OK, I just noticed my paycheck is reflecting the new payroll tax cut

[Generic Other]

I am bringing home 22 dollars more per paycheck than I did before the stimulus. I feel like a Wall Street CEO with a golden parachute.

Oh joy! Isn't it great that the government hasn't forgotten me! Why with 22 dollars extra per paycheck, just look at what I can now afford.

I think I can get a tank of gas.

Or maybe I could spring for four happy meals at McD's.

If I am thrifty, I can buy a month's worth of toilet paper.

I guess I could buy a couple of packs of smokes if I smoked.

How much beer or pop could I buy for 22 dollars? A few cans anyway.

I am sure I can order out for pizza for 22 dollars.

Otherwise, I will need to save up if I want more because 22 dollars is:

Not enough for a haircut.

Not enough for a pair of work shoes or a warm winter coat.

Not enough to take someone to the movies and buy popcorn.

Not enough to pay for even a cheap generic drug at a pharmacy.

Not enough to pay for my health insurance.

Not enough to pay for a bus pass to get to work everyday.

Not enough to pay any bill I might receive in the mail.

The CEO gets the golden parachute, the worker gets the boot.


I want universal health care, I want affordable education, I want liveable communities, and I want a country that spends more on the welfare of its people than on its military hardware.

And all I get is a tax cut of 22 dollars a paycheck.

[napi21]

1. I understand you want and need more than that, but it's better than nothing!

I've heard the average is $25.00, and that's $100 a month! Nothing to sneeze at.

[Generic Other]

6. I only get two paychecks per month

but the point I was making is that I did not want this crumb thrown to me. I wanted the money I paid in taxes to go to programs that truly improved my life and those of other Americans.

I don't NEED the money that bad. This country NEEDS to spend the money it has on supporting the general welfare of its citizens.

[sumunabeech]

142. You should work for a charity

Those programs already exist...and most that are on them already know how to exploit the programs.

We, as working Americans, received an average of $50 a month. Sweet deal right? 12 bucks. Welfare recipients are going to receive an average of 12-13%. Percent. Not dollars...percent. I don't know about you, but 12% on my check would be a whole hell of a lot more that 12 bucks...and it will be on their's (welfare recipients) too.

To add to that, where I live they have decided to lift the requirement that able bodied adults WITHOUT dependent children can receive food stamps for more than 3 months out of 36. Meaning a single non-working (I didn't say out of work) adult with no kids can go down to the local SRS office and apply and receive food stamps. Free food for not working. Not because they can't find a job, just for not having any traceable income.

I work for a Community Action Program in a department that works to make "income eligible" person's homes more energy efficient. I work in the neighborhoods that most people wouldn't want to go into after dark...or in the daytime for that matter. Public housing complexes, under privileged neighborhoods and just plain lazy people that can get by. As harsh as it may seem, most of these people are "bred" into this kind of thinking. "It's owed to me." I've heard people tell me they pay taxes and it's time the government payed them back, when I've got records that they have provided saying that they have earned a total of $60k in the last TEN YEARS. These are the same folks that have 5 large dogs to feed (or other animals: I've even seen alligators in bathtubs), but whine when their $600 in food stamps is a day late. The very same people that have a home phone, a cell phone, high speed internet, satellite or digital cable, 50+ inch flat screen televisions, AND pay ADT to monitor their house so nobody "busts in and steals mah shit." I've seen The Price is Right more since I've been doing this than I did when I was a kid on summer vacation.

Sorry, got off track. Anyway, the agency I work for is getting an extra $8 million that we are supposed to spend in the next 14 months. $8 million. That's an 8 with 6 zeros behind it. Our normal operating budget is around $2 million a year. We went from an average of about $2800 per home to almost $10k per home plus furnace replacements. At no cost to the resident. Yeah, nothing. That money has to come from somewhere...I suppose. Point is, my workload has almost quadrupled. Know what kind of a raise I (and every other person in my position) got? Yup, $12 a week.

[Two Americas]

80. no, it may not be

It can be represented as "something being done so quit your whining" and to relieve any pressure on the politicians for real reform. In fact, I am certain that is exactly how it will be used. That would make it worse than nothing.

[Political Heretic]

92. Case Study: FMLA

This is a point that has only become clearer to me over the last year, both through my own work and education and through current events.

There are many situations in which "better than nothing" is actually worse than nothing.

Here's another example. Consider FMLA. FMLA when in as a "Better than nothing" compromise in 1993, and it was argued that we would take the compromise then and that would lead us to build out that foundation in the future. One step at a time, etc.

It is now 15 years later. FMLA is still the same sucky policy that only covers a limited number of workers and is inaccessible to most anyone no already privileged enough (being able to go without pay for extended periods of time) soas to not really need it in the first place. All political will was lost to readdress the issue. And FMLA's passage was used to dampen new attempts to modify it. "We've already addressed it so quit your whining." That's exactly what happened.

At the same time, there are instances where not having a staged strategy is equally as bad, and equally leads to nothing getting done. So there is no perfect answer. It's not always the case that you should go for the conversion and its not always the case that you should take the field goal. As frustrating as it may be, it often depends on the "conditions on the ground" at the time.

[Barack_America]

2. That pays for my groceries. nt

[Name removed]

3. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[NYC_SKP]

8. Enjoy your stay. nt

[SoCalDem]

27. You could buy a paperback dictionary..so you could look up "stimulus"

:rofl:

[Name removed]

30. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[NYC_SKP]

50. Poof!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=user_profiles&u_id=238828

[NYC_SKP]

4. So maybe we should just fucking take it from you and give you a Bush sized one.

:eyes:

Some people can eat for a week on that, all you can do is whine.

[Generic Other]

12. Excuse me? I don't want the money. How is that whining?

I don't where you read that into my post!

[NYC_SKP]

21. "And all I get is a tax cut of 22 dollars a paycheck." = whining, IMO.

Res ipsa loquitur

[Generic Other]

45. Well since I didn't want the money I didn't think I was whining

I wanted the money to provide needed services. I wanted the money to go toward long term goals that improved the lives of Americans. Universal healthcare, affordable education, housing, job opportunities. A better investment than giving me money and cutting all the programs that would truly benefit all workers in this country.

[Two Americas]

82. you weren't "whining"

That is an absurd charge. You were very clear. You don't want the money, you want to see the real and dire needs of the people seriously addressed. It is stunning that what you posted is ridiculed here, and that you are told to STFU and be happy with the money. If that thinking prevails and continues to dominate the party - and I fear that it will - it will be the death of the party. Not today, not tomorrow, but eventually and inevitably.

Stick to your guns. The majority of people here, and in the country, agree with you, though they have largely been intimidated into silence by exactly the treatment you are experiencing here.


...

[Political Heretic]

93. You weren't whining. Don't let them get to you.

Some of us understood your point, and appreciate you bringing up difficult realities that many don't enjoy facing.

[Two Americas]

81. "whine" - ROFL, that didn't take long

Thank you oh great and mighty rulers. Do you mean we get to eat for a week?

Stupid ingrates - that's what these peasants are.

"Hey you stupid peasants, STFU and be happy for the crumbs you get and quit your crying, or we sill give you something to really cry about."


...

[Critters2]

5. How nice for you. My quarterly check to the government hasn't changed. nt

[luckyleftyme2]

10. health-care

give me universal health care that would give me $200 a week in my pocket

[Generic Other]

15. Exactly! And every fucking worker in this country has earned that much IMHO

What is the matter with posters here? Are we all so happy to work for slave wages, never ever having even our basic needs met as long as someone makes a pretense of "giving " us something they took from us in the first place?

[spanone]

7. you pay too much for a haircut...send the money back

[Generic Other]

17. How much does the average politician or CEO pay for one?

Probably a lot more than 22 dollars.

[Tangerine LaBamba]

9. I'll take it -

I can get a haircut for that, leave a tip, and still have a dollar left over.

Our pharmacy sells lots of generic drugs for $9.99 for a 30-day supply.

You'll get about a hundred bucks more per month.

So you post here like some sort of pissant dweeb because - what? - you've been somehow treated badly?

Tell you what: give it to a homeless person, then, and I'm sure it'll be seen as something pretty wonderful.

What a whiner.......................

[Generic Other]

22. You don't think we have all been treated badly? The American worker hasn't been ripped off?

I am somehow a whiner because I believe the average worker in America has been ripped off?

I don't want a tax cut. I want universal healthcare. I want schools. Roads. Firemen. Police. Healthy communities.

I have never begrudged the government my tax dollar. I only believed it should be spent wisely. That makes me a whiner?

I don't think you know me very well.

[Tangerine LaBamba]

32. I don't know you at all -

Where did you get the idea that I know you?

I only read what you wrote, and it was a whining screed about all that your twenty-two dollars couldn't buy.

Couldn't.

We all want our tax dollars to be spent wisely.

But you have an extra twenty-two dollars and you post here about what it can't buy you.

Jesus, no matter what is done, some people just have to bitch, I guess.

Give it away to someone who needs it, then..............................

[Generic Other]

41. A whining screed? I don't think you have very good reading comprehension skills

I am mad that I am getting an insignificant tax cut in lieu of the needs of people in this country being met. How is that whining?

[Tangerine LaBamba]

53. Oh, cut it out ......

Look at the responses you got here, the majority of them.

You whined, you got called out on it, now deal with it.

You're not mad. You're thick.

[Cant trust em]

67. It looks like your message has been lost.

The people who have missed your point have reached critical mass.

I'm not saying that I entirely disagree with you but this idea wasn't communicated well.

[uppityperson]

51. "no matter what is done, some people just have to bitch".irony. nt

[Tangerine LaBamba]

55. Irony?

A comment is irony because it doesn't find the OP all that inspiring?

You need a dictionary, honey.

[uppityperson]

60. You are right. I meant "ironic". If you can't understand that, oh well, honey.

[Tangerine LaBamba]

62. I bow to your obvious intellectual superiority......

But, you don't know what irony is, and that, oh, well, honey, that's just funny. I'm a tiny bit embarrassed for you.

No, wait.

I'm not....................

[uppityperson]

64. whoosh

[Tangerine LaBamba]

66. Mmmmmmmm ......

Your version of a complete sentence.

<click>

[uppityperson]

68. 'tis rather like having to explain a joke.

[Two Americas]

83. it is ironic

It is ironic because those attacking critics as complainers and whiners, are themselves the ones whining and complaining about the critics.


...

[readmoreoften]

73. You sound like a union buster. "If you don't like your job's low pay, give it to a deserving scab!"

Fuck people for "complaining" that we get $13 a week instead of a reasonable society not run by jackals and thieves who pilfer every last asset of the working class. Do you also oppose minimum wage hikes? Hey, just wonderin'...

[Name removed]

112. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Hannah Bell]

136. Yes, I can't believe anyone's complaining about the extra choco-rations.

[BlooInBloo]

11. The point is for you to spend it....

If they gave you one lump sum for the whole year, you might save it, or pay down your debt. Neither of which stimulates the economy, however useful it might be for you.

[backscatter712]

39. You've got a point there.

For one person, twenty-two bucks isn't much, but multiply that by what, 200 million workers in the U.S.? (that number's probably somewhat wrong), and do two years of paychecks with 22 extra bucks for each of those 200 million, and that becomes a lot of money in aggregate.

And as you mentioned, that's money that will be spent, propagate through the economy and kick things up a bit.

[Tangerine LaBamba]

56. This is the kind of "trickle-down"

that works.

And Obama's not yet in office three months, right?

Small steps. That's how it gets done. I'm impressed.

[earth mom]

126. WTF? Trickle Down?! With that kind of "Trickle Down" we will all die of thirst!

That "Trickle Down" is more like piss on the peons by the powers that be, including your beloved Obama.

That 22 bucks is nothing but bullshit and you know it but won't admit it because your Obama obsession is more important than anything or anyone else! :eyes:

[Tangerine LaBamba]

129. Gee -

your inability to conceptualize has you sounding really, really stupid.

Too bad my candidate won and you're still an asshole, isn't it?

Suck it, honey.

[earth mom]

143. Suck it yourself and take your rethuglican trickle down talking points with you.

That "trickle down" bullshit has never worked and you know it.

The asshole is you for believing in the lies that the powers that be and media has sold you.

Yep, there's a sucker born every minute.


And FYI-My candidate-Al Gore-wasn't allowed to run for office by the powers that be. They stole the presidency from him and there was no way in hell they would have allowed him to become president.

Which should give anyone with half a brain pause as to exactly WHY they allowed Obama to run. :freak:

[ben_jenne]

13. Didn't they just change the withholding tables?

So unless congress actually changes the tax rate you'll get a smaller refund or owe more next year.

[HughMoran]

14. I lost my job a month ago

I'd be happy to see any small increase in my paycheck - or any paycheck at all.

[Generic Other]

49. Sorry to hear that Hugh...hope things improve for you soon

Personally, I would rather see the money go toward extended unemployment benefits and job creation rather than back into my pocket where it doesn't really make that much of a difference. But collectively our taxes should and do fund real needs.

[HughMoran]

99. Well, they are providing extended unemployment and increased benefits

So, all that was included in the bill as well...

[aquart]

16. What I wouldn't give for a month's worth of toilet paper.

We're talking the soft, absorbent, quilted stuff, right?

[Generic Other]

25. I don't know...it seems kind of expensive these days...so maybe it's not a month's worth

I think people are missing my point. I want my taxes to provide for the common good not to be handed out to CEOs and defense contractors to waste. I don't need a tax cut at the expense of school kids who depend on the school lunch program for a meal. I don't need that money if it means public transit is cut. Or senior programs. Or any of a hundred other vital programs that we are all being told we can no longer afford.

[aquart]

89. Well, yeah.

Still, if you run into a really good sale on toilet paper, maybe that amount would last a month.

[Tangerine LaBamba]

33. See, I'm a Scott Tissue LaBamba

That single-ply just seems so efficient to me, and fewer trees die every time I need to pee. I think .......

[KansDem]

128. I've often wondered why must TP be "absorbent?"

I mean, unless you've got constant runs, does TP really need to be absorbent?

I can understand the need for "soft" and "quilted."

Well, now that I've thought about it, why should TP even be "quilted?"

[sandnsea]

18. So go blow it, stimulate the economy somewhere n/t

[Generic Other]

26. A good idea...the foodbank could use it

but I refuse to put a penny of it into the hands of corporate America. Walmart will not see my stimulus package.

[sandnsea]

79. Or a local restaurant or artisan

Lots of people and charities could use your $22 or $44 a month. Safeway has butter on sale for 99 cents. Go buy 22 boxes and take it to a food bank or soup kitchen.

[sandnsea]

19. I'm so serious, I said it twice n/t

[Tom Kitten]

20. "I" "I" "I" "I" and "I"

I gotta 25 dollar increase in my unemployment benefits...too bad I have three checks to go before I'm totally on my own! I don't order out for pizza and I don't have health insurance! I cut my own hair and I get urgent notices from the electric company to pay before they shut off my power! I don't go to the movies unless somebody else decides to treat me! I want all kinds of stuff and a paycheck would certainly help! I owe taxes on my UE benefits, I can't wait to tell them I don't have the money to pay them!

[sandnsea]

24. There are new extensions

You should have 13-26 more weeks with new extensions. You can probably also apply for Medicaid, and don't forget LIHEAP energy assistance. I think they lifted the taxes on the unemployment benefits too, or changed them so lower income people won't be taxed. Well, unless you live in a stupid state that is rejecting the stimulus assistance in which case I'd hightail it to the governor's mansion and park myself in their drive-way.

[Tom Kitten]

37. well tommorrow I find out, I go to Gresham

I help my Mom with DEQ and car registration and since the closest Employment Office is in the general vicinity...

[sandnsea]

141. How did it go?

I'd be interested to know about how much help they gave you.

[Generic Other]

34. And this is precisely why I think the money was better spent on social programs

education and healthcare.

And I am glad you got an increase in benefits because you and I and every other American worked to provide ourselves with just this kind of a safety net. We did not work our whole lives to pay taxes so asshole CEOs can retire and live like potentates! Or at least I didn't.

I hope your situation improves soon TK. I don't see how my getting 22 bucks a paycheck helps though.

[Tom Kitten]

43. but is an extra 22 $ a paycheck all you get?

Of course if this so then this is just a panacea...a few more crumbs tossed to the bread and circuses masses!

[ChoralScholar]

23. Mine seems like more because I get paid a month at a time...

My check for March was about 100 more than usual, I think.

[FrenchieCat]

28. You'll get most of what you asked for.....

so it is a lie to insinuate that "all that I get is etc., etc., etc..."

Understand that the tax cut is not solely about you,
it is about stimulating the economy.
So if this ain't what you want, spend it, cause that's why you got it.


Calling the game at the top of the first inning is idiotic.
But then, we have all kinds, don't we? :eyes:

[Generic Other]

35. I am just getting this sick feeling that the real needs are being ignored

that costs me more in the long run.

[FrenchieCat]

46. Obama has gone through 75 days and has 1,385 before the end of his first term.

He never, ever said that he would bring you all you wanted if you simply voted for him and then turned around and snapped your fingers. He's not a butler. And he certainly is not a Messiah who walks on water, no matter what you have heard.

He said "by the end of my first term" about most of when he would bring things like healthcare, and education reform. The fact that you are currently desperate is not his fault. Remember who was in office for for 2,920 days! Try not to worry us to death.....especially those of us exercising that virtue known as patience!

[Generic Other]

57. I don't mean to criticize Obama but I am not going to just accept

being told that all the things I believe in must forever be put on hold. My patience is wearing thin with politics as usual.

And I still have hope that we will turn things around.

[FrenchieCat]

65. Well, glad you still have hope after this many days!

And remember these words.....

In the course of our history, only a handful of generations have been asked to confront challenges as serious as the ones we face right now. Our nation is at war. Our economy is in crisis. Millions of Americans are losing their jobs and their homes; they're worried about how they'll afford college for their kids or pay the stack of bills on their kitchen table.

And most of all, they are anxious and uncertain about the future -- about whether this generation of Americans will be able to pass on what's best about this country to our children and their children.

I won't pretend that meeting any one of these challenges will be easy. It will take more than ...

... a month or a year, and it will likely take many. Along the way there will be setbacks and false starts and days that test our fundamental resolve as a nation.

But despite all of this -- despite the enormity of the task that lies ahead -- I stand here today as hopeful as ever that the United States of America will endure, that the dream of our founders will live on in our time.

What gives me that hope is what I see when I look out across this mall. For in these monuments are chiseled those unlikely stories that affirm our unyielding faith -- a faith that anything is possible in America. Rising before us stands a memorial to a man who led a small band of farmers and shopkeepers in revolution against the army of an empire, all for the sake of an idea.

On the ground below is a tribute to a generation that withstood war and depression -- men and women like my grandparents who toiled on bomber assembly lines and marched across Europe to free the world from tyranny's grasp. Directly in front of us is a pool that still reflects the dream of a King, and the glory of a people who marched and bled so that their children might be judged by their character's content. And behind me, watching over the Union he saved, sits the man who in so many ways made this day possible.

And yet, as I stand here tonight, what gives me the greatest hope of all is not the stone and marble that surrounds us today, but what fills the spaces in between. It is you -- Americans of every race and region and station who came here because you believe in what this country can be and because you want to help us get there.

....There is no doubt that our road will be long, that our climb will be steep.

But never forget that the true character of our nation is revealed not during times of comfort and ease, but by the right we do when the moment is hard. I ask you to help me reveal that character once more, and together, we can carry forward as one nation, and one people, the legacy of our forefathers that we celebrate today-- Barack Obama, January 19, 2009, We Are One Speech on the Mall

[Tangerine LaBamba]

36. Wild applause here .........

I completely agree with your post, and that cartoon is exquisite.

Well done!

[Runcible Spoon]

138. "exquisite"?

:rofl:

Wow...

[Juche]

29. You can get more for $22 than that

Haircuts are $14 where I live.

You can buy alot of beer and soda for $22. I hope you like Pabst blue ribbon. You can buy a 30 pack of that plus two 24 packs of coke or pepsi for $22.

Cheap generics are $4 a month at the pharmacy.

You can probably get 2 movie tickets and popcorn for $22.



I realize it isn't a whole lot of money, but the problem is that if you give people a huge amount all at once (ie, give them $500 at once instead of $22 every 2 weeks for 52 weeks) they save the whole $500 or use it to pay off debt. People are more likely to spend the $22 every other week than use it to pay down debt.

The problem is so many of the things people spend money on are made in foreign countries. Foreign oil at the gas station and Chinese made goods at department stores. And even when you do buy them, the only jobs you create are low wage service jobs at walmart, gas stations, fast food restaurants. So all the jobs created will likely be in foreign countries and/or in low wage service sectors.

[Generic Other]

38. I don't the money, I want the social programs funded

Helping Americans by reducing their health costs, helping educate their children, caring for the elderly, housing the homeless, etc. seem like more important priorities to me.

[Juche]

42. I understand, I feel the same way

I want my taxes raised in exchange for universal public healthcare, affordable college and heavy investments in science and energy.

[Codeine]

90. Every motherfucker on this board wants those things.

But it'll take a bit of doing. This is an stimulus action -- it's not about "giving" you anything, it's about putting more money into the economy. You spend and extra amount of money each month and it bumps the economy a bit.

The economy goes up and people get jobs.

People get jobs and the gov't gets increased tax revenues.

Increased tax revenues can - given the right administration - fund those things that we all want.

So quit whining and spend your $22.

[Fumesucker]

87. Gawd forbid people pay down debt..

Can't have the little people getting out of the clutches of the financial sector..

Do some of you people even have a clue how you sound?

[Juche]

100. Yeah, we do. We sound like we understand the issues

Its great, you should try it sometime. The purpose of a stimulus is to boost spending, hence the fact that the money is being given out in a way to boost spending.

[Fumesucker]

103. So getting out of debt is bad?

The real issue is that trillions of dollars are being pumped into the financial sector with what amounts to zero oversight.

Meanwhile, the little people get eleven dollars extra a week to spend on frivolous crap.

[Juche]

122. No, its not bad to pay down debt

Obama has talked about how we need long term middle class reform to get the economy moving again. In order to do that you need affordable UHC, EFCA, middle class tax cuts, affordable college, usury laws, etc. If that is accomplished then consumer debt will go down drastically over time.

But as for a stimulus, the goal is to get people to spend money on domestic goods and services.

You are right, trillions go to the wealthy with no oversight with $10 a week going to everyone else. Not denying that.

[Occulus]

132. Many of us aren't spending BECAUSE WE ARE IN DEBT.

If the Powers that Be had intended on a quick, large surge in our economic growth and consumer spending while we tackle the issues of outsourced jobs, high unemployment, national health care policy, and a disastrously broken financial system, they would have seen to it that the American People were themselves meaningfully helped toward relief of their outstanding debts. Personally, I would have welcomed a plan that did some of what's already been done, as well as giving a "bailout" to the public, applicable to certain unsecured debts which cannot be reasonably and quickly paid off by the members of the public. I would also have been comfortable with not actually seeing any real cash, but instead having it directly applied to my outstanding debt.

And, before anyone complains that they shouldn't be giving money to people who have credit card debt or some such, I'd be happy to see you actually get some cash in hand.

Many of us can't save until we're out of debt, much less spend anything, because our disposable income is already going toward paying off those debts. $22, in that light, really doesn't help a whole lot, especially when debt ranges into the ten-thousand-dollar arena- or higher.

I've seen a great deal of cash handed out to companies and people who don't produce one bedamned thing. I've seen money given to people who lost tens, and even hundreds of millions of dollars. All much of the public is looking for is a few thousand bucks to pay off that credit card. $22 won't even cover the late fee on a payment to said card.

[ddeclue]

31. Mine isn't.. oh wait that's because I'm still unemployed and don't have a paycheck..

:rofl:

Been unemployed since 12/15/2008...

[Generic Other]

40. And I would rather help you get back on your feet than get a tax cut

I would also rather see the wealthy in this country start paying their share.

And I would like to see the unemployed put back to work. We have so much that needs doing.

[Richard Steele]

44. Even a journey of ten thousand miles begins with a single step.

We aren't even halfway out the door,
and you're UPSET that we aren't there yet.

I really don't see any valid reason for your excitement
at this point in time.

[Generic Other]

63. I just don't need the money as much as I need the country to function

and I am nervous that we will always be told our needs are "not on the table at this time."

I am not excited so much as shellshocked and cynical.

[Richard Steele]

76. Well, it's gonna take years of hard work to make the country function again.

Obama isn't Jesus: he can't just wave his hand and fix everything.

And he's not a DICTATOR: he can't issue sweeping proclamations to
change things overnight.

He's just a PRESIDENT. And that's a position of RESPONSIBILITY,
not a position of POWER.

He's really busting his ass to make things better for everyone.
But it's gonna take him a long time to do it, even if he succeeds.

Be patient, savor every small victory

Most importantly: keep doing everything YOU can do
to make things better for everyone you met.

I do.

I can't do much, but I do it when I can.
And sometimes, what I've done has been EVERYTHING
to someone who couldn't do anything.

Lend a hand, lend an elbow, take it one step at a time,
and someday we'll all get there together.

[hendo]

47. I'm leery of the extra $22

I bet they will try to take it away come tax time.

[Generic Other]

59. You are no doubt correct

and they will spend it on things we don't need like CEO bonuses and military hardware and more prisons for pot smokers.
All the while people will lose their homes, their jobs, and their security.

Every other person is losing their job where I work. My getting 22 dollars does not help my laid-off co-workers.

[hendo]

123. bandages rarely if ever fix the problem. NT

[Qutzupalotl]

135. Extending unemployment benefits will.

They did that too.

This stimulus money in your paycheck is in addition to that. Spend it, or donate it.

If the spending in aggregate stimulates the economy to the point of creating jobs, then yes it will help your friends.

[leftofthedial]

48. Be patient!

There are still a few Wall Street elites who don't have their golden toilet seats, third vacation homes, second yachts or $3000 an hour hooker expense accounts. There also are some junkets to the Caribbean yet to be taken before the weather warms up too much. Your turn will come. Someday, the tax cut might go as high as $22.50!

[Generic Other]

61. Keep the money to buy those plastic handcuffs to arrest the crooks

Now that would be a worthwhile investment.

[daleanime]

52. Yes, yes, yes!!!!

Oh, damn, think I woke roommates:evilgrin:

[uppityperson]

54. I know what you mean.

"I want universal health care, I want affordable education, I want liveable communities, and I want a country that spends more on the welfare of its people than on its military hardware."

[wisteria]

58. That doesn't seem like much, but whatever you do- spend it on something-

anything to help this economy out - even if it is a little.

[Generic Other]

69. I think I will use it to do something positive

Something to lift my spirits. I suspect the foodbank could use the money. The need is great there.

But damn if I am going to give a cent to corporate America.

[Codeine]

91. "Corporate America" is who gives most of us jobs.

"Corporate America" gives us our paychecks. Using the money to buy stuff you need can provide jobs.

[Bluenorthwest]

108. According to the President

Small business creates 70% of the new jobs in America. Corporate creates less than 30%. So according to President Obama, you are off the mark.

[Hannah Bell]

137. yes, but half of them fail in a year. corps create a smaller % of jobs, employ a smaller %

overall, but take the majority of profit.

[Two Americas]

84. lol!

That is the Bush program.

[readmoreoften]

70. My GF is paid so little for her work at Big Coffee that the stimulus will be 10% of her take home

after tax salary. She makes about $400 a month after taxes and paying for low quality health care for 25-30 hours a week on a swing shift that makes it hard to take another job (she'll lose our health care if she loses hours for privileging another job.)

Hey! Maybe if corporations can get us all down to thirteen dollars a week, we can jump for joy that the government just doubled our salary! Now that's some positive thinking!

[emilyg]

71. I could buy 2 bags of cat litter.

[Generic Other]

74. Cat litter costs that much???

Now that does surprise me!

[bullwinkle428]

106. I pay about $20 for an 18 pound bag - it's the high quality, "green"

litter made from ground-up corn cobs, that can be flushed down the toilet as it's completely biodegradable. Most definitely plus, when living in a condo or apartment...

[Iwillnevergiveup]

72. Well, if nothing else

this is an alert for all of us to check our paystubs - however we get paid.

[eridani]

75. What we all need is a reversal in the decline of the value of the average wage

People are tapped out. Sending mom out to work won't fill the budget holes like in the 70s and 80s--she's already there. Blowing up another debt bubble won't do the trick either.

[progressoid]

77. So that's either $1144 or $572 per year.

I'm not at all happy with the way this stimulus package has been implimented but that cash in our pockets is an OK start.

[Generic Other]

97. If my getting 22 bucks means no universal health care then it was a bad return

on my money.

[progressoid]

124. True, but almost ALL of your taxes are a bad return on your money.

It's been that way for a few decades now.

[babylonsister]

78. Toilet paper works fine when you need it. But hey, vote for the rethugs'

tax cuts for the wealthy!

[Generic Other]

98. I would tax the wealthy not give them money

Almost half the corporations in this country pay no taxes! And the wealthy pay very little in taxes compared to the rest of us.

[Norquist Nemesis]

85. Would you rather it be nothing?

GEEZ!!! Ok, so it's "only" $22. Do you think you'ld be getting more (or anything for that matter) with McCain as President? Maybe you'ld like $22 LESS going into the hands of the top 1%!

Take your $22 and SPEND IT! Find a local eatery and hit it for lunch a couple of times. Wait a month and go pick up some supplies from your local hardware store or start a subscription to your local newspaper to help in keeping your local news coming. Take your $22 bucks and hand it to your kid's teacher for supplies. See if there's a farmer's market of local growers and go get fresh eats. Buy a small bouquet of fresh flowers and give them to your SO or mother. Get to know who is on your Main Street and support them!

Sorry, but I'm just getting really pissed off about people bitching. Ok, it's on $22 when top dogs are getting $22 million to leave their jobs. Fuck 'em and work hard to change both the system and the mindset that the greedy, raping bastards have been able to exploit at our expense. Meanwhile, use your brain and support what that $22 represents!!! If you and a friend have lunch a time or two at the local restaurant and you're keeping someone employed. You're orders are keeping the employees of the restaurants suppliers employed from the meat cutters to the bread bakers to the truck drivers. Those employees will be taking their paychecks (and, hopefully their $22) to also buy what something they need/want (demand, baby! vs supply-side crap) and it keeps turning.

Quit bitching that you got so little and think about how you can make a difference!!!

[Generic Other]

96. Actually yes I don't want the money if it means all the social programs are cut

Many of my friends and family members depend on the social services being slashed in my state.

[GaYellowDawg]

86. You could buy...

... a 10 pound bag of rice and a 16 oz jar of chicken base, and that can be combined with the veggies you were already buying for quite a few tasty meals - and have money left over.

You could also buy a 10 pound bag of potatoes twice during the month with money left over.

You could also buy 2 good-sized bottles of multivitamins.

Over a month's worth of razor blades.

Over a month's worth of laundry detergent.

A whole lot of green tea.

7-8 loaves of bread.

I'm not trying to fuss at you. I just wanted to demonstrate that if you're right on the edge, that $22 isn't nothing. I also think you are right to want universal health care, affordable education, livable communities, and a country that spends more on the welfare of its people than on its military hardware.

[Generic Other]

101. I will not spend this money stimulating Walmart

when I think the money could be better spent addressing the real long-term needs of all Americans.

How many free and reduced school lunches did my tax money help pay for? How many other social programs depend on my tax money to survive? I like to think my tax money is paying for necessities already.

[scarletwoman]

88. I get what you're saying, and totally agree with you about what's REALLY needed.

On the other hand (bad, bad other hand!), since I got a 20% pay cut starting in February, I can't deny that the little bit of extra money has been helpful. It almost pays for one tank of gas.

Overall, of course, it's fecking ridiculous. Like, how pathetic is it that I'm so on the edge of bare survival that an extra 20-some bucks is actually a relief?

I may be a poor peasant getting a few extra crumbs -- and I can't help it, those extra crumbs DO make a small difference in my day to day life -- but it certainly doesn't buy me off.

I want what you want, too, and I'll keep fighting for it.

Thanks for your thoughtful OP.

sw

[Generic Other]

104. I am also getting furloughed, losing benefits and seeing many of my co-workers pink slipped

22 dollars a week isn't going to compensate for this. I have quit buying anything but necessities. I have quit spending money supporting the exorbitant salaries of CEOs in corporate America. I refuse to spend a dime with any company whose CEOs earn multimillion dollar salaries while they lay off their workers and outsource the jobs and then come begging to the government for bailouts all while supporting Republicans in office. That kind of stimulus is dangerous for the country.

Sorry to hear all the hardship stories on this thread. It's heartbreaking.

[Political Heretic]

94. Looking at this thread, its clear how many anti-worker overprivileged assholes lurk at DU.

:hi: to you.

[jmg257]

95. Sounds like what you really want is a job as a CEO. Go for it! Oh, and

then you can send that $22 to me every week!

[Generic Other]

109. How insulting

I don't want a job where I make millions while workers starve and are treated like disposable commodities. I don't want five or six expensive luxury homes when others have no roof over their heads. I don't want clothes that cost more than the average worker's monthly salary. There is nothing honorable about the people who run the corporations in this country. They have proven themselves to be incompetent at doing anything but enriching themselves. And they are thieves impoverishing the rest of us.

Why the hell would I want to be one of them?

[a la izquierda]

102. I'm jealous.

I get $5 extra per month. WTF?!?
On edit: I guess I'm happy to get anything...but seriously, I don't make very much money per month. I'm a grad student.

[Generic Other]

110. And 5 dollars is meaningless to you if tuition goes up 1000s

and student loans are no longer available. And if the jobs you hope to find on graduation have been lost or outsourced, you won't even get the 5 dollars. I don't see this as a good deal for Americans.

[a la izquierda]

113. Oh trust me, it's a big worry

I'm getting a PhD in history. My tuition is paid for (thank the DOG for that), but our fees keep going up and up and up. No one is retiring right now because their 401K/IRAs took a beating. So, when I graduate next year, who knows if I'll get a job. And, I've got a ton of debt from 11 years in school. The only silver lining is that I study an underrepresented region of history, so there are jobs out there...but I don't have a degree from Harvard or Yale. Eh, I could go on and on, but why bother? I just end up getting aggravated. The only thing I can do is write a kick-ass dissertation and rely on my glowing personality O8)
And, I don't get paid in the summer, so even if I saved it all up, I wouldn't be able to buy a week's worth of groceries this summer. B.S. if you ask me.

[spinbaby]

105. You're lucky

You at least got to keep yours. My tax break and more got sucked up by an increase in my health insurance.

[Generic Other]

111. I didn't factor in the fact that out of pocket costs are going up considerably

and the employer contribution to my retirement is going to be cut as well. Not that there was much left in that fund anyway. The real outcome of cutting my taxes is that everything is going to cost me more.

Parks no longer free. Schools overcrowded. Emergency services cut. People losing their homes. Communities devastated. Cities in financial states of emergency.

I am expecting to pay dearly for my tax cut.

[ShortnFiery]

107. *Give em hell* = Harry Reid says that now we can buy that extra tank of gas. :P

Yeah, if we drive a four cylinder Fiat. :eyes:

[bigwillq]

114. It's 22 dollars more than you had before.

Sometimes you have to look on the bright side.

Be lucky you have a job. So many don't, and they would cherish that $22.

[Generic Other]

115. but it's money I would rather see invested in social programs

I have spent years fighting for.

[bigwillq]

118. So donate it to a charitable cause (nt)

[Renew Deal]

131. Are there social programs being cut for this money?

Not that I've seen.

[derby378]

116. Another $38 per month for me

And honestly, if you have to spend more than $22 for a haircut, maybe you should try another barber. Hell, I cut my own hair for a while with a pair of Conair clippers I purchased for $20 from the local CVS. Of course, the only hairstyle I know how to give myself is a buzzcut, but at least it's something.

[L0oniX]

117. I'd rather have single payer health care than the tax cut.

[ejpoeta]

119. i'll say what i have said before when people complain about this.....

to SOME, such a measly amount is a lot. like my sister who is unemployed and barely scraping by. or like us, who aren't doing all THAT bad, but $22 could be a night out (if we went out). well, to dinner, maybe. it COULD pay for generic drugs at walmart. $20 would be my payment for going to my counselor. It might not be a trip to disney world, but it's a boost to have a little left over after paying all the bills. maybe a couple bucks for a cup of coffee.

[olegramps]

120. I would have rather have seen it being spent to create jobs.

People firstly have to have a job in order to benefit from the lower taxes. This money could have, in my estimation, been better spent to create thousands of jobs to stimulate the economy. Real tax reform would be to raise the upper limits to at least 70% and confiscate the billions that have been ripped off by the CEOs with inheritance taxes.

[babylonsister]

121. If you're so unhappy with it, send it back to the government. I'm sure

someone who needs it more could benefit. :eyes:

[GentryDixon]

127. Thanks for the sanity.

Some people are never satisfied.

I am retired, so I did not receive anything, but I am glad others are getting a break.

[earth mom]

125. That $22 bucks is a TOTAL insult. It's nothing more than chump change, mere crumbs thrown the peons

Yet few around here seem to notice or care that the rich are getting richer on OUR dime while most of can barely stay afloat month to month.

There's something wrong with this picture.

Why aren't people saying enough is enough of this b.s?! :wtf:


Oh yeah, I forgot.

Obama's with the "D" after his name is in office, so that's what makes it "all good". :eyes:

[Renew Deal]

130. You can spend it on all that stuff, and you probably won't just pay off a credit card with it.

That's the point.

[alarimer]

133. Mine is a grand total of 30 dollars for the entire month.

I get paid monthly so that amounts to less than 10 dollars a week.

Fuck this pittance. It's a giant insult. "Throw the peons a bone so they won't notice all billions we are giving to the banksters".

Not to mention that it will probably come out of my tax refund next year. If I wanted to do that, I could have changed the withholding on my own.

Mr. President, don't piss on my and tell me it's raining. Get some of your asshole banking buddies to lower my usurious interest rates if you really want to help. I guess I should become a lobbyist if I want my voice to be heard.

[Ex Lurker]

134. Can someone clear this up for me?

is this an actual tax cut, or just a cut in the withholding rate, IOW will the same amount be owed at year end? Just in case I filed a new W4 to keep my withholding the same as it was.

[ecstatic]

139. 22 X 26 (assuming biweekly pay) = $572 nt

[SeeHopeWin]

140. Is this for one week or two weeks pay?