Entries for June 2009

I believe this is a first step toward a complete withdrawal of U.S. troops in Iraq, but it is only that, a first step.

Perry F. of DE in response to Public Opinion:
Is the End Nearing for U.S. Troops in Iraq?

Everyone is having a hard time in this recession; retailers have it worse ["How To Tell When a Mall Is in Trouble," usnews.com]. I think and believe it would be in the best interest for everyone if the owners of these malls reduce the rent for their current and prospective tenants. If they do not we will see more stores closing and no new ones opening, because who could afford the high rental costs? This in turn would cause the mall to lose money and in the end have to close because of their greed.

Comment by Michael Zenzen of CA

I do not have anything against Jeb Bush, but people will not want a third Bush in the White House.

Teresa Wilson of KY in response to John A. Farrell:
Jeb Bush for Pres in 2012

The world has lost a major influence on culture and music, and everyone is moved by it ["Michael Jackson's Death Sends the Media Over the Edge," usnews.com]. It's like a piece of everyone's childhood has faded, and it seems surreal. What's sad is that most people are choosing to acknowledge his faults rather than his many accomplishments, including giving to others all around the world. Of course this news is big, reaching all ends of the world, but that is because he has impacted that many people, which is more than most people can say. So it'd be nice if some people would pay some respect to the deceased instead of lashing out at things they didn't like about him. Bless him and his family.

Comment by Christine of TX

Obama has a lot on his plate right now and despite his confidence—I doubt he is going to be able to solve it all in the near future.

Parker of RI in response to Bonnie Erbe:
Obama's Inexperience

I have a '94 Chevy S-10 that will be traded in for a new car under the Cash for Clunkers Bill ["Cash for Clunkers - How to Qualify for a Rebate," U.S. News Rankings and Reviews]. There are plenty of new cars out there that meet the requirements of being over 5-10 mpg better than a trade-in car that will not completely break the bank. Mind you, they are small cars. As a recent college graduate, I do not have a lot of money either, but I will sacrifice in other areas in order to get a car with better gas mileage that I won't have to take to the shop every other month. For me, this bill works to convince me to purchase a new car. I understand everyone's criticism, but try to look at it from a different perspective. Lots of people with "clunkers" spend hundreds of additional dollars each year in gas to drive their cars plus several thousand (potential) dollars in car repair that newer cars do not have to worry about.

Comment by Katie of VA

If Mark Sanford runs for the Republicans [in 2012], that will guarantee another four years of President Obama.

Vic of CA in response to Public Opinion:
Does Sanford Have a Shot at the Presidency?

Ron Paul is the only man in government who seems to have a grasp of reality ["Exclusive Conversation With Ron Paul: The Future of the Federal Reserve," usnews.com]. We are broke and nobody is even looking at the checkbook. Inflation of our currency means we all pay more and more for everything and more and more people will not be able to pay their bills, meaning more mortgage defaults and bankruptcies. Interest rates must rise sooner or later, to oppressive levels that will cripple our economy because small business will not be able to obtain funds to expand. Are banks even lending money these days? Where did that TARP money go anyway? Now take into account the very high taxation that will be needed to service the national debt, not to mention the baby boomers all retiring and going on Social Security and Medicare. A financial disaster is looming, we know it, Ron Paul knows it, but the rest of the boneheads who claim to represent us refuse to see what is going on. I truly fear for our country if foreign countries stop servicing our debt, or worse, call in their chips and threaten war if we can't pay up. Can you spell China? They don't want the dollar to collapse any more than we do, because they own so much of our debt, but inflation is one clever but evil way to devalue that debt. Who really knows where their breaking point is?

Comment by Dan Warner of PA

Are there any honest politicians out there? It looks like the GOP will struggle as they continue to search for a leader.

Cal S. of SC in response to Robert Schlesinger:
Sanford's Infidelity Admission

The President is moving way too slowly on fulfilling his pledges to the gay community ["It's Slow Going on Gay Rights Issues for Obama," usnews.com]. It's also disappointing how little pressure he is getting on this issue from the media. For example, was there even one question in today's new conference about this issue?

Comment by Tim of WA