[Mr 5 0]

Originally posted by Stang_Girl617:

well, Taxpayers dont help to rebuilt houses destoyed by hurricanes... your insurance does that, I know that for a fact because I live in GA. all insurance around in this area carries it. All "Relief Aid" does is helps keep shelters open, get bussinesses up and running again and so on.

Private homeowners insurance does pay for hurricane damage most of the time (if you have it) but the premiums are then later raised on all policyholders to help make up for the huge losses the insurance companies incur. Unlike the government, they have to make a profit to stay in business. Government agencies (FEMA) does a lot to help hurricane damage victims, as you stated, but in some cases, they also pay for reconstruction when you have no insurance or cannot obtain it because of recurring losses from hurricanes or in many cases, floods. They will continue to pay for future damage and reconstruction even if you live in a hurricane-prone area. That can get ridiculous and it isn't a problem that is isolated to the south or the north.

You want to talk about government waist lets talk about people in the north who just decide to take unemployment each winter because its "to Cold" to work. I know some guys on this site may even do it. There may be nothing wrong with it to them, but all those ppl really add up. you dont see people in the south laying out just because it gets hot in the summer... thats just stupid.

Unemployment insurance is paid for by employers and the state goverment - with some federal help. Requirements vary from state to state but generally one has to have worked steadily for at least 6 months to qualify for benefits and you only get about 50%, at best, of your former earnings. That usually won't support an independent adult (one not living with their parents). Most unemployment benefits run out after six months. You could live this way but it would be difficult to pull off every year (they keep careful records) and you'll never get ahead financially or in any kind of career. It would be a losers game that would eventually dry up and I doubt many 'northerners' actually do this on a regular basis. Don't believe everything you hear.

Anyway, I dont want to start a fight. The fact is, is most people waste government money every day and they dont know it. Like when you throw that trash out the window on your way to work. Nevertheless, as far as government wastes goes, Alaska ranked number one in the most "porky" state. I am a college student and I dont whine about having to fill out a fafsa. But I also dont get a pell grant. you only recieve than when your parents make under 23,000 a year.

Is any of your college tuition underwritten by any student loans? Unless you come from a very wealthy family, most are, in part. If so, that's a government 'benefit' as taxpayer money is used to subsidize that loan. I have no problem with that as I think it benefits the nation to have educated citizens that can be more productive but as you say: we all benefit from some kind of 'government' program of some kind, some time in our lives. We want it that way, and I don't object to that concept except that too many people then sneer and moan about the 'waste' in government - while taking government money or some form of government aid. That's simply hypocritical.

Most of us arent lucky enough to get federal assistance. And as far as our computer "Sucess" i guess it would be nice if everything wasnt OUTSOURCED!

lets face it ... the computer you are on now fed chinese and indian familes well tonight. And ppl want to complain their are no jobs... STOP OUTSOURCING and you'll get your dam* job. But no, everyone is soooo worried about saving a dollar.

While we're facing things, let's face this: Who invented Windows? An American, Bill Gates (and his partners). Microsoft is one of the first and foremost software companies in the world, bar none. Silicon valley in California, while shrinking in some aspects, is still a vital part of the computer industry. The outsourcing is for robotic manufacturing jobs and customer service jobs that most people don't even want. Still, America insources many more jobs than it outsources and the outsourcing 'drain' is mostly a media and politican-generated myth.

By the way, when was the last time you (or anyone) purposely paid a lot more for a product simply because it was 'Made in the USA'? That's rare. Everybody wants a bargain and that's why companies outsource where they can. To make the product cheaper and more competative in the marketplace. Computers are far superior and dirt cheap, today, compared to just ten years ago. The competative edge keeps sales up and investors happy, which in turn , feeds the U.S. economy and helps everyone, in the long run.

*An Interesting fact*: John Kerry says, If he is elected, he will stop all outsourcing, and for those companies who already have, would pay a higher tax. Well isnt it interesting that his own wife, has recently packed up Heinz and moved it to mexico and other second world countries. Something to think about!

Indeed. Kerry is a fraud.