U$A economy , election, etc [Politics] ...

Inflation and a weak dollar are concerns, but the economy isn't 'that' bad.  Then again, perception can outrank reality and the press can report our way into a recession  .  I'm not saying a recession isn't in our future (wait long enough and it always happens), but Its its not a forgone conclusion at this time.

But that doesn't mean election cycle spin will not make it sound bad and great all at the same time.  There is NOTHING that will prevent Dems from painting an apocalyptic picture, and the Repubs from painting a rosy one.  And they're both going to be wrong.  Nature of the biz/beast.

National debt ceiling = farce.  Its ALWAYS increased after being held hostage by one party or the other for far too long (i.e., when the repubs locked down the g'ment under Gingrich - idiots).  Reason is - the ceiling doesn't keep pace with our ability to shoulder the debt.  Inflation and rising tax receipts allow us to spend more - but 1:1 would be irresponsible at this time (just because we can doesn't mean we should), I'd keep it under 75% myself (currently about 65%) but would like to see it less by reducing/eliminating our Iraq expenditures 

Do not repeal the tax cuts though (like more Dems want to you think is necessary) - that would be a mistake.  Want a real problem?  Take our currently slowing (but far from receding) economy and raise taxes - then see what happens.  You may get your recession.  Which is why its probably good strategy for the Dems to predict it    (oops, did I say that aloud in the company of liberals?  Yep - yep I did  )

The former - I only phrased it that way because the Republicans are the current incumbents.

well, all of this i can certainly agree on

I like the way you think aske (says a middle class tax payer)

consumer spending.  the 800lb gorilla  of the recession, so to speak

who gives a *fudge*-all if these golden parachute and old money *bunghole*s     have a year or two where their hand me down inheritance funds only  match inflation .     omg.    waah.     the dilution of the $ and the expansion of the $ supply have largely benefitted them already at the expense of the bottom 99% anyways

Fair enough... sorta. 

I can tell you as a former small (very small) business owner, there's are huge disincentives in the current tax structure.  When working overtime results in a significantly diminishing return something is wrong.  Obviously I'm not talking about Richie Rich here.  I'm talking about guys who are pushing hard to get in six-figure incomes and in doing so are taking all the risks (bankruptcy, lawsuits, etc.)  I think we're referred to as upper middle class.  Whatever.  When you get a $10K check for busting your ass and have to withhold 50% or so for fed/state income, self-employment, FICA, Medicare, whatever the hell else you start to think about the late nights and Saturdays and ask if it is worth it.  I'm sure there are those who will cry 'whhhaaaaahhhh' at our plight but that's immaterial.  What matters is that I never hired anyone in ten years and eventually sold out rather than take that next step.  All the economy got out of me was a few extra dollars.  Who knows, with compelling incentives I might be running a 100 man show right now.

OK.  Thanks for the clarification.  'Cuz I'll be honest, you may not be talking about that demographic but those guys stumping in South Carolina right now are/do.