Does Anyone feel like Bailing

[sugarpop]

Merc, some jobs have been created and have already started. Maybe not a lot yet, but don't act is if none have, because that isn't so. MANY have been saved, and more will start up as time goes on.

classic, the terminology was changed because the job loss grew much faster than anyone predicted, so saving jobs became synonomous with creating jobs.

Redux, there hasn't been much transparency yet, especially with regard to the banks. And speaking of banks, I think this administration isn't putting the regulations we had back in place NOT because of republicans, but because they are too buddy-buddy with banks and Wall Street execs. Just look at the double standard that is being used for those who shower before work, and those who shower after. They should not be afraid of Wall Street execs, they should be afraid of the people. But you know, politicians will always favor where the money flows.

tw, banks AREN"T lending like they should be, or refinancing mortgages, and they are not being transparent AT ALL about the money they've received. I wish Obama would hang a few of those Wall Street execs, like they did Wagoner. Maybe then they would get the message. So far, I don't think they have gotten anything, except their own way.

[sugarpop]

Originally Posted by tw

And you have not yet seen how high they may go. 22% interest rates were typical in the 1970s. The rates are going up and are still low.

Some people have higher rates than that. Much higher. I know one person whose rate went up to 49.5%. WTF?

[TheMercenary]

Originally Posted by sugarpop

Not with credit cards. Rates are going up.

Did you see this in the news today?

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/mone...kers-thre.html


http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/...0_FORTUNE5.htm

http://www.infozine.com/news/stories...iew/sid/35049/

[TheMercenary]

Originally Posted by sugarpop

Merc, some jobs have been created and have already started. Maybe not a lot yet, but don't act is if none have, because that isn't so. MANY have been saved, and more will start up as time goes on.

When you compare the amount of money spent by congress to "stimulate the economy" and look at how many jobs have been directly created for the money spent, it is criminal. Where are the "millions of jobs"?

[sugarpop]

Originally Posted by TheMercenary

When you compare the amount of money spent by congress to "stimulate the economy" and look at how many jobs have been directly created for the money spent, it is criminal. Where are the "millions of jobs"?

I'm starting to agree with you, not about the stimulus, but the money being spent on banks and fiancial institutions.

[sugarpop]

Originally Posted by TheMercenary

Did you see this in the news today?

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/mone...kers-thre.html


http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/...0_FORTUNE5.htm

http://www.infozine.com/news/stories...iew/sid/35049/

No I didn't, but this pisses me off. "Senate Democrats are making a new stab at limiting credit card interest rates -- fueling bankers’ threats that the measure will further reduce consumers’ access to credit..."

So we give them billions of dollars and they hold us hostage with our own money. Fucking bankers. I wish they would all die.

[classicman]

Originally Posted by Redux

In the case of the infrastructure funds, as an example, nearly all the funds go through the states.

I know engineers in two states who told me what I posted earlier. They are and have been directly involved in getting these projects started. Just passin along what those involved told me. You may now do with it as you will. Kinda like statistics.

Originally Posted by sugarpop

Redux.....speaking of banks, I think this administration isn't putting the regulations we had back in place NOT because of republicans, but because they are too buddy-buddy with banks and Wall Street execs. Just look at the double standard that is being used for those who shower before work, and those who shower after. They should not be afraid of Wall Street execs, they should be afraid of the people. But you know, politicians will always favor where the money flows.

I understand the anger at the banks.

I dont understand the suggestion that Obama isnt putting new regs in place on banks/financial services because of his contributions from "buddies in the industry"....when in fact, he proposed sweeping regulations last week despite the opposition of those buddies.

In order for the regs to be adopted, they will need to be approved in legislation by Congress and the Republicans are certainly not jumping on board, to say the least.

Originally Posted by sugarpop

No I didn't, but this pisses me off. "Senate Democrats are making a new stab at limiting credit card interest rates -- fueling bankers’ threats that the measure will further reduce consumers’ access to credit..."

So we give them billions of dollars and they hold us hostage with our own money. Fucking bankers. I wish they would all die.

IMO, the bill voted out of Dodd's committee yesterday (on a party line vote) to ban abusive credit practices and enhance consumer disclosures, Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 is a good first step.

Again, its hard for me to understand how this is Dodd sucking up to his contributors (as some here suggest repeatedly), when they oppose it.

[piercehawkeye45]

Originally Posted by classicman

I know engineers in two states who told me what I posted earlier. They are and have been directly involved in getting these projects started. Just passin along what those involved told me. You may now do with it as you will. Kinda like statistics.

I thought the money came through subsidies? I don't know what you posted earlier so it might be the same, might not.

[sugarpop]

Redux, my understanding is those CC regs don't take effect until 2010. Why the hell can't they pass something that will take effect immediately and give people some relief from these loan sharks?

I heard on CNN last night that 1000 jobs were created for something, but since I was half asleep I can't remember what the jobs were.

Originally Posted by sugarpop

Redux, my understanding is those CC regs don't take effect until 2010. Why the hell can't they pass something that will take effect immediately and give people some relief from these loan sharks?....

sugar...its not that easy, particularly if the Senate Republicans block it (the full Senate hasnt voted on it yet).

Even in the best case scenario, it would still require months for the Dept of Treasury to draft the regulations and then at least 90 days for public comments.

But you have to start somewhere.

[classicman]

Its almost like a drag race in a tank.

[classicman]

California road projects
Caltrans adopts a list of 57 transportation projects totaling $625 million to be the first in line to receive federal infrastructure money.

Getting started in California

A list of 57 transportation projects totaling $625 million has been adopted by Caltrans as the first in line to receive federal infrastructure money. The projects include:

$75 million to repave three miles of rough pavement on Interstate 710 in Los Angeles.

$50 million to help reconstruct Doyle Drive, the southern access to the Golden Gate Bridge.

$46.7 million to replace two aging bridges on Highway 99 in Merced County.

$17 million to rehabilitate a stretch of Highway 99 in Butte County.

$16.8 million to construct two new lanes on Interstate 805 in Chula Vista to ease traffic congestion.

$13 million to replace the Russian River Bridge in Mendocino County near Ukiah.

13 Million to replace a bridge ... that seems like too little. guess its a tiny bridge or something ...
75 Million for 3 miles of road? Is it just me or does that sound a bit excessive?

[piercehawkeye45]

Nope.

It cost $234 million to rebuild the I35W bridge.

[classicman]

That sounds more like it - this one is only 13 million. I don't know the specifics about either one...