We were losing $700,000 jobs a month during Bush. He started 2 wars and cut taxes. Obama, to his detriment, was not able to take control and turn the ship. He compromised his mandate and we are all paying the price now. I am no fan of Obama, because of the concessions he has made and for not stopping the wars, but this mess al falls on Bush.
Imagine if Obama did not extend the Bush Tax Cuts and things were like they are today. The Republicans would be yelling from the rooftops that it is because of the taxes.
But the tax cuts have been extended and we are still in this mess.
Stevie - I (surprise) don't see it that way.
I think one of our biggest issues is that 50% of our population don't pay federal income tax (in fact, some get money back - over and above what they paid in - imagine that!)
See, when you don't have any skin in the game, and aren't paying any federal tax for all the benefits you get by living in America, it is easy to say "just spend more Mr. Obama, and have some else pay for it". Its like getting free lunch every day - you'll eat as much as you want and get fat and lazy.
BUT, if you see your OWN taxes go up due to more government spending, now you have skin in the game. Now you will care about our debt problems and how much money gets spent and wasted - whether it is on the wars, on our military operation, handouts, on implementing a health care bill that the majority still do not back.
We need more people with skin in the game, instead of being oblivious to the world around them.
Roll back ALL the Bush tax cuts - on everyone. Take away all the "earned income credit" nonsense. Share the sacrafice, instead of always asking the top 10% (who already pay 70% of the country's bill) to always have to step up to the plate.
But as long as you have 50% of the folks on a free ride, they will always vote to spend more - cuz it doesn't cost them a dime....