Giving A Break To Those Who Need It Most

The House moved quickly in passing a $819 billon stimulus bill yesterday with two items included that I think are not just a waste of millions, but a clear sign that our Government simply doesn’t get the desperate and in-need America.

Remember last year, shortly after tax season when most America’s received a generous $500 or $1,200 stimulus check in the mail from Uncle Sam? That approach failed miserably. Most half-way intelligent American’s didn’t put that money back into the economy by buying a flat-screen or going on a vacation – most used it to pay off debt or applied it to their savings, adding to their nest-egg that would likely be needed in the coming months. We are as a whole, more in debt now then ever – why would this administration believe that a similar approach would result in a different outcome?

“Through June 6, the U.S. Treasury had sent 66.6 million payments totaling about $56.8 billion…” in stimulus checks. *

And good news for first-time home buyers in 2009. If you purchase a home this year you are likely to receive a $7,500 tax credit which you do not need to pay back so long as you live in the house for three years and you qualify under the minimum joint salary amount of $170,000. Yes, you read that correctly – you will receive $7,500 for FREE. This is a vast difference from the current law which gives first-time home buyers a credit of $7,500 which must be repaid in equal installments over 15 years (with no interest).

My problem with this credit is that first-time homebuyers are already at an extreme advantage due to the unfortunate market conditions. Home prices have plummeted, foreclosures continue to rise, and interest rates are a record low (30 year fixed @ 5.3 today**). Our concern should not be on helping people buy their first home, but on assisting those who have LOST their home or who are BARELY able to keep their home. This incentive should have been implemented in 2005 when I was trying to buy a small condo that was priced at THREE TIMES what it is worth today! When young professionals like myself could not afford to get INTO the market there was NO ASSISTANCE so why should we fork over money to those who are excitedly benefiting from the housing bust?
In 2008, “The number of American homeowners who faced foreclosure proceedings…passed the 2.3 million mark, an 81 percent increase over the previous year”.***

But let’s stop and talk about all the American’s that have NOT BEEN FORECLOSED on but are hanging by a thread each month to pay their mortgage. Those who are working extra shifts, searching for a second job, forgoing hot water when washing clothes, turning off their cable, phone and internet, selling a vehicle, unable to afford prescriptions, forgoing meals – this is the real picture of the middle-class Americans cutting back on life’s necessities in the hopes of keeping their heart…where their home is. These are the American’s we should help first – those who have experienced no advantages from the economic turmoil that has hit us hard and fast.

As banks are slow to lend money and mortgage companies are diligent in approving buyers, we can make the assumption that those who are currently buying a home are doing so because they are not the Americans in need. The tax credit should help those who are!

Countdown To The Presidential Election: Getting Educated

As noted weeks earlier in THIS blog, I will be highlighting young adults who feel strongly about politics, a particular candidte, and know about the HOT campaign issues. These individuals will share with you their views on why they are voting for Obama or McCain here on HOLLYWOODWANNAB and live on-air with me Parker Sunshine.

This week, Wednesday, August 20, Josh St. Louis will be joining me in the studio to discuss why he is voting for John McCain.

I AM VOTING FOR McCAIN BECAUSE:

I am voting for John McCain because I believe in a cause that is greater than myself. I want the next President to be before party and polls. He needs to make decisions with all of the American population in mind. I believe that John McCain best represents American values, and I believe that he is the best candidate to protect America’s interests around the world.

On the issues, I believe that John McCain has shown the right leadership and has the courage to solve some of the most difficult challenges that face us. John McCain has a plan that will bring our troops out of Iraq with honor. He also has a plan that will cut taxes and offers ways to not only become energy independent, but to help the environment as well.

McCain knows when he needs to make the tough decisions to help promote the cause of freedom. At the time when the Iraq War was at its highest unpopularity, John McCain stood up to the Administration and had the courage to say that the current strategy was not working. He strongly advocated for a surge, which helped to reduce violence drastically and offer more stability to not only Iraq, but the surrounding region as well. Because of this winning strategy, the Iraqis are starting to take control of their country.

I think John McCain said it best when he said, “When politicians start acting like Americans instead of partisans, America will be even stronger.” I want the next president to have that attitude, and I believe that out of all of the candidates in the race, McCain has that attitude and is ready to lead on Day one.

Josh St. Louis is a sophomore at George Mason University, studying government and administration of justice. He is currently serving on the Executive Board of the George Mason College Republicans, and blogs for them, as well as the Virginia College Republican blog. He believes in the importance of student activism, and plans to continue serving as an advocate for conservative causes well beyond college. During his free time, he volunteers for many Republican candidates and committees, and just recently finished interning with Congressman Tom Davis.

To hear Josh St. Louis talk about his support for John McCain tune in to Talk Of The Town, Wednesday August 20, 2008 at at 7PM - Click HERE to learn how to listen!

Countdown To The Presidential Election: Getting Educated

On November 4, 2008, we ALL have the power to vote for change, to vote for our future.

Since many young adults do not bother to vote, learn about the candidates nor understand the pressing issues facing and defining the future of our country, I want to help educate you and myself before the next Presidential election.

Every couple of weeks we will hear from young adults with an opinion on who you should vote for and why that candidate is the better of the two. Learn about the issues and importance of your single vote this coming election. Feel confident when you check that box knowing you are a piece of history, an impact on our future.

This week on Talk Of The Town, Matt Smith will be joining us discussing why he is voting for Barack Obama.

Why I'm voting Barack Obama:

• Providing tuition assistance/reimbursement to get young people to serve in the federal government
• His stance on providing additional Veterans Benefits to those who have served, such as health care extension, mental health benefits, and more money towards the GI Bill
• Support for $150 billion dollars to be placed into the hands of businesses to help create new "clean technology" areas in former coal and textile towns and cities
• His commitment to begin a gradual withdrawal of troops from Iraq with the advice of Generals on the ground and confronting the mounting rhetoric coming

Matt Smith. Born under the Jerry Springer Administration and a military dependent – of 20 years as an Air Force brat – his political beliefs are personal and gained from firsthand experience. While growing up, he attended 13 different schools (George Mason University being his last), lived in 8 states and 1 U.S. Territory. In 2000-2001, Matt served as Press Assistant to then-Senator George Allen (R-VA), has worked previously for campaigns such as Scott Klein for Delegate Campaign (VA-44) and as a volunteer for John McCain for President in 2000. Currently, he serves as the Marketing + Communications guy for a local college student staffing company, and is a proud graduate of George Mason University. When he has free time, Matt enjoys golfing, watching soccer, a nice pint of Guinness (or local micro brew), and traveling.

To hear Matt Smith talk about his support for Barack Obama tune in to Talk Of The Town, Wednesday July 2, 2008 at at 7PM - Click here to learn how to listen!

Big Girls Don’t Cry … Especially When Campaigning

Yesterday Senator Hilary Clinton reminded us that she is a woman. Bad move.

Clinton’s emotionally charged response to a Portsmouth, New Hampshire audience member question caused her to become teary eyed when replying, “You know, this is very personal for me. It’s not just political it’s not just public. I see what’s happening, and we have to reverse it.”

For many, Clinton’s behavior reinforced the hesitation of electing a female Commander-in-chief. Her red eyes and shaky voice stripped her of the ‘tough guy’ image she regularly portrays and reminded voters that she is as feminine as Jessica Simpson.

Perhaps Clinton’s reaction was strategic and staged – but in a time of great uncertainty and change, Americans are searching for a leader not a crier. And although the ramifications of her tears have yet to be determined, this much is sure – On the eve of the New Hampshire primary, Clinton became a ‘typical woman’.

From the start to the end – her campaign may be a trail of tears.

What do you think? Did Hilary show she was more human, or will the perceived weakness end her campaign?

*First published on http://www.mindsay.com/, January 8, 2008