sequester...huh?

Nurses Activism

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How will sequestering affect nurses?

What can we do about it?

Specializes in Hospice, Palliative Care.

Good day:

Concerning the sequestration, two very recent articles:

Sequester Special - Mike Huckabee News - News - Mike Huckabee

Penny Wise and Pound Foolish - Mike Huckabee News - News - Mike Huckabee

Thank you.

^Then came the housing bubble that got out of control (banking deregulation had been virtually eliminated...because the economy was doing so well, it became nonexistent), because people did have more money, and people were able to get homes, and rich banks tapped into riskier people, as well as people who wanted to get rich off of real estate, which affected every sector; however people focus on housing and "irresponsible people", however the bulk of irresponsibility were people who were trying to "flip" houses and make money, which were the banks...they invested people's retirement into that money as well...mid level businesses invested in a portion or all of their money as well.

Banking regulation became non-existant because Democrats insisted that everyone should be able to own a home. That is only fair, after all. Although there was greed to be found in the financial industry, banks first tapped into riskier people because they were strongly encouraged to by the gov't.

Have you ever seen the Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae hearings of 2004? Republicans were insisting on more regulation of those institutions, and Democrats were insisting it was unnecessary. "It's like giving someone a heart surgery who doesn't need it." -Rep. Gregory Meeks (D).

Nancy Pelosi, Barney Frank, and others were in on this too:

History shows that the more the gov't does to try and make everything "fair" to everyone, the more unfair things become. The same will be true with Obamacare.

Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

Banking regulation became non-existant because Democrats insisted that everyone should be able to own a home. That is only fair, after all. Although there was greed to be found in the financial industry, banks first tapped into riskier people because they were strongly encouraged to by the gov't.

Have you ever seen the Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae hearings of 2004? Republicans were insisting on more regulation of those institutions, and Democrats were insisting it was unnecessary. "It's like giving someone a heart surgery who doesn't need it." -Rep. Gregory Meeks (D).

Nancy Pelosi, Barney Frank, and others were in on this too:

History shows that the more the gov't does to try and make everything "fair" to everyone, the more unfair things become. The same will be true with Obamacare.

^Yes, I am aware the banking became non existent in the mid-90s. I am also aware how deregulation in the 80s collapsed a lot of urban and rural communities.

My post is balanced on facts. The main issue is that there are people who are richer that control more of rates, including food, gas, etc. while stinging wages. That is not fair.

There are people who rented, never bought a home during the financial crisis; yet rent has ballooned, people who could afford renting are being pushed out with no where to go.

I don't care what political group is to blame...that doesn't solve the problem. The issues need to be addressed: wages are too low, food is too high, access to fair banking, is ridiculous in some areas, as well as access to jobs-public transportation doesn't exist in some areas of the country, and businesses do not invest in certain communities; these areas also have horrible health and access to healthcare.

I don't care what side you are on. There are things going on in this country that are historically wrong, and should not be allowed, especially is we are a country that boasts "for the people"...we cannot exclude the poor, the disenfranchised, the unmentionables, a leave access to opportunities favorable for a few. That is inherently unfair.

One example is that Coca Cola is still listed as a "small business"...there get all the tax breaks, etc. yet they haven't been a "small business" for almost one hundred years. There is something wrong with that.

If businesses want to be for a free market, then the poverty level should be 50,000 dollars. There is too much money being flowed and hidden where I couldn't get a raise in four years, while I need to eat, get medicine, and heat my home, but those rates go up and into someone's pocket. It is borderline criminal to me...then those same people say "pull up from your bootstraps"??? That is a load of bull. They don't want the working class to have a seat a the table. I work hard; of the many years I worked, I had two-three jobs, even in nursing. I have a mortgage I pay on time, I have been a "small business". I heard it all before, and it's BULL. The ones who have the money want the bottom line, and they haven't learned from the previous times we have bottomed out. And they continue to do it, business as usual. That is unreasonable.

^Yes, I am aware the banking became non existent in the mid-90s. I am also aware how deregulation in the 80s collapsed a lot of urban and rural communities.

My post is balanced on facts. The main issue is that there are people who are richer that control more of rates, including food, gas, etc. while stinging wages. That is not fair.

There are people who rented, never bought a home during the financial crisis; yet rent has ballooned, people who could afford renting are being pushed out with no where to go.

I don't care what political group is to blame...that doesn't solve the problem. The issues need to be addressed: wages are too low, food is too high, access to fair banking, is ridiculous in some areas, as well as access to jobs-public transportation doesn't exist in some areas of the country, and businesses do not invest in certain communities; these areas also have horrible health and access to healthcare.

I don't care what side you are on. There are things going on in this country that are historically wrong, and should not be allowed, especially is we are a country that boasts "for the people"...we cannot exclude the poor, the disenfranchised, the unmentionables, a leave access to opportunities favorable for a few. That is inherently unfair.

One example is that Coca Cola is still listed as a "small business"...there get all the tax breaks, etc. yet they haven't been a "small business" for almost one hundred years. There is something wrong with that.

If businesses want to be for a free market, then the poverty level should be 50,000 dollars. There is too much money being flowed and hidden where I couldn't get a raise in four years, while I need to eat, get medicine, and heat my home, but those rates go up and into someone's pocket. It is borderline criminal to me...then those same people say "pull up from your bootstraps"??? That is a load of bull. They don't want the working class to have a seat a the table. I work hard; of the many years I worked, I had two-three jobs, even in nursing. I have a mortgage I pay on time, I have been a "small business". I heard it all before, and it's BULL. The ones who have the money want the bottom line, and they haven't learned from the previous times we have bottomed out. And they continue to do it, business as usual. That is unreasonable.

Rent prices...you have made my point. Why are rental prices skyrocketing? It's because now lenders have become more stringent giving out loans. This has caused a rise in demand for rental properties. This all goes back to trying to make it so that everyone could afford a house. Like I said, the more gov't interferes trying to make things more fair, the more they make it worse for everyone.

How is it that "people who are richer that control more of rates, including food, gas, etc. while stinging wages."? I'm don't understand. Could you explain who you are talking about and how exactly do they do that?

Of lessser inportance, you said Coca-Cola is "listed" as small business? On what list exactly? What tax breaks do they get? I'm just curious.

Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

The "stinging" is a typo...

To clarify, even if the demand is high, there STILL has not been enough wage increase to fulfill the demands. Now the demand is up, but there is STILL no way for people to compensate for the increase; again, STILL unreasonable.

You can put out each economic problem, line by line...it doesn't matter. If there is not enough money coming for wages to pay down personal debt and save, it is unreasonable. The market still needs us to drive it, and the COLA that has been put on the majority of us has driven most us into the ground. Long hours, no compensation, overworked, ill, unhappy, unable to leave a job a get another one because there may not be another job because there is a hiring freeze in 50-75% in the immediate area. People cannot afford to move because they can't save if their monthly bills are excessive, even after reducing Internet, LAN line, and cable. There are people who couldn't afford that PRIOR to the crisis. REAL people have reduced so much, especially people who were makinf excellent money, and had to get on welfare to feed their families; that is the REALITY. Milk and bread is 2 dollars for a 1/2 pint and 3.50 for a loaf. Gone are the days that milk bread eggs and gas was 1 dollar...even less than that in many areas.

I'll give a personal example. In my state, my gas and electric was deregulated about the 1990s. The gas company committed so much mismanagement and stole money, it was virtually bankrupt. The people went to jail, the restitution was arranged to be paid upon release. Those particular people were rich enough to have their jobs, yet wanted more, got caught. The company has to run their business, so they continue to raise rates on the vast majority of working people, as well as the bulk of elderly and retired people. They can't wait for that money to come from someone who isn't going to be released in 20 years, or never see the money because eventually, their debt is out of control, so there is no money left for repayment.

The cost of living started to not match up along income lines. It was such an issue that the state had to make a commission, where there needed to be insight on the utility companies, where citizens can appeal and receive mediation, especially if there has been an error in the utilities part when it comes to billing, as well as the utility company has to show the cause to raise rates.

It works out most of the time.

If rates are raised, the money doesn't always go towards infrastructure.

Another example is my city's electrical problems. There are times that the traffic lights go out on the street without no reason, or an unexpected surge occurs. The neighbors will ask whether the lights went out or a surge happened; that's how frequent it happens. When Sandy hit my area, only one section of the area I lived in was out of power for 4 days. They have prolonged fixing a particular infrastructure for about 10 years. It was so bad, the city put stop signs up. They have no control to fix electrical failures, because the city doesn't have authority to fix the system because once it became deregulated, the electric company became privatized.

That's my issue. If anyone is going to be all for companies to be rich, or they "make their 'fair share' already" then make sure that the working class has enough access, and not give the soapbox...The working class should not be going into debt to get and education and a career, and 20-30,000 does not feed and clothe a family of four...it is considered poverty. 7.15 is not a sustainable wage, and neither is 10 dollars. 20 dollars should go the trick...we are going to put that money back into most corporation pockets, and let that money fix infrastructure, make sure there is quality food, water, air, and healthcare.

Working class is taxed at 35%; corporations 10-15...we ARE paying our fair share...corporations (not small businesses) based on profit should minimally pay 35% regardless of their profits are driven by the market, or actual income minus debt. Then it should go from there, especially where some companies profits are totaling billions, especially from the goods and services we use. Whatever is going on is not going the economy good. It is hurting all of us in some way, whether we continue to work understand and then become injured or disabled, decrease in income, increases the chance if more debt owed.

From a systems perspective, the current system is NOT working. There needs to be a logical solution to these problems, tracking of money, accountability, and REAL opportunity for all.

Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

Of lessser inportance, you said Coca-Cola is "listed" as small business? On what list exactly? What tax breaks do they get? I'm just curious.

^ During an economics class, I took 10 years ago, we dissected the amount of taxes Coca-Cola paid in taxes, due to the "special status" of using tax breaks the small businesses utilize. I was hoping to find that information, however I don't.

I was able to find a link towards Coca Cola's information. Tried to get one economically neutral; it is very difficult to do so in these times:

http://ctj.org/ctjinthenews/2011/07/atlanta_journal_constitution_corporate_giants_find_ample_shelter.php

Now back to the thread. Not trying to hijack the thread.

I still stand on the point that the current system is not working...

The "stinging" is a typo...

To clarify, even if the demand is high, there STILL has not been enough wage increase to fulfill the demands. Now the demand is up, but there is STILL no way for people to compensate for the increase; again, STILL unreasonable.

You can put out each economic problem, line by line...it doesn't matter. If there is not enough money coming for wages to pay down personal debt and save, it is unreasonable. The market still needs us to drive it, and the COLA that has been put on the majority of us has driven most us into the ground. Long hours, no compensation, overworked, ill, unhappy, unable to leave a job a get another one because there may not be another job because there is a hiring freeze in 50-75% in the immediate area. People cannot afford to move because they can't save if their monthly bills are excessive, even after reducing Internet, LAN line, and cable. There are people who couldn't afford that PRIOR to the crisis. REAL people have reduced so much, especially people who were makinf excellent money, and had to get on welfare to feed their families; that is the REALITY. Milk and bread is 2 dollars for a 1/2 pint and 3.50 for a loaf. Gone are the days that milk bread eggs and gas was 1 dollar...even less than that in many areas.

I'll give a personal example. In my state, my gas and electric was deregulated about the 1990s. The gas company committed so much mismanagement and stole money, it was virtually bankrupt. The people went to jail, the restitution was arranged to be paid upon release. Those particular people were rich enough to have their jobs, yet wanted more, got caught. The company has to run their business, so they continue to raise rates on the vast majority of working people, as well as the bulk of elderly and retired people. They can't wait for that money to come from someone who isn't going to be released in 20 years, or never see the money because eventually, their debt is out of control, so there is no money left for repayment.

The cost of living started to not match up along income lines. It was such an issue that the state had to make a commission, where there needed to be insight on the utility companies, where citizens can appeal and receive mediation, especially if there has been an error in the utilities part when it comes to billing, as well as the utility company has to show the cause to raise rates.

It works out most of the time.

If rates are raised, the money doesn't always go towards infrastructure.

Another example is my city's electrical problems. There are times that the traffic lights go out on the street without no reason, or an unexpected surge occurs. The neighbors will ask whether the lights went out or a surge happened; that's how frequent it happens. When Sandy hit my area, only one section of the area I lived in was out of power for 4 days. They have prolonged fixing a particular infrastructure for about 10 years. It was so bad, the city put stop signs up. They have no control to fix electrical failures, because the city doesn't have authority to fix the system because once it became deregulated, the electric company became privatized.

That's my issue. If anyone is going to be all for companies to be rich, or they "make their 'fair share' already" then make sure that the working class has enough access, and not give the soapbox...The working class should not be going into debt to get and education and a career, and 20-30,000 does not feed and clothe a family of four...it is considered poverty. 7.15 is not a sustainable wage, and neither is 10 dollars. 20 dollars should go the trick...we are going to put that money back into most corporation pockets, and let that money fix infrastructure, make sure there is quality food, water, air, and healthcare.

Working class is taxed at 35%; corporations 10-15...we ARE paying our fair share...corporations (not small businesses) based on profit should minimally pay 35% regardless of their profits are driven by the market, or actual income minus debt. Then it should go from there, especially where some companies profits are totaling billions, especially from the goods and services we use. Whatever is going on is not going the economy good. It is hurting all of us in some way, whether we continue to work understand and then become injured or disabled, decrease in income, increases the chance if more debt owed.

From a systems perspective, the current system is NOT working. There needs to be a logical solution to these problems, tracking of money, accountability, and REAL opportunity for all.

I can't tackle everything you talked about. IMO you are lacking a basic understanding of economics.

A few thoughts about what you did say:

There obviously is a way for people to pay for the increased rental prices, because they are. Otherwise, vacancy rates would be higher, and rents would be adjusted downward.

You still haven't said how rich people are controlling the prices of food, gas, etc. Your story of the corrupt gas company, even taken at face value, was very atypical. How are rich people controlling the price of food? And how would you change it?

Interesting you said that there isn't enough income for people to pay down their personal debt on top of their bills. So, on top of everything else, others who didn't rack up debt should have to pay for others who did?

And you said that people shouldn't have to go into debt to have a education and career? They don't. You don't need a college education to have a career. That is a choice.

But let's do talk about a college education. Now, we are to back to the gov't trying to make everything "fair" for everyone. Do you know why college tuition has risen much faster then the cost-of-living and inflation. It's because the gov't hands out college loans and grants so easily. Colleges keep increasing costs because they can as loans keep up with the costs, and the students are stuck with the large debt.

They've also made it so that almost anyone who wants to can earn a college degree. There are some good things that come along with that for sure, but at the same time the college degree has been de-valued. They aren't worth nearly what they were in the past.

What is your definition of "working class"? If it is what I think it is, that income bracket is paying nowhere near 35% in taxes.

At least $20 and hour for everyone? And corporations should pay 35% in taxes? What do you think will happen to jobs if that is forced on employers? What do you think will happen to prices of goods and services?

^ During an economics class, I took 10 years ago, we dissected the amount of taxes Coca-Cola paid in taxes, due to the "special status" of using tax breaks the small businesses utilize. I was hoping to find that information, however I don't.

I was able to find a link towards Coca Cola's information. Tried to get one economically neutral; it is very difficult to do so in these times:

Atlanta Journal Constitution: Corporate giants find ample shelter | CTJ in the News

Now back to the thread. Not trying to hijack the thread.

I still stand on the point that the current system is not working...

I think we agree that corporate tax loopholes should be closed.

But, where we probably disagree is that at the same time the corporate tax rate should be decreased so that companies don't have an incentive to move overseas, and foreign compnaies have incentive to move here.

Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

I think we agree that corporate tax loopholes should be closed.

But, where we probably disagree is that at the same time the corporate tax rate should be decreased so that companies don't have an incentive to move overseas, and foreign compnaies have incentive to move here.

Nope. Don't disagree with that. I rather corporations invest and respect their employees in this country.

My point is goods and services are high for me to the point that my income/debt ratio is taking away from my usual allotment for retirement, my health where I can't always buy medicine. REAl issues.

I pretty much run a balanced budget as well as was a 1099'er for about 6 years. I just returned to the workforce as a W-2'er because even though I had great itemizations, paid for my own health insurance, and had to make my own retirement account, affordable mortgage including additional payments to escrow; the COLA was hitting my contribution to retirement and to my escrow. Being a 1099'er afforded me to pay down my student loans, it afforded me to go back to school.

Now my tax status has changed. I had my income taxes at 22 percent for the year after exemptions credits, etc. I now have a tax rate of 29-30% per pay period, including retirement, insurance, etc, great perks. I still have the same bills, same budget.

This is my experience. Not everyone is fortunate as me. Basic economics have been a way of my life as a sole proprietor. I have been able to option for this for an extended amount of time. I have returned to the general tax code as a W-2'er; however also work for an organization that has great exemptions for their nurses and their employees in regards to retirement, pension, and education credits. I want people to have the same opportunity as I do; a lot of people don't.

I know where I've been, and where I came from...and can see WHY some communities can't get ahead, and it at this point in my life and other people's lives, they are PAST the blaming, they want a seat at the table to make their communities better. We all deserve that. I believe that is an unalienable right. No one has a right to be pushed out of their communities, inadequate education, as well inadequate water, the inability to upkeep property, etc because of the shame of being a "redlined" community. These issues are real for lower income communities, they are vulnerable. Amongst people in lower income communities are people that want to live in another section but cannot afford it because if the ridiculous inflation; and these sections have housing that stands dark because no one can afford it...they saturated the market, but not enough demand because the market can't support it.

Again, that's my opinion and experience. I think this is totally hijacking the thread, but maybe it is not. I just want to inject reality that those who are generationally low income don't have a bank or a supermarket in their areas, libraries and schools are more likely to close down. Trickle down economics at its best. People who have money can move, while others can't. They continue to have three jobs, travel up to 30+ miles keep their properties neat, but revitalization doesn't come for many. It comes slow, or not at all.

I'm just one who disagree's with the so-called myth of "irresponsibility", how can people in poverty be irresponsible if they are ignored??? And then the public questions their "behavior" when they lash out, violently, because they are ignored? I find more irresponsibly and incompetence at the "top" more than anyone else.

I think about every poor neighborhood and region across our country...the Ozarks, Mississippi, Louisiana, the Mexican boarder towns,the Rust belt, that have poverty and lack of access to healthcare, that need us, thousand of nurses out of work or underemployed...people who have this passion ...they can't afford to move if they wanted to and help bridge the gap. Because our economics in our country is screwed. And again, this system doesn't work. It's been LONG time for a change.

I don't know what the sequester entails...but the focus really needs to make sure that the issues that are plaguing the country gets fixed, income rights, housing rights, infrastructure, a safer environment. Sitting around and blaming others isn't going to get it done, that's for sure; and I am past that...it's time for solutions, and if there is no "solutions" then what are people going to do to survive. I have my plan in place...

Specializes in Critical-care RN.

You are a funny man...

Specializes in PICU, NICU, L&D, Public Health, Hospice.

http://tcf.org/blog/detail/graph-student-debt-the-trillion20120329-graph-student-debt-the-trillion-dollar-threat-to-the-american-middle-class-01.png-dollar-threat-to-the-american-middle-class

20120224-graph-putting-the-squeeze-on-labor-part-ii.png%26w%3D810%26h%3D605%26ndsp%3D21%26biw%3D1144%26bih%3D563%26tbs%3Dsimg:CAQSEgnunrDTwPOPayEsMHmES0FT4A%26tbm%3Disch&itbs=1&sa=X&ved=0CD8QrQMwAA&iact=hc&vpx=2&vpy=159&dur=5157&hovh=194&hovw=260&tx=143&ty=222&page=120120329-graph-student-debt-the-trillion-dollar-threat-to-the-american-middle-class-03.png

7.15 is not a sustainable wage, and neither is 10 dollars. 20 dollars should go the trick...we are going to put that money back into most corporation pockets, and let that money fix infrastructure, make sure there is quality food, water, air, and healthcare.

$20 per hour? How do you arrive at that number? Why not $25, or $30?

If someone with no skill, no experience, no education, etc. makes $20 and hour, how much should a nurse make?

If you owned your own business, would you hire someone with no skills, experience, or education at $20 per hour?

The higher the minimum wage increases, the fewer jobs there will be for those with no experience, skills, or education. That means fewer opportunities to gain those work skills and experience for those without it.

It's not the responsibility of a business, big or small, to make things fair for everyone. It's not up to them to make sure everyone can pay all their bills, have healthcare, afford college, raise their kids, etc.

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