Romney, like many of those you are thinking of in your post, is proof that there is no connection whatsoever between the brain and the billfold. Had he been on his own, he might have risen to assistant manager of some small bank in Nowhere, Utah.

Or, he might have had his own barber shop.

Nah, he'd have still become a sociopathic politician.

This is just ignorant.

If you don't come from a wealthy family with tens of thousands of disposable income, well, that's a shame -- no small business for you.

I wouldn't be surprised at all if this guy got started with $100. This arrogance from people that have absolutely no idea how business works is truly offensive. It's exactly the offensive attitude Obama displays.

it's just another reason to ignore the left.

"This arrogance from people that have absolutely no idea how business works is truly offensive."

That is a good one. I like the ideal of having not knowing how business works so you can screw with everyone's lives who works for you. Fire them with joy in your heart while you send their jobs overseas because you have some stockbroker to tell you, it in your best interest while getting tax breaks for nothing. Funny. Welcome to the one percent club. The added benefit? Everyone else gets to pay your dues for you.

I guess you're missing the POINT. Ignorance indeed or willfully misrepresenting? Whatever. The point is that $100 could also come from government if you had a business plan. We LIKE "the entrepreneurial spirit." But SOME PEOPLE not only don't have parents that can help them start a business or go to college but the GOP is trying to take away the help that the government can give them...in YOUR scenario help from the government is reserved for those that parents CAN help them and then go on to get tax breaks from government...and proclaim 'they did it all themselves'...

You might not be surprised, but I would. This guy was such an incorrigible f***-up he had to beg his old man for a loan of ONE HUNDRED BUCKS to start a business? Really? Maybe, if he had started his business in the 1920s...

Oh, that's right, you're Shooter242, the guy who believes trolling provides a valuable service to internet forums. Never mind. Continue your jackassery apace.

It was actually a little more than $100 - $24,900 more to be exact:

http://www.success.com/articles/610-success-stories-jimmy-john-liautaud

Gad. Keep it up people you're making my point for me.

Shooter: Sure, we could go with your idiotic assumption that it was $100 -OR- we could spend the four seconds or so it takes to research JJ and find out that the loan daddy gave him in 1983 was for $25k (the equivalent of around $58k in 2012 dollars).

Now, what percentage of the population do you think have parents willing to toss $60k in the direction of their college drop-out kid?

Shooter, you're a total retard. You always accuse people of not knowing how business works, and then your conjecture is that this guy started his business with "probably $100" and barely a high-school education.

You're worthless. Please, kill yourself. Or just stop posting. But, if you could kill yourself, that would really be the best solution.

Trolls like The Blank do have a tendency to declare victory after they have just been (retorically) smacked down.

Or a professiobnal singer! Romeny has an amazing voice....said no one...ever!

Another point shooter missed: Not everyone is a natural entrepeneur with inborn business savy. But, with a good education, they might become doctors, engineers, lawyers, professors, or inventors; people who can become very useful and productive, people who are hard working, but whose minds don't happen to think in business terms. Jimmy seems to have made it without teachers, but he might not have lasted long without doctors. I'll bet he doesn't want his kids to have to try to make it without good teachers.

Jeff Brownlee - Did you consider that's about the size of a college fund his parents didn't have to spend?

Please, kill yourself.

Really? This is the product of a supposedly intelligent individual? Much less a compassionate, civil, and caring liberal? Tsk.

Not everyone is a natural entrepeneur with inborn business savy.

Thank God someone here gets it. Running a business is a talent. Not everyone can do it, but you certainly don't need a degree to be successful at it. Even so most businesses fail. Considering that business is where economic wealth is created (goods and services) you'd think business would get more respect from the left. But no.

Shooter, that is a good point. many business startups fail. The money is lost. It is a risk. some of us would rather go to college to become educated for a good job.

If everybody started a business, who would there be left to work for them? We can't all be wealthy entrepreneurs. Someone has to do the dirty work and if they are honorable and hard working they should not be treated like dirt.

This shows me that Romney hasn't got a clue about the economy or middle class people.

Is this casual advice from Romney good if most those who follow it will fail and lose their money?

Shooter, shooting those blanks again I see. NO, not every entrepreneur will make it and not everyone wants to be one. And while many small businesses have turned into large conglomerates (McD's, Wendy's, etc), many small "Mom & Pop" businesses make enough to keep their owners comfortable (however they define it). I give them plenty of respect. But once again your comments miss the heart of the story mainly - if you're not born into wealthy parents that can afford to give you a hand up then you're screwed!

In the America that I was born to everyone has the opportunity afforded by a good public education to rise up to the top. Now, not everyone will make it, and not everyone wants to, but the opportunity to be all that you want to be is available! Now Mittens doesn't believe that "opportunity" ought to exist and if it does it only goes to the rich and corporate! My question to you is is that the vision of America that you see that only those at the top need apply and screw everyone else? Because if that's your vision, you too are a part of the problem of the entitled few demanding that the 95% of working Americans lay down at their feet - it also makes you a sociopath.....

Shooter - whether or not his parents had other plans for that money is impertinent to the discussion. The question is whether asking your parents for seed capital is a useful suggestion when the average American savings account contains a mere $3800 (roughly 1/15th of what Liautaud's parents were able and willing to part with in today's dollars).

if you're not born into wealthy parents that can afford to give you a hand up then you're screwed!

No, if you aren't born to wealthy parents you are not screwed. Why do you all think so negatively? It's depressing and demoralizing. Playing the victim day in and day out will actually make you a victim.

I know a guy who sells coffee and pastries from his car during rush hour. I know other people that walk through offices at lunch selling sandwiches and sodas. They are not victims. Insisting they are because they may not have rich parent is demeaning to them. They don't need your victimhood.

Patrick

Advisiing another poster to kill themselves. You have some serious issues fella.

Without financial help from one's parents, it would be advisable to at least take a few college courses. Then you must apply for a business loan; you can't start with zero. If you are able to follow this route, then you definitely need a plan. Some will succeed and some will fail. Those that fail will have to go into bankruptcy or pay back their loans.

JimmyJohn's is all over the Chicago area now. I don't think their sandwiches are any great thing. They are not much better than Subway which I don't like either.

Chicago has such great street food that no chains can compare.

They opened one in my hometown, college town... compared to some other local shops, their product was third rate, about 5%-15% higher price per item. But the place they built it was all shiny and new looking, so I guess that's good?

And if the Credit was easier to obtain for entrepreneurs the economy would be recovering faster .

The Banks and wall street are all sitting on wads of cash that could be utilized

Again banks don't do small business startup loans, never have and never will. The financial crisis has nothing to do with that in either direction

I hate to point this out but if you're taking money from friends or credit cards, THOSE are loans. Additionally, most small businesses DO, in fact, start out with small bank loans, as do large businesses.

95% of businesses make their payroll from bank loans. That's why they fail when banks fail.

This and all economies operate on credit. I worked in corporate trust for years and can verify this as a fact. Additionally, municipalities, states and even the federal governments ALSO startup all of their projects such as infrastructure, military etc using loans as well (they're called bonds). You clearly have no understanding of finance.

bannedagain, not to belabor a point you are belaboring, but when I typed "percentage of entrepreneurial businesses started with bank loans" into Google, I got no "go see your parents" hits.

What I got was a plethora of offerings of business loan services from small banks, credit unions, business incubators, grant websites, and "how to apply for loans" hits...

Perhaps you meant the mega banks? Perhaps you mean people who have rotten credit ratings, no community standing, or zero collateral who are unable to get loans? Perhaps you mean someone who has not done their research and prepared a feasible business plan with mitigated risk factors?

Perhaps you've made a blanket statement that could use some revision.

Why won't the banks do small-business loans? Isn't that a better question to debate or ponder?

You are absolutely right. Most small businesses start because family (mom and dad) and friends take a chance out of love and not common sense. Banks don't want to talk to you until you don't really need the money.

The key to a vibrant growing economy is to make sure most older parents make enough money in their jobs so they can help their enterprising kids startup. If we want a lot of start ups we have to make sure we have an ample supply parents with good, high wage jobs.

Or business incubators financed by local government and Small Business Administration assistance.

sewwin:

the reason you don't use any links is because everything you wrote is factually incorrect.

steve:

SBA finances about 1% of small business creation in this country and even then only if you go to your Congressman. In fact that has long been a Democratic criticism of the SBA that it is mainly a piggy bank for supporters

From the SBA's own webstie. Only about 19% of small businesses are financed throught business loans.

http://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/Finance%20FAQ%208-25-11%20FINAL%20for%20web.pdf

Much of this is nonsense, but there is an argument about how much business success depends on society vs. individual effort.

Do entrepreneurs make it because of our personal hard work, initiative, risk-taking? Of course.

I'm a small-business owner. Not only have I had to work hard, but I've also risked everything. I've had to use all my savings, pledge my home, pay my staff before I pay myself.

Most people don't take those kinds of risks. Entrepreneurs do.

Do we make it alone? Of course not.

Not only do we need our employees to be successful, and our friends and family for support (often financial), but we also depend on society and -- gasp -- the government.

In fact, business gets so much from the government, it's like air. We don't notice it, but we couldn't survive without it.

Let's look at just three benefits we take for granted that business gets from government:

1. Limited liability. This gift is so big, so fundamental, that corporations wouldn't exist without it.

Limited liability shelters business owners and stockholders from personal liability for the debts and transgressions of their companies.

If you as an individual take a loan from a bank, sign a lease or inflict damage, you're financially responsible. All your property is at risk. Wages can be garnished.

If a corporation takes a loan, signs a lease, inflicts damage, with some exceptions, the financial responsibility stops at the corporation's doorstep. If the company closes shop, the debt goes away.

Imagine what it would mean if corporations didn't have limited liability -- if a company's owners, including stockholders, were personally liable for company debts. No one would buy stock or invest in small businesses.

There's no reason corporation owners shouldn't be responsible for corporation debts, but generally they're not.

Many small-business owners must guarantee loans personally, even if they incorporate. But they're still shielded from much liability.

If you're a business owner who thinks you get nothing from the government, try giving up the gift of limited liability.

2. Judicial system. Right after the Soviet Union fell, a venture capitalist friend of mine went to Eastern Europe to invest in new companies. She soon left.

Why? A judicial system wasn't in place to enforce private contracts. So you couldn't build businesses.

You never think about it -- like air, right? -- but when you enter into a contract with a customer or supplier, you expect the terms of the agreement to be followed.

You could do business with just a handshake, but you depend on the safety of knowing that a system backs you up if you need it. Sure, lawyers cost money and courts are slow, but in the worst case, you've got a judicial system, a government, for support.

3. Tax deductions. Forget about creative tax advantages that allow hedge-fund managers to pay little or no tax. Let's even forget that money earned from stock incurs lower tax rates than money earned working for a company to help create the value of the stock.

Let's just look at the fact that businesses can deduct expenses denied to individuals.

A corporation can deduct the cost of a van to deliver goods. The van's driver can't deduct the car he drives to work, yet that's a legitimate expense he incurs to create income for himself.

Businesses can deduct almost every expense and individuals almost none.

Over and over again, government grants businesses benefits denied to individuals. So if you have a successful company, yes, you built it.

But you didn't build it alone.

http://www.usatoday.com/money/smallbusiness/columnist/abrams/story/2012-08-03/strategies-rhonda-abrams-not-alone/56705368/1

So bb, this is an example, from a small business owner, about her business. She didn't do it alone.

Trying to somehow show anything else is intellectually disingenuous at best, a right wing lie at worst.

1) small businesses don't have limited liability

2) the carried interest deduction for hedge fund managers she writes about is the baby of Democrat Chuck Schumer who has defeated every attempt to change it.

bb,

So this small business owner is a liar? Hardly.

Try to justify your ignorant position all you'd like.

Bottom line: people who create and run businesses didn't get there "on their own."

Period.

@banned again

whether a business has limited liability has nothing to do w it's size. It depends only on what legal form it is.

"So as it happens she is in a senior community funded in large part by Medicare, Medicaid, and Section 8 - all federal programs that would be affected by Ryan/Romney. Without those programs we would be supporting her and probably paying for a lot of her health care."

Medicare is a great program but let's cut to the chase. We the taxpayers are doing what YOU and your siblings should be doing.

And if ds and his/her siblings are unable financially to take care of their mother . . . what do you want to happen to her?

You and the taxpayers? I hate to mention this to you dude, but Medicare and Medicade are insurance programs! She paid for that insurance! Perhaps you're paying for health insurance now? When you get sick perhaps they will refuse to pay for your illness and treatment because the rest of us on your plan are paying for YOU! Idiot!

Oh, bugger all! That's a moronic statement. The whole point of programs like medicare is that it is insurance against the inevitabilities of life. We all share in the cost so that the burden is not too large or crippling for any one individual. Buy your logic, dscottsf and his siblings should be bearing 100% of the cost of supporting his aging parents and forget about medicare.

Since we aren't taking that approach, dscottsf and his family have more money for spending on things beyond health care for their aging parents. That helps improve the economy because they have more money to spend on products and services that others make or provide.

But, by all means, lets turn this into a moral issue instead of an economic issue. Because if lazy middle and working class people would simply buck up and shoulder their responsibilities instead of turning to the government, we can afford to give rich people another big tax break. Besides, we all know that the wealthy lead more virtuous lives. How do we know that? Well, they're rich!

banned ... again ... what strikes me as so typically reichwing-stupid about your statement is this notion that only folks like YOU pay taxes. Beyond the insulting assertion that dscott and their siblings aren't doing anything for their mother is the ridiculous and also gratuitously insulting assumption that none of them are taxpayers themselves.

Fack off.

No, we the taxpayers are doing what HE and his siblings are UNABLE to do. That's what it means to live in a modern, progressive, civilized nation.

We HELP those in need. We understand that, while apathy and corruption exists in all walks of life, there are many more in this country who, for all their best efforts, are not immune to the whims of misfortune. And when that misfortune strikes, we band together, we lend a hand, we just plain help out because it is in our greater nature to do so.

And many small businesses start with small business startup loans. It is not easy to qualify but that is why almost all of these loans are guaranteed through the Small Business Administration.

I work in a HUD subsidized Section 8 funded senior housing apartment building. I see my residents struggle to make ends meet. I see them skipping doses of pills because they can't afford the refills. When people like that need it, Medicaid kicks in. A lot of my residents have kids that are struggling also. Or they don't have kids to rely on. I am here to keep my residents independent and out of nursing homes, which saves the taxpayers about $2000 per person. Medicaid in my state pays nursing home expenses, which can be upwards of $3000. What we should be talking about is why people need to go broke to get medical care? Why should anyone not have their medications? Rich, poor, black, white, orange, purple, we deserve better!

Although the Small Business Administration processes and manages business loans, the loans come from and are in partnership with....banks!

I am apparently from the last generation that grew up knowing that taking care of your parents (not medical now, that's a whole different ballgame) was the children's repsonsbility. The vast majority of people had a third generation living with them at some point in their lives.

There is no free lunch. If you are using section 8 housing for your parents you are transferring the "burden" as you put it to the rest of us.

bannedagain - that's a load of crap. If you're from an older generation, your parents most likely didn't live past the age of 70 or 75, and stood a pretty good chance of only living into their 50s. That's a far cry from today's life expectancy. If they benefitted at all from Medicare, Social Security, Section 8, or your care, it wasn't a lengthy or costly burden compared to today.

kj

Not true which is why you used no links. Life expectancy 20-25 years ago was about 3-4 years less than today. I would cite the links but I don't think you're interested in factual information or you would have looked it up yourself

banned -

I'd love to do the research for you and provide links, but I actually have a job and work to do here. Just a quick search revealed that life expectancy in 1990 was 5 years less than it is now. So you're not too far off, but 3-4 years is not accurate either. The point was that many people live longer now. My father-in law lived to be 81 thanks to a quadruple bypass in his 50s. Before that, no male in his family had made it past 58. I'm sure that's true for a lot of folks.

War related?

Not even in the car elevator.

you apparently don't know much about small businesses. Ever bought a sandwhich from a roadside or construction site truck?

Ever noticed the health inspection certificate posted in the truck? You apparently don't know much about the food service industry, because don't make anything on some tables in a garage if you want to stay in business.

They have to be inspected and licensed by either their city or county health departments.

yes they do, but do you think that everything gets done in that tiny little truck as you order it?

Sheesh!

Do you think that they're able to prepare food for the truck elsewhere and not have that place subject to inspection?

Sheesh!

yes although I will concede this is becomine a pretty silly discussion which is my fault because I brought it up.

Just because a place that serves food passes inspection, it does not mean it is clean.

Funny thing about phone lines and roads. All the businesses that fail use them just as much.

See . . . there's almost always a point where both sides can come together.

bannedagain and I both agree with President Obama that individual initiative is important, too.

so the solution is to not fund phone lines and roads? That will reward individual initiative.

Seriously, bannedagain, I know the only way you feel alive is act stupid on the internet, but that argument is akin to saying "if you're injured don't go to a hospital, people die there." But whatever keeps the gun out of your mouth, I suppose. Please. Continue convincing people you're stupid. It provides you such joy.

Slappy...,

For some value of "stupid", yes, but mainly he is malicious.

slappy:

sorry for your difficulty in understanding so I will spell it out for you. We certainly need roads and road repair crews, but neither roads nor phone lines in and of themselves separate businesses that succeed from those that fail.

Did I dumb it down enough for you?

And neither schools nor teachers in and of themselves separate successful students from bannedagain...

. . . and the light goes on!

there are those who are enterpeneurs and those who are employees by nature

The roads and phones don't decide which of those two categories you fall into.

bannedagain,

for a refreshing change of pace, the point you're trying to make is illustrated. Too bad it's such a stupid point and not germane to Ankhtraveler's original point. No one succeeds in a vacuum. The fact that no one fails in a vacuum either (though in a sense, they can and sometimes they do) has nothing to do with it. It's making a contrary sounding point for the purpose of someone noticing you so you won't feel like such a godforsaken los...oooooooohhhhhhhh...

slappy:

I've read enough of your posts by now to know they have one thing in common, you don't know anything about any subject.

bannedagain,

I think it's adorable that you think your opinion has value.

College graduates or those with particular hobbies can also start small business relating to their field of study or expertise. Teachers--tutors, IT-- computer repair, landscaping--spread your talent by taking on customers, Baking--Bake for restaurants, crafts made from home, mechanic--from working on your own cars to starting a business, unique recipes--sell them. The list goes on and on. but they all require money to get started.

the answer is 'don't care'...

At what point did Christians hating Jews turn into a Judeo-Christian state?

At one time, US gave out grants and loans to people wanting to get into small businesses. That has been severely cut back!

Not true in any way, that's why you don't use any links.

I believe that incentives to small businesses is a recent advantage.

you forgot he accepts dollars in payment too, so there's that dependence.

Vintage...

Those on the right love to lie.

Obama had books published. Not everyone is a talented writer so don't begrudge one that is. Is 25,000 any comparison to 300,000,000?

What man?

My parents couldn't help with college either. I got scholarships and loans and PELL GRANTS. Mitt wants to reduce funding of Pell Grants, as well as get the banks back in as middlemen in guaranteed student loans. That's the point.

Who is Sallie Mae? People who earned very little were eligible for aid from the gov. In the past, there were Pell grants, loans and scholarship; actually, some were able to attend at no charge at state universities. I was eligible to receive aid from the US gov and the state gov, which covered all charges except for books, parking, etc. I did not start a small business unless you call writing poems a business.

Whenever I read a comment like yours, the first thing I want to ask is: how is your money being squandered? I would imagine, based on a teachers salary, that you don't pay a lot of income taxes. Most of your taxes go locally, like sales taxes, property taxes (if you own) and the like. Some taxes, like SS, are shared between you and your employer. It's a fair guess that you probably get a lot more in return than you contribute. I can live with that.

I exist simply because at this time in my life I have a steady Social Security check that comes in each month. It's not a lot. My monthly check is about what you probably make in a week, even as a teacher. But I would be living on the street without it. Three years ago I had a serious illness that put me in the hospital for a month. Without medical care from the VA (earned by my service in Vietnam), I would have been in debt for over $125,000. I don't think that was money squandered (I'm still here, much to my friend's satisfaction). I was able to finish college in 1971 with help from the GI Bill, another government program.

The truth is, that government programs do work. Right now, with the economy in the toilet, government is the only entity that has the funds to keep things going. Republicans want to turn off the faucet. No funding for healthcare, no funding for education, but don't cut the military. Tax increases for you and me, but not for those who already own 80% of America. If you're not making $250,000 a year (after taxes), then under Obama, what you pay in taxes will go down. Under Romney, if his plan goes into effect (and according to the Tax Policy Institute) you'll see an increase of $2000 in what you pay, along with the loss of deductions like home ownership and employer provided healthcare.

So, go ahead and vote for Romney, but remember, it's the House of Representatives that sets and passes the budget, not the President. And that is completely controlled by the Republicans.

AM044,

When I read comments like yours, I just get sick to my stomach thinking about all the selfish people like you out there!!

Don't you get it? YOU live on a teacher's salary BECAUSE other people pay taxes too - is our tax money used to give YOU (or your significant other - you didn't say YOU were a teacher) a job money "squandered"??? Yet you only think about yourself and the taxes YOU pay - instead of all those other people out there who are contributing so that YOU have something to live on.

If "money is power", why in the WORLD are you living on a teacher's salary??? Didn't you know beforehand that teachers never get rich? Why did you make that choice if you believe it is all about money?

So NOW you want to vote for Romney who believes we have "too many teachers"? Do you ALWAYS do what is exactly the wrong thing for your life? So you think YOUR taxes will be lowered - if that is true, don't you think everyone else's taxes will be lowered too? And then WHERE will the money to support YOU come from?

We all seem to forget how potentially catastrophic the wall street crash was. It was Bush and Boehner (crying on the house floor) who begged for bank bailouts. Considering how close we were to total meltdown, we have done well to be where we are now. Thank God we didn't do extreme austerity as they have in Europe and the Republicans want to do. Who would have thought the Republicans would embrace European economic policies?

I commend Obama for the work he has done to save the economy. I don't see where Romney understands that we all have to do well for a strong economy.

The way I see it, I am being asked to vote Republican because they took budget surpluses and a strong economy and destroyed them, and are saying, see, Obama hasn't fixed it up entirely over record filibusters from us in three years, so vote us in again because we screwed it so much and obstructed attempts to fix it so much that Obama can't fix it in 3 years.

RSWGATE - First of all, I appreciate your polite and reasonable response (unlike the one to follow). I wholeheartedly believe that people in situations such as yours should (and MUST) be helped....Of course! My comment "government programs do not work" was certainly generalized and I am aware that is not the case for all - but I still think most.

It just so happens that I see WAY more examples of the system being taken advantage of....and THAT makes me sick to my stomach. Half of my student population is on government assistance - do you honestly think that I don't think they should receive this? Of course not! BUT when these same parents constantly come into school with their fancy cell phone, new hair, nails, and clothes that I wouldn't dream of spending on.........it's a tad bit frustrating.....wouldn't you say mr. "once a republican"
Oh and let me not forget the rude behavior and entitled attitudes they show up with.

Anyway, my Mother worked her butt off to support us and I learned early on to live a conservative lifestyle. So while I can't wrap my head around trillions of dollars - I have a hard time supporting a government spending wastefully on companies such a Solyndra. We did not have the luxury to take a risk like that, but Mr. Obama didn't seem to hesitate on taking it. So hmm, the theory that government help is the key to success didn't exactly pan out in this situation now did it?!

To the latter commenter - My mind is blown that you're calling me selfish - that's a funny one though. You don't know me at all. Just because I say money is power doesn't mean I'm some money loving gold digger. I wasn't even referring to it on a personal level. So fyi, my husband and I are both teachers and we're well aware that tax dollars pay our salary.

AM044

Did you forget what you posted? Well, let me remind you:

Maybe there's a reason for that. Clearly government programs do not work. The proof is in the pudding. I voted for Obama the first time and I don't think I will be making that mistake again. I am 100% basing my decision on the financial security/future of our country. While I hate this phrase...it is the reality of our world - Money is power (remember, this is coming from a young woman who grew up in poverty and now living on a teacher's salary). And right now, our money is being squandered.

"Our money is being squandered" is a very odd statement coming from someone who lives on government money. I know, you think it is EVERY OTHER GOVERNMENT WORKER squandering our money, but not YOU.

"Clearly government programs don't work" - is a very odd statement coming from someone who depends on a government program. I know, you think it is EVERY OTHER GOVERNMENT PROGRAM that doesn't work, but not yours!

"I am 100% basing my decision on the financial security/future of our country" For who? The 1%? They are the only ones who have financial security or a future under the Romney/Ryan Plan. I sincerely doubt that you belong to that group if you "both" are teachers. Yea, I know, you think that the Ryan Plan will only affect OTHERS, not YOU.

"Money is power"? Yep, it is in a society that ONLY ALLOWS the monied to have any power.

I was married to a teacher for 25 years. MY teacher would NEVER have said the things you say, especially about the student's parents:

Of course not! BUT when these same parents constantly come into school with their fancy cell phone, new hair, nails, and clothes that I wouldn't dream of spending on...

There's that "I" thing again. "I" get to decide what people "I" think are beneath me ought to live! How do you KNOW what the financial circumstances of your students are???

MY teacher knew that "appearances" don't mean a thing and it doesn't MATTER what the parents do or how they spend their money, because MY teacher understood that it was the CHILD that was important. But then MY teacher was a teacher because of the self-satisfaction and joy of doing the job.

Do you see WHY I consider you "selfish"? It is all about "I", or what "I wouldn't dream of spending on...."

Now go back and put back on your "high hat" of moral indignation - its what hypocrits usually do when they are "caught"!

AMO44,

Let me tell you something else about your "attitude"!

I grew up on the wrong side of the tracks and I came from what is considered a "bad" family. I had SOOO many teachers like you who felt they could "judge" me because of my family circumstances. Don't you think your students know when you are making "judgements" about them or their families? What do you think students do all day, but "study" their teachers? Do you know what the attitudes of teachers who thought they were "secretly judging" me did to me and my brothers and sisters?

I even had one teacher who in the middle of class when we were all supposed to be talking about "what we wanted to be when we grew up" that when I said I wanted to go to college, laughed at me and said I should consider myself lucky if I didn't end up in prison. I so wanted to rub my degree in her face when I got my MS in Engineering, but unfortunately the "B&*^%" had died!

Teachers like you, because of YOUR "attitude" about me and my family had me convinced I couldn't go to college so it took me 10 years after high school to figure out I COULD go and be a success!!

And yet, I had a few, a VERY few teachers who didn't judge me and never once showed in their attitude towards me that I was any different than any other student, and like MY teacher, believed that I was just like any other child, it's those VERY few teachers who made all the difference in my life and I SOOOO thank them.

Hmm....I don't feel "caught" as you say....but ok, I'll play along.

The point of a debate is to get both sides of a story and that was what my original post sought out to do. I want to know the whole story....but I want the facts and only the facts. If you WERE married for 25 years, clearly I'm a lot younger than you and still learning politics. I have an open mind about it, contrary to all of the bold assumptions you have made thus far.

I am not judging my families at school....I know the facts. Their gov check can be (and in many cases IS) spent on just about anything - booze, cigs, drugs. where is the accountability? Isn't the point to HELP them stand on their on feet.....not to encourage this type of behavior?!

And let me say again - what I meant was Countries with $ are powerful, am I wrong? Why is there so much animosity toward people with money?! Is it envy? Do people really believe that they're all spoiled A-holes that want to keep the little man down? People with $ create jobs. Do you want to live in a country that has money? Do you want to be like Europe?

If you want your opinion to have an impact...perhaps speak to those with opposing views with more respect regardless of being able to hide behind your computer screen.

WOW....your assumptions are running wild again. Are you always this peachy?

My Mom and I were poor. I, too, had teachers making judgments about us - that was and is horrible. I love all children and do not treat ANY of them differently. Adults make poor decisions....kids cannot help that.

You are a rude person and know NOTHING about me. You had an opportunity to help a young person learn more and to grow, but look how you handled yourself. Instead you just confirmed all of the negative liberal stereotypes.

Have a looooovely evening.

AMO44,

If you know the facts, then the students KNOW you "know the facts" and they "know" when you are "looking down at them or their families". I really don't think you know what that does to them. They have no control over their families and they can't change them just to make YOU feel better! You may think you hide it, but take it from someone who as been there - you don't!

There is NOTHING YOU as a teacher can do to change the behavior of the parents - all you do is make the child feel worthless - how is THAT being a good teacher?. If you are young and you want to be a good teacher, you really DO have to realize that and concentrate on the child!!

As far as "envy" for the rich? No, I don't believe they are all A-holes but your comment that people with $ create jobs? If that were true, there'd be 100% employment in this country and it is obvious that there isn't. You need to look at how the rich have been doing since 2007 and the fact is that they are doing GREAT - it's the rest of us that aren't doing as well. CEO's salaries in the 80's were about 40 times what they paid their workers, now CEO's make over 300 times what their average workers make. Where are the jobs?

The fact is that SMALL BUSINESSES create 70% of the jobs, NOT the rich. When the rich "sit" on their money or invest it overseas, and won't loan to small businesses, like today, they don't "help" the economy - they create a vicious cycle that keeps the rich getting richer and everyone else getting poorer. And Romney is a part of that vicious cycle.

You REALLY NEED to study what has happened in Europe - I have a feeling that you really DON'T understand what went on over there!!!

Frankly, I am sick of trolls coming over here from the right wing and trying to "shove" Romney down our throats. Maybe you are NOT a troll - and maybe I DID come on too strong, but seriously, don't you think we have thought about our positions also? Please tell me honestly that you didn't know that this is a "left of center" blog and that you didn't come here purposely to harass us.

Do you think we were at all "impressed" by your statement of: "Clearly government programs do not work"? BASED ON WHAT? You made the statement without ANY proof - were we just supposed to blindly accept it?

Clearly, government programs DO work! Where would we be without Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid that keep poor people from starving to death, the Department of Education to provide funding to states to educate our children, the Department of Transportation that employs MANY people fixing the highways, the Department of Agriculture that provides subsidies to farmers to tide them over the bad times, like the droughts now, to name a few?

Dear Once a Republic (apparently not always a republican because you didn't wake up to reality).

First of all....the original article is junk. I'm sure Romney is only for the young people with dreams and wealthy families. Sure. You liberals forget that Romney has some policies in Massachusetts that ya'll love... that whole heathcare thing.... which by the way has typically been a right wing idea. Maybe that is where the strong left and right wingers come together. So we could be screwed either way in November....well maybe not.

Anyway...I'm not even going to comment on the personal attacks towards a teacher. Clearly you have something against teachers because you were treated unfairly. That sucks, but give it up. You couldn't wait for a teacher who was a republican, couldn't ya? I bet you had your whole rant written out on your ipad3, just waiting to fill in the blanks with who to send it to. Wait am I making assumptions? You would understand I guess.

Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security are government programs that work? OK, I think I have found your standards...yikes. They are broke! The guy before you is on Social Security and was saying he was getting in a month what a teacher would make in a week? How is that a program that works? Feeling good about the department of transportation? That should be an common program provided. Nothing to brag about... It's like feeling good about paying your bills. You should pay your bills!!! Oh and farmers line...yeah that is rich. I remember when citizens and farmers were cut off from water a couple years ago to save some water creature because of the liberal environmentalists. Yeah, Hannity covered that one...I'm sure you didn't catch it.

There are plenty of government programs that didn't work ~ how is the housing market doing? My home is still underwater.....how are those solar panels holding up in America? How did cash for clunkers go? How many more people are on welfare now then 4 years ago? I guess if you like wasting money or giving up MORE money, these government programs are doing great! Oh but I know what your response will be...it's Bush's fault. Right. And Obama has not had enough time to pull us out of these problems. Yeah instead of helping small business, he was busy pushing through Obamacare with his majority vote... Thanks for the help Obama. Oh wait, he did put a stimulus into place. Billions of dollars for how much lower of an unemployment rate -1-2%? Those numbers don't add up, but I was no math major so maybe I am wrong. I can't stand the "it could always be worse" comment too... even though you didn't say it, I know you are thinking it (sorry...the assumption thing again...)

How about....it SHOULD be better.

I could go on forever, but I gotta go watch MSNBC...... and have a good laugh.

Oh and please, please...tell me what really happened in Europe. I would love to hear it!

I will leave you with this question: If you were in an personal economic crisis and you had Romney or Obama to give you insight on how to pull yourself out...who would you chose? The guy who does it for a living... or a lawyer?

Happy voting! It will be close, but Romney may lose. If he does, the Mayans were right.

Booyah13,

I've met really bad teachers and I've meet really good teachers and I have NOTHING but praise for the GOOD teachers - I was married to one. But the one thing I know about GOOD teachers - they all tend to be socially liberal even if they are fiscally conservative.

Teaching is all about caring for the student and when I hear from teachers who care more for themselves and what THEY want than they do for the students, yea, it gets my blood boiling - our students deserve MUCH better than that! That poster AMO44 showed him/herself for what she/he was - you can't handle that - that is YOUR problem! Let him/her teach YOUR children, but I wouldn't want him/her around mine!

What would YOU do about Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare? Just let the people fall through the cracks? While they may not be perfect, they are FAR better than nothing!!

Awwww - your house is underwater. Well, so are lots of people's houses. Remember your words? Buck up? Did I get them right? Where were YOU when Obama tried to pass legislation to help underwater homeowners???

Solyndra is NOT the only company that deals with solar energy. There are A LOT of companies out there doing just fine - interesting that you base your whole comments on the solar energy market on just ONE instance......I sure as hell hope YOU are not a teacher!!

....ignoring the rest of the stupidity....

I will leave you with this question: If you were in an personal economic crisis and you had Romney or Obama to give you insight on how to pull yourself out...who would you chose? The guy who does it for a living... or a lawyer?

Hmmm.....would I vote for a person who is known to be a vulture capitalist who believes in destroying things and firing people so that HE and his corporate buddies can get rich or a person who has shown himself to be a caring individual????

Easy to answer - I'll pick the caring individual every time!!!

Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid

Hey there oncearepublican,

Blah blah blah on your teacher comments....

Are you a teacher? No. So what would you know? Married to one for 25 years makes you an expert? I watch war movies all the time, so I guess I can go into combat.

So, you think teachers who are socially conservative are typically BAD? Haha. WHAT?

Are you the CEO of stereotypes.com. Funny thing is, I don't even think that is a stereotype! You just made that up in "oncearepublican" world. Nice try but I hope that is not your final answer.

"Ignoring the rest of the stupid comments". Typical. That is code for...I do know what to say. I have heard that before.

And thank you for agreeing that Medicade, Medicare and Soc. Sec. are broken.

AND also verifying that you DO think "it could be worse". I am reading you like a Harry Potter Book.

Oh, and did I say anything about Solyndra? No...I just asked how those solar panels in America were doing. Got some on your house? Car? No, you don't. And know one else does because it doesn't make financial sense. Obama knew that going in but wanted to "create" jobs. Didn't work= waste. Can you see why people are upset with that???

You missed the point of the underwater home thing to..... point is... he put money into improving the housing market and it didn't work. So to clarify...I am not worried about my house underwater because I have time on my side.

Do you always attack a persons personal life when you get backed into a corner?

Typical. At least show some wit in your response.

Hey whats going on with Europe!!!?? Still waiting to get educated!

And how is our money being squandered? He just had a bill passed to keep the interest on school loans at its present rate and not have it doubled. As a teacher, you certainly should relate. What about the thousands of teachers being laid off in red states? The value of education declines when the number of students in classes increase or the school day is cut. For a teacher, you don't seem to be concerned. Is it perhaps that you have not yet lost your job?

Furthermore, due to a family effort, my grandson is able to attend a private school. God forbid if he had to go to a public school with attitudes like yours.

And poorly made at that, Mark. Bush got all sorts of help from his Daddy, his Saudi friends (which included the Bin Ladens), and still couldn't put together a successful business. Both oil companies he started (with lots of outside money) went bankrupt. If it hadn't been for Daddy, he likely would have spent time in jail for alcohol and drug abuse. If you've got money (and influence) the rules just don't apply to the Bush's and the Romney's.

I suspect that non-adherence to tithing laws is among the reasons that Mitt refuses to release his tax returns. He may fear excommunication more than he fears losing the election.

But . . . wouldn't God know, even if the church doesn't?

I think that his religion was the only thing he donated to.