The Economy ....

Les Chambers said:
...Education is generally the best way out of poverty. However, if you read the chart, it appears that 30% of the stimulus money IS being spent on education (2.9% on higher education plus 21% on primary education)...

The only problem with that is that my state (Idaho) is already rated 49th in the nation for per-pupil spending on K-12 education, well below the national average. I'm also appalled at the number of illiterate high school "graduates". Since the state has killed virtually every high school vocational education program, graduates have to go to college just to learn some saleable skill.

Also, H&W is an amorphous term, "welfare" has a broader meaning than you are implying. It almost certainly includes items such as childhood immunizations and subsidizing day care, things that help keep the working poor working.

With Idaho ranked 45th in the nation for childhood immunizations, H&W isn't doing such a great job. All I see are 1.) unemployed single females (of varied races/nationalities) driving beater cars (with no insurance) full of kids, going to Walmart and, 2.) out of school males who would rather ride skateboards and play Guitar Hero than get a job. Drives me nuts!

Your not wrong, although OUR money shouldn't be going for either one. But as the Dems make more classes dependent on the government handout, they know they get the votes, and so the power. They care nothing for the nation, just their perks and power.

Thomas Holst said:

With Idaho ranked 45th in the nation for childhood immunizations, H&W isn't doing such a great job. All I see are 1.) unemployed single females (of varied races/nationalities) driving beater cars (with no insurance) full of kids, going to Walmart and, 2.) out of school males who would rather ride skateboards and play Guitar Hero than get a job. Drives me nuts!

That's too bad. I was in Sun City a couple years back and was surrounded by multi-million dollar houses (palaces really). The only "non-whites" I saw were Native American construction workers building even more luxury digs. There is obviously money to be found in Idaho. Find it and tax it. ;-)

Seriously, I drove up Rt. 75(?) for miles and miles and met some really decent folks along the way. I set a scope up in a place called Senate Glen and observed under the best skies I have ever seen. You have very beautiful state. I hope to get back there someday.

Les

Doug:
You can legitimately argue about whether the Democrats' policies are the right ones or not, but to suggest they don't care about the country is the same nonsense I hear from people like Rush Limbaugh. I may not agree with McCain often but most of the people who espouse his policies care for this country as much as I do, or you or the democrats. There are a lot of decent arguments on both sides of this issue, but your assessment as to motivation is not one of them.

George

You are partially right Doug. But it's not "just the Dems". Most of the "career" Politicians only care about getting reelected to keep their perks, benefits, and power. Being a public servant isn't supposed to be a "career". Most of them actually believe they do not work for the people and have a "God" complex. Put term limits on Congressmen so others can take their turn at serving We The People.
I find it very condescending that they tell people they are too stupid (and believe it) to know how and where to spend their own money. That the Government knows what is best for me, you, or anyone else and wants to take your money and spend it their way. All under the guise of "it's for the children". I'm sorry, but I know how to take care of my children, they do not. How are we supposed to be able to teach our children that hard work and honesty are the keys to success, when these politicians take your money and give it to those that have cheated, lied, and mismanaged themselves as a reward for "voting for me"?

Doug Bailey said:

Your not wrong, although OUR money shouldn't be going for either one. But as the Dems make more classes dependent on the government handout, they know they get the votes, and so the power. They care nothing for the nation, just their perks and power.