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It shrank(is that even a word? Lol.) by 1.3% in 2011. So yes currently, it IS shrinking.

I tend to think as everything as a whole. What's best for the entire country. Our views would probably differ on that. But, if we just looked out for "the people", then we'd 0% taxes on everything and there would be no government.

Let's pretend like this "likable rating" is something new. Not a fan of reading? Or do you not understand charts and numbers?

Great comparison...not. This is like when people compare the government's budget to a household's. Not the same. I understand there is more risk with capital gains obviously and that is why taxes are lower on them. The gains are much more extravagant than regular income which is why your theory really doesn't work. I should have clarified that 20% would probably be my max number. 15% is fine. People invest in America still. This notion that we need to keep lowering taxes to lure people is a myth. As for the income tax thing...rah rah rah Robin Hood! Huge tax reform would be ideal. No loopholes, just basic rates at different brackets. That would be my approach, probably you too. I just don't see it ever happening. When looking at the United States, why do you only look at tax rates? Countries have more to offer than just tax rates. Just because a tax rate is lower in one country does not mean you will go invest there. People still love the United States! You want to punish our beloved country by lowering their tax revenue for no reason.

Private debt is much more of a problem. Our public debt isn't really an issue, but politicians like to make it one to scare voters. Frankly, the Federal government should be doing more spending and prevent layoffs by federal and state governments. The government has been shedding jobs over the last year. If even those numbers stayed even, the economy would look much improved. This is the only time in history that public sector employment has gone down immediately following a recession.

Yes, income tax and Capital Gains tax is different but it's not as different as apples and oranges. Capital Gains in itself is still a form of income. 35% is much too high. 20% is just fine, but I'd also like to see a raise in the regular income tax rate.

Obama Has Big Likability Edge Over Romney Obama also up in every swing state except Florida. Aside: OCinBuffalo, not sure if your Obama statement in your sig makes sense. Government is shrinking for the first time in many years.

What does this even mean?? Jobs are out there just for Obama supporters and they are turning them down?? So dumb. Unemployment is over 8% because Obama supporters are lazy. Good to know. When did Glenn Beck join these boards?

HE MAD

This election is over already. Romney might as well throw in the towel now... Only delusional people believe Romney actually has a chance.

Romney came off as a jackass as usual. Plus, he said he wouldn't have wasted millions/billions of dollars going after one man. Changed his tune once again I see.

Thread should have ended here.

How about you just tell what isn't accurate about the statement then? Geez...

So predatory lending is a myth? Regulation was tight?

I know these numbers very well. The employment-to-population ratio is still not where it should be. It's actually not even close. It has remained pretty stagnant since the recession ended. It has hovered around 58%, when historically it has been around 62%. I think a lot of factors go into this - technological advances, extended unemployment benefits, and less than strong economic growth. I was more referring to POLITICALLY, the numbers for Obama look good on the surface. It should be a great race. I still think Romney will struggle on the health care issue and endorsing the Ryan budget.

I'm talking actual numbers here. 4.3 millions jobs lost after Obama took office. Since then, 3.6 million jobs have been gained back. 700k before November isn't impossible.

SEC. They relaxed standards, specifically on the Net Capital Rule allowing investment banks to increase their financial leverage and issued many more mortgage backed securities. Risk continued to skyrocket along with debt loads.

Obama will probably become a "job creator" by the election. A pretty big deal after such a horrible downturn. Job Creator = more jobs created than lost

Disrespectful to call him Barry IMO. And.... Obama average of +4.9 vs. Romney I wouldn't say deregulation is completely out of play. There basically was no oversight on banks and they were making very risky bets bundling mortgages. Lots of predatory lending going on as well.

LMAO. I actually don't even agree with the article I posted in full. I just hate that people just blame the CRA and Democrats in general for a massive crisis.

Community Reinvestment Act had nothing to do with subprime crisis I think this is what you are referring to...

Well, that's pretty clear. He shot a 17 year old who was walking home from the corner store. First, he followed him and then most likely approached Trayvon because he was "suspicious".

I don't read Huff Post and don't plan to now. It's the same as conservative sites defending Zimmerman's actions.

I think the blaming of the Bush admin. is blown out of proportion by the right, but whatever it's just politics. It sort of like the Republicans blaming Obama for everything since day one of office. They both play the game. Get ready for four more years of it!

I was referring to TV news coverage, but I have seen other photos online too. The point is moot now anyways. Everyone knows what he looked like and how old he was by now.