SEEM TO FORGET SO QUICKLY HOW WE GOT INTO THIS STINKY MESS ANYWAYS. THEY NEED TO BURY THEIR HEADS IN SHAME.

At the risk of being bashed up on the blog for asking this: I wish to know
will the jobs created thru the stimulus bill help people on H1 Visas? Is even worth trying to look for a job for people on work permit visas?

I support the stimulus package. I would rather see my tax dollars stay in the US and support domestic programs than see one cent of my tax dollars go this futile military effort overseas. Stop spending billions of dollars destroying the middle east and focus on our domestic issues.

Why doesn't congress drag the bank CEO's back in and give an accounting of how they're spending the TARP money!

Mark bush
Stuart, FL

I like Ben Steins' idea of using the stimulus package by giving each American $200,000.00. Think of the spending that would occur immediately. Has anyone researched this option to see what the long term effect would be? worth exploring

Ben Stein has a totally blank miond when it comes to economics. The Republicans and Bush administration had 8 years to make the system work but their system of feeding tax breaks to small adn large businesses failed. It is now the term of the other side.

yes I do support it and support the change in government and after seeing the republican voted 100% NO.. I am fully commented to making sure it's the end of the republicans for many years to come. People voted them in.. people can pull together and vote them out.

they voted no on The American people. Vote NO on them and start telling them today and remind them everyday until their next election they are getting a pink slip.

Republicans say they're concerned about burdening future generations with debt.
Did they forgot it was the young, future generations that voted Barack Obama into office.
I am 24, I support the plan, I support the president, and I do not trust middle aged conservatives who believe they know what is best for my generation and my children.

The President has said that if there is a good idea to fix this problem, then folks should bring it forth. It is encumbent of the Republican to rise to the moment. BTW, I have never seen Jhon Beohner more "worked" than he looked today during the interview. It is good to see him breaking a sweat for a change.

If creatring jobs is the main goal and it takes 2 years to get half of the spending money into the economy I do not see how this will help

Why don't president Obama get money back from banks , or at least require them to tell what they did with the money?
Alabama;

I read today that ACORN will receive a substantial part of the stimulus package even though they were accused of bad practices. How much of the stimulus package will trickle down to ACORN?

Why do we have to listen to these Republican lawmakers moaning about how '...they think there's a better way...' than voting for Obama's bailout package? Who do they think was driving the car when we ran into the brick wall? These people have zero credibility with me and are driving without a license, or didn't they notice the last election results? Obama bent over backwards to accommodate both sides of the Aisle and yet these cowards still voted along party lines on both sides. Do we have to throw out the Democrats, too?

Here we go again. Business as usual. The republicans have been running this show for 8 years and look at the mess we are in. Their ideas have not worked, but they continue singing the same old trickle down and tax cut song. They can not even support this President who made some of the concessions they asked for. They are a bunch of thugs and this country deserves better. Shame on them!

What the heck is Ben Stein talking about saying that companies are laying off because they can't fund their payrolls, etc???
ALL the companies that I see laying off are doing so because they
can't sell their products because people have either lost their jobs
or are afriad they WILL lose their job. I have cut back for the same
reason. WHY don't they see that if this money were spent to ASSURE
AMERICANS that they will have their income EVEN IF they get laid off,
there would be a sense of relief and people would loosen the purse strings until companies find their footing again. SPEND YOUR TIME
CASTRATING THE IDIOTS ON WALL STREET THAT CAUSED THIS!
WHY WON'T SOMEONE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THESE PIECES OF
CRAP THAT COMPANIES THAT OUTSOURCE OUR JOBS JUST TO
MAKE THEMSELVES RICH???

What if no amount of money will return our economy to previous levels? Perhaps this previous level was unsustainable considering that 2/3 of the US GDP is based upon consumer spending. Instead of throwing money at the problem with hopes of returning to the boom times of the past, perhaps we should recognize our own greed and irresponsibility in creating the current economic crisis, and take a new approach of living within our means. This could (and should) start with our government who delusionally still thinks we can wind back the clock and continue on the same path as before.

You mean to tell me that each and every Republican in the house did not think the bill should pass? Come on now. Stop playing politics and fix this mess. The same message applies to Democrats, you played your part as well.

Jean, PLEASE, in the simplest of terms tell me how I know if a home refinance is worth the trouble and won't cost me nearly the same over the long run?

why can't they take part of the bailout and offer first time home buyers a 20% down payment on new homes that would create more jobs and correct the housing market and we would benefit from our own tax dollars

How on earth are we supposed to think that a hastily drafted bill that represents just way more of the same is going to fix the economic crisis? Do we just operate on the theory that sooner or later even a blind squirrel finds a nut? What we need is starting from scratch and working out a plan that might actually address our problems rather than simply adding spending on pet projects and cutting taxes in pet areas. We were promised change and yet get only more of the same. Watching the debates over the last few days, it was clear that most of our fearless leaders haven't even read the bill. Rep Obey and Nancy Pelosi shut down any constructive commentary. These people need to stop grandstanding and get to work–or at least shut up and let their more educated staffers get to work.

How will giving money that I earned being given to people who didn't earn it help the economy? Will the government also be in control of how those people spend it or can those people just do with it what they want? What if they want to invest it and then they also become "rich"? I am absolutely appalled that the democrats and our new president are actually going through with the socialization of the greatest country ever.

I find it interesting that no republican house members voted for the Stimulus package. Does that mean that their constituents are not losing their jobs or not affected by what is happening?

Is it possible to have only democrats in the house and congress after the mid term election?

We don't know where the MONEY is goint to:

We don't know where it's COMING from!

Northport, NY

It is unconscionable that congress was able to pass an 800 plus billion spending package with virtually no opportunity to evaluate the details of the plan. No tax payer should feel good about our government if they can be so cavalier about spending this enormous sum of money.

I have heard of spending political capital – but some level of prudence and due diligence could save tax payers hundreds of billions of dollars.

Ben Stein wants us to give banks more money so they can pay bonuses and buy corporate jets??? give me a break!

The republicans had enough time to get this economy going and blew their chance....give the dems a chance! At least Obama is willing to go out on a limb and try something different.

Out of the 819 billion , how much will the average american be getting?

It sickens me to no end, to sit here and watching these republicans and democrats blame each other for the problems we are having.
Now they want to spend 900 Billion $ of our money to cover up the mistakes they made.
To spend billions one the own pet projects is nothing more than continuing the same old stuff.
Then to tell me you don’t know where this money is going to go is unacceptable.

Will someone tell Mr. Stein that as a leader it's part of your job to exude confidence. I sure in the heck don't want the leader of the free world up there hemming and hawing about what might work.

If you own stock in a bank that the govt. nationalizes, what happens to your stock?

Thank you,
JB

Ben Stein- Bravo!

I agree with you 100%. I am an independent who almost always votes Democrat, but I have to side with the Republicans and Conservative Democrats on this one.

You are the only person who has actually proposed an approach that makes sense. Why not guarantee loans to these businesses so that they can keep their workers? Why all of this lack of oversight and analysis? This bill and the last one is wasteful, ridiculous, and dangerous. The government is playing with people's lives. It's easy for them-they all still have THEIR jobs.

How can a stimulus package of this magnitude not devalue/debase the american dollar?

The more the gov gets involved, the worst it gets!

Oh, so ps YES I SUPPORT it.

Question:

Why can't the federal government simply ask each mortgage lender/institution to slash the interest note by at least 2% to 3% for homeowners who are paying their mortgage every month on time. Example: If you have an interest rate of 6% your new rate will be at 3%. These savings would be huge for the average family on a monthly basis and therefore create a positive windfall for all homeowners to save and spend....

Thanks,

Lendy

Will recovery.gov keep track of how CITI is taking advantage of their "bailout" given by the taxpayers? How is it possible that my CITI VISA APR went from 6.99% to 14.99% just this week even with a 750+ credit score and an implacable payment record?

We need to shine some SUN into this......

Ben Stein is on the money with the need for humility, but to sell the stimulus package to the public Obama needs to exude confidence, otherwise his plan will be so watered down that it will be even worse than Bush's plan. CNN keep having a fair and balanced discussion, so we, the public, can have a rational discussion about the stimulus.

Why......?????? why even ask republicans what they think. Didnt they put us in this situation we're in right now. The only thing we hear from the last stimulus package is CEOs buying new Jets, CEOs getting raises. What people dont understand is what is going to happen when you dont have any more air to breathe, lets not wait till that day and do something about it.........

A question for Mr. Stein: Isn't a fact that banks aren't loaning money because they see people losing their jobs and consumers cutting back on spending isn't conducive to them getting their money back. Jobs so people can spend seem to be a better approach. Plus, don't borrowing from the general public also help banks and the economy? Youi won't borrow if you worried about losing your job.

am actually a student and can't get a job this days so i believe in Obama and his plane would work

John, have you or your guests read the bill. If so, can't you point to specific areas that are in question instead of making broad statements? Why do I care what Paul & Ben think? What about the execs that were at Obama's meeting? what about economists? what about getting ideas from someone who knows something rather than policitcal strategists.

I don't understand why we just don't rebuild or reopened our factories so our people can get back to work making items for us instead of China making it. I just bought my dog 11 new toys and ALL 11 of them were made in China. I also just received a 1000.00 picture frame made by a high-end designer..also made in China. Do we make anything anymore..We need to reooen our businesses..

I don't understand how increasing consumer credit will help – Americans are holding on to what they have, afraid to extend their budgets. It seems the simple fix that EVERYONE is missing is taking this trillion dollars (or half that amount) and sending large stimulus checks to households....up to $25K dollars – to use to catch up on mortgage payments, put a down payment on a house, buy a car, do home improvement projects, take a vacation – all direct ways to put dollars back into the marketplace, which would increase demand for products, save jobs, help to solve the mortgage/housing crisis. Additionally, we would all know exactly where the money was spent – in stimulus checks to consumers.

I find it disconcerting that the Republicans have such short memories, i. e. they have forgotten that this fall-out was created under the BUSH ADMINISTRATION!!! How absurd!!

Why are we trying to fix everything with money? – We always had enough supply of that! Why aren't we fixing processes? – For instance, if somebody loses a job, why can that person not refinance a loan with the same bank for a better rate? That person has to make payments with the bank anyhow; so why in the world would a bank not be interested in keeping that customer and offering a better rate? – Disqualifying applicants for refinances because they lost jobs is simply failing economy no matter how much money you throw at it!

Where is the green money in the hands of the middle class?
Billiions being spent for what?
How can one spend and live without money or a job?
The stimulis plan is a mile long with nothing for the average person.
All this money talk and we are all broke.
The people need to stand up.
We want our tax money back.
HELP!
People cannot live like this. The Country is a mess and there is no plan. Too many cooks spoil the broth.
Dems or Repubs...all failures.

Yes I totally agree, the americans are the ones that are going to be paying back this money, it only makes sense that we (americans) have the opportunity to stimulate the economy. Actually, I made this exact comment about a month ago on another popular TV Blog. This concept needs to voiced LOUD and CLEAR.

DonMatheny, tax cuts don't cause debt. SPENDING – and more specifically – OVERSPENDING – causes debt. When was the last time you incurred debt when somebody put money in your hands? Never.

Deregulation did not work, maybe for some. 750 Billion Dollar Bailout is a disgrace. Trickle Down did not work, maybe for few. So I got two words for Washington, TRICKLE UP !!!

Why is Ben Stein so negative? What data does he have to support his negativity? He needs to go dig ditches himself because he is very uninformed about the stimulus plan.

Hi

Why cant the American people inject their own money into the fed .We can bring any liquid cash we have to the fed (and here is the good part) The fed allows us fractional reserve lending priveleges that are only allowed to the banks or at bare minimum allows us to borrow money at .25% interest and we could just bypass the banks altogether (they are the ones that got us into this mess in the first place)giving the american people cash at lowest interest rates that we have ever seen.We would then inject so muck needed cash into the economy because loans would be realistic.not 20-29%

If you receive money from banks to support your political career you will be against it.If not you will be all for it

i support the pakage but i have one question. Why do we call this asset "troubled assets". its not an asset if its troubled its a liabilty!! can Ben or someone answer that please!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you Ben for finally saying what I have been screaming over the last months to my congressman, senators, or anyone who will listen. I am in manufacturing & what you stated is exactly what is happening to us. We have been cut off by our bank & are being forced to go with a factor in order to remain viable. The banks hold too much power & they are the ones who need to be cut off.

As a republican, I am very disappointed in what has happened today. I see that the republican party is not about working for the people but destroying Mr. Obama.

And please tell Ben Stein to shut up! If he knew as much as he thought he did, perhaps he could have kept Nixon out of Watergate. Just SHUT UP!!!

Why are you all not focusing on the fact that this republican faction is not interested in the hope of the nation.

I do not support the stimulus package. My sugguestion to increase taxes to the corporations’ that support outsourcing jobs overseas. .. BRING THOSE JOBS BACK ... I see it everyday working with a very large telecommunication company

Money will become obsolete in the future!

Northport, NY

What does it mean to have 1 trillion dollars of debt? How does that affect inflation, and future credit valuations of our national credit worthiness

what does Ben Stein mean by "get the banks rolling again?" What would he do? Why bash Pres. Obama who is trying to do something to jumpstart our declining economy. Even if he spends 1 Trillion a yea, Which i am certain he will not do, it would still be less than the George Bush spending nightmare~!

Tax cuts for business is the only way to go...and smoking does not cause cancer.

Giving to the banks is just more of the same

Sorry for the rush and misspellings in earlier blog messages but I feel that the current atmosphere in the Congress is still divided and it seems like business as usual for Republicans from Day one. It is not Barney Frank nor the Senate or House – it is the lack of real thoughe of what has happened over the past 8 years.

Will houses facing forcloser be part of the stimulus package?

instead of just giving the money to these banks, there shld be a stipulation that no money is given unless a portion of it is given directly to the public in loans, for example car loans, mortgages, etc. and also the executives for each of the financial institutions that were with these companies when this all started and are still there shld be let go without any golden parachuttes, the normal american worker continues to loose their jobs because of these hot shots, while these hot shots get to keep their jobs and their millions.

I support programs like preventing STDs and other initiatives in the stimulus, but why doesn't the legislation also include funds for job skills training through Title II of the Workforce Investment Act? Its great to create jobs, but almost half of the 2.6 million who lost their jobs this past year are low-skilled workers who have trouble with basic reading, writing, math and technology. Why isn't Congress also focusing on basic job skills training so that when jobs get created, American workers can actually do the job?

David C. Harvey
President/CEO
Proliteracy
Syracuse, NY

Absolutely I support it. I am all for health and education programs.Do you think the reason the Republicans did not support the Stimulus Package is because they want to see President Obama fail.?It seems to me that they are sore losers and will refuse to support anything he puts before them.

I recently learned that we have a 17 trillion dollar trade deficit. Even if this stimulus package works, our GDP is 5 trillion(?), which is only enough to pay the interest on all the loans. Does this mean the countries that we owe this money to can sue us or foreclose us.

Why is it that the Republicans think they have the answer to this problem when they're the ones who created it?

I think they want us to forget who got us in this mess. President Obama's administration has the task of cleaning up what they've messed up.

Rolling back taxes doesn't help people who dont' have a check at all. Furthermore, they don't understand our struggle because they haven't ever lived the lives that we do as working class Americans. President Obama came from the bottom up. He has an understanding from the grass roots level how and what we need to create jobs.

John you say the job losses this week come on Obama's watch yet it was Bush's economy for 8 long years. The Republicans made a mess of things now have the nerve to vote against Obama's plan?
My question is this, if the Republicans know how to resolve this crisis why is the Country in such a mess? Obama is cleaning up after Bush yet Republicans are quick to say his plan won't work.

For Mr Stein

Who are these banks going to be lending to? There is massive unemployment, people aren't able to buy homes if their job is in any kind of jeopardy and the banks tell us we don't qualify under tighter quidelines?
The banks certainly wont be willing to open their arms and lend to small business when no one has money to spend.
One of these days republicans will GET IT. Their methodology doesn't work if you aren;t in the top 1%
Thank god for guys like Barney Frank who don't take rhetoric from republicans just trying to save their jobs

What concerns me is we are in a crisis here, created from the previous administration but yet questions abound as to whether or not the stimulus package is a good one. Let;s not forget who got us into this crisis to begin with. We need to get our economy back on track yet the pundits are making it look like "there go those democrats again – finding ways to spend money on programs we don't need." Very frustrating to say the least.

What does Ben Stein mean by “get the banks rolling again?” What would he do? Why bash Pres. Obama who is trying to do something to jumpstart our declining economy. Even if he spends 1 Trillion a yea, Which i am certain he will not do, it would still be less than the George Bush spending nightmare~!

Stoomzee.com, I disagree with you that the US will not go Bankrupt. This $819 billion need to be used to create jobs, by creating alternative energy, fuel efficient cars, new energy grid, lay broadband cables for cities that don't it yet, which will create many job and generate revenue, this will all help create job. We are in a new age, we need to look ahead into the future and change America for the better.

If the money is watched and used right, I believe this can be a good thing. I would like to know exactly where the money is going.

Yes on the stimulus package! I'm thoroughy disgusted with the Republicans. They had full control of the government for 8 years under President Bush and their philosophy did not work. We went broke under their watch. I do agree with one blogger about why can't bills be more simple? Deal with one issue at a time, allocate a specific amount of money for that bill and move on to the next issue. Break it down! I want the Republicans to put their breakdown of an economic stimulus package on the web for us all to see. My biggest concern is oversight on how the money is being spent and bank regulations. The Republicans just appear to be sore losers getting back at the Democratics for winning election. They're acting like immature kids on a playground at the expense of the American taxpayer. Republicans don't seem to care whether the average working American lives, dies, eats, or goes hungry. They seem to be the most insensitive group of people on the planet. They only believe in money and getting it their way. Republicans are suppose to be working for all Americans too! If not, they need to go. As for reading the stimulus package, put it on the web and let Americans read it. Give those Congressmen and Congresswomen 10 pages each and let them read different sections, then they can discuss their portion, come together as a whole and make informed decisions. We don't need any pork just money to help people who are unemployed, losing their homes, no healthcare, kids dropping out of school etc.. Get rid of corrupt politicians. I want to see some bipartisan work in Washington and support for our new President.

more political finger pointing....350B was given, GIVEN as in CORPORATE WELFARE...NO questions, NO guidelines, NO results...the very same thing happened today, in my opinion....467 pages of PORK, who representing US even bothered to read it, & furthermore do they understand what they voted for? It appears to me, that much of what is in this bill, undermines budgetary proceedures & every pig at the trough put in a measure of PORK for their constituency...this bill was NOT bi-partisan, was NOT thought out, was NOT read, was NOT questioned & in my opinion probably won't WORK providing immediate jobs or relief to those most in need, who in all likelyhood will get to pay for yet another MESS.....where is this change, hope & transparency....& please can we stop with the guests who opinion, spin & can't give facts or answer a question directly...ie Paul Begalia....

Larry, I can’t believe that the Stimulus package passed without one Republican Yes vote. I guess their districts are not impacted by this recession. We should make one change to the stimulus that will guarantee an accurate count of who supports the Stimulus package or not.

Can we add that districts of Representatives who voted NO to the Stimulus package will not receive any monies or tax cuts in the package?

Than let’s try it again!!!

SSDD
Jim Torres
Somerset, NJ

The best things in Life are Free!

Northport, NY

Doesn't anyone remember history class?? The Great Depression wasn't solved by FDR's government work programs it took WWII to do the job. Isnt anyone concerned about inflation? You cant keep printing money and not feel the effects of inflation eventually. We need to get back to a era of fiscal responsibility.

Like most, I am all for "informing the people". However, with all the doom and gloom we hear about the economy, how much of a negative effect is this having in getting us back on the right track? Speaking for myself, I am hoarding every cent I can and not spending anything based upon the news I hear every day!

How much of this stimulus plan will address the crisis affecting emergency care in this country? ERs are closing down and patient volume continues to grow. When will emergency patients get a break?

We already did this once. The New Deal. People worked. Got paid. Built things that are still in use today. Fed their families. With our infrastructure falling apart in front of our eyes, isn't this a no-brainer?

HELLO!
When will the news media begin to show respect for our President. Tonight I heard many times President Bush or former President Bush, but when speaking of the President, the media is saying Obama.

I have heard a lot from politicians about what they think this stimulus package will do for the economy, but what do economists think needs to be done to stimulate the economy?

Second question, what is the Economic Team doing, shouldn't they be the ones that craft the bill? Take the reps and dems out of it, we are at a point now where we need economist to come up with something based their expertise that we know will work for sure.

Do I approve of WHAT???!!

I can't even wrap my head around that figure. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Seriously, are these the most brilliant minds in our country making these decisions?

PLEASE...someone stop the gibberish!!
We need a NATIONAL vote.....
does anyone out there understand what the -- is going on .... with our money and our leaders?
All I know is that I, and everyone I know is confused, baffled and just plain scared of the next shoe to drop.

Larry King, it's ashame that that republicans has no human feelings nor any regard for sufferings of the ordinary citizens and the poor. If the stimulus package is for the wealthy and the bank where more republicans do businesses and make money for themselves, they would have voted for the stimulus package like they did during Bush administration.
Our schools are falling apart, bridges are in shamble, infrastructral and roads are very bad. Unemployment has lead so many kids into crimes as an easy way for survival, and the republicans still living in their bubbles of riches cannot see all these. Why not spend the money on something that would serve us and our kids and create jobs for the jobless.

Since most renowed economists have concluded that no one actually what will work. I expect the president to be up front and tell the American people that he will applying trial and error method to see what works and what dont

Obama's "Recovery.gov" currently states to "check back after the passage of the American Recovery and Investment Act to see how and where your tax dollares are spent." If this administration is claiming to be so upfront with us, why can't they show us NOW exactly what is being proposed? If the American people truly saw the nitty gritty of this stimulus, they would be outraged at how this money will be spent.

Mr. King, we have a president that has been in office for 7 days. The former president spent 350 billion with no clue on where the money went and yet the Republicans are voting against this bill as if they have all the answers. Where was the outrage on the 10 billion a month on spent on wmd's. If you are a republican, shut up!! You have created a mess and you have the audacity to say what will and wont work to clean up the mess. There are more broke and unemployed americans that will not sit back and talk about tax cuts and free market come the 2010 elections at this rate lets through all the republicans out of office.

CNN needs to ask the serious questions and stop being a media channel for the democratic party. How does anyone call 1 Billion for Amtrak, 50 Million for the National Endowment for the Arts, and 20 million for Food Stamps a 'jobs creating' and 'economy stimulating' package. Pure utter nonsense – Come on CNN, time to finally report the facts !!

HOW WILL THE 819 BILLION PLAN AFFECT FOREIGN CURRENCY?

Why all of a sudden are Republicans and Ben Stein so concerned about spending. Where were their concerns about spending when we are spending billions on the war in Iraq? Lastly, I would like to see some regulations and oversight into Banking Institutions that set enormous car loan payments to individuals with fair credit scores, I think this also affect the monies that banks lose because of default on car loans or when a car buyer's income changes because of job loss or other unforseen circumstances..

I agree with Michael above – he is a Republican, I am a Democrat but I feel we can at least talk and recall who adn how the large debt we haev has occurred over the past 8 years.

WHAT I WANT TO KNOW IS.... WHO GETS THIS CHECK...... I KEEP HEARING THAT ITS FOR 500.00. WHAT AM I SUPPOSE TO DO WITH THAT. IT MAY HELP HERE AND THERE BUT I CANT EVEN AFFORD TO BUY A CAR TO GET BACK AND FORTH TO WORK WHEN THERE IS WORK. IS THIS CHECK GOING TO PEOPLE WHO MAKE MILLIONS OF DOLLARS A YR WHEN SOME OF US CANT EVEN FIND A JOB. I HOPE THAT THE PRESIDENT IS VERY SUCCESSFUL..... I JUST DONT UNDERSTAND HOW THEY CAN GIVE OUT ALL THIS MONEY BUT THERE IS STILL NO JOBS.....

Republican whiners, unreal!! Sure they have all the answers, what a joke, we are in this mess because of Republican leadership. We will get out of it with or without them. This party is disgusting, no backbone whatsoever. Ben Stein wouldnt be whining if MCain were in the White House. Why doesnt he go find out where the money went, do his homework, instead of whine , whine, whine. Their solidarity shows what a pack of big babies they are, still in denial I guess.

What happened to the Social Security Problem? Isn't Social Security just another Medoff/Ponzi scheme?

My question is this: Can the Republican party thwart the President at every turn simply because their Republican and the President is Democrat?

Mr Larry,
i think instead of bailing all the banks and these rich business men,
why don't government bail the poor people , pay all there depth let them start fresh life.That will start the economy back.

I would have not voted for this package
it has more pork barrel then anything else.... no help

The government needs to get serious with the financial institutions and insist that they start using some of the taxpayer's money to start extending credit. They received the money but it benefits only a very few. The financial crisis will never be corrected as long as they keep getting money without any strict directions

I understand that spending of any kind creates growth but how does the current stimulus plan address the long term systemic issues with the US economy? What is the road ahead to a sustainable US economy?

Per IRS before Regan 80 percent of Americans earned 50 percent of all income. Today the percentage is 40 percent or lower.

These are people who pay little or no income tax. But untill they get jobs or greater raises there can be no recovery. Confidence to spend does not exist if there is no money to spend. Giving money or tax cuts to the wealthy 20percent is money down the drain. You cannot create jobs to deal with people who cannot afford your goods or services in the first place.

The Republicans just do not get it. Its Hoover thinking all over again.

Therein lies the reason why the President didn't get one single Republican vote on his recovery act. It was stated, quite frankly, that the President should wait until he has more experience before he attempts to present and/or sign a bill of this magnitude, as the head of the Executive Branch of the U.S. Government. Seems a bit apart from the idea of Checks and Balances.

Obviously with the economy being in a state of paralysis fiscal responsibility needs to take a back seat to jump starting things. However at what point should the govt. start paying back the debt? You may remember during the Clinton administration we were closing in on a balanced budget and their was talk of fixing Social Security and paying down the debt. Why did mainly the conservatives still refuse to start repaying what the massive debt that will be past on to future generations. If not then when?

The Bush Administration had spent billions on the War in Iraq. Over the course of his 8 years, The Arts , Education, Family Planning , The Environment have all deteriorated to a deplorable point. I believe the vast majority of Americans got tired of allowing the Bush Administration to use. our tax dollars to solve other nations problems.Its about time we use OUR money to resolve Our issues, financial, Social and Ecological.
Why should Obama have to concede some very important parts of the Stimulus plan..ie. Family Planning?.

Why does it take a bank over a month to process a loan and it only takes 2 weeks to pass an $825 billion bill? Answer...They do not have to answer to anyone..period

I agree with Michael above – he is a Republican, I am a Democrat but I feel we can at least talk and recall who and how the large debt we have has occurred over the past 8 years.

Ben,

How does giving the stimulus to the banks allow people who have lost their homes because they lost their jobs?? No one will take a chance on giving "me" a loan if i've forclosed on my home. How does your plan for the stimulus package he main street folks like me and millions more??

Bi-partisanship. Yes, Eleven dems joined the republicans in voting against the stimulus bill.

Why didnt the dems work the republicans to draft the bill?

I would agree with Ben Stein that too few people actually read the 600 plus pages.

I also think that there should be an explicit representation with every vote as to whether the rep or senator has actually read a bill before voting. The record should be public in that regard. How's that for transparency.

The bill passed on Wednesday without a single Republican vote.....just like the Social Security Act passed in 1935. That's okay by me. Republicans won't be able to take any part of the credit when the economy begins to recover. They have no constructive ideas, they just say no. They shall be known for evermore as obstructionists!

Our local newspaper The Daily Item, Sunbury, Pa. had a huge article in Sundays paper, listed the banks in our area that received money
from bailout, they were all good banks that didn't need the money
but were happy to get it. The article said all money was sent to good
banks. If this was true why isn't someone telling us?????

The partisian bickering of Marsha Blackburn and Barney Frank tonight illustrates the real problem in our Country. These people just can't put the Country first. I say throw the bums (and all like them) out!

Why are people not talking about the money that this $800 billion plan will save?

First the unemployement that will not be paid out due to more people going back to work. Then the taxes paid by the companies and the people working. So in the long run is it not true that the spending projects we will see about 30% back in taxes received along with the additional savings in not paying the unemployement?

I have been watching cnn news since the capaign and elections. I notice that most people who come on the show refers to President Obama as Mr. Obama including some of the cnn reporters. WHY? I think is time that people realize that Mr. Obama is now President Obama and thats how he should be addressed.

Thanks
LIz
Hampton, Ga

Mr Stein,

During my drive home today I was thinking exactly what I heard Mr Stein say regarding a significant stimulus given directly to U.S. citizens. I'd like to hear more on his thought as I believe the ripple effect would be tremendous. I would recommend there be strings attached requiring folks to pay off thier bills. This frees up family cash, gets money into the banks and other businesses and can help folks keep up with their mortgages.

I think Ben is onto something

Do people realize that this package is an investment in the countries future?As with any investment it will take some time to show "dividends"? At least I feel like the president cares @ those of us who are unemployed>He doesn't want his people to go hungry or become homeless.I feel that he cares.Hey if any one else has a better idea of how to dig the country out of this mess,I'd sure love to here it,I'm sure the president would love to hear it too!!

This is just my thoughts on the stimulus plan of 819 billion dollars

One thought. Make it so citizens have to spend the money that’s given out. Send it out in the form of a Debit card. This will also create new short term positions for those that will have to perfect this plan and also for those that will have to help manage this once put into effect. I am sure there will be a lot of questions and that’s where customer service comes in. More Jobs. Though, if you think about it a lot of us have used debit cards and gift cards, once it’s gone, it’s just gone. I am sure there are a couple of major credit card or banks that would love to take on this challenge and help the government make this as smooth as possible.

The other idea is this. There are roughly 11.1 million American unemployed. Take those 11.1 million and multiply it by 60,000 that equals 666,000,000,000 which equals 666 billion dollars. That then leaves a extra 152 billion left for the government to work with. Then every American would be employed. Ok, so I know that would be heaven. How about one half of the unemployment. Take 5.55 million multiplied by 60,000 equals 333,000,000,000 which equals 333 billion. This would give the government 486 billion left to work with. This would reduce unemployment to half .

Just pay for the employees first years income. The goal is to produce jobs. Do we have to make things so difficult? By the way as I am typing this, I actually heard Ben Stein mention this same concept. It might have been a Hypothetical thought

The second idea would have many challenge and if to many come up, then choose the first idea. It at least would actually guarantee stimulus.

Either way, spend a little more time on this and make sure it meets the goal intended. Don’t make it too difficult. I know there will be steps and measures to make this work but there are many smart people out there. Or just go find Ben. Good Luck….

WHERE IS THE STIMULUS PACKAGE FOR OUR YOUNG COLLEGE STUDENTS trying to pursue an education? The Fed rate is at is all-time low, but students are being charged 6.8% for Federal Stafford Loans. Is the economy riding on the backs of our young students, even before they get out of school.

I believe we need immediate relief put into the stimulus package. We need to get money into people's hands now, not in 18 months. I know there is no quick-fix to this problem, but part of the answer is relief now for working people. We are a huge part of the economy and it's clear that the more people lose their homes and their jobs, the worse the economy is getting. If people had money to pay their mortgages, their car payments and purchase items, the economy would be stimulated. I don't want to lose my house and my small business but I can't wait 18 months for help. My customers are not shopping because they don't have money. Cut the pork out of the stimulus pkg, give that money to the people now.

I'm really disappointed in President Obama. He's doing essentially the same thing that George Bush did, and look what happened- things got worse.

This bill does NOTHING for all of the white collar workers, particularly in the real estate and finance industries. Sorry, but a $500 tax cut doesn't cut it. Ben Stein is right- the government would have been better to write everyone a $200,000 check.

How will the current stimulus help me and the thousands like me who are in their early sixties, out of work, out of savings, with a retirement plan that went south, who cannot live on social security, and need to work in order to survive?

Why doesn't anyone ask what happened to the second half of the first stimulus? This was another $350billion. And now a NEW stimulus package worth $884billion. WhHere is the second half of the first stimulus amount?

How do the Republicans know that the stimulus plan will not work? Is it because they blew it when they had their chance to keep the economy running smoothly? Now they care about deficits and pork barrel spending and transparency. When they were in charge, none of these things seemed to matter much; so here we are. And they have the nerve not to raise one hand to support a man who reached out his hand to their clinched fist? How dare they. By the way, I will be paying attention to the expenditures, and if President Obama is not doing what he said he would do, at least he gives me a way to tell him.
Karen

To me all of this is trust. The institutions of Government and Finance have miserably failed the American people. I dont know what gets more press, criminals or the crimial behavior of Govt. and business.
How in the world do you start trusting all these people??

I and many others are growing so very tired of Republicans versus Democrats. I don't care what side you are on, just work together and help this country!!!!! Think we need to remove this "label" that seems to perpetuate friction.

Is there anything in the stimulus to help small business' who by the way employ 80% of the workforce and probably would stimulate real job growth, with health insurance also.

i simply dont understand the human logic in proposing all this bailout money which puts all huge amounts of debt of our children and ourselves without at least giving the american people a check of "SUBSTANCE " along to go with it. when i say substance i mean at least $25k for singe and $50K for couples. at the least. $500 in tax cuts is not going to change anything. an extra $25 bucks a week for unemployment will not change anything. people need money. money to ride out the store. nothing less.

At 74 I am afraid the Federal Gov't. will next take our Social Security away or do something to peoples retirement. Some of us are helping our children also.

We all agree the economy needs a shot in the arm. Giving a tax credit will not do it. I believe the government should issue some sort of coupon, with a expiration date, valid towards the purchase of an item sold at a retail establishment. It cannot be used for savings. Savings does not stimulate the economy. For example, send me a coupon for $500, $1,000, $2,000 etc, and I would go out tomorrow and purchase that TV I've been wanting since they first came out. I also need a new car. It's a win-win.

Thanks, Bruce

Yes, I support this mega-paged Stimulus Package. I put on my geek hat at 2:20 am and read it.
Reinventing the wheel for $426,000,000 with language (sections 6202 – 6206) to establish secondary market lending, guarantee, refinancing, or increasing small business investment is not the priority.
Putting us to work with jobs is first. Without the contracts, there is no need for borrowing, lending, or increasing investment.
p.s.
We love Barney's "no nonsense" approach.

will this plan will help small businesses, that have had to use credit cards to put merchandise in stores, and then the banks randomly and with no warning raise our interest rates to ridiculous rates that we cant possibly pay off. I have had increases in apr to as much as 29%. how are we ever going to bale ourselves out at that rate.

I was and am a huge supporter of Pres. Obama. But our country and our economy is clearly in dire straits. This week alone nearly 100,000 people lost their jobs. How do we put these people and the millions of others back to work? We need job creation....why doesn't this bill create more jobs in infrastructue? Doesn't this investment need to be bigger?

My husband has an impressive resume, a master and a law degree, a federal clerkship and has not been able to find a job for the last 8 months. How is this stimulus going to help him?

Who in their right mind would guarantee a loan to someone who can't show they are making money? Every business under the sun is losing money. People need to spend so businesses can make money. You can't spend if you don't have a job.

Why can't the govt insist that the the big banks' bailout money be used to stimulate the credit mkt?

Dan, Palm Springs

How many more lost jobs, failed businesses and foreclosed mortgages will we have before this "stimulus package" actually kicks in? So now it appears that we are going to "owe it forward". It makes me sick to think that my children and yet to be born grandchildren are going to be born debtors for this generation's foolishness.

Can you tell me why the Republicans still don't get it, their inability to understand what people wanted is still elusive.
Judi CA

Ben Stein, is telling us we should give money to the banks? How does he know they will give money back to us in the form of loans? We should not give any money to any business entity only to individuals. It is the only truly fair distribution of wealth here. Remember Ben, "did Voo Doo economics work, it did not work." FB Day Off

Who is going to regulate the insurance companys. My insurance is going up 250.00 just because I live in Nevada. I'm 53 and on disability I pay 200.00 a year on 2 cars over 15 years old. I can't afford to buy a new car nor do I see anything in this package to help people like myself.

Dude! Ben Stein is clueless.... He says 'get the banks going again and just see what happens'. What do I need from the bank? Loans of some sort? I don't need any credit cards. I don't need a new car. I need some cash, some better prices, and some job opportunities. Yes, companies can borrow more from the banks if they need to, and maybe that will eventually trickle down to me, but RIGHT NOW I need birth control, groceries, child care, and a doctors appointment. And yes, I do have a job, and I do have a college degree. But times are hard. And we are all behind and/or doing without. Most of these politicians and commentators are clueless and have never had to skip paying a bill or not buy as many groceries. At least Obama understands and is trying. You all should quit being so negative and greedy.

How exactly will this stimulus help the housing market?

Is there any thought on more strict enforcement of citizenship for illegal immigrants in light of the increase in unemployment? Would this have a beneficial effect for putting more legal citizens to work?

I don't understand Ben's idea of providing credits to business.
I understand Ben's reasoning if consumption is expanding.

Ricardo

dear mister stein,

how is it that you can go against this stimulus package while you were for the bail out, and i quote in your article Reflate the Economy – Now! you write "In this situation, the governments that care about their citizens should and must have extremely expansive policies. That would include running very large deficits".

so perhaps you are just showing your party colors when you say "yes", like a lap dog and a sycophant, to a republican and say "how does he know what works?" to your new president.

The current stimulus package is mainly for Democrats to get in programs they have been trying to fund for years. Most of it will not stimulate our economy within the first 18 months. Why do you think it is ok, just because it will be transparent. That still does not make it right. I agree with Ben Stein, you need to get our banks in line first. The $500 or $1000 each family gets won't do anything, as witnessed by the stimulus checks sent out last year.

why can’t they take part of the bailout and offer first time home buyers a 20% down payment on new homes that would create more jobs and correct the housing market and we would benefit from our own tax dollars

I like to see that a re-clip of Barney Frank and the REpublican women fighting or arguing or debating about the regulation act for Fanney May and Freddie Mac, That was good rederic I was pushing my rederic button to the MAX. Thank you Larry King and Paul Begula he is awesome and great man, Funny too with all do respect. All professional. CNN is #1 for my T.V. and Situation Room Screen saver. Thank YOU STAFF. Just curious how does CNN push out money for all of the traveling and access and payroll dept$$$??? Does CNN have it's own bank. How many R.V.'s does CNN own? CNN is better than FOX AND MSNNBC PUT TOGETHER. Best technology and not boring voices. Very attractive t.v. anchor or journalist. Especially Candy Corlie she's da bomb.NICE.. Awesome job. Is CNN going to cut JOBS too. Is CNN hurting with employees. Is CNN affected by this economy?

Ben Stein, you are a smart guy and I agree with much of what you say, but last week, you said on Glenn Beck that we should be printing money. Can you elaborate on that?

We would love to know why the Republicans would only vote for the first stimulus package for the bank bailouts after they put in their pork, and with no oversight as to how the money was spent. Now that they can't put in their pork and there are strings attached this time, they won't vote for it! The Republicans are out-of-touch and just don't get it! That's why they lost the election and the majority!

A win is a win Ed Henry...Obama tried...the house decided to continue acting like children...I guess since they all have jobs & this recession is not effecting them personnally they can play politics-I guess the Party is more important to them than the people.

i don't agree with some of the part of it, theres one thing to remember the american people are the ones who will pay for this in the future. So give more money to them to survive, and spend. The jobs and rest will follow with the people spending money if we. I support Obama, his trying to do his best to fix things. everyone and i mean everyone needs to get on the wagon and help instead of just crying about it. come up with and idea or shut up. thank monte

What does it really mean to have over 1 trillion in natioanl debt?? How does it get paid down? What does it do to inflation in the future? How willl it affect our credit worthiness in international markets?

Please tell Ben that President Obama has said on multiple occasions that he is going to only fund programs "that work" and that he is going to "cut programs that don't work" including long standing programs and those implement by his administration.

If we are truly trying to create jobs, what doesn't the White House state that they will not offer bail out money to companies who have moved jobs overseas. For example American Express is requesting assistance, yet they have moved a considerable amount of their customer service to India.

I agree with Mr. Paul Begala he appears to always be on target with his comments.

Rather than giving the money to banks or corporations, simply set up
a direct lending institution where a loan can be made to businesses or homeowners to refinance their homes. Collect the payback directly along with all the points and interest. Obviously there are enough people just from Citibank alone that you could employ to set this up
rapidly.

This way you have control on whether the money is actually lended
to those who are using it to build businesses or homes, as well as you have access to verify the financials via the IRS records.

I think every US family should get $2000,000.00 each, so they can buy houses, new cars, college funds. There should be restrictions on how the money is spent for and then the economy will boom. For the government to get the money back, raise the gas .35 cents a gallon.

I agree with Ben Stein, give every person $200,000.00 and this will pay their mortgages,bills, etc. This won't happen the government wants their hands around our neck, just tight enough so that we can just breathe. Pelosi, Barny Frank, Chris Dobbs, and a few others got to go. i voted for obama, but i'm sure he will not see another 4 years, not as long as he lets the congress run the White House. This package is a big laugh, the only people that will benefit is the rich. Obama should be ashame of himself giving the poor tax payers $1000.00 credit on their payroll, then we have to pay the income tax. How far will $1000.00 go in this finacal mess. What a joke !!

No more tax cuts!!!!!, my party doesnt get it, it wont work this time, they tried it with the last stimulus and what a waste. Obama is on the right track and will be on the right side of history when this recession breaks.

I am glad we have President Obama, but I still do not think that Capital Hill has a clue what is going on on the ground. Banks are not lending, the beneficiaries of this money are spending it foolishly on bonus money and frills and the same people who created all of this havoc are still running the institutions. There are no controls and we have just wasted a ton of money because congress attaches all of their earmarks to bills instead of just addressing the problem at hand-The Economy

Ben Stein is correct on one point.....my company, a data communications/networking reseller felt the downturn coming WAY before y'all even thought about it. But the day before the inaguration, we started seeing activity again with phone calls, emailed RFQ's and small sales starting on a daily basis again. When our business was good, 55% of our sales came from Europe, but dropped off SEVERELY when the world started to hate us . The world is starting to love us again...and Ben Stein is WRONG about his doubts...things will change WITH the money influx as proposed in the stimulus......the arts employ, infrastructure employs, public health and education employ, I'm a small business AND I DON'T NEED A TAX BREAK....I need families to be able to buy food, be healthy, be happy again and pay their mortgages, and stop feeling the need to rob or shoot their friends and family out of sheer desperation........and go back to work, although work holds many guises and forms..........and I want the environment to be healthy for us all...otherwise your tax breaks and big business are crap anyway.

Why cant' the government make the banks bring the housing prices down to true value acoss the US. This will make the housing truly affordable have bring nomacy to the housing market too.

Terry, you have to wait until after the economic stimulus package is passed for the site to be built. Go to i think whitehouse.gov or barackobama.com or just google it. I think CNN.com even has a link to it on their page.

It's funny that the Republicans has an answer to this problem when they are the problem. Don't be fooled by them telling us that this package doesn't stimulate anything. We need to give the Obama administration a chance. We gave Bush 8 years to make a complete mess.

John King, please address President Obama as just that, not Mr. Obama. This is disrespectful!

Our current economic situation is the result of 29 years of Republican economic policies. Why would anyone listen to anything Republicans have to say regarding creating jobs? Republicans have a demonstrated record of failure in this arena. Republican expertise lies in the field s of shipping jobs overseas and union busting.

for ben stein. does this mean the republicans in the house of representatives can be ignored.

Why is no one talking about the fact that Moody's - an investment firm, not a lefty group - said that the top 2 ways to stimulate the economy are

Food Stamps and Unemployment Insurance

because it puts money into the hands of those who spend it right away?

That's right: Food Stamps and Unemployment Insurance are the top two ways to stimulate the economy. Please address this!

I'm tired of listening to Ben Stein blather on about deficits. Republicans ran up these deficits!

And we SPENT to STIMULATE THE ECONOMY during the NEW DEAL.

Republicans need to stop worrying about leaving huge debts to their children and grand children and think about the children that are being thrown to the streets now because of hardship. Some children have even been killed by their parents who could not bear seeing them suffer because they cannot provide for them after loosing their jobs. Common guys we have huge problems and we need to take bold steps. What republicans need to do is to ensure supervision for the application of funds. We need to guarrantee health for all. We need to stop foreclosure it does not make sense to leave things the way they are now.

My husband and I have a small business that is about to go under–no employees, just us. We have no access to unemployment. If they want to help people, how about changing the rules so that the self-employed can get the same benefits as everyone else?

On confidence and the fix
You simple identify what’s broken be they parts or pieces then you establish a few steps in a plan to repair them. Next you sent out on taking those steps deemed necessary to accomplish the needed repairs which were identified in the plan.

What did Henry Paulson do? Answer : Kill Confidence!

Years ago I called Bush and left a message on his phone number.
I asked him when was China going to take over our country as I would like to be ready and not surprised.
I think Obama is trying the best he can.
It seems to me the Republicans should just keep their mouths shut and vote for our countries welfare. Something they should have done in the first place.
Personally, I would be ashamed to admit I was a Republican these days considering the holy mess we are in.

Why doesn't anyone ask what happened to the second half of the first stimulus package? This was another $350billion. And now a NEW stimulus package worth $884billion. Where is the second half of the first stimulus amount?

I believe the Obama stimulus plan is ill-conceived, just as the Wall Street bailout was. The current plan appears to simply serve as justification to spend tax dollars irresponsibly and pay for politically motivated local spending projects. Simply put it attempts to legitimize wasteful spending.

Some Republicans are very upset with their Representatives flexing their muscle during this CRISIS. As he stated, " Time is of the Essence" and I agree, Get something done, and stop the finger pointing and jocking for position. It is silly and in my opinion if the Republicans had the answers we wouldn't be in the State we are in now, they were in charge over the last 8 years and didn't solve anything give something, something a chance. And, please stop stumping the system. Try something, to do nothing is a waste of all Americans time.

To stimulate the economy why not give home buyers a credit (3 to 7,000) for buying a house in the first 9 months of 2009. The buyer makes no payment to the bank until his credit is used up. The government then reimburses the bank for the credit. It frees up cash for the buyer to use and stimulate the economy instead of waiting until he files tax in 2010. They should have provided a similar credit for buying a car instead of handing over money as a bailout to the automovtive industry.

The Republicans talked about trying their way, their way is what got us in this mess in the first Place. They gave money to the Big banks, and one of them remodeled his office. This new package will allow us unemployed and disabled to finally have a life. So the Republican really need to be cool. they had 8 years to solve this problem. It takes money to rebuild what was destroyed

How is this stimulus money going to aid the foreclosure crisis? We live in a small community in Illinois, around 5000 people, and there have been hundreds of foreclosures just in our small community. My husband and I are hanging on by a thread enduring our second increase on our adjustable arm. My husband lost his job after 10 years with the state government, and has been working multiple part time jobs to try and keep our heads above water. We had to cash in his 401k to help us in the event his supplemental income were receiving from unemployment runs out before he can find another full time job. What is the government doing or planning on doing that is going to help us avoid foreclosure?

We started out with a deficit that Bush created, when he started with a big surplus and the old addage is to make money you have to spend some, get a clue.

Hi,

I'm 40 years old, I’m a single parent with a 3 year old son. I live in Seattle. I've been out of work since October. I'm going to have to go back to school for retaining. I’m a liberal.

My two bits, the president should VETO the $800 million stimulus bill until at least 10% of the Republican in both houses vote for it or it’s gone though the houses three times. I don’t mind. I can wait. I’m not going to starve. My dreams for my son will go up in smoke, but I can wait.

David

I hear all this talk about the stimulus packages that was passed in the House today. Where is my stimulus? Because I have a stable job, make a decent wage and can make my mortgage payments on a house I can afford, I seem to not be getting any help, other than $20 dollars more in my paycheck. I think it is about time that we stop bailing everybody and their brother out and borrowing money that my children and grandchildren are going to have to pay for. For what? We don't even know if all this spending is going to make any difference.

Joe in NY

all the gop that say they have better plan
were they living out of the country the last 8 years
that got us in this problem

It seems that we are still ignoring the fact that we cannot continue to spend money we do not have–whether we are individuals or businesses. I don't think we are going to solve the current financial problems by continuing to do the same things that got us where we are.

Yea John King its not Mr. Obama it is President Obama. Show some respect

What do you think would happen when you do not let any Rep help write this bill. Parts of the spending is okay, but alot is pork. According to the CBO the spending part of the, not the cuts tax, will only get 5% of the money into the economy the first year and only 50% of the money by year 2. I find it hard to believe that the spending will give any help when we need it now.

I am A self employed Contractor I set up Manufactured Homes My question is if you shore up or bail the banks out so they will loan out money Who ARE THEY GOING TO LOAN IT TOOOOOOOOOO NOBODY HAS A JOB HOW DOES THAT STIMULATE THE Economy

Consumers spending is 70 percent of our GDP. I need a job to spend.

ACORN, the liberal organization that President Obama has been
closely affiliated with and that vigorously attempted to falsify election
votes in his favor, is slated to receive millions of stimulus dollars.
How will this help stimulate the economy; won't it just stimulate
the Democrats?

If it's not raining in Texas and your not pee-ing on my boots it must be that your just crying to much.

Had a heart attack and spent a lot on medical costs,
my wife survived a cancer scare and we had a lot of medical costs,
my father allowed us (I'm 49) to take a morgate on his house to pay down our credit cards and medical expenses...and I took a job in Texas to make payments on both morgages in Michigan to survive financially...

...stop crying on my new Texas boots and find a job. There is work out there, just a lot of people who will not move to do the work.

I would like to know why the republican party don't like this stimulus bill?
is it because it did NOT go to big banks so that it can go back in the Big banks pockets. Keep in mind the last bail out was to help Big Companies. Look what happened. AIG and Merle Lynch. Heck give me that money that was spent on a decorative toilet and I can pay my bills.
I think that President is doing a good job. He is thinking of the "little people" NOT the banks. If it goes to the banks. it goes in the bankers pockets. They have not helped with the other bailout.
Go President Obama

Can you get the money loan back from the banks if they don't want to lend it?

How low will mortgage rates go?

Actually, I like Fox News more than CNN, just figur I wud say that becos this is CNN. I am very smart tu.

As i am actively listening to the current debate about the stimulus plan, I feel that we have failed to acknowledge how we got to this point At the conclusion of Pres Clinton's term, the US had a surplus Now eight years later the economy is in total chaos. It is very obvious that the Republican, who had control of the House, Senate and Congress failed to perform as needed. Now, the Republicans are critizing the situation.

So who is in the glass house now. So they, the Republicans, should not be throwing rocks!!!

on of the Sunday talk shows M Rahm Emmanuel said there was $350 billion in military cost overruns annually. Is this true? if so, it could a long way towards offsetting the stimulus spending.

First let me say to all the congress, Stop all the Political BS and start looking for a solution for ALL the people. I have suggested the Government guaranteeing loans through the banks. Obviously the person as to apply and be approved for the loan. I have paid my mortgage for years on time as I have will all my bills. Am I struggling to do so? YES. I'm a retired Police Officer who was forced into retirement after being injured. I don't get pay increases. My wife works and we struggle every month to pay our bills and take care of our children. What does the congress and the Administration play on doing to keep people that pay their bills to keep from going broke? My bank got money from the stimulus package. They are sitting on that money and not helping the average citizen.

2000 congress passes buckrt shops for wall street, grant imunity, all 50 have laws banning practrice, Bank bail out congress recieved over 30 million in donations, another 30 prior to second installment, how much for this package is being offer?. The mob should as bold where is RICO act for congress?.

Give the money to the people. If, instead of giving billions to banks and mortgage companies and car companies, and now giving billions to President Obama's stimulus programs, ......listen.......why not give $100,000 to every person in America.....to be spent in the USA only. Crazy idea?
Listen......people would buy houses, which would help Banks and Mortgage companies. Contractors and the whole housing industry. People would buy cars which would help the car companies and keep the car industry workers employed.
People would travel which would help the travel industry.
If my $100,000 had to be spent in the USA to USA companies, we would totally stimulate the economy RIGHT NOW!!!
Why do we give money to COMPANIES which have failed to be responsible and wise in their dealings.
Why not give WE THE PEOPLE a chance to directly revolutionise the economy. Why not give us a chance. In the stimulus package they say we'll get $500 to $1,000 dollars. That won't help much of anything. Why not give us at least $100,000 and let us change the economy and let us save the banks, the mortgage companies, the car companies and many other businesses that are struggling right now..
Doesn't this make sense?

A while ago, Obama mentioned before the election, maybe it was after – I forget, but he gave an idea, which is to pass a bill that would allow the people with 401K's to be able to take out up to $10,000 without any tax penalty whatsoever. Why would that be a bad thing?

I love how everyone sounds so amazed how the first $700 billion + got by without ANY scrutiny or accountability and now we're supposed to believe the next chunk will be supervised. What a joke. What? You guys FORGOT to oversee the sharks the first time around and now you make it Democrat vs. Republican. Porkbarrel unmitigated greed and politics as usual. So much for our new national attitude. The rich get richer and the poor get poorer. Nothing new there.

AB- I feel you. This so called "stimulus" does nothing for the thousands of highly educated workers who lost their jobs. It only potentially provides jobs for workers with particular skills or blue collar workers, which is fine for them, but what about the millions of people in other sectors?

John & Panel......This stimulus package was written by all SECURELY EMPLOYED people! Who has asked the common working American out here actually IN the bad economy what we need in our communities?

I guarantee if citizens were on a panel to suggest what-n-where, you'd see a lot more items of QUALITY and a lot less in QUANTITY ($$$).

They should just cut every household a $250,000 check.....and let us bail ourselves out. They didn't hassle this much over AIG's massive waste of a bail-out.....but yet they insult the working middle class like this.

Why should any of us pay taxes with the consideration we are NOT getting......let AIG pay them.

Ben Stein repeats the same old "corporate line": Stimulate the economy by giving big corporations (especially major banks and financial institutions) "handouts" which supposedly provide the cash which big corporations need to meet payrolls and buy raw materials, etc. EXCEPT that most (if not all) of the layoffs arethe result of lack of consumer spending (purchasing power, we used to call it) - that's why all those cars (and every other product you can think of) aren't selling. If these products were being sold, the corporations would have the capital to meet payroll and in general resupply the "economy" with the money it needs to move all the other facets (like food purchases, restaurant businesses, new cars, appliances et al.)

The US Postal Service is the Third Largest Employer in the Country.

Let them deliver the mail once a week (Wednesdays) and utilize their time in more productive ways.

We need to become more productive with our work force –

We should be using this Stimulas Money to build annexes onto Post Offices accross the country and beging to utilizing this massive work force by producing (mfg/computer research, etc.)

Northport, NY

since all of this money is flowing, Why dont they give every person over 18, 200,000 dollars................ the govt would get a third of that right back and folks will be buying immediately

More people are going into cash positions in their retirement accounts. Do you think it would be of benefit as an economic stimulus to allow withdrawal of this cash with minimal or no taxation if the money is spent on real estate, automobiles, etc.?

I am all for funding health prevention programs in the stimulus, but how about putting some money in job skills training? More than half of those who have lost their jobs this past year are low-skilled workers. The stimulus helps create jobs, but how about training workers through job skills and literacy programs so they can actually do the job once it gets created?

What about us? Months without a job, hi tech trained, over 50 and can't find a job anywhere?

No unemployment, no health insurance...no cheese...nothing.

Where is our bail out money?

America is no more......all the numbers brought up do not include the ones left behind...they have families to support too...

I would like to agree with Ben Stein: Apparently the Republicans must NOT realize that we are in a recession AND have had a new election. They are showing just how "UNINTOUCHED" they are with the working Americans; the Americans who make the economy work..... maybe America needs to cut back on the number of congressmen and senators in Washington per state. Surely this would open the eyes of the republicans so that they could see and feel the recession!

The immediate stimulus spending along with funding the foundation for energy self reliance, encouraging future innovators and paving a path for a prosperous future is enough for me. The wit and wisdom of Newt Gingrich does not apply here. Participate or get out of the way, let Obama lead!

Giving the banks money and tax cuts are nice- but companies do not need loans or tax cuts to hire people because nobody is buying their products in the us or the world. Infrastructure projects both private and public hire people to do jobs and they make money ,they buy things, only then will companies need loans and hire people, the added benefit is that those infrastructure projects have more bang for the buck because commodities are cheaper and there is lots of labor around, plus it leaves a long term benefit.
PS
Bush pushed the national debt from 5-12 trillion in 8 years and look where we are, so it seems strange that the rep. act so shocked at this bill.
Terry

I am not sure the stimulus will help. I do not like those pork belly spending. I am not happy with congress democrates or republicans. The republicans wants to give me taxes credit but how can tax credits help me if I am not working. I understand the President urgency to get a stimilus package but I believe should work hard it get it right

Construction projects: $90 billion. Fund the rebuilding of crumbling roads and bridges, build clean water and flood-control mechanisms and provide funding for mass-transit systems.

Education: $142 billion. Rebuild thousands of schools by modernizing classrooms, labs and libraries.

Renewable energy: $54 billion. Double production of alternative energy in the next three years. Weatherize low-income homes, modernize 75% of federal buildings and update the nation's electrical grid with a new, cost-efficient "smart" grid.

Health-care records: $20 billion. Modernize the health care system by computerizing all of the nations' medical records in the next five years.

Science, research and technology: $16 billion. Invest in science facilities, research and instrumentation to create new industries, new jobs and medical breakthroughs. Expand broadband Internet access in rural and underserved areas.

= JOBS JOBS JOBS JOBS

I do support the economic stimulus package but I heard on a CBS radio news program that "WALL STREET WILL ONLY BE RECEIVING HALF OF THEIR BONUSES THIS YR. THEY SHOULD NOT BE GETTING BONUSES, PERIOD!!! THAT IS JUST SO DISGUSTING.
I AGREE W/2 OF YOUR PREVIOUS COMMENTS from Matthew Smith and Montey Mooney who suggest giving more sizable cks. to people who file income taxes; we could EVEN give 1 million to all tax-filers and it would be a comparatively small percentage of the stim. pkg. The results would be huge!.people could invest in housing, save again,pay for college,give to charities (they say it's WAY DOWN, you could require people who receive cks. put a % of $$ in a savings acct. This would get this economy moving BIG TIME and there would still be plenty left to create new jobs.invest in clean energy, solar. For once the middle and poorer working class folks get the bonus. GO FOR IT!

Why does it take over a month to secure a loan from a bank and it only takes 2 weeks to pass an $825 billion dollar bill? The answer is congress does not have to answer to anyone..It's not their money and there are no ramifications ...so they don't get re-elected in 2 or 4 years. Big Deal! That's some penalty!

This package I support but what I do not hear is about the money being sent to Isreal each day.

Last Night: I heard former President Carter tell Larry King we give 10 million dollars each day to Isreal? I do not understand this, can anyone explain in detail why we do this with schools right here in Florida and around the USA that do not have books? Why is this done?

I find the fact that Bush and Republicans spent 8 years screwing up
that they now have the NERVE to oppose a positive step to move
the Country and economy forward. The Republicans would not
even admit the mess the Country was in until a year or so ago and the
people of this Country have until now been powerless to do
anything and the vote for Obama for President came just in time
before a total collapse.

Oh please, dont rebuke John King, show some respect yourself –

I correct the mistake on my amount should be $200,000.00 two hundred thousand.

yes ! thats what has to done . why didnt you guys and rest of the nation
ask bush what he did with the nations money. ask him whats going on like you ask obama! you guys let bush do say act how he wanted.
and when you news guys do ask him questions he would answer with stupid . so really kick back let obama try to save you idiots!

Does anyone but me wonder where all of these Republicans were a few short days ago??? If I were them I would be too ashamed to open my mouth regarding anything having to do with the mess that we are left with due to their destruction during the last 8 years. Who in the world would admit to being a Republican these days. Have they no shame? At least President Obama is trying to be accountable! Something new to those in the White House during the last 8 years.

President Obama has my support and I am an Independent!
Julie
Tiburon

The stimulus bill promises to deliver on transparency through the establishment of a public website. There has been no public discussion concerning how this will be accomplished. Government agencies don't have the same IT platforms and are not able to communicate efficiently. How is this going to be accomplished in such a short time frame?

It is not a matter of support or not : you cannot escape bailing out the economy, the US's and simultaneously the global one. The problem is HOW. As a political move : better injecting the funds from the bottom, straight to Main street, it eventually will move upwards to Wall street.
TN, Jakarta.-
PS: still on Gitmo : let the prisoners be tried by the International Court at The Hague.

Jason,
You hit the nail right on the head. Obama will want to strangle Pelosi before it is over with. This coming from a women (me) that would want to. Obama is doing a good job trying to work with both parties. It the good ole boys in D.C. that will never change. Its there egos,what will get them reelected and who gave me money on my last campaign. They could care less about the people. I am sick of hearing "well that's politics" . Can they not see that if this gets worse they can cause a up roar in the U.S. that might not be so pretty. People are killing their family and then themselves. Trust me that is also just the beginning on that. We are going to see more of that than we want. Just like during the depression years. People need to vote all of them out next time (both parties). Forget this being in congress or 20-30 years. Just like Obama we need some young blood on the hill.

Brooks, I hadn't heard that but you are so right. Consumer Spending+GDP=Stimuli BABY!!!

What in this new Tax Bill is there to help us seniors? I hear that current workers will get tax breaks but what about retired persons,we are also suffering and need help,we pay taxes too!

I tried to read through this package and it seems full of earmarks...something for this department...something for that department. How will this stimulate the economy? I have my doubts about its effectiveness but I think it is inevitable that it will pass so I do hope that it will work. Our government needs to live within its means and not burden our children (who did not get to vote for these representatives) with all this debt. When I have a debt, I work hard to pay it off and cut back in other areas until I do pay it off. I don't go out and get more credit so I can dig myself into deeper debt. I would love to see our government do the same..

The vast majority of people – 90% – are fortunate to have jobs and are paying their mortgages on time! What is being done to help them?

These billions of stimulus dollars should be used, say, to pay-off 50% of their respective mortgaes. That will halve their monthly payment which, in turn, will be used by homeowners to sitmulate th economy,

I personally have a $200,000 mortgage and pay $1,000 a month. If the gov't pays $100,000 of my mortgage, I will save $500 a month. This saving I will spend to stimulate the economy.

Multiply this stimulus by milllions of dollars!

Am I dreaming or is this more of Washington's BS. What are the Repuplicans smoking in their peace pipes?? Are they so mired in trying to defeat the first black african -american who happens to have some very great thoughts as to how to bring an American fiasco into the light. Give the man a chance!! He is trying to do "something" unlike the stagnant puppet he defeated. Come on Repuplicans, wake up and support the President of the United States who seem to be the only politician who gives a crap about this America he and I really love..............Shame on you uncaring few.................we are all in this together!!

yes, i support obama and his package also, i would like to know will there be monies to help small business. if not how can we as business owners ask for help.

Because I am a twenty year old full time student, my parents claim me as a dependent. I work part time and am a tax payer. However, because I am a dependent, I did not receive any of the first stimulus package that George Bush sent, but because I am over 18, my parents did not get any money on my behalf. Will that happen again with this stimulus package? College students need money just as much.

I support this bill 1000 percent. It is truly refreshing to have a president that cares aboout domestic issues. President Obama hasn't been in office 30 days but shows more concern for the average american than President Bush did in 8 years. We the people have gone through hell with the republican majority. Give our new President a chance. Oh by the way john king, people aren't stupid the recent layoffs are not on President Obama's watch. You loss get over it!

Yes I support the stimulus, but I don't think it goes far enough. For now though, I want someone to answer me why the banks should get one more dime of our money. They especially should not get any more if they are unwilling to fully account for what they have gotten and rescind all bonuses given.

If we want to lube the financial system give me a voucher to pay my mortgage with so I can avoid foreclosure. I pay my bank, they have money, the housing prices in my neighborhood are stable and I get to experience a little fairness in a game that has been quite frankly stacked against me my whole life.

I have worked for a company for 28 years and doing a good job, but becvause of the actions of washington past our economy is threating my future. I have a health condition that depends on my job and a family also. If I loose my job my life is over, the Dem's need to try anything else. Rep keep talking about the burden on our kids, we will not have many kids to worry about, without correcting our near furture. I see all these people with sucure jobs deciding my furture

What happen to the first half of TARP? It was signed to bailout all those financial institutions. There were no oversight, nothing, Period!That was under Republican Administration, where were the outcry from Republican legislators? Now that Democrats are in power, they are called for less spending. Remember, these problems happen under Replubican congress and Administration. Yes, I am supporting this stimilus packages, at least someone care about people who need help, instead corporations.

I graduated from college in 2006, and unable to find a job after months of searching, I went to work abroad. Now it's 2009 and I'm back to the drawing board in the States. Can congress put the jobs they're creating with this package on a web site so I can apply for one?

Could Congress use some of the stimulus monies to provide financial help to tax payers by giving us money via gift card instead of a check.
With a gift card tax payers wouldn't be able to put hoard the money and would be force to use it in a reasonable time table due an expiration date
I rather have more money in my pocket for immediate stimulus than my tax dollars going to things that wont stimulate the economy right away.
25 bucks extra in my check will not help my family thrive but it will put a quarter tank of gas in gas draining SUV!

thanks
Darrias

I'm sick of greedy bankers asking for a handout with tax payer money. Have FHA offer a refinance loan rate of 1.5% to qualified mortgage holders ( up to $500,000 principle) who are paying their bills!
This would be an immediate stimulus to the economy. Give tax paying, bill paying Americans a break!

Thanks Karl

YES I absolutely support the bill. Thanks for being balanced in your presentation of this issue. The GOP leaders of the house have been plastering themselves all over the news stations telling America why they "can't" support the bill, but I have yet to see many DEMS telling us why they do support the bill! They need to let America know how the millions for contraceptives could have kept nurses, office workers, pharmacy techs,etc. employed. REMEMBER, Obama said he will create or SAVE millions of jobs.

As an aside, I find very little to criticize President Obama. But, this bipartisan effort which is obviously going nowhere is beginning to get on my nerves. Remember, America voted a Democrat into the highest office of this country, we specifically voted McCain out...therefore, why do we care what McCain has to say. He has no alliance to the president. In fact, every time I see him I just remember all the BS he said, and allowed others to say about Obama. What's next....Palin's ideas? PLEASE!

Construction projects: $90 billion. Fund the rebuilding of crumbling roads and bridges, build clean water and flood-control mechanisms and provide funding for mass-transit systems.

Education: $142 billion. Rebuild thousands of schools by modernizing classrooms, labs and libraries.

Renewable energy: $54 billion. Double production of alternative energy in the next three years. Weatherize low-income homes, modernize 75% of federal buildings and update the nation’s electrical grid with a new, cost-efficient “smart” grid.

Health-care records: $20 billion. Modernize the health care system by computerizing all of the nations’ medical records in the next five years.

Science, research and technology: $16 billion. Invest in science facilities, research and instrumentation to create new industries, new jobs and medical breakthroughs. Expand broadband Internet access in rural and underserved areas.

= JOBS JOBS JOBS JOBS

Is it possible for the Government to establish a Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) standard or practice which includes real accounts and real contra accounts to track this money on businesses balance sheets? Simply Debits and Credits!

Without an accounting practice or standard for bailout money we’re doomed because we're not regulating an artificial apparatus used to get us back the real capitalism.

Who is Barney Frank kidding? The stimulus package is being loaded with "pork" and " money for "pet projects" that have nothing to do with stimulating the economy.

My Texas boots are all wet and it's not rain, not pee, it's from people crying over the financial problems and who gets what.

Medical bills,
morgage payment,
and no Michigan job...so I took a job in Texas to keep up the payments in Michigan.

Jobs are there...if you face the challenge and make the morgage payments, then is there relief for the burden faced by individuals who meet the challenges by going out of their way...

I fully understand & agree that you should not spend more then you make however it seems to me that the United States economy is so dependent on the consumer that it's a double edge sword. When you have companies that are making millions & billions of dollars but shed jobs because they didn't meet Wall Street expectations I struggle with how we get out of this downward spiral,

ECONOMICS IS A SCIENCE it has nothing to do with money
this banking bail out will just help these banks foreclose on peoples properties easier
We need to give the AMERICAN people loans at .25%
This way it the economic cycle would solve itself

paul begala and nancy pelosi need to take a trip to mars and check it out for global warming........................

How does any of this help a person like myself thats on total disability. I spent 35 years in the auto business with no retirement. It doesn't matter about banks I can't get a loan anyway. I don't see anything on this to help people like myself. If there is can you tell me. I'm listening .

today on lou dobbs, republican from indiana, mike pence said the american people wanted the republicans to oppose the stimulus bill introduced by president obama.
i was hocked. i'm an american and that wasn't my thoughts. just the opposite.
8 years of tax cuts. we get that yearly reprieve, we pay last years credit cards, then what! it isn't working republicans.
i say, as an american who wants change, give our president a chance. we've waited 8 years for a plan that works , i'm sure most americans have more patience to see if a plan works than you give us credit for.
our president's plan may take a little time to kick in, but if it works its worth the wait for our children, our future as a nation, and our planet's future. LISTEN UP REPUBLICANS!

Jean is right – but we all have to realize "SUPPLY" and "DEMAND" – both have to be fed properly to make this bill work. I feel it is there in balance.

Also, Education needs financial help. I have three grandkids in College. Two are now in and a third has had to drop out and go to a Community College because his student Loan he was getting dried up. Another may have to do a similar thing next term. The third and youngest was lucky adn received a fabulous scholarship that will allow her to stay full time. We need to feed the loans for students or increase grants.

My Social Secuirty check was increased by $63.00 per month this month. My Medicare supplement policy increased by $49.00 per month. AND how much of a raise did our representives in Washington, both in the Senate and Congress increase their monthly income? So not where is the money going where is it coming from to pay them. And who did their annual evaluation??

Could Congress use some of the stimulus monies to provide financial help to tax payers by giving us money via gift card instead of a check.
With a gift card tax payers wouldn’t be able to hoard the money and would be force to use it in a reasonable time table due an expiration date
I rather have more money in my pocket for immediate stimulus than my tax dollars going to things that wont stimulate the economy right away.
25 bucks extra in my check will not help my family thrive but it will put a quarter tank of gas in gas draining SUV!

thanks
Darrias

I'm in favor of giving to America in a "WE DESERVE IT DIVIDEND." Simple, let us assume there are 200,000,000 bonafide U.S. Citzens 18+. Our population is approximately 301,000,000+/- counting everyone... 18 years and up. Divide 200 million adults into $85 billion that equals $425,000.00.

Give $425,000.00 to very person 18+ as a "WE DESERVE IT DIVIDEND." This would not be tax free. Let's assume a tax rate of 30%.

Every individual 18+ has to pay $127,500 in taxes. That sends $25,500,000,000 right back to Uncle Sam; and gives every adult $297,500.00 in their pocket.

This would give money to be circulated into our system: pay off a mortgage (housing cisis solved) - repay college loans - put away money for college - save in a bank (create money to loan to entrepreneurs) - buy a new car (create jobs and save the auto industry) - Invest in the stock market (capital drives growth) - Pay for your family medical insurance (healthcare improves).

Has anyone thought about this? Think about it! Where is all the bailout money going? How about bailing out we the people! This idea would definitely get the whole enconomy going!

Hi Larry, first of all if the President was REALLY serious about cutting back he would have been against the 120,000,000 for ONE DAY Inauguration ceremony. Yes the second time around there was just the picture and alittle press, now why wasnt that enough the first time around?

A leader biggest assett is his example. So what kind of example did he make by spending this excessive amount for one days celebration?

How do you tell someone that has lost his job and his home and his or hers 401k now reduced to a 201k that they will get to look forward to getting $500.00 which is a mere pitance from what is planned to be spent on the banks which waisted the last 350,000,000,000 that they received.

What kind of leader would let that happen. What kind of leader leads his people for self interest groups and minorities and not the majority.

I own my own business and I think they should send everyone that works, which is roughly 200,000,000 people and give each one a check (Our money anyways) for 100,000. The economy would be back to normal within 60 days. The people could then paydown their mortgages or pay them off, buy new cars, buy consumer goods, put it away in the bank, spend it all on stuff, invest in some of the low stocks out there, and pay off their depts. Wow what a novel idea.

Common sense is not common anymore especially with our government. Obama talks about Change well this would be what we need and believe me it would change the economy and it would not be wasted like so many billions previously.

My dad always said "keep it simple". Well this is a simple idea and it would give the American people a real Stimulus along with a real boost to our economy. $500.00 please....

John,

For years economists and government officials have complained that the both the US government and its private citizens and corporations have too much debt. In fact, it seems Wall Street created bigger and bigger ways to extend credit where it was not actually sustainable.

The main problem, it seems, is that our government has been loathe to regulate how much debt a private corporation takes on, but then turns around and takes on that very same debt by bailing them out. Regulations would have avoided this mess. Bailouts have to come with regulation strings attached.

Tom Gardner- Thank you! Why don't schools teach the basic financial skills that people need to know to live? I am a highly educated person with a high IQ and graduated from school knowing NOTHING about credit card interest rates, investing, saving, etc. It's really sad that I had to learn these lessons the hard way. I feel like these were simple things I should have learned in elementary school.

What about inflation?
Doesn’t this affect the overall value of the dollar?
Prices don’t go up the value of the dollar goes down.

If Obama likes Lincoln let do what he did and make greenback dollars.

People like Obama. If we trade a U.S. dollar, not a reserve note, on the market I think it'll do more than well.

Fred Dolgon
You the man. Why Bagala didn't point that out I will never know. People aren't spending because they are worried about their jobs. I put 3000 dollars into my 2001 626 because I didn't want to borrow money. I have NO idea what my employer is going to do tomorrow let alone 4 years from now.

We should try ANYTHING to get the economy going. The stimulus passage is a FIRST STEP.

Why not cut payroll taxes so that every working person has a little more money each month to SPEND, thus creating demand? It's not a lump sum, which they're more likely to save–just enough to eat out, buy something for the kids, etc.

Portland, OR

Those Republicans and the 11 Democrats should be ashamed of themselves. No, they're sitting there making thousands of dollars and their families are living well. People are hurting even killing themselves because they've lost jobs. At least President Obama is trying.

I do not understand how Mr. Obama can say a $500.00 or $1000.00 check is tax break. To me a tax break is when payroll taxes are reduced or a tax break is given as an incentive if someone buys a new AMERICAN MADE AUTOMOBILE or PURCHASES A NEWLY CONSTRUCTED HOME.
Our governemnt needs to stimulate the economic sectors that will jump start our economy. Oh yes, need I forget, we must get the banks to start to lend again to the truly qualified people.

Thank you

I think we need to create jobs as we have lost so many due to the banking crisis and our trade imbalance. Do you think we need to look at our trade imbalance? No one seems to think that is a problem in our job situation. How inventive and creative do people think we are?

Is it possible for the U.S. Government to identify the bad assets?
Those collateralised dept Instruments? Can CNN walk the walk from one piece of property all the way to the holder of the equitable rights?

Is Tom Single

How does giving money to ACORN or re-planting grass on the MALL qualify as a jobs stimulus package? I am fortunate to have a job, pay my mortgage on time ... and banks are hesitant to refinance my mortgage? They claim money is still tight? I guess the joke is on the taxpayer, again. Thanks Pres Obama. You can keep this anti-taxpayer CHANGE.

When did investing in the stock market for 3-5 years become a short term investment like a casino, for the last countless amount of years 1 year was always said to be "long term"

I think that the money in the stimulus plan is being directed in the wrong direction. We are in a crisis, and people need help right now. Not jobs that may become available in two years. First and foremost, people should not be forced into being homeless. A freeze should be put on foreclosures for people who are unemployed. Once they have found work, they can get back on track with their mortgage.

1. Is there any oversight to see how many jobs the each line item is expected to create and actually did?

2. Is there any clause that will prevent this money paid to foreign company / foreign person because it is cheaper to execute that work? Is there any causal that prevent me to get the contract based on this stimulus money and create jobs in other countries. How do we make sure all the job created here and all American good are user after all this money is AMERICAN WORKER MONEY.

I think Prseident Obama has the right idea but he going about wrong.

Right now he help the poor and the rich but not the middle class.

We need checks in our pockets the poor and the middle class.

And what about poeple who owe Uncle Sam, they get nothing

because if a check is sent to them, Uncle Sam takes that..

I have no job, can't get Unemployment, can't pay my rent.

What do I do.

LOOK AT THE FAMILY IN CALI, 7 PEOPLE ESPECIALLY ONE WOMAN AND 5 CHILDREN GONE.

THIS ECONOMY NEEDS HELP OR MORE PEOPLE WILL BE COMMITING SUICIDE.

"Stimulating debate??" NOT. Even to economists, the stimulus package is an incredibly complex subject. But tonite's discussion is so disjointed, and so frequently interrupted by commercial breaks, that I haven't learned a thing. One comment from Paul Begala, one from Ben Stein, then a commercial, so no dialogue. Couldn't CNN sponsor a less choppy, less interruped by breaks, discussion of this vitally important subject? his show is

Will any portion of the $142 billion to Education, be apportioned to increasing teacher salaries...in order to attract the best to the education field?

No. Why did we elect a new president who said he cares about main street when all we get is a $1000.00 tax cut, WOW! This does not do my family any good when my mortgage continues to rise due to a adjustable rate. My mortgage company will not help because we are not behind, but this is because we are trying to do things right and not walk away like most. My family and I pay over $2700.00 a month for a house that is now valued @ 135,000.00. We can not afford health care. FIX THE MORTGAGE & HEALTH CARE ISSUES PERIOD. Politics are still the same with Obama. The rich get richer & the middle class continue too suffer.

This decision is as grave as our decision to invade Iraq. Like Iraq, we are putting forth a significant amount of national resource for an indefinite period of time to quench an imminent fear. We should examine our mistakes before committing to this much risk again.

Stimulus is short term. Who get what soon is under debate, not what will actually help LONG TERM. Long term debt will not help no matter what short term stimulus relief is offered now.

80 percent of workers on Long Island work for a small business with less than 20 employees.

Bail-out small biz and keep jobs on Main Street, USA.

I am a 67yr old woman who's lost 40% of my portfolio in the last few months – I was told to sell the rest and now I'm liquid – what should I do going forward...buy what ? or stay liquid ?
hopefully you'll answer my question
many thanks
annielaurie

Yes. I like the fact that there is more transparency...It is much more than what we got in 8 years.

First, i am a registered republican and i support our new president and his approach to get the econemy back on track. the leaders of my party got us in this mess in the first place. why in gods name would anyone think they could make the right decisions on a recovery plan.

Tammy, there you go find a man with a job and get knocked up. Easy way out.

i support the $819b bill because we also voted for yes we can ...

How can the Republicans do business as usual by all of them opting to vote NO on a bill to attempt to stimulate the economy? It isn't business as usual, we are in a critical state and this alone should negate any interest to do "politics" as usual.This action reflects irresponsible behavior. Is there a certainty that this effort is workable? No, but at least we can try something rather than nothing-a 100% vote NO maintains the level of self interest that helped to bring us to the state of where we are in the first place.

This stimulus is badly needed immediately. People need jobs and the federal government has to get money out into the marketplace as soon as possible. Obama's plan is very balanced with short and long term stimulus. It's despicable to see Republicans playing politics and trying to stymie what they have to know in their hearts is best for the country.

And Ben, having banks loan money to businesses would of course be a help but it won't help cities and states retain teachers and firefighters and police on their payrolls. A much more diversified plan, such as the one the Democrats are offering, is what's necessary right now to help the economy.

If you are smart you will buy stock in Costco.
Also, I'd like to see some tough Federal
NO SMOKING LAWS
Public, Parks, Around Children, In Cars, Attatched Housing etc.
Have hefty fines, and Greatly Increase the Tax on Cigarettes.

My employer is firing employees left and right, yet just paid a fat quarterly dividend. What's with that?

The only thing I want to say is how did your Suzie Orman want to be, Jean Chatzny, copy Suzie's speech pattern so well. As a speech/language pathologist I consider that as great an accomplishment as her financial knowledge!

Nowadays, we must realize what is needed to continue our nation. This stimulus I know will provide much needed funds in important sectors for the future (alternative energy, education, healthcare, etc.) But just like anyone else, I would like the know the exact details of this package, such as how much goes to what sector.

Shareholders: My "BAILOUT PLAN" for the Markets:
Bailout if ya get the chance and be happy to have a shirt on your back when this is over!

Lyle – exactly. Do what is expected, do what is right and don't get any relief. Try to have your ARM converted to a fixed rate and watch the eyes roll, but go bankrup and you will get relief...something's backwards.

This stimulus may help in the short term, but what about the inflation caused when all this newly created money hits the real economy? Any forecast on what this inflation rate might look like and any suggestion on how to stay ahead of it?

I hope that President Obama does not become discouraged by the malice and obstruction of the Republican party. We "hired" him to get Washington back to work because we believe he has the intelligence and temperment to do just that.
Based on the shenanigans of the last few days, it is clear that the Republicans don't understand that the President takes his assignment seriously. The President made a deliberate, sincere, and very public attempt at working with the Republican party and they foolishly rejected his call to action. They decided that nothing is better than something – despite the fact that the President worked with them and removed the items that they objected to most.
The Republicans have known about the economic meltdown for many months and yet they couldn't provide a plausible alternative – they simply said "no".
America is watching. We see who is working hard to get Washington and America working again; and we see who is clinging to old, rejected, unproductive ways.
The President values hard work and I'm sure he's sorry to see the lack of values and integrity of the people he has to deal with on a daily basis. I suspect he will have the last laugh.
Sad, sad day for America.

Hey CNN –

Is there somewhere on the net that shows all the $$ that has been spent on the bailouts and who got that $$.

Thanks....

what kind of impact on the economy would there be if congress would remove (at least temporarily) the 10% penalty for using 401Kfunds. Many of us have enough to pay our mortgage off in 401Kfunds. We could then spend mortgage payments on other "stuff". That would get people spending again.......... and the government would get our 15% in taxes on those funds.........

It is public money. Play. Once we are in deficit, some other country may be China will buy us.

It does not look any politician is taking help of smart financial advisors.

No and here's my Business degree with a minor in Economics talking!
Because besides for polictics no ones done the hard or smart work yet!

It is possible for the Government to establish a Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) standard or practice which includes real accounts and real contra accounts to track this money on businesses balance sheets? Simply Debits and Credits!

Why haven we done this!

Without an accounting practice or standard for bailout money we’re doomed because we're not regulating an artificial apparatus used to get us back the real capitalism.

What about a tax break for people collecting unemployeement. How am I able to pay my bills with $1800.00 a month and pay taxes on this as well.

Give me a break

Help CNN

Yes. The policies of the Republicans and Bush have failed us for the past 8 years...we need to take action now, before things become irreversibly worse.

How will this package actually rebuild the manufacturing capacity of the nation – which has been the back bone of good middle class jobs and a soure of wealth. Getting money ijn the hands of people is probably better than having a bureaucrat decide how money shuld be spend – but giving tax cuts has not prevented lots of jobs from leaving the USA particulairly manufacturing

On top of the exporting of Jobs we now have to rely upon non USA production standards which is probably not in our best interest [ref melanine in Chineese milk mess]

When do you think that we will see the promised 95% tax cuts for middle class Americans?

Why should refinancing cost the consumer anything??? I think everyone's loan should be modified. Mine was. I beat Wells Fargo, got a 4.6 % rate and it did not cost me a dime.....this is called boasting my economy... freeing up more cash to spend and still Wells Fargo is making interest off of me.....

Not in its current form. If the borrowed $1 trillion + is so extreme and will saddle future generations with debt, why not use the money to pay off every existing primary home mortgage under $1 million in the country?

How do you fix the economy with all our jobs over seas. Why don`t we put a very high tax on imports,make it high enough to make them beg to open factorys here again. Putting money in banks only makes ceo`s and bankers richer.

I support Pres. Obama and his plan but why not offer consumer rebates instead? If you want to stimulate consumer spending, offer something back to the average American spender. More shopping = more jobs, more jobs = more money, more money = more shopping. It would probably cost the Government less than $819 Billion. And it will definitely stimulate the economy, and if it doesn't at least the Country won't be in more debt. it's a Win / Win situation.

I support the stimulus plan, but I wonder how long I can hold out before some of it trickles down to me. I am a single parent and a full time public school teacher with little savings and facing the possibility of a layoff due to budget woes.
It is all well and good for you to say...don't spend, save as much as you can, but most people are living pay check to pay check...Where is our stimulus plan? If i am one of the teachers in my district pink slipped, how is this stimulus plan going to help me and my children stay in our home?
I can't wait years....

Hey, Have you all thought about the fact that those Republicans are rich and don't care at all about losing anything but their positions.

I'm a 39 yo male I'm on SSA I work part-time How much Money should I recieve??? I make only $150/MO

The Democrats are DRUNK on PORK!

I'm an Independent who "use" to lean left. I must say with all the crap going on in this country, I was so proud of the Republicans and the 27 Dems that crossed over. Dems like to tell you it was 11.

Pelosi, Reid and Barney Frank are all corrupt and going to be the downfall of Obama.

It's suppose to be a Stimulus Bill, not a wish list for gods sake!

If Washington wants to create jobs for the american people why not look at droping Nafta? Is this not a cheapest way to create jobs for the American people..

I voted for Obama and the democrats but I do not see where out of the promise of helping the foreclosure meltdown, the stimulus package is even addressing this problem. Is there anything in this package for help for predatory lending practice victims?

I have good credit, and am not in trouble with my mortgage, but I can't modify the loan which would save me a lot of money because I'm not behind in my payments by a few months. In order to refi, the lenders are including the money I'd have to pay back on my equity line should i use it all as part of what qualifies me, so I have to make more money
to qualify or get rid of my equity line, which i don't want to do. My house value is worth double what it was 8 years ago, so there is about 400,000 worth of equity, and that's documented by the state's assessment. They make it very difficult for you to refinance if you are in the middle...

For Tom: Are bank stocks a good investment now?

I reluctantly must say yes. As an independent voter, I have to side with the party which hasn't had the "opportunity" to display its true thought or ideas on the issues that have been plaguing this country for the past 8 years. I hate to sound like a broken record but CHANGE is what need.

are we really capable of making this decision? The "experts" are all over the place... maybe a public debate between recognized, unbiased ( ??) economists and financial planners moderated by Pres. Obama on live T>V., than a vote by Congress within 3 days. The debate would list the key essential points of a true recovery plan. Maybe 5 major planls on each side... reduction of taxes and which ones to be effected; spending on infrastructure, spending on social issues – to be defined by the "expert panel memebrs. At least this will take it somewhat out of the political establishment.

So, 59 years old. selling condo and expecting to have 50K to invest for retirment... currently I have NO retirement plans. what do Motley Fools etc. think I should do to build as much income for my future days? Thanks

As a visitor to the US, given all the goodwill that has been shown to President Obama, surely everyone's efforts ought to be made to support the package. If this is the case then what is the point of the election.
Alan Hodge UK

Isn't it two fold? On one hand we are advised to not spend our money and save as much as possible, yet on the other hand, by doing so, will lead to more job cuts as retailers and small businesses will continue to be in the red by people not spending. Which is it?

I assume the individuals who criticize the intent of the package have been privy to the contents of the package in full. Now, on the surface it sounds like the Republicans in the house met privately and decided to collectively revert to old school WDC politics, but honestly, do any of us know what is really going on? I think we have to trust that our President is intelligent enough to sign, not sign, or revise any proposal put forth.

Best Regards

Paul

YES I support the Stimulus plan, all we need is to TRUST Pres. Obama.

Yes I am in favor of it. No one else seems to be even trying! I have been out of a job since September! I think the President is going in the right direction. As far as the Republicians – its not their idea so therefore it is not a good package. I agree with the President's press secretary when he says we are in the 3rd inning and you're betting on the final score. Don't blame this President for the past President's spending of the first bail-out.

Not as it is. Has consideration been giving to stopping all withholding for one quarter, allowing more money to those working now, which could be used for housing, retail, vehicles, etc. I don't think Pres Obama has a good handle on finances, and is listening to those not totally in touch with the taxpayers.

First of all ,we are not going to get out of this hole for decades. it began with NAFTA. We have no jobs here and and a dumb allowance check wont do anything to help long term change, it's a nice bandaid to help in time of need. GWB doddled away 8 long years, never raised a finger to help create a job EVER, just sat and sat and looked and looked in his pipedream, for 8 long years we bleed out. We will be lucky to ever save this country now , we will be lucky if it is even here for our children. We continue to show no fear by being partisan. it will serve many people right to lose the priviledge of being an American.Quit blaming Obama, losers.

Why can't they stimulate the american people by giving all taxpayers making less than $100,000 with a $100,000. We could pay our bills, buy cars, get health care, start business and do a lot of good to get us stimulate. Why keep giving money to banks, auto makers when we still can't buy the cars, get health care etc.

No I don't support a plan that does not stimulate us!

Larry the GOP'S need to remember with today’s tech we see all of you and this is why we voted for President Obama. Why don’t you ask Bush why did he rush to spend all those billions without accountability? Or is just the GOP’s allowed to be irresponsible and stupid?

I'm listening to Ben Stein talk about how the banks need to be helped more to stimulate the economy. We have seen banks use some of the bailout money to buy other banks. Why aren't they loaning that money instead? We almost saw a jet (and one not built in America) purchased by Citigroup who had their hands out and are now back for more. Help the banks? I think not.

Jean,

Yes, I support the stimulus and I will not benefit from it. We forget that it is the people on the bottom that can stimulate the economy by spending the dollars they get. . .they must.

More affluent may spend or more likely won't and thus not stimulus.

How does a tax cut reduce the deficit? And who will be paying off the 10 trillion deficit we already have from previous tax cuts.

Business will do the same thing the banks

hello,
you all say that we need to spend less than we earn. i agree with this, but as our economy is apparently 70% consumer driven, won't all of this decreased spending just automatically increase job layoffs?

If this new plan is a stimulus package, why are so many dollars being spend on the health care. It seems to me that the people that benefit the most from this plan are people of a specific income bracket that might no have been spending as much money anyway. I am not in favor of the rich getting richer, but they do help to keep the economy growing.

It just amazes me how you are posing this question when most of you don't understand what the stimulous package can or can't do. One thing we know for sure, this economy is in the toilet and we are suffering. Everyone has questions and no one answers the questions. I wish there was just one time, you people can offer some solutions as apposed to stirring the pot. I don't know if I agree or disagree. The government, companies and everyone as really messed up.

Can you pls advice me on what to do.i have bben trying to modify my mortgage through a hardship with my bank for the past 4 months now but they refuse to do it .i dont want to loose my house with 3 little kids.

With my investments taking such a big hit, is now a good time to convert a traitional IRA to a Roth IRA

How does $819billion baillout will create a job ? And will it be permanent?

Short-term fixes, short-term solutions for "fast" easy fixes with no long-term effect to keep federal spending under control. Preaching the "American Spirit" and other "Feel good" solutions don't pay morgages.

How will the increasing US debt effect the US dollar value? Would the dollar lose value?

If the economic mess we are in started with the financial, and specifically bad variable rate mortgages setting at higher interest rates, hep me understand why stimulus (or bailout) dollars wouldn't be better spent buying the interest rate differentials and resetting those mortgages that are defaulting into good fixed rate mortgages. The banks would then have a valid shot at collecting their principal and interest (new fixed rate) but they would only write off the differential on their forward books.

Banks collct, can loan, companies and peoples can borrow, spend and keep jobs.

This money is going to be spent within the country unlike the money spent in Iraq by Bush. I am sure it will help our economy one way or the other.

my husband & I are retired. We bought & paid for a modest house, we live a modest lifestyle. our 401K has been decimated by greedy wallstreet. Why should we want to bailout people who bought elaborate homes they couldn't afford? or put money into companies that used poor judgement? the best thing for us to do is quit paying our bills & wait for some govmt bailout.

I think that if we got rid of all the illeagal aliens we wouldn't have to give companies bail out money, we would then have enough jobs for the american people.

The first stimulus package supposedly was to benefit the banking industry and so forth, unfortunately without the funds being tracked no one knows where the money went. If the American people were the ones getting the stimulus money it could be tracked very easily. With so many people out of work, losing their homes, people cannot continue without some help. How can you go to a bank to purchase a home, or a car dealership to purchase a car if you have no way of paying for it. This will be a long term effect on the American people because each day people's credit is going downhill.

I had an adjustable rate mortgage...got it modified by countrywide last september....NOW my husband (sales manager at auto dealer) lost his job end of October.....What do we do now....he has applied to 100's of jobs and nothing.....We put over 100,000 down and now all the equity is gone due to market.....I don't want to lose my house.....What can we do??? and how is this bailout going to help us?? Thanks

Yes I do support the government bail-out plans. But what bothers me is that most of these companies laying off staff are still making hundreds of million dollars profit yet they throw their workers off job for a flimsy excuses. Why can't they keep their workers, may be agree some form of wage freeze, at worst wage cuts to keep the workers on their beats and help the economy back on the tracks ... I think we should start holding the companies responsible for irresponsibility and aggrandizement on their policies. The time calls for all to make sacrifice. The companies should bear some brunt in the way they speculate on their profits too.

Charlene, I don't think the republicans are against this to be difficult. I think only intelligent congressmen ought to support a bill that makes sense, not one jammed full of pork like this bill. This bill will ruin our country. And yes, many democrats say the republicans already ruined it, and if that's so, then why do you think you ought to ruin it some more? I think the first bailout was not smart and I don't think this one is either. Shame on America for voting for such lousy representatives.

Politicians are losing sight of the catalyst? Housing, i.e. bad loans, has put us in this situation along with increased credit card dept, where is this being addressed?
The current stimulus plan should be isolated to this, with encourage to business owners to cut pay and not jobs until the country recovers.

I want to know when is anyone going to talk about addressing the underlying cause for this crisis, which is the housing markets. Until we don't figure out a way to properly value all these properties so that they can be sold and removed from the market, we are not going to get passed this crisis. I don't hear or see where in this stimulus package this is dealt with.

Ok seriously, the money from the economic stimulus package given to us tax payers should be put on a debit card issued by the government and you can only use it to make purchases that help stimulate the economy only, nothing else. No cash or any other type of transactions. So this way you know that all the money given out goes back into the economy.

Millions are to be spent on Infrastructure. What are some of the companies I can invest in?

I just got my California Unemployment statement and now have to find money to pay the taxes on the the $7650.00 paid to me. Why are we taxing people that do not have a job, give me a break

What about help for students? My daughter goes to a SUNY college and the loan rates are high and because she lives with me she doesn't get much help. Since I make 81,000.00 as a single woman with debt, rent, ins etc, I don't think this pkg helps us at all. Does it?

Thanks,
Robyn

no the current stimulus is a joke. and an insult. change.???? change is change literally.. pocket change. billions of dollars and you cant give the americal people a decent check. that would make a difference. anything less is a joke. as stated in other post. give the american people. 100k plus. what is the point in the bank loan promise if a person does not have any money or employment to pay it back. its a joke and a shame. i am an oboma supporter and i hope he reads this forum, as a lot of us see it the same way. there is no hope its going to get worse and worse. the rich will just get richer and the poor will keep starving. get a clue america

Hello.. How about some good old common sense. The package should include only things that will either support new jobs or help stop layoffs. How do you do that?
1) get banks to lend to established business with solid earnings history. Guarantee the loans
2) tax breaks to businesses to retain workers.
3) tie bailout money to banks to their ability to lower their own costs within their organization. Pay cuts to all bank staff from top to bottom. Greater pay cuts by higher earning employees. This should reduce their costs while preventing layoffs.
4) Investment in infastructure (long term gains) for the economy
5) investment in green technolgies
6) allow homeowners to refinance with their banks for no cost to the borrower. Will help prevent forclosures and will put more money in the hands for spending which will be a stimulate the economy.
7) extension of unemployment benefits.
8) tax breaks for auto purchases
9) Buy bad mortgages. This should open credit. We can sell these properties when the economy recovers and may make money for the tax payer in the long run.
10) lower student loan rates. Free up money for spending.

Ben Stein asked for presidential humility. Where is his? Where is the Repubs?

He and his like-minded soul mates have ran the economy over a cliff ditch and still have the nerve to appear on talk shows criticizing the plans of the peoples' choice.

Humility? Hah!!

Since the banks will receive a great deal of bailout money from us as taxpayers, why not require those banks to place a temporary limit on the interest rate they charge on credit cards instead of the 29% they are allowed to charge now? That would be a patriotic thing to do since we are saving them.

People would be better having Analog right now. Should the government be pushing to spend $625 billion for people to buy these boxes when people really dont want the change to digital?

The government needs to take the other 350billion,and buy the bad loans from the banks. So in otherwords they would be government owned houses then they can take them and turn them into low income houseing that the tented would be able to afford.then the government is makeing money on the property the banks have the bad loans off their books and the tent benefits would be to be able to stay in their homes.then when the market turns over then the government could sell that loan back to the bank .
JUST A THOUGHT~

The intention of the bail out is clear, the breakdown is a bit questinable. Larry, how do you explain tha fact that all unemployed people are not going to any cash to spend from $819bn? If common people dont spend, forget about manufacturing because at the end of thae day those products have to be bought! Please let all senators bear this in mind especially Democrats.

San Diego, CA: Yes, I am a supporter of Obama's Stimulation Plan. The reason is because Recovery Plan is attempting to fill in the gaps for the Americans. AIDS prevention for people who can't afford it means less people die from AIDS and medi-caid doesn't have to pick up their medical bills. Money for education means that more children will get a quality education so that they can compete in the global economy. More money for those on a fixed income means that more people can afford their cost of living. We voted Obama's Agenda into office on Nov.4th. It is about time the Republican Congress acknowledged that this is what America wants! Trickle Down Theory Economics is died right along the side of the Republican Party!

Of course I want a tax cut... But if, as the speakers are advocating, we are to save our money or at least get out of debt....how will taxt cuts possibly get the economy moving?

Finally I see someone who thinks like me,,, monty ,,,, yes,, why don't they just give $ to those who file taxes,,, not the insulting $500 I am hearing about,,,something substantial then I could pay my mortgage down or buy a decent car,,etc...... I was just turned down on my remodification thru Indymac,,, I am 3 months behind, they say I make "too much $" ,, but they didn't take into consideration my 2nd mortgage, my mortgage insurance or taxes that aren't added into my house pymt,,, forumula is that if my payment is less that 38% of my income then I should have enough money to pay THEM,,, ! ridiculous!

Everyone seems to be looking for a quick fix, and that is NOT going to happen. This all happened over a long period of time and bad choices. Now these are the steps to recovery and it won"r happen overnight. It seems to me people should get out of the way and step aside and let Obama fix it. This is what we elected him to do-so give him a chance.

I AM A SMALL BUSINESS OWNER, AM I GOING TO GET SOME OF THE $819B STIMULUS WITHOUT PAYING THESE HARD MONEY LENDERS 20% IN ORIGINATION FEES?

Larry the republicians did a GREAT JOB today. NOTHING

Larry the republicians did a GREAT JOB today. NOTHING! Exactly what they needed to do .Step back. They have made enough mess already,so they need to sit back ,watch and take notes. This mess now is their doing. GREAT JOB DEMOCRATS! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

I support the stimilus plan without too many unproductive job creating items. I would also like to know how would the tax cut the Republicants advocating help the unemployed.

Here's a suggestion from an average American citizen. How about giving billions of dollars to Mortgage lenders & Landlords in order to give homeowners & renters up to three (3) months of free mortgage/rent payments. In return the government can provide attorneys to create the legal verbage to committ homeowners & renters to take some of that money to pure back into the economy. It would be able to help those who are facing foreclosure. Let's look out for hard working Americans. Also get rid of plans to provide 600 billion for federal employees that need vehicles. What's wrong with keeping the ones they have and maintaning them like we do each and everyday. Put on your thinking caps White House. It's common sense. Did anyone take time out to read the 672 pages. Give me the job and I will bring my highlghter and read marker. Common Sense!

We are burdening our children with enormous debt and providing them with less skills to prepare for it. My currently solvent school district of 32,000 students is increasing class size into the mid 30's; cutting more than 150 teachers in addition to campus police officers and administrators. We also can't afford the new textbook adoption. Young teachers buy homes and are consumers. We are putting them on out and once again hurting our children, the future. New schools are in the package, but where is the help now?

I am a college student who is basically living off my student loans. Is there a way for me to start saving now? Also should I believe that the markets and jobs will be there in good standing when I graduate within the next 1 1/2 – 2 years?

sending us all $200,000? you people are nuts. all I want is $10-12,000! Maybe I am not asking for enough!

Do the math. We gave $350,000,000,000.00 to the idiot banks. If instead we had helped out 10,000,000 in foreclosure we would have $35,000 for each of them, which would certainly stop my foreclosure. the banks would have money coming again and problem solved. I wil give the government a first lien on my property which gets paid first, if I ever sell. This would only be available to owner occupied homes, an only once every five years or something and it would be interest free since that is the Fed Funds rate currently.

Where is the stimulus money for victimsof predatory lending practices. President Obama ran on this during the election and millions will be waiting to see if the foreclosure issue will be addressed in this package.

I think everyone is getting caught up on the word "stimulus" and with that in mind criticizing every aspect of the bill that may not necessarily provide an immediate boost to the economy. Ladies and gentlemen it took us almost a decade to get to this point, what makes you think any action that's taken by our government will get us out any sooner. As americans we need to take more responsibilty in the way we manage our finances, and make the sacrifices necessary to reduce our debt and work with what we have.

This may seem like a silly question, but myself along with co-workers talked about this for a minute or two. Why don't they just put some funds (let's say $10k-$100k) into a Checking/Savings acout, or mail a deposit only check to us (people who actually worked) and paid for this $1trillion!

this show is an insult. they wan to give advise to american people. guess what?? everyone on that show panel is EMPLOYED WITH BENEFITS AND A GREAT SALARY. ALL THE PANEL GUEST AND ALL THE REPORTERS. YOU WANT TO KNOW THE REAL AMERICAL PAIN AND STRUGGLE. THEN COME JJOIN US THAT ARE TRULY STRUGGLING.

How does the "pork" get put into the stimulus bill? i.e. – how can we (citizens) find out who was the person (Congressperson) that wanted, for instance, the Global Warming monies included? How can I find out whom in Congress is included the items that I feel are "unnecessary" to the Stimulus Package?

I think they should give the money to small business so we could hire more people to pay in taxes ever body wins.

P.S A CHECK NOT TAX BREAK

Its not so black and white. To be able to agree or disagree, we need to understand what does this do long term. Does this put us more in dept ,which is something we dont need at this point at all. How will people use the money? Seems that some put it away, some blow it and some people understand the purpose...

What does it mean a $500 dollar tax credit for singles and $1000 for couples. Why dont the government send everyone $5000. Its enough for most of us to get on our feet. But still enough for us to borrow. 819 billion. Where is our tax dollars? What about the people. We heard about the middle class during the election. Now all the money is going to the rich. 500 or a 1000 dollars aint "jack" coming out of 819 billion. Its a dam shame.

jean i have a ? my town taxes keep going up every year and its getting to the point i cant even put away money for savings because every paycheck is going towards the mortage and higher taxes. what do i do . i have a disabled daughter and i need to keep this house for the long run. but its getting hard because i was able to pay my home before but with these tax increases i dont think i can do it.

I believe that the US should not be getting into 10.7 Trillion dollar debt but instead create some classes about simple savings and investing.

Not everyone is the a situation to be able to save from their paycheck. Millions of Americans live from paycheck to paycheck and those who have wealth have lost sight of how it is to live on less than $50,000 a year with a family

stimulus package equals more free money to the lazy as___s who won't get off their a- and get a job. Obama is giving more food stamps, more medicaid, etc. etc. how does the bail out help the poor working tax payer who barely sustains their families? Everything is so expensive and it costs so much to live. Those of us who are honest, hard working Americans who do the right thing, what we are required to do by government, yett we have no HOPE that our lives will improve. We KNOW that we can only keep on keeping on. Now, those who wont work....hmmmm, they will keep on being supported by those of us the government steals our taxes and gives to them and they will get more!! how about that!! this is the good ole USA. Here's a thought, President Obama: How about helping the tax paying American to better our lives, those of us who actually deserve it!!

If you want a bi-partisant opinion, from a mature Democrat woman, this 2nd bail out is as big a rip off to the american people , as the 1st one, We as Americans are supposed to help ourselves, and cut back to necessities, yet Mrs Oboma wants to employee top designers in the white house, and our politicians are spending $ we don't have on UN-NECESSARY items, ait to stop smoking, health care records update, I could go on and on and on and on and on. GET A CLUE!

I just heard Tom Gardner comment that there is no class in High School that teaches about credit card interest and other financial matters. That is so incorrect–I along with many other teachers have taught Consumer Economics for over 20 years. These courses discussed establishing goals, credit cards, budgeting, income tax awareness, checking accounts, etc. etc. etc. Carolyn-866-221-9031

I say HELL NO do not support the stimulus Package. These are the SAME Congressmen and Women who supported it under Pres. Bush just a few months/weeks ago and didn't ask questions. Now these Large mega banks are USELESS and WE the taxpapers are stuck with the tab. I say HELL NO...let the Banks Fail...There is nothing in it for me anyway...I am PISSED thinking about giving the banks MORE money.

The Federal Rerserve, I've read, is a privately owned corporation that prints money in the Treasury for very little, and then charges the US govt a lot of interest to borrow the money. In order to pay back the money the govt has borrowed from the FED ,which is not a govt agency
that doesn't pay taxes and has never been audited, Americans have to pay taxes and those funds go to pay the Fed back. The banks that are g etting bailed out OWN THE FED RESERVE so they are saving themselves, i.e. JP Morgan, Chase Manhattann, ..you need to look at the list of who owns the Federal Reserve and you'll see how the financial situation is manipulated by them. There are several websites that show this info,,,I was shocked when i read it...there are many more details in these articles that go back to Lincoln, Kennedy, Woodrow Wilson . Is this all true, or are these articles false?

Pull yourself up by your bootstraps???? Say that a little louder to hard working Americans..most of us who are not swimming in debt...yet, who can't invest, can't save much of anything. You need to start addressing real America,.,those of us who get up every day and go to work, pay our taxes, do not default on our loans...those of us just scraping by.

IT'S THE MOST REDICULAS PARKAGE! What's the hell this could do to help those just get laidoff? Unless your dad isAmerican President. No one will bail you out. Myself doesn't need $1000 since luckly I have a job. We need help small business. We need create job. We need help people to get a job not just give them $1000. Obama knows his plan will not work. He just play the game and get out the money form tax payer's pocket. I support bail out. But not Obama's clueless plan. Did any one in his party has brain to think and have courage to speak out? Oh God, who could help Amirican?

With the 750 billion dollar package the first time, and an 819 billion dollar stimulus package being proposed. They could have given everybody in the U.S. the money and people would be stimulating the economy. Wall Street and the Banking system should not be rewarded, while the people are being penalized and dealing with the consequences.

There are two thoughts going around; get people to spend as much as they can, and get people to start saving and putting money away. (?) Obama's administration can not make everyone happy (especially those republican) but if he is promising to make things better, and taking responsibility as an administration, then why can't we all have confidence in the government's ability?
The sooner everyone calms and settles down, the sooner things will get better. Plus, the American government has never defaulted. Trust President Obama's course of action.

First of all the people you have on your show including the host needs to stop call President Obama (Obama) and give him the respect that he deserves. You didn't call President Bush (George). And its good to see that President Obama is trying to do something about the recession and not just running off at the mouth. 100% of the people making the choice can't even relate to what the poor american is going through and really don't care. They all have job, health coverage, cars, big houses, kids go to great schools, so this whole things really doesn't efffect them so why would they rush to help. They are so out of touch. The least they could do is try what President Obama stated seeing that what Bush thought about giving money out to americans didn't work.

How do we know $819 billion will be spent to stimulate the economy.
My suggestion is why dont they give the tax payers a gift card of $600 for individual and $1200 or $1500 for families to spend since that will have directly effect on the economy.

This lady says to cut back on your spending. But how do you cut back when you've lost your job and have NO income?

What about network marketing companies. Like prepaid legal, tahitian noni, or many other companies like that? Will those be possible ways to secure our future during these hard times or should I rely on the government to create more jobs and oppurtunity.

Concerned about my future
Gurnee

Are solar panels going to be reinstalled at the White House?

I do not believe in the stimulus plan. Giving folks $700 to $1200 will not help. Give a man a fish; he eats for a day. Teach him to fish he eats forever. I do not understand why the people in the senate and the house continue to make decision with out an economically degrees. They are no more qualified than I am to make these decisions. Why do they not get help from qualified successful business companies?

Donald Trump had commented that the banks needed to make loans for the foreclosed properties that they held and get them off their books. Instead, they hold on to them at inflated values and will not cut the price. They need to get out of denial. I was against the TARP.

I understand we need to shop less, however, being that the only jobs we have created in the last 8 years arre real estate and shopping related, what happens when we quit shopping. Won't we have massive unemployement?

Who is this female economist kidding. Do your best on the job so you don't get laid off. LMAO. I was downsized when I was in the top 2% of my company. I made tooooo much MONEY!!!! I lived within my means. Kept on top of my budget... but when you get let go...it has nothing to do with not being on top of your game....Miss Economist is UNREALISTIC!!!!!

yes, Larry i do agree with president obama. #1 because we really need that money in the economy because this econnomy is really bad and america will continue to sink if these kinds of money are not invested in the economy. #2 just leave president obama to do his job all u people getting in his way the media and all that stuff. he is the president i believe from his point of view he no's what he is doing.thanking i hope you see my point of view.

love tanzania a 12 grader/

I Do not support the stimulius package. This country's answer to problems is to simply throw money at it and hope that those responsible of the problems will do the right thing. That's just throwing good money after bad. What is needed is strict oversight of any institution which receives any money form the federal government. If a company is doing so terrible that it needs federal money it nddes to be on an austerity program with no discresionary spending (ex. Corp bonuses, corp jets, all expense paid vacation, goden parachutes. etc.) .

My question for Jean:

I've just got a $48k home equity line of credit fixed at 3.99%. My son's student loans are at 8%. Is it as much of a no brainer as it seems to use the line of credit to pay off those loans?

Why isn't there more outrage regarding the last bailout? Where did the money go? and why hasn't anyone been held accountable? It probably went right into politicians pockets that's why! The media coverage on that subjects seems to bepoor and almost nonexistent. All that money given to these banks and the attitude seems to be "Oh well there should've been more transparency"

I agree with Barack's stimulus plan and have serious concerns with what I'm seeing as "politics as usual" by many of our elected officials, particularly the republican elected officials in Washington. We are no longer interested in "grand standing" for media attention and divisive language about the "liberals vs. the conservatives" or "right vs. left".

I don't appreciate the obstructive behavior toward Barack's plans, the continued insensitivity toward the working poor and middle class citizens of this country nor the constant pushing to cut taxes for the wealthy with little resolution for the problems affecting the poor and middle class individuals and small businesses. Tax cuts and tax credits alone are not going to create jobs or stimulate the economy to the extent that we need now. We should have learned this before since the tax cuts implemented by George W. Bush did little to nothing to stimulate the economy. We need bold, creative and "out of the box" thinking and methods. We don't need the constant childish whining (if you don't do it my way, I won't play at all) and bickering between the two parties. It has become ridiculous and disgusting.

Absolutely! Absolutely! I agree with the stimulus package. .

President Obama is trying to get us out of this mess, the least the Republicans can do is cooperate for the People who place them in those jobs. We are tired of the Politics. There are people out here deperate and don't know what to do and need help to survive.

By the way, we didn't here the noise from the republicans when we gave up money to banks to continue their lavish life styles.

Its time to buy American only. Go USA

What many of us fail to understand is that there is no such thing as a "quick fix" to this mess we are in. This is a result of unchecked irresponsible private and political mismanagement, which unfortunately is coming at our expense. This will take years to fix, however, hopefully with the new administration and the recovery bill passing tonight... may be a sign that the right seeds are sewn for us to reap in coming years. But, unfortunately i don't believe that this so called "stimulus package" does anything for a common man.

Jia Khan
Centreville, VA

One way that putting more capital into banks like BOA helps people like your caller is that it allows those banks to make more student or mortgage loans. We also got some student loans from BOA. After holding the loans for a period of time the bank will sometimes sell the loan to another bank in order to free up capital so that they can make a student loan to someone else. If other banks aren't buying the loans then the economy comes to a screeching halt for people who need loans in order to make purchases or go to school. And money does not flow into the economy.

Larry,
With all due respect to Jean Chatzky, please ask her why she isn't suggesting the banks do exactly what she suggests individuals do – "Take care of ourselves?

Are any of the 'financial experts' even thinking about ordinary Americans - you know, those below the median income? They don't have 3-year or 5-year investment horizons. They don't have 5-week horizons.

They have no reason to think they'll have a job then, or next week. Most don't think Social Security will be there when they reach 65. They can't afford to be sick or to have a sick child.

President Obama seems to be the only politician who gets it. House Democrats see the crisis as a way to promote their social programs. House Republicans see the spending as a way to damage President Obama. Maybe it's time to storm the Bastille.

The stimulus package should go directly TO THE PEOPLE, SHOW US THE MONEY!!! We totally agree with Ben Stein, give each American taxpayer $200,000 so we can pay our own mortgages, credit cards and pay our bills. A $1000 tax credit will only pay our utilities. Our credit has pitfalled because the banks won't loan out the money to individuals with poor credit now. I say give the American taxpayers the money NOT the banks!!! The middle class people no longer exist, we are now considered poverty level. The old say of "The rich get richer and poor get poorer" is today's reality.

No where do I get the sense we are addressing the wholesale export of american manufacturing jobs over the last decade. As a purchasing agent I have witnessed in the lthe migration from the US to Puerto Rico, Mexico and later China, reducing the labor content of finished goods from tens of dollars to pennies ...Where did the profits go? Health care costs are $9000 an employee and more....in the US that is , not overseas. We need to fix the health care industry.

We should be examining how to get the market back home, and how to commit corporate america to investing in America, not just themselves...$4.00 a gallon for gas? I was appauled to here an Oil Co.CFO state their 1st obligation is to their stockholders (mostly foreign) and not the communities they serve!

I think the times call for some sanity in the private sector. Companies should help the economy by stop laying off people for flismy excuses. Instead of layoff do they ever think of wage freeze or even wage cuts to stay afloat than to keep saturating the already filled unemployment market?

To All My Valued Employees,

There have been some rumblings around the office about the future of this company, and more specifically, your job. As you know, the economy has changed for the worse and presents many challenges. However, the good news is this: The economy doesn't pose a threat to your job. What does threaten your job however, is the changing political landscape in this country.

However, let me tell you some little tidbits of fact which might help you decide what is in your best interests.

First, while it is easy to spew rhetoric that casts employers against employees, you have to understand that for every business owner there is a back story. This back story is often neglected and overshadowed by what you see and hear. Sure, you see me park my Mercedes outside. You've seen my big home at last years Christmas party. I'm sure; all these flashy icons of luxury conjure up some idealized thoughts about my life.

However, what you don't see is the back story.

I started this company 28 years ago. At that time, I lived in a 300 square foot studio apartment for 3 years. My entire living apartment was converted into an office so I could put forth 100% effort into building a company, which by the way, would eventually employ you.

My diet consisted of Ramen Pride noodles because every dollar I spent went back into this company. I drove a rusty Toyota Corolla with a defective transmission. I didn't have time to date. Often times, I stayed home on weekends, while my friends went out drinking and partying. In fact, I was married to my business - hard work, discipline, and sacrifice.

Meanwhile, my friends got jobs. They worked 40 hours a week and made a modest $50K a year and spent every dime they earned. They drove flashy cars and lived in expensive homes and wore fancy designer clothes. Instead of hitting the Nordstrom's for the latest hot fashion item, I was trolling through the Goodwill store extracting any clothing item that didn't look like it was birthed in the 70's. My friends refinanced their mortgages and lived a life of luxury. I, however, did not. I put my time, my money, and my life into a business with a vision that eventually, some day, I too, will be able to afford these luxuries my friends supposedly had.

So, while you physically arrive at the office at 9am, mentally check in at about noon, and then leave at 5pm, I don't. There is no "off" button for me. When you leave the office, you are done and you have a weekend all to yourself. I unfortunately do not have the freedom. I eat, and breathe this company every minute of the day. There is no rest. There is no weekend. There is no happy hour. Every day this business is attached to my hip like a 1 year old special-needs child. You, of course, only see the fruits of that garden - the nice house, the Mercedes, the vacations... You never realize the back story and the sacrifices I've made.

Now, the economy is falling apart and I, the guy that made all the right decisions and saved his money, have to bail-out all the people who didn't. The people that overspent their paychecks suddenly feel entitled to the same luxuries that I earned and sacrificed a decade of my life for.

Yes, business ownership has is benefits but the price I've paid is steep and not without wounds.

Unfortunately, the cost of running this business, and employing you, is starting to eclipse the threshold of marginal benefit and let me tell you why:

I am being taxed to death and the government thinks I don't pay enough. I have state taxes. Federal taxes. Property taxes. Sales and use taxes. Payroll taxes. Workers compensation taxes. Unemployment taxes. Taxes on taxes. I have to hire a tax man to manage all these taxes and then guess what? I have to pay taxes for employing him. Government mandates and regulations and all the accounting that goes with it, now occupy most of my time. On Oct 15th, I wrote a check to the US Treasury for $288,000 for quarterly taxes. You know what my "stimulus" check was? Zero. Nada. Zilch.

The question I have is this: Who is stimulating the economy? Me, the guy who has provided 14 people good paying jobs and serves over 2,200,000 people per year with a flourishing business? Or, the single mother sitting at home pregnant with her fourth child waiting for her next welfare check? Obviously, government feels the latter is the economic stimulus of this country.

The fact is, if I deducted (Read: Stole) 50% of your paycheck you'd quit and you wouldn't work here. I mean, why should you? That's nuts. Who wants to get rewarded only 50% of their hard work? Well, I agree which is why your job is in jeopardy.

Here is what many of you don't understand ... to stimulate the economy you need to stimulate what runs the economy. Had suddenly government mandated to me that I didn't need to pay taxes, guess what? Instead of depositing that $288,000 into the Washington black-hole, I would have spent it, hired more employees, and generated substantial economic growth. My employees would have enjoyed the wealth of that tax cut in the form of promotions and better salaries. But you can forget it now.

When you have a comatose man on the verge of death, you don't defibrillate and shock his thumb thinking that will bring him back to life, do you? Or, do you defibrillate his heart? Business is at the heart of America and always has been. To restart it, you must stimulate it, not kill it. Suddenly, the power brokers in Washington believe the poor of America are the essential drivers of the American economic engine. Nothing could be further from the truth and this is the type of change you can keep.

So where am I going with all this?

It's quite simple.

If any new taxes are levied on me, or my company, my reaction will be swift and simple. I fire you. I fire your co-workers. You can then plead with the government to pay for your mortgage, your SUV, and your child's future. Frankly, it isn't my problem anymore.

Then, I will close this company down, move to another country, and retire. You see, I'm done. I'm done with a country that penalizes the productive and gives to the unproductive. My motivation to work and to provide jobs will be destroyed, and with it, will be my citizenship.

If you lose your job, it won't be at the hands of the economy; it will be at the hands of a political hurricane that swept through this country, steamrolled the constitution, and will have changed its landscape forever. If that happens, you can find me sitting on a beach, retired, and with no employees to worry about....

Signed,

Your boss

BAIL CNN OUT!!! IS THIS ALL CNN ASKED FROM OBAMA?

one topic that seems to never be addressed is the fact that while millions are losing their jobs they are also getting behind on debt. when a person gets so far behind because of not working then gets a job you never catch up. so whats a person to do when bankruptcy is not an option. any advice? once credit is ruined it is hard to get the negatives off even those that are paid off. whats a person to do?

Don't worry fellow neighbors, our Government is on a spending spree as well... lets just hold on for the ride of our lives.

Your panel tonight, Jean and the Motley Fools, are talking as if most people have jobs or have enough money to save. You can't pull yourself up by your bootstraps, if you can't make your house payment. We need real money to pay bills and buy food, gas, etc...; RIGHT NOW!.

jean schatsky...just keep the blinders on and go with the ME ME ME attitude, that'll change our country, lol.

Come on guys, if I do not have a job, I can not spend money get a clue.

If this is truly a capitalist economy, then it would make more sense to spend the money on the people who would spend the money. The government would save much more money if they would simply give each citizen a million dollars to do with it whatever they wish. We would each spend our money where we want to spend it and the businesses that do not make it, just don't make it. The people will speak with their purchases and the market will correct. That is capitalism at its finest. Heck, there could even be stipulations if we want to. If a person wants a tax free million dollars then they can take classes on wise investing and financial planning. That would also create jobs!! If you just want money with no strings and no one telling you what to do with it then you get taxed at your regular tax rate. That would save the money even more! Put the money with with people!
Thanks

Re: Refinanciing and banks/mortgage companies helping or cooperating.
I bought my house fall 2000. Two or three years later the interest rates were down and I asked about refinancing at that time which was goind to cost $300.,
Last month after the bailout deal I call the same mortgage company with the same question, same house, same person, etc. I was told Dec 2008 that it would cost me $5,000 to refinance and would have to pay $500 non-refundable right then to even "hold" that "deal" to refinance if I did not decide right then on that phone call.

I am caught in an upside down mortgage like many Americans. Will the stimulus plan help me?

If the economic mess we are in started with the financial and banking sectors, caused by defaulting mortgage loans that were variable rates resetting at much higher fixed rates, wouldn't it help more to direct the financial bailout or stimulus to preventing mortgages defaults? Dollars should go to cover the interest rate differentials on a bank's forward books. Currently, unpaid mortgages cost the banks the interest AND the principal or every loan not paid. Losing one the "projected" interest differential off the forward books should secure more bank dollars to loan, keep owners in their home, reduce foreclosures and housing values, keep a flow of money into banks and out to company loans to continue investing and growing jobs.

The Republican minority leader says that he wants to give tax breaks (mostly for the rich) and in his plan will create 6 million jobs. I find this so funny that now he, all of a sudden has an idea that can create jobs, 6 million of them. But when Bush was president, he never came up with any ideas. I make 50K a year, giving me a tax break wont do nothing for me. However, it will do a whole lot for the people making over 6 figures or over $250K annually.

Most of us dont have time to read a 650 page bail out plan. Does this new package have any oversight committies that will moniter the companies or banks that get this money and will there be consequences for those who mismanage the money again? I dont mind so much having to pay back money if it helps our economy but I think Americans will agree that the people who are spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on redesigning thier personal offices and going on millon dollar retreats (at our expense) should be put in jail!

Replace the income tax with a simple sales tax with no ifs and or butts.

Yes – because we are lossing jobs!!!!! That means homes, cars etc. now!!! So we are going to homeless shelters. We don't have a means to wait. We need shelter, food etc. until we get a JOB!!

Please have more unemployed people on your show. Not people with Political views of "pull yourself up by your boot straps". WHAT BOOTSTRAPS – NO income means no ability to spend!

No. I do not support the the stimulus. Another stimulus is like trying to exhale without inhaling. What the economy needs is to let money have it's value. Deflation. Negotiate our debt with the banks. Any interest over 8% for the past 3yrs should be recalculated at 5% or less. Mortgage or credit card. Most interest over 12 % is a shylock loan that will end up in bankrupcy court. Bank should forgive us our debt as goverment is forgiving them their debts.

Jean Chatzky...people are not quitting their jobs..they are being FIRED!!!

My company is to small to be called small business! what do we do? I can' t qualify for any help, I still have bills, I am 55 years olds, I've lost 1/4 mill in the last few months in the stock market. When i hear your hind sight soothayers talk about what we should have done it make me sick,
I did what I was advised to do, & I lost!!! stop the experts telling us what we should have done!, what do we do now! I have two children that need help & guidence, I tell them don't trust the gov!! don't trust the media! don't trust anybody!!!!!! they all have their own agenda. We are all on the same ship & it is sinking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

this all sucks!!!

If we don't spend, how many more jobs will be lost and will it just keep snowballing?

No brain, No clue. So sad.

I agree with some of the ploicies, but am reserved on the "pork" added.
One question I have is about the $40 TV coupons mailed out. I received 2 in the mail, I have 2 TV's. I think there was a choice of up to 3 per house.
Is there a way of tracking the use of these coupons and if someone, only has 1 TV but asks for 3 coupons, how, is this going to be tracked? What if they sell them to someone else?

I cannot believe what I am hearing. When one of tonight's panel made the comment "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" totally unbelievable. How can you expect Americans to understand and even want to accept CEO's of companies who are supposed to be the brightest and well educated defraud Americans. If a military service member bounces a check he/she can be subject to punishment under the UCMJ. But, these CEO's take money (knowingly) cause many people to lose pensions, and even jobs go without punishment. I think there is something totally wrong with this picture.

MONEY is like gambling – it's a bad addiction!

Forget about money!

Enjoy your life and be HAPPY – that's the key!

No matter how bad things (financially) get – if you use common sense, you'll be OK.

There's a lot more important things to worry about in this world besides money.

We should be focusing on living longer – being healthy and HAPPY.

Northport, NY

With unemployment where it is today and growing daily, how is advising people who still have jobs and money to spend to save save save and not spend going to move the economy forward and grow jobs?

CHANGE??-you call this change?? This is nothing but politics at it's finest. spend, spend, spend and self interest for the politicians in Washington. Go away and leave us alone–why don't Americans wake up and vote the bums out. Oh wait–that's right –the U.S rates 26 in the world for education. The Republicans spend and the Democrats spend–they can't control themselves–GIVE ME A BREAK!

Everyone seems to be focused on the stimulus package and forgets that republicans got us in this situation in the first place. Bush inherited a surplus, mismanaged the war, the economy, international trade… 8 years later we are many trillion in debt. Now the republicans want to say the democrats are the irresponsible ones… can we start looking at the lack of progress in the US during the Bush years… energy, internet, environment… we need to spend some money to get all this started… and I say maybe spend many trillion before it’s all done… only then will we have the opportunity to double our investment and get out of this deficit…

Why should we continue the same failed 'trickle-down" policies of the republicans that have caused the current train wreck in our economy. This is not an accident. The republicans have been in control and have gotten exactly what they wanted and stand for ... less regulation, lower taxes (particularly for business and the wealthy) and a pro-business agenda that ignores the envrionment and social considerations. They are the folks that drove the bus into the ditch.

It's seems pretty simple to me. Demand drives supply ... supply does not drive demand. I cannot understand why the supply-siders cling to their failed philosophy. You can give business all the tax cuts in the world and they will not buy new equipment or hire new employees until demand increases.

We need "bubble up" stimulus plans.

The only thing I don't understand is why Obama's plan doesn't do anything to stimulate the housing market. We won't see a vibrant economy until housing is back on its feet.

The Republicans are so used to getting their own way under the Bush administration....that they are in essence "pouting like second graders, and taking their ball and going home"

No.. and I am a big Obama plan. Alternative: Combine the remaining $350 billion with the stimulus to solve the problem.

There are about 2 million homes in foreclosure which are at the heart at the problem. $350 billion will buy all of those homes assuming an average mortgage of $175,000 which is reasonable.

On the stimulus side put together a plan to use private companies (closely regulated and monitored) to manage the 2 million homes. As a simple example:

1) Start by identifying those occupied by families as opposed to those that have been abandoned by speculators.

2) If the home is abandoned, take it off the market and contract with local small businesses to maintain the property, including making needed repairs with a view to future marketability. Maintain the landscape and provide security to avoid/reduce vandalism etc. All of these activities result in jobs.

3) If the home is occupied (by the former owner or renters) make every effort to keep them in the home. Again contract with local small business to service the properties. This translates to more jobs and fewer people joining the ranks of the homeless.

4) As conditions improve, start putting houses back on the market in a controlled way using local real estate companies. As was the case in the 80's S&L crisis, this could recover much of the cost of the program. Again this creates jobs and supports home values in affected communities.

Please contact your representatives and senators with this plan. Thanks.

Shame on this stimulus package. Who will help millions of American who lost their job? Who will help them to support their family, NOW?

Why isn't anyone talking about how the economy REALLY works. Money doesn't usually trickle down or trickle up, it CIRCULATES. When someone is paid, they spend part of it – which means someone else is paid, and then they spend it, etc. And every time it changes hands it is INCOME and what happens to part of income?? It is TAXED by the government! So each time money is spent (circulates) the government gets some of it back. That is how you stimulate the economy, and the faster money circulates, more people have money to spend and more gets back to the government in the form of taxes that can help pay back the deficit! DUH!

I believe we should give the president a chance. He has a lot of work to do do on the economy, in which Republican leadership messed up. I believe that the

San Diego Ca: I support the stimulus plan. After watching the two members of congress, it is clear to me that even though the president wants to work for what is good for Americans and not the political parties, the same old archaic mind set is alive and doing well in congress. It is still us and them and not us; we won and you lose. The best thing that can happen now that we have a new president is to rid Congress of all members who have been in office for more than 10 years. This country cannot afford to keep this Hatfields versus McCoys snipping while Americans suffer.

Larry,

I think it is the best interest of the country as a whole to pass the economic stimulus package due the the future effect that the stimulus package will play on our economy. Mark Zandi indicated in his latest analysis on the stimulus package that without it, our unemployment rate will be well into the double digits by this time next year and our economy will not return until 2014. I believe it is necessary so the high employment rate will not cripple us, we need to get all of the lost American jobs back and the stimulus package will help to do that.

Hello Larry/John

The best way to spend the money from the rescue plan and make every body happy from my point of view would be if we take this 819 billion dollars and divide it by the population of our country so every single American gets approximately 2.73 million to pay all their debts and or loans and still have plenty of money left over to enjoy life

Sincerely,
Otto Metovic
San Jose Ca

I have heard many opinions from econimists about the stimulus package. I feel noone really knows the final out come if any the package will have on us. But rather goog or bad something have to be done. There will never be a total agreement of what to do or how to do it. Obama have some of the best minds surrounding him right now. Let's give it a chance before we attack and rip it apart. If nothing else think positive we will all feel better.

I do not agree with this spending bill at all its sad. The unimployment is a joke you get denied for unimployed so if you get it good luck. we need to cut taxes and less spending and less goverment were becoming a socialist country. I am sorry the banks are not lending and spending it in all the wrong places. if were going to give it away you minds well give it to the american people to spend i am sure it will be spent i figured it out about approx 30 grand a piece. I tell you someone will buy a car, or put a down on a house or even start a buisness of their own. man even if you gave out a voucher for each american for a american car that would stimulate to country and get people back to work. look at the wall street they screwd us, the banks they screwd us also so i thank the republicins for not voting for this. I think the plan could have been good if more cuts and less spending honestly. I am not republicen nor demorcrat i am independent and I think the new president can make a good change but he needs to be more in the middle.

I have $33,000 in credit card dept and have no income. The banks get bailed out. But we still have to pay off our dept. If they would give use the money we could give it the lenders. That sound like the right way to help all of us insteed of just the rich.

I would like to know who have anything else beside trickle down economics with the hope of maybe getting a job. Please no more taxes cuts for the rich and wealth they just want to play in stock market with their friends and we all know what happens there.

I'm not sure but there is some reason why employers are laying off all of the people they are laying off. So, if it takes the government to spend billions to try to jump start this economy then something must work. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t have a job that can help jump start the economy. And if the Democrats want to act like children in a candy store , so what! Personally I can't blame them because they had to deal with George W. Bush Veto pen over the last two years.

So yes I do agree with the 819 Billion-Dollar Economic Stimulus Package.

Would it not be better to give people taxes writeoffs like car loan, and credit card interest? They did years ago. What happened? And why is unemployment taxed? Its payed by your employer isn't it taxed then?

No, I do not support the $819 billion stimulus package. It is more wanton spending without appropriate means of responsible management.
Each grant should pass the litmus test of calculated real economic stimulus and accountability.

I like the idea of eliminating NAFTA/GATT, which democrat Bill Clinton signed into law....it kills me how people blame this country's problems to ONE party...in my opinion, they are both culpable & the most energy they both expend is on getting re-elected....I find what you hear & what you then see are two entirely different things....INDEPENDENTS UNITE...think outside the box they collectively have us in....

For all of you skeptical people, did you forget that all of America's money is in Iraq.

Don't forget about the Iraq war. This was a misuse of money as great as any of us have ever seen.

Another way of answering your caller's question is this: If the banks don't have the capital to make the loans for mortgages or student loans, then the next time she wants to buy a $250,000 house she better have cash. Because the banks won't be able to help her.

Yes – because we are lossing jobs!! That means homes, cars etc.

So, currently people are going to homeless shelters.

We don't have a means to wait. We need shelter, food etc. until we get a JOB! Suicide's are up!

NOTE: Please have more unemployed people on your show. Not people with Political views of "pull yourself up by your boot straps".

WHAT BOOTSTRAPS – NO income means no ability to spend!

HELLO –

WHERE THE MONEY IS COMING FROM?

WHERE THE MONEY IS GOING TO?

DO WE AMERICAN SUDDENLY HAS A MONEY TREE?

I am just an average American...but, could someone PLEASE explain to me how taking over bankings bad debts and getting banks to make loans to companys (which I am assuming alot of them are manufacturing companys) is going to help the stimulation of the economy when Americans still won't be able to afford to purchase their goods as we are under the gun so to speak with paying outlandish rates on credit cards.... we have watched our 457's virtually disappear...everything from our utilitys and groceries to gasoline for our vehicles have gone up....and those of us fortunate enough to have jobs....have nothing left over to spend...NOONE is bailing out the American people....but, they ARE putting this Trillion Dollar brick around our necks and our children and grandchildrens necks.... Some answers PLEASE!!!!

When do Home mortgage intrest rates come down to that 4.5% or lower, Maybe3%. That would put a signifigant amount of money in the homeowner hands each month. I would think, that would be instant stimulus.

I think Obama is drinking the kool-aid. This all looks like more of the same. Someone please tell me why giving every American 18+, one million dollars, before taxes would not stimulate the economy more that what is being proposed. His plan stimulates by keeping people in debt. I do not need credit, I need cash to pay off debt and put funds back in my retirement. Nothing in his plan will help people who have lost everything at no fault of their own. He is giving all the money to companies that have taken all the middle classes money and saving. It's time to trickle up for a change. Please pose this question to your experts.
Beverly
W. Bloomfield, MI

we need a fresh start. Let's leave make our children proud, Republicans"...be examples.

Yes,Yes, and YES for the Stimulus Package. I am an Engineer and I work in the public works. I have seen the massive staff layoffs in the local and state government agencies. The Bush administration has succeeded in failing! In order to avoid failure for years to come we have to sacrifice the bilions today to minimize the life losses that will occur due to unemployment which will lead to higher crime and a whole lot of mess. Our standard living as american citizens has been dramaticly falling. It is unfortunte. Our research and technology abilities have been insignificant. Our Infrastructure is way behind and very unsafe for the public as the bridges that colapsed not too long ago and many more in the future if people don't get to work and inspect those structure and if banks don't lend contractors to actually fix these issues. The stimulus package will bring in employement to my industry but also to banks, contractors which many are small businesses, insurance companies, other services, manufacturers, transportation industry... many more. This is only a small amount I have read about the healthcare and education which will not just help the citizens be able to use these services but will bring in jobs to millioins. Spending on new sources of energy is necessary. Instead of spending trillions on wars and corruption. I believe that investing wisely on technology and research will bring in millions of jobs but also national security. A change was hoped for and here we are still frightened of change. I back and support Obama and confident of its positive outcome. Please consider and read the package. The projects will bring work to everyone and will maintain security. This is our opportunity.

What's going on at Circuit City? Will this parkage help nealy 60000 layoffs in Circuit City? 70,000 jobs have been lost, this Monday. Who will help them?

Shame on those ignorant Republicans up on the hill. Do they think the American people are Deaf ,Dumb and Blind.
Hey dummies, you guy's are the ones who took the first package of the American's money under the original pretext of bailing out the home owners who were loosing their homes but, when you got the money you flipped off the Public and threw the money at Wall Street and AIG- and the Auto Industry and so far the problems the first package under the Republicans was suppose to address, has only lined the pockets of big business men, and thebanks used it to buy up other banks and so far they refuse to loan that money... None of the first money had any strings attached to track how it was used or to make sure it was used as originally stated. So those dummies(The Republicans) should shut up and let the President we all voted for, do what he is trying to get done .WE DON'T CARE WHAT YOU THINK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Republicans act like they are trying to keep us the public from being taken advantage of -Give me a break...... They just want to make sure that they still get to keep screwing us . WE ARE SICK OF YOU AND EVERYTHING YOU STAND FOR!!!!!!

WE NEED A FRESH START...ONE THAT INCLUDES EVERYONE....NOT JUST CRY BABY REPUBLICANS. GET OVER IT YOUR SEASON IS OVER!!

James...good ridance, nobody wants a boss like you anyway. As somebody once said "ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country".

Larry, we gave Bush and the rep 8 years and 1.2 trillion dollars. Now all those hedgehogs are unwilling to give President Obama 1 week and 800 billion. Shame on you so called no bias no bull, you’re full of bull.

There is no single bill, or solution that will address every issue within our society, if we spend less yes there would be a downturn of retail jobs on the front end, but if you couple irresponsible individual spending with responsible government spending, new jobs will be created in industries that are key to the sustained survival and success of our country, and that is a fair trade off, energy, agriculture, education, healthcare etc.

Isn't it amazing how the government is so quick to lend money to help the big banks and lending institutions and yet people who have personal debt and are paying down on credit card debt are seeing no reduction on their interest rates. My tax payer dollars are easing the financial burden for some of the lending institutions but at the same time, those of us who are at the other end are not sharing in that same relief. Funny how that works! Where is equality and justice for all?

This Bail Out I hope it can stimulate the economy but we as Americans need to look at ourselves and how we have lived by credit much too long. The government cannot assit us if we are not disciplined enough to monitor how we spend.

We have to start some where and the money has to be freed up from the banks so businesses can survive.

As far as the Republicans what did you have to offer? Sitting back criticizing doesn't cut it start becoming more creative. Where is your reach The President is trying.

I am sick of this whole mess due to it all started by greed.

Half of the people on this blog don't even know what there talking about ,their all jumpin on the Obama band wagon cause they don't have any thing to but what tv and write letters on the internet...............

The answer from panelists to the caller about how the bailout of Bank of America will impact her and her mortgage payment was totally myopic and short sighted. What should have been mentioned is that while the caller is not directly benefited by the bailout, she is indirectly benefited by the banks ability to make loans either for mortgages which will help stabilize or maintain property values or to small businesses to support their ability to continue to operate and potentially avoid having to close or eliminate workers.

Yes, I support the the intent behind the $819 billion as long as it is not given to businesses that will use the money to pay CEO's fat Bonuses or use the money for acquisitions and buying other businesses. Loan every cent out to businesses that will create jobs.

I voted for Mr.Obama and wish him success. I regret that his first political measure – the $819 stimulus package – is being burried in bypartisan politics.
think it's partly his and his economic team's fault.
Their over 600 pages presenation is impossible to comprehend, let alone analyse in such a short time.
How can I voice an opinion?
In order for our President to gain the support of the public he needs to better market his policy moves.
Why not start with this stimulus package?
Please, post the one-page main items list and then ask for our opinion and support.
Thank you!

Anderson on Larry King,

Nothing like bias on this program. The Motley Fool's market is the well heeled.

What do they know about people, like me, who were shoved out of their homes only to watch the same bank, who bellied up to the federal trough for bailout money, turn on a dime to then offer a new buyer a FORTY PERCENT REDUCTION IN PRICE – a price I could have afforded on a 30yr. fixed mortgage!

Not only does this pour salt on my new wound of homelessness, it stomps around on it until it bleeds!

It is time we got honest with ourselves and the Media came clean and called the United States what it really is – an UGLY OLIGARCHY!

Luckly I have a job now. But could any one help millions of American who lost their job? Many of them has low 5 figures salary, while Wall Street are complaining their 6 or 5 figures bonus. You just take money from those Circuit City guy and give money to Wall Street fat. Now you even wants more!

Barney Frank was down right about the approval of this stimulus plan. Why not try another way to jumpstart the economy with this bill since the bailout plan that the Dubya administration initiated is not working. Instead of bailing out corporate America, why not put this money into the mainstream in order to create jobs for the people. And these is what this bill is all about. These Republicans are being hypocritical about these spendings but nobody wants to be held accountable of the billions of dollars that their former lame duck president spent on Iraq and Afganistan, the multi-billion Nimitz-class aircraft carrier named "Papa Bush" that was just inagurated few days before he slip out of office and other unnecessary things that plunged this country into the abyss of debt. These Republicans and the 11 Democrats that voted no to this bill should be ashamed of themselves of trying to block the change that Pres. Obama wants to start to implement. I am waiting for the time to come that this bill will work and let all of these Congressmen who voted against it be out of their jobs and see how it feels like!

I work for a bank, and all this talk about stimulate this, stimulate that is driving me nuts, a major part of whats wrong with our economy, is the rediculous compensation given to executives, and the dime drop in the bucket given to hmmmmmmmmm, everybody else.

If you take the compensation given year over year to most executives, CEO's, CFO's, COO's, Investment bankers etc. who might i add make up about 8 -10% of the workforce labor of most companies, and restructure that compensation and give only a fraction of that to net workforce, the increase to wages would in effect create a boost in "stimulative" spending, year over year.

$500.... give me a break.

Dear Mr. King,
I watched your hour on the stimulus plan passed tonight and I am very disappointed in your panel's response to your question about the average American's resentment about not being included in the plan. The men just don't get it, and the lady kind of gets it. But, the stimulus plan does not include recipes for the ingredients you receive at the Food Bank. I have had to visit the local food bank last month and this month. Somehow, stock choices just don't have any relavance to my life right now. My mother-in-law is 87 years old and lost 70% of her income in two months. My husband has a small 401K and lost 15% of its value. We need protein in the Food Bank. We need more flour and fresh vegetables at the Food Bank. We need fresh fruit at the Food Bank. It is hard not to resent someone who earned $80 million and the company gets a bailout.

I think I will write a recipe book for the Food Bank. Luckily, I know how to cook with very basic ingredients. Many younger people have existed on fast food and have no idea what good food is outside of their grandmother's house on Thanksgiving.

Thanks for giving me a good idea.

Best regards,

I have created a New Financial Strategy Concept. Businesses are to make profit,employees earn income,iIvestors get what they Desrerve,
Consumes to AFFORD. Seeking Development.Licensing

I agree wth the 810 Billion Stimulus plan within variety.what we have.
Most of the businesses that laid off so many people I and famliy have shopped for years. they make Profit, now , they become consumers later ,so they are not able to afford.

They need to MAKE PROFIT and AFFORD what they Legally need.
unemployment stimulateds data of Unemployed .so the stimulus plan
is to stimulate what we already have.
Most people have suffered losses,losses stimulate Data
we put our money in banks to entrust and PRODUCE for us.

Loretta Sue Phillips
Independent Research contractor
PO BIox # 6785
East Lansing,Michigan
48826
517-203-3056

your guests are missing the point in their pathetic effort to sound upbeat while performing their roles as lapdogs for the economic status quo. this financial crisis has indeed taught some lessons, but they are not the lessons mentioned by your guests. it has instead pointed out some fundamental problems with capitalism, problems that need to be addressed quickly before a true revolution sweeps the western democracies. the captains of the financial services industry have looted their companies. they need to repay the money or be prosecuted. then there needs to be a continuing effort to redistribute wealth so that real equality begins to be instituted and not just nodded at as your quests have done. if this sounds like communism or socialism so be it. the middle class is being destroyed in this country. union membership is no longer respected, and dignified blue collar work is sniffed at by fools and paper shufflers who actually produce nothing of value. if the captains of industry - with their overseas foreign labor and illegal immigrant labor - are not smart enough, or fair enough, to realize this, then the country needs to be socialized. a century ago, henry ford knew that building a car was only part of his challenge. he also knew that he had to pay his workers enough that they could afford to buy the product that they were building. that is the type of leadership that we desperately need. instead, we have henry paulsen with his attitude of "let them eat cake." paulsen's kind of leadership will be the downfall of this country, and of our western societies that purport to be democratic. your guests are simply plying the same old tired capitalistic crap that got this country into this mess. our problems have virtually nothing to do with personal savings, as your guests have pleaded. they have everything to do with making our societies more equal, with pay for the lower classes increased and pay for the ceo class decreased massively. if this doesn't happen soon, i fear for the future of our country. people will no longer put up with thieves and crooked money lenders holding the reins of power. if their grip on things needs to be wrested away then lets get to it. if the government can pass laws that take their power away, all the better. that will be obama's real challenge. it certainly won't be to encourage more individual savings so the unsophisticated can blow money on more tip sheets from the two motley fools.

Watching tonight's Larry King Live was so disappointing. All I heard from the panel members was for Americans to spend less than they earn and to be diligent employees, so that if there is a layoff, they will not be affected. They made it sound so simple...just follow these rules and it will solve your individual financial problems. Well, I am that person you said we should strive to be. I have zero credit card debt, I live in an apartment because I cancelled my home purchase based on the potential of layoff, and I was a devoted employee of 16 years whose job was handed over to the person I trained for the last 2 years. Now I sit here unemployed and unable to find full-time employment. I currently work 3 part-time jobs, but that still does not allow me to meet my minimum monthly bills or get benefits. I think you have forgotten that NOT ALL people have been negligent in creating this financial crisis. Some of us are just sitting out here paying for other's mistakes. I feel as if I have done everything right. Just once, I wish the focus was on helping those of us who have made good decisions. On this sinking ship, it should be the people who have worked hard and made sound decisions that are able to get off first, but I feel as if I am left without a life-jacket. It is not reality to expect that the average American can turn this around on their own and hearing that Obama's plan is not going to make much of a difference to individuals makes me realize that there really is no reward for being a financially responsible American when crisis comes. The government just opens their wallet to the SAME corporations and individuals who created the mess, and they forget about people like me.

dewayne,
Do you understand the concept of "Projection?" I doubt it, since you are criticizing yourself as someone who is also watching Larry King and also commenting on the blog. Usually people who don't have an independent thought on any subject have no other options but to criticize others, as if they are somewhat above "others." Get over yourself.

Here's a good exercise to keep you real. Next time you set about bashing others, hold a mirror up to your face. That is who you are really talking about. Understand Projection dear?

Why are our leaders in Washington not acting on a stimulus package that would get a lot of our people back to work? It's simple and in front of them now. It's called the extension of E-Verify. Make it permanent and give it teeth by supporting law enforcement and the courts.

Think about it. For some reason, bleeding hearts can't envision that illegal immigrants are law breakers, pure and simple. They range in every facet of our society Millions, who knows how many, of illegal immigrants are feeding off our economy and job market at a minimum to spawning organized crime that makes the mafia look like rowdy school kids.

If for one moment we don't believe we have been inundated with illegal immigrants, just call a business. The menu? Press 1 for English, Press 2 for Spanish. In fairness, who knows how many terrorist cells speaking other languages have made the same journey.

Immigration has made this country. Illegal immigration is destroying it.

The Government's main source of income is through taxes or borrowing. The past tax cuts that Bush kept pushing for to gain votes for the republican party well caused us to borrow from frankly I would call them as our main competition, our enemies. in addition to spending on wars and other unecessary programs caused us to be 10.8 trillion debt since Clinton's administration. The world is still exploding, the atmosphere is unpredictable, the technology is behind, the oil companies still run our lives and wars, the education system is useless we are still hated in the world, the average american is in thousands of dollars in debt, we are still RESISTING CHANGE.

The economy needs expenditure, the cities and states need to spend in order to stimulate the economy, projects like land development, commercial, retail, residentil need to continue and be completed fast. Projects on hold and delayed projects will cause unemployment, when you freez the money flow you will freez your life! The government needs to spend now to stimulate the economy. if we save and have more tax cuts then I am sorry but this will be another great depression.

Its a shame that our infrastructure is failing. Thank you Bush for spendin on building other countries infrastucture and making deals with other countries to steal our jobs and products. Thank you for letting us import everything even services! Thank you for letting the whole world hate us, for making us live in fear and for fueling your oil companies and for forgetting our children and our environment. Thank you for being such an idiot reading a book upside down. "Two thumbs up Mr. EX president"

That was the past. Now OBAMA is here and he will run this country like no other just try to read and understand our issues better. Support OBAMA!!!

Why put the money in banks they started this mess.I thought we should help the car companys but after GM got their money they turned around an said they were going to buy batteries for their cars from korea. How does this create jobs here. Give the money to companies who guarantee jobs in AMERICA. Send all the illegal people back across the border this will be a giant help. But a lot of the foreclosure problem falls right on the buyer or borrower .A lot of people bought a $ 450000.00 home that could only afford a $150000.00 home.

Linda,

I understand completely what you are saying. I have worked and contributed since I was 16 in 1967. I WAS a solid homeowner starting in 1972. I did the 9 to 5 routine for more years that I care to count. Now, at the ripe age of 60, Wells Fargo saw to it that I was put out on the street so they could sell a house that I paid $420,000 for to a new buyer at the bargain price of $240,000. THEY REFUSED TO NEGOTIATE WITH MY HUSBAND! Face it, in this country, some people matter but MOST PEOPLE DON'T!

Obama, if he hasn't already, will soon become distant enough from his community organizing days to forget too that the You's and Me's of this Nation are externally in dire straights financially, internally we are screaming and bleeding from the venom of disgust.

continued: and grave disappointment to feel that we don't matter.

To James,

While you, like many other people in this country have worked, struggled and saved, you would not have had your success without your customers, whoever they are. Your success would not have soared without your employees to whom you feel no loyalty. You seem to think that you did it allllll by yourself. Don't be a fool. You have been blessed with success and have become quite selfish and arrogant. Your employment of 14 people is not out of the goodness of your heart, but a desire to make your business more successful and make more money. You are a sad person who has the audacity to think you're better than someone else purely on the basis of your status and income. You have forgotten from whence you came, but you need not put down people who have less than you and assume everyone who does is on welfare and has a house full of kids. That's the "conservatives" secret code for race and class hateful and divisive comments.

most people who work in Banks are not 'up on Banking'
there are terms they just are not familiar with ,they bypass departments
refuse to connect you to the people who do. You learn something
in school about financing they claim 'we don't do tha.

It would really be nice if people could come with their own legal plans to the Bankl(s) for services, financing .

Credit reports are inaccurate,people are losing jobs,or just are not making enough to afford,commit crimes,or just suffer.

THIS IS NOT THE AMERICAN WAY

May from New York City,

The money is coming from the checks that our children has not earned as yet.

It's going to cover a debt that most all of us inherited due to irresponsible government spending, failed policies and regulations that needed regulating.

And finally the money tree is grown in China, and Saudi Arabia, and any other country that we borrow from, and outsource our Jobs to.

Yes i do support the three hundred and nineteen billon dollor recovery plan. i think it's just like clock work you put in one piece in and then anouther and so on evently the clock works the econmey is the same way you give someone money then they give someone else money and so on. i really think president obama should focus the money towards education, alterntive energy and roads he should help rebulid the lower classes.

What will I do with a $500.00 tax credit?

Send it right to the IRS, who is still billing me and my husband for our 2007 taxes because we had no mortgage interest. He's a real estate agent. I already reduced that bill by the $600.00 last stimulus check.

The government should just send it to ITSELF/IRS! Even after that is done, I can still expect another bill from the IRS just minus the $1,100 in "stimulus" money!

OMG, the insanity is too much to bare. I've seriously considered suicide. That's what one does when they are HOPELESS!

On the other hand, I think I will just turn CNN off and give myself a break!

The rich get richer......and the rest of us....get a non stimulus....stimulus ...?????

Angela, you said, "Republican whiners" ?? You are unbelievably naive and you should educate yourself. You have no clue. Barney Frank and the democratic party are the ones who got us into this mess. If you would be intellectually honest for a moment, you'd see that it was them who coerced banks to make bad loans. That's right. The banks didin't want to lend it but they had to or they would be accused of racism and unfair lending practices. Ben would be saying the same thing whether Obama won or not, so join reality and get off your high horse. Wake up to the real world and see that your own party steered you wrong. It's like inviting the arsonist back to help you put out the fire because he convinced you that he didn't start the fire. Intellectual honesty is the only thing that can save us.

This stimoious package is like a life line for the sole survivor for humanity,those who grab it gain some sort of confort.

I had a comment about putting a huge import tax on anything comming into this country, make it high enough companies beg to bring factories back to America. Give them a tax cut. I guess someone didn`t like it because it wasn`t posted. Tell China to keep all their junk in China. Hell, we don`t even make toilet paper here any more. This economy will turn around when we turn import ships around. And turn illegal aliens around.

From what I understand the money going to the infrastructure is basically in a form of grants or loans and the states, cities or government agencies will have to pay it back depending on the economic status of that city or rigion. The poor area may get the grants to run these projects but obviously bigger cities or states may have to pay washington back with interest. Who is paying for all of this the tax payers of course. But would you rather pay taxes or search for food in the trash and sleep under the failing bridges... would you rather have your city employing and running new projects and improve your standard of living or would you rather save your few dollars in the bank and let your kids figure the rest out... same goes to all the other industries that this package is going to aid and improve... its clearly a positive thing. Keep the jobs IN AMERICA, become independent of SAUDIA ARABIA, and have a healthier cleaner life for our future and our kids future.

"Laura the $500 dollars is nothing I understand that but they are yours to do whatever you want with some families need that to feed themselves, to keep them warm or to pay a few bills, but some will spend it shopping or save it ... I would personally pay off my credit card. If you don't want it just send it back or to charity... buut in order to be equal in this country if they are going to give out tax cuts it has to be to the majority and lets be honest people that make more than 75k really are not very worried its the single mother with two jobs that is about to lose one"

Thanks,

To M.D. TX,

Amen to that! I work as a healthcare provider (ICU RN) and I am really saddened to see that some of my patients are coming to our hospital very, very sick up to the point that they are already critical and in need of emergent help. The primary reason to this is, they come late to seek medical help because it's either they don't want to pay for any co-payments and medical bills because their main priority is putting food in the table or they simply they do not have any insurance because they do not have jobs to start with. I hope that the approval of this bill will help all of us in many ways not only in the healthcare profession but people from all walks of life.

A person who has a job has money to pay for co-pay, has an insurance that will pay the medical bills, that will in turn pay the hospital that provided the healthcare services, and the hospital will pay the doctors, nurses, aides, housekeepers and a gamut of service line providers that runs the hospital. Just imagine providing a job to one person and how it affects so many workers when this person gets medical attention.

I know that this bill also entails a budget for healthcare that why
I am really supporting this bill not because I will benefit from it but lots of people will also benefit from it.

Funny,all of a sudden after at least six years of complete control Republicans have all the answers. why do they now know how to fix the mess they made. The only thing they can fix is a mess big enough know one can fix it. WIPE YOUR EYES, BLOW YOUR LITTLE NOSES AND GET ON BOARD.

I agree Joe. The money is going to many many other professions, and small businesses. The cities will be in need to hire consultants and contractos to run the work because they won't have the speed and work force. As soon as projects begin, the airlines will pick up as well, because of business travel and actually having stable jobs i will finally be able to take a vacation in two years! I mean the money going to education will be great our teachers are just over worked and our students are not getting the appropriate education, the police, the firefighters, the scientists, the food industry, the energy... the list is endless. If this will not boost the economy within a year I will be disapointed but to have a better 2010 we must pass this bill. Our software engineers need their jobs here in America not in India and why is everything made in China why the greed of these companies to save on benefits and salaries how did we let this happen nothing is made in america anymore NOTHING all technologies are imported what has happened to our strength and independence... The change Obama is bringing must not be a change for us this is America this is who we are we build our own and we build the best... other countries should borrow from us should ask us for aid!! American should not worry about keeping a job!! should not worry about getting healthcare and should never worry about putting food on the table. It upsets me that we allowed this to happen. Pass the BILL!

Hi, Mr. King my dad and I look at your show all the time. I think it's sad that people still think that every thing in the world is okay and every time you turn on the t.v. jobs are constantly cutting back by laying off hundreds of workers. Obama can't do it alone, he needs support from congress,senate, ect. How many killings will it take for right to override pride or tradition? I think people need to wake up, we are not on Fantasy Island. The world is in an uproar, let's act like it.

This is a whole different subject, but maybe you can help me understand this. Why is it when someone has filed a lawsuit, most of the time they are in total darkness about when they will get their money. You are pretty much depending on the lawyer to give you feedback on the case and half the time you can never reach them. How do you know that they don't have the money and just holding it for whatever purposes. I think there needs to be a way that you can have general knowledge of your case and what's going on with it. I think something should be enforced, for example once the attorney receives the money from the case there are so many days they have to contact the client. thanks

its a shame after all these job losses,rich white (rep) still only cares about there selves,by wanting to send the rest of our jobs overseas,and all this stems from still wanting to keep the black race down! well guess what,no more white power,its jesus power now!!!!

The republicans can not support this bailout because it isnt throwing money at their wallstreet and banker friends. If it is a bail out for jobs and to help the people then republicans dont want it. How does that line their pockets? It doesnt. My neighbor lost his job and today their water was turned off. All we can do is watch the people suffer. Obama is right. What would the repiblicans have the president do?

ts a shame after all these job losses,rich white (rep) still only cares about there selves,by wanting to send the rest of our jobs overseas,and all this stems from still wanting to keep the black race down! well guess what,no more white power,its jesus power now!!!!
we can do it.............

It's a sad day in America when the Republicans express with their votes what one ultra conservative expressed with his mouth...something like...he hopes he fails?

Obama said he wants to get rid of wasteful spending, but most of the contents in this 'stimulus' bill seems like wasteful spending. How does spending $345 million on STD prevention/education?

Question:
How much money would the federal government save if the post office were to reduce its service by one day a week?

Ken Pengelly
Maple Grove, Mn

Since the republicans kissed off the plan, it would truly be nice if there was a creative way to insure that all the initial funds go to the states supporting the democrats for the stimulus and should any be left over, spoon feed it to the republican states last, if at all........

Forget giving 800 billion to banks and bad debts.Give the money to the working people in the form of a government subsidised wage increase.It will not cost businesses any money,and within weeks there will be a massive flow of money.The billions needs to be spent on the segment that does not consume or qualify for anything because they get minimum wage.These are the big untapped consumers.Not the saturated baby boomers.This is how it works.8 dollars an hour generates 600 in income tax a year,and free medical.These people can not buy an apartment,car or any major item.roughly 15%of the population has no spending power.

Minimum wage goes to 15 dollars an hour.Now the income tax is 4000 a year and medical collected for a single is 100 a month.
This program costs 14 billion a year for a million workers gross.
However,after you deduct the revenue created,4 billion income tax,1 billion pension/EI, medical 100 million,sales tax 1.2 billion, the cost is 7.7 billion per million working adults.And the news gets better now.Each person has 850 net dollars more income each month.
That means 850 million dollars per month of after tax dollars to be spent each month of disposable income,from the wage increase per million workers.
That is 10.2 billion dollars put into the economy in the first year per million people.That actually creates a surplus,because the government now collects income taxes from these people.For 50 million americans the cost would be 385 billion dollars for a year if not a penny was spent back.However the money will get spent on travel,cars,apartments,meals,etc.50 million people are going to spend 600 billion dollars in the first year,starting with the first paycheques 2 weeks from now.This program will generate more money than it costs.It will generate 42.5 billion dollars a month in sales from 50 million american workers.If one in ten bought a new car,that would sell 5 million cars a year for the next ten years.They also would have $500 left over to buy an apartment with.That would create a market for 5 million apartments a year for the next 10 years.The banks would make enough on the car loans and mortages to get out of debt.Read this again because it would work and it is immediate.The economic spending would put alot of other people back to work because the demand for products will return.

I am a scared single 53 yr old mother of a 12 yr old. I'm a realtor who hasn't seen a paycheck in 6 months. Do I continue to deplete my small savings & what little bit of retirement money I set aside or do I purposely fall behind on my mortgage payments in order to see any help?

John, I don't understand. For 8 yrs now, this country has not been taken care of by the Republicans and Mr.Bush. Let's give our new President a chance to change this country. I'm so sick and tired of Republicans arguing and bickering.they had their chance and look at where we are.

I'm a huge supporter of Obama, but I'm concerned with the perception, if not the reality, that the house Democrats packed this bill with special interest projects. In order to hold onto his credibility, maybe Obama should tell them to start over and wait for the Federal Budget to address some of these extras. That would also free up more funds for infrastructure and renewable energy.

Like most Americans, I disappointed that we have to even consider any kind of borrowing to get through the economic garbage we're in.

Nevertheless, I'm was further disappointed in the "stay on the sidelines and tell you why things won't work and ask for greater tax benefits for small business and let the rest of Americans who can't feed their families or get a job; find their own way; kinda politics" I was sickened by Ms Blackburn's apathy. Give CLueless a whole new meaning...eeechk

Jon Stewart has it right: give the money DIRECTLY to the consumers, let them pay back their bills WHICH IS WHAT THEY DID WITH BUSH'S stimulus. This clears their debt, the banks get their money. The stimulus money should not go to the banks because they have already proved they won't use it for lending because they are still not getting it not to be greedy. The republicans are idiots, but that's ok – let them stay that way so the democrats can get even more seats in 2010.

Yes!! I do support the Stimulus package, George W Bush failed his entire term but, I never heard much argument about him recieveing funds to supposedly stimulate the economy. This is why the Republicans loss so badly in the presidential Race because, they have no clue as to what "we the people need". Who ever has said that you start a sucessful business with out spending a dime, this is the difference between a old way old thinking and, a modern day thinking. The modern day thinker knows we have to spend money to make money.

Instead of spending $300 billion bailing out banks why not pay for universal healthcare? Universal healthcare would cost less than $75 billion a year and would put about $1000 a month back in the pockets of of families and save businesses billions each year. That money would then be used to really stimulate the economy.

Is it true Paul Begala has a conference call with Rahm Emanuel and Carville several times a week and what do they talk about?

Why doesn't the government take the list of people who have filed income tax last year and split up these billions of dollars equally among all the people regardless of their income or how much they paid in. As long as they are an American citizen who has paid taxes, they should receive a check. Then tell the American people to go out and pay their bills and their loans off. There are more honest people in the average american home than there are in the big Fannie Mayes out there. Did they really think giving a bunch of crooks billions of dollars was going to make them honest? I guarantee this would stimulate the economy.

John, what happened to the first stimulus package? Now this is a monster of a bill, and the new President only after 8 days sounds so confident in his actions, but he's on OJT as you go..What experience does he have in the Executive Office? This is why I didn't vote for him,experience factor is not that of a person to lead the largest country in the free world...and oh also first tv address is to a muslim country...Why not the US of A first. We Americans did vote him in to office....Too much glitter and alot of Americans are still in the" Wow first Black President"...he's partial black yes, but what does that have to do with leading our country, zero.

Will there be a rebate check going to tax payers again?