In doing so he basically screwed state governments because the programs for unemployment will be shut down. When these programs are reinstated it will mean unnecessary administrative costs which most states can ill afford.

Democrats blamed Republicans for not standing up and stopping Bunning from refusing to vote on the bill. Barbara Boxer (D-California) said, “Unemployment insurance is a lifeline to the long term unemployed whose families have been hit very hard by this recession.” The Democrats said the safety net funds are classified as an “emergency” and therefore don’t need to be offset. Unemployment is an emergency and included in the safety net funds.

The Senate will not be back to vote on this again until Tuesday. On March 1st no one who is currently unemployed will be able to file for their federal unemployment benefits. Families are on the losing end of this and Bunning doesn’t seem to be concerned.

While a bomb threat was called into Bunning’s office in Hazard, Kentucky, Bunning said he’s just trying to make a point to the people of the United States. And that point is what? That the government can once again disappoint citizens? Does Bunning have any clue whatsoever what he is doing to millions of people by refusing to vote yes on the extension? He has voted for previous extensions, so why not now? What is the holdup?

Perhaps we, as voters, need to look a bit further into who we vote for when the time comes. While Bunning is not running again, there are other men and women who may seem to be qualified for office who need to make things right for the citizens of their states. Age may be a benefit or a deficit when it comes to having Senators and Representatives in office. With age comes many health concerns, including dementia. Perhaps some of the people who are in “power” in Washington need to have a test to make sure they have all their marbles. We need good people who will do their job, not mess around with things that will hurt the citizens of our great nation, and who will be honest and fair. Make sure you know who you are voting for when it’s time to vote in your state. And by all means, VOTE!

Their discussion about the economy and how to get things back on track differs, but they both have some good ideas. If they would put these ideas together, something wonderful might come from them. Obama talked about energy efficient vehicles. However, where does he think people will get the money to purchase these vehicles, which will more than likely be very expensive? People will continue to drive their older vehicles because they can’t afford the new ones! Yes, it would create more jobs to make hybrids, but if the people who are working low paying jobs how can they buy a hybrid? He’s living high on the hog as a Senator. He’s not really thinking of the fast food worker, or the man who sweeps the floors at the stores.

With health care issues I am very much concerned. Having diabetes means I need to have continuous health care. I have this through my job now, but I certainly don’t want to have to change that. What will happen when I am closer to retirement age? Medicare supplements can be very costly. Obama said McCain wants to tax health care. McCain stated under Obama’s plan there would be a fine for not having health insurance. McCain wants to have a more liberal health care plan.

Joe the Plumber got a lot of air time tonight and will be the most popular person in the United States by the morning. I wish him well in getting his business launched. I hope he can. It’s the American Dream and he’s trying to follow it.

Roe vs. Wade issues were discussed. Personally, I believe the decision should be weighed carefully, with the parents to decide. I would never have an abortion, but that doesn’t mean I would condone someone who did have one. I don’t feel the government should have it’s nose in this issue.

On education issues  Obama said we need to start children earlier in school, recruit more teachers & give them higher pay, give more breaks for people who want to go to college, but parents need to show more responsibility with their own children. McCain stated school choice is a key element in education. Charter schools and better teachers provide competition. Good teachers need to be rewarded. Education in this country must be improved.

McCain’s closing remarks covered the anger people are feeling right now, tax dollars, health care, education, and stopping the spending. Reforming institutions of government and putting this country first are top of his list. Obama again stated the last 8 years of failed policies can’t continue and we need change. We will have to invest in the American people with education and business.

This was a good debate and a lot of issues were discussed. Whether one candidate won the debate, I couldn’t say. We as a people must vote in November. That is the bottom line.

Tomorrow night’s debate will be watched closely by millions of Americans. The day to decide is getting too close. There’s not a lot of time to choose which candidate you think might do the better job. Let’s face it, this isn’t a popularity contest. One of them should do a better job than the other will do, but which one? How can you decide? Read all the reports online, in the newspapers and magazines? Listen to their wives?  The candidates for Vice President? I think we should all be glued to the TV tomorrow night watching and listening very carefully to what is being discussed, what kinds of attitudes are shown, what types of aggressive behavior is revealed, and what is being said on either side. Do your duty, watch the debate.