"President Barack Obama will call for new government spending on infrastructure, education..."(SOTU)

[Still a Democrat]

President Barack Obama will call for new government spending on infrastructure, education and research in his State of the Union address Tuesday, sharpening his response to Republicans in Congress who are demanding deep budget cuts, people familiar with the speech said.

Mr. Obama will argue that the U.S., even while trying to reduce its budget deficit, must make targeted investments to foster job growth and boost U.S. competitiveness in the world economy. The new spending could include initiatives aimed at building the renewable-energy sector—which received billions of dollars in stimulus funding—and rebuilding roads to improve transportation, people familiar with the matter said. Money to restructure the No Child Left Behind law's testing mandates and institute more competitive grants also could be included.

While proposing new spending, Mr. Obama also will lay out significant budget cuts elsewhere, people familiar with the plans say, though they will likely fall short of what Republican lawmakers have requested.

...

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704754304576096171216582908.html

[bobbolink]

1. Trading the lives of some poor people for a new bridge... sounds like a good deal.

[SidDithers]

3. Maybe some "poor people" can find work on infrastructure projects...nt

Sid

[bobbolink]

5. Yes, all the 84-year-olds and disabled people.

Thank you for your concern.

[SidDithers]

11. All "poor people" are old or infirm?...nt

Sid

[bobbolink]

12. Your post indicated all poor people could work. Let's get all those kids out on the shovels!

Let me know when the cuts to Food Stamps, etc., matter to you.

[SidDithers]

16. I'm pretty sure that my post said "some poor people"....

which is most definitely not the same thing as "all poor people".

And nowhere have I mentioned Food Stamps. Why are you ascribing things to me that I didn't say? Perhaps you should stick to what I actually wrote, not what you think I wrote.

Sid

[bobbolink]

19. Since you haven't ever posted any compassion for Food Stamps being cut, it is respondable.

Your attitude about everything has been crystal clear, whether it is in a particular post or not.

Poor people who have read your posts wouldn't ever expect concern from that corner.

[SidDithers]

20. Again, try replying to what I actually wrote...

not what you've imagined me to have written, either now or in the past.

Sid

[Name removed]

22. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[malaise]

24. You know

:hi:

[Name removed]

4. Deleted message

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[msongs]

2. lets repeal all corporate taxes including income taxes for top management lol nt

[mmonk]

6. I'm all for infrastructure spending. That's a positive. The more, the better.

[Better Believe It]

14. Yes. And how much will President Obama propose to spend for jobs and infrastructure?

Will it be a bold plan that could put millions of people back to work in useful WPA type public works and infrastructure programs or will it be only about 50 billion for some roads and airports which amounts to a piss in the ocean compared to what is necessary?

I think I know the answer to that question but will wait to hear the State of the Union speech.

[Dappleganger]

7. Here's what's happening on the states' side...

Government infrastructure projects typically require the state to put up a certain amount of $$$ in order to receive the contract, which are stipulated for specific projects only (not general transportation/housing funds). States have several issues facing them right now: no money in the coffers due to dried-up tax base, republicans who are cutting back budgets at an alarming rate, and the biggest issue is that state and local bonds are going BUST. They don't have the ability to raise money for projects like they used to. States are going to turn down that money and not do the projects due to these issues (most of it's all the republicans' doing, at least it is in FL).

[PSPS]

8. "Mr. Obama also will lay out significant budget cuts elsewhere"

While proposing new spending, Mr. Obama also will lay out significant budget cuts elsewhere, people familiar with the plans say, though they will likely fall short of what Republican lawmakers have requested.

"Proposing new spending" is code for another nice speech followed up with ... nothing.

"Significant budget cuts" is code for eviscerating social programs.

"What Republican lawmakers have requested" is code for eliminating all taxes on the "have mores."

[TheWraith]

9. Clearly, you know what Obama will propose far better than Obama does.

Even though he's proven over and over again that he knows the right thing, and will do it.

[pnorman]

13. What ? No: "Obeying his Corporate Overlords"?

I feel so disappointed!

[WinkyDink]

10. "Call for" would mean what, exactly? Does he know where the blood-bearing stones are hidden?

[Better Believe It]

15. Obama's "budget cuts .... will likely fall short of what Republican lawmakers have requested."

No shit.

Well, if President Obama proposed even deeper cuts than Republicans I suppose that would pretty much kill his re-election chances and destroy the Democratic Party.

[Still a Democrat]

17. At least you acknowledge the difference

Obama will fight to preserve programs, the Republicans for more cuts.

[DavidDvorkin]

18. I'm planning to wait for the actual speech before reacting with either glee or outrage

I hope this attitude won't disqualify me from continuing to post at DU.

[Bluebear]

21. 'Mr. Obama also will lay out significant budget cuts elsewhere' - gee, I wonder. nt

[bobbolink]

23. Color us very surprised, eh?

How many resulting deaths?

Does it matter?

[Joe Fields]

25. I said at the time that he renewed the Bush tax cuts....

that that effectively kills any hope for any significant jobs program.

If Obama mentions a jobs program in the SOTU it will just be bullshit feel good talk. There will be no money for one now, nor will there be enough support for one in this new congress.

He should have stood firm on NOT extending the cuts, while throwing every ounce of influence he has behind a comprehensive jobs package. It didn't happen, and it most certainly won't happen now, and I will take it as an insult to my intelligence for him to mention one now. It will be most disingenuous on his part.

[Tx4obama]

26. I am really getting sick and tired of ....

I am really getting sick and tired of the Obama aides letting folks know what Obama's speeches are going to be about before he gives them. It give the talking heads on TV too much time to bash Obama even before he gives the speeches.
I think they shouldn't give any clues beforehand and then we would all sit in front of the TV and listen more carefully and would have the opportunity to be surprised by what he has to say!
Just my opinion ;)