SOAPBOX

Nothing is annoying me more right now than seeing those in the house and senate slapping each other on the back after working on this so-called debt crisis, as if they really did some hard work. They didn't do anything but play their usual games of posture and pander, while the rest of us sat around and shook our heads in shame.

I don't see anything that could REALLY put a dent in the deficit in this bill. Taxes weren't raised (especially for those top 2% percent who can certainly to pay a more fair share), foreign government, farm and oil company subsidies still exist.

How can you pay ANYTHING off when you have more money going out than coming in? All signs are pointing to a double-dip recession. 9.2% unemployment, an economy that grew a meager 1.3%, and falling manufacturing levels are not going to do much to help cut this deficit.

The president was quoted today as saying: "We can't balance the budget on the backs of the people who've borne the brunt of this recession."

Well, Mr. President, with all due respect, that is exactly what is happening. That is what has always happened, and that is what will continue to happen until someone actually has the balls big enough to raise those taxes, cut the oil and farm subsidies, and slash military spending.

(sigh) Oh, I can still dream, can't I?