Obama transition: Fast out of the gate, slow to finish

Given the current conditions faced by President Obama, I feel that if it takes a little longer for our current president to fill his cabinet with the talent required to meet the challenges ahead, then all the power to him. George W filled his cabinet in less time , but with what sacrifice in quality.
Let's give him a little more time to pick replacements for the posts still needed.

I think this is the best president that I have seen in my past 48 yrs,
he seems honest, heck he can take the blame for a mistake, at least he is trying, to help us poor people instead of burying us like the last one..

I'm curious as to why the story is Obama hasn't filled his cabinet yet and not government employees not paying taxes? I am a taxpayer and I am appalled at the notion that our elected officials for our government are not paying their taxes!

! am impressed that our president doesn't want to "set a standard of double standards." I'd rather he took more time up front so that we will have the best in the long run. Spending time and energy on this now prevents the scandal that will impede solving our countries issues later.

The President says he doesn’t want to set a standard of double standards — one for powerful people, and one for ordinary folks who pay their taxes. How did Geithner get appointed? He is supposed to be a finance expert, and claims that he made an honest mistake on his taxes, twice? I think all senators and congressman should be audited. There seems to be a lot of "honest mistakes" in the capitol.

What about Tim Geithner? How come he has gotten a free pass? If it applies to one position, it should apply to all. Tax cheats should not be running departments in our White House, especially overseeing the IRS!

Think about Judd Gregg for Commerce Secretary. Is it not quid pro quo when the Democratic governor of New Hampshire agreed to name a GOP successor for the senatorial post? It shouldn't matter if it's money or a favor. Fact is Gregg would't take the commerce job without the deal made with the governor. Washington is so comical it's sad.

I'm appalled that we have our new president telling us he screwed up and should have double standards. Then why are people still in positions within his cabinet who have MAJOR tax issues?? I want answers from Obama. This is ridiculous.

wow...after hearing about the list of exposed Democrats, I wonder how many Republicans and Independants have not paid thier taxes?

If they did, would we still be needing a stimulus package ???

I want to know if Daschle and Geitner paid FINES and not only the back taxes and interest.

More and more of my paycheck is going to pay taxes for programs that politicians want. So, I pay my taxes. But, the politicians don't??? What would be my consequences if I didn't pay my taxes? We need to hold all citizens accountable for their actions.

I'm so angry...I don't believe these are mistakes. These guys know better along with their accountants.

All we hear about is change, yet all I see is the same old people getting the positions. This is not change! We also hear about all these job that are going to be created, TEMPORARY jobs, how does this help in the long run? Create real jobs, get rid of nafta, tax imports as all the other countries do.

With all these congressmen and others admitting, only after being caught, to not paying income tax and/or employment taxes wouldn't it be smart to audit the pay and taxes of ALL congressmen, cabinet members and top government managers????

Okay. Daschle steps aside. We haven't heard any calls for an investigation by the Senate Ethics Committee. Why should he be alllowed to keep his Senate office? Another case of Capitol HIll looking out for one of it's own.

I am disappointed in the government system that lets our officials, local and national, fail to be obligated to the same debts and payments that I am obligated to. Any official that is negligent should be punished to the fullest extent of the law. Why are these people not? How can they represent themselves as "good role models", look in a mirror or try to represent me in Congress. I am sorely disappointed in them.
These people should immediately resign and forfeit their " pulbic paid" pensions.

Wow ! Tax cheats, lobyists, old Clintonites. Here we go again! Cant wait for the next one to say " I am not a crook" ! This is CHANGE ???

if tom is not guilty of tax evasion, but, only guilty of NOT paying taxes, then, big deal, there is a huge difference, we all pay our taxes when we can, sometimes months late, sometimes years late, that's why there are penalties + interest, i'd like to hear the break down as to penalties + interest + tax
mark anthony
saskatoon saskatchewan canada

Robin - Only saw a little of your great piece Wednesday morning about how often Obama is in front of the cameras. I have realized that my "news" watching is cut in half since he is on every channel 2-3 times an hour.

Sure would like to see the whole piece. Would send it to all my newsletter readers.

Thank - Turk in Indiana

If the people who WRITE the tax laws are making all these "honest" mistakes, how can they expect the ordinary Americans to get the laws right? Sounds like a great argument for an overhaul of the Tax laws....

-Travis from Texas

mornin' Robin & your crew, what do you think would happen if they investigated everybody in our wonderful gov. to check on there taxes???

I was watching Morning Express this morning when you played a clip on Obama talking about how the tax problems of his cabinet nominees. He said he didn't want to be hypocritical and have a double standard between the folks he's nominating and ordinary tax-paying people. Well...he's too late. With Geitner's confirmation to Obama's cabinet, he's already proven that he's a hypocrite. It's disappointing to see that the "change" Obama promoted during the election is not a change at all.

Let me see if I have this right? They have Can’t Keep His Mouth Shut Bidden for Vice-president, Clinton staffers as Directors and Presidential Staff, and a Tax Cheat as Director of Treasury, which over sees the IRS. So, what kind of change are we looking for in our national leadership?

Good for President Obama to take resondsibilty for making a poor choice in Dashel. That in my experience is a definately almost a nonexsistant act among coorprate "royalty". The ever so popular "blame game" seems generally the standard.

Okay, here's the deal...the idea of double standards goes as far back as our caveman ancestors, what with men clubbing women and dragging them back to the cave. We shouldn't be surprised that the world is riddled with double standards. Trying to avoid paying taxes is a game we have played from the beginning. Herein lies the problem, APATHY. As a society we grow apathetic about issues as long as they seem to not affect us directly, then when reality slaps us in the face we get up in arms...usually too late. On the bright side is the fact that our new President is exhibiting a desire to be transparent about as much as he possibly can. He's not the first, but it is refreshing.So, as individuals, we should accept some degree of responsibility when an elected official acts like he/she is above the "ordinary folk"

It was a good move for Obama to remove Daschle from consideration. I do wonder though that the Obama team has now had several senior cabinet member picks with undisclosed or tardy tax problems who have bowed out of the selection process, all except the one cabinet pick that was confirmed to run our financial system, Tim Geitner. This is not change to me, just more of protecting your buddy.

This is fine if they weren't bragging about a rigourous questionnaire. But they did so I'm quite surprised that these controversies only surfaced now.

Having said that, Obama and Daschle have done an honourable thing by admitting their mistakes, something we rarely hear. Right now, it is a fine line between hiring technically competent people and ethically well-rounded ones.

This rash of tax dodgers reinforces one point. When taxes are 35-40%, people (..especially those with no moral compass) take every opportunity to avoid them. Those same people make a big show about the rest of us Americans paying our taxes. Taxes are ridiculously high.

THIS IS GETTING OUT OF HAND WE ARE CONSTANTLY SEEING POLITICAL FIGURES,SPORTS FIGURES,ETC. BREAKING THE LAW,AND ACTING AS IF ITS NEWS TO THEM. THE PUBLIC ISN'T STUPID,AND WE SHOULD DEMAND THAT THESE PEOPLE BECOME
ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS.

Well... it's pretty clear that Geithner and Obama don't understand the American tax code... for example, Obama says that executives shouldn't get more in bonuses than he makes as President ($400,000.00 a year). I suspect that most executives would like to be bonused as much as Obama really will get this year as president – there's the palace in the middle of expensive DC where he and his family and mother in law live for free; the private use of a jet, helicopter, newly re-secured limo and whatever other transportation he thinks he needs; 24 hour security for himself and his family; total redecorating and renovation of his living quarters; free food and cooks/other staff for his family and whatever celebrities he wants to invite over; free concerts by whatever celebrities he wants to hear. All paid for with taxpayers money – I'd guess that this "taxable income" would measure in the many multi-millions! And let's not forget the $150 million dollar inauguration that the American people picked up $100 million of. That should be added to his income for this year as well. Banking executives should do so well at the expense of the American people. And Geithner and Obama should get a clue about how taxes work before they saddle the American people with even more of them.

I fully support President Obama but these people that have made him look bad and he feels he has to take the blame for them shame on you!! They must feel like they are totally above the law, they KILL ME! I can't even imagine how many other officials out there have not paid their taxes. It makes me sick!

I agree with hybrid that it is rare for the president to admit mistakes; the ole Mistaker-in-Chief never did. It is shocking, however, that the supposedly in-depth vetting machinery has been so incompetent. That being said, I am not sure I would know that, if a friend loaned me a limo to get around, without it being a quid pro quo, it would be taxable "income." I think the notion of taxable income needs to be rethought. Not everything in life is supposed to generate rights in government to a piece of the private pie.

Robin, I would first, like to say I wish the Obama Administration the best. We really need a turn around here in the US. There is one thing that has been bothering me with President Obama, his lack of responsibility over the decision of what kind of puppy to choose. There are thousands of dogs and cats, including puppies and kittens being euthanized in the United States every day. Their decision to purchase a puppy, would be as ill responsible, as those who spent over one hundred thousand dollars to clone their dog. When they could have saved the life of a puppy, not to mention the animals that could have been fed from those thousands of dollars. This would be a great time to show, how responsible the first family is. Robin, I hope you share my comments, on your morning show with the rest of the country on this matter, it just might save the life of a desperate little puppy. Sincerely, Jeffrey Van Horn, Morristown,OH

Take as much time as you need, Mr. President, we'll wait for you to get it right.

Daschle didn't pay taxs on what exactly.?

..Did Daschle make big bonuses pushing drugs..??

Seems to me as though Dascle just doesn't have any interest in health care reform or New rules for Lobbyists.

Perhaps he would make a better Republican?:)

Prosecute Phelps for smoking pot??? He has won 14 Olympic Gold Medals, which makes any claim that pot is not good for you rather suspect!

It´s about time Mr. Obama had been all about making the best choices for his assistants. American Congress and all others, around the world, are alive with rotten bad apples, what gets much more difficult to accomplish a new era for a steady,deep and decent remodelling phase. To speak frankly that remodelling phase gets pretty much impossible to get reached because the evil must be nipped in the bud ,what becomes the point more and much more difficult. Any change to be done strikes legal snags inserted by politicians with the sole purpose of pulling strings for themselves at the time they need to. Then, the system, the legislations are really to blame about. We have recently heard of Clinton starting 2009 with $ 6 million dollars in debt. She´s not allowed to solicit or accept personally contributions in her new position as per the Hatch Act, which is a very properly named law by the way.However the Hatch Act does allow others to raise funds on Clinton´s behalf, that is just where the strings are pulled.So, apparently, to make an effort to do any change ends up like a dead duck. Legislations are a deadly weapon against ordinary people and too much benevolent for politicians themselves.

Here's my problem with it. 10 minutes before Daschle removed himself from consideration, Obama was still saying he supported him 100%. 10 minutes AFTER Daschle removed himself from consideration, Obama's team was saying he did it on his own with no motivation on Obama's part. NOW everyone is saying that Obama removed him from consideration, as if Obama decided he wasnt good enough for the position. We're getting the same old talking out of both sides of thier mouth that we are used to from the white house.

Robin,
Are we the only ones in America that are offended by our new President’s language in declaring his “mistake”. We feel that his choice of words is very undignified and unbecoming to the office of President of the United States. Has our country become so callous that we think that this is O.K.? We believe that he should have more respect for the Office of President and refrain from using street language in a public statement.
Thank you,
James & Bonnie Read
Medina, Texas

Never mind the fact that these tax evaders were picked by the Obama administration for service. I'm sure he wasn't expecting this sort of thing considering the people he choose. What really stands out here is the number of top level people picked that have a tax problem. The comment from Johhy Bee is spot on. Lets check up on our elected officials and see who is playing tax games. As a matter of fact, with all of the laws passed, it would be interesting to see if there are any special tax considerations that have been put into place by our elected officals that would cause them any sort of tax benefit. That and a list of elected officials who are currently experiencing tax dementia would be a wonderful moral compass for the American people to judge these officials by

Doesn't want to set "double standards?" how about we get rid of the Geither too since he is in control of the Treasury and cant pay his own taxes for 4 years. This is not "change" like he promised it's the same politcal bs as always. Also way to go osama for keeping lobbist out of your cabinet, i believe you have 4 now.

Morning Richard....I think this shows character...I believe that these (3) lawmakers felt that it was in the best interest of the administration and the nation not to stir up controversy when "emotions" run so high with everyone these days...their not making waves and curbing their political desires for the sake of "confidence" in this administration...Kudos.

These tax problems in the Obama Administration are just Politics 101. Republicans want to lower taxes with smaller government; Democrats want to raise taxes with larger government. Now that the Democrats have had free reign in Congress for so long, they have raised taxes to the point that even they don't want to pay them. Shame of them. Deal with it Citizens! YOU voted for them!

I have to concur; there is a double standard continuing under this "change" administration. Though it is good to hear folks taking ownership of their choices and actions.

Daschle should have bowed out. Though he owed more than Geitner, I am MORE concerned about Geitner! Daschle would have overseen our most fragile Americans whereas Geitner has his fingers "in the till" overseeing agencies that impact all our wallets.

It is unconscionable that such a person would still consider him- or herself fit to oversee treasury at any level let alone the highest in government.

Perhaps all Congresspeople and White House staffers should be audited; especially those with incomes over $200,000.

Jude's heroism in saving his Dad is the sort of thing we need to hear more about, and less about the Daschles of the world. A 5 year old saving his Dad's life gives us more hope for humanity that we have lost from political shenanigans and depravity and substandardness. "Hey, Jude, you saved your Dad...."

I no longer trust the polliticans, they continue to deceive the Hard Working people of the United States, They Just Gave themself a **Pay Raise**, Hello people we are nothing but a bunch of donkeys to these arrogant individuals, they are laughing all the way to the Bank, and we are letting them get away with it, They want to put limit on the ceo's. While they are swimming in money themself, They could care less what we go through, they dont think they should have to take a pay cut, oh they love there high dollor items and there comfort, while we are freezing in the cold, just watch them they cant even look in the Media Camera to explain to us what's going on, there being mealy mouse on the hard issues, There want it there way and we can take the highway, I dont belive anything they have to say to make us feel better, All I see is there getting more while we get less.

wasn't it joe Biden that said it patriotic to PAY TAXES, That should expalin lot ha, Lip Service Only. Lie bunch of Cronies and just think we drink it all up, Like the Media does, They just keep rebeating everything for hours, I call the Media has the REPEAT syndrome, I hope some one can help the Media from contstanly repeating, repeating reapeating, reapeating, reapeating over and over and over and over,

I stand behind President Obama 100%..As humans, we have to realize mistakes will be made...But if we are going to change America, we need to start from the top on down...."Rome wasnt built in a day"..And we arent going to remake America in less than a month!

Why can't we give the president a chance to see if the stimius package he wants to present to the american people is going to work. we are so negative and thats why we are where we are today.. Stop saying this is not going to work, this is to much of this and that.. Every one deserves a chance in life. It is PRESIDENT OBAMA time now. let him do his job. I believe in my heart he is right and he will succeed in what he set his heart to do.

I would hope at this time in our country, that people look back and remember how just a couple of years ago how we opened our borders for big companies to leave our shores to go to other counties to pay cheaper labor. All of those jobs would really help the people that are unemployeed.....It's time for us to seal off our borders and take care of our own.

I belive President Obama is trying to do a good job but as far as his picks for his cabinet. I think he has some people working for him that have been in Washington for years and think that all of them are above the laws the rest of us have to live with..Would it not be great if he would appoint a common working man to one of these positions and put some common sense back into Washington!!!You don`t have to be a Havard grad. to straight out this mess after all they are the ones who put us here in the first place..just a old country boy ideas

It is The MAJESTIC DASCHLE that commands you!!!,…
It is The MAJESTIC DASCHLE that commands you!!!,…
It is The MAJESTIC DASCHLE that commands you!!!,…
Tax man…GET OUT!!!…I cast you out!!!

In the name of The Rangle,
the Daschle,It is The MAJESTIC DASCHLE that commands you!!!,…
Tax man…GET OUT!!!…I cast you out!!!
In the name of The Rangle,
the Daschle,
The Tricky Geithner…
In the name of the saints Killefer, Richardson,
Blagojevich, Immelt, Franken, and Great Saint Marc Rich…
Tax man…GET OUT!!!…I cast you out!!!

Seems funny these honest mistakes only come out when they have to lets be honest this would have never been reported had they not been nominated

mornin´Robin,
despite the urgency to face the many questions inside the crisis and the increased number of assistants now, Mr. Obama should not hasten much to launch his plans, for ´´haste makes waste´´ and as one says in German ´´ viele Köche verderben den Brei´´- too many cooks spoil the broth, besides, the Republicans don´t think twice to go after him.

I believe we should retire anyone in congress that is over the age of 60 get some new blood in the congress. we have to many senile old men who think they have the answer to everything. In reality they just hold everything up. our congress sounds like a bunch of kids arguing about what is for lunch. we are the best country to live in. I say we start acting like it.

I'm sorry to say that I'm disappointed in Mr. Obama and his stimulus plan. The nationo's working people who have lost homes and jobs (I lilve in the horribly troubled state of Florida) need help much more than we need to be worried about infrastructure. Sure, that money will help give jobs, but only to qualified people. I don't think that teachers, executives, business men and women qualify. Just in Ft. Myers alone, help is needed desperately. Besides that, car insurance is sky rocketing in Florida and homeowners' insurance companies like State Farm are threatening to close if they don't get permission to increase their rates by 40%+. They already did that last year just before the bill was passed forcing them to reduce by 20%+; therefore, they came out with an increment anyway. President Obama needs to rethink the way the money is planned to be spent in his stimulus package. Leave infrastructure to only bridge repair, not roads, etc. Give more money to education (teachers in Florida are the worst paid in the states). After 7 years teaching here, I am still $20,000 less than in the North in 2002!!!!!! People like all of the above need help. Insurance companies MUST be forced to keep their rates low (no hurricanes in 4 years so they've made money). Teachers must be paid better. Schools must have more money. Persons without homes need to be put in homes – not just given food stamps and better health insurance. Health insurance in Florida is pitiful and should be investigated. Blue Cross and Blue Shield pay almost nothing compared to what it paid in the North. Too much money comes out of the patient's pocket. Banks ( in the bail out from Bush) are NOT offering refinancing of mortgages nor new mortgages. They are not working with homeowners to offer "short sales" so that homeowners can at least make SOME money. Banks owning credit cards are all increasing by 15%+. The Bush bill passed into law stating that they couldn't do that, but not implementing the law until July of 2010 gives all the banks the right to 19 months of doing just what we don't need them to do. They are also hurting the economy by charging everyone double or nothing. PUT THAT LAW INTO EFFECT NOW before it's too late. Why wait?

In effect, there are so many issues that are not addressed in this stimulus package that it just will NOT stimulate growth in the economy, but will again put money in the pockets of people who don't need it. If someone can buy a house or a car, then they have jobs and money. They don't need "hooray" bonuses for doing so. Give the "hooray" money to the needy. Come on, think about middle-class America in this package and bail them out!!!

Robin, I must admit that I did not vote for Obama, but the more I watch and listen to him, the more I am beginning to believe He was the right man for the job. He is open with what he is working on, comes on TV to get the public involved–we're not used to that!!! He believe he is strong in his convictions and he will uphold the office to a higher standard!! He chose his advisors to the best of his ability. He can't help some of them made mistakes in the past. Give him time. I have a feeling he will go down in history as One of the best.

Give Mr Obama a chance, my wife and I were mentally and physically relieved when he was finally sworn in. It is going to take time for Pres. Obama to clean up the MESS George W Bush, et.al. made. 46.2 Billion in Exon mobil profits all thanks to the previous administration to allow the artificially inflation of Oil prices to go on, as the oil companies lined there pockets and greed persisted. Company CEO's bailed out with billions in there pockets knowing there companies were going under. I pray for Mr. Obama, I know he has his heart in the right place and he will do his very best for the common person and labor, people who make this country go, but he will need time!

I think Obama wants change well how bought he give up some of his salary he gets. I'm sure it is a huge amount.

I think Obama's support of Dashle was for his experience with the Health industry and he hoped to bring that experience into the Cabinet up til the last minute. The tax code is so bulky and convoluted that it is conceivable that every politician could be caught in some kind of oversight. I don't think they set out to be "cheats" on purpose (yes, I know I"m an optimist). If the White House, Marine One, Air Force One, etc, were added as perks to the presidential income it would rise considerably.

where is obama think he is going to get this $838B stimulus money from? is he going to get this money from the american tax payer?

For liberals only – That's what this abortion of a stimulus package is all about. I am a fiscally minded, socially moderate voter who can not believe that you lib's are surprised by what you are seeing. I have since sent my military retirement flag back to my senator with a letter that basically spells out this is not the America I gave most of my adult life to serve.

I have one statement for you Obama supporters . . . embrace the chaos, because he is going to choke off the hand that feeds you. You remember don't you? That "rich" guy that owned the business that employed you for so many years that enabled you to buy your home, feed family, and possibly if you were smart enough, although doubtful to put away 6 months of emergency money. You remember, the guy that went out of business because he can no longer afford to run a business in what is becoming a Socialist society.

Congratulations. You now have plenty of time to embrace the change promised by PBO.

As the election was winding down I had mixed feelings. I didn't like the way Bush had handled the last couple of years. He reacted too slowly to the radical downturn of the economy somewhere between late 06 and early 07. In fact he didn't react at all, which paved the way for a Democrat to get elected. None of us knew much about Obama, (and still don't), but we knew we didn't like that Mccain was going to continue most of what George Bush had been doing. I felt like Obama had me, the middle class guy in mind, but I kept thinking about how I felt so good about Bill Clinton when he got elected the first time. Then you learned almost immediately that there is a big difference between what they will say to get elected and what they actually have in mind what to do once they get there. From that previous experience I had reservations as to what would happen if Obama got elected. I heard people say all kinds of things from don't forget he is a Democrat to he is the Anti Christ. I laughed at them. Maybe I should have listened. He has shown in in short time in office that he is head strong to do what he wants regardless of what anyone else thinks. He is putting us in the worst condition that we will have ever been in and it does appear that he and the Clintons may come even closer to fullfilling their dream of Socialism and 1 World Government. We will probably never see the old America again, and it has taken him less than 30 days to do this. He is paving the way already for Republicans to take back over in 4 years, that is if we still have free elections in 4 years. We could belong to China by then!

(TWO AUTO MAKERS)Let them close their doors! If The get the 21.6 Billion will they lower the price of the Car's and Trucks? NO! will they close the plants they opened in Mexico? NO, Then let them fail, we still have Ford!

TODAY YOUR STATION HAS ALOT OF BACK GROUND NOISE. I WATCH EVERYDAY, AND IS GREAT THE WAY DO THE NEWS.

I am over the ARod thing!!! These players are horrible if they admit it, they are horrible if they don't... these guys can never win! He did it, he said he was sorry, LEAVE IT ALONE ALREADY!! Seriously, what do you people want from the guy!!

Angela, Florida

Well If you dont like the way the country is being run maybe you should go live in another country. We finally have a president that is for the people. A little less talk and a little more action from the well off, maybe you can help us out of this HOLE we are in. In stead of complaining about everything.

I wish every MLB player would take steroids. I don't care what they do as long as they don't die on the field. I go to watch a game, I don't care what they do before or after the game. Legalize steroids and let them all use them so people can stop whining and crying.

A. Rod, "young and stupid"? A great career and salary in MLB!! How about just plain "STUPID" ?

I am wondering if anyone can help me understand this situation? Do to an assortment of reasons, I had to default on some credit cards and second mortgage. I contacted Countrywide Home Loans who told me they could not consider me for a loan modification until I defaulted with them. So I did. They worked on a loan modification for me which took 3 months through their project HOPE. I received the loan modification yesterday and they wrote they are pleased to tell me I was approved! Their idea of a loan modification was to raise my monthly payment from $1453.00 a month to $2214.00 (a nice increase of almost $800.00 a month). I called them and asked how this was supposed to help us and got no where. They said this was the best they could do. I have to save this home as I have twin 4 yrs olds and we put everything we have into this. Can you help? Thank you, Bob

It is remarkable to me that we have had a new President for not even one month, yet everyone is blaming him for not fixing the economic problem fast enough. If I remember correctly this is a problem that took at least 3 years to come to the forefront. For Sen. McCain to say that the President did not respond fast enough to the housing problem,is an expected comment from the person who lost to the current administration. The question needs to be asked, how would the Sen.have responded any faster or any better, as a former resident of Arizona, that housing problem was it's own undoing. I have been unemployed for 3 months after going to college for a career that I was promised would only grow is size, who should I be blaming?

when are we going to place the blame on big oil for our economic woes?they took trillions of dollars in pure profit for years and we blame everyday folks for not being able to keep up with that burden.i say they caused the current situation and should be confronted with their gouging to help fix it

Robin is hot yes, but Jennifer is hot too. What a way to start a Friday!

First I would like to begin by saying where was all the scrutnizing when President Bush was in office its seems was like a teenager leaving a big mess for someone elese to clean I mean there was little question when Bush spent millions upon millions sending troops overseas to catch someone who actually had nothing to do with why we were there and spending money seemingly as he pleased and now that President Obama is at least trying to clean up the mess there are a milliion and questions and just as many people who don't want to cooperate I feel as though us as a people made this happen and we as a people should come together and make a way for things to become better instead of waiting with our hands out

Second I know President obamas plan is not perfect but I really don't see anyone trying to help with a plan of there own so I feel if your not going to be a part of the solution shut up I mean its easy to take shots at our President but it takes more to at least devise and at least say hey here I am and I may have a reasonable plan of attack so again I say shut up if you cn't be part of the solution

Why is it so many people are complaining about the stimulus and the idea of jobs being created? I don't understand how anyone can get upset because our new president wants to stop a large number of Americans from living below the poverty level so a very small number of Americans can live lavishly. Since Ronald Reagan's presidency the top 1% of Americans had significant inceases in their salary while most Americans have had little to no increase in their income.

I am impressed that President Obama is not settling with people to fill his cabinet who are not honest and trustworthy. I believe he didn't know that the people originally selected didn't pay their fair share of taxes, it is not a subject that generally comes up in conversation; most people just assume that everyone is paying their taxes.
President Obama is trying to turn the tide of this economical downturn but we all must do our share to help. Americans need to be more involved in the operation of their government, afterall, it is Congress that runs the government and the President is the "figurehead." We need to start holding Congress accountable.

I think the goverment should give out a check to all u.s. citizens for the amount of 500,000.00 and I really think it would boost the ecomony better then anything because then people would have the money to spend and companys would start making money instead of going out of bussiness.I really dont see how bailing someone out would help because if we the people dont have the money to spend then companys wont make any money and bailing them out is a waste of money its still not going any where its just delaying them from going out of bussiness.

President Obama is nuts if he thinks he can fix a debt that took 30+years to create in four years. I pay my taxes...ON TIME! If not the gov't jacks my pay. My middle class job affords me no $$ to spare and no "connections" to buy favors with. I dont know any poor politicians. Remember, those are only the tax evasions that THEY GOT CAUGHT FOR! There is alot more we dont know about.

And enough with the Hollywood act, get on with getting the job done. You need more than charisma to solve problems.

I was just watching Kiran C. this morning, and I heard her ask a disturbing question. She asked the guest what the incentive is for those who listen to the president, and get a good enough education to make more than 250k/yr, if they're going to be taxed more, thus penalized.
This is apauling. People who make this kind of money can afford it. Their lifestyle will undergoe no drastic change if they pay 18-20% for income tax. This is very vexing that people are still this selfish, and that the media is pushing people to still be this way. I don't make nearly this kind of money, and I have to pay 20% on my taxes, so if I can afford it, why can't the well off afford it? And Obama is talking about taxing the top 2% of earners. Last I checked, 250k is a lot of money, but nowhere near the top 2%. We're talking multimillionaires.
Now if I can afford it, And the 250k making, joe the plummer can afford it (if he's a plummer, and if he's current on his taxes), than why can't the Trumps of the country do their share?

I was inspired by the selflessness of the gent from South Florida, who
gave 60 million of his own $ to his own employees. I'm sure he's a rich man, and is still rich in the face of his generosity. But that's not enough to the ultra rich. It's not enough to be rich, they've got to be filthy rich, and step on everybody on the way. And this is the type of greed that some members of the media are promoting. Telling people to hold on to the gas money for their yaght, while watching their fellow Americans drown. Shameful. The Man from S florida is the true fiber of the America of old, where we were actually concerned about our friends and neighbors. Hopefully we can return to that some day.

Robin: I rec'd this txt msg today and felt that it was worthy to share with you! "Dear Mr. President: Please find below my suggestion for fixing America's economy. Instead of giving billions of dollars to companies that will squander the money on lavish parties and unearned bonuses, use the following plan.You can call call it the Patriotic Retirement Plan: There are about 40 million people who are age 50 in the workforce. Pay them 1 million dollars apiece severance for early retirement with the following stipulations: 1) They MUST retire. Forty million job openings – Unemployment fixed. 2) They MUST buy a new American car. Forty million cars ordered – auto industry fixed. 3) They MUST either buy a house or pay off their mortgage – housing crisis fixed. It can't get any easier than that! If more money is needed, have all members of Congress and their constituents pay their taxes.....

Beth from Ohio