Economic glass: Half-full or half-empty?
Is the economy really starting to turn? Or is it an illusion?
Consider:
– Metro Atlanta home prices are stabilizing, with at least one expert bullish on the upcoming quarter.
– Consumer confidence and consumer spending are up.
– The Dow is approaching 11,000.
But, there are still lots of problems.
Unemployment is very high, there are five job seekers for every opening in Atlanta and foreclosures are still setting records.
So, how do you see things?
Slow, steady progress? Continued trouble on the horizon? Both at the same time?
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92 comments Add your comment
TnGelding
March 31st, 2010
9:35 am
Testing!!!
TnGelding
March 31st, 2010
9:36 am
Summary: half full.
Ron
March 31st, 2010
10:42 am
Less than half-full. The housing numbers and consumer spending numbers are simply reflecting some variation at their current record low levels. Today, these variations are in the positive direction. Tomorrow they could very well be in the negative direction. It’s statistics and and using these stats to predict economic behavior is like milking mice. There ain’t a whole lot there. Now, if consecutive periods show positive increase then we have something to talk about.
The real important stat is the unemployment figures for – the nation, Georgia and Atlanta. Some argue that we’ll have a jobless recovery. Basic economic models don’t support that thinking. We may bottom out and see a slow, small, stagnating recovery from the bottom but with our high unemployment a significant recovery is highly unlikely.
During the past week I’ve spoke with business people, real estate people, legal people, banking people and consulting people. None of these see any rebounding in the economy. Everyone is cautious about the economy. Everyone is both mad and frightened by the government.
Mr. Obvious
March 31st, 2010
11:12 am
The ‘Economic Glass’ suddenly became HALF-FULL last week for all the lazy, stupid, shiftless, bottom-feeding leeches of our society when King Obama gave them all free healthcare on the backs on those of us who actually work for a living and contribute something (of POSITIVE value) back to society.
Those losers can take their so-called “Hope” and shove it STRAIGHT UP those same rectums on which they spend all day sitting.
GPB
March 31st, 2010
11:23 am
Housing numbers are likely masked by the tax credit. When it ends, watch it come back down.
I don’t see employment returning anytime soon. Now that most companies have found they were able to trim fat, new businesses will have to open up to employ people. Construction should likely stay down as people continue to purchase existing homes rather than go new. Landscaping might see a rebound and some people would be employed from that but not many.
I think it matters too what the skills are of the unemployed. Are they lawyers, construction, teachers, fresh from school students, lesser educated workforce? Jobs are great but if we create jobs that don’t serve the unemployed, then it’s just silly.
Things will get worse before they get better.
Yup
March 31st, 2010
11:25 am
Just wait till the commercial real estate bubble bursts… that will be tragic.
Economy
March 31st, 2010
11:27 am
The recent surge in shopping is simply the results of tax refunds. Don’t get too excited. That money will run out faster than the paper it was printed on. The economy still sux. Until there are jobs, 45 million people in this country will still be eating beenie weenies and ramen noodles. And for them, hitting the mall actually translates to digging through racks at Goodwill.
BTC
March 31st, 2010
11:29 am
Still way too many houses in inventory as well as developed lots. The banks aren’t showing these on their books. There is still a VERY long way to go.
Tom
March 31st, 2010
11:30 am
cant get me a job. can you get me a job?
bobby1976
March 31st, 2010
11:33 am
Cant help myself….saw the Pulte sign on the front page. DONT BUY PULTE….their homes stink!
David
March 31st, 2010
11:37 am
Economy is bad, what few homes that sell are due to such low prices, jobs are still very hard to come by. I own my own buisness and I work for commercial customers and they are giving away stuff at cost just to keep cash flow coming in no huge profits, that has to change first before our economy changes and more jobs become availble.
Jerry
March 31st, 2010
11:38 am
I almost have my house paid off! Once I do I will put it in my elderly mothers name, see that I get fired from my job and collect unemployment, foodstamps and get free healthcare.
Why work? When I can live off the system, instead of paying into a sytem that covers all the deadbeats!
nevermind
March 31st, 2010
11:39 am
I agree…the housing market still sucks…only investors are out there buying up foreclosed properties and renting them back to the homeowners who lost them. No real stablization in the housing market at all.
The recent increase in spending- TWO WORDS: TAX REFUND, that is all!
jd
March 31st, 2010
11:44 am
EVERY major newspaper in the country failed to report the ongoing criminal housing Ponzi scheme while it was happening. It’s still happening, and the newspapers, like the rest of the important institutions in our society, look the other way while the criminal bankers and the craven housing “industry” continue their house flipping madness.
Are we out of the woods? He!! no.
Is it that Obvious?
March 31st, 2010
11:46 am
Mr. Obvious. You seem to be a little angry. Maybe some classes will on dealing with your emotions may help. Now, god forbid if you ever lose your job you can still get that help. Is that plan the best thing in the world. NO!!! But is it better than nothing? Yes. Will it need to be tweaked? Yes. What do you say to the families who can’t get healthcare for their loved ones even when they do work and make positive contributions to society? I have a friend whose brother played foot ball in college very healthy. Found out he had cancer, now he is past the age where his parents insurance can cover him and no one will insure him because of his preexisting condition. It’s bankrupting his family…… What do you say to them? Tough? Remember the saying “But for the Grace of God go I? Try to remember that from time to time.
Don’t get me wrong. I know there are a lot of bottom dwellers that will benefit but they are not the only ones. Trust me I am pissed too, I just did my taxes and my bill is 62k.
GPB
March 31st, 2010
11:49 am
“Why work? When I can live off the system, instead of paying into a system that covers all the deadbeats!” – Jerry
Because living like that sounds like it sucks. I assume you (like me) would prefer a better quality of life if it was available to you. And I don’t know if Georgia allows you to collect unemployment if you have been fired for reasons that are your fault.
jd
March 31st, 2010
11:52 am
We will be on the way to a true recovery (new, healthy economy) when the AJC fires that guy who has written a real estate column for them every Sunday for at least the last decade. He is nothing but a craven mouthpiece for the realtors and builders, but is suppose to offer “expert” advice for the reading public.
This is the kind of obvious conflict of interests that has killed the mainstream media.
BC
March 31st, 2010
11:53 am
Hey YUP, that’s already happened. especially in the Central Business District.
It’s a great time to start a business, space is cheap right now, and people taking advantage of that is what will get us put of this. We have to have more jobs.
msniss
March 31st, 2010
11:54 am
It’s called Income Tax Returns…..as to why all this big spending is goin on everybody got a little money in their pocket round about now.
Jerry
March 31st, 2010
11:55 am
To GPD
It’s called, hide your assets! And, there are ways to get fired without it appearing to be ones fault.
Furthermore, not saying that I’d really do it, but there are those that will have their own sleezy ways to live off the system.
Libby
March 31st, 2010
11:55 am
“King Obama gave them all free healthcare on the backs on those of us who actually work for a living and contribute something (of POSITIVE value) back to society.”
How dare you talk about our President like he is common royalty! His name is ObamaGod and we shall follow him! Hail ObamaGod Hail!
J
March 31st, 2010
11:58 am
Stocks are higher because corporations have been more profitable by the force of downsizing. Unemployment is around 13%, and that’s what is being reported. The number of people underemployed or on a part time basis is very high. Only a small percentage of the population has the credit and job security needed to purchase a home. I am a real estate agent in South Carolina…. I truly expect housing to worsen as the tax credit deadline nears and the shadow wave of foreclosures begin to surface. My glass is half empty and I am afraid it will be that way for about 2.5 to 3 years. Sometimes the truth hurts.
Ha
March 31st, 2010
12:00 pm
It’s an illusion!!!! These people out spending are using Credit that they probably will never pay back! But guess who will? That’s right…the responsible ones who pay taxes and have good credit!!
jd
March 31st, 2010
12:06 pm
Profitable vs. productive. Many of our major corporations have become profitable but not productive (i.e. off shoring jobs).
All of our fundamentals are wrong-the nutty teabaggers, Tim Geithner/Larry Summers, Obama’s persistent desire for bipartisanship (wasn’t that concept destroyed during the Reagan years?), Repubilcan “leadership” (what a joke), Democratic “leadership” (more tea sir?) and the complete failure of our leadership in just about every sector and level of our society.
Wow! Isn’t that what they called a failed culture? Failed state to come next.
Drevilo
March 31st, 2010
12:06 pm
When a business like Myfield Dairy raises the price of an ice cream cone from $1.50 to $2.50 at their “Store” in Braselton, GA you know there is something very wrong with the thinking of their management. If the economy were jumping this could be expected, but its not. Mostly children and elderly shop at this “Mayfield Store.” Very sick thinking in my humble opinion, and this increase should be eliminated before the kids start showing up on the buses for the Dairy tour.
The Economy
March 31st, 2010
12:08 pm
Half Empty, there is a 2nd wave of foreclosures coming that will dwarf the SubPrime mess. Obama isnt at fault for the current state of the economy, it goes back 4 Presidents ago. Obama is a Socialist, the damage he is doing will be felt for years, even after we overturn everything hes done, and vote him out of office. Speaking of office, theres a huge commercial foreclosure wave happening, will take down more banks with it. You cant have a jobless recovery, any 2nd year economics major could tell you that. People havent learned to live within there means, still spending like idiots. It’s all right, I’m gonna pick up some nice investment properties over the next 12 months. PS, if you live in an apartment, and ur driving a 50k car, you will never get it. glta
Old McDonald
March 31st, 2010
12:08 pm
Double Dip. Once the tax credits run out the housing market will cool again. It seems to me more than 10% of people are unemployed. I have friends who are ‘unemployed’ and other friends who are stocking shelves. The economy is bad. As long as we are stupid and our population spends more than we bring in, our corporations spend more than they bring in, and our government spends more than it can bring in, then we are in SERIOUS trouble. But we are a live for today nation of fools. As long as the government keeps bailing us out, we won’t change our behavior and this cycle will continue to repeat. We should have just taken it on the chin. That would have changed behavior and maybe saved future generations.
CL
March 31st, 2010
12:10 pm
I have never seen such ignorance. Corporate America has raped us over and over to the point where they have shipped away jobs, received all manner of illicit tax breaks from states and feds, failed to sustain their own business which we had to bail out, and you still wanna blame Obama?
The reason people have ANY money is because the stimulus has provided an 8,000 incentive to purchase homes, not because banks are lending anything……..but all of you keep hollaring Obama like the idiot savants that you are. You dont have to vote for or like him, but at least give some credit. At least he isnt pissing away party money at the stripclub like your boys are.
Jerry
March 31st, 2010
12:13 pm
As a result of the healthcare bill, property taxes in the southern states will increase in order to fund the lack of revenue the states will incurr.
Historically, southern states have paid lower taxes because the state did not have to offset medicare, unlike the northern states that have huge taxes.
Lance
March 31st, 2010
12:15 pm
Economy and The Economy. You both are so dead on the money! And yes, I agree, How can you have a recovery with the jobless rate we have now. I reccomend Dave Ramsey to EVERYONE!!! the truth will set you free folks. Get out of debt now and live stress free.
Old McDonald
March 31st, 2010
12:17 pm
Watch out! The liberal Obama sheep will be coming soon…..Here they come. BAH BAH BAH!
Old McDonald
March 31st, 2010
12:19 pm
Corporate American is the Debil! Liberal Politicians will save us all. Corporate America is corrupt. There is no corruption in government. BAAAAAAH BAAAAH BAH!
Old McDonald
March 31st, 2010
12:21 pm
Corporate America has you all fooled, but Liberal Politicians are all honest and care about you. BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
Libby
March 31st, 2010
12:21 pm
How dare the AJC take the picture down of the of the Real Houswives of Atlanta out for their daily shopping fix! Those women are the ones who are helping the econmy, and thanks to free ObamaCare they can now afford to go to the mall and shop! Americans can now spend money because the government is going to take care of everyone except rich Republicans!
Tom
March 31st, 2010
12:21 pm
its an illusion. Where are you getting your information from? CNN, trying doing some more research dude.
The Economy
March 31st, 2010
12:25 pm
Lance, you are 100%, live like no one else, so you can live like no one else. Love D. Ramsey, if you fallow his advise, your life would be as good as mine. I could have bought a 600k-900k house, but I didnt. Live in a modest house 220k+ paid off. Cars are older and paid for. Wife and I were making 250k in 2006, last year we made under 90K. Didnt bother us in the least, cuz we got NO DEBT! We saved, now we will capitalize on this mess, maybe a bigger house, will pay in cash 350k for a house that was selling for 700k in 2008. Maybe buy a couple of rental, no sure yet. But the fact of the matter is, we lived below our means, saved, and now we will reap the rewards. I had friends who lived WAY beyound the incomes, house GONE, new cars GONE, credit cards and scores GONE, marriages on the rocks, AND I WORNED THEM FOR YEARS WHAT WAS COMING, o’well. You can lead a horse….. never mind, stupid is as stupid does.
David S
March 31st, 2010
12:29 pm
What isn’t empty is the cache of newly printed worthless Federal Reserve notes – nearly 3 trillion in the past year. I smell hyperinflation around the corner, and it won’t be pretty.
Nobody could possibly look at any of the economic signs and actually see recovery. Virtually every statistic is being propped up by government spending. Heck, even the Census jobs are just makework and are so numerous as to wonder what the hell any of them are doing every day. Real jobs and real growth require the private voluntary sector, not the parasitic government sector. Anything the government spends is either taken from the private sector or must be paid back by the private sector. The end of civilization as we know it has just been postponed. If that is good news, then rejoice. I would rather the free market be allowed to sort out the problems and begin a real recovery. But that’s just not in Obama’s play book (or that idiot Bernanke’s either).
Old McDonald
March 31st, 2010
12:30 pm
@The Economy, but, but….I need that large screen TV. The interest rate is only 4%!
c
March 31st, 2010
12:31 pm
Is Obama and the left leaning jack@#es still making decisions? You figure it out. We haven’t even begun to feel the destruction these fools and the fools who voted for them have created.
David S
March 31st, 2010
12:33 pm
For those of you complaining about inflation and blaming businesses, remember, inflation is a monetary phenomenon and has nothing to do with prices at the onset. The government is printing worthless money to pay its debts. Once that money gets fully into circulation, prices rise as a result. Business has no other choice but to pass on costs.
Blame the Federal Reserve. Audit the Federal Reserve. End the Federal Reserve!
Republicats
March 31st, 2010
12:33 pm
The government is veiling our HUGE financial woes in the form of new legislation and bailouts. The concealment will only last so long though and they’re hoping that’ll last to the next administration because Obama will not gain re-election. As someone who’s out of work I can tell you it’s bad out there.
Obammy Mammy
March 31st, 2010
12:34 pm
Is it that Obvious? @ 11:46am
Are you bitter because you and your “Domestic Partner” having been getting your “Life Partner” benefits to which you apparently feel you are entitled?
Do you get back down on your knees after showing your affection and pray to your “god” Obammy?
The Economy
March 31st, 2010
12:35 pm
Blame the Federal Reserve. Audit the Federal Reserve. End the Federal Reserve!
These are the MOST important words posted on here, understand that people. Good job.
Old McDonald
March 31st, 2010
12:39 pm
NO! It is the Republicans and Big Business. The leftest politicians are honest and wholesome!
Old McDonald
March 31st, 2010
12:40 pm
Our country became terminally ill in January of 2009.
Atl Resident
March 31st, 2010
12:53 pm
EOld McDonald
March 31st, 2010
12:40 pm
Our country became terminally ill in January of 2009.
No, that happened when we stepped foot in Iraq. That’s where most of billions was first spent. But everyone knows that everyone is spending now cause of tax refunds from tax credits. Let’s measure this again when summer comes or better when unemployment constantly goes down. The media needs to keep it real with public.
I'm just sayin'.....
March 31st, 2010
12:56 pm
One thing is certain —Obama and the out-of-touch democrats have squandered an entire year on things that a majority of Americans say should be a low priority and on political pay-off to groups well outside the mainstream of American economic thinking. That year should have been spent improving the economy in a way that fosters free enterprise job creation. So far, the only job growth has been at the federal government level, where most people are overpaid, underworked, and unaccountable for results (you know who you are and you know it’s true). A negative view? You bet! Light at the end of the tunnel? Absolutely. November can’t come soon enough for those of us who still believe in free enterprise.
Libby
March 31st, 2010
12:57 pm
“Our country became terminally ill in January of 2009″
Those people that got sick would feel much better if they switched from Tea to KoolAid!
Lets be honest
March 31st, 2010
12:58 pm
WHEN UNEMPLOYMENT STARTS TO DECLINE, THEN LETS TALK…
#1 Foxy Lady
March 31st, 2010
1:00 pm
NOW THAT PRESIDENT OBAMA HAS FIXED HEALTHCARE, IT’S ALL GOOD!!!
HE IS SOLVING ALL OF THE PROBLEMS. JOBS IS NEXT ON HIS “FIX-IT” LIST.
THANKS TO OBAMA THE GLASS IS MORE THAN FULL!!!
John Birch
March 31st, 2010
1:01 pm
Today the government stopped buying bad mortgages. At some point the US will stop the huge welfare-like support of state and local governments. With home prices perhaps firming but still depressed and un/underemployment hovering around 17% the local governments will eventually lay off the employees they’ve kept on because of the federal handouts. Keep in mind that about 50% of the mortgages that got workouts will go back into default over the next few years and there is still a lot of downside potential.
Old McDonald
March 31st, 2010
1:01 pm
OH PRAISE THE GREAT OBAMA. THE SAVIOR!
Carlos
March 31st, 2010
1:03 pm
If the economy rebounds, GOP will say its because of the Bush administration. If not then they will blame Obama. They did the same thing with Clinton.
Its half full, things are not perfect but improving gradually. It won’t be until mid 2011 when we will know.
Is it that Obvious?
March 31st, 2010
1:04 pm
@ Obammy Mammy
My wife and I are doing quite well thank you very much. Hence me owing 62K in taxes this year. Again you seem to be just a bit Angry. While it is easy to be brave behind a keyboard I won’t stoop to your level.
Did you read my post?
I said it’s not the best formula. But it is better than nothing! There are legitimate people who need help. Again, I admit there are a lot of slackers and they need to be dealt with. But until something better comes along then we need to concentrate on making what we have better. How many of you have actually read the Health Bill? That’s what I thought, so how can you be for or against it? If you are only going by what the pundits (on either side) the you are “stupid” for not doing your own research.
Stupid and lazy, In fact you are exactly what you are railing against.
Alright
March 31st, 2010
1:11 pm
Jerry- You are an idiot. If you can prosper off the less than $300/wk unemployment pays, or tolerate the substandard care given to medicaid recipients, and fill out the paperwork that forces you to lie about your income in order to feed your family with food stamps, I wish you luck. Only idiots believe that people who pay the same taxes the you pay do not deserve to benefit from the programs designed to help those who are not in the position to get hired by their family or friends or can create their own jobs. Pray that your life does not ever change.
Old McDonald
March 31st, 2010
1:13 pm
Alright, you lie! They don’t pay taxes!
Is it that Obvious?
March 31st, 2010
1:15 pm
1 more for Obammy Mammy.
I am a devout Christian by the way. And my faith teaches me to be tolerant and practive compassion. So while I HATE paying what i think is more than my fair share of Taxes I don’t begrudge any one else help when they need it.
As for you apparent slight towards homosexuals, I personally don’t agree with the lifestyle, but that’s my choice based on my faith. I don’t try to belittle others with “Internet bravado” and make comments that I don’t have tsuffer consequences for. You and Libby should probably hook up. It seems you both drink the same kind of Tea!!
Is it that Obvious?
March 31st, 2010
1:17 pm
Again………….”But for the Grace of God go I”
Think about it.
Learn It.
Live it.
Let go of the anger.
Stop being a Douche!!
Gman
March 31st, 2010
1:23 pm
I have said it before…….
We are all up the creek – and I used our paddles for kindling wood this this past winter. My bad…..
Libby
March 31st, 2010
1:31 pm
“If the economy rebounds, GOP will say its because of the Bush administration. If not then they will blame Obama. They did the same thing with Clinton.”
I know, aren’t those Repulicans hateful! President Clinton deserves credit and respect for NAFTA and Community Reinvestment! If it wasn’t for President Clinton, I would never have had the American Dream for a few years. As Bush was leaving office I got foreclosed on and he was to blame for that not me! And now ObamaGod is giving me ObamaCare! The money I was going to be forced spend to take care of myself is now going towards daily trips to the mall! The economy is improving under ObamaGod! Haters must give him credit!
bulldawgrick
March 31st, 2010
1:32 pm
Definately an illusion & if you think otherwise you are dillusional…
Would ANY of you pay 4 years for a house before you can see or live in it??
Would ANY of you pay 4 years for a car you have not driven or seen??
I also have a question…
Now OBummer says it’s OK to drill for oil offshore & the media & Bummer’s sheep thisk it’s a great idea.. Where the heck have all the sheep been the past 20 years??
I pray that the mantra come this Fall is:
In November – We Remember…
Remember that more than 70% of the American people DID NOT agree on this trillion $ abortion…
Let’s hope there’s time enough to overturn all this in ‘10 & ‘12!!!
jerry
March 31st, 2010
1:37 pm
To Alright,
For your information,I
Bill
March 31st, 2010
1:39 pm
This reminds me of a time not so long ago, when rich white southerners convinced poor white southerners that the biggest threat to them was blacks. Conflict between blacks and poor whites allowed rich whites to exploit both groups.
Today, It is multinational corporations and investment bankers who are exploiting the middle class. Are we mad at them? No (well maybe a little bit) they have convinced everyone that government is the problem.
The current problems in the economy did not originate last year or 4 years ago or 8 years ago. The source of the problem is in the early 1980s, when we started to dismantle the system of banking regulation that had worked well for nearly 50 years. Since that time, we have had multiple bubbles, and multiple economic emergencies. Reinstate Glass-Steagall.
jerry
March 31st, 2010
1:40 pm
For your information, I am a gay male withs lots of money, just saying I could still financially benefit from our society without working!
Bill
March 31st, 2010
1:41 pm
Bulldawgrick -
Where did you get 70%? Did you make it up, or have you been listening to the screamers on cable. At the time of passage, most polls showed about 48% of Americans in favor, and 46% opposed.
Alecia
March 31st, 2010
1:43 pm
Mr obvious has a point. However,small business owners really have it tough. Unlike everyone else out there, the self employed cannot collect unemployment and usually have too much in assets(usually real estate) to collect anything else from the government. I feel sorry for the self employed that are operating at a loss and cannot liquidate their assets.
On the other hand, I had to listen to another parent the other day brag about getting section 8, food stamps, and free piano lessons. This individual had the audacity to say that those working and paying taxes are stupid and that he loves the government. The entitlement attitude needs to stop. I remember when people were embarassed to use food stamps or any other welfate entitlement program. Now it’s a badge of honor. Pathetic! Why should a person work when they can get a sec. 8 voucher for $1300-$1800/mo, $600 in food stamps, WIC, free child care($200/wk), medicaid(worth $1k/mo), and a TANF check to boot. These are just a few items off the top of my head. There are folks bringing in $3,000 net off the gov’t each month just from sec. 8,TANF,and food stamps. That’s equal to atleast $4500 gross/mo or $54k a yr. Unfortunately, those evil capitalists are the ones paying for this with higher taxes. Those evil capitalists bring jobs and are scared to expand or hire, due to rising taxes caused by the moocher class.
Libby
March 31st, 2010
1:44 pm
Yeah, they put the Shopping Divas picture back up!
I'm just sayin'.....
March 31st, 2010
1:44 pm
Wake up up! Bulldawgrick is right. Get you head out of, uh, the sand. Educate yourself on facts, not fuzzy lib info.
bulldawgrick
March 31st, 2010
1:46 pm
Libby – You must be a Fool, but that’s not till tomorrow… Clinton is the one that allowed the hosuing market to blow up & allow many that could NOT afford home ownership (or bought much more than you yould afford)… That illusion blew up during the Bush years because it was time to pay up on those ARM’s that no one thought would end…
I pray for your soul – calling the Muslim community organizer one term socialist Obummer, god..
May God save your soul…
Bill
March 31st, 2010
1:48 pm
I concede, you guys are right. Anyone weak enough to get sick deserves to lose everything (including healthcare). Anyone lazy enough to get laid off, deserves to starve. Just so I don’t have to pay taxes.
Doofus
March 31st, 2010
1:51 pm
I agree with those who practiced living within (some well within) your means. I don’t doubt that housing prices have stabilized but that’s after a 20-25% decrease over the past oh let’s say 14 months. Since sustainability now seems to be all the rage, I suggest this administration show some leadership and quit giving the farm away to every social program imagineable.
Bill
March 31st, 2010
1:51 pm
There seems to be a clear inverse relationship here between rational argument supported by data, and name calling. If you don’t have a solid argument, or solid support for your argument, just turn up the volume. Make it all caps. Make it bold. Think up silly new names.
atlengineerguy
March 31st, 2010
1:56 pm
I saw the Pulte sign in the picture. If they are coming back market wise, get ready for some lunarscape clear cutting, shoddy built homes and crummy customer service. They have truly added to the uglification of metro Atlanta. PLEASE STAY OTP!!!
bulldawgrick
March 31st, 2010
2:00 pm
Bill – OK it’s 66% But I have seen others that were higher.. This is one I found quickly (just for you)
Nearly two-thirds of Americans say the plan costs too much and expands the government’s role too far into a private industry, according to a USA Today/Gallup survey published on Tuesday.
http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSN30166531
Libby
March 31st, 2010
2:07 pm
“I concede, you guys are right. Anyone weak enough to get sick deserves to lose everything (including healthcare). Anyone lazy enough to get laid off, deserves to starve. Just so I don’t have to pay taxes.”
I heart Bill. You are such a caring, compassionate soul like me. We believe all the tales people tell us. People that get sick always loose everything, they have a Right to be healthy and wealthy! All jobless people are starving! We should take care of everyone who can’t take care of themselves! There should be guarantees in life against such horrible things and responsible people should pay the price! Trickle Down Economics is horrible, Trickle Up Poverty is the way of our future! We must be compassionate and believe all the stories and takes everyone tells us! KoolAid all around! Hail ObamaGod Hail!
Is it that Obvious?
March 31st, 2010
2:07 pm
Bill. Great Point. Those who have little real data or information to stand on seem to be trhe angriest. What ever happened to civilized debate based on facts and not emotions.
Libby
March 31st, 2010
2:11 pm
“Bill – OK it’s 66% But I have seen others that were higher.. This is one I found quickly (just for you)
Nearly two-thirds of Americans say the plan costs too much and expands the government’s role too far into a private industry, according to a USA Today/Gallup survey published on Tuesday.”
Bulldawgrick, ObamaGod does not have to listen to the people, the people listen to ObamaGod. ObamaGod gives us ObamaCare and for that we should be eternally grateful and worship him!
I bet you drink Tea, dont you?
Libby
March 31st, 2010
2:14 pm
“Bill. Great Point. Those who have little real data or information to stand on seem to be trhe angriest. What ever happened to civilized debate based on facts and not emotions.”
Good data and statistics are always in favor of the Democratic Party! Tea makes people angry and KoolAid has a nice calming effect on the heart and mind!
TheRealDeal
March 31st, 2010
2:17 pm
I love how you want to blame Obama for all the problems that we are having. Bush is the one how put us in this situation, but our county in a war that we shouldn’t be in. Deregulated all the big businesses and Banks, so that they could make the most profit and not look at the long term(Mortgage,Investment Companies). This is Bushes stimulis package that Obama had to work with. Were was the Tea Party, when he turned the other way, knowing that he was on his way out of office, with no apologies. Why didn’t you have signs out over where then? I hate that you all have short term memory. Obama, has done more in one year than Bush did in eight years. This mess was not done overnight and will not be fixed over night. Take that to your Tea party meeting. Dummies!
Libby
March 31st, 2010
2:21 pm
“There seems to be a clear inverse relationship here between rational argument supported by data, and name calling. If you don’t have a solid argument, or solid support for your argument, just turn up the volume. Make it all caps. Make it bold. Think up silly new names.”
Bill, I feel your pain and agony! How did the Republicans get away with threatening messages and bricks through windows after ObamaCare OVERWHELMINGLY passed in the the HOR? ObamaGod gave those people nothing in return for their UP votes, his Godlike vision led them to do the RIGHT thing! Bill, you and I need to demand that those dometic terrorists be sent to prison immediately for their hate voice messages and bricks through windows! Our ObamaGod must not be forsaken!
ATLien
March 31st, 2010
2:26 pm
It’s not over! Remember, a lot of those sub-standard loans have not reset, yet. Expect more to come in 2010, 2011, and 2012.
Libby
March 31st, 2010
2:27 pm
“Obama, has done more in one year than Bush did in eight years. This mess was not done overnight and will not be fixed over night. Take that to your Tea party meeting. Dummies!”
TheRealDeal, I have heard those words a million times but coming from you it’s like I’m hearing poetry for the first time! Your words are so original and all inspiring! Isn’t our KoolAid such a magical drink?
Hey Holyfield
March 31st, 2010
2:41 pm
It seems that the Real Deal is the Dummy with the short term memory, and probably didn’t get an A in history either. FDR created the first socialist programs, which are really bankrupting this country directly and indirectly. Then the worst US president in history was GA’s very own Jimmy 90% tax rate peanut farmer, who had to sell the presidential yacht to make some cash. The Bush family wasn’t great, and yes W although claiming to be a conservative, was part liberal; but I am pretty sure th Osama, KSM, and the other terrorists are the ones that kind of started this war.
Tim
March 31st, 2010
2:44 pm
Whats with the savage dialog between all you folks? Is this a southern thing?
jd
March 31st, 2010
2:47 pm
The economy is going down, but the idiocy/hypocrisy among Republicans has gone way up along with the fecklessness of Party Democrats.
Translated, that means the declining number of Republican voters AND politicians are crazy, and most Democratic politicians have divorced themselves from Democratic voters. Which is why they like their Republican buddies, are so easily bought by big business.
Hey Holyfield
March 31st, 2010
2:50 pm
Who drives this economy? Is it the lazy ass Moochers or the hard working capitalists (Bill Gates down to the owner of a laudry mat)? We definitely know who pays the taxes, and which group benefits the most from those taxes!!! Medicaid needs to go. We need more police and judges that are willing to punish criminals to the fullest extent of the law. No more free rides, you want Medicaid or other handouts; then you must sign up for at least 4 years active duty.
Hey Holyfield
March 31st, 2010
2:54 pm
Anyone ever wonder why there are so many liberals writing comments? They are lazy and probably not working, they are just waiting to get Obama’s money (ie. taxpayers hard earned cash).
Is it that Obvious?
March 31st, 2010
3:49 pm
The inability for all of us to have an intelligent policy conversation and the propogation of misinformation is the cornerstone of what is wrong with our political system. I don’t care about an individual’s opinion, only that we can have a conversation without supposition, innuendo, lies, and threats. I’m completely open to the idea that the Act is wrong, but only if someone convinces me using arguments and facts, which seems woefully unlikely right now in our country.
RH
March 31st, 2010
3:53 pm
Obama’s financial legacy is unfortunately in the infancy stages. We only have 3 years to go thank goodness – that’s a glass one quarter of the way full or three forths of the way empty!
bulldawgrick
March 31st, 2010
4:13 pm
Obvious… I agree.. How bout the fact that OBummer bribed House & Congress members for their vote to pass this ill concieved legislation?? It’s a fact..
Mike Burgelin
March 31st, 2010
6:14 pm
I own a nationwide Employee Leasing/PEO brokerage, http://www.employeeleasingquotes.com – and spend each day talking with employers from all over the country. People think it’s a joke when they hear through media outlets and the feds that things are getting better.
No Jobs!
March 31st, 2010
7:19 pm
Laid off 8 months ago from a marketing support job—sent out 400 resumes, applied to every job possible, no luck. The economy is not getting better, no matter what they say in DC—it’s all BS. The last job I applied for, at a salary way below what I was making—they had 4,000 people apply, and got tired of looking at resumes and cut it off after a few hundred. That’s the job market. Hope and change—total failure.