House passes econ-stimulus: Party line

The herd mentallity of the republicans continues. They were lock-step to foolishly give Bush everything he asked for to persue disaster in Iraq. America needs 2010 to come a little quicker.

So this is what Obama gets for reaching out? This is what he gets for watering down his bill, loading it up with tax breaks and reducing infrastructure spending, all in the name of getting John Boner and his Rethug crowd on board.
And guess what? Not one freakin' Rethug votes for it. Not one. For that kind of GOP "support" Obama could have passed exactly the bill he wanted. The Dems were put in control of the White House, the Senate, and the House by the American people for a reason: A complete rejection of the GOP rule that has put this country in the toilet. It's time to say sc**w the Rethugs. You lost....you get nothing!

Not a single one, not a single freaking House Repuglican and actually I'm not surprised because I didn't think they would and they are already getting hammered in the media about not standing with the President or understanding the American people. President Obama is looking good right now for bending over backwards and Republicans look bitter.

THIS IS GOOD GOOD GOOD, this is exactly why the voters have given Democrats huge majorities... because the Repuglicans are freaking tools and the voters know it.
Check out the pathetic approval ratings that the House Repubs have going for them already:
http://www.diageohotlinepoll.com/

What a bunch of ideologically blinded idiots! I can't stop laughing.

This is one FIFTH of what the U.S. economy needs long-term to transform us from a Military Industrial Complex wasteland to something like a sustainable, modern democracy.
http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/latestnews/index.php?id=13265
Too bad Cindy Sheehan didn't clean Nancy's clock.

What House Republicans wont tell anyone is that their magical 6.2 million increase in employment is completely erroneous.

They may as well have plucked that figure out of thin air - it truly is ridiculous.

When they cite 'Christina Romer's metholodology', what they actually do is manipulate it and contrive the opposite conclusion to the one Romer arrives at - that tax cuts are not effective as a counter-cyclical stimulus (they are only effective in a healthy economy).

Just take a look at her analysis of the current stimulus framework conducted for President Obama with Jared Bernstein: it gives tax-cuts a multiplier of less than 1, whilst placing a multiplier on government spending of roughly 1.5.

House Republicans have the audacity to suggest that their tax cuts (the ones that give comparatively little to the lower tax bands - the ones most likely to spend it) have a multiplier of roughly 2. That is completely unbelievable. It's worse than a joke.

The charade that hyper-partisans like Eric Cantor have been pedalling can only leave a sensible person with three possible conclusions:

(1) These people are completely ignorant of economic policy? OR

(2) These people are extremely slick politicians who care more about far-right primary challenges from the 'Club for Growth' in 2010 than finding the right solution to our current crisis. OR

(3) Both

Here we go. I see it now just four years under Obama if this does not work. And the way they are going about I think it will not.

Looks like a Democrat RUBBER STAMP.
Down the road it will more than likely be called "Obama's Folly".

And ACORN will get 5.2 billion under the Neighborhood Stabilization Programs. Is it a pay off by the democrats?

Let's call this what it is and that's one very large pork barrel. I certainly hope the Republican senate follows the lead of the Republican house. History shows that these giveaways will not correct the problems we face.Peloski, do everyone a favor and resign.

Not a single Republican voted in favor? Are they afraid of crossing Rush Limbaugh, the new face of the GOP?

At least the Republicans should be commended for standing united in voting against this Trojan Horse!

This bill only contains $30 billion for infrastructure spending such as highways and bridges. I thought this proposal was going to spend a lot of money on streets , roads, bridges but instead this bill proposes additional funding for the National Endowment for the Arts, more money for schoold lunches, etc and more money for Amtrak. these may be good programs but they are infrastructure projects which have a multiplier effect on job creation. Someone is lied to us. Was former President Bush in charge of writing this proposed law?

That picture of Pelosi is about the creepiest thing I have ever seen?

From the article:
"Democrats fended off attempts to remove spending from the bill on the floor Wednesday."

Fended off attempts to curtail government spending in the midst of this type of recession..

Get used to this- God help us..

The House Republican membership is so small that it now basically consists of far right-wing lunatic fringers anyway. Let them go back to their home districts and tell their jobless constituents that they voted against a job creating stimulas bill because of ideological objections...it should be hilarious to watch.

Prez Obama made it pretty clear in his press conference yesterday that he's going to get his bill through, with or without any GOP House votes. He'll need at least 2-3 GOP Senate votes to block a filibuster, but I suspect he already has those in his pocket. So basically what he's saying is: "You can be a part of the process. If you're willing to offer constructive ideas, I'm willing to listen. But if you're just going to obstruct, you're going to get steamrolled."

Mission Accomplished!

Is this a failure by Obama or is it just the beginning of a destructive shift towards complete obstructionism on the part of Congressional Republicans?

http://www.political-buzz.com/

The pugs didn't vote for it because there was oversight of the money. Take away the oversight and you get a pug vote.

So the Republics really thought tax cuts and deregulation would do it?
The insanity,,,, the insanity....

Gotta love those House Republican "geniuses". These are the same idiots who told us the Bush tax cuts for the rich were going to lead us to the promised land of economic prosperity....

Good for the Republicans. When this spending bill cripples the country and the recession turns in to a long depression the democrats will not have anyone to blame. OF course the MSM will find a way to spin it.

Instead of increasing unemployment benefits, use that money to repair infrastructure, which will create jobs. Use education money to improve education, not infrastructure.

I'm glad to see that the ignorance that pervades the Democrat party is evident even at the top -

When Roosevelt "acted", it took 8 years and a war in Europe to end the depression, with 1937 and 1938 being worse than any others: 20% unemployment 6 years after FDR fixed everything. This is the model Democrats are embracing. So about the time the Chicago Olympics start, a war should be ending our economic problems.

There doesn't seem to be a single republican willing to break with their party. They were lock=step under Bush, they'll be lock-step under Obama. America will decide they want representatives with an independent mind come 2010. Country first my a$$.

How many of you who speak badly of our Republican Congressmen have actually studied the so-called 'stimulus' bill to see if it will accomplish what needs to be done rather than just blindly following what Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama are telling you to do?

So the Democraps really thought tax increases and regulation would do it?
The insanity,,,, the insanity....

Okay so let me get this straight. I call my (R) senator and tell them NOT to vote for this you all you can do is trash them. I guess the Americans that voted to put those Senators aren't supposed to have a voice any longer according to you. I'm sorry, but we all have EQUAL rights. And all of my friends and family agree with me...this is a day that will go down in history...the day when Dumbocrats lined the pockets of everyone but those who need them. Just remember...if you voted for Obama you got what you voted for. For the rest of us...GOD HELP US ALL.

We need to print 10 trillion dollar and spend it to get this economy going again.

The rest of the European Counries needs to print another 10 trillion dollars, each. This will provide money flow and avoid devaluation of the world money system.

China would have to spend their reserve or print along. No way around this mess. . .buddy. 1 trillion ain't gonna do nothing but sizzle.

I can't believe the lunacy of the libs who buy into the Obamaniacal Socialist Plans. It is absolutely unfrigging unbelievable. Your descendants, if you're not too inbred to have descendants, will be paying for this boondoggle scam for generations to come. Enjoy the downfall, idiots.

Stimulus bill moves us closer to nationalized health care and rationing

The House of Representatives approved an $819 billion economic stimulus package Wednesday. The party line vote was a blow to Barack Obama's alleged desire for bipartisanship. All the Republicans and 11 democrats voted against the bill. One thing in the bill that went mostly unnoticed was a new bureaucracy called the Federal Coordinating Council for Comparative Effectiveness Research.

This goes to show that the GOP has no interest in bettering the dire economic conditions confronting the American people. They have shown the true nature of their Country Club Patriotism. I don't know what value there is in Obama reaching out to mindless right-wing ideologues who have no interest in negotiating in good faith.

Obama offered the GOP an opportunity to be part of the solution to the economic problems that they themselves created in their recent eight years of mismanagement of Congress. This was an opportunity for the GOP to get out from under the stench cloud that has settled over them during the last eight years of aiding and abetting the worst President in American History, George W Bush, but instead they put their tails between their legs and ran for shelter in the rotund shadow of their overlord, Druggy Rush.

What President Obama should do now is take out the useless tax cuts that the Rethugs got put into the bill. If they don't want to work together in good faith for the American people then screw'em, let them cry.

A party line vote? Not exactly. Twelve Democratic representatives broke ranks and voted against it. Makes me wonder if just maybe the bill isn't as good as it could be; that just maybe there is spending in it that is not productive, that doesn't stimulate the economy (remember the economy?)
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However, I haven't read the bill -- which at around 700 pages weighs in at the size of a 19th century Russian novel -- so I can't say if it's a good or a bad one. But I'm really impressed that most of the above posters seem to have read it. What powerful minds!
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Anyway, the House Republicans and indie Democrats had nothing to lose by standing by their principles and everything to gain. At this point in time this isn't obstruction, but democracy at work. In any case, the bill passed unscathed, so you can't really charge obstructionism.

The Democratic Reelection and Pork Act passed. Why are you lefties crying? Is it because you stand alone in the vote total and now have to take full responsibility. Obama and the Dems. have no political cover and you poor Bush haters no longer have him to blame. It is a classic example of Democratic spending and special interest payoff. Go for it, you won and I not whinnying. Japan fell on its sword so feel free to follow their example. I hope the Senate votes along the same party lines. Two more years of bad news and misery from old failed economic policies and Americans will be voting with greater understanding and care and wise up to the old banana in the tailpipe, Democratic hype. Well, maybe not, we may be a complete nanny state and the kids will want more kool-aid money. At 290K per job I could start a business and hire employees, but I'm just private sector conservative who takes care of his own responsibilities.

In other words, Obama and the Democrats crafted a bill so partisan, so bad, that House Republicans, who show backbone about as often as the Cubs win pennants, voted against it.

In fact, since 12 Democrats ALSO voted against the 1930s-style tax-and-spend pork boondoggle, opponents of the bill were more "bipartisan" than supporters.

Well it seems the republicans were all for bailing out their freinds in the banks and wall street....but the average American can just eat cake......if they can afford it.

So the Democraps really thought tax increases and regulation would do it?
The insanity,,,, the insanity....

Posted by: Liberals Suck | January 28, 2009 11:07 PM

I guess you only listen to Limpbag. There were tax cuts in it.

ps..conservatives swallow!

Instead of doing across-the-aisle namecalling - "Dumbocrats" "Rethuglicans" "Pugs" - namecalling is the last refuge of those who have nothing constructive to say - let's take a look at the bill.

About a third of the $819 billion is tax cuts, which leave money in the economy for people to spend on goods and services, which creates jobs, or to save, which allows capital formation so that businesses can borrow money and create jobs. So far so good.

The other two-thirds is government spending. Where does the money for this come from? From taxation, which takes money out of the economy, or from borrowing, ditto. The bill then proposes to put this money back into the economy via spending. It's the government telling us that they know how to spend our money better than we do. It's central planning of the economy, and we should know how well centrally-planned economies work out. I think that the Republicans and those twelve Democrats may be on to something here.

I'd welcome constructive response to this, but I don't expect it; just more namecalling.

While the republicans are playing politics on a percieved dislike of spending by the people........that will fade quickly as the pinch hits more people. Then it will appear that they have simply tried to stop any action.
Bi-partisan win in 2010!

DaveB, explain to me this, with all of your infinite wisdom: We just got done doing your tax cuts. w lowered the taxes when he took the reigns from Clinton. w "stimulated" the economy with the tax rebates from last year. Did either one of your glorified ideas of less taxes work? Absolutely, completely not. Not even close. In fact, the oposite happened.

So, for those thinking Americans, we see what a failure the pug strategy has been. Also, a tax cut only helps those that have jobs, and right now, 15% of the workforce is displaced. That is about one in 7 for those bad in math. It will be 20% next quarter, which will be one in 5 workers.

So, if I was sitting in a plush office making 100K, sure, I would be screaming for tax cuts too. But for me, I am just looking for a job and income.

Dave B, your right on and ahead of the curve! Ignore the raving of those who are a couple toys short of the government happy meal. Newsmax.com has excellent articles.

Hi DaveB, Hope the fishing has been great out east. I'd be doing more here in Idaho but it looks like I might have to sell the boat, rods, dogs, wife and house to make ends meet after the Bush tax cuts stimulated the economy so greatly the last 8 years.

Moodyseconomy, not a partisan think tank, recently rated government infrastructure spending far ahead of tax cuts (monetary) for recession relief. There is also plenty of data that denies the "quick fix" argument that tax cuts or rebates have a positive effect on stimulating the economy. Tax cuts and rebates have long been touted to jolt down economies but most of the money ends up paying down debt, paying overdue bills or simply getting saved for later. Personally I would like most of the bail out money to go into a long term infrastructure and job creation program focusing on wind and solar projects and recreating/fixing a nationwide mass transit system. The Army Corp of Engineers recently graded our infrastructure and most grades hovered around the "D" level. If it's broke, we might as well fix it while creating jobs in the process. The new new New Deal.

I guess I also have had a problem with the "trickle down" theory based on casual observation of human nature. Most of the touted tax cuts have been proven to give the most benefit to the upper, let's say 10%. Not to stereotype too much but anybody I have ever known in that bracket is usually highly educated, knows the value of hard work and is typically pretty greedy. The basic idea that giving financially astute, educated and greedy people more money through rebates or tax cuts and then expecting them to become spend-thrift financially irresponsible fools with the money is inherently flawed. These cuts typically come in down economies. The upper bracket is not going to buy a third or fourth home, second or third boat or go out to dinner more often because of a small windfall. They are going to put it away because they've just seen their portfolios take a beating.

I also believe that tax cuts that typically favor the wealthy, who have disposable income and can weather a recession, contrarily effect the lower and middle class. These cuts usually come through cutting programs specifically designed to assist lower wage earners.

As for where all this money is coming from, well I guess we'll just keep borrowing it. We've been doing that while touting the virtues of tax cuts for the last 8 years.

And here we are......

Dave, one more thing. I understand the argument against the government controlling our money but how can you look at the complete collapse of the financial industry and the auto industry and not consider the possibility that a more regulated free market is a better answer. I don't think government is the problem. I think government is a necessary structure and if it is poorly run, then a it's a problem. Maybe a properly run government might actually work.