Is this what we fought for our independence - taxiation without representation? Oh the representives are there but they are for themselves, not those who elected them. After all, even if we did fall off the cliff they made sure a month ago that nothing would afffect them and their big pork bellys

I still think every one in Washington should have to pay into SS and pay for their own healthcare and no lifetime same salary and healthcare benefits. There was a time when these people worked for nothing. If they were paid  a "working" wage as we are, and receive raises (whatever those are) the same as we do, I think ...more

And it also says to be prepared - always look up. I am ready for whenever it comes

Guess maybe he is jealous? Funny thing is that I just saw a note that shows that the vast majority of the weathy are dems, not repubs, especially in congress

Forgot about the state levels -politians need to work for a "reasonable" salary without annual automatic increases - salaries commensurate with what they actually do (nothing). If they worked in the private industry they would all have been fired long ago.

Wonder when we will get TRUE leadership - from anyone. A blanket tax rate for everyone without loopholes or deductions allowed would be fair for all and a reasonable way to increase incoming $$ to help balance budgets - as long as welfare (created by dems) and other freebees to those who only want a free ride. Somehow ...more

That unemployment rate also does not include all those who gave up looking and/or ran out of UID. So in realty, as confrimed by Bernake, the unemployment rate is substanially higher - and don't forget about all those about to loose their jobs in January due to sequestration.

I wonder if anyone remembers that some of this outsourcing, to China, India and other places was partially due to the increased costs of manufacturing here in the US - wages, power, etc?

I agree with TruthSeeker below - most US companies are playing with the books and it's employees to show good numbers. What puzzles me is why the unemployment numbers remain unchanged in that companies continue to lay off and/or do not expand. UID apps were supposedly down but that could also mean that laid off workers...more