How do we get the country working again?

the current govt. is more interested in massive political patronage on a scale never seen and throwing BILLIONS away on consolidating power instead of getting the country moving.

warming and fears aside, we could have had enough nuclear power stations w/ that TRILLION dollar throwaway to be able to stick it to the KSA and the rest of the ME. Instead, we got a union controlled failing car company and zero accountability for where all the money is going

Every street and hiway in this country seems to be in dire needs of attention. Lets grab a bunch and give them training on heavy equipment and materials analysis. I hear tell many of our school buildings are being neglected as well so maybe another bunch to learn how to swing a hammer, sheetrock, plaster, paint and fix warped window sashes.

I know EXACTLY how to fix things but I cannot say so.
I agree that besides the rapid movement towards socialism and deterioration of personal freedom
there is a "plan" to give money away to those who supported or will benefit fronm these new programs.
The bailouts benefited the "fat cats" but when the retired teachers and policemen in Indianana
complained they their retirement BONDS were bein given to unions and others they were called FAT CATS.
Teachers and Police DO get a living wage but by no stretch of the imagination are they rich.
Policicians are rich.

Gerry-those solutions you mentioned are exactly the problem we have now! The government does not create jobs that help the country. They take the money from the private sector people and give it to those doing those doing taxpayer funded political jobs. Let the private sector be free of government regulations and the country would move ahead.

You think it's bad now? wait until everyone starts figuring out that all those 80% pensions are woefully underfunded and there's nothing.

Remember the mantra: Taxes are for the little people

I hear tell many of our school buildings are being neglected as well so maybe another bunch to learn how to swing a hammer, sheetrock, plaster, paint and fix warped window sashes.

It should not be too hard to get union agreement to this idea,Richard. You know, inter trade jurisdiction and all. The young unemployed could later become certified apprentices and fill the ranks of older workers who will soon retire anyway. I like it. Yes, corporate welfare has now shown its face, Walter. Let's spread the manure around a little and green up the troops.

A country pays for the wars it plays.

Its not rocket science- the people who run companies and hire people are looking at what the U.S. business climate will be a year, two years and three years out, and see:

1. Massive, mostly foolish, unfunded government spending ironically called a "stimulus package" that, along with other out-of-control, unfunded government spending, will cause inflation. Inflation cuts into businesses' profits and makes businesses less able to compete globally.

2. Health care "reform" that's passed the House of Representatives, and which will do nothing to stop increases in health care costs, but will impose higher taxes on businesses.

3. A crazy "cap and trade" bill that's passed the House of Representatives, and which will effectively impose an additional tax on existing forms of energy. If you run a brick and mortar business that requires electricity or relies on trucks that consume fuel, the costs of this legislation will be horrific.

If I ran a business, 1.-3. above would make me want to put off hiring any new employees.

.....the current govt. is more interested in massive political patronage on a scale never seen....

True enough, Howard. One of our two Senators is proud of being Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Dan delivers. Perhaps we all talk a good game about being against patronage/pork except when it creates needed jobs and is not wasted (e.g. F 22.)
Oahu is counting on federal funds for a giant rail transit project. Hard to fault that one in these times.( Also the bids are coming in way lower than expected,interesting.) I concur in your point though ..earmarks should be open and above board at a minimum. And justifiable as part of some national goal. e.g. rapid transit solutions.