you act like these people aren't my friends any more. but my republican friends are so pushy, the arguments can get heated. i'm sick of political arguments, but they aren't. it wouldn't end our relationships though, they're like my big brothers.

 

Like too much else in this country, election campaigns often appeal far too much to the lowest common denominator, just like organized religion, public education, and automotive (HUMMER! PRIUS! MINI! ... Chevrolet Monte Carlo!) tastes.

Oh well, someone's gonna whine I'm a snob and don't appreciate the diversity and egalitarian nature of American public life.

 

Bush Sucks Imo>..

 

thats what howard dean was talking about thursday night when he came here. its all about the issues that divide us, like abortion and gay marriage, etc. instead, he said, it should be about the issues we all agree on, like the economy, job security, etc.

 

werd, i have different feelings toward friend that are republican...its pretty stupid.

 

Nope

 

What are you smoking???

 

i don't have different feelings towards them because i know what kind of people they are, and regardless, they're still my boys. but they drive me crazy sometimes! they can do that without politics though :chuckles:

 

Consumer confidence is back down to mid-2002 levels. GDP growth lower than expected.


Consumer spending, especially on consumer durables, is up, but things are still shakey. Most of that spending can be attributed to people wanting to buy cars and other high priced goods while interest rates are still low. A lot will depend on the next president to turn this instability into a real upswing. The oil prices are putting the squeeze on everything.

 

Inflation, stable
Interest Rates, very low
Unemployment, low
Stock Market, on upswing

People that I speak with are very upbeat and positive.

But you are correct, the price of crude is over $50 per barrel. Not around $20 per barrel like a year ago. But the price of crude is really out of the government's control.

Overall, most folks would agree that this administration has managed our economy very, dispite -- the War in Afgahnistan, the War in Iraq, and the recent damage done by hurricanes throughout the southeast.