ThirdEye...
You state:
Is there even a recovery? Based on what? Jobs?
Many different factors determine what is collectively labeled a "recovery". Here are several important factors that one could use to conclude that we are, in fact, in a recovery:
1. GNP growth- Yep, we've seen excellent growth, right?
2. Housing starts - Yes, those are up too...
3. Jobs - 1.5 new jobs since the beginning of the year.
4. Consumer Confidence - Hits a 2 year high.
Ironically, instead of providing evidence to the contrary, you have instead resorted to making 2 rather lame arguments.
1. You resort to touting Clinton's "record" as an argument that Bush's record stinks. What do you think Clinton's record would look like if you were to factor in a Recession, 9/11, and Iraq. I doubt that you even gave that a thought, eh?
2. The BLS numbers are "bogus". Ooh, nice one. When you can't make a cogent argument, you resort to some sort "conspiracy" theory. Alas, you lack any sort of evidence to back up your claim. No links, no data...just your opinion. Given the anonymity of the internet, I would hardly call you a reliable source.
As to this:
In CA the cost of public education has risen around 60% in just the last 3 years. Colleges may be offering more financial aid, but the studies you cite(which are only as good as the design of the samples they uised to collect their info) don't tell us about how much students are borrowing to pay the tuition.
Did you even bother to read the article I posted? Let me post some of the highlights:
•Average tuition paid at public universities fell 32% from $1,636 in the 1997-98 academic year to $1,115 in 2002-03. During that time, the published tuition price rose 18% to an average of $4,202. About three-fourths of the nation's 12 million college students attend public institutions.
•Total costs for tuition and room and board were flat at $6,794 at public schools from 1998 to 2003.
•Average tuition paid at private universities rose 7% over five years to an average of $10,684 in 2003, less than the 20% increase in published tuition prices.
Congress has approved eight tax breaks for college education since 1997. Last year, these tax benefits saved families more than $7 billion. Key benefits:
•6.5 million families got tuition tax credits that reduced taxes an average of $1,350 per return.
•3.5 million received a tuition tax deduction that saved an average of $325 in income taxes.
No, I guess you didn't bother to carefully read the article. BTW, would you mind supporting your argument with something other then your opinion?
As to this:
Well, blamed may not be the exact word, but if federal tax revenues are withdrawn from states and municipalities, they have to make it up somehow. And the way they make it up is by raising taxes and cutting services. Plain and simple.
You may have a point here. However, the real question is, where do I get the most bang for the buck, right? Frankly, I would MUCH rather pay a higher county tax then pay higher federal tax and have federal politicians redistribute it.
Why you ask? I get to see MY money work in MY community. I can also hold my LOCAL politicians accountable. Plain and Simple.
Diz- |
