Thinking Right

By Ragnar Danneskjöld

February 19, 2009 8:10 AM | Link to this

Good morning all. I cannot add a word of improvement to the essay. Brilliant.

By findog

February 19, 2009 8:24 AM | Link to this

I would submit that the bi-partisan cowards under our golden dome will not join in this blatant moral act of courage; they hope the sugar high will be enough to carry the state until our opium supply of growth can be returned for their no-pain fiscal mis-management of the states poorly directed budget.

By Glenn

February 19, 2009 8:27 AM | Link to this

Yes, Mr. Wooten, I quite agree.

By Redneck Convert

February 19, 2009 8:32 AM | Link to this

Well, you’re either for or against this stimulation law. If you’re against, you shouldn’t take any of the money. Just let the GA part be spent in other states and go ahead and raise GA property taxes and lay off workers to help pay for the shortfall. That way, we’ll be poor, but we’ll be proud. The other states with no pride will be driving on smooth roads and getting all kinds of services but we’ll just let people blow tires in potholes and walk around poor and we’ll feel good about it. Sometimes you got to sacrafice to do the godly thing.

If we take the money we’ll just be a bunch of hypocrites. It’s a war us Conservatives are fighting against the librul Democrats and we can’t go calling a truce and acting like we like them anyway. Then we got to hope the stimulation law flops big-time so we can say we told you so and say we didn’t take none of the money from our kids and grandkids. Course, if the stimulation does good we’ll look like the most worst morans in the world and will be out in the wilderness for the next 50 years, but that’s a chance we got to take if we’re ever going to be able to put God back in the White House and Congress.

That’s my opinion and it’s very true. I’m ready to pay a extra five bucks in taxes on the trailer and stand in line for four or five hours to get my liscence tag and drive on roads that look like a path for hogs. It’s the godly thing to do. Have a good day everybody.

By Churchill's Mom

February 19, 2009 8:54 AM | Link to this

Jim, we all know Sonny is going to spend the money of fish. Here’s today’s Palin. Have a good one.

The newly released “Trailblazer: An Intimate Biography of Sarah Palin,” written by People magazine Assistant Editor Lorenzo Benet, contains an intriguing claim that runs counter to previously published reports about how the Alaska governor ended up as GOP presidential nominee John McCain’s running mate.

According to the new book, the Alaska governor learned that she was on the vice-presidential shortlist at a February 2008 governors’ meeting in Washington — six months earlier than recounted in a statement released in August by the McCain campaign.

But Benet’s account has been disputed by Palin, whose camp is accusing the author of writing “fantasies” and practicing “bad journalism.”

“She had spent the previous few weeks increasing her national profile,” an advance copy of the book reads. “She had traveled to Washington, D.C., for the National Governors’ Conference, where she met privately with John McCain and learned she was on the short list as a running mate.”

In a statement provided to Politico, Palin spokeswoman Meghan Stapleton said there was no movement on the vice presidential selection until August, a story corroborated by accounts from within the McCain campaign. According to several sources familiar with the February meeting, it marked the first time Palin met McCain in person.

“The author has his facts wrong on this one. Nothing happened on the VP selection until August,” Stapleton said. “Getting such an important fact wrong casts doubts on whatever else might be in the book. And attributing his conjecture to the governor is bad journalism. The governor did not authorize this book and is not responsible for whatever fantasies the author might conjure up.”

Benet was granted two interviews with Palin, the first in June as part of a People magazine story on her pregnancy during her term as governor and another in October as part of the magazine’s coverage of the governor’s lifestyle and family during the presidential campaign. Benet also talked to numerous family members, Palin friends and political associates.

Benet said in an interview with Politico that his account of the exchange between Palin and McCain was not based on information provided by the governor. “It’s my belief that was when she knew she was in the game,” Benet said. “I can’t say whether that’s what she was told or if that’s what she wanted.”

The author added that the line was “based off my own sourcing” and that “it’s my own gut instinct; she didn’t tell me that.”

The book spends little time on Palin’s experience as the GOP vice presidential nominee, delving mostly into Palin’s childhood, family and interaction with friends. Of the book’s 228 pages, Benet’s account of the campaign makes up roughly 30 pages.

Much of the rest of his account of Palin’s political rise portrays her as an ambitious and aggressive politician, determined to gain a prominent job and plagued by a contentious relationship with the press.

Shortly after being elected mayor of Wasilla, Palin is quoted by friends as saying, “I want to be president.”

Soon after becoming mayor, her interactions with the media grew heated. “My goodness, I’ve been here 11 days. Give me a break, please,” she said at a press conference.

“I don’t remember other mayors getting grilled like this,” she is quoted as saying later. The book also states that Todd Palin got into a feud with a local editorial cartoonist over the drawings of his wife.

Benet asserts that Palin changed her tune after becoming governor and sought ways to use the press to polish her national profile. He writes that Alaska spent $31,000 in state funds on media consulting for the governor in attempts to book her for major television and newspaper interviews.

While the book is based on Benet’s interviews with Palin for People magazine, the governor did not authorize it as her biography. The Los Angeles Times has reported that the governor is seeking an advance of more than $10 million for her own book.

“There are several books in the pipeline,” Stapleton said. “The only authorized and authoritative book will be the one the governor writes herself — someday.”

By Glenn

February 19, 2009 9:02 AM | Link to this

Redneck Convert:

(permit me to introduce to you the colon, a most useful embellishment.)

Also, what readers fail to comprehend is that Political Foreskin is, in fact, a vicious dyke.

By Davo

February 19, 2009 9:23 AM | Link to this

It’s a shame you can’t find a place for Georgia on your list, JW. Our politics are so muddled even the democrats can’t front a candidate from here.

You are right, good column; vote libertarian.

By @@

February 19, 2009 9:55 AM | Link to this

Nobody should build anything just because a portion of the money’s there.

ABSOLUTELY, Jim! Do NOT take a bite at the dem’s dull hook lest we end up the wittle minnows.

To OUR governor, I say…..the “Big Mouth” bass “tourniquet” SHOULD be attached to the rotting fishermen in congress.

A catch and release policy to promote conservation.

About PoliFore? I have, for a long time, suspected his womanliness — and to think, early on at ml’s………

she professed a love/hate attraction to me.

Eeeewwww on the love part.

By HavingMySay

February 19, 2009 10:22 AM | Link to this

There are a lot of people suffering in GA, so I hope the Republicans are not going to continue to play politics with our lives.

If you think we were out in force in 2008, just wait until the next election. The unemployment lines in GA are long and continuing to grow.

I say take the money and use it well.

By HavingMySay

February 19, 2009 10:23 AM | Link to this

There are a lot of people suffering in GA, so I hope the Republicans are not going to continue to play politics with our lives.

If you think we were out in force in 2008, just wait until the next election. The unemployment lines in GA are long and continuing to grow.

I say take the money and use it well.

By Road Scholar

February 19, 2009 10:30 AM | Link to this

“…Jindal, who will deliver the Republican response to next week’s address to Congress by President Obama.

One concern a number of governors have, and state legislators should too, is that the federal money encourages states to expand programs with no promise that federal funding will continue after two years. “

What Jim? There is no Republican within the Federal Government that is capable to go “toe to toe” with the President after he addresses Congress? Is their “depth” of ability that low? Or would they all have to speak at once, since they do not appear to have any independant thoughts, just the repetition of the party line?

All programs have a rising cost unless it is discontinued. It’s called inflation! If a program does not adequately address its constituents, then it should be cut, not placed on Federal life support. If the program does address the constituent’s needs, then it should be funded.

Couldn’t the Repubs at least define their actions toward implementing the stimulus as ensuring the money is spent wisely (a more positive statement) then to set their goal as to rub the Democrats nose in those areas which they feel is a waste.

I remeber many postes during the Bush Regime that equated people who did not follow his policies lockstep to be unamerican, to be traitors. Isn’t the same analogy pertinent in the Repubs present stand that they hope the current administration fails? or do you justify it because it is politically expedient in your minds?

By Ragnar Danneskjöld

February 19, 2009 10:45 AM | Link to this

Dear Scholar @ 10:30, “I remeber many postes during the Bush Regime that equated people who did not follow his policies lockstep to be unamerican..” We note your lockstep adhesion to President Obama’s policies. Can you imagine anything more devastating for President Obama than a state refusing “stimulus” money and nevertheless recovering (or even worse, outperforming the “recipient” states?)

By Chris Broe

February 19, 2009 11:07 AM | Link to this

Grading wooten: I think Wooten’s essay is structured properly, that is, he dutifully introduced each new paragraph with some portent from the preceding paragraph, and he never opened a paragraph with a preposition, (so at least he’s listening to me), but he still strangles expression, that is, he uses too many modifying words, and I always feel like I’ve choked on a pretzel whenever I read him.

They say the fabled elephant’s graveyard has never been found in deepest darkest Africa, where all elephants must go to die. Maybe that sacred pachyderm site exists only in the writings of conservatives who dig into every possible bipartisan opening, exhume the campaign, and watch bipartisanship decay into the bare bones of contention.

By Road Scholar

February 19, 2009 11:27 AM | Link to this

RD: I do not follow Obama’s policy lockstep, despite your interpretation. Unlike many Repubs which regurgitate talk radio, I think about what is being said and what is being done (sometimes total opposites). I support much of the Stimulus package since it has been used in the past with success.

Let a state come forward with or w/o benefitting from the stimulus and achieve recovery. Isn’t that the goal, regardless of idiology? I support leadership, regardless of affiliation. To much is made of political labels.

The true test is how the present administration addresses the next budget, and bills such as the next transportion bill, both due soon.

By catlady

February 19, 2009 11:29 AM | Link to this

What a brilliant idea: DON”T accept the money and maybe all those poor needy folks will move to a state that DID take the money, thus relieving us of their care!

By Frost

February 19, 2009 11:40 AM | Link to this

As for the so-called rising Indian of Louisiana,let him raise his head in true Republican style and refuse the money.His sorry state and the sorry azz poor people surely deserve it! Maybe Sonny will donate some of the salmonella peanuts and butter to his fellow republicans citizens in Louisiana

By Leon

February 19, 2009 11:42 AM | Link to this

Yeah Redneck Convert take that. Because if there is anyone who knows a thing or two about colons it’s your friend Glenn.

RC for Guvnuh 2010!

By Soulfinger

February 19, 2009 11:45 AM | Link to this

You people call yourselves Christians. How sad that I hear some of the meanest and most insensitive remarks toward your “fellow Christians” coming out of the mouths of Repubs. I wonder why that is? What would Jesus do?

By Do the Math

February 19, 2009 11:58 AM | Link to this

The vast majority of the Fed Stimulus only keeps jobs or pays for needed maintenance (which is cheaper the other option). I suggest someone at the AJC analyze the package and speak from an informed position.

By Peanut Man

February 19, 2009 12:11 PM | Link to this

How much did Saxby get from Peanut Corporation of America and what did they get for it?

By Ragnar Danneskjöld

February 19, 2009 12:14 PM | Link to this

The Patton Boggs Group provides a concise summary of the “stimulus” for those among us who favor green eyeshades. At a quick glance I see little that will urge any hiring in the productive economy; just lots and lots and lots of wasteful sspending.

BUSINESS

• $15 million for additional capital for the Surety Bond Guarantees Revolving Fund.

• $6 million for an additional amount for the cost of direct loans.

• $630 million for an additional amount for the cost of guaranteed loans.

• $375 million for reimbursements, loan subsidies and loan modifications for loans to small business concerns.

• $255 million for loan subsidies and loan modifications for loans to small businesses. $100 million for an additional amount for the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund Program Account.

• $8 million for financial and technical assistance, training and outreach programs designed to benefit Native American, Native Hawaiian and Alaskan Native communities.

ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES

• $3.4 billion for Fossil Energy research and development.

• $6 billion for new loan guarantees aimed at standard renewable projects such as wind or solar projects and for electricity transmission projects.

• $11 billion for electrical grid projects, of which $4.5 billion is for implementing “smart grid” technologies.

• $5 billion for Weatherization Assistance Program to make low-income housing more energy efficient.

• $2 billion in grant funding for the manufacturing of advanced batteries systems and components and vehicle batteries that are produced in the United States.

• $3.2 billion for the Energy Efficient and Conservation Block Grants (EECBG) program: o $2.8 billion available by statutory formula o $400 million awarded competitively.

• $3.1 billion for the State Energy Program.

• $2.5 billion for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) related research: o At least $800 million is dedicated for biomass and $400 million for geothermal. o $50 million for efficiency of information and communications technology and improve to standards.

• $300 million for the Alternative Fueled Vehicles Pilot Grant Program.

• $400 million for transportation electrification.

• $300 million for Energy Efficient Appliance Rebates Program and Energy Star Program.

• $250 million for energy retrofitting and green investments in HUD-assisted housing projects.

• $4.5 billion for repair of federal buildings to increase energy efficiency using green technology.

• $300 million for Rapid Technology transition and demonstration of energy efficiency technologies at the Department of Defense.

• $120 million for the Department of Defense for the Defense-wide Energy Conservation Investment Program.

ENVIRONMENTAL

• $340 million for Watershed and Flood Prevention construction.

• $6 billion is directed towards environmental cleanup of former weapon production and energy research sites.

• $1.2 billion for Environmental Protection Agency’s nationwide environmental cleanup programs, including $600 million for Superfund.

• $1.38 billion to support $3.8 billion in loans and grants for needed water and waste disposal facilities in rural areas.

• $1 billion for the Bureau of Reclamation to provide clean, reliable drinking water to rural areas.

• $4.6 billion in funding for the Corps of Engineers, including $2 billion for construction projects.

FOOD AND DRUG

• $50 million for competitive grants for the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative.

• $19.9 billion for additional Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly Food Stamps, to increase the benefit by 13.6 percent.

HEALTH CARE

• $19 billion, including $2 billion in discretionary funds and $17 billion for investments and incentives through Medicare and Medicaid to ensure widespread adoption and use of interoperable health information technology (IT).

• $24.7 billion to subsidize COBRA health insurance premiums — at a level of 65 percent, for nine months — for workers who have lost their jobs.

• $10 billion to the National Institute of Health (NIH), including $8.2 billion for NIH research to conduct biomedical research in areas such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, heart disease and stem cells, $500 million for NIH buildings, $1.3 billion for NIH to renovate university research facilities and to help them compete for biomedical research grants.

• $1.1 billion for comparative effectiveness research to evaluate the relative effectiveness of different health care services and treatment options.

• $2 billion for Health Information Technology (HIT) grants, training, infrastructure, dissemination of best practices, telemedicine, HIT clinical education.

• $50 million for pandemic flu/BARDA.

• $1 billion for prevention and wellness programs to fight preventable diseases and conditions with evidence-based strategies, including $300 million for CDC’s immunization program, $650 million for evidence-based clinical and community-based prevention and wellness strategies, and $50 million for States to implement healthcare-associated infections reduction strategies.

HOMELAND SECURITY

• $1.0 billion for aviation security consisting of checked baggage explosives detection system and check point explosives detection equipment.

• $160 million to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for non-intrusive inspection systems and tactical communications equipment and radios.

• $100 million for border security on the Southwest border.

• $420 million for construction of agency owned land border ports of entry.

• $20 million for tactical communications equipment and radios for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Automation Modernization.

• $142 million for the Coast Guard for alteration or removal of obstructive bridges

• $150 million for Public Transportation Security Assistance and Railroad Security Assistance.

• $150 million for Port Security Grants.

• $210 million for Firefighter Assistance Grants for modifying, upgrading or constructing non-Federal fire stations.

NATIVE AMERICAN AFFAIRS • $3.1 billion for repair, restoration and improvement of public facilities at on public and tribal lands.

• $510 million for the Department of Housing and Urban Development for Native American Block Grants, of which half to be distributed by existing formula, half through a competitive process with use restrictions.

• $500 million to Bureau of Indian Affairs for construction.

• $550 million for the Federal Highway Administration set-aside for Indian reservations and Federal lands, including $310 million for the Indian Reservation Roads program.

• $415 million for Indian Health Facilities for construction projects.

• $85 million for Indian Health Services for Health IT activities.

By Big Bucks GOP

February 19, 2009 12:20 PM | Link to this

In the hush-hush world of Swiss banking, the unthinkable is happening: secrets are spilling into the open.

UBS, the largest bank in Switzerland, agreed on Wednesday to divulge the names of well-heeled Americans whom the authorities suspect of using offshore accounts at the bank to evade taxes. The bank admitted conspiring to defraud the Internal Revenue Service and agreed to pay $780 million to settle a sweeping federal investigation into its activities.

Shares in UBS rose 3 percent Thursday after the Swiss bank agreed to the settlement.

It is unclear how many of its clients’ names UBS will divulge. Federal prosecutors have been examining about 19,000 accounts at the bank, but UBS ultimately may disclose the identities of only a few hundred customers.

But to some, turning over any names at all heralds the end of the secret Swiss bank account, whose traditions date to the Middle Ages,

By Ragnar Danneskjöld

February 19, 2009 12:25 PM | Link to this

Apologies, I hit the post button a little too quickly. More wasteful than I represented:

TAX H.R. 1 includes approximately $287 billion of tax relief for individuals, businesses, and State and local governments.

Bond Provisions • $10 billion allocation for recovery zone economic development bonds.

• $15 billion allocation for recovery zone facility bonds.

• Modification of a Tax-Exempt Interest Expense Rule for Financial Institutions.

• Creation of new category of tax credit bonds for the construction, rehabilitation or repair of public schools.

• Additional $ 1.4 billion of issuing authority for Qualified Zone Academy Bonds.

• $2 billion of tax-exempt Tribal Development Bonds.

Energy Incentives

• $2.3 billion of Investment Tax Credit for certified Qualifying Advanced Energy Projects.

• Facilities that produce electricity from wind, closed-loop biomass, open-loop biomass, geothermal, small irrigation, hydropower, landfill gas, waste-to-energy and marine renewable facilities: o Investment Credit in Lieu of Production Credit o Grants from Treasury in lieu of production credits

• Extension of Energy Credit for Electricity Produced from Renewable Sources.

• $1.6 billion of clean renewable energy bonds.

• $2.4 billion of qualified energy conservation bonds to finance State and municipal and tribal government programs and initiatives.

• Increase in alternative refueling property credit for businesses.

Enhancement of New Markets Tax Credit

• Additional $1.5 billion for 2008 allocations.

• Additional $1.5 billion for 2009 allocations.

Low-Income Housing Grants in Lieu of Tax Credits

• Taxpayers would be allowed to receive a grant from the Treasury Department in lieu of tax credits.

Build America Bonds

• State and local governments are provided the option of issuing a tax credit bond instead of a tax-exempt governmental obligation bond.

• State or local governments may elect to receive a direct payment from the Federal government equal to the subsidy that would have otherwise been delivered through the Federal tax credit for bonds.

General Business Tax Provisions

• Extension of carryback period for losses for small businesses

• Extension of Bonus Depreciation.

• Extension of monetization of accumulated alternative minimum tax and R& D credits in lieu of bonus depreciation.

• Delay of the 3% withholding tax on payments to businesses that sell goods or services to governments.

• Deferral of Income from Discharge of Indebtedness.

• Modification of rules for original issue discount on high yield obligations.

TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS

• $2.5 billion for the Department of Agriculture for distance learning, telemedicine and programs that increase broadband access and usage.

• $4.7 billion for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (TOP) for competitive grants to accelerate broadband deployment in unserved and underserved areas, with at least $200 million for competitive grants for expanding public computer center capacity, including community colleges and public libraries, and at least $250 million for competitive grants for innovative programs for sustainable broadband adoption.

• $650 million for Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Program for additional implementation and administration of program, including coupons, consumer outreach and support.

• $650 million to the Department of Education for educational technology State grants.

• $200 million to the Department of Veterans Affairs for information technology systems, Veterans Benefit Administration for paperless claims processing.

TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE Transportation • $27.5 billion for supplemental grants for highway investments, including $105 million for Puerto Rico highways, $45 million for territorial highways, $60 million set-aside for construction of ferry boats and ferry terminal facilities, and $550 million set-aside for Indian reservations and Federal lands (including $310 million for the Indian Reservation Roads program).

• $6.9 billion for Transit Capital Assistance grants.

• $1.5 billion for competitive grants to State and local governments for projects that will have a significant impact on the Nation, a metropolitan area, or a region.

• $9.3 billion for investments in rail transportation, including Amtrak, High Speed and Intercity Rail, of which $450 million is to be used for capital security grants.

• $300 million for transit and rail security.

• $1.1 billion to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for discretionary grants for airport investment, and $200 million for FAA facilities and equipment.

• $100 million in discretionary grants at the Federal Transit Administration for energy efficiency/greenhouse gas reduction.

• $750 million for Fixed Guideway Infrastructure Investment that will be apportioned through the existing fixed guideway formulas.

• $750 Million for Capital Investment Grants (New Starts).

• $300 million for capital expenditures and necessary expenses of acquiring motor vehicles with higher fuel economy, including hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, and commercially available plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Construction/Infrastructure Improvements

• $4.6 billion in funding for the Corps of Engineers, including $2 billion for construction projects.

• $4.2 billion for Facilities Sustainment, Restoration and Modernization to be used to invest in energy efficiency projects and to improve the repair and modernization of Department of Defense facilities to include Defense Health facilities.

• $1 billion for the Community Development Block Grant program for community and economic development projects including housing and services for those hit hard by tough economic times.

• $250 million is included for energy retrofitting and green investments in HUD-assisted housing projects.

• $100 million to the Department of Education to support school construction in LEAs that educate federally-connected students or have federally-owned land. The grants, which are awarded by formula and competition, enable eligible districts to undertake emergency renovations and modernization projects.

• $2.0 billion for the Health Resources and Services Administration for Community Health Centers/infrastructure

• $53.6 billion for the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund, including $39.5 billion to local school districts using existing funding formulas, which can be used for preventing cutbacks, preventing layoffs, school modernization, or other purposes; $5 billion to states as bonus grants for meeting key performance measures in education; and $8.8 billion to states for high priority needs such as public safety and other critical services, which may include education and for modernization, renovation and repairs of public school facilities and institutions of higher education facilities.

• $200 million for planning, design, construction costs, site security, information technology infrastructure, fixtures and related costs to consolidate the Department of Homeland Security headquarters.

• $4.5 billion to convert GSA facilities to High Performance Green Buildings.

By Big Bucks GOP

February 19, 2009 12:25 PM | Link to this

Playboy Enterprises’ interim chairman and chief executive, Jerome Kern, acknowledged Wednesday that the company would be willing to consider selling itself or changing the strategic direction of its flagship magazine now that Christie Hefner, the daughter of its founder, was no longer chief executive.

By Big Bucks GOP

February 19, 2009 12:42 PM | Link to this

Wells Fargo shares fell on Wednesday to their lowest level in almost 12 years before recovering amid fears the fourth-largest U.S. bank could cut its dividend and post higher losses after its purchase of Wachovia.

By Big Bucks GOP

February 19, 2009 12:43 PM | Link to this

State and local governments and the investors who buy their bonds got a bit of welcome news on Wednesday as MBIA, the leading bond insurer, took steps to restore its credibility by splitting off its municipal bond insurance business from its troubled mortgage bond insurance unit.

By Big Bucks GOP

February 19, 2009 12:45 PM | Link to this

Years before the Stanford Group was accused in a worldwide fraud, American financial regulators found significant securities violations at the company that some experts say were telltale signs of deeper problems, The New York Times reports.

On Wednesday, hundreds of people rushed to withdraw money from banks in Antigua and Venezuela linked to Mr. Stanford, as the fallout from the fraud charges against him rippled across the world. Stanford’s Houston offices remained locked, and Mr. Stanford remained unreachable, even to his father, the Houston Chronicle said.

By Big Bucks GOP

February 19, 2009 12:46 PM | Link to this

General Motors vowed on Wednesday that its latest request for federal aid would be the last it would need to carry it through the biggest reorganization in its history. But Senator Bob Corker of Tennessee said that borrowing $30 billion from taxpayers to finance its restructuring could weigh G.M. down too much for the company to be viable.

By Big Bucks GOP

February 19, 2009 12:47 PM | Link to this

G.M. and its smaller rival, Chrysler, have threatened that they will need $125 billion, in what would be the largest bankruptcy financing packages ever, if they do not receive the additional federal aid. But some think the number is a negotiating tactic. G.M. has also said it is making progress in talks with its bondholders. But how much progress has been made isn’t yet clear.

By Big Bucks GOP

February 19, 2009 12:49 PM | Link to this

A year ago, it appeared that the Christopher Cox-led Securities and Exchange Commission was in the process of getting rid of the most committed reformers on the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. How times have changed,

By Big Bucks GOP

February 19, 2009 12:51 PM | Link to this

BearingPoint, the consulting firm spun off from KPMG in 2001, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Wednesday to carry out a “pre-arranged” restructuring plan.

By Do the Math

February 19, 2009 12:56 PM | Link to this

Ragnar: Agreed, very little job growth, that’s where I don’t understand Wooten’s assertion that programs are getting expanded. Most of the money is Tax breaks, job/benefit protection, maintenance and existing capital projects. About twenty percent is pork and throwing away money…which is the same thing we got from the Bush financial institution bailout, and what we probably get from every other broad government program.

Same waste, different policy goals, good to see Wall Street’s not getting anything!

By WWJD?

February 19, 2009 12:58 PM | Link to this

Jesus would expect us to use our gift of discernment to determine who wastes his God-given talents.

Responsible stewardship.

Learn it, live it, teach it, love it.

By Redneck Convert

February 19, 2009 12:58 PM | Link to this

Friend Leon, I know what a colon does but I don’t like to talk about it in polite company. That Flushing Tax talk yesterday is as far as I want to go.

By DebbieDoRight

February 19, 2009 1:15 PM | Link to this

Methinks Wooten’s dementia has finally moved from his brains to his b@l!s. Don’t take the money, but you STILL have to pay for it no matter what? DUH!! Whether Georgia or the rest of those southern moronic states take the money or not; they will still have to pay the interest! It’s like being robbed twice! Or being scr#w#d without the vaseline!!

Ask your self this question people, why does Wooten care? He’s RICH AND HE HAS A JOB!!! He doesn’t give a rat’s butt about the jobless. As a matter of fact let’s talk about these other people who make six figures and have jobs: Jindahl, (JOB), SC Gov., (JOB — maybe not for long though, and he’s independently wealthy); and so on and so forth.

Limber up Georgia, bend over and grab both knees, we’re about to be sc#re#wed by a bunch of morons without the vaseline.

By Ragnar Danneskjöld

February 19, 2009 1:16 PM | Link to this

Dear Math @ 12:56, I believe Mr. Wooten’s assertion is that the bill greatly increases “consumption” spending, an incontrovertibly true statement. I also respectfully disagree with any suggestion that any significant amount of the spending is dedicated to the types of general tax cuts that lead to job formation - almost all of the tax cuts are “consumptive” cuts, and only the smallest portion will go to any hiring entity in the productive economy. No, this is a welfare bill - for state and local governments, for individuals, and for friends of Nancy.

By Ragnar Danneskjöld

February 19, 2009 1:20 PM | Link to this

Dear WW @ 12:58, we can agree that friend Big Bucks is doing God’s work, documenting the victims of the Pelosi “largest tax increase in the history of the world.”

By SaveOurRepublic

February 19, 2009 1:27 PM | Link to this

Fyi, Jindal is just another phoney (neo)”conservative” like “Jorge Boosh” & “Juan McAmnasty”. Jindal supported the Orwellian “PATRIOT”, Military Commissions & REAL ID acts. He’s indeed another Globalist shill.

By Jackie

February 19, 2009 1:46 PM | Link to this

As usual, the so-called conservatives call for tax cuts.

What good does tax-cuts do when one DOES NOT HAVE A JOB?

Secondly, to advocate not taking the money means that some states may run out of money for Unemployment Benefits. Do the Repubs deem this to be a “welfare program?”

What a sorry lot!!!!!

By findog

February 19, 2009 1:59 PM | Link to this

Here is a name you need to remember: Meg Pirkle, Executive Assistant to the Chief Engineer of the Georgia Department of Transportation.

Whatever she had done wrong it has to be bad! She’s been saddled with the unenviable task of managing input from Georgia’s communities for the stimulus. Our brain trust has yet to determine how to collect, analyze, and support projects for the funds that come our way; poor girl is going to take the fall.

What will happen is that the money will go into maintenance [repaving]. No improvements to public works infrastructure just shuffle the money around so that our local leaders do not have to make the tough choices they were elected to do.

Georgia will epitomize the Pink Floyd line from Time And then one day you find ten years have got behind you. No one told you when to run, you missed the starting gun…

By @@

February 19, 2009 2:03 PM | Link to this

Debbie Do Right by Jindal. His salary is $130,000 a year. He’s in Obama’s lower middle class. He sought election when the governor’s annual salary was at $90,000.

HEMMER: I know we’re pushed for time. Can you give me a definition of the middle class based on income, within a range?

OBAMA: You know, what I would say is, if you are making more than $250,000, than you’re more than middle class. You’re doing better. If you are making less than $250,000, then you are definitely somewhere in the middle class.

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

February 19, 2009 2:10 PM | Link to this

The Republinazis wouldn’t say a damn word if all these funds were being used to procure nukes to bomb the hell out of somebody. As for the money, they’re going to take it! Alaska, Louisiana, Georgia, and the other states unfortunate enough to have Republinazi governors, will take the money. They’ll make pronouncements about the irresponsibility of it all but take the money they will! Taking the money of the people is the only thing they’re really good at. Perdon’t was elected on a platform of restoring the Confederate flag as Georgia’s official flag. He snookered you rednecks and then changed flags on you. When the economy was in melt down and gas prices were going through the roof, Perdon’t went on a trip. He didn’t give a damn about the struggles of the citizens of Georgia. He still doesn’t. he’ll take the money!

By williebkind

February 19, 2009 2:44 PM | Link to this

WHERE IS MY CHECK—*AMIT!

By G'TOWN DUDE

February 19, 2009 2:46 PM | Link to this

Dang, Jim. So us Georgians are supposed to just tough it out. Me, the wife and the kids. Just tough it out ‘cause you, Flush, and Hammity say so? You are out of your flippin’ mind??!! We have to work, Jim. Republicans, Dems, Independents, Conservatives, all of us have to work, genius. If you dolts rebuke the stim bucks, you’ll lose your base. Over an unprincipled disagreement that is clearly in the face of one of this nations most critical financial periods. The GOP has become the party of Do Nothing. Oh, by the way, your boy, Michael Steele, claims that the new look for the GOP will be “Off the Chain.” (Uhhh, I’d like to see you Jim in some sagging jeans and Timberlands with a grill and some Lil’ John blasting from his phat ‘72 Impala with rims). I truly don’t think so….

By DebbieDoRight

February 19, 2009 2:50 PM | Link to this

It’s still 6 figures……and he still has a job.

SIDENOTE: Republicans can’t blame “laziness” and “lack of responsibility” on the Unemployment rate caused by layoffs. Or could they………I’ve seen them spin worse material — ie: “Wide Stances”……

By Jackie

February 19, 2009 3:04 PM | Link to this

So much for the “principled stand” taken by the Southern Repub governors listed in today’s topic.

Sanford on the stimulus: ‘Being against it doesn’t preclude taking the money’

Thursday, February 19, 2009, 12:57 PM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

South Carolina’s Mark Sanford, chairman of the Republican Governors Association, is still bashing President Barack Obama’s stimulus package.

But now he’s saying he might accept at least some of the funds.

Sanford was on CBS’ “The Early Show” this morning:

“I think the problem that was created with too much debt will never be solved by adding yet more debt,” he said. “I think there are a number of wrinkles that have caused a number of us to say ‘Wait a minute, let’s take a look — a long look — at whether or not this really makes sense for our state.’”

That said…..

“Being against it doesn’t preclude taking the money,” Sanford explained. “So again, we’re going to look at it, but what you find when you actually begin to look under the hood is that some of those strings attached means you’ve got to go spend a lot more money that you don’t have to be able to eligible for the funds.”

By williebkind

February 19, 2009 3:04 PM | Link to this

I disagree JIM! If GA does not take the money then it will go to places like NY or CA. I do love Ga and all its residents. Also, it is their taxes too!

By Copyleft

February 19, 2009 3:27 PM | Link to this

So, the proud and principled Republican leadership… has principles up to the point where money is available.

Then, they sell out and grab all they can. Who’s surprised—anyone? anyone?

By deegee

February 19, 2009 3:39 PM | Link to this

“We’ll have to review each program, each new dollar to make sure that we understand what are the conditions, what are the strings and see whether it’s beneficial for Louisiana,”

Translation: If this means that some federal oversight committee is going to be looking over my shoulder for the next two years then they can keep their money. Only if I’m desperate will I let some pencil necked geek inspect my books.

By deegee

February 19, 2009 3:59 PM | Link to this

Squawk Box will be crying in their cheerios over this. Boo-hoo - It’s so unfair to the producers in our country that work so hard to make money. What incentive will they have to get up and go to work every day?? Boo-hoo.

UBS, the world’s biggest bank to the rich, agreed late on Wednesday to pay a hefty $780 million fine and disclose the identity of some clients after U.S. investigators accused it of helping wealthy Americans to dodge taxes. Under the settlement, UBS admitted to helping U.S. taxpayers hide accounts from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the country’s tax collection agency.

Thousands of wealthy westerners avoid taxes by hiding assets in Switzerland and other offshore centers, and U.S. lawmakers say tax havens deprive Washington of $100 billion a year.

By Yep

February 19, 2009 4:01 PM | Link to this

If refusing the spendulus money would relieve our liability to be forced to pay the upcoming swell of taxes that is going to wash over us taxpayers, I would say send it back. Otherwise, it would be foolish to not take advantage of the BBQ scented money. I am assuming that the government thinks we are all too stupid to run our own lives anyway, since they made this life changing decision without our input. My grandchildren thank you, the negligent and entitled for this mess, and they are not even going to be here for another 25 years.

By Crenshaw8

February 19, 2009 4:07 PM | Link to this

Good column Mr. Wooten. Unfortunately most of the lib participants here JUST DON’T GET IT!

Rebate it, dollar-for-dollar to Georgia taxpayers. One option for that is the $200 to $300 in state grants per homeowner for property tax relief, which are not likely to be continued after this year.

GIVE IT BACK TO THE PEOPLE THAT ARE PAYING FOR IT AND DON’T PUT ANYMORE ON THEIR BACKS THROUGH WASTEFUL GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS THAT SERVE NO ONE BUT THE POLITICIANS!

Idiots!

By williebkind

February 19, 2009 4:18 PM | Link to this

It sounds like most of you are talking about this money if it has not already been spent. IT HAS!!!

Now the question is does Ga get its tax monies back or will we let it go back to Washington. Then California can up the health care for illegal aliens and other liberal social programs and receive a portion if not all that Ga would get.

Be real….the decision has been made to spend it. That part is over! Sure, make our il puke spend it sensibly but take the money! It ours in the first place! Or you can give it to CA, NY, or any other socialist state but the money has been spent.

By Ima Pol Crook

February 19, 2009 4:50 PM | Link to this

Most Dumb american “investors” lose money in the markets because they are dumber than rocks as this MSN post of the day alludes to:

Everyday I read about people that are ‘out of the market’. In the most extreme cases, they pulled out all money and put it into CDs and bank accounts. In less extreme cases, they stop contributing to their 401k accounts/IRAs/etc.

Now some people have legitamate reasons for needing to do things (job loss, etc). But what about the rest of us?

Warren Buffett said “I always say you should get greedy when others are fearful and get fearful when others are greedy”. But most people do the exact opposite. They get greedy when others are greedy and fearful when others are fearful. And the result is they buy high and sell low.

The funny thing is that when the market starts picking back up and money starts to flow in, the people sitting on the sidelines will have already missed out on a large part of the upswing, plus the opportunity to have bought during these periods.

By Dusty

February 19, 2009 4:52 PM | Link to this

OH good one, Jim Wooten, you know about that of which you speak.

No start up projects for the state to finish alone! NO SOCIALISM for America.

If $$$ come, give it back to the citizens! Great idea!

So good to hear from Conservatives who still have some ideals and strength of character.

What was it that brave patriot said on the gallows? Something like “There is but one Stimulus Bill to give for this country. HANG IT!”

Oh well….

By Soulfinger

February 19, 2009 5:09 PM | Link to this

To WWJD…I seriously doubt that.

By CEO2

February 19, 2009 5:14 PM | Link to this

OR we pull out at the top of the spiral (when Obama announced his intentions during the campaign) and wait for the bottom prices. Buy more, make more when the dems are a faded memory.

By Peter

February 19, 2009 5:36 PM | Link to this

That’s the way Dusty………save all the Money for WARS !

Funny all the complaining about spending money in America……hey why don’t we continue the policy of the Republican’s ……

Let’s waste the money on WAR, and unfinished Building projects in other countries……..that way the American citizens can continue to be blind sided to the tune of Trillions, as what was accomplished by Bush and his Buddies !

Yes……. spend American money rebuilding other countries……the Republican way !

By Glenn

February 19, 2009 5:42 PM | Link to this

And by the way, @@:

Eat my shorts. Fooey on you for siding with Dusty at her most idiotic, berating me for withholding helpful ideas when I was the only one offering any, accusing me once again of not giving a darn for Georgia.

Dear old Georgia. Gotta love that hospitality!

By Jackie

February 19, 2009 5:43 PM | Link to this

More than 5 Million documented Americans counted as being unemployed, not to mention those that have exhausted their unemployment, yet, we have the conservatives speak of not taking the money from the Feds to help supplement the insurance fund for employment for the states.

What part of this logic are we missing?

Does it appear the conservatives are showing their petulance and are going to take the approach that if “…I didn’t think of it, then it must not be a good idea.”

One can see how the conservatives are held in such low esteem.

By Glenn

February 19, 2009 5:54 PM | Link to this

Well yeah, Jackie.

Once again we’re on the same page.