But I guess some people like standing in line for free hand-outs, instead of asking, what can I do for myself? If you give irresponsible people more money, who flushed it down the drain in the first place, where do you think it will go the second time?

We need to get back to sound principles. Stop the socialism.

You wrote: this disaster was cause by unchecked capitalist greed

That’s leaving out a LOT, like the government that forced banks to make those bad loans, and the people who wanted to use them to buy houses they couldn’t afford. Companies won’t sell things that won’t sell, and they won’t sell things that will put them out of business unless they are forced to do it – companies do what they are told, and they cater to their customers’ needs… or they go out of business.

Really, the problem was due to consumers demanding more affordable housing, and presidents (ALL presidents) who want to be able to say that “home ownership is higher under my watch than at any previous time.” The party could not go on forever, it had to end sometime.

It’s just unfortunate that the government and the lending banks got so stupid that they’re taking the rest of us down with them.

Nick,

The economy sucks. They gave us stimulus rebates, they gave the banks $700 Billion, and the only result is that now Financial institutions are begging for another $1,200 Billion. I have no faith whatsoever in our government, and I honestly can’t tell the difference between Democrats and Republicans in office. In that sense, I agree with you.

From your tone, I am guessing that no one in your family suffers a chronic disease, and that you are not one of the 651,000 people who lost their jobs in October. I’m also guessing that you not only have enough food to eat, but that you are not a senior who is forced to choose between buying food or medicine. Good for you.

Sh## happens, and sometimes its not your fault. Hurricane Katrina brought out the best in people who were eager to help families in need. Now, someone loses their home and the automatic assumption is that they are deadbeats and deserve it. But what do you do if your child is sick: Pay your mortgage, or buy medicine?

If you are one of the 30,000 people that Citibank alone laid off, you are competing with the other 620,000 people who are suddenly in the job market. If you’re lucky enough to get ANY job, it almost certainly won’t pay as much or have good benefits. What do you do when you can’t pay your mortgage, Live in your car or move into the tent city at the dump? That’s a trick question: They repossessed your car too.

This recession is a disaster, just like Katrina, but this disaster was cause by unchecked capitalist greed, instead of nature. Industry lobbyists bought legislation from both Democrats, and Republicans alike, and here we are.

Even corporate leaders are suffering without their millions in bonuses, but at least wealthy people don’t have to worry about their dividends being taxed… There won’t be any dividends.

So, when you sit down to your Christmas dinner, I’d like you to think about a few things besides what nice toys Santa will bring you:

Think about American children who don’t get any visit from Santa at all this year. Think about the shame that an Unemployed American feels when he goes to a food bank to get a can of peas for his families Christmas dinner. Think about what it feels like to have a chronic disease and not be able to afford medicine. And most of all, think about “what if it was me?”

Say hello to the three ghosts of Christmas for me.

Do not get your hopes up. Government and Obama cannot help you. If they would leave the markets alone, things would take less time to work out. By them interfering, they will prolong this mess.

Stimulus checks arent entirely free, people have to pay them back, you know. Stop all the damn welfare!!!!!

No Stimulus!!!!! Please!

A lot of things are like that. Things that weren’t necessities become necessary over time after the introduction of new technology. I don’t feel old, but I remember when every one didn’t a hav phone; ma bell would be like no and you just didn’t have one and had to make do. Microwaves and PCs came out not far from one another. I guess microwave technology was ready to go while PCs (I had a commodore 64) had to improve a bit… but now pretty much every home in the nation has a phone and a microwave. And it wont be long before all have computers.

In my family the Internet is not a luxury it’s a necessity. I have school age children, and I myself prefer to be reading or learning something as opposed to watching TV. We have many interests and the easiest way to find information is via the Internet. So it has to be paid for like any other utility.

If check received after Christmas: A new pair of winter boots for myself and a new pair of glasses.

So spend it would be my answer.