World Politics

[Amsterhammer]

13 September 2011 Last updated at 15:39 GMT

Number of Americans in poverty hits record high

The number of Americans living in poverty rose to a record 46.2 million last year, official data has shown.

This is the highest figure since the US Census Bureau started collecting the data in 1959.

In percentage terms, the poverty rate rose to 15.1%, up from 14.3% in 2009.

The US definition of poverty is an annual income of $22,314 (£14,129) or less for a family of four and $11,139 for a single person.

The number of Americans living below the poverty line has now risen for four years in a row, while the poverty rate is the biggest since 1993.

Poverty among black and Hispanic people was much higher than for the overall US population last year, the figures also showed.

The Census Bureau data said 25.8% of black people were living in poverty and 25.3% of Hispanic people.

Its latest report also showed that the average annual US household income fell 2.3% in 2010 to $49,445.

Meanwhile, the number of Americans without health insurance remained about 50 million.

The data comes as the US unemployment rate remains above 9%.

President Barack Obama last week launched a new $450bn job creation plan.

He wants to fund huge construction projects, schools and services, while giving tax cuts to workers and small businesses to boost recruitment.

However, his plans require backing from Congress, where Republicans - who control the House of Representatives - have voiced their opposition.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-14903732

 

[redtreviso]

That's not what I was getting at. What I was saying is that the problem with the solar factory isn't that we should give up solar because it's subsidized by government money, as the oil industry is subsidized by government money, and US military protection.

The issue is corruption. The fact that this solar contract stinks from bribery, in the same way the oil industry stinks from bribery. That's the root of the problem.

""Exclusive Timeline: Bush Administration Advanced Solyndra Loan Guarantee for Two Years, Media Blow the Story""

http://thinkprogress.org/romm/2011/09/13/317594/timeline-bush-administration-solyndra-loan-guarantee/

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

I think you're completely missing the point of my post, Red.

The number of Americans living in poverty rose to a record 46.2 million last year, official data has shown.

Depressing, and sobering thought.

 

[redtreviso]

I think you're completely missing the point of my post, Red.

you mean you weren't just helping scott along? He wouldn't have brought it up except to go TB slant with it.

 

[Anonymous]

you mean you weren't just helping scott along? He wouldn't have brought it up except to go TB slant with it.

Nope. You missed the point of my post too, but then that's how you roll.

 

[Anonymous]

13 September 2011 Last updated at 15:39 GMT

Number of Americans in poverty hits record high

The number of Americans living in poverty rose to a record 46.2 million last year, official data has shown.

This is the highest figure since the US Census Bureau started collecting the data in 1959.

In percentage terms, the poverty rate rose to 15.1%, up from 14.3% in 2009.

The US definition of poverty is an annual income of $22,314 (£14,129) or less for a family of four and $11,139 for a single person.

The number of Americans living below the poverty line has now risen for four years in a row, while the poverty rate is the biggest since 1993.

Poverty among black and Hispanic people was much higher than for the overall US population last year, the figures also showed.

The Census Bureau data said 25.8% of black people were living in poverty and 25.3% of Hispanic people.

Its latest report also showed that the average annual US household income fell 2.3% in 2010 to $49,445.

Meanwhile, the number of Americans without health insurance remained about 50 million.

The data comes as the US unemployment rate remains above 9%.

President Barack Obama last week launched a new $450bn job creation plan.

He wants to fund huge construction projects, schools and services, while giving tax cuts to workers and small businesses to boost recruitment.

However, his plans require backing from Congress, where Republicans - who control the House of Representatives - have voiced their opposition.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-14903732

Just more evidence of how important a vibrant economy is.

 

[redtreviso]

Nope. You missed the point of my post too, but then that's how you roll.

Why don't you regale us with your expertise on the activities of the EX-IM bank..500 mil loan guarantees that never get paid back..Why Cheney and company hated Madeleine Albright.. I'm sure you were really concerned.

 

[Anonymous]

Why don't you regale us with your expertise on the activities of the EX-IM bank..500 mil loan guarantees that never get paid back..Why Cheney and company hated Madeleine Albright.. I'm sure you were really concerned.

Tell the story Red. Make sure you add a link or two as I'm not inclined to take your word for much.

 

[redtreviso]

Tell the story Red. Make sure you add a link or two as I'm not inclined to take your word for much.

Surely you know it backward and forwards..Didn't make the cato email alert system???

Maybe you would just like to focus on important things..
http://www.newshounds.us/2011/09/13/proof_theres_no_detail_too_small_for_fox_to_attack_president_obama_with.php

 

[Anonymous]

Surely you know it backward and forwards..Didn't make the cato email alert system???

Maybe you would just like to focus on important things..
http://www.newshounds.us/2011/09/13/proof_theres_no_detail_too_small_for_fox_to_attack_president_obama_with.php

I'll take your Cato and raise you a ThinkProgress.

I'll say again;

Tell the story Red. Make sure you add a link or two as I'm not inclined to take your word for much.

 

[redtreviso]

I'll take your Cato and raise you a ThinkProgress.

I'll say again;

"Ex-Im Bank, an independent federal government agency, this year marks
its 72nd year of helping finance the sale of U.S. exports, primarily to
emerging markets throughout the world. The Bank last year authorized over
$12.1 billion in export financing. This included more than $532 million in
support of 140 U.S. export transactions to 23 sub-Saharan African
countries. Ex-Im Bank works with commercial lenders to help U.S. companies
increase export sales and American jobs and minimize risk by accessing the
Bank's financing and export credit insurance.
""

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ex-im-bank-backs-us-sale-of-oil-drilling-technology-to-nigeria-52753992.html

http://www.amazon.com/RUSSIA-EXPORT-REHABILITATION-HALLIBURTON-Operations/dp/B0008HAV1S

http://www.iwatchnews.org/2000/08/02/3279/cheney-led-halliburton-feast-federal-trough

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/734404/Albright-blocks-loan-to-Russian-oil-firm.html

 

[Anonymous]

"Ex-Im Bank, an independent federal government agency, this year marks
its 72nd year of helping finance the sale of U.S. exports, primarily to
emerging markets throughout the world. The Bank last year authorized over
$12.1 billion in export financing. This included more than $532 million in
support of 140 U.S. export transactions to 23 sub-Saharan African
countries. Ex-Im Bank works with commercial lenders to help U.S. companies
increase export sales and American jobs and minimize risk by accessing the
Bank's financing and export credit insurance.
""

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ex-im-bank-backs-us-sale-of-oil-drilling-technology-to-nigeria-52753992.html

http://www.amazon.com/RUSSIA-EXPORT-REHABILITATION-HALLIBURTON-Operations/dp/B0008HAV1S

http://www.iwatchnews.org/2000/08/02/3279/cheney-led-halliburton-feast-federal-trough

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/734404/Albright-blocks-loan-to-Russian-oil-firm.html

Sooooooo, who defaulted on a government backed $500+ million dollar loan? Haliburton?

I must have missed that in your reporting.

You are pissed because Haliburton screwed BP in some Russian oil deal? Gawd, that must really pose a conflict for you.

 

[Anonymous]

For Redtreviso's benefit

President Obama during a visit to Solyndra's Fremont, Calif., plant which was financed partially by the Department of Energy

http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-20102063-54/solyndra-bankruptcy-was-disaster-waiting-to-happen/

Solyndra bankruptcy was disaster waiting to happen

Solar manufacturer Solyndra filed for bankruptcy protection today, capping a stunning reversal for the government-backed company in a drama that's raising questions about U.S. industrial policy in green technology.

The Chapter 11 filing follows Solyndra's decision last week to shut down its Fremont, Calif., factory and lay off about 1,100 employees and contractors, saying it could not compete with low-cost manufacturers in other countries.

Solyndra is being held up as a case of the federal government not doing its homework picking companies to back in an effort to create jobs.

Solyndra is like other solar companies in that it could not keep pace with falling prices, despite having innovative technology. What sets it apart is that Solyndra secured a large $535 million loan guarantee from the Department of Energy to build a plant even though many industry analysts said that it faced an uphill battle competing on price. Overall, it raised about $1 billion from private and public sources.

It remains to be seen how effective loan guarantees are compared to industrial policies in China and other countries when it comes to scaling up U.S. solar technologies. But young solar upstarts need financing to build a demonstration factory to show whether they can compete internationally. An alternative to loan guarantees in the U.S. is partnering with a large industrial company and investor, as solar start-up PrimeStar is doing with General Electric.

"There is huge profit potential but no one is stepping in to fill the void that venture capitalists have left. These companies need sugar daddies that can finance their scale up," said Mehta. "If you're trying to compete with the Chinese, it's all about going big or going home and going big means scaling up."

Is that the same GE that keeps getting blasted by the left because they don't pay taxes... and Immelt made millions? You mean GE is actually picking up some of the slack from a lack of venture capitalists? OMG. Really? For renewable energy?

Geebus, maybe GE isn't quite as bad as I've been led to believe.

 

[redtreviso]

Sooooooo, who defaulted on a government backed $500+ million dollar loan? Haliburton?

I must have missed that in your reporting.

You are pissed because Haliburton screwed BP in some Russian oil deal? Gawd, that must really pose a conflict for you.

I thought you knew all this stuff.. EX IM pays Haliburton up front..500 mil to do 5 mil worth of work.. the 3rd world despot agrees to the 500 mil..US taxpayers pay Hal..Despot owes the US..can't pay.. turns into foreign aid. debt forgiven .Cigars are lit with 100 dollar bills at hal.. Oh yea .lt is also nice when the despot gets overthrown

 

[Anonymous]

I thought you knew all this stuff.. EX IM pays Haliburton up front..500 mil to do 5 mil worth of work.. the 3rd world despot agrees to the 500 mil..US taxpayers pay Hal..Despot owes the US..can't pay.. turns into foreign aid. debt forgiven .Cigars are lit with 100 dollar bills at hal.. Oh yea .lt is also nice when the despot gets overthrown

I thought you may go down this path. Re-read your articles. And then post your evidence for the above. I'd be interested to see it.

 

[redtreviso]

President Obama during a visit to Solyndra's Fremont, Calif., plant which was financed partially by the Department of Energy

Solyndra bankruptcy was disaster waiting to happen







Is that the same GE that keeps getting blasted by the left because they don't pay taxes... and Immelt made millions? You mean GE is actually picking up some of the slack from a lack of venture capitalists? OMG. Really? For renewable energy?

Geebus, maybe GE isn't quite as bad as I've been led to believe.

Maybe you missed this?

http://thinkprogress.org/romm/2011/09/13/317594/timeline-bush-administration-solyndra-loan-guarantee/

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

No reports on last night's 'debate'? The fact that Perry can get away with some of the truly idiotic things I've seen him quoted as saying.

As I said, at this point in time Perry's going to get a pass from the media. They are going to look at it like it's Romney or the other candidates job to call him out. Besides, the media is not about objective or even factual reporting in most cases, it's a for-profit business, that gets most of it's money from infotainment. Yes, there are a few quality journalists, but the days of Edward R. Murrow are long gone.

As to the debate, I think what was most telling was when Wolf Blitzer asked if the 30 year old guy in a coma without insurance if they should just "let him die" and there was a large cheer and "yes!" from the crowd. What kind of sick society do we live in? What made it more strange was the comments from Romney and Perry about responsibility. Oh, so that's it. The guy was young and poor and didn't have insurance. Well, that's what he gets, because my money is mine, and I don't give a crap what kind of society we live in I'm not paying a penny for the less fortunate. God bless America.

Speaking of God. What was more fascinating was when Ron Paul commented on it, saying that when he was a doctor before Medicare and Medicaid, the churches took care of people like this. What kind of bubble does he live in??? Does he really think that if we eliminated Medicare and Medicaid, and all the nursing homes, care facilities, etc. were shut down, churches would come in and take care of the people? Really???

 

[Anonymous]

Maybe you missed this?

http://thinkprogress.org/romm/2011/09/13/317594/timeline-bush-administration-solyndra-loan-guarantee/

No, I saw it. Laughed my *** off. I'm absolutely blown away that ThinkProgress would try and blame this on Bush. Shocked, stunned and amazed.

Maybe you missed this;

http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/solyndra-investigation-probe-white-house-role-massive-energy/story?id=14434588

http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/solyndra-investigation-probe-white-house-role-massive-energy/story?id=14434588&page=2

The raid and visits come amid increasing evidence the Justice Department and Inspector General are exploring whether Solyndra misled the government in securing its $535 million loan in 2009 – and landing a vital refinancing of that loan earlier this year. Beginning in March, iWatch News, in partnership with ABC News, was first to report on simmering questions about the role political influence may have played in Solyndra's selection as the Obama administration's first loan guarantee recipient. One of the lead private investors in Solyndra was an Oklahoma billionaire who served as an Obama "bundler," raising money during the 2008 presidential campaign, and who is a frequent visitor to the White House.

http://www.iwatchnews.org/2011/09/09/6281/solyndra-investigation-expands-raid-executives-homes-and-files

 

[Anonymous]

As I said, at this point in time Perry's going to get a pass from the media. They are going to look at it like it's Romney or the other candidates job to call him out. Besides, the media is not about objective or even factual reporting in most cases, it's a for-profit business, that gets most of it's money from infotainment. Yes, there are a few quality journalists, but the days of Edward R. Murrow are long gone.

As to the debate, I think what was most telling was when Wolf Blitzer asked if the 30 year old guy in a coma without insurance if they should just "let him die" and there was a large cheer and "yes!" from the crowd. What kind of sick society do we live in? What made it more strange was the comments from Romney and Perry about responsibility. Oh, so that's it. The guy was young and poor and didn't have insurance. Well, that's what he gets, because my money is mine, and I don't give a crap what kind of society we live in I'm not paying a penny for the less fortunate. God bless America.

Speaking of God. What was more fascinating was when Ron Paul commented on it, saying that when he was a doctor before Medicare and Medicaid, the churches took care of people like this. What kind of bubble does he live in??? Does he really think that if we eliminated Medicare and Medicaid, and all the nursing homes, care facilities, etc. were shut down, churches would come in and take care of the people? Really???

As to the debate, I think what was most telling was when Wolf Blitzer asked if the 30 year old guy in a coma without insurance if they should just "let him die" and there was a large cheer and "yes!" from the crowd. What kind of sick society do we live in? What made it more strange was the comments from Romney and Perry about responsibility. Oh, so that's it. The guy was young and poor and didn't have insurance. Well, that's what he gets, because my money is mine, and I don't give a crap what kind of society we live in I'm not paying a penny for the less fortunate. God bless America.

Alpe, maybe I'm wrong but the question was if the 30 year old man had a good job and chose not to buy insurance and then had a medical situation.

The question is (at what point) are people responsible for their own actions (or in-actions)? If I don't buy auto insurance and could otherwise afford it and I hurt someone in an accident should the government take care of it?

The cheers (imo) were not for someone's death but for someone pointing out that people first and foremost should be responsible for themselves if that is at all possible. That one of the most important contributions that any one individual can make in this society is NOT be a burden to it whenever possible (my take on it, anyways).

I've held conservative views my entire life. I know many people that also hold some conservative views. I don't know anyone who would celebrate a death the way that question was posed (not to mention it would never happen).

 

[patricknd]

Alpe, maybe I'm wrong but the question was if the 30 year old man had a good job and chose not to buy insurance and then had a medical situation.

The question is (at what point) are people responsible for their own actions (or in-actions)? If I don't buy auto insurance and could otherwise afford it and I hurt someone in an accident should the government take care of it?

The cheers (imo) were not for someone's death but for someone's pointing out that people first and foremost should be responsible for themselves if that is at all possible. That one of the most important contributions that any one individual can make in this society is NOT be a burden to it whenever possible (my take on it, anyways).

I've held conservative views my entire life. I know many people that also hold some conservative views. I don't know anyone who would celebrate a death the way that question was posed (not to mention it would never happen).

correct on the hypothetical question, and it raises an interesting point.
we pay 100% of employee medical, and i have people that don't take it, because they don't feel like filling out the paperwork. it blows my mind every time.

 

[Anonymous]

correct on the hypothetical question, and it raises an interesting point.
we pay 100% of employee medical, and i have people that don't take it, because they don't feel like filling out the paperwork. it blows my mind every time.

It's stupid.... but could some of this attitude be because they know they can get care? Isn't that the message from modern govt? We (the govt) are gonna take care of you.

And as good as that sounds it does not work very well in the real world.

 

[usedtobefast]

It's stupid.... but could some of this attitude be because they know they can get care? Isn't that the message from modern govt? We (the govt) are gonna take care of you.

And as good as that sounds it does not work very well in the real world.

but it is better than nothing. no shortage of less intelligent people in the world, as history shows. they are everywhere. that brings to mind, why doesn't the less is more argument take place when it comes to population?
climate change,fossil fuels,water. maybe less people. it is a conundrum.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Good questions. Yes, if someone is offered insurance, and can afford it, and don't take it anyway, that's another story. But I don't think even then we should just let them die (if they are expected to be able to eventually recover), that's crazy. You can heal the person, then bill/garnish them for the next few decades. But just letting them die???

Keep in mind that in my rationed single-payer health care plan, government paid end of life care would be greatly curbed. Hence, you are on your death bed and have maybe a few weeks to live, you get hospice, not any extra care. In essence everyone has some sort of DNR. This mostly applies to the elderly and infirm, but can also apply to the Terry Schaivo/Karen Anne Quinlen type situation. In my plan, private supplemental care (and HSA savings) is the answer to that if you are hoping for care in order to live another few weeks/months.

It's stupid.... Isn't that the message from modern govt? We (the govt) are gonna take care of you. And as good as that sounds it does not work very well in the real world.

I agree on the last part. But I don't think there are that many people who expect this, compared to people who probably don't even think about it at all.

 

[patricknd]

It's stupid.... but could some of this attitude be because they know they can get care? Isn't that the message from modern govt? We (the govt) are gonna take care of you.

And as good as that sounds it does not work very well in the real world.

more a case of being young and bullet proof, i think, but at 30 + years you'd think they would be a little clued in about things.

 

[redtreviso]

more a case of being young and bullet proof, i think, but at 30 + years you'd think they would be a little clued in about things.

first off..he is not a real gd person!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2nd if he was well employed he'd be covered..
3rd republicans are MORONS

let him die.. pffft Christian Nation indeed