The speech

[brice1967]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/12/what-is-a-middle-class-job_n_2664882.html

You hear good things about the economy and then something like this pops up?  What's it going to be?  It is either better or it still stinks... I think we are trying to use too many variables to measure any real progress with the economy.

[R Glass]

“While most of the jobs created during the recovery were in the low-wage service sector, those who still have a middle-class job are making less.”

I can testify to that. I am making less today than I was 20 Years ago.  I would really appreciate it if Obama gave a true “State of the Union Address”.

I’ll watch the highlights but won’t watch the speech. Regardless of who is President, I can’t stand the Childish, Accessive, Applause. He could belch and get a standing ovation.

[mikesimon]

Our economy hasn't been good for the middle class since the mid nineties.

[rivll]

Regardless of who is President,

He could belch and get a standing ovation.


LOL

[R Glass]

It was about Mid 90s when my income peaked. It has taken a dive over the last couple of years. I'm not blaming Obama for it, I would just like to hear someone tell the truth.

[specialmom]

Just another mouth moving with pretty words.  That's all speeches are to me these days from politicians.  I wish presidents and the like had to write their own speeches---  then maybe they'd be less pretty but more meaningful.  

[Barb135]

"I'm not blaming Obama for it, I would just like to hear someone tell the truth."

Amen...........

[nygirl7]

In the olden days we used to get cost of living increases AND raises.  Not, a raise it not even equal to a cost of living increase.  

AND the groceries in the grocery store have you noticed how SMALL they have all gotten lately?

[brice1967]

No, you can't rightfully blame Obama for this stuff.  As mike said, things haven't been so bright since the mid 90's.  It's just the coat of lacquer the politicians try to put on it.  Doesn't matter who is in office.  If its a democrat, they all say, "looky here"... same for the republicans.

(Then you see commentary that we all really know anyhow, just like this story and you've got to wonder how in the heck do they get off trying to paint a pretty picture?)  Yeah, a good dose of the truth would be nice.  

[brice1967]

The first packaging I noticed that is smaller was coffee....  More expensive, smaller package.  

[R Glass]

I spent over $115 on groceries Saturday and didn't get squat. I have noticed that they put fewer item in each bag.I guess they think if you carry more bags you feel like you bought more things.

[brice1967]

Yeah, a $100 bill at the grocery store is kind of a joke, isn't it?  Man, I've got 2 teen age boys, and my 16 year old eats like a horse....  The wife and I started completely shopping by a list and we compare nearly every price in the joint and buy as cheap as we can and still that $100 doesn't stretch out too far.  

[wallace54]

If I can offer a suggestion about any speech any politician is about to put out, don't listen to it.  Your BS filter isn't up to snuff.  Nobody's is....

[nygirl7]

Nope it doesn't go anywhere no matter how hard you try!  Mayonnaise - well that was the first one I saw (aside from cereal) the bottom of the jar pushed up inside so it seemed you were getting just as much.

I wonder if the half gallon of ice cream the other day that I bought on sale was actually a half gallon...probably not.

[Barb135]

I just cleaned my BS filter, this morning, so I think I'd do pretty good at catching it, but we all know the speeches are pretty much, just that, so there's really no point in dirtying my filter again......... lol

[rivll]

You can still get a lot of groceries for $100. at Trader Joe's. That is 1/3 more than my weekly budget and the dogs and I manage okay. I supplement their kibble with sweet potatoes and carrots though.

[MrsPincince]

As far as the actual speech goes, It was good. Firm, assertive. His agenda on the other hand, was IMO Very bold.  We'll see if any if it gets done.From Marco Rubio's rebuttal, it sounds like the repubs are still in opposition mode... I am for Universal Pre-K..My son went to a private pre-school and we were paying $200 per week..I don't know what you guys think but that is EXPENSIVE..with this Universal Pre-K, NO CHILD will be behind in school...9 states already have if or some form of it with results..Raising Minimum wage to $9 per hour and linking it to the cost of living. YEA I think that needs to be done for sure.

[specialmom]

Well, here is how I feel about pre through K as a mother (non political).  I think that it should NOT be mandatory that kids attend.  I am all about kids being kids while they can be and to me---  preschool served one main purpose---  hanging out with other kids and socializing . . . and most importantly HAVING FUN!  I never worried one ounce about academics at those young ages.  My kids are both just fine now in the second and third grade.  

Institutionalizing kids in this country worries me with so many in all day daycare from birth.  Not a knock on working women and families have to do what they have to do but i really hate to have the govt. instituting anthing mandatory.

I also feel like my kids were ALL mine oh mine all mine until they go off into the school years where the school gets a piece of them and exert some control.  I don't want that to start sooner than it already does.  

so, I'm all for opportunity to be there if parents want it but that already exists in my area.  Our school district does have a public preschool program that there is a minimal charge for.  half the class are special needs and half the class aren't.  So, anyone who wanted to do it, could enroll their child in that program.  

Okay, just my thoughts on that subject.  LOL  (again, not political but mom based).

[nygirl7]

I grew up in a very, ultra prestigious town. My parents forced me to go to a private school. My parents are broke. Always have been. I used to beg to go to public school. My brother and sister got to go. Wasted money.

I think all children are entitled to pre-k if they want it. But, throwing them in with the 'rich kids' that early is not going to help. (sorry its the only way I can see it)

My son still wonders why he doesn't have a CTS? I drive a Mazda.

Kids should be kids. Kids should play. Too bad mommies can't just stay home and take care of their babies. Cowboys and Indians was a fine game in the 60s. And I grew up to be a Liberal...go figure.

[specialmom]

I played cowboys and indians too . . .  and grew up to be a Republican.  :>)

[Barb135]

I agree that pre-K should be there for those who want/need it, but I don't think the government should mandate it.  My son never went to any kind of pre-k and he did just fine.  My daughter went one year, when she was 4, but at that time it was only 2 days/week for 2 hours/day; more about learning social skills than academic skills, though there were some light academics. She didn't do any better in school after having the pre-K, than my son did not having it.

Our county has public pre-k; free for everyone or parents can choose a private school and pay.

I played cowboys and Indians, too --- have been both Democrat and Republican.

[teko]

I think kids belong with the parents as long as that is possible. Government shouldnt have anything to do with that decision, but the service should be available for those that do want to utilize it.

I played cowboys and indians to and Im still deciding what I want to be when I grow up.

[MrsPincince]

I agree with all of you that it should not be mandated. It should be available to all and optional to all. I know for me My husband and I had to work. We were already established in our careers before we had JJ. We had no choice (so we thought at the time). Anyway (I'm rambling..lol) JJ went to pre-k and it was expensive. I wasn't mentally ready to be a stay at home mom. We could afford it so we did. In that aspect I think it's a wonderful idea. The cost of child care is VERY expensive and if this passes, it will ease the pockets of A LOT of working families. I also think many mom's and dad's would want their children to be home but unfortunately the reality for a majority of families out there is they need to incomes and have to work. They have no help or child care and don't have the blessing of being a stay at home mom.


I also like the President's proposal of Fair pay..Why is that not so already? I mean that is commonsense no?!

[Vance2335]

For all of you that watch MSNBC and support MSNBC you should think about turning off the network and become sensible minded people. MSNBC in roughly 2 days showed the Rubio water clip 155 times. 155 TIMES. They are scared and trying to end his political career over a drink of water. 155 TIMES. Are you not ashamed to watch msnbc?

CNN did it about 35 times-even had a guy say his political career is over. Fox about 12 times.

How many times did they report on Chris Kelly being killed? A hero. Or how much did they report on Benghazi? Anything that is a blackeye for Obama they try to make it into a non issue but they make no issues into issues.

[mikesimon]

Are those tears flowing again?

Let's face it - Rubio looked like an maniac going for that water. If he'd have been in my home I would have asked him -  Hey man, what the hell is wrong with you? Slow down ace and take a sophisticated sip!