What is more important: Deficits or helping people currently in crisis?

[prolesunited]

I can't see how Congress can argue and vote against extending unemployment benefits.

[leftstreet]

1. Rich people believe THEY'RE in crisis

So there ya go

[Echo In Light]

5. And then and only then the Action is Go!

[Captain Hilts]

2. In '37, after running a progressive campaign in '36, FDR chose deficits over people.

So, there you go.

There's no out-guessing this stuff.

[havocmom]

6. bush/cheney and GOP Congress chose deficts over (most) people's best interests

Deficits for war. Deficits for giving the richest people tax cuts. THOSE deficits were fine and dandy for too many in power and media.

[Captain Hilts]

7. Yes, I agree. nt

[havocmom]

3. Deficits didn't matter when tax cuts for the rich were lavished on the fortunate

Nor did deficits matter when Iraq war (to make obscene amounts of money for corporate contractors) was started up.

Deficits ONLY matter when DEMs are in charge and there is a tiny chance the common people might get a bigger crumb.

[blindpig]

13. And yet look who plans on doing the cutting...

punked again.

[HowHasItComeToThis]

15. REPUBS ARE THE ENEMY

[DJ13]

4. Funny, Obama is on TV right now saying we cant continue deficit spending

The unemployed, under employed, seniors, and the disabled will just have to suck it up and sacrifice I suppose.

[havocmom]

9. Let's see, deficits cut into long term wealth of the wealthy....

yep more evidence of just who Obama frets over most.

[abelenkpe]

8. If local and federal government

lays off workers to reduce the deficit it will mean that many more people needing to draw unemployment from funds already in the red. That many more people unable to pay their mortgage, bills or taxes. Unable to pay for education, cars, vacations, luxury items, and even food. Which will in turn mean larger deficits for local and federal governments forcing them to raise taxes and fees to make up the revenue shortfall and lay off more workers which will mean that many more people needing to draw unemployment from funds already in the red. That many more people unable to pay their mortgage, bills or taxes. Unable to pay for education, cars, vacations, luxury items, and even food. Which will in turn mean larger deficits.........


Downward spiral is all that will come from pursuing deficit reductions over spending money to support out of work workers and to create a real honest jobs program that puts people to work. If you ask those on unemployment if they want a check or a job, they will tell you they need the check but would prefer the job. So we need to figure out how to get people back to work.

[prolesunited]

10. I think you sum up my view quite succinctly

I don't know why they won't go for some type of WPA program because long-term unemployment is just becoming more entrenched. There are so many projects that could be accomplished. If you are going to pay extended benefits, why not gain tangible public benefits from the program?

[Stargazer99]

12. Because business would not gain

only the people.... maybe it is time to make some drastic changes in this country

[Stargazer99]

11. One would think even the idiots would "get it"

If people don't have sufficient income to purchase needs and wants business will suffer. Nothing like shooting one's self in the foot and then wondering why they are bleeding.

[nichomachus]

14. It doesn't have to be either/or.

That's what the corporatists want it to be -- but it doesn't have to.

[wingnut40]

16. If there is nothing wrong with debt than max out your credit cards.

[prolesunited]

17. Nobody said that there was nothing wrong with debt

but, if you had no health care coverage, would you use your credit card to pay for much-needed medicine? Or, would you charge your medicine, planning on getting pack in the position of paying it off, or just take your chances without medicine and face possible death.

Bad analogy.

So, what should be done with the millions and millions of people who are losing their unemployment benefits?

What do you think will happen when that very, very modest cash flow is cut off? More homes foreclosed, less goods like groceries purchased. And what do you think would quickly happen to the headway we are making on the recession?

And, if debt is so awful, I'm sure you favor immediate withdrawal in Iraq and Afghanistan and drastic cuts in the military budget. And, of course, you voiced the same concerns when Bush waged two wars while cutting taxes for the wealthiest.

[Winterblues]

18. BP is in Crisis so we should give them billions....

Funny how all we hear is crickets chirping when it comes to tax payer money for the oil industry, yet as soon as we need money for comunities or health care it is Deficit, Deficit, Deficit.. Don't they remember "Reagan proved Deficits don't matter" direct quote from Dick Cheney..

[stray cat]

19. Does that mean you will charge money to your credit card to help someone else?

keep their house or something along that line?

[prolesunited]

20. You and wingnut must get your talking points

from the same well.