IMO, Social programs like Social Security, and Universal Health Care and UNIONS, ARE SIGHNS OF A CIVILIZED society.

If a "bailout" is forced by the White House, it will indicate to me that someone there is using his head. This "bailout" will have lots of strings attached, and strong oversight and accountability by an appointed Car Tzar (sp.?) unlike the true bailout of investment banks and brokerages, with no oversight or accountability. The 13 0r 14 billion BRIDGE LOAN requested by the BIG THREE, would now come out of the 200-250billion dollars left from the ALREADY ALLOCATED 700billion that PAULSON administers. Thus, it would mean NO ADDITIONAL COST to the U.S. taxpayers. And approximately 1 million manufacturing jobs SAVED, plus 2 million spin off jobs.

IMO, social programs like Social Security and Universal Health Care for a country's citizens are signs of a civilized country. Obviously, I am Canadian and Canada is a social democratic country, not communist. It was my hope that Chavez was trying to do just that. But he keeps getting painted "a communist" by anti Chavez countries. And he is starting to look like a dictator.

Destroying Unions is anti democratic. Destroying CROOKED unions is desirable, but better done by Union Members, not Senators and House of Rep members who have an axe to grind and their own particular agenda. Did you know that FOUR Southern States give, or gave millions of tax benefits to FOUR foregn car manufacturers to set up plants in their states? And there are 18 more foreign plants to come to THESE states! The U.S. needs a strong national manufacturing base re-established ASAP, and you will not get it by destroying the small car manufacturing base you have left.

Chavez is asking in a Referendum (in February?) for the right of VZ.Presidents to seek unlimited presidential re-election terms after a presidential term of 6 years. The National Assembly formally made this proposal on an amendment to the 1999 Constitution. IMO, if he can't achieve results in 2 six year terms, there should be no further terms, period.( I might accede to ONE MORE ELECTED TERM of office)

IMO,

Vlada