America's Financial Crisis

[Gadgett]

Not sure if this is where this belongs but if it belongs elsewhere I would request it be moved accordingly.

I don't have a link to any news article, but I wanted to ask a question to those of us in the US. With the economy going the way it is, (with taxes on the verge of skyrocketing and job security becoming even more fleeting) How do you all feel about transitioning with everything so up in the air?

[KabitTarah]

It cannot affect my decision either way. This is something I need to do, not want to do. Yes - I'm afraid of a lot of things that could go wrong, but I see losing my family as a worse outcome than just about anything else. I know I'll have hard times ahead -- that's true regardless of what happens with the economy.

[DriftingCrow]

I don't have a link to any news article, but I wanted to ask a question to those of us in the US. With the economy going the way it is, (with taxes on the verge of skyrocketing and job security becoming even more fleeting) How do you all feel about transitioning with everything so up in the air?

Hmm, ignoring the Government Shutdown, it actually feels like the economy is getting better now rather than worse. I've been seeing more job openings recently, and the housing market is starting to pick up again (the firm I work at does a lot of real estate closings, we've been really busy with them lately compared to 2009). Taxes are pretty much stable, I haven't heard anything about them potentially skyrocketing. . . So, I am not sure where you're getting your information.

But, even if things were about to get worse, you can't let the economy control your life. Sh** happens, there's not much you can do about it but make the best of any situation.

[Eva Marie]

But, even if things were about to get worse, you can't let the economy control your life. Sh** happens, there's not much you can do about it but make the best of any situation.

This.

If you wait until the perfect time you'll be waiting forever and never do it. There will always be an economic or a  personal issue that is a barrier.

[Ms. OBrien CVT]

I have been following this BS and I am going to post my opinion, it is not to offend or argue with anyone.

President Obama will not be a "lame duck" in the last two years of his presidency.  In 2014, both the House and Senate will be under Democratic control, because America is tired of the "spoiled child" antics of the Republican party.

If the Debt Ceiling is not raised, the dollar will no longer be the standard of global transactions.  Be prepare to for the Chinese Yen.

[Rachel]

I was thinking, a what if, the economy went down some more and how would that affect my transition.

I am getting another engineering certification; class is next week and then studying and then a test.

Then I will be looking in earnest to going back to school after work for a professional medical credential. I find myself wanting to be in another field. I love engineering but I also want to help people who have little or no means to pay for medical. I may live another 50 years and I intend do make the most of every second. 

To answer your question, my transition is helping me to see my vulnerability and take action to make me more valuable a work place commodity and do what I love to do.

My opinion
Politics - The Republican platform is not in alignment with my thoughts. Trans* and Bi
           - The Democratic party platform is in alignment in lip service, but they do not perform when they had and have opportunities.
           - Tea Party is a fad.
           - I see people in the LGBTIA community that are making a difference in the trenches and I will be there with them.

[Shodan]

If the Debt Ceiling is not raised, the dollar will no longer be the standard of global transactions.  Be prepare to for the Chinese Yen.

China has been pushing this pretty hard regardless of whether or not we default. They cite the regular hostage taking antics of the Republican party to get what they want as a sign that American politicians have become so myopic that sooner or later they're going to do something irreparable to our economy, and that it's better to bail now before it's too late.

But then, China will say just about anything to become the standard.

[Chaos]

Yeah i dont see how the USA being bought by China,is going to help any LGBTQ person.I agree with the spoiled brat comment and feel that the people need to do exactly what our 4 fathers told us we could do and thats to dismantle and rip apart any official or govt that is not acting in the best interest of the people.and thats exactly whats happening.Regardless of the shut down,the Rep's and those acting only on favortism and money,need to be outted by the people and thrown to the wolves.About the only way the place will survive.On top of forcing down prices and encouraging spending.The more money that goes out of the govt,the more that needs to come in and if the coffers are constantly being spent on the pay checks of those in office,well guess what? taxs and the debt gets higher.So with each bonus..well haha i personally think that 2014 wont make a difference because i read someone made a good point *morons still keep voting these people back into office* and thats true.People cant seem to let go of politics.

[TerriT]

If the economy collapses, transition would be about the last thing on my mind. Eating would probably be more important. The future is unpredictable, but because of that it has motivated me to get my act together now while I know that I can. If the world ends tomorrow, at least I didn't have to live stuck the way I was.

In other words, no time like the present.

[Gadgett]

Thats what i was talking about. If the economy falls flat. Will we still be struggling to transition or running around like rats forging for food?

As for the overthrow, ive come to the conclusion its not going ti happen. There is just not enough man power and too much of the " let some else fix it." The biggest exanple was all the people screaming about a civil war if Obama got reelected. As well as all the people saying they were leaving the county. Ive not heard any shots fired and those people are still here. Point blabk, we failed america, not the politicians by holding them to a higher standard.

Jm2c

[jamielikesyou]

Nobody won in this charade. The GOP lost a lot of face, and is now more fractious and vulnerable than before the shutdown. They risk losing the one man that can make a deal within the house (Boehner,) which will in turn make Obama even more of a lame duck if the Dems take any heat come next midterm election. The economy may slump a bit prior to heading into the holiday season as government hasn't been spending for two weeks now, keeping billions out of the economy. The Fitch warning could easily turn into a downgrade should any saber rattling go on over the next few months prior to the next deadline of Feb. 7th. To quote the S&P's managing director, "This is, I fear, a permanent feature of our budgetary process." If interest rates rise from this, well, things won't be pretty.

Meanwhile, the debt keeps climbing, money keeps printing and nothing really changed for the positive from any of it. My transition plans will likely be unchanged; I'm Canadian and in the public sector with a buttload of seniority. But I do feel for anyone balancing on the precipice in the US.

[Tessa James]

This so called "crisis" is another manufactured, unnecessary and unhelpful way to polarize the electorate.  If we want good politicians we might start by being one or actually working with one for the change we want.  All politics are local and we can be the government if so motivated.  We can make a difference right now in our own neighborhoods by being involved.

As the USA becomes less about thoughtful compromise, statesmanship or stewardship it is advisable to have occupational skills that are marketable across a region and not exportable.  Keep your options open and dreams in sight.

The ability to transition is actually getting better from an economic perspective.  More States like Oregon require insurance companies to provide that care for us if they provide HRT to other patients.

Revolutions come and go but they are often more personal than nation changing.  Killing zombies is not a needed survival skill set even if it's fun to waste time on for some.

My transition is going forward with love and confidence.  We built this City on rock and roll!

[Cindy]

Can someone succinctly explain what the outcome was. Preferably factually without political bias, only because discussion of USA politics always leaves me with splinters in my fingers from scratching my head.

So what is the factual outcome?

[Tessa James]

The vote by first the senate and then the house was to fund the government (reopen it) until January and raise the debt ceiling (paying bills we already owe) till February.  Just that possibility sent the stock market up over 200 points today.  Unfortunately they set themselves and us up for another round of "crisis" in a few months.

Australia sounds pretty attractive these days

[Cindy]

The vote by first the senate and then the house was to fund the government (reopen it) until January and raise the debt ceiling (paying bills we already owe) till February.  Just that possibility sent the stock market up over 200 points today.  Unfortunately they set themselves and us up for another round of "crisis" in a few months.

Australia sounds pretty attractive these days

I thought, and may be wrong, that a section of the Republicans had set demands for that to be approved, has that all gone?  If so what are the consequences for that politically? It seems that the Republicans had set 'demands' and used the debt ceiling as the bargain chip, so where do those people stand now?

Has it all been pain for people without any outcome more than that the normal you and I lost their wages?

I would have thought the average punter would be very annoyed with the political shenanigans?

[Tessa James]

Gmorning Cindy,

Yes, you got it right.  Demands to defund the Affordable Care Act and grandstanding were parts of the original government shut down.  The debt ceiling was the next dumb bargaining chip and yes, it is all done and gone but the crying and finger pointing. We can hope this sorry show will not be perpetuated indefinitely.  The Republican party now enjoys the lowest approval rating since records have been kept.  All for show and no go!

Meanwhile hundreds of thousands were out of work, life was more than inconvenienced as untold tragedies such as the South Dakota cattle killing blizzard were not adequately responded to by the feds.  It still amazes me that people will vote for the bums that hurt them.  Ahhh, that inexplicable human nature.....

[TerriT]

Can someone succinctly explain what the outcome was. Preferably factually without political bias, only because discussion of USA politics always leaves me with splinters in my fingers from scratching my head.

So what is the factual outcome?

Just for the record, Tessa is an actual worker for the Democratic party, so please curb your expectations for any statements without political bias. To correctly understand the political climate in the USA, you must first somehow accept that raising our debt limit does not actually increase our debt anymore??? Our political leaders feel differently depending on who is running the show. Consider the following examples on how they felt about raising the debt limits in 2006:

Senate majority leader Harry Reid:

"If my Republican friends believe that increasing our debt by almost $800 billion today and more than $3 trillion over the last five years is the right thing to do, they should be upfront about it. They should explain why they think more debt is good for the economy.

How can the Republican majority in this Congress explain to their constituents that trillions of dollars in new debt is good for our economy? How can they explain that they think it's fair to force our children, our grandchildren, our great grandchildren to finance this debt through higher taxes. That's what it will have to be. Why is it right to increase our nation's dependence on foreign creditors?

They should explain this. Maybe they can convince the public they're right. I doubt it. Because most Americans know that increasing debt is the last thing we should be doing. After all, I repeat, the Baby Boomers are about to retire. Under the circumstances, any credible economist would tell you we should be reducing debt, not increasing it.Democrats won't be making argument to supper this legalization, which will weaken our country. Weaken our county."

President Obama:

"Mr. President, I rise today to talk about America's debt problem. The fact that we are here today to debate raising America's debt limit is a sign of leadership failure. It is a sign that the U.S. government can't pay its own bills.

It is a sign that we now depend on ongoing financial assistance from foreign countries to finance our government's reckless fiscal policies. Over the past five years, our federal debt has increased by $3.5 trillion to $8.6 trillion. That is  ''trillion'' with a ''T.'' That is money that we have borrowed from the Social Security trust fund, borrowed from China and Japan, borrowed from American taxpayers.

And over the next five years, between now and 2011, the president's budget will increase the debt by almost another $3.5 trillion."

Vice President Dick Cheney:

"Deficits don't matter"

I own't even bore you with the details on what our current debts are. So, among other things, what we are dealing with is a single party system that is happy to drive our nation into a brick wall at 65mph when the republicans are in power, but thrilled beyond belief to strap a rocket pack on and slam it at 200mph with the dems are in charge.

Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.

[FrancisAnn]

What a mess, it made me want to paint my nails or take a bath & shave my legs, then read some cosmo articles.

Frtancis

[genderhell]

The fact that we are here today to debate raising America's debt limit is a sign of leadership failure.

Here is my opinion about why the democrats do it ...

It is intentional.

America has a "share the wealth" immigration policy to bring in 1-2 million 3rd world people per year, set them up with free housing, food stamps, free education, and now free heath care. We are so wealthy as Americans that we feel we need to share it with the less fortunate people of the world.

Consider if amnesty is given to the estimated 10 to 30 million illegals in the USA, these people are poor and uneducated  coming from Mexico, Central and South America. The "share the wealth" immigration policy will let them bring in their families as preference is given to family members. That will add tens of millions more mostly poor, and poorly educated people.

All these people will get free housing, food stamps, free education, and now free heath care.

These people will likely be lifetime Democrats, and will likely vote Socialist once the Republican party fades, and the two party system is Democrat vs Socialist. They mostly come from socialist countries.

So, it makes sense to some to run up the debt now, so they can get enough low educated 3rd word people hooked on the freebie system, so they vote democrat now and socialist later.

Eventually America is coverted to a 3rd world [insert profanity] country like the countries these people are fleeing, and the Marxist can claim victory on another success at destroying a country (i.e., equalizing  the wealth so everyone is impoverished).

Further, the cultural Marxist can claim victory at destroying the "evil" white people though replacement of the native white population, and through promotion of inter-racial  breeding. So, race is equalized too. 

[Tessa James]

Just for the record, Tessa is an actual worker for the Democratic party, so please curb your expectations for any statements without political bias. To correctly understand the political climate in the USA, you must first somehow accept that raising our debt limit does not actually increase our debt anymore??? Our political leaders feel differently depending on who is running the show. Consider the following examples on how they felt about raising the debt limits in 2006:

Senate majority leader Harry Reid:

"If my Republican friends believe that increasing our debt by almost $800 billion today and more than $3 trillion over the last five years is the right thing to do, they should be upfront about it. They should explain why they think more debt is good for the economy.

How can the Republican majority in this Congress explain to their constituents that trillions of dollars in new debt is good for our economy? How can they explain that they think it's fair to force our children, our grandchildren, our great grandchildren to finance this debt through higher taxes. That's what it will have to be. Why is it right to increase our nation's dependence on foreign creditors?

They should explain this. Maybe they can convince the public they're right. I doubt it. Because most Americans know that increasing debt is the last thing we should be doing. After all, I repeat, the Baby Boomers are about to retire. Under the circumstances, any credible economist would tell you we should be reducing debt, not increasing it.Democrats won't be making argument to supper this legalization, which will weaken our country. Weaken our county."

President Obama:

"Mr. President, I rise today to talk about America's debt problem. The fact that we are here today to debate raising America's debt limit is a sign of leadership failure. It is a sign that the U.S. government can't pay its own bills.

It is a sign that we now depend on ongoing financial assistance from foreign countries to finance our government's reckless fiscal policies. Over the past five years, our federal debt has increased by $3.5 trillion to $8.6 trillion. That is  ''trillion'' with a ''T.'' That is money that we have borrowed from the Social Security trust fund, borrowed from China and Japan, borrowed from American taxpayers.

And over the next five years, between now and 2011, the president's budget will increase the debt by almost another $3.5 trillion."

Vice President Dick Cheney:

"Deficits don't matter"

I own't even bore you with the details on what our current debts are. So, among other things, what we are dealing with is a single party system that is happy to drive our nation into a brick wall at 65mph when the republicans are in power, but thrilled beyond belief to strap a rocket pack on and slam it at 200mph with the dems are in charge.

Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.

Political theatre anyone?

Please let's not posture or OMG define someone you do not really know.  I do not tolerate misgendering or someone speaking about me with disrespect without comment.  I do not work for the democratic party but I am a member and i do work as a volunteer and unpaid elected official in several capacities for the good of my community and our constituents.  I have Pmd you to make peace but your factual misrepresentation seems personally belligerent rather than enlightening.  Anyone can have a passionate opinion but we do well not to confuse that with the facts.

The people of this community are my boss girlfriend and I never forget it.  Believe it Honey, they voted for me for the last 20 years and they can vote me out too.

And yes I last ran as Tessa James on the ballot.

Thanks for giving me a chance to plug civic engagement and being involved to make a real difference.  Be the change you want to see!