TerriDoodle

July 14, 2009 Our Government Is Officially Insane In the bizarre through-the-looking-glass world of Washington these days, maybe it should come as no surprise that the reaction to the failure of the stimulus bill is to call for more of the same. The deficit today crossed the startling trillion dollar threshold, a number never before even contemplated for a full year of federal borrowing, but that we have now breezed through in just half a year. Such a deficit represents a crushing future tax burden for ourselves, our children, and our grandchildren -- who will pay back every penny with interest. The so-called stimulus bill was slammed through on partisan lines despite the overwhelming anger of almost everyone who was paying attention. The bill, we were told, was our economic salvation (purely a coincidence, of course, that it happened to contain every item on the left's big government wish list). Now the verdict is in, and it's ugly. Unemployment -- which the stimulus was supposed to keep under 8 percent -- is officially at 9.5 percent, and is 16.5 percent if you include people who have given up looking for work and part-time workers who wish they were full-time. Businesses continue to slash investment, close facilities, and hoard cash. The economy remains firmly in recession, with recovery now long overdue. The average post-World War II recession lasts 10 months; we are now 19 months into this one with no end in sight. So, in the bizarre through-the-looking-glass world of Washington these days, maybe it should come as no surprise that the reaction to the abject failure of the stimulus is to call for more of the same. Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) said the stimulus didn't work because is wasn't "as targeted as it should've been" and "we need to go back to this and do this again. We need to do more of that." If the old quote often attributed to Einstein is true, then Dodd and other supporters of another stimulus are insane -- they want to make the same mistake again and expect a different result. We should know better. The new stimulus being floated has been called "Stimulus 2," but that ignores the failed Bush stimulus from last year. Of course, we most famously stimulated ourselves into oblivion back in the 1930s, when ever-bigger spending packages spiraled us deeper and deeper into the Great Depression. In May 1939 FDR's Henry Morgenthau, the Treasury Secretary, gave up on spending, saying: "We are spending more than we have ever spent before and it does not work." It's actually pretty simple economics. The government does not create resources by spending; it simply moves them around. Every dollar the government spends has to come from somewhere, but the only three options all make people poorer. Higher taxes take money out of people's pockets, and deny them the freedom to spend, save, or invest that money according to their own values. Simply printing money is inflationary, and destroys the value of every American's savings, slams people on fixed incomes with higher prices, and creates a huge hurdle to new investment. The only other option, which we have relied on to the tune of over a trillion dollars already this year, is to borrow. But borrowing is no free lunch either; every dollar borrowed by the government is a dollar no longer available for private investment. Moreover, we have to pay back all the money we've borrowed, with interest, meaning that in the long-run the only two options are huge tax hikes or skyrocketing inflation. Quite simply, it is impossible for government spending to make us richer when every way the government can raise money makes us poorer. We can't afford another stimulus, a government takeover of health care, the cap-and-trade energy takeover, or any other radical big government policies. A six-month deficit of over a trillion dollars is enough. Taxpayers deserve some time to pause, catch their breath, and worry about their own jobs, lives, and families. Washington has "helped" quite enough; it needs to leave people alone. Phil Kerpen is director of policy for Americans for Prosperity, which runs the anti-stimulus Web site No Stimulus!. He can be reached through Phil Kerpen | Economic Policy Analysis and Advocacy

Hi everyone! Yep, had a wonderful time in Colorado, but next time I'm going with a girlfriend or two! I was so busy keeping 3 teenagers entertained and fed that I didn't really have time to chillax myself. But it was a good vacation and we saw tons of beautiful scenery, the kids got to do lots of fun stuff and I only gained one pound! I'm back on the wagon as of yesterday but I have very little restriction. I'm trying to make it work for me because I am very much enjoying being able to eat anything I want... including grilled chicken, eggs, fruit, etc. I called the gym yesterday and they want a $200 sign-up fee! I laughed in his ear and said "$200....during an economic downturn???...Good luck with that one!" I"ll let him sit on it and maybe he'll change his mind -- they always do. Got lots of work to do, so I'll talk at ya'll later today. XOXO

Good Morning Girliez- We've had a perfect few days in Steamboat Springs. Yesterday the sky was filled with hot air balloons, the kids went rock climbing and had a blast, and in the afternoon we went to an awesome art festival. I got a henna tattoo around my ankle and I'm liking it! Today we're reluctantly leaving here and then heading for Rocky Mountain National Park & then Estes Park -- should be a nice road trip. The weather has been perfect -- No air conditioning required! Hard to believe, eh, Haydee and Tracy? I'm sure gonna miss Colorado. Really hoping I can come back with Richard in late September to see the leaves changing and maybe drive to Moab, Utah, too. I keep hearing such nice things about it. TTYL!

Kat - How incredible is it that Rick is still among us? I am a firm believer in angels -- and he's got a GOOD one!! How's he feeling today? Suzie - you sound tired. How are things going with your sister and nephew? Kids are sleeping now and in a bit we're going to head out to do some whitewater rafting down the Colorado River! Hannah and I have been before (on a previous CO trip) but Evan and Mallory have not -- so this will be great fun. Since I had that unfill right before we left, my eating has been horrible!! It's nice to be able to eat without issue, REAL nice, but I need to make much better choices! We're joining the gym next week so I'm hoping to get back on track with a vengeance -- my clothes are getting snug and that is totally unacceptable! Happy Friday everyone!

Long day!! -- that pic I posted was taken with my iPhone! Yep, it's real!

Hi Girls!! Kids are sleeping and Evan brought his laptop so I'm killing time. So much to catch up on already!! Haydee - I absolutely LOVE this last dress you posted!! It is stunning and I think it would be gorgeous on you!! I don't even think you'd have to add any sleeves at all. The only reservation I have is that it looks extremely heavy and after two hours in it you'd be exhausted carrying it around....but man, is it beautiful! So my 2nd choice is the lace-up back dress. BTW, I too think you should exclude Juan from any consultation on the dress!! LOL -- bad juju. Besides, you have beautiful taste all on your own and, most importantly, you'll be stunning no matter what dress you choose. I can't imagine in my wildest dreams that he would look at his bride coming down the aisle and think to himself, "EWWW!! That dress is YUCK!" He will be blown away -- I mean really, have you ever seen an UGLY wedding dress? They're all beautiful! Kat - have things calmed down at work at all? Did they ever hire a receptionist?? We saw lots of bikers on the road yesterday and I thought of you and Rick....oh, so jealous of you two!! Jennifer - Take it easy girlfriend! How's the Wellbutriin working for you? Good luck with your event this weekend, I'm sure it will be beautiful! What's the format for the memorial service -- who will be speaking? When I die that's kinda what I want -- just my friends getting together in a casual setting and having a GOOD time!! ...oh yeah, and saying all kinds of marvelous things about me too. LOL Tracy - I hear yall had 105 degrees in houston yesterday! HA! na na na na na!! It's about 50 here right now. (sorry!...but I will have to come home sometime! ) Laura - Happy anniversary to you and Russell! I thought of you when I was writing the date on Tuesday. Enjoyed the pics, too -- ya'll are such a cute couple. I MISS CARSON! :thumbup: Michelle - Happy birthday to you!! suzie - Interesting decision you have to make!! What are the negatives/positives? Judy - I missed it - did you ever get your pool up and running? Janie - did you get your computer purged of the virus? That's so frustrating. I think for that reason alone I could never go back to a PC since I've had my Apple. No way. We had a good trip in to Steamboat yesterday. We got upgraded on the rent car from an Impala to a SEQUOIA! We were so happy about that! We took the scenic route over Loveland Pass and the pic attached is taken from the top at 11,900' where we stopped to take pics. Hannah's girlfriend has never been to the mountains and she has been very fun to have along....as you can imagine she's is blown away by all of it! This is gonna be such a fun trip. Today we're just going to town and putz around town, do some shopping and eating, then this afternoon we're going to Fish Creek Falls which is real close and a short 1/4 mile hike. We can hike beyond that point if the kids want to -- it's all beautiful. Well, I'll probably be checking in later -- ya'll have a great day!

Suzie - I know you don't have a lot of time on your hands, but this is very very good information you should have that will help you understand the physiology of addiction : HBO: Addiction: Understanding Addiction: What Is Addiction? Read all you can on that website.

Suzie - I leave tomorrow for CO. Has he ever been in treatment? If not, I'd suggest finding a center for him if at all possible, or at the very least an "intensive outpatient" program. 90 meetings in 90 days is good, but eventually he needs a sponsor and should be actively working the steps to maximize his chance of success. Here's a link to Narcotics Anonymous pamphlets you can print out: Recovery Literature in English (US) As a family member there is only so much you can do. Your job is to set up boundaries (rules) and consequences and enforce them -- not an easy job. His recovery is his job and he has to want it more than anything. Hopefully his attendance at meetings will inspire him to want "what they have" which is SERENITY. A sponsor will help him in a way nobody else can and that's why they are so very important. Your best source for help, support and information is your local chapter of AA or NA. If he is a narcotics addict (rather than alcohol), NA is a much better choice for him. The NA office in Kansas City is 800.561.2250 -- call them and speak to someone about support for yourself and your husband. They will help you to help him. I promise.

DH will be mad if you go to the gym???:tongue_smilie:

Well, we had to clean the house of any and alcohol and drugs since DS is back and I'm on Day 2 of sober living. Just because I "can't" have it, i want a glass worse than ever, of course! But I'm gonna do what he's doing -- one day at a time -- I think that will help him. I'm thinking I'll restrict myself to the occasional glass when I go out with friends. If I have a hard time sticking to that rule then it's all the more reason I should stick to it! I think I've done SEVEN loads of laundry today....maybe eight. I don't think there's a dirty sock or shirt in the house.....until tomorrow! Speaking of which...the dryer is beeping! Laterz.

Laura, I'm sorry about Leslie....and the ring. Kind of a bummer day. My mom lost a 1 carat diamond pendant...we can't find it anywhere. She probably put it somewhere 'safe' and now it's most likely in the trash or given to charity! Well, maybe God had a plan to bless someone else who really needed it. All hope is not lost for your ring -- it may still show up! Besides, when your granny eventually passes you'll probably end up with lots of her things around your home to remind you of her. I love all the things of I have from my mom's and aunt's estates...something in every room. Last night Evan went over to his girlfriends' for a couple of hours and I already started to feel the old anxieties coming back to haunt me. UGH!! But I feel better equipped to handle all of it now ... sorta. LOL Today is LAUNDRY LAUNDRY LAUNDRY!!! Gotta start getting packed and organized AGAIN! I must have 5 loads to do today. But at least now I have two little slaves to help me! HA! All I gotta do is get them out of bed! Love you girls -- hope you have a good day. Suzie -- please take care to get some rest today! Turn your dang phone off for starters!

Suzie - is this the same nephew who was stealing your Rx drugs before? Is this perhaps the same reason he had 2 accidents in one week??? ....and why in heavens name is he living with you now? Where was he living before? Bless your heart. You sure do seem to have a heavy(er) load lately. :smile2:

Today is a great day.... Right now I'm looking at my son, girlfriend, daughter and dog...all cuddled up and watching "Jaws". DH and I are getting steaks ready for the grill. Life is good. All is well. Michelle - thanks for the post. I wonder if there is a man among us who has 1/100th of the courage of any one of those honorable and intelligent men. Sigh. And if there are...I wish they'd show up soon.

Yeah, jane -- today is my 4th of July holiday. Glad you're getting the part you need FINALLY. Sheesh!! Tracy - I've been in the mom's shoes before and it is really, really hard to hide the hurt. :smile2: Tell your dsd that she doesn't mean it and things will be much better in a couple of weeks or so-- that you just give her some room to 'grieve'. I told my kids that it's not their fault at all!! It's the consequences of the adults' divorce and one of the adults will always be sad -- it's the adults' fault and we know it -- NOT hers!!! Jenn, I could post all the pictures in the world, but they in NO WAY do it justice. The beauty of the landscapes is in their sheer magnitude and as far as you can see in any direction...none of which can be captured on film. It just has to be experienced directly to be appreciated. I just got back from my unfill -- the tech said that air travel most definitely jacks with the band in about 1/3 of patients. She even gave me one of their special needles to take with me next week to Colorado in case I need to go to an ER to get a complete unfill!! I had 2.4 in the band and she took out half. She also said it helps to drink liquid diet day of take-off and then once you land it's ok to eat a regular diet. Hmmmm. So the good news is that I can eat again. The bad news is that I can eat again. :eek: Well, off to do some laundry.... the fun never ends.

Here I am! Yep, I've been swamped at work. I was gone for 3 days, then I come back and my partner is gone....so I have to catch up on my work PLUS do hers....and I leave again next wednesday! In between all that I've been talking to attorneys and counselors and doing laundry. Negotiations with the ex are going smoothly (pretty much) and it won't cost me an arm and a leg for the attorney...just an arm. I've had trouble with my band, too....haven't been able to eat solids since I got back except for tonight's dinner (filet mignon). I was even having trouble getting broccoli cheese soup down! I am going for an unfill tomorrow though since I'm getting back on the plane on Wednesday. So yeah, flying definitely does something to the band!! Jane -- you need to kick somebody's ass, girlfriend. I'd be some kind of pissed if that happened to me!! Don't you have a place in town where you can pick up the part? Haydee - what are the venues you're looking at this weekend? Hannah and I are heading out to the hill country tomorrow to go pick up Evan... I'm so excited to have him home!! I can't wait to see Hero's reaction when he walks in the door!!

Hi Girlz- Good to see everyone made it home safely. I canNOT describe to you how tired I am today. I was wound up like a clock because of family drama going on and didn't get to sleep until 1:00a last night...alarm went off at 5:10a this morning. I'm so tired I feel nauseous, y'know? Haydee (or Hades or Heddy...whichever) - can you PM me your fax number? That resort looks FAB! Your parents are such a handsome couple! LAUra - I miss Carson really really bad!! :thumbup: He's so precious and not at all smelly like Janie said. Maybe it was her upper lip. I miss your parents pool, too. Sure sounds good today. I'm gonna wrap it up here at the office and I'll prob see you guys online later tonight. Love yuz - T.

Kat - that is so sad about your SIL! Isn't SHE scared? All this and she's still hanging on to that band?? I'm heading to bed...I've got a plane to catch in the morning! Don't worry - we'll be posting!

Ok, I'm all packed and heading for bed very soon! Wooo hooo!! I'm ready to chillax!! Can't wait to see you all! Haydee, see you at the airport! I should be at the gate around 9:00.

Well, if you want to go REALLY southern Baptist, find a black church to go to....but bring your suit, high heels, pearls and BIG hat!

Be forewarned - I'm packing very, very light which means very, very casual! A weekender bag + a backpack, that's it!

Happy Birthday Suzie and Judy!!! Jane - just wear t=shirt and shorts - nobody cares!

Way to go, Laura!! I'm proud of you! That's not easy! Tracy, have you tried Miralax before? It's better than anything I've ever used....not harsh at all and doesn't bloat you up. I think Jane takes it often, if not daily. Michelle, good luck with all that....look at the bright side, getting on liquids will be good for you and YES margaritas are a liquid!! Whew!

No need to apologize, Jenn!! We love you!! :smile2:

That'd be awesome, Jane!!! Thanks!!

Tracy, When i get constipated I always gain 2-3#. I think your body holds on to extra water to soften the stools...so yeah, I'd take some Miralax and increase your water at the very least. Damn scale is an evil contraption the way it messes with our head, eh? Michelle - I hope you get it figured out soon. Maybe an unfill for a few weeks would do you some good. Hope you feel better soon!