U.S. Economy 2009!

smurfblu13 · 07-23-2009, 04:42 AM

Simple rule that I feel too many people violate.

SPEND WITHIN YOUR MEANS!!

We may or may not be in this predicament if people followed that.

GMZ · 07-23-2009, 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AB370Z

Did you hear about the recent developments re Goldman Sachs...here's a link.

washingtonpost.com

I suppose it's a "good news" story except to say that they are now prospering as a lot of their big competition (Lehman Bros and Bear Stearns) went under throughout the last year. There is an interesting debate on the news in that since they have repaid their TARP funds, Goldman will now have full discretion to declare some massive record bonuses (presumably to the fat cat investment bankers) without government restrictions.

Lots that could be debated here...

Yea they got about $13bil via AIG's "rescue", they have the govt in their pocket.

Whats everybody like to read as far as economics goes?

Florida_GATOR · 07-23-2009, 06:59 AM

Todays economy is just another great reason why people should serve in the military.

GMZ · 07-23-2009, 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Florida_GATOR

Todays economy is just another great reason why people should serve in the military.

Were minimizing too

Florida_GATOR · 07-23-2009, 07:14 AM

minimizing? U mean people leaving?

GMZ · 07-23-2009, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Florida_GATOR

minimizing? U mean people leaving?

No, I mean them giving people the boot who dont pull their weight. Which is as it should be.

3 PRT failures=out
2+ DUI=out
20 yr POS=out

No more bonuses for most people, and everyone is trying to stay in with unemployment poised to get even worse. Theres not a lot of money so training is lacking as seen by repeated groundings and collisions recently, as well as lack of maintenance funds for fleet units. It always gets really tight at the end of the FY but its getting pretty bad where we have to go buy our own materials.

Florida_GATOR · 07-23-2009, 07:33 AM

Oh yea true, people get desperate in hard times...that's for sure.

mannyz · 07-23-2009, 09:38 AM

Im surprise this thread is not burning in flames, with all the politics attached. But to really answer the question. IMO the economy is the way it is not because fault of any president but more because of the companies that are in full contact with the majority, companies like electricity, banks, insurance, water, cable, etc. These companies are in a 24x7 contact with the population and they are undiscriminating raising prices for everything while our salaries stay the same, so our social life is going high than our income, thats when people start getting in debt to be able to survive, not expecting that a credit card or a loan they took with 3% interest will go up to 10% in a matter of months, or that a house that you bought for your family instead of paying $1,000 a month now the association fees, the taxes, the insurance, etc are rasing your bills and now the payment jumps to $1,500.

Have you guys noticed your bills, phone, water, elect, etc Have you noticed how maybe your electric bill is $50, but at the end with taxes and stupid idk Wtf fees goes up to $$80? I even have to get rid of my home phone because here in Florida they started charging Hurricane Zone Fee! WTF? My Credit Cards went from 4.99 to 7.99 to 10.99 to 14.99 and now they are at 17 to 29.99 and when you call them they just tell you they raised it for everyone.

Now additional to that small companies are getting affected by the same outrages increases, so they cannot keep employees, so they fired your wife or your husband but your bills and expenses stayed the same, so now only 1 person is responsible of ALL those payments until the partner can find a job. And they squeeze the family so much than husbands and wifes to be able to survive for their kids, they made the desicion of fk it, take the house, take the car, I dont pay the credit cards, but I will use the money I have left to find a roof and food for my family. And what pisses me off from the banks is that your house is worth $200k, you try to refinance to pay your bills and they tell you "No sorry the house is worth $150 we cnanot give you the money" IF you are struggling paying your house, they dont help you they squeeze you to force you to pay, then if you dont pay the house they kick you out, so now the bank has this big as house that needs to sell, and they go ahead and sell it for $75k or $100k. WTF, if you could sell it for that amount, why not sell it to me that I've been paying the house for the same price? and I continue living and paying the house?

I think the economy is not gona get better by asking for more money, I think the departments that are in charge (not only the president cause they do have people that are suppose to be doing their job) of the economy should go behind these companies and control them, because they are the ones squeezing peoples money. Sht I cant even go to Olive Garden now without spending 11 to $12 in just one dish.

But that is my long *** opinion

Alexus · 07-23-2009, 12:53 PM

Indeed, the common conception that the economical situation the U.S. has been put in is not the fault of any particular president, even though the Iraq War's 600 billion dollar debt was the fault of a trigger-happy president.

I believe that the economical situation is the banks' fault, for giving low-interest mortgages that were thousands more than the real estate's networth.

What the American people do not seem to understand is that socialized healthcare has been present in a vast majority of industrialized countries for decades, and with great success. As far as I know, these countries are also far more economically stable than the U.S. The people there always have the option of privatized healthcare, as we do here in Canada with the university medical centers and private clinics. The U.S. has always been a bit behind... I mean, seat belts have just been made into law in a lot of states. Riding in the back of a pickup truck or riding a motorbike without a helmet is still permitted, which is utterly ridiculous.

I don't want to be bashing anyone here but this is the direction most of the world is heading towards and I guess you guys will just have to get used to it. It just boggles my mind how the American people are never utterly happy of who they have elected, even if the opposing party was an even poorer choice. I guess this is what happens in a country with only two political parties; a massive line is drawn, and the two sides never truly get along. The result? The U.S. stagnates in the same pool it was created in, making the country utterly retarded politically and developmentally.

ZKindaGuy · 07-23-2009, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GMZ

Ok so I think we can all agree that we are in a mess economically in this country. Post up anything having to do with it. Such as what caused it, how can we fix it, inflation vs deflation, collapse, Great Depression 2, recovery, etc. Ill go first...

Too much debt in the system, and a lot of it is going bad. But the govt is not allowing it to be defaulted on and cleared out. Trying to keep asset values unrealistically high wont work because there comes a point when no more debt can be carried. Its simple math really. Its like a balloon you can keep inflating it forever.

Discuss...

The best and smartest solution......having patience to let time sort it all out....unfortunately all our elected officials just don't think about their constituents and instead just want to continue to do things along partisan lines like they always do so thay can wave their party flag, take credit for it and secure the next general election.

The next best thing to do thta would probable make general overall sweeping improvements is do away with bipartisan partyship altogether. I think almost 240 years is sufficient to easily look around and come to a conclusion that it just doesn't work.

fly yellow · 07-23-2009, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alexus

What the American people do not seem to understand is that socialized healthcare has been present in a vast majority of industrialized countries for decades, and with great success. As far as I know, these countries are also far more economically stable than the U.S. The people there always have the option of privatized healthcare, as we do here in Canada with the university medical centers and private clinics. The U.S. has always been a bit behind... I mean, seat belts have just been made into law in a lot of states. Riding in the back of a pickup truck or riding a motorbike without a helmet is still permitted, which is utterly ridiculous.

It's called personal freedom and liberty. Just a couple of the notions that this nation was founded on. I will be happy to stay far behind Canada and socialized Europe.

AB370Z · 07-23-2009, 10:22 PM

Not sure I want to add flames to this fire...but here goes.

I will start out by saying that I have lived and worked in your country as well so can appreciate some of the freedoms you have. How many of you have lived outside of the US?

Personal freedom and liberty is great, but it definitely comes with a price.

Canada's healthcare system is not perfect and without its flaws and tradeoffs. We don't have people going bankrupt or mortgaging their house to pay for major surgery as can happen in the US. Everyone is also entitled to basic universal healthcare service. Tradeoffs and flaws- our taxes are higher than yours; for non-essential / "elective" surgery, you may wait 6 months or more to be admitted for surgery (e.g. surgery for a minor but annoying sports injury to your knee). However, if I break my arm or get into a car accident or visit the doctor re a cold, I get attention right away and with some exceptions, I don't pay. When I say exceptions, Canada really has basic healthcare coverage for all. In Canada some still pay for private medical/dental plans that cover some prescriptions and services not covered by basic health care though. And as one said earlier, some still choose to pay to get faster service.

So we aren't as Commie as you might be lead to believe in your Fox News media.

I could add to Canadian differences and similarities to the US re business,banking,military, etc. but I don't think you guys really want to hear it.

frost · 07-23-2009, 10:32 PM

07-23-2009, 06:59 AM	#48 (permalink)
Florida_GATOR Track Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Newport News, VA Posts: 705 Drives: 09 Nissan 370z Blk Rep Power: 17	Todays economy is just another great reason why people should serve in the military. __________________ MK44 Creed- " Ive got a bullet here with your name on it, and im gonna keep firing till i find out which one it is " Most badass job ever.

07-23-2009, 07:14 AM	#50 (permalink)
Florida_GATOR Track Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Newport News, VA Posts: 705 Drives: 09 Nissan 370z Blk Rep Power: 17	minimizing? U mean people leaving? __________________ MK44 Creed- " Ive got a bullet here with your name on it, and im gonna keep firing till i find out which one it is " Most badass job ever.

07-23-2009, 07:33 AM	#52 (permalink)
Florida_GATOR Track Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Newport News, VA Posts: 705 Drives: 09 Nissan 370z Blk Rep Power: 17	Oh yea true, people get desperate in hard times...that's for sure. __________________ MK44 Creed- " Ive got a bullet here with your name on it, and im gonna keep firing till i find out which one it is " Most badass job ever.

07-23-2009, 09:38 AM	#53 (permalink)
mannyz Enthusiast Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 354 Drives: a car Rep Power: 279	Im surprise this thread is not burning in flames, with all the politics attached. But to really answer the question. IMO the economy is the way it is not because fault of any president but more because of the companies that are in full contact with the majority, companies like electricity, banks, insurance, water, cable, etc. These companies are in a 24x7 contact with the population and they are undiscriminating raising prices for everything while our salaries stay the same, so our social life is going high than our income, thats when people start getting in debt to be able to survive, not expecting that a credit card or a loan they took with 3% interest will go up to 10% in a matter of months, or that a house that you bought for your family instead of paying $1,000 a month now the association fees, the taxes, the insurance, etc are rasing your bills and now the payment jumps to $1,500. Have you guys noticed your bills, phone, water, elect, etc Have you noticed how maybe your electric bill is $50, but at the end with taxes and stupid idk Wtf fees goes up to $$80? I even have to get rid of my home phone because here in Florida they started charging Hurricane Zone Fee! WTF? My Credit Cards went from 4.99 to 7.99 to 10.99 to 14.99 and now they are at 17 to 29.99 and when you call them they just tell you they raised it for everyone. Now additional to that small companies are getting affected by the same outrages increases, so they cannot keep employees, so they fired your wife or your husband but your bills and expenses stayed the same, so now only 1 person is responsible of ALL those payments until the partner can find a job. And they squeeze the family so much than husbands and wifes to be able to survive for their kids, they made the desicion of fk it, take the house, take the car, I dont pay the credit cards, but I will use the money I have left to find a roof and food for my family. And what pisses me off from the banks is that your house is worth $200k, you try to refinance to pay your bills and they tell you "No sorry the house is worth $150 we cnanot give you the money" IF you are struggling paying your house, they dont help you they squeeze you to force you to pay, then if you dont pay the house they kick you out, so now the bank has this big as house that needs to sell, and they go ahead and sell it for $75k or $100k. WTF, if you could sell it for that amount, why not sell it to me that I've been paying the house for the same price? and I continue living and paying the house? I think the economy is not gona get better by asking for more money, I think the departments that are in charge (not only the president cause they do have people that are suppose to be doing their job) of the economy should go behind these companies and control them, because they are the ones squeezing peoples money. Sht I cant even go to Olive Garden now without spending 11 to $12 in just one dish. But that is my long *** opinion Last edited by mannyz; 07-23-2009 at 09:42 AM.

07-23-2009, 12:53 PM	#54 (permalink)
Alexus Base Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Montreal, QC Posts: 178 Drives: The Beast Rep Power: 16	Indeed, the common conception that the economical situation the U.S. has been put in is not the fault of any particular president, even though the Iraq War's 600 billion dollar debt was the fault of a trigger-happy president. I believe that the economical situation is the banks' fault, for giving low-interest mortgages that were thousands more than the real estate's networth. What the American people do not seem to understand is that socialized healthcare has been present in a vast majority of industrialized countries for decades, and with great success. As far as I know, these countries are also far more economically stable than the U.S. The people there always have the option of privatized healthcare, as we do here in Canada with the university medical centers and private clinics. The U.S. has always been a bit behind... I mean, seat belts have just been made into law in a lot of states. Riding in the back of a pickup truck or riding a motorbike without a helmet is still permitted, which is utterly ridiculous. I don't want to be bashing anyone here but this is the direction most of the world is heading towards and I guess you guys will just have to get used to it. It just boggles my mind how the American people are never utterly happy of who they have elected, even if the opposing party was an even poorer choice. I guess this is what happens in a country with only two political parties; a massive line is drawn, and the two sides never truly get along. The result? The U.S. stagnates in the same pool it was created in, making the country utterly retarded politically and developmentally. __________________ "The object of war is not to die for your country but to make the other bastard die for his." -General George S. Patton Jr., 1885-1945 Last edited by Alexus; 07-23-2009 at 12:56 PM.

07-23-2009, 04:42 AM	#46 (permalink)
smurfblu13 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: PA Posts: 2,584 Drives: cars Rep Power: 380	Simple rule that I feel too many people violate. SPEND WITHIN YOUR MEANS!! We may or may not be in this predicament if people followed that.

07-23-2009, 10:22 PM	#57 (permalink)
AB370Z Track Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Calgary, Canada Posts: 563 Drives: 09 370Z Sport Nav M6 Rep Power: 18	Not sure I want to add flames to this fire...but here goes. I will start out by saying that I have lived and worked in your country as well so can appreciate some of the freedoms you have. How many of you have lived outside of the US? Personal freedom and liberty is great, but it definitely comes with a price. Canada's healthcare system is not perfect and without its flaws and tradeoffs. We don't have people going bankrupt or mortgaging their house to pay for major surgery as can happen in the US. Everyone is also entitled to basic universal healthcare service. Tradeoffs and flaws- our taxes are higher than yours; for non-essential / "elective" surgery, you may wait 6 months or more to be admitted for surgery (e.g. surgery for a minor but annoying sports injury to your knee). However, if I break my arm or get into a car accident or visit the doctor re a cold, I get attention right away and with some exceptions, I don't pay. When I say exceptions, Canada really has basic healthcare coverage for all. In Canada some still pay for private medical/dental plans that cover some prescriptions and services not covered by basic health care though. And as one said earlier, some still choose to pay to get faster service. So we aren't as Commie as you might be lead to believe in your Fox News media. I could add to Canadian differences and similarities to the US re business,banking,military, etc. but I don't think you guys really want to hear it.

07-23-2009, 10:32 PM	#58 (permalink)
frost Retired admin Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Winterfell Posts: 106,613 Drives: Your Wife Crazy Rep Power: 0

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