are y'all better off than you were 4 years ago ?

[7 Biddies]

Yes it has continuously been asked. It is a loaded question that is used by both major parties, and can be answered by both every four years in a partisan matter (which was my point).

Having presented the true facts of my personal financial situation since January 2009, are you trying to tell me my finances have improved in some way that I refuse to admit to and, therefore, that my answer is partisan and biased?

Maybe the fault is not with the question, but with the answer.

 

[punk-a-doodle]

Why would I tell you your personal finances have improved? Assumptions like that are exactly what I mean by not being able to hold a truly open discussion where people are genuinely listening to each other.

As I stated earlier, mine have improved overall except for things (ie, no raises, poorer benefits) that have extended well beyond four years for me. It does not mean I attribute what has improved to the current president, nor do I expect the troubling patterns and trends that exist on a larger scale to be made better by either candidate. As mentioned earlier, I definitely don't expect my personal finances to lead to enlightening discussion.

 

[7 Biddies]

Why would I tell you your personal finances have improved? Assumptions like that are exactly what I mean by not being able to hold a truly open discussion where people are genuinely listening to each other.
As I stated earlier, mine have improved overall except for things (ie, no raises, poorer benefits) that have extended well beyond four years for me. It does not mean I attribute what has improved to the current president, nor do I expect the troubling patterns and trends that exist on a larger scale to be made better by either candidate. As mentioned earlier, I definitely don't expect my personal finances to lead to enlightening discussion.

Apparently, I misunderstood your post. I guess I'm confused by how the question could be "answered by both every four years in a partisan matter". If one is being honest in reporting the the facts (objective), isn't it difficult to be partisan (subjective) at the same time? Regardless of one's political leanings, it is what it is. So, how can one answer honestly in a "partisan manner"? Of course, politicians can spin just about anything, but I hope the people at BYC are more honest in their discussions.

Just asking.

 

[punk-a-doodle]

That's the thing, it is such a loaded question that purposefully limits discussion that I don't think it can be answered in a very open way. Especially on a personal level, if someone now has better benefits than they did four years ago, if they are a Democrat, will they state as much? How about if they are a Republican? Are they going to list every change that has happened in their lives over the last four years, or the ones that support their current views? How influenced are those current views and topics of concern by party rhetoric?

When discussions focus on broader patterns and nationwide statistics tracked and studied over time (I really love the saying "the plural of anecdote is not data"), there is a chance for greater identification of both problems and solutions, without such sharp party divides. Unfortunately, any area steeped in rhetoric (welfare, global climate change, energy, gun rights, etc.) of course tends to be more problematic for discussion than less charged topics (library funding, road building, etc.), but at least it gives more options for statistics, facts, patterns, and cause and effect to be broached.

 

[rufus]

Well, I guess it is all in the way you look at the situation. If the new health care system falls into place, a lot of companies, especially fast food businesses, will put their staff on 20 hour or 28 hour work weeks. That means to keep their heads above water, people will have to hold down two or three part time jobs. Talk about job creation.

I read an article that said the new health care law would reduce the profit margin in fast foods by half. I cannot see the industry being able to pass this expense on to the consumer. Burger King is moving to an all franchise business model to reduce their exposure. This is a "share the loss" program. I expect to see a lot of closed businesses.

Time will tell.

 

[chickened]

First of all I would like to hear an honest question that is not loaded in some way or another... if possible.

Secondly, being better off is relative to how you measure, for example are you better off making more money or worse off because you owe more as a result of making more money??

 

[rachaelc]

I count my blessings after the last few years,
Oregon Homeowners Stabilization Initiative, allowed us to stay in our home for the last year. This was exceptional timing as I was diagnosed with breast cancer and could not work for the surgeries and recuperations I would need over the last year. I am now putting small jobs together here and there for care taking and other employment I can manage on par time basis. It seems we are all going through major changes, but I wonder if it the actual system of capatilism that is at fault. Is this the perfect system for a nation? I mean it just doesnt seem to get any better over the the last century. Our elderly, children and mentally ill are still in dire need. As well as human rights What if we could combine the best of a few systems to make a better system. Im so tired of the circus act in Washington. Isnt there a better way then what we have now, and Im not talking republican or democrat. I think any one who runs for office should live on minimum wage for a year before they can run for office. The higher the office the more they must experience in the hardships of the classes. Like a rite of passage. None of this golden glove stuff. How else can any one empathize with all people and work for a better system. Just me rambling my 2 cents.
Rachael C
mother of all

 

[hemet dennis]

I count my blessings after the last few years,
Oregon Homeowners Stabilization Initiative, allowed us to stay in our home for the last year. This was exceptional timing as I was diagnosed with breast cancer and could not work for the surgeries and recuperations I would need over the last year. I am now putting small jobs together here and there for care taking and other employment I can manage on par time basis. It seems we are all going through major changes, but I wonder if it the actual system of capatilism that is at fault. Is this the perfect system for a nation? I mean it just doesnt seem to get any better over the the last century. Our elderly, children and mentally ill are still in dire need. As well as human rights What if we could combine the best of a few systems to make a better system. Im so tired of the circus act in Washington. Isnt there a better way then what we have now, and Im not talking republican or democrat. I think any one who runs for office should live on minimum wage for a year before they can run for office. The higher the office the more they must experience in the hardships of the classes. Like a rite of passage. None of this golden glove stuff. How else can any one empathize with all people and work for a better system. Just me rambling my 2 cents.
Rachael C
mother of all

So if someone wants to help the blind then they have to be blindfolded ?

 

[rikithemonk]

My answer?

No. I'm much worse off now than I was 4 years ago.

I was in a fair job in a good company and got outsourced /downsized. $15 dollars an hour was far too much to pay for an IT professional. Now I cant find a job and am now simply a very low payed temp for a temp agency. Nine Dollars an hour and absolutely no over time allowed. No health insurance, no life insurance, no stability or real future with the company. At least its three months pay before they kick me to the curb. (Three month contract.)

Middle class? What middle class?

Riki

 

[chickened]

My answer?

No. I'm much worse off now than I was 4 years ago.

I was in a fair job in a good company and got outsourced /downsized. $15 dollars an hour was far too much to pay for an IT professional. Now I cant find a job and am now simply a very low payed temp for a temp agency. Nine Dollars an hour and absolutely no over time allowed. No health insurance, no life insurance, no stability or real future with the company. At least its three months pay before they kick me to the curb. (Three month contract.)

Middle class? What middle class?

Riki

Get used to it if Obamacare is implemented.