John Edwards chosen by Kerry as VP

[spearenb]

Originally posted by wvrevy

Question: Is there anyone with an income of less than 6 figures that can honestly say they're better off now than they were four years ago ? (and I know you can't, spearenb...I've seen the job market in WV...it's pathetic)

8 years prosperity? No, I would think we had somewhere around 3.5 years of prosperity all in the later half of the decade.

Job markey in WV? In the north and eastern panhandle, the job market is booming with high-tech jobs. Note: Please pray to God that Byrd (D) and Mollohan (D) stay alive for a very long time! It because of them that Government contracts are being given to companies up here and in turn, the taxes the companies pay are keeping WV from running up a 200 Million Debt! You have to love the Democratic leadership WV has gotten in the last 70 years.

But I digress, I am much better off because I have worked my butt off to be much better off! And, I am very close to 6 figures, thank you. Another decent tax cut and I will be there. Another tax increase and it will take me another 4-5 years to make it.

I can see where the southern part is hurting. Maybe you all should look at the state leaders whom 80% are Democrat and Rahal (D) for the problems down there. Just a thought.

 

[richiebaseball]

Originally posted by wvrevy
Terrified, actually...I mean, how else to explain the frantic attempts to cast Edwards in a negative light ?

I don't know if I would describe them as frantic. It seems to be politics as usual. Something both the left and the right do. Unless you're too partisan to see it.

Originally posted by wvrevy
As for the Clinton reference...yeah, that'd be terrible, wouldn't it ? 8 years of the type of prosperity we had to endure in the 90's ? How EVER will we survive ?

http://www.forbes.com/technology/ebusiness/feeds/ap/2004/07/07/ap1445305.html
"The economy appears headed for a banner year despite a springtime spike in energy prices and a recent increase in interest rates.

In fact, many analysts are forecasting that the overall economy, as measured by the gross domestic product, will grow by 4.6 percent or better this year, the fastest in two decades.

There were strong 4.5 percent growth rates in 1997 and 1999, when Bill Clinton was president and the country was in the midst of a record 10-year expansion.

But if this year's growth ends up a bit faster than that, it will be the best since the economy roared ahead at a 7.2 percent rate in 1984, a year when another Republican president - Ronald Reagan - was running for re-election."

Amazing that we could do this without Mr. Clinton, eh?

Originally posted by wvrevy
Question: Is there anyone with an income of less than 6 figures that can honestly say they're better off now than they were four years ago ? (and I know you can't, spearenb...I've seen the job market in WV...it's pathetic)

At least we know where you draw the line. So if you make more than $100,000 your opinion doesn't count?

Richard

 

[Arabella Figg 2003]

the latest NBC poll says Kerry is ahead of Bush, and that 70% of those polled think Edwards would make a better VP than Cheney. the online poll today is whether Cheney should be replaced, and 62% of those polled say "yes".

 

[wvrevy]

Originally posted by richiebaseball
I don't know if I would describe them as frantic. It seems to be politics as usual. Something both the left and the right do. Unless you're too partisan to see it.

http://www.forbes.com/technology/ebusiness/feeds/ap/2004/07/07/ap1445305.html
"The economy appears headed for a banner year despite a springtime spike in energy prices and a recent increase in interest rates.

In fact, many analysts are forecasting that the overall economy, as measured by the gross domestic product, will grow by 4.6 percent or better this year, the fastest in two decades.

There were strong 4.5 percent growth rates in 1997 and 1999, when Bill Clinton was president and the country was in the midst of a record 10-year expansion.

But if this year's growth ends up a bit faster than that, it will be the best since the economy roared ahead at a 7.2 percent rate in 1984, a year when another Republican president - Ronald Reagan - was running for re-election."

Amazing that we could do this without Mr. Clinton, eh?


At least we know where you draw the line. So if you make more than $100,000 your opinion doesn't count?

Richard

1 - It was just surprising to me that within minutes of his announcement, the RNC was already on the attack. It's just funny that the republicans don't even seem to make an effort at pretending to campaign positively anymore, they go straight to the negative. Again...why attack rather than touting their own accomplishments ? (Assuming they can find any worth noting)

2 - Not everyone is quite as confident that the economy is recovering quite that well: Job Growth Disappoints Oh, but jobs don't actually matter, right ?

3 - No, everybody's opinion counts. But people making 6 figures don't exactly qualify for concern quite as much as the 10% of Americans living in abject poverty...But why would a Republican know anything about them ? (Though I'd think someone living in West Virginia would know better...but apparently not )

 

[Robinrs]

Originally posted by tommysmom
Ive been reading this thread and am no where near the end but this statement really really aggravates me. My father came to this country and worked his butt off. He had a job and worked hard to create a successful company. My siblings and I work there now...Please dont tell me , that because I didnt do the original work, my past nor my life is not as worthy as someone who worked it himself.

My father did this so his kids wouldnt have to . It the American Dream, no? While working he instilled in us values about hard work and integrity that have always stuck in my head and that I live by today. How dare anybody tell me or imply that because my job might have been funded by my hard working father, I am not as worthy.

I hope to God I can do the same for my children. Maybe if there were more parents that worked hard to to create something to leave to their children we wouldnt have so many people dependent on the government...

Im sorry, but that statement above is ridiculous and in my eyes UNAMERICAN!

Forgive me but I don't understand this rant....

Your father did what was right for his family, and he could be cited the same way as the poster mentioned about how Edwards did it on his own. Maybe one generation down the line Edwards kids will be posting like this, who knows? That's the wonderful thing about America, we can do this!

What people on this board consider unAmerican is relative, and should not rattle you or anyone else. Americans have the freedom to decide that for themselves and thank God for that.

I'm proud and happy that my parents taught me to work HARD for what I want and I've never had to depend on them for anything but their love and support. In fact, in their last years I was thrilled that they depended on ME. It was my pleasure to give back to them what they did for me. This is my idea of the the legacy I will leave my child. What goes around, comes around, and NEVER expect the govt to give you what you can work for.

God bless,

Robinrs

 

[faithinkarma]

"The economy appears headed for a banner year despite a springtime spike in energy prices and a recent increase in interest rates.

Please keep in mind that when the economy sinks as low as it has, and the recovery is determined by a percentage, it takes a mush smaller increase to make it a "banner year".

And let's remember, that interest rates are up, the dollar is down, milk and gas prices have gone through the roof. My advice...believe your own checkbook and not what the talking heads tell you.

 

[Eeyore1954]

Originally posted by wvrevy
'Course, the fact that his former clients all seem to love him shouldn't matter, since a former opponent (whom he apparently beat) seems to think he's a bad guy

Of course, if someone managed to get me several million dollars and all I had to do was sit in court for awhile and look pathetic ... heck, I'd love them, too -- man or woman!! It's fairly common knowledge that everyone loves a winner and Edwards was quite adept at winning by being very selective in the cases he chose to take. Make a few large settlements as a personal injury attorney and you can afford to be choosey.

The hypocrisy of the right just keeps on keepin' on

As though there is only truth and integrity from the left??

 

[Eeyore1954]

Originally posted by wvrevy
Question: Is there anyone with an income of less than 6 figures that can honestly say they're better off now than they were four years ago ?

I am! My salary has increased an average of 7.5% annually over the past 4 years. I worked for a company that went bankrupt due to the Internet bubble bursting and within 2 1/2 months of being laid off had a better job with a higher salary. This year I was promoted to management. My 401K recovered everything it lost when the markets tanked and is now performing better than it has in years. The value of my home has nearly doubled. I have better health, dental and life insurance coverage today than I've ever had in my entire life. My personal savings and investments have more than doubled in the past 4 years.

So, yes, I'd say I am better off now than I was 4 years ago. MUCH better off.

Edited to add: My annual salary, including all benefits, is LESS than six digits.

 

[Arabella Figg 2003]

G-d help you, Eeyore, if you ever have something horrible happen to you. did you read what happened to the Lakely girl?

dear Lord, I'd rather have my child healthy and happy than have $25 million because THAT happen to her.

 

[jrydberg]

Originally posted by wvrevy
Question: Is there anyone with an income of less than 6 figures that can honestly say they're better off now than they were four years ago ?

I can. I'm MUCH better off than I was four years ago. In just about every aspect of life. Most of those have nothing to do with the U.S. government though

 

[Eeyore1954]

Originally posted by Arabella Figg 2003
G-d help you, Eeyore, if you ever have something horrible happen to you. did you read what happened to the Lakely girl?

dear Lord, I'd rather have my child healthy and happy than have $25 million because THAT happen to her.

Try not to be so defensive.

I am sure any parent would prefer their child be healthy and happy (even though the two are not necessarily tied at the hip). However, get someone a $25 mill award, of which they get to take home $16.5 mill, and I doubt that they would have anything negative to say about the attorney representing them.

Anyway, thanks for your kind thoughts.

 

[faithinkarma]

Originally posted by Eeyore1954
I am! My salary has increased an average of 7.5% annually over the past 4 years. I worked for a company that went bankrupt due to the Internet bubble bursting and within 2 1/2 months of being laid off had a better job with a higher salary. This year I was promoted to management. My 401K recovered everything it lost when the markets tanked and is now performing better than it has in years. The value of my home has nearly doubled. I have better health, dental and life insurance coverage today than I've ever had in my entire life. My personal savings and investments have more than doubled in the past 4 years.

So, yes, I'd say I am better off now than I was 4 years ago. MUCH better off.

Finally an intelligent post. Honest to pete, when you post utterly ridiculous statements like

Of course, if someone managed to get me several million dollars and all I had to do was sit in court for awhile and look pathetic ... heck, I'd love them, too -- man or woman!!

you leave me wondering who the heck is using your screen name. You are so much better than you have been posting recently. What's up?




The fact that you are better off is great. And gives you a perfect reason for staying with the current administration. I am happy for you.

My husband is employed by the state. he has not seen a raise in several years. My income has increased significantly simply because it comes in Canadian funds...when I first moved here one dollar US cost over 1.60 Canadian. Right now it cost 1.319. So I am way ahead, but not in a way that is good for Americans.

 

[Arabella Figg 2003]

Originally posted by Eeyore1954
Try not to be so defensive.

I am sure any parent would prefer their child be healthy and happy (even though the two are not necessarily tied at the hip). However, get someone a $25 mill award, of which they get to take home $16.5 mill, and I doubt that they would have anything negative to say about the attorney representing them.

Anyway, thanks for your kind thoughts.

Your comment about "looking pathetic in court" was just so low...

as a defense attorney I've had to sit through a few "day in the life" films. believeme, they don't get paid because they "look pathetic in court".

the idiot who offered the lakelys a mere $100,000 ought to be shot. that was a six figure case from the get-go.

 

[Eeyore1954]

Originally posted by faithinkarma
Finally an intelligent post. Honest to pete, when you post utterly ridiculous statements like ... you leave me wondering who the heck is using your screen name. You are so much better than you have been posting recently. What's up?

Umm.. probably due to combo of my new prescription for Lithium and the lobotomy I had yesterday!

But seriously folks ... I am wounded that you don't think all my posts are intelligent. To be honest, I just choose to speak my mind, whether or not anyone else agrees with me. If someone considers something I write to be ridiculous, that's their right and choice... I have no problem with it. Heaven knows, I've thought many a post on these boards are utterly ridiculous, also and have on occasion voiced that opinion. That's what I love about this -- a healthy give and take of opinions... not that anyone's opinions are going to be changed by this.

The fact that you are better off is great. And gives you a perfect reason for staying with the current administration. I am happy for you.

Thanks, but that would not be reason enough for me to vote for Bush/Cheney. I don't believe that my financial situation is due in ANY part to the current or past administrations, with the possible exception of tax law changes and cuts. Most of what I have is due in large part to initiative and hard work. This administration may be due about .05% credit, if that much.

My husband is employed by the state. he has not seen a raise in several years. My income has increased significantly simply because it comes in Canadian funds...when I first moved here one dollar US cost over 1.60 Canadian. Right now it cost 1.319. So I am way ahead, but not in a way that is good for Americans.

I am truly sorry to hear that. I have some very good friends who've been unemployed for over 2 years. Not sure how they manage with a daughter in college, a mortgage, bills, 2 cars to pay for. I know they dip into their 401Ks a lot and get help from many sources, including me. The husband had, I believe, a six figure salary before his company went belly-up; they were fairly frugal and saved a lot. That and intermittent consulting jobs along the way have probably done a lot to keep them afloat.

I know that not everyone is better off today than 4 years ago. But blaming or praising the current administration for one's finanicial situation is, to me and this is JMO, a cop-out.

 

[Eeyore1954]

Originally posted by Arabella Figg 2003
Your comment about "looking pathetic in court" was just so low...

And you are absolutely certain beyond any doubt that EVERY personal injury case that appears before a court in America today is 100% legitimate? Phuleeze!

as a defense attorney I've had to sit through a few "day in the life" films. believeme, they don't get paid because they "look pathetic in court".

Nope, but it sure can help up the ante if they do.

the idiot who offered the lakelys a mere $100,000 ought to be shot. that was a six figure case from the get-go.

Oh yeah ... every injury in America should be an automatic pay-day to life on a gold-paved street called "Easy."

 

[Arabella Figg 2003]

You obviously didn't read the facts of the Lakey case.

the girl was 5 years old. she sat on a drain in a wading pool. the suction was so great that it pulled most of her intestines out. she will need medical care for the rest of her life -- 12 hours a night on feeding tubes, for one thing.

a simple change in design would have prevented the accident.

12 children were hurt by this type of drain, and the company knew about it, long before Lakey got hurt. the compnay knew about the prior injuries and knew about the design defect.

that case should have settled in the $6 million range.

 

[Eeyore1954]

Originally posted by Arabella Figg 2003
You obviously didn't read the facts of the Lakey case.

the girl was 5 years old. she sat on a drain in a wading pool. the suction was so great that it pulled most of her intestines out. she will need medical care for the rest of her life -- 12 hours a night on feeding tubes, for one thing.

a simple change in design would have prevented the accident.

12 children were hurt by this type of drain, and the company knew about it, long before Lakey got hurt. the compnay knew about the prior injuries and knew about the design defect.

that case should have settled in the $6 million range.

Nice of you to avoid the question. I'll try one more time. How does this ONE CASE prove beyond any doubt that EVERY personal injury case that appears before a court in America today is 100% legitimate?

You can tout the Lakey case all you want, but for every Lakey there's a McDonalds hot-coffee-spilled-in-my-lap case where some schlub is simply looking for a deep pocket payout. And there are way too many attorneys looking to help them.

 

[ThreeCircles]

Originally posted by Eeyore1954
And there are way too many attorneys looking to help them.

Isn't that supply and demand? You're a gung-ho capitalist, aren't you Steve?

And, since when do lawyers decide malpractice payouts? I thought that was the job of the jury. Are you saying that juries are looking out for the individuals rather than the corporate interests?

 

[Arabella Figg 2003]

eeyore, I am a firm believer that if a case goes to a jury, the jury awards money and thneithre the trial judge nor the appellate court reverse the jury decision, obviously the case had merit.

my "issues" for tort reform:

-- there are jurisdictions where you wind up settling a case simply because the court won't dismiss it before trial, even if it's meritless, and wind up spending more in defense costs than the case is worth.

-- punitive or exemplary damages that are disproportionate the the compensatory damages (though State Farm v. Campbell is helping considerably).

--class action suits where the victims don't get the real compensation, the attorneys do.

that's the real problem, not the Lakey's of the world.

three circles is right, lawyers don't make the malpractice payouts, juries do. but beofre the case ever gets into their hands, a doctor has to testify that the treating physician was negligent.

 

[Eeyore1954]

Nice tap dance away from the question, so I'm left to assume your answer is NO -- not every personal injury case is legitimate. But we've managed to drag this thread way OT, so now that you've finally answered, we can move back on topic.