Entries for May 2009

If you want total objectivity, eliminate the Supreme Court of the United States and replace it with a supercomputer.

Alex of IL in response to Public Opinion:
Is Sotomayor Playing Identity Politics?

Honestly, I appreciate what Obama is trying to do. I mean, who can argue with better gas mileage ["How Obama Is Revamping America's Cars," usnews.com]? But all Americans should view this maneuver as an insult in the very least and an infringement of their freedom of choice at the most. Sure, pickups and SUVs will still be around, but they will be effectively neutered. And it's not just pickups and SUVs that will be affected. Forget about working your way to the top to buy that nice sports sedan you've always wanted. The BMW 7 series as we know it will be a thing of the past. Let the market dictate the type of cars we purchase. When gas prices were up to 4 bucks and beyond, people were trying to dump their Hummers and Navigators like crazy while hybrid sales were through the roof. No legislation needed. In fact, without this legislation gas mileage on newer models will improve because that is what people want! I'm all for better mileage, but I am much more for freedom of choice....and my sporty supped up gas guzzling BMW 7 series.

Comment by Mark of CA

Getting rich is really quite simple [10 Secrets of Millionaires' Money Management, usnews.com]! It's using the simple "bucket of water" approach. You have to add more than you spill out, so the level keeps going upwards. Never buy a new car, just a late model used. Buy at a discount, and never pay top dollar. Don't pay for the kids' education; just let them use student loans so they learn the value of a buck! Buy less, save more, and never live above your means!

Comment by Albert of NY

My wife and I have always lived below our means A raise always signaled an opportunity to save more and a bonus a means to pay off the mortgage. We made multiple savings accounts for car, vacations, and college ... contributing to them heavily. We maxed out what we could contribute to our 401(k). Our house was paid off early and credit cards paid off fully at the end of every month. At age 56 we retired. Our net worth is now over $1 million. My retirement dream has been to build a new house ... acting as my own general contractor, and it is now complete. If I had a credo to pass on it is that it is easier to live on less and be able to increase spending in the future than to live on more and have to cut back. We feel very fortunate and blessed in our life. We simply had a plan and worked it. Being financially independent is not an accident. It takes vision, discipline, a goal, and a plan.

Comment by Charles Preuss of AR

I agree California is in terrible shape, but isn't so much of it California's own doing? Is it really Obama's responsibility now to save California? How about Detroit? Ohio?

Mel of DC in response to Mary Kate Cary:
The Obama-Hollywood Media Double Standard

Diabetes definitely doesn't have to scale back any of our dreams. And I'm thrilled to have further proof of that fact.

Kerri Sparling of CT in response to Mary Kate Cary:
Sonia Sotomayor the Role Model

After being strong Republicans all our lives, my husband and I no longer have a party. Limbaugh and Cheney do not speak for us and never will. Single issue items of the far-right wing should not be the philosophy of any party.

Louise of ND in response to Bonnie Erbe:
GOP Should Listen to Powell

Liz Cheney for Congress is probably a good idea ["Conservatives: Liz Cheney Should Run for Office," usnews.com]. I saw her on Fox with Sean Hannity, and she's a strong and articulate defender of her father's policies, and much better looking! This doesn't mean that every politician's daughter should get into politics—the Bush daughters have gone their own way, and we haven't seen much of Chelsea Clinton lately. But Liz Cheney has a good head on her shoulders, and the Cheney name might help. The question becomes, where would she run? Wyoming is reliably Republican anyway, so there would be no point in her trying to oust another Republican. Maybe she should run in a swing district in Texas, or possibly in Virginia if she wants to live in the D.C. area.

Comment by Steve Z. of CT

How about this: In America we elect the president; we do not elect the spouse [What's Wrong With American Society That Forces Michelle Obama to Tone Down? usnews.com]. It would be totally inappropriate for an unelected spouse of a president to be involved in policy making and policy decisions and potentially military decisions. The "two for one" spouted by the Clintons didn't go over so well did it? Michelle Obama is an influential woman simply by virtue of being first lady and the causes she chooses to take up. She, nor any other first lady, should be involved in policy.

Comment by Arlene of NJ

Never, ever a fan of Cheney or Bush, in fairness I thought that Cheney laid out the history in a very clear, understandable way (from a layman's point of view). He manifested (whether sincere or not) a commitment to a point of view passionately held.

Barbara Elzohairy of VT in response to Mary Kate Cary:
Cheney Beat Obama at His Own Game

Let this be the beginning of the tax revolution.

John Smiley of GA in response to Peter Roff:
Californians Terminate Tax Hike