There would have been a recession in 2001, but Greenspan lowered interest rates to 1%, igniting a real estate bubble. On the fiscal side Bush doubled the debt in two terms, borrowing more than all predecessors combined and spending the money through deficits borrowed from the Chinese.

Bush and company delayed the recession, so NOW we are getting the mother of all recessions.

So, yeah – kind of – it was Clinton’s recession delayed for 8 years by Bush.

Happy?

I did?

Because…had you actually ever taken a course in basic economics, you would have learned that there is a cycle to capitalistic economies: growth-slowdown-contraction….repeat every 7-9 years.

Surely Bill, as an alumni of a school geared towards science, you would know that.

Proof please.

I’m really interested to hear how this one woks out.

No, your “savings” are either in a bank account/stock market account, or YOU are devouring your savings.

The market didn’t fall because of Saxby economics…it fell because of the anticipation of Obama economics.

Saxby is devouring my savings right now. I believe in shooting the beast, figuring that the others will “get religion.”

“versus a liberal who has yet to PROVE that he is a danger to the people’s welfare.”

By the time that PROOF is apparent, it will be too late.

But, hey, just you keep thinking those wolves wandering around outside your chicken coop won’t crash through the door and consume everything in sight.

The bailout was a direct attack on all responsible citizens and destroyed the last fragile thread that good citizens had with this government.

Icarus, Farris, et al should be contratulated for identifying the theft as what it is.
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What this election is about is voting for a robber of everyone’s futures versus a liberal who has yet to PROVE that he is a danger to the people’s welfare.

This is almost more than GOPers can bear.

What is about to be revealed about 401K “safe” investment choices across the USA will make most sane voters absolutely distraught if they have voted for Saxby and the other tools of Wall Street.

Then I look around at the wreck that used to be the USA.

And the sympathy fades. Like my voice in your wilderness, it fades away…..

Icarus, I do not know you, other than your words here. Its about time you woke up.

It is like half the country went to sleep in 2000, and now, in 2008, are awakened by the sound of BAILOUT! and, at long last, appalled at what has developed from their false belief in the two party system.

Welcome to my nightmare.

I’m conservative first, Republican second. I’ve been very down about the state of our Party. McCain doesn’t get it; Boehner doesn’t get it; I don’t think Coburn gets it.

Icarus, here is what conservatism is to me. I hope it offers a glimmer of hope.

Conservatism is a philosophy. At its root is an understanding of the nature of things. Read great conservative writers such as Russell Kirk and the questions of the nature of man and the laws that govern the universe are not side musings but fundamental questions. To understand the proper role of government requires a knowledge of the man that is being governed, and the man that is governing. So the question is, who and what is man? And, there are certain laws that govern the world – what are they and what is their source? These questions are not being asked today, but a government system that is not based on the real nature of that which it is governing can never be good.

Conservatism is founded on the nature of things — the reason old conservatives use (and actually understand) the mantra of “don’t immanentize the eschaton” is that we realize that certain things cannot be achieved in this world, and harm comes from trying.

Conservatism is based on the fallibility of man, the need for checks against his sinful nature, and the understanding and recognition of a greater power whose laws govern the universe and the hearts of mankind. Some of you look at this and say its too religious, but read the writings of the great Conservative thinkers and its unavoidable (Buckley, Kirk, etc.). But this isn’t about “church” or “religion.” It’s about the nature of man.

Conservatism is about the need for both individuality and community. Rather than the forced community that liberals promote, conservatives believe that the best community is the voluntary one, where individuals and their families contribute on their own free volition.

Conservatism is about responsibility, both individually and corporately (e.g. communally). Responsibility is not something to be eschewed, but is a blessing and should be craved. Conservatives understand that responsibility is the foreground to real progress – all decisions have consequences, and those who make the decisions are the ones who should bear the brunt of those consequences. Conservatives believe that this is not only fair, but leads to the best decision-making within a society at large.

Conservatism believes that, unlike Randian individualism, self-sacrifice for the sake of others is an honor and a duty. Methods of “forced sacrifice” such as government-mandated wealth redistribution is not honorable but disgraceful, and on multiple levels. It’s disgraceful that the government takes property from one and gives to another; it’s disgraceful that the needs of some in our society are not being met through charitable efforts; and it’s disgraceful that many take advantage of the forced redistribution to avoid work.

This is just a beginning. Icarus, you may have some gray hair, but I don’t, and hopefully not for a long time. I just hope that mine are hard-earned, as I’m sure yours are as well.

The difference is you go the complete opposite of your “values” and vote for Obama and the Democrats. That’s surrender.

McCain and the GOP are not just victims of the financial crisis. McCain’s performance in light of the crisis was awful. Moreover, a party that has fully embraced deregulation doesn’t look very prepared to restore financial order.

I don’t blame any of this on the Palin pick. I blame the polls on a few trillion gone from the Dow.

As for the situation of the party, it’s pretty common when you’re in the process of having your ass handed to you. You guys are pretty familiar with the routine from the last few cycles.

How does that Palin pick look now?

The GOP is lost at sea. The party faithful are pointing fingers just before they jump ship. There is going to be one hell of a knife fight coming.

KEEP UP THE FIGHT!

I do think most people have the right intentions when they join a party. The problem is when the party is more about blind support and winning.

I have recruited people and fostered an atmosphere to challenge process or ideas if they are not right. It seems parties tend not to reexamine itself unless they become out of any real power. Many companies are not much different in that they do not re-focus unless they have real issues.

At the end the GOP must understand the problem is not the Democrat it is the party. The GOP must focus on real issues to get back in the game.

As far as the lobbyist money changers in Washington they will only shift the money. The question is when will Americans wake up? Are officeholders are only a reflection of what most people want. And the truth is too many on all sides want the free lunch program!

At the end of your life will anyone really care how many cars you have or what neighborhood you live in? What really maters is what type of spouse, parent and neighbor you are.

Your last assessment of political parties was spot on. Too many people looking to further some personal interest who basically tell the people there for some greater good (like the best interests of the country) to get lost.

I feel your pain……really!

Parties are social clubs and a LOT of activists are there because they are looking for a juicy contract, job, or other pork.

The rest of us get sick and drop out of the process.