Political Insider

By MrLiberty

February 17, 2009 11:45 AM | Link to this

You only need to read this clown’s own words to realize that he is NOT a conservative, knows nothing about economics, is beholden to the real estate industry, and should be replaced next year as our senator.

Please take some time and go to www.mises.org and get a solid education in Austrian economics - the economic school that has been warning about this mess for decades, has been predicting it, and has solid REAL and effective solutions to the crisis.

That being said, Johnny just wants to throw money at his favored real estate industry. The housing industry is not the problem. The cheap money courtesy of the Federal Reserve printing press is the problem. It, along with Bush’s “ownership society” and the democrats enabling “Community Redevelopment Act” set the stage for the bubble that has now burst. We have one of the highest vacancy rates in the nation because there is too much housing. Propping up that situation as Mr. Isakson wants to do is unsustainable and wrongheaded. It will only prolong the problem and turn this into a depression.

Prices must adjust downward. The government must cut spending. The government must cut taxes. The government must close the Federal Reserve and restore a sound monetary system based on gold or silver. They must open up trade and restore freedom to the market. They must cut regulations, and not increase them. They must stop throwing money at the problem. That is how the problem happened in the first place.

But, as typical republicans, they don’t understand enough about economics to put together anything in the way of a real solution. First they supported the Bush money waste to banks, and now they will happily support throwing money at the problem, so long as it goes to their friends in favored industries. This has been the history of these two parties since the creation of the Federal Reserve in 1913.

Its high time we all stopped arguing over which party is hurting this country more and realize that they BOTH ARE. Until we face the music that government is the problem, not the solution, we will never be able to restore freedom and a sound economic footing.

By Tirshata

February 17, 2009 11:48 AM | Link to this

I will not vote or Isakson. He went along with the “status quo.” We need help; not republican rhetoric.

By Pedro

February 17, 2009 11:51 AM | Link to this

You go Johnny. Obama’s charge of partisan legislators preferring to do nothing instead of passing his pork is unconscionable. It was indeed a rush to judgment just to make a show of doing something, anything. As unbelievable as it seems, this is certainly change we have to believe is happening, like it or not. How can we not? It’s in our faces and pockets.

By AMEN

February 17, 2009 11:54 AM | Link to this

MrLiberty needs to change his name to MrRight because he is right on the money - the Feds artificial manipulation of interest rates made credit so cheap that we got drunk off it and it created a bubble that has burst and instead of taking our medicine we want to try to print our way back to prosperity - this sounds too good to be true because it is - Bush started this ‘stimulus’ (talk about a misnomer) mess and Obama is continuing it - it will only prolong the suffering

By GB

February 17, 2009 12:02 PM | Link to this

It is all well and good to debate the impact level of the stimulus bill and deciding on principle not to vote for it. What about the 20, 000 jobs that will be lost in California today? What about the teachers, police, firemen being laid off? Are the congressmen willing to give up their jobs and live on their speeches in our time of crises? It is easy to say “buy up the bad mortgages” Can you image the dollar amount it would take to do so? Giving tax breaks of $400 per person runs into billions what about the tag for millions of medium family homes? This country is in a total mess? There are no easy answers. Soon our citizens may have to turn to other countries for job opportunities in order to survive.

By jch

February 17, 2009 12:02 PM | Link to this

This is the way Republicans must stand up to the Democrats now… with good ideas, sound judgment, and persistence. I don’t know much about the Homebuyer Credit plan but I heard the GA Gang liked it and thinks it may get a second chance. We need sound judgment in the wake of all this unbelievable liberal program funding. I’m thinking of not paying my taxes this year so I can get a government job like all the rest of those untrustworthy leaders spending our money for programs a lot of us don’t want. What was it? $4B for ACORN? That’s crazy….

By Tomhere

February 17, 2009 12:07 PM | Link to this

Flush please.

By KC

February 17, 2009 12:07 PM | Link to this

Chambliss and Isakson voted YES for the first stimulus and NO for the second. Let’s see the first stimulus was for WALL STREET and the second stimulus is supposed to be for MAIN STREET. So, they both voted to bailout the WALL STREET bankers who spent millions of taxpayers money to redecorate offices and pay huge bonuses but when it comes to helping the Mom and Pop businesses who simply want health insurance for their employees and not have to lay off key people our leaders voted NO!

FYI GA LEADERS - Manpower temp service is the nation’s leading employer, NOT GM or WALL STREET. Ninety percent of all business is considered small business. The employment growth of our nation will be through small business. Who gets funding, who gets the media attention, who gets the our legislators ear? Big business. Our leaders have been hoodwinked into believing that if a GM or Chrysler fails the country fails. Wrong. If small business fails, our country fails. It is the backbone and heart of our economy. Focus your attention here and the nation reaps the rewards. Small business is drowning in a sea of governmental paperwork with little help or resources.

By Darren

February 17, 2009 12:11 PM | Link to this

Never has the need for new Republican leadership been more evident than in the droolings of Mr. Isakson. Mr. Isakson and the rest of his good old boys sat around with their Washington martinis and did NOTHING but watch as rightwing imposters trashed our country.

Go run for office in Mississippi, Johnny - even Georgia’s too smart for your bull.

By NICK

February 17, 2009 12:22 PM | Link to this

You have my vote AGAIN, Johnny!

By Copyleft

February 17, 2009 12:23 PM | Link to this

Isakson had a chance to participate in the process, but he instead chose to pout and sulk noisily in the corner, hoping it would impress his constituents.

This constituent’s not impressed.

By Ga. Girl

February 17, 2009 12:27 PM | Link to this

As someone who bought a house 1.5 years and who may have to move in this terrible, terrible housing market and economy, Sen. Isakson’s bill would help us tremendously. We have already called in a real estate professional who says we can’t even ask what we paid for our house, plus he thinks we need to spend $10,000, if not more, to update the kitchen to even move the house. (And by the way it’s a great house. It’s purely because the market stinks.) — To know that if we update the kitchen to move the house at least we would have $15,000 coming when we bought the next house would help tremendously. That would cover some of the equity we lost, plus the renovation. His bill would make a huge difference to our bottom line. This bill would help eliminate some of the loss homeowners are feeling through no fault of their own. (We’ve never been late on our mortgage payment and we have fantastic credit, yet our house’s value has tumbled!!) Oh and by the way, I’m totally a Democrat. This bill just makes sense!!

By Lulu

February 17, 2009 12:30 PM | Link to this

I haven’r been able to gather specifics of the stimulus. Perhaps the MEDIA could step up and cover those specifics since they were so opinionated about who should win the election. In the meantime I read as much as possible and found this OPINION in another of our state’s papers Letters to the editor: Sen. Johnny Isakson, along with other senators, is trying to put together a Blue Ribbon commission to appoint a special prosecutor with powers of enforcement to investigate the past CEO’s, Board of Directors, and Directors of Fanny Mae, Freddy Mac, SEC, Treasury Department, Merrill Lynch as well as the members of congress who are the watchdogs of these entities and prosecute those involved with this financial debacle.

However, they are not getting the press they need to bring their efforts to fruition. As a matter of fact, Senator Isakson’s own state newspapers have barely mentioned this noble idea. Evidently, everyone wants to sweep this under the carpet. It’s not going to happen. The people involved should be audited and if found guilty, should be handcuffed in front of the American people and put in jail. They are the reason people are living under bridges.

GREGORY WEEKS

Now there’s a plan I think we can all live with and I’m an independent.

By GB

February 17, 2009 12:37 PM | Link to this

It is all well and good to debate the impact level of the stimulus bill and deciding on principle not to vote for it. What about the 20, 000 jobs that will be lost in California today? What about the teachers, police, firemen being laid off? Are the congressmen willing to give up their jobs and live on their speeches in our time of crises? It is easy to say “buy up the bad mortgages” Can you image the dollar amount it would take to do so? Giving tax breaks of $400 per person runs into billions what about the tag for millions of medium family homes? This country is in a total mess? There are no easy answers. Soon our citizens may have to turn to other countries for job opportunities in order to survive.

By BS Aplenty

February 17, 2009 12:39 PM | Link to this

KC

I know it’s easy to wail-on Wall Street for their poor, poor decisions and I won’t get in your way of doing that too much. I would, however, like to point out that the “bail-out” of Wall Street, as you describe it, was not spending like the Obama stimulus, but rather was an investment in the financial industry.

Through the Bush Administrations TARP, and its Capital Purchase Program, many financial institutions sold Preferred Stock with Warrants to the U.S. Government. Yes, the total amount received by these financial institutions like AIG, Citigroup, Bank of America and many other banks was substantial - it needed to be. But it was an investment - not spending. Those monies invested in these financial institutions is scheduled to be repaid in approximately five years. In the meantime, the U.S. Government receives a 5% preferred dividend on its investment plus has warrants it can exercise should (when) the common stock of these financial institutions recovers. That will give the government additional dollars in return on the investment.

The sole purpose of the Capital Purchase Program was and is to stabilize the financial/banking system. There have been no “runs” on banks nor any “banking holidays” as happened during the Great Depression and this initial $350 billion investment was extended to do just that - stabilize the system and keep it funcitioning normally. Then, when the economy recovers - and it will, this $350 billion will be repaid to the U.S. Government along with the dividends and the warrants. No spending here - investing, yes.

Now, contrast the CPP program to the recent $787 billion stimulus program by the Obama Administration. The $787 billion will be spent on a variety of pork-barrel and other projects with the hope the money creates jobs/improves the economy. While their are tax and other incentives I agree with in this plan, there are also about $300+ billion in spending with which I disagree. And I emphasize this is spending. The U.S. debt level will increase permanently. Compare that with the results of the CPP monies.

No, I won’t disagree with you too much on the bone-headed decisions made by many investment banking and commercial banking CEO’s. Bone-headed, squared. But at least let’s recognize that these programs will have completely different results for the American taxpayer.

By Sirlun

February 17, 2009 12:41 PM | Link to this

You know what Mr.Isakson and Mr.Chambliss should tell the White house and Governor Purdue and all the rest of the state of Georgia that since the majority of the Georgia Congressional delegation voted no to pass this stimulus package the state refuses to accept a penny of stimulus dollars. Put your money where your morals are and tell Congress Georgia has decided to refuse it’s share of the money and see how this state and your fellow republican legisture’s will speak about your moral stance (should you stand on your merits) if this Washington money is not sent here and the rest of the states get their share. If Georgia accepts any funds then I find that republicans in Georgia are hypocritical and can’t be believed in any assertions that they make. It’s easy to oppose something and still get the benefits if even in opposition if the Congress passes it. Stop being Hypocritical, tell the Congress we don’t want their money. I’m sure Georgians will understand…

By MrLiberty

February 17, 2009 12:45 PM | Link to this

GA Girl - Why should people who make the correct decision in this housing market, or even ones who also made poor decisions be forced to pay - either through higher taxes on themselves or their children or grandchildren, or through devaluation of their savings, just to fix your mistake? Not to be harsh, but there are people all over this country impacted by the bubble that the Federal Reserve created.

There is no guarantee that any house will appreciate in value. There never was, and there never will be. You assumed incorrectly, and now you must pay for that MALINVESTMENT.

Again, go to www.mises.org and get a sound education in economics. You will not get one listening to the mainstream media or government idiots.

Again, by what right to you claim ownership to some of my money? Government has NO money other than what it steals from the rest of us or what it prints (and thus inflates). You would not be allowed by law to come to my house and steal the money at gunpoint. Why should you be able to steal it using a government law?? The same goes for every other recipient of the government taking system.

As anyone who has read my comments before knows, I don’t need to justify my extremely consistent arguments against taxation, government spending, inflation, both the democrats and the republicans, etc.

So where do you get the right GA Girl?????

By atlpaddy

February 17, 2009 12:46 PM | Link to this

I’m waiting with baited breath for all of our esteemed Republican Senators, Congressional Representatives, and General Assembly Representatives to decline Georgia’s allotment of federal money included in Obama’s stimulus package. With their actions (votes) and words they have come out squarely against the stimulus program, therefore they should have no problem turning that money down and allowing tax cuts at the state and local level to heal this current recession. If these were principled and honorable conservatives (as they say that they are) then the citizens of Georgia should not partake in any of the stimulus money.

By Sirlun

February 17, 2009 12:46 PM | Link to this

You know what Mr.Isakson and Mr.Chambliss should tell the White house and Governor Purdue and all the rest of the state of Georgia that since the majority of the Georgia Congressional delegation voted no to pass this stimulus package the state refuses to accept a penny of stimulus dollars. Put your money where your morals are and tell Congress Georgia has decided to refuse it’s share of the money and see how this state and your fellow republican legisture’s will speak about your moral stance (should you stand on your merits) if this Washington money is not sent here and the rest of the states get their share. If Georgia accepts any funds then I find that republicans in Georgia are hypocritical and can’t be believed in any assertions that they make. It’s easy to oppose something and still get the benefits if even in opposition if the Congress passes it. Stop being Hypocritical, tell the Congress we don’t want their money. I’m sure Georgians will understand…

By GB

February 17, 2009 12:49 PM | Link to this

It is all well and good to debate the impact level of the stimulus bill and deciding on principle not to vote for it. What about the 20, 000 jobs that will be lost in California today? What about the teachers, police, firemen being laid off? Are the congressmen willing to give up their jobs and live on their speeches in our time of crises? It is easy to say “buy up the bad mortgages” Can you image the dollar amount it would take to do so? Giving tax breaks of $400 per person runs into billions what about the tag for millions of medium family homes? Prices were based on fictional estimates - not on real money cost and fair market markup. Location drove us all down a slippery slope with any foot hold. How will we price these house? What about those people who are currently up to date with their payments? Are their prices going to be reduced also? This country is in a total mess? There are no easy answers. Soon our citizens may have to turn to other countries for job opportunities in order to survive.

By G. Goodman

February 17, 2009 12:54 PM | Link to this

I am sure the good people of Georgia will understand when, on behalf of the state, he respectfully refuses 1.28 bil in state stabilization funds, 1.01 bil for highways and bridges, 168 mil for transit capital grants, 97.8 mil in environment grants, 420 mil for Title I, 330 mil for special education, $400 per worker in refundable tax credits and an assortment of other tax credits for individuals.

Atlanta currently rates #3 in the country in vacant housing and the unemployment rate is at 8.1 percent. I think that despite those numbers, and the boon the stimulus represents for the good people of Georgia, especially now that the bottom has dropped out of the peanut market, the state should rally around their senator and stand fast in their support of his assertion that Georgia does not need it. After all, it would be the height of hypocrisy to accept it when he and his constituents are so deeply convinced that it is the wrong tack.

I am a little curious about why he is so certain about his assessment of the bill considering his statement that he has not had time to read it. It is not even my actual job, and I found time to read it, but no matter. All the more for the rest of the country, once Georgia turns it down!

Biggest. Partisan. Hack. Ever.

By atlpaddy

February 17, 2009 12:56 PM | Link to this

I’m waiting with baited breath for all of our esteemed Republican Senators, Congressional Representatives, and General Assembly Representatives to decline Georgia’s allotment of federal money included in Obama’s stimulus package. With their actions (votes) and words they have come out squarely against the stimulus program, therefore they should have no problem turning that money down and allowing tax cuts at the state and local level to heal this current recession. If these were principled and honorable conservatives (as they say that they are) then the citizens of Georgia should not partake in any of the stimulus money.

By G. Goodman

February 17, 2009 12:59 PM | Link to this

I am sure the good people of Georgia will understand when, on behalf of the state, he respectfully refuses 1.28 bil in state stabilization funds, 1.01 bil for highways and bridges, 168 mil for transit capital grants, 97.8 mil in environment grants, 420 mil for Title I, 330 mil for special education, $400 per worker in refundable tax credits and an assortment of other tax credits for individuals.

Atlanta currently rates #3 in the country in vacant housing and the unemployment rate is at 8.1 percent. I think that despite those numbers, and the boon the stimulus represents for the good people of Georgia, especially now that the bottom has dropped out of the peanut market, the state should rally around their senator and stand fast in their support of his assertion that Georgia does not need it. After all, it would be the height of hypocrisy to accept it when he and his constituents are so deeply convinced that it is the wrong tack.

I am a little curious about why he is so certain about his assessment of the bill considering his statement that he has not had time to read it. It is not even my actual job, and I found time to read it, but no matter. All the more for the rest of the country, once Georgia turns it down!

His homeowner credit plan is as dead as a doornail, since it failed to address the critical issues around mortgage foreclosure, which are addressed in Obama’s plan, details tomorrow in Phoenix address.

Biggest. Partisan. Hack. Ever.

By MrLiberty

February 17, 2009 1:03 PM | Link to this

It would be outstanding if EVERY STATE in the nation would turn down the stimulus. If the government could not give away the money then we might all not have to face the upcoming depression.

Unfortunately for all of us, the money being thrown around by this government is being stolen from ALL of us. Just because I don’t support the bailout, doesn’t mean I wont be VICTIMIZED by the outcome or the theft of my money.

All of you that think that this money is just going to MATERIALIZE like Manna from Heaven are just plain IGNORANT. Again, government only gets its money through theft or imflation (counterfeiting).

If there were any liberty in this nation, only those who support the plan would have to pay, have their dollars devalued, and suffer the certain economic collapse that will happen. Unfortunately though the constitution was supposed to protect the minority from the whims and will of the majority, we will all suffer.

For those who doubt my claims, please explain where the money is coming from if not from my FUTURE.

By G. Goodman

February 17, 2009 1:05 PM | Link to this

I am sure the good people of Georgia will understand when, on behalf of the state, he respectfully refuses 1.28 bil in state stabilization funds, 1.01 bil for highways and bridges, 168 mil for transit capital grants, 97.8 mil in environment grants, 420 mil for Title I, 330 mil for special education, $400 per worker in refundable tax credits and an assortment of other tax credits for individuals.

Atlanta currently rates #3 in the country in vacant housing and the unemployment rate is at 8.1 percent. I think that despite those numbers, and the boon the stimulus represents for the good people of Georgia, especially now that the bottom has dropped out of the peanut market, the state should rally around their senator and stand fast in their support of his assertion that Georgia does not need it. After all, it would be the height of hypocrisy to accept it when he and his constituents are so deeply convinced that it is the wrong tack.

I am a little curious about why he is so certain about his assessment of the bill considering his statement that he has not had time to read it. It is not even my actual job, and I found time to read it, but no matter. All the more for the rest of the country, once Georgia turns it down!

His homeowner credit plan is as dead as a doornail, since it failed to address the critical issues around mortgage foreclosure, which are addressed in Obama’s plan, details tomorrow in Phoenix address.

Biggest. Partisan. Hack. Ever.

By BS Aplenty

February 17, 2009 1:08 PM | Link to this

Sirlun, etc.,

I’m willing to forgo the Obama stimulus funds if we conservatives can stop paying taxes for it as well? I’m OK if you liberals pay for it.

Try not to over-think it gets in the way of my laughing at your posts.

By G'TOWN DUDE

February 17, 2009 1:21 PM | Link to this

This idiot represents the full compliment of Georgia Republican Idiots in Action. They’re in action in the House, the Senate, and in the corners of the world where there are no lights (cockaroaches). This guy and Zaxby are a testament to Good Ol’ Boy politikin.’ Can’t wait to seem them both get put off the bus. Martin should have won, at least he had ideas. These two chowderheads couldn’t replace a light bulb if one was turning and the other operating the on and off switch. Oh, and let’s not forget Phil “I’m so sorry Mr. Limbaugh” Gingrey. The Georgia GOP in action. LMAO!!

Gotta love Georgia.

By tar

February 17, 2009 1:29 PM | Link to this

GA Girl,

You misunderstood the proposal that Sen. Isakson proposed in regards to housing. The $15,000 rebate is for “first time homebuyers”, since it would not be your first time buying a house, then you would not qualify for the rebate. Sen. Isakson did not propose it to help the struggling homeowners, but to help the real estate market.

I agree with Paul Begatta, when he said that for everyone who voted against the stimulus plan, then they should not accept the money. Unfortunately, that will not happen. Sen. Isakson and Sen. Westmoreland were not thinking about the 7.8% unemployment rate in Georgia, or Georgia ranking 3rd in home foreclosure, nor Geogia’s education system ranking near the bottome. They were only thinking of themselves, and how their fellow Senators wanted them to vote.

So, Georgians if you are waiting on your Senators to vote in your best interest, you need to change your interest to serving the Wealthy.

By Sarah

February 17, 2009 1:31 PM | Link to this

Ah BS Aplenty, at least you named yourself appropriately.

If you don’t want to pay taxes for things that benefit everyone, i.e. this stimulus bill, then please by all means stay off my roads. Don’t for one minute think of sending any poor kids you might have to any public school (and a good many private ones in this state) and when your house burns down, just suck it up and pull yourself up by your bootstraps because you can’t have the services of a local fire department.

I f’in hate asswipe conservatives that want it all, but don’t want a single bit of their money to go for it. Selfish.

By tar

February 17, 2009 1:34 PM | Link to this

GA Girl,

You misunderstood the proposal that Sen. Isakson proposed in regards to housing. The $15,000 rebate is for “first time homebuyers”, since it would not be your first time buying a house, then you would not qualify for the rebate. Sen. Isakson did not propose it to help the struggling homeowners, but to help the real estate market.

I agree with Paul Begatta, when he said that for everyone who voted against the stimulus plan, then they should not accept the money. Unfortunately, that will not happen. Sen. Isakson and Sen. Westmoreland were not thinking about the 7.8% unemployment rate in Georgia, or Georgia ranking 3rd in home foreclosure, nor Geogia’s education system ranking near the bottome. They were only thinking of themselves, and how their fellow Senators wanted them to vote.

So, Georgians if you are waiting on your Senators to vote in your best interest, you need to change your interest to serving the Wealthy.

By Gop Lost in space

February 17, 2009 1:43 PM | Link to this

I read here that some of you clowns say the TALIBAN GOP senators from Georgia did not vote on the stimulus bill. OH yes they did they voted 350 Billion for the Banks with no over sight. And when it come to main streets they vote no. I will beat you my right arm the Governor of georgia is taking the money. If the money is so bad don’t take it. But they are pure hypoctite. The GOP Taliban has a contract on america. we asked you clowns to go to Washington to work for the people. You GOP Clowns had eight years to work for the people but you failed at every turn. Yes the GOP MESS up America . You were in power over a trillion dollars in tax cut ,and what did working people get the SHAFT. Do you clowns have any other play besides TAX cuts . You ran your plays for eight years when you were in power just look at the USA now. Mismanage the war, corruption ,jobs (lost jobs over 2.5 million), oil, schools, CIA, divide the country. You people are bline or stupid! This is no were near the party Reagan Had. If you love your country you help not hurt that why the GOP will Keep loseing no the national stage! The working class has had It!

By BS Aplenty

February 17, 2009 1:56 PM | Link to this

Sarah,

Again, more humor from the liberal fringe who want conservative tax dollars to pay for their “stimulus plan” then don’t want conservatives to receive any benefit. I’m laughing so hard that I just spewed Dr. Pepper all over my keyboard.

Maybe the Obama stimulus will pay for a new computer, printer and some software I really, really, really need.

By MrLiberty

February 17, 2009 2:00 PM | Link to this

Sarah - I can’t speak for any of the other folks commenting here, but I certainly will say that most folks who oppose tax payments and government operation of services are generally not opposed to the services, but they are opposed to the GOVERNMENT MONOPOLY

By hrw

February 17, 2009 2:02 PM | Link to this

The finance package that all of us the tax-paying working people are paying for…well, it is not really doing us any good! We will pay for it anyway and there is no such things as the middle-class, upper middle class at all. While we have been paying taxes over thousands of years, we don’t get anything back but “chump-change” while the rich continue to gain much in millions. Now no body is looking after the tax payer interest because it is what they use to drive up cost, paying big salaries and handing down to the tax payers nothing! All of this 787B that is being proposed using for this or that…when 9,000 could be given to the tax payers to acual jump start the economy…but that is to easy. We can’t do that because we think America tax payers are not worth it. Plus, we don’t have the heart of can’t find a way to do it because it’s do much red tape. Well, the first big billions given out the the big companies; the party, did not send any of it out to the general public and now another big payout is due; and we, the general public are face with no jobs, no money but a lot of the money is still being sent to big companies. Now here is what I don’t like, neither of our state representatives, senators has not said anything for its people here in georgia. And, yet, they want to be reelected back into Congress for the next 4 years! You all do the math and we are headed for 4 more years of nothing!

By Katie Davis

February 17, 2009 2:02 PM | Link to this

The Gop lost the last election and as a results they are not willing to support anything that will turn the economy around. You approved the 350 Billion Dollar Give away Mr Isakson, and now your intent is to help the citizens. When unemployment is almost at 10% we need to be manup and stand up and vote for the package to help main street. Since you didn’t you will loose in the next election.

By Katie Davis

February 17, 2009 2:04 PM | Link to this

The Gop lost the last election and as a results they are not willing to support anything that will turn the economy around. You approved the 350 Billion Dollar Give away Mr Isakson, and now your intent is to help the citizens. When unemployment is almost at 10% we need to be manup and stand up and vote for the package to help main street. Since you didn’t you will loose in the next election.

By H

February 17, 2009 2:06 PM | Link to this

Good for Johnny. What he’s said makes a lot of sense. Reviving the housing market and reviving the economy writ large are not mutually exclusive—helping the housing market will heat up the economy. Remember that it wasn’t Republicans or Democrats or Bush or the Fed that really got us into trouble. Millions of Americans bought real estate and other property with money they didn’t have. The home mortgage crisis didn’t come about because Bush is such a bad person. Everyday Americans made terrible financial decisions, compounded by Wall St., and a lack of regulation. We’re all suffering now.

By chris

February 17, 2009 2:12 PM | Link to this

Mr. Liberty is a bigger fool than any of our politicians if he believes we can go back onto a gold monetary system. There is not enough gold in the entire world to back the USA let alone all the other countries of the world

By stephen

February 17, 2009 2:22 PM | Link to this

It all sounds well and good, but isn’t the $15,000 yet another government subsidy that distorts the true value of real estate?

Look at nations like Canada, where there is no home mortgage interest deduction. They don’t have nearly the madness we do in real estate.

For the last five years, people haven’t been buying the true worth of houses. They’ve been buying financing, that happened to be attached to a house.

This sounds admirable at first, but when you stop to think about it, what it’s really doing is involving government still more in distorting (with tax-based subsidies) a pricing structure that was already distorted to begin with.

This will only make the pain worse later.

By common sense

February 17, 2009 2:25 PM | Link to this

I like the infrastructure spending but thats about it . If these politicians want to stimulate the economy they can scrap NAFTA & our lopsided trade agreement with China who has manipulated our currency & stole billions of dollars in technology . Bring those jobs back here . I think a right to work state like Georgia , which has an eight percent unemployment rate , might look appealing to alot of businesses . They like to call it free trade but every countries tariffs our exports much more than we do theirs . That practice needs to end . America loses around a trillion a year in trade deficits alone .

By MrLiberty

February 17, 2009 2:25 PM | Link to this

Sarah,

Most folks who opposed taxes and government provided services are not opposed to the services - we all need roads, we all need fire protection, we all need some form of home defense (police, etc.). We are opposed to the GOVERNMENT MONOPOLY on the provision of services. There is not a single service that government performs that could not be provided better, and likely cheaper, by competing private companies. I am not talking about so-called “privatization” that republicans tout so much. That is nothing more than transferring the current government monopoly to one of their friends so that they can now abuse us with no competition.

There is no point is spouting out ignorant generalizations or ridiculous statements implying that opposition to taxation requires an absence of the essentials of life. It is a shame that your world view does not go beyond the current limited box of government provision of services, but there was a time in this country when all of these things were provided either through local communal provision (volunteer fire department, etc.), charity organizations, or private companies. Today’s technological advancements make provision of all of these services even easier to manage than in the past, and charitable or reduced-rate provision for poorer folks is certainly not out of the question.

www.mises.org and www.lewrockwell.com for sound economic analysis and education about our unfolding economic collapse. Please do yourself and the future of america a favor by going there and reading all you can. When the collapse comes, it will be more important than ever to rebuild the new economy in a sound manner.

By stephen

February 17, 2009 2:28 PM | Link to this

Johnny’s a nice enough guy, but I find it so sad that he can no longer be an independent thinker and has to toe the sad GOP party line.

I remember when he was a leader. Now, he’s a follower.

It all sounds well and good, but isn’t the $15,000 yet another government subsidy that distorts the true value of real estate?

Look at nations like Canada, where there is no home mortgage interest deduction. They don’t have nearly the madness we do in real estate.

For the last five years, people haven’t been buying the true worth of houses. They’ve been buying financing, that happened to be attached to a house.

This sounds admirable at first, but when you stop to think about it, what it’s really doing is involving government still more in distorting (with tax-based subsidies) a pricing structure that was already distorted to begin with.

This will only make the pain worse later.

By vietnam vet

February 17, 2009 2:31 PM | Link to this

Having just voted against the President’s stimulus bill, I encourage you to go one step further: do everything in your power to reject any money from the bill that would be given to Georgia. Then you could show your constituents that you are a man of your word and a man of principle. Meanwhile the new jobless claims (which were more than 120,000 in January) would continue to rise. The state unemployment rate would probably rise to more than 10% and the money for unemployment benefits would run out in about 7 months. Georgia’s educational system, which is already among the nations worst, would continue to decline. Since you also voted against SCHIP, the states health care for children would continue to decline. But your core constituents would love you, as the state heads into depression. Yes, you’ve turned back the hands of time, to 1930, when the Republicans had their finest hour. Doing nothing is good for the economy, the fundamentals are sound, tax cuts will stimulate economic growth, 25% unemployment isn’t bad, after all, 75% of the people have jobs. Sound familiar, that’s your economic plan. Stand up to Washington, reject any and all monies from the stimulus plan, I dare you.

Incidentally, the stimulus package is less than the $2 trillion Bush tax cuts that you so proudly voted for. It is also less than the $1 trillion plus cost of the Iraq war.

By MrLiberty

February 17, 2009 3:07 PM | Link to this

Stephen - you are correct about Canada - to a degree.

The real question to ask is first, why do we have an income tax. When the government reserves the right to take as much of your income as they decide, it is called slavery. Plain and simple. To eliminate the income tax we would only need to cut government spending back to what it was 10 years ago. Sounds pretty reasonable.

The entire purpose of mortgage interest deductions, child and other dependant care tax credits and the like is to achieve social engineering. It is the government’s way of manipulating the economy in ways they think best (or really in a manner that will send money in the direction of those who contribute to their campaigns, employ them after they get kicked out of office, or other “special reasons.”). Central planning of the economy is what the Soviet Union and other communist and socialist countries do and something that this country used to oppose (because it fundamentally doesn’t work).

There is no doubt that everyone should be able to keep all of the fruits of their labor, no matter how much they earn. They should be able to spend, save, invest, and otherwise dispose of their income AS THEY SEE FIT, and not because of manipulative incentives or disincentives orchestrated by government edict. The government does nothing more than foster great disharmony among all of us through this process. Any time a law is written or a tax proposal made, it favors one group over another and sets us against each other instead of allowing us to unify against the actions of our government.

Tinkering at the edges is no longer possible. The income tax must go. The Federal Reserve must go. Our money must be sound (gold or silver as the constitution demands), and our income must be ours. User fees are an alternative until full competitive provision of services is achieved. This is the only sound way to restore freedom and real democracy to this country.

By MrLiberty

February 17, 2009 3:34 PM | Link to this

Why is it so difficult for most of you folks to understand that any money that goes to “create” jobs in one sector of the economy is money that is taken from another productive sector. It will either come in increased taxes (giving the rest of us less money to spend, invest, etc.) or through inflation (meaning that the pay for those jobs will be worth less and the rest of the productive sector will be poorer as a result.

This stimulus just creates money out of thin air, or it is borrowed and must be paid back eventually.

Please explain how printing money or going further into debt somehow makes an economy more productive or raises its overall wealth?? Please do. It cannot be done. This is an unquestionable law of economics. You cannot repeal the laws of economics by majority vote. Wealth and productivity come through hard work, savings, and investment. Not from a printing press or from a loan company.

Why is this so hard for you all to understand. Stop getting your economics education from the media. They are all idiots who got their education from the liars and criminals who caused this problem. Just look at everyone in the new administration. From the secretary of the treasury on down and all accross the cabinet are former employees of every major bank in america. If they weren’t robbing us blind through the Federal Reserve, they are now using the treasury directly to line their pockets.

Yes, the republican bailout was just as criminal, and it set the stage for these new abuses. This is not a partisan issue. This is about our future.

By Sirlun

February 17, 2009 3:38 PM | Link to this

I agree with the vet If you are totally against this bill I emphatically call upon you to write or call your Congress/Senate person and let them know that you absolutely oppose this plan and that they should reject any monies from Washington. Let our state get in the shape of California and Kansas (Kansas is so bad that the state government of Kansas stated that they might not even be able to make payroll next month). Sadly Georgia is backward enough to do something like that too. Pride always comes before a fall and Georgia’s pride is about to put this state in dire straits. At least as backwards as South Carolina is their Senior Senator Lindsey Graham is man enough to say that has stated his state doesn’t want the money and left up to him he would not accept a penny. I don’t agree with Lindsey Graham on hardily anything but I do have a new found respect for him. Time for Saxby and Johnny to step up or shut up.

By Sirlun

February 17, 2009 3:43 PM | Link to this

I agree with the vet If you are totally against this bill I emphatically call upon you to write or call your Congress/Senate person and let them know that you absolutely oppose this plan and that they should reject any monies from Washington. Let our state get in the shape of California and Kansas (Kansas is so bad that the state government of Kansas stated that they might not even be able to make payroll next month). Sadly Georgia is backward enough to do something like that too. Pride always comes before a fall and Georgia’s pride is about to put this state in dire straits. At least as backwards as South Carolina is their Senior Senator Lindsey Graham is man enough to say that has stated his state doesn’t want the money and left up to him he would not accept a penny. I don’t agree with Lindsey Graham on hardily anything but I do have a new found respect for him. Time for Saxby and Johnny to step up or shut up.

By taxpayer

February 18, 2009 7:31 AM | Link to this

What utterly stupid comments from Johnny. He claims no one knows what is in this hastily assembled bill and turns around and brags about his deleted addition and further claims to suddenly know that it is 75% waste. What an idiot.