Let the Jobs Flow!

I have to be honest, I really didn't have any interest in the President's latest speech on jobs, but found myself reading it this afternoon at work. As I continued to read, I found myself talking to myself. So, I thought I would try something new. It might take awhile, especially after I add Jose's comments. This will probably tell a lot about my politics, and some of you might not care for that spin.

And now since it has been awhile since this speech, and it's already been voted down once, I find this even more interesting. What did the President say that night?
But, you don't get if you don't ask, and you don't have to read it. If you don't want my politics, then you can read some of America's Finest News Source. The President's remarks are in Blue, and my comments, of course, look like this.

(I've been fighting the blogger to get the format right, and it looks like my comments aren't all the same color.  However, the speech text appears to be blue no matter.)

Let's begin,shall we?

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, Members of Congress, and fellow Americans:


Tonight we meet at an urgent time for our country. We continue to face an economic crisis that has left millions of our neighbors jobless, and a political crisis that has made things worse.


I have to agree here. This is an urgent time. We continue to face an economic crisis that rivals the 1980's I've heard a number of times, when jobs were thin. And absolutely, we have a political crisis. Politics has invaded every single facet of life as we know it, and in my opinion, is out of control.

This past week, reporters have been asking "What will this speech mean for the President? What will it mean for Congress? How will it affect their polls, and the next election?"

And I personally think they were balls on.

But the millions of Americans who are watching right now: they don't care about politics. They have real life concerns. Many have spent months looking for work. Others are doing their best just to scrape by - giving up nights out with the family to save on gas or make the mortgage; postponing retirement to send a kid to college.

I agree. Millions of Americans haven't really cared about politics. I believe now, since things are so uncertain, people are paying attention. The trust is gone, if there was any trust to begin with.
These men and women grew up with faith in an America where hard work and responsibility paid off. They believed in a country where everyone gets a fair shake and does their fair share - where if you stepped up, did your job, and were loyal to your company, that loyalty would be rewarded with a decent salary and good benefits; maybe a raise once in awhile. If you did the right thing, you could make it in America.

I can't help but pick out all the political terms in there already. Like fair share. Makes me think of taxes right off the bat.

But for decades now, Americans have watched that compact erode. They have seen the deck too often stacked against them. And they know that Washington hasn't always put their interests first.


More than ever, Washington. I think he might have rolled over in his grave.


The people of this country work hard to meet their responsibilities. The question tonight is whether we'll meet ours. The question is whether, in the face of an ongoing national crisis, we can stop the political circus and actually do something to help the economy; whether we can restore some of the fairness and security that has defined this nation since our beginning.

I would love for Congress to grow some responsibility, in my opinion, of course. The political circus will never stop; just do something meaningful.

Those of us here tonight can't solve all of our nation's woes. Ultimately, our recovery will be driven not by Washington, but by our businesses and our workers.   If you get out of the way. But we can help. We can make a difference. There are steps we can take right now to improve people's lives.

I disagree. The recovery can be driven by Washington.

I am sending this Congress a plan that you should pass right away (1). It's called the American Jobs Act. There should be nothing controversial about this piece of legislation.

Nothing controversial. Yep.

Everything in here is the kind of proposal that's been supported by both Democrats and Republicans - including many who sit here tonight. And everything in this bill will be paid for. Everything. 

I don't think that 'paid for' has the same meaning in Washington than everywhere else. 


The purpose of the American Jobs Act is simple: to put more people back to work and more money in the pockets of those who are working. This sounds like a...I thought we couldn't afford...

It will create more jobs for construction workers, more jobs for teachers, more jobs for veterans, and more jobs for the long-term unemployed. What's 'It?' The Bill, the part we can't afford to do, like....

It will provide a tax break for companies who hire new workers, and it will cut payroll taxes in half for every working American and every small business. He said it. Tax Breaks. And, in 2008, payroll taxes were over a third of Government Income, or approximately $800 BILLION. This link, even though it has figures from 2008, has some good history on what tax revenues have come into the government. A graph from that same website:

"People don't hire people to give them money, they hire people to provide a service or make a product based on the rules of supply and demand." -M. Tucker.

Now, I realize there are some in my party who don't think we should make any changes at all to Medicare and Medicaid, and I understand their concerns. But here's the truth. Millions of Americans rely on Medicare in their retirement. And millions more will do so in the future. Until 2026, or somewhere around there.  And I'll be 52.  They pay for this benefit during their working years. They earn it. For those that work.  But with an aging population and rising health care costs, we are spending too fast to sustain the program. Agreed.  And if we don't gradually reform the system while protecting current beneficiaries, it won't be there when future retirees need it. We have to reform Medicare to strengthen it. How about we set it up where you don't get benefits if you don't pay in? You don't work, you don't get? Now, I know some of us out there can't work. I'm talking about the ones that can work but don't. I'm talking about those on perpetual government support.  Those that are lazy?  I mean, why not just sit and get a check?


I'm also well aware that there are many Republicans who don't believe we should raise taxes on those who are most fortunate and can best afford it. But here is what every American knows. While most people in this country struggle to make ends meet, a few of the most affluent citizens and corporations enjoy tax breaks and loopholes that nobody else gets. Like GE? Or what about Buffett?  I guess since he owes a Billion in back taxes, must not be a problem. A discussion with my girlfriend got into this. Some can't afford it because they don't have enough to pay bills. Some have to pay more because they can afford it. Loopholes and tax breaks. The system is so complicated the ones that can afford to skirt the laws and create loopholes. Like Warren Buffet? Right now, Warren Buffet pays a lower tax rate than his secretary - an outrage he has asked us to fix. I don't believe it's the government's problem to fix things that aren't the government's business. How about a list of those 'things that aren't the government's business?' Oh wait, I guess this government doesn't count.  Governmnent is into everything.  And anyone that knows me knows I believe Government is too big.  But really, the Federal Government is worse.   We need a tax code where everyone gets a fair shake, and everybody pays their fair share. You can't have both.  And I believe the vast majority of wealthy Americans and CEOs are willing to do just that, if it helps the economy grow and gets our fiscal house in order. You are asking for $400 BILLION. After charging $400 Billion on the US Credit Card on August 3. Why didn't we use that $400 Billion to do this Jobs thingy here?

We have to stop spending.   Forget everything else.  We have to stop spending.

I'll also offer ideas to reform a corporate tax code that stands as a monument to special interest influence in Washington. By eliminating pages of loopholes and deductions, we can lower one of the highest corporate tax rates in the world. Our tax code shouldn't give an advantage to companies that can afford the best-connected lobbyists. But it does. Every day. And it shows here in this plan. Right here. It should give an advantage to companies that invest and create jobs here in America. It should. Absolutely.

So we can reduce this deficit, pay down our debt, and pay for this jobs plan in the process. I thought this was a jobs bill? Where did this "pay down our debt"come from? But in order to do this, we have to decide what our priorities are. We have to ask ourselves, "What's the best way to grow the economy and create jobs?" How about reducing government restrictions, let business decide for itself? How about getting out of the way? How about not playing politics like you guys do? That will start to fix the problems. A huge part of the speculation that keeps uncertainty out there is the threat of Government changing the game again. It's already expensive to hire someone, but you probably wouldn't know that's the case.

Should we keep tax loopholes for oil companies? Yep. You mean the profit for doing business?  What kind of tax rate do they pay?  I know they make biliions, but what ROI?  Oh, right.  Fair share. Forgot.  Sorry.  Or should we use that money to give small business owners a tax credit when they hire new workers? Because we can't afford to do both. Yes we can. It's called less spending. Why don't we just cut the spending by $400 Billion? Check this out. Let's play a game. Click on that link, and then take note of the debt. Take note of the amount (you might concentrate on the hundred thousand column). Take minute,then compare. Should we keep tax breaks for millionaires and billionaires? Yep. Or should we put teachers back to work so our kids can graduate ready for college and good jobs? Right now, we can't afford to do both. Yes we can. And we should. But we can't get there by spending like we're spending.

On the right side of that website, there's a vertical bar with numbers.  The top two:  Citizens, Taxpayers.  I've never understood the fair share argument. 

This isn't political grandstanding. Yes it is. This isn't class warfare. Yes it is. This is simple math. Yes it is. These are real choices that we have to make. Yes they are. And I'm pretty sure I know what most Americans would choose. It's not even close. And it's time for us to do what's right for our future. Yep. It's time.

The American Jobs Act answers the urgent need to create jobs right away. It doesn't address anything. $4000 credit for employers isn't enough initiative. But we can't stop there. No, you really should. As I've argued since I ran for this office, we have to look beyond the immediate crisis and start building an economy that lasts into the future - an economy that creates good, middle-class jobs that pay well and offer security. Then how about something about educating the unemployed and underemployed? How about credits for going back to college? How about credits for finishing a new degree? We now live in a world where technology has made it possible for companies to take their business anywhere. And they absolutely do because we make the decision for them. It's way cheaper to move overseas then do business here. If we want them to start here and stay here and hire here, we have to be able to out-build, out-educate, and out-innovate every other country on Earth. And look at how we're driving companies elsewhere. How about a study about why that is?

This task, of making America more competitive for the long haul, is a job for all of us. For government and for private companies. For states and for local communities - and for every American citizen. All of us will have to up our game. All of us will have to change the way we do business. I'm assuming you are still talking to Congress. You just have to change how you do business. That would have far more effect than anything this jobs bill could do, can do, or might do.

My administration can and will take some steps to improve our competitiveness on our own. For example, if you're a small business owner who has a contract with the federal government, we're going to make sure you get paid a lot faster than you do now. We're also planning to cut away the red tape that prevents too many rapidly-growing start-up companies from raising capital and going public. And to help responsible homeowners, (and what about the irresponsible ones?) we're going to work with Federal housing agencies to help more people refinance their mortgages at interest rates that are now near 4% -- a step that can put more than $2,000 a year in a family's pocket, and give a lift to an economy still burdened by the drop in housing prices. This is a great idea. Let's go ahead and sign that program up today. It won't cost a thing, and it would help quite a bit. It would help me, for sure. I've not worked in two years, and have made every payment without fail. I can't refinance because I haven't had employment for long enough.

Good point.  If we just gave people money, well, that's called an entitlement.  And we're talking about jobs, right? 

It will provide a jolt to an economy that has stalled (and why is that?), and give companies confidence that if they invest and hire, there will be customers for their products and services. You should pass this jobs plan right away (2). Fortunately, I drank Jolt in high school, and it had "twice the caffeine" and it gave a jolt. Then you lose your high after a brief stint of energy. I'd rather the feds don't jolt anything of mine. I don't believe a jolt will do much. To make this thing better, something has to be sustained for the duration. Something significant and meaningful.

Everyone here knows that small businesses are where most new jobs begin. Um, no. Everyone here, well that would be Congress, wouldn't it? This statement is directed to Congress quite obviously. This is a cool graphic based on a report done by J.P. Morgan:

Now, let's be somewhat skeptical of the graph. There's probably 3-5% error. This administration isn't heavy on the appointed cabinet members with private sector experience.

And you know that while corporate profits have come roaring back (really? roaring back?), smaller companies haven't. So for everyone who speaks so passionately about making life easier for "job creators," this plan is for you. I'm not really all ears.
Pass this jobs bill (3), and starting tomorrow, small businesses will get a tax cut if they hire new workers or raise workers' wages. Pass this jobs bill (4), and all small business owners will also see their payroll taxes cut in half next year. So, cutting the payroll taxes above didn't include small business owners? I guess they aren't workers. But I seem to remember that businesses pay half the payroll tax, right? So I guess a portion of the $800B above wasn't really accurate. But this brings it up to snuff, I guess.

If you have 50 employees making an average salary, that's an $80,000 tax cut. And all businesses will be able to continue writing off the investments they make in 2012. It's not just Democrats who have supported this kind of proposal. Wow. Democrats supported cutting the payroll tax in half? That's a 18% cut! And when did this happen? Congress supported a cut?

Fifty House Republicans have proposed the same payroll tax cut that's in this plan. You should pass it right away. (5)

Pass this jobs bill (6), and we can put people to work rebuilding America. Everyone here knows that we have badly decaying roads and bridges all over this country. Congress knows this? Our highways are clogged with traffic. Our skies are the most congested in the world. I think a great way to take care of this is to just let the individual states keep the 38 cents a gallon tax to use as each sees fit. That would be kick ass. Then the State governments could decide. We don't need a big bill to do this. Actually, each thing up to this point could be done individually.

This is inexcusable. Building a world-class transportation system is part of what made us an economic superpower. And now we're going to sit back and watch China build newer airports and faster railroads? At a time when millions of unemployed construction workers could build them right here in America? Well, since we sent all our manufacturing over there, why not? They can build all the bridges over there, ship 'em over, and we can install them. They have fewer governmental restrictions, no child labor laws, and can probably build it cheaper. That federal government red tape is a lot less plentiful over there! 

There are private construction companies all across America just waiting to get to work. Yep. But they won't hire becuase they don't know what it will cost to hire the workers they need.  It's called Risk.

There's a bridge that needs repair between Ohio and Kentucky that's on one of the busiest trucking routes in North America.  Yep. and it has ten more years of life left in it.
A public transit project in Houston that will help clear up one of the worst areas of traffic in the country. Um, I'm not sure it will help that much, since we like our freeways down here. I'm not sure you could get any more concrete out on the ground.  We're concrete hogs!  Just look at our new stretch of I-10!  A few shovels used on or 26 lanes wide!  Whoop!

And there are schools throughout this country that desperately need renovating. How can we expect our kids to do their best in places that are literally falling apart? I know.  Horrible.  This is America. Every child deserves a great school - and we can give it to them, if we act now (7). This is America. Every child does deserve a great school. And a great education. I can't disagree.

The American Jobs Act will repair and modernize at least 35,000 schools. It will put people to work right now fixing roofs and windows; installing science labs and high-speed Internet in classrooms all across this country. I'd be interested in learning how you plan on micromanaging. I'm a big fan of micromanagers.

It will rehabilitate homes and businesses in communities hit hardest by foreclosures. Did you mean to say that foreclosures are caused by condition of property? I think there's a few other reasons that foreclosures are an issue. Banks come to mind.  Some of those that we bailed out for breaking laws. 

It will jumpstart thousands of transportation projects across the country. I'm for that. Let's get the shovels out!  Oh yeah. We alerady tried that approach.

And to make sure the money is properly spent and for good purposes, we're building on reforms we've already put in place.

No more earmarks. I'd take that right there by itself. Executive order, baby! Don't forget it contains nothing contriversial!  Nothing at all! Use that pen and sign that order!

No more boondoggles. No more bridges to nowhere. We're cutting the red tape that prevents some of these projects from getting started as quickly as possible. And we'll set up an independent fund to attract private dollars and issue loans based on two criteria: how badly a construction project is needed and how much good it would do for the economy. Like this company? It was good for the economy. And the Feds did such a good job managing it.


This idea came from a bill written by a Texas Republican and a Massachusetts Democrat. The idea for a big boost in construction is supported by America's largest business organization and America's largest labor organization. It's the kind of proposal that's been supported in the past by Democrats and Republicans alike. You should pass it right away (8). Sounds like Texas and Massachusetts knows what they need! Let 'em keep their own money!

Pass this jobs bill (9), and thousands of teachers in every state will go back to work. These are the men and women charged with preparing our children for a world where the competition has never been tougher. But while they're adding teachers in places like South Korea, we're laying them off in droves. Why are we laying them off in droves? It can't be because the districts are doing the same thing the government does...just spends more than it takes in. It's unfair to our kids. It undermines their future and ours. And it has to stop. Pass this jobs bill (10), and put our teachers back in the classroom where they belong. That's why you need to let us keep the money we give you. Take out the middleman.  Take out his take.

Pass this jobs bill (11), and companies will get extra tax credits if they hire America's veterans. How about just tax cuts, then they can hire all kinds of people, not just Veterans? That sounds, well, discriminatory. We ask these men and women to leave their careers, leave their families, and risk their lives to fight for our country. The last thing they should have to do is fight for a job when they come home. Or fight to have their vote heard.  So, let's pay them more while they're gone, and Support them while they're gone. Support our Troops.

Pass this bill (12), and hundreds of thousands of disadvantaged young people will have the hope and dignity of a summer job next year. They will have hope whether or not this bill happens. And their parents, low-income Americans who desperately want to work, will have more ladders out of poverty. They have to have motivation. Throwing money at people who can create jobs doesn't mean that they will create jobs. Didn't we just have a big bill last year that was supposed to create jobs? Oh,that was stimulus money, not jobs money.

Pass this jobs bill (13), and companies will get a $4,000 tax credit if they hire anyone who has spent more than six months looking for a job. How about a $4000 tax credit for hiring anyone? And I'd like to know how you plan to verify it's been six months they've been looking. We have to do more to help the long-term unemployed in their search for work. This jobs plan builds on a program in Georgia that several Republican leaders have highlighted, where people who collect unemployment insurance participate in temporary work as a way to build their skills while they look for a permanent job. I saw a report that says that plan is horrible. Yes, there are a few dozen people that worked more than a day, and after that we don't know. But the guy actually running the program wasn't a fan and doesn't support it.

The plan also extends unemployment insurance for another year. Aren't we doing that anyway?

If the millions of unemployed Americans stopped getting this insurance, and stopped using that money for basic necessities, it would be a devastating blow to this economy.

Think about that for a moment.  If millions of unemployed Americans stopped getting this insurance, it would be a devistating blow to the economy. I heard a few theories lately. One says that unemployment is good for the economy because nemployment gives money to people, then those people go and spend that money at the businesses that paid the insurance. I'm not sure how that works. Well, I guess it works as long as businesses have money.


And I believe those people receiving benefits, when their benefits stop coming, they are going to become, well, less than happy. Just like those people in Houston that are still living in apartments paid for by the County since Hurricane Ike, that demonstrated and fought for their utility bills to continue to be paid when the County was going to turn them off. Let's just extend those benefits forever.

Democrats and Republicans in this Chamber have supported unemployment insurance plenty of times in the past. At this time of prolonged hardship, you should pass it again (14) - right away. Unemployment wasn't intended to be permanent...or maybe it was.  Just like the Texas Lottery was going to Education.  That went well.

Pass this jobs bill, (15) and the typical working family will get a fifteen hundred dollar tax cut next year. Fifteen hundred dollars that would have been taken out of your paycheck will go right into your pocket. This expands on the tax cut that Democrats and Republicans already passed for this year. If we allow that tax cut to expire - if we refuse to act - middle-class families will get hit with a tax increase at the worst possible time. Isn't this a jobs bill? This is not about creating jobs. We cannot let that happen. I know some of you have sworn oaths to never raise any taxes on anyone for as long as you live. Now is not the time to carve out an exception and raise middle-class taxes, which is why you should pass this bill (16) right away. But it is okay to lower the cutoff for the 'rich' from $250,000 to $200,000 right?  Yay jobs bill! 

This is the American Jobs Act. It will lead to new jobs for construction workers, teachers, veterans, first responders, young people and the long-term unemployed. It will provide tax credits to companies that hire new workers, tax relief for small business owners, and tax cuts for the middle-class. And here's the other thing I want the American people to know: the American Jobs Act will not add to the deficit. It will be paid for. And here's how: So wait. Now we're talking tax cuts? How does that work?  Wouldn't it raise the deficit if you take in less money (tax credits, right) if we just keep spending the same amount?

The agreement we passed in July will cut government spending by about $1 trillion over the next ten years. Isn't that the one that you guys raised the credit limit? Don't you have to still come to an agreement to cut like a trillion from spending by the end of the year? Oh, its to have a plan to save 120 Billion a year for the next ten years. I wonder if we forgot we had to do that. And we're supposed to figure that out by the end of November. That's ten weeks. Well, now it's six weeks. It also charges this Congress to come up with an additional $1.5 trillion in savings by Christmas. Tonight, I'm asking you to increase that amount so that it covers the full cost of the American Jobs Act. And a week from Monday, I'll be releasing a more ambitious deficit plan - a plan that will not only cover the cost of this jobs bill, but stabilize our debt in the long run. Hm.  Where's that ambitious deficit plan?

This approach is basically the one I've been advocating for months. In addition to the trillion dollars of spending cuts I've already signed into law, it's a balanced plan that would reduce the deficit by making additional spending cuts; by making modest adjustments to health care programs like Medicare and Medicaid (um, didn't you already try the health care adjustment thing?); and by reforming our tax code in a way that asks the wealthiest Americans and biggest corporations to pay their fair share. I'm still unclear on what that means. What's more, the spending cuts wouldn't happen so abruptly that they'd be a drag on our economy, or prevent us from helping small business and middle-class families get back on their feet right away.  Well, the first half of this thought sounds Conservative.  The second half doesn't.  So I guess this one is even steven.  The spending cuts won't happen so abruptly?  I think that would do wonders.  I don't know how spending cuts would be a drag on the economy.

This approach is basically the one I've been advocating for months. In addition to the trillion dollars of spending cuts I've already signed into law, it's a balanced plan that would reduce the deficit by making additional spending cuts; by making modest adjustments to health care programs like Medicare and Medicaid (um, didn't you already try the health care adjustment thing?); and by reforming our tax code in a way that asks the wealthiest Americans and biggest corporations to pay their fair share. I'm still unclear on what that means. What's more, the spending cuts wouldn't happen so abruptly that they'd be a drag on our economy, or prevent us from helping small business and middle-class families get back on their feet right away. I have a different opinion.  I think abrubt spending cuts is a requirement.  We can't spend our way out of this. 


Now, I realize there are some in my party who don't think we should make any changes at all to Medicare and Medicaid, and I understand their concerns. But here's the truth. Millions of Americans rely on Medicare in their retirement. And millions more will do so in the future. They pay for this benefit during their working years. They earn it. But with an aging population and rising health care costs, we are spending too fast to sustain the program. And if we don't gradually reform the system while protecting current beneficiaries, it won't be there when future retirees need it. We have to reform Medicare to strengthen it. How about we set it up where you don't get benefits if you don't pay in? You don't work, you don't get? Now, I know some of us out there can't work. I'm talking about the ones that can work but don't.

I'm also well aware that there are many Republicans who don't believe we should raise taxes on those who are most fortunate and can best afford it. But here is what every American knows. While most people in this country struggle to make ends meet, a few of the most affluent citizens and corporations enjoy tax breaks and loopholes that nobody else gets. Like GE? A discussion with my girlfriend got into this. Some can't afford it because they don't have enough to pay bills. Some have to pay more because they can afford it. Loopholes and tax breaks. The system is so complicated the ones that can afford to skirt the laws and create loopholes. Like Warren Buffet? Right now, Warren Buffet pays a lower tax rate than his secretary - an outrage he has asked us to fix. I don't believe it's the government's problem to fix things that aren't the government's business. I don't think that list exists.  What is out there that the Government doesn't have a hand in? We need a tax code where everyone gets a fair shake, and everybody pays their fair share.  And I believe the vast majority of wealthy Americans and CEOs are willing to do just that, if it helps the economy grow and gets our fiscal house in order. You are asking for $400 BILLION. Again. After charging $400 Billion on the US Credit Card on August 3. Why didn't we use that $400 Billion to do this Jobs thingy here?

I'll also offer ideas to reform a corporate tax code that stands as a monument to special interest influence in Washington. By eliminating pages of loopholes and deductions, we can lower one of the highest corporate tax rates in the world. Our tax code shouldn't give an advantage to companies that can afford the best-connected lobbyists. But it does. Every day. And it shows here in this plan. Right here. It should give an advantage to companies that invest and create jobs here in America. It should. Absolutely.

So we can reduce this deficit, pay down our debt, and pay for this jobs plan in the process. I thought this was a jobs bill? Where did this "pay down our debt" come in?   But in order to do this, we have to decide what our priorities are. We have to ask ourselves, "What's the best way to grow the economy and create jobs?" How about reducing government restrictions, let business decide for itself? How about getting out of the way? How about not playing politics like you guys do? That will start to fix the problems. A huge part of the speculation that keeps uncertainty out there is the threat of Government changing the game again. It's already expensive to hire someone, but you probably wouldn't know that's the case.

Should we keep tax loopholes for oil companies? Yep. If you believe that being in business for a profit is a good thing. Or should we use that money to give small business owners a tax credit when they hire new workers? Because we can't afford to do both. Yes we can. It's called less spending. Why don't we just cut the spending by $400 Billion? Check this out. Let's play a game. Click on that link, and then take note of the debt. Take note of the amount (you might concentrate on the hundred thousand column). Take minute,then compare. Should we keep tax breaks for millionaires and billionaires? Yep. Reward them for what they have accomplished. Or should we put teachers back to work so our kids can graduate ready for college and good jobs? Right now, we can't afford to do both. Yes we can. And we should. But we can't get there by spending like we're spending.

And if you look on the right side of the page, there's a number of American Citizens, and a number of Taxpayers.  They aren't even close. I'd like to know how the fair share argument applies there.

This isn't political grandstanding. Yes it is. This isn't class warfare. Yes it is. This is simple math. Yes it is. These are real choices that we have to make. Yes they are. And I'm pretty sure I know what most Americans would choose. It's not even close. And it's time for us to do what's right for our future. Yep. It's time. I couldn't agree more.

The American Jobs Act answers the urgent need to create jobs right away. It doesn't address anything. If it actually did, maybe the Senate would have scheduled your bill for a vote.  Actually, I wouldn't mind it a bit.  Let's vote today.   $4000 credit for employers isn't enough initiative. But we can't stop there. No, you really should. As I've argued since I ran for this office, we have to look beyond the immediate crisis and start building an economy that lasts into the future - an economy that creates good, middle-class jobs that pay well and offer security. Then how about something about educating the unemployed and underemployed? How about credits for going back to college? How about credits for finishing a new degree? We now live in a world where technology has made it possible for companies to take their business anywhere. And they absolutely do because we make the decision for them. It's way cheaper to move overseas then do business here. If we want them to start here and stay here and hire here, we have to be able to out-build, out-educate, and out-innovate every other country on Earth. And look at how we're driving companies elsewhere. How about a study about why that is?

This task, of making America more competitive for the long haul, is a job for all of us. For government and for private companies. For states and for local communities - and for every American citizen. All of us will have to up our game. All of us will have to change the way we do business. I'm assuming you are still talking to Congress. You just have to change how you do business. That would have far more effect than anything this jobs bill could do, can do, or might do.

My administration can and will take some steps to improve our competitiveness on our own. For example, if you're a small business owner who has a contract with the federal government, we're going to make sure you get paid a lot faster than you do now. So fast, indeed, that you don't even track it. We're also planning to cut away the red tape that prevents too many rapidly-growing start-up companies from raising capital and going public. And to help responsible homeowners, (and what about the irresponsible ones?) we're going to work with Federal housing agencies to help more people refinance their mortgages at interest rates that are now near 4% -- a step that can put more than $2,000 a year in a family's pocket, and give a lift to an economy still burdened by the drop in housing prices. This is a great idea. Let's go ahead and sign that program up today. It won't cost a thing, and it would help quite a bit. It would help me, for sure. I've not worked in two years, and have made every payment without fail. I can't refinance because I haven't had employment for long enough. They don't trust me evidently. 

Other steps will require Congressional action. Today you passed reform that will speed up the outdated patent process, so that entrepreneurs can turn a new idea into a new business as quickly as possible. That's the kind of action we need. Now it's time to clear the way for a series of trade agreements that would make it easier for American companies to sell their products in Panama, Colombia, and South Korea - while also helping the workers whose jobs have been affected by global competition. If Americans can buy Kias and Hyundais, I want to see folks in South Korea driving Fords and Chevys and Chryslers. I want to see more products sold around the world stamped with three proud words: "Made in America." I'm all for this. That patent process is really important. Why don't we speed up the Nationalization process? Let's get these guys registered and on the tax rolls! I mean, those immigrants sure do some work!

And on all of our efforts to strengthen competitiveness, we need to look for ways to work side-by-side with America's businesses. That's why I've brought together a Jobs Council of leaders from different industries who are developing a wide range of new ideas to help companies grow and create jobs. Like getting out of the way and letting industry find a way? Nature does. I personally like the story about some frogs that were getting squashed crossing the road. They were special frogs. They needed saving. So, we built a culvert for the frogs to hop through, effectively saving the frog squashing. Now, the snakes don't have as much area to hunt frogs. They just wait at the end of the pipe.

And Government finds a way, too. Here in Houston, on the west side on Beltway 8, the frontage road was built by the State of Texas. There was a special species of bird or bug or something nesting in the trees, so the southbound frontage road goes under the beltway, joins the northbound frontage road for a bit over the bayou, then comes back underneath to continue south. The frontage lanes were built before the toll lanes of the Beltway.

What's cool is that when the Toll Authority came in to build the main toll lanes with Federal money, they didn't have the same rules as a County entity as the State of Texas had to abide by. There's a exit ramp that goes right over that damn tree that had whatever was in it. It's awesome. it's the Briar Forest exit going southbound from I-10.


Already, we've mobilized business leaders to train 10,000 American engineers a year, by providing company internships and training. Other businesses are covering tuition for workers who learn new skills at community colleges. And we're going to make sure the next generation of manufacturing takes root not in China or Europe, but right here, in the United States of America. That is what I'm talking about. Training. But we're already doing that. That's not in the jobs bill? If we provide the right incentives and support - and if we make sure our trading partners play by the rules - we can be the ones to build everything from fuel-efficient cars to advanced biofuels to semiconductors that are sold all over the world. That's how America can be number one again. That's how America will be number one again. Other countries won't be able to afford our fuel efficient cars. We can't even afford them here. Plus, those efficient cars don't make a carbon footprint in production do they? I mean, I bet those batteries and all that aluminum must be straight out of the ground.  And I bet disposal is a piece of cake.

Now, I realize that some of you have a different theory on how to grow the economy. Some of you sincerely believe that the only solution to our economic challenges is to simply cut most government spending and eliminate most government regulations. You caught me.

Well, I agree that we can't afford wasteful spending, and I will continue to work with Congress to get rid of it. And I agree that there are some rules and regulations that put an unnecessary burden on businesses at a time when they can least afford it. That's why I ordered a review of all government regulations. So far, we've identified over 500 reforms, which will save billions of dollars over the next few years. That's great news. Where is that list? That should be front page news. Saving Billions!  We should have no more regulation than the health, safety, and security of the American people require. No more regulation on health? You mean after your regulations? Or before them? Every rule should meet that common sense test. Does that mean the common sense that isn't that common? Maybe we should check these rules, too.

But what we can't do - what I won't do - is let this economic crisis be used as an excuse to wipe out the basic protections that Americans have counted on for decades. I reject the idea that we need to ask people to choose between their jobs and their safety. I reject the argument that says for the economy to grow, we have to roll back protections that ban hidden fees by credit card companies (or make new ones), or rules that keep our kids from being exposed to mercury (breaking news in 2009), or laws that prevent the health insurance industry from shortchanging patients (like this report.) I reject the idea that we have to strip away collective bargaining rights to compete in a global economy. We shouldn't be in a race to the bottom, where we try to offer the cheapest labor and the worst pollution standards (like these). America should be in a race to the top. And I believe that's a race we can win.

In fact, this larger notion that the only thing we can do to restore prosperity is just dismantle government, refund everyone's money, let everyone write their own rules, and tell everyone they're on their own - that's not who we are. That's not the story of America. Government to a point is necessary. Government in every facet of life, employment, and control over everything to the point of stifling growth is not good. It's not about letting everyone write their own rules; it's about letting the people that know what they are doing write the rules. It's called Self-Governance. State government more effectively takes care of a lot of the issues that are done poorly at the federal level.

Yes, we are rugged individualists. Yes, we are strong and self-reliant. And it has been the drive and initiative of our workers and entrepreneurs that has made this economy the engine and envy of the world. And the economy in this rugged, self-reliant, driving entrepreneurs sucks because of a number of things. A big one is spending more than you make, or in the government's case, take in. At some point, when you overspend over and over, and lose your credit rating, for example, you should evaluate things. Or they just get worse. Or continue down the same road.

Does the US Government have a budget? That's great. I guess you need one of those before you can see how much you spend versus how much you make. Might start there.

Remember this?  Budget Control Act of 2011.  August 3, 2011.

From Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_federal_budget

 (Under CBO (Congressional Budget Office) scenarios:)


Continuing,

CBO estimated in August 2011 that if laws currently "on the books" were enforced without changes, meaning the "extended baseline scenario" described above is implemented along with deficit reductions from the Budget Control Act of 2011, the deficit would decline from 8.5% GDP in 2011 to around 1% GDP by 2021.[57]

The "alternative fiscal scenario" more closely assumes the continuation of present trends, such as permanently extending the Bush tax cuts, restricting the reach of the AMT, and keeping Medicare reimbursement rates at the current level (the so-called "doc fix", versus declining by one-third as mandated under current law). Revenues are assumed to remain around the historical average 18% GDP. Under this scenario, public debt rises from 69% GDP in 2011 to 100% by 2021 and approaches 190% by 2035.[56]
 The CBO reported in June 2011: "Many budget analysts believe that the alternative fiscal scenario presents a more realistic picture of the nation’s underlying fiscal policies than the extended-baseline scenario does. The explosive path of federal debt under the alternative fiscal scenario underscores the need for large and rapid policy changes to put the nation on a sustainable fiscal course."[56]

CBO reported in September 2011: "The nation cannot continue to sustain the spending programs and policies of the past with the tax revenues it has been accustomed to paying. Citizens will either have to pay more for their government, accept less in government services and benefits, or both."[58]

But there has always been another thread running throughout our history - a belief that we are all connected; and that there are some things we can only do together, as a nation. Your actions don't give that impression too much weight. You haven't done much to show that at all. Just my opinion, of course.

We all remember Abraham Lincoln as the leader who saved our Union. But in the middle of a Civil War, he was also a leader who looked to the future - a Republican president who mobilized government to build the transcontinental railroad; launch the National Academy of Sciences; and set up the first land grant colleges. And leaders of both parties have followed the example he set. Agreed.

Ask yourselves - where would we be right now if the people who sat here before us decided not to build our highways and our bridges; our dams and our airports? What would this country be like if we had chosen not to spend money on public high schools, or research universities, or community colleges? Millions of returning heroes, including my grandfather, had the opportunity to go to school because of the GI Bill. Where would we be if they hadn't had that chance? Agreed.  But I don't think they wasted near as much money as we do now.  Especially since we don't even track where it goes.  That's embarassing. 

How many jobs would it have cost us if past Congresses decided not to support the basic research that led to the Internet and the computer chip? What kind of country would this be if this Chamber had voted down Social Security or Medicare just because it violated some rigid idea about what government could or could not do? How many Americans would have suffered as a result? Agreed. But we can't continue what we're doing now. 

No single individual built America on their own. We built it together. We have been, and always will be, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all; (I don't believe you there, President Obama. You don't see it that way by your daily actions)  a nation with responsibilities to ourselves and with responsibilities to one another. Members of Congress, it is time for us to meet our responsibilities. And those are? Are they changing? Are you guys gonna be responsible now? I doubt it. But let's see it.


Every proposal I've laid out tonight is the kind that's been supported by Democrats and Republicans in the past. Every proposal I've laid out tonight will be paid for. And every proposal is designed to meet the urgent needs of our people and our communities. But most of them will have no effect. Didn't we have the same stuff in the Stimulus last year? I don't think that worked. And I don't think this will work, either. Giving incentives for job creation in an uncertain environment like the one we have isn't affecting the real source of the problem.

I know there's been a lot of skepticism about whether the politics of the moment will allow us to pass this jobs plan - or any jobs plan. Already, we're seeing the same old press releases and tweets flying back and forth. Already, the media has proclaimed that it's impossible to bridge our differences. And maybe some of you have decided that those differences are so great that we can only resolve them at the ballot box. It's about the only recourse. And if the latest NY senate seat election is any indication, this might be telling next November. We'll see.

But know this: the next election is fourteen months away. And the people who sent us here - the people who hired us to work for them - they don't have the luxury of waiting fourteen months. Some of them are living week to week; paycheck to paycheck; even day to day. They need help, and they need it now. And you've tried to help a few times now... try to do something different than asking for $400 Billion more. And paying for this plan by 'fixing tax loopholes' while continuing to outspend income isn't really helping anything. We're still digging the hole deeper.

My Uncle told me the secret to life:

Don't Dig the Hole so Deep You Can't Get Out.

I don't pretend that this plan will solve all our problems. It shouldn't be, nor will it be, the last plan of action we propose. That is kind of a scary thought. What's guided us from the start of this crisis hasn't been the search for a silver bullet. It's been a commitment to stay at it - to be persistent - to keep trying every new idea that works, and listen to every good proposal, no matter which party comes up with it. I know this is a crazy idea, but let's start filling in the hole. How about saying no to stupid stuff? Wasn't there a test or something you mentioned about common sense or something? Or did you just say that to say it?

Regardless of the arguments we've had in the past, regardless of the arguments we'll have in the future, this plan is the right thing to do right now. Disagree. You should pass it. (17) And I intend to take that message to every corner of this country. When are you coming to Texas? We're the bottom corner, with all the fires and drought conditions, and oh thanks for the localized help down here from Fema. I also ask every American who agrees to lift your voice and tell the people who are gathered here tonight that you want action now. Tell Washington that doing nothing is not an option. Remind us that if we act as one nation, and one people, we have it within our power to meet this challenge. I'd rather ask for us to spend less than we take in. That's called savings. Let's change our attitude and save something. A penny saved is not a penny spent.

President Kennedy once said, "Our problems are man-made - therefore they can be solved by man. And man can be as big as he wants." And as hardheaded as he wants. And act as stupid as he wants. And be as compassionate as he wants. And as overbearing and controlling as he wants.

These are difficult years for our country. But we are Americans. We are tougher than the times that we live in, and we are bigger than our politics have been. So let's meet the moment. Let's get to work, and show the world once again why the United States of America remains the greatest nation on Earth. Thank you, God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America. Yes. God bless us, and watch over the greatest Nation on this planet.

At some point, you have to be humble. You have to put pride aside, take a different perspective, see a different view.

And, I'm not really sure what asking the same thing 17 times does for you, but I'm pretty sure it didn't work. Any of the 17 times. But, once again just my opinion.

Happy Job Searching folks!! There's jobs coming!!