Discuss the second installment of this week's Dust-Up

This article is just garbage. Neither Obama or McCain is an FDR. Both support the bailout even though nobody is sure what the real problem is. Only Congress would throw a king's ransom at a problem it didn't understand. Congress doesn't listen to the people of this country because the oligarchs (rich families and financiers) actually rule it. Those people do not believe in democracy because they think we are too stupid to govern ourselves. Look what decades of their rule has brought us to! Give democracy a chance.

Isisells @ 2:51 PM PDT, Oct 1, 2008

Why is it that we continue to bail out and help the rich? It is about time that they be held responsible for the burden they put on everyday people. Come on america its time to stand up to the government and make them listen. It is you and I that will pay for their mistakes and we are already tapped out with the constant rise in cost of living. Why are we spending $700 million on tax cuts for the wealthy? They have the money to lose, its about time they start living like the rest of us. All the CEO's should have their assets seized and locked up for awhile. The system definitely needs a major overhaul!!

BJ @ 1:20 PM PDT, Oct 1, 2008

The question is who is best for the American System? Our economic, government, political, military, social and educational systems cannot be separated from each other. They are interdependent components that have relationships and interactions with each other that holistically comprise the American System. If the system is headed in the right direction and just needs “fine-tuning”, the Sarah Palin “touch”, then vote for McCain. However, if the system needs new direction, strategies, and vision, then vote for Obama. He envisions strategic change and new direction while McCain envisions tactical and operational change and the same direction.

Ransome @ 12:29 PM PDT, Oct 1, 2008

McCain is very ill and won't last 4 years. He is incompetent to govern us out of the biggest financial tragedy in our country’s history. He touts experience as a synonym for leadership but his record doesn't back that up. The choice is a no-brainer. His economic experience: in the 11th hour he proposed a bill - kind of like stopping the flow of lava down the mountainside. His allegiance to rich friends who get richer leaved the majority of Americans out. IT IS simple to place the blame on the shoulders of homeowners and wink away the banks who underhandedly contributed to this mess with the nod of our govt.

socalkim @ 12:21 PM PDT, Oct 1, 2008

The credit crunch is attributed to a "failure of trust" and erosion of "informational capital," to use a phrase from Ben Bernanke's grad school thesis. Robert Kuttner is right when he says that deregulation is at the bottom of this mess. Bankers have been allowed to lie about risk, asset value, etc. Now their informational capital is used up, so financial capital can't flow. Regulations -- open-book accounting and an overhaul of GAAP -- are the only way to get honest, reliable information flowing again, which will free up capital flows.

Christian Doering @ 12:07 PM PDT, Oct 1, 2008

Haven't we had enough of trickle-down economics? By providing tax cuts for the middle class Obama's plan stimulates the economy where the economy functions most. The middle class are the consumers who SHOP, eat out, etc. If the middle class is strapped for cash and restricting these activites, how much are tax cuts to the retailers, food chain owners, etc going to matter? And no employer is going to cut jobs when they have enough customers.

Joe @ 11:00 AM PDT, Oct 1, 2008

this about a core problem in our culture, a residential home is built as a commodity with a 30 year life span, rather than being depreciated they are appreciated to make people believe they are gaining value. At the same time, commercial buildings are depreciated, but yet are actually producing revenue in rent. A residential home is a disposal item, it is not a thing that should be sold to provide wealth, or be allowed to borrow against at speculation. Ask any Architect, or Contractor.

james easton @ 10:55 AM PDT, Oct 1, 2008

With banks failing and credit no longer being extended to small business, big business or consumers... and of course our 401K's are plummeting...we need to act quickly to 'stop the bleeding'. All caused by years of deregulation, championed by Republicans...the market forces did not police themselves. Surprise, surprise!!! Who would make such assumptions? [Oh,...Republicans]. Let's pass this bailout quickly and get on with electing Obama. Lobbyists and special interests can no longer have unfettered access enacting slanted government policy.

Matt @ 10:46 AM PDT, Oct 1, 2008

J.D. Foster only told half the truth about healthcare. McCain's plan will give each individual a $2500--or FAMILY a $5000--tax break for their medical costs. But it will also turn around and TAX YOUR EMPLOYER-PAID HEALTH BENEFITS AS INCOME. Do the math: I'm getting a better deal now. Bet you are, too. And Obama's plan is not "nationalized" health care--participation is voluntary, directed to those who have no other options or are getting the worst thru employers.

HC @ 10:26 AM PDT, Oct 1, 2008

I say neither, has there ever been a truly elected official that was elected by popular vote? I think not. it is those we send to congress who hold the election power, you would think it's time we elected some who will do as the people wish this is the reason why such a large percentage of the population does not participate, like our vote really counts. Certainly picked the worst time in my lifetime to start a business. I protest to the thought of my vote really counting anyway.

michael moran @ 9:58 AM PDT, Oct 1, 2008

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