Nation's most and least important priorities?
What are the nation's priorities? (PHOTO CREDIT: CHRIS KLEPONIS/AFP/GETTY IMAGES)
From CNN's Jack Cafferty:
In his address to Congress last night, President Obama laid out what would be an ambitious agenda even in good times - never mind that we're in the midst of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression.
Yet the president struck an optimistic tone, saying, "We will rebuild and we will recover." His speech focused on 3 top priorities - energy, health care and education. But there was also much more, including, but not limited to: tax reform, beginning a debate on overhauling Social Security, retooling the auto industry, reforming the regulatory system, getting rid of fraud and waste in Medicare, seeking a cure for cancer "in our time", expanding mass transit, encouraging parental responsibility, and on and on. Plus, don't forget there's still a war on terror and two real wars going on.
But our President seems remarkably unruffled by all of this, serene in an inner confidence that he has what it takes to lead this country back into the sunlight. That's not to say some of this stuff may need to be delayed. Mr. Obama acknowledged as much, saying, "Everyone in this chamber... will have to sacrifice some worthy priorities for which there are no dollars. And that includes me. But that does not mean we can afford to ignore our long-term challenges."
Here’s my question to you: What are the most important priorities for the nation at this time, and which can wait?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Bank that got bailout $ throws lavish parties?
From CNN's Jack Cafferty:
A bank that got $1.6 billion dollars in government bailout money sponsored a series of "lavish parties" during a golf tournament in Los Angeles last weekend.
Northern Trust Bank sponsored a series of “lavish parties” in Los Angeles last weekend.
Chicago-based Northern Trust bank spent millions of dollars sponsoring the tournament and associated client events. The website TMZ reports that this included dinners, concerts by Sheryl Crow and Earth,Wind and Fire, a private party at the House of Blues and gift bags from Tiffany. Also, hundreds of people were flown in and put up in luxury hotels.
A Northern Trust official confirms to CNN that the bank sponsored the events, but not on the taxpayers' dime. He said the bank is healthy and didn't ask for TARP money, but entered the program at the request of the government. He added that their "normal cash flow" - and not TARP funds - paid for the event.
But the bank's explanation may not be enough for some. Congressman Barney Frank is writing a letter to Northern Trust calling on it to pay back the money it spent on these events. Frank says this behavior demonstrates "extraordinary levels of irresponsibility and arrogance." And in the Senate, John Kerry says he'll introduce a bill this week to end what he calls the "extravagant spending practices" of banks getting taxpayer money. Under his legislation – banks wouldn't be able to host, sponsor or pay for conferences, or holiday or entertainment events in the year they get government funds.
In December – Northern Trust announced plans to cut 450 jobs this year.
Here’s my question to you: What message does it send when a bank that got $1.6 billion in bailout money throws lavish dinners, parties, and concerts?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
GOP in position to talk fiscal responsibility?
The National Debt Clock in New York City. President Bush increased the national debt more than all previous presidents combined. (PHOTO CREDIT: TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/GETTY IMAGES)
From CNN's Jack Cafferty:
In the Republican response to President Obama's speech last night, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal called the stimulus package "irresponsible". He said it will grow government, increase taxes in the future and saddle future generations with debt.
"Who among us would ask our children for a loan, so we could spend money we do not have, on things we do not need? That is precisely what the Democrats in Congress just did," said Jindal.
Interesting, after the last 8 years, it would seem that Republicans are hardly in a position to lecture anyone about fiscal responsibility. When President Bush took office in 2000, the national debt was about $5.7 trillion dollars, which after two wars and lots of other spending, is now approaching $11 trillion. President Bush ran up more debt for this country than all previous presidents combined.
Jindal acknowledged last night that in recent years, "our party got away from its principles." No kidding.
Keep in mind, Jindal - who some see as a possible contender for his party's presidential nominee in 2012 - is one of the Republican governors talking about rejecting stimulus funding for his state. Jindal says he plans to turn down $100 million because it would require his state to change its unemployment laws. I guess when you're a wealthy state like Louisiana you don't need no stinking stimulus money.
Here’s my question to you: Are the Republicans in any position to lecture President Obama on fiscal responsibility?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
@jackcafferty on Twitter
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