Has the crap economy put a crimp in your thrifting?

[joeybastard]

Everyone is complaining about the "crap economy" but I'm better off than I've been in years.

I've bought more on ebay in the last year than for a long time.

Haven't really found a good local thrift.

 

Me too but I'm in a field less hurt by the general economy. Look around at the rest of your community. Are there more foreclosed houses, more unemployment or under employment? More people sinking into unmanageable debt? All that is happening where I live. So for the time being, yeah, I made a few more bucks the past couple of years but many others around me are going downhill fast. In the long run, it will catch up to me too if things don't start turning around.

[Atari5200]

Everyone is complaining about the "crap economy" but I'm better off than I've been in years.

I've bought more on ebay in the last year than for a long time.

Haven't really found a good local thrift.

 

Me too but I'm in a field less hurt by the general economy. Look around at the rest of your community. Are there more foreclosed houses, more unemployment or under employment? More people sinking into unmanageable debt? All that is happening where I live. So for the time being, yeah, I made a few more bucks the past couple of years but many others around me are going downhill fast. In the long run, it will catch up to me too if things don't start turning around.

 

So far so good in the Pittsburgh area, at least in my opinion. No doubt it's region by region, but there's one thing you have to remember.

 

We live in the U.S. we have the opportunity to do what we will with our lives, and even with a terrible economy, which we DO NOT HAVE, we still have it A LOT BETTER than most countries.

[Atari5200]

As a advisor for a major bank you should no better as to what a huge tax increase to everybody would do. If you really believe that he is only going to cut taxes on the rich then you will be in for quite a surprise. Who is going to pay for free medical insurance? There is not enough rich people in the world to pay for all his "free" stuff. A obama Presidency is the worst thing that could happen to the United Stated during this time, People need to save their money and keep what they earn no pay for people on welfare who have 10 kids and are to lazy to work.

 

 

So, 4 more years of Bush-o-nomics (tax cuts for the wealthy, incentives for mega corporations to move overseas, and a continued expansion of government) is the shot in the arm we need? Hmmm...

I'm not sure which mainstream media you're watching...sounds like the same one we all see based on what you are stating about Obama. He's actually planning on LOWERING income tax for the middle class. The media as always spins WAY right, and they're not even past the tip of the iceberg as to just how bad it is right now.

I'm not sure what you do for a living....but I work as an adviser for a major bank. I manage OTHER PEOPLES 401k's, and have a damn good idea of what is going on. And believe me it's not good.

But again if you feel that McCain (who btw on several occasions himself said he was no expert on finance!) is the answer to the economic woes then by all means support him. If you're impressed with the recent "growth" which almost got us close to where Clinton left the economy in 2000, then great. TO me, 8 years of stagnation with worse times in the near future to look forward to is not my idea of growth.

Your cries about Obama sound very identical to those about Clinton in 91. Eight years of unprecedented growth and prosperity later, most realized they were wrong about him. Again it's the "mainstream media" that has peoples' opinions about the Deomcrats wrong. guess who LOWERED the capital gains taxed in the 90's? Bush Sr.? Nope. Clinton did. Guess who balanced the budget and ran with a surplus? Yep...Clinton again. Guess who annihilated that surplus and turned it to a deficit? Here's a hint...its the same guy who EXPANDED the size of government. Need another hint? He also lied us into a war that's costing billions....

Look believe what you want. Obama WILL be president come January, and his economic policies will restore positive growth. And I'm sure the righties will jump in and take credit for the growth as being GW Bushs' policies not Obamas, much like Clinton haters said he benefited from Reaganomics and GHBush1.

 

Another paying attention to the right-wing media machine. Obama is going to CUT taxes, not raise them. And at any rate, once he gets us out of GW's abortion of an invasion and takeover of Iraq, the billions spent over there could be spent here instead.

And yet another misconception about welfare. It was HUGELY reduced under Clinton. Just because Obama is a Dem doesn't mean he's going to do all that rush Limbaugh tells you all Democrats do.

But it is refreshing to see the fear in righties knowing Obama is going to crush McCain in November. I really don't get how people are so afraid of a democrat back in the white house. In 16 years, we had one from each party. The democrat gave us unprecedented growth like this country has never seen, and in less than four a Republican drove the country into the shitter. Do you people *like* hard times and being the ridiculed ass-end of the world?

 

umm. prove me wrong, but, I believe the US was in recession during the tail ends of the Clinton presidency. The Bush tax cuts moved the country out of recession and until Congress and Senate were democratically controlled 2 years ago, the economy was in good shape. Under Bush the stock market rose to record numbers, un-employement fell to record numbers, and then Democrats took control of the house and senate. None of this happened until they took control, gas was around $2 cheaper until they took control. The Democratically controlled congress has what an 9% approval rating, the worst in history, while bush as 28% worst in history approval, factor out the war and I'd guess it would be much higher than 28%.

 

Let me ask you this. What has the democratically controlled congress and house done in 2 years that warrant them being in another 2 years? Most of them should be arrested for treason for under minding the troops. You think our enemies don't know what's going on? They will just sit back and wait for a democrat president because they know a democratic president ISN'T going to do anything while they blow us up. They have been at war with us for decades and it took thousands of lives and 2 sky scrapers destroyed before we did anything about it. Harry Reid stating the war is lost, when it's good. John Murtha "our troops are killing women and children and terrorizing them in the middle of the night" then the case gets thrown out of court and he won't even apologize. I could go on.

Edited July 9, 2008 by Atari5200

[joeybastard]

Keep in mind that while there may be a Dem majority in the congress they are not a big enough majority to actually get anything done. There are enough Reps to keep any measures from being passed or having to be severely watered down before they pass. This gets thrown around a lot where people claim they Dems in Congress aren't doing anything but the fact is, they can't because they don't have a big enough majority.

 

Also:

we still have it A LOT BETTER than most countries

While that may be somewhat true, it doesn't change what's happening in the long run. Let things go the way they are and we won't have it any better.

 

 

 

I'll skip the paranoia stuff you get into about "enemies in hiding." It's ludicrous to think whoever the next president is will not do anything if the country is really threatened. You can believe that if you want but I think it's too silly to take seriously.

Edited July 9, 2008 by joeybastard

[MCHufnagel]

I live in the Detroit area and my wife and I know several people who are either losing their job or are on the edge of having it happen. My wife and I though are in industries that are thriving and so we have no such worries. It all depends in what industry you're in and if (in Detroit anyway) you're handicapped by a UAW contract.

 

I'm pretty much a conservative thinking libertarian. And so I feel that both major parties shit on the American people. But the Libertarian party is run by a bunch of idiots too. During the last election instead of bringing up important issues like "Kelo" or senseless regulations they talk about legalizing pot or withdrawing from international politics. Issues that won't bring them many votes. I'm a big supporter of the Fair Tax propasal (another issue the Libertarians should push), but that will never happen because that would take away the governments ability to garner favors in return for tax breaks.

 

I do favor the Republicans because I know, with all of their faults, that they will go to war with people who are trying to destroy our way of life. Not bury their heads in the sand like Clinton did. I don't mind our armed forces killing people who are trying to remove me or my lifestyle.

 

Personally I feel that the real reason the Democracts (at least their leadership) don't want to fight our enemies is because they don't like capitalism much either. As far as the Democracts trying to undermine the war effort, I do believe that's true. As a matter of fact, they're trying to undermine our foreign policy as a whole. Just look what Columbia found on that FARC laptop.

[Atari5200]

Michigan in general is hurting, look at who runs it though.

 

I am not a Republican or Democrat, I'm conservative, I believe in what is right and what is wrong.

 

I'm not thrilled with either canidate, but Obama would be a disaster. Even with policy aside, why would you elect someone that has so many radical ties into the presidency? From Bill Ayers, a man that I don't understand how is not in prison for bombings against America, who is quoted and saying he wished he did more, totally unrepentant terrorist and Obama served on boards with him? His pastor for 20 years "oh i didn't know he was like that" GIVE ME A BREAK, and if you care...do some research on the group ACORN, yeah, policy aside, this guy is a walking disaster.

Edited July 9, 2008 by Atari5200

[MCHufnagel]

Michigan in general is hurting, look at who runs it though. People don't learn.

I agree with you on that. But while the Democracts are bad, and in Wayne County totally corrupt, the Republicans in this state just do stupid things. There is just too much animosity between the Grand Rapids/Lansing and tri-county Republicans.

[Atari5200]

It's just sad to see what's going on especially with GM, the stock is the lowest it's been in what, 60 years, I think I remember hearing, not since the 1950's has it been in single digits?? Now's the time to buy it!! But of course, I thought that same way my parents and I thought about US Air when their crap was going on here in Pittsburgh, with talk of mergers, I didn't take the plunge, my dad lost 1000 shares..oh well, that's how the game is played.

 

Anyway, this has gone way off topic now, so I'm going to end it here. If anybody has questions for me or wants to debate or just discuss politics in general, feel free to PM me.

Edited July 9, 2008 by Atari5200

[christianscott27]

Trying to blame all of our current woes on the (barely) Democratic controlled congress without offering any direct examples is empty bluster. If you can point to some specific things the Democrats passed that directly led to higher gas prices or the subprime crisis by all means do so. Otherwise I'd saying you're making an argument along the lines of "ever since you kids got that dog its rained every weekend". As much as some might like to blame Harry Reid and his fab 49 vote non-majority its not going to wash, the roots of the credit crisis were planted long before the 2006 elections and if any party is responsible for the oil crisis its the one thats been in bed with the oil industry all along.

 

 

Lastly pointing to the low approval numbers of congress to prove your point is misleading in the extreme, for one most American probably couldnt even name their own Senators and Rep let alone tell you what they're doing or not doing. Also consider that a Republican may be mad at congress over immigration, while a Democrat might be mad about the war and an independent might be mad about telecom immunity... There are many reasons for people to be upset with congress but that doesnt necessarily favor the minority party, just look at how poorly Republican candidates are doing this cycle for example.

[+else]

Trying to blame all of our current woes on the (barely) Democratic controlled congress without offering any direct examples is empty bluster.

 

The Democrats were elected in 2006 to do one thing -- stop the war and bring the troops home. Yet every time there's a war spending bill, they roll over each other to be first to sign it. It's not what they have done -- it's what they haven't done since 2006.....

 

Disclaimer -- I can't stand either party. I think they're both two shades of the same thing.

[zach1845]

Because of the Democratic majority in the house and Senate nothing is being done to do more drilling in the United States. The Democrats have no answers and dont want to look into drilling in the ocean. Nothing will ever get done as long as the Democrats have the majority because they block every good idea. Common sense says if there isnt enough Oil in the Middle East and you have alot in your own soil then Drill it.

 

 

Trying to blame all of our current woes on the (barely) Democratic controlled congress without offering any direct examples is empty bluster. If you can point to some specific things the Democrats passed that directly led to higher gas prices or the subprime crisis by all means do so. Otherwise I'd saying you're making an argument along the lines of "ever since you kids got that dog its rained every weekend". As much as some might like to blame Harry Reid and his fab 49 vote non-majority its not going to wash, the roots of the credit crisis were planted long before the 2006 elections and if any party is responsible for the oil crisis its the one thats been in bed with the oil industry all along.

 

 

Lastly pointing to the low approval numbers of congress to prove your point is misleading in the extreme, for one most American probably couldnt even name their own Senators and Rep let alone tell you what they're doing or not doing. Also consider that a Republican may be mad at congress over immigration, while a Democrat might be mad about the war and an independent might be mad about telecom immunity... There are many reasons for people to be upset with congress but that doesnt necessarily favor the minority party, just look at how poorly Republican candidates are doing this cycle for example.

[fiddlepaddle]

All politicians abuse the economic system, but the democrats sabotage it.

 

What I want to know is, will Obama regulate the price of video games at Goodwill, or not?

[christianscott27]

Because of the Democratic majority in the house and Senate nothing is being done to do more drilling in the United States. The Democrats have no answers and dont want to look into drilling in the ocean. Nothing will ever get done as long as the Democrats have the majority because they block every good idea. Common sense says if there isnt enough Oil in the Middle East and you have alot in your own soil then Drill it.

 

So why wasnt the drilling done during the 4 years the GOP had control over the Senate, House and Whitehouse? Its hard to take these arguments seriously, there will never be a more pro-oil Whitehouse than Bush/Cheney.

[Atarifever]

Lot of party people here, on both sides. Here's an idea. Why don't you all try thinking for yourselves. Neither party is going to do jack squat and you know it. The Republicans have become too communist for their own ideals and the Democrats have rolled over too long to suddenly claim they have ideals at all. Neither party is going to save the day, because they are both so completely incapable.

[stirrell]

Too much of either side is a bad thing. First off, power corrupts and those in power tend to abuse it. This is both Republicans and Democrats and, dare I say, Libertarians, were they to be swept into office in a landslide.

As I brought them up, I feel the need to point out I'm not personally a Libertarian. I am quite the opposite. I'm pretty much a communist. However, I like libertarians, because every one I have ever talked to has been much more well informed, and much more concerned with human rights than any "party" voter. I have a lot of friends who vote based on "being" NDP, liberal, Green, or conservative. No matter what their party changes to believing, over years and years of different issues, they somehow always vote for them. No party can possibly always be right. Especially any party that has proven so many times that they are not good choices (Republicans or Democrats, or Conservatives and Liberals for example). I'd rather argue with a well informed Liberatarian or Anarchist (both very opposite opinions to mine) anyday than talk politics with someone who votes based on who their Father and Mother used to vote for.

 

And, just to clarify, I was not saying that one group is more susceptible to corruption than another. Unfortunately, I think many people will abuse their power if given the chance. Not everyone, of course, but enough that makes cleaning house from time-to-time a necessity. I think if people looked at their beliefs honestly, they would find that they don't agree with one party right down the line. It would be nice if people kept open minds on things.

 

As for me, I am socially very liberal. Fiscally, I am much more conservative. Neither of the two parties really match up to my beliefs. It is sad to think that someone who has varied beliefs doesn't really have a place in either party. There are too many litmus test issues for each party. Can you imagine a Republican presidential candidate who had no problem with gay marriage or a Democratic candidate wanting to drill in ANWAR? People are too often expected to just accept the entire party platform. Having people agree on that many issues just won't usually happen.

[RJ]

I don't mind our armed forces killing people who are trying to remove me or my lifestyle.

 

Well said. May I please use this as my sig?

[shadow460]

Found two commons at a thrift the other day. That's what's putting a cramp in my thrifting--there's nothing to buy!

[MCHufnagel]

I don't mind our armed forces killing people who are trying to remove me or my lifestyle.

 

Well said. May I please use this as my sig?

Be my guest!