Where I'm coming from on gov programs Good points Jim kraft t

[littlestarterfarmer]

Yes true, going out to eat helps the ag industry, but i was looking at it from a stand point of trying to save money for myself if i was in that situation where my income was limited. 60 hours a week isn't bad. I know my dad works more then that on the farm. And plenty of people work two jobs, probley totalling close to 70 or even 80. Two years ago when i worked for a farmer in western ks, while attending school out there i was working 70 hour weeks during corn harvest which last four months. i could work till ten every night if i wanted and then could work 12 to 14 hour days on the weekend. I was makeing pretty good money doing that. Again i was giving up alot of things to be able to do that, but if i had to provide for a family thats whats most important anyways, sure you need to be there for them and not work your life away, but times are tough and i know you would do what it takes to keep your family afloat untill things have a chance to get better.

[kraft-t]

Speaking of Panera bread.  The last time we were there my wife ordered a tuna salad sandwich.  She picked it up and brought it to the table. They had used a small dipper to put the tuna on and it was about the size of a mini burger. She took it back and told them to put more tuna on it. The clerk said we always use this dipper but she gave her a little more.

A few days later we ate at McCallisters and she nordered a  salad sandwich again. This time it was alarge crossant and the tuna salad was piled high. I told Carolyn that we ought to take that to panera and show them what a tuna salad  sandqwich is supposed to look like. the panera is just across the street but she didn't want to do it. I thought we would be doing them a favor by showing them what their competition is doing.

[k-289]

I traveled several weeks at at time with my contract work for the railroad and transportation business--80 hour weeks are fine if -- single--not permatly located--don't have kids in school----haven't been laid off by business closing with work going off shore---if you wnt to see some unstettling places go to the intercity along the railroad tracks or to the intercity mission and you will probably have a different opinion---guys like limbaa  and druuge really grind on a lot of topics they really don't have a first hand experience of any of these events --by the way for personal safety don't go to any RR tracks inter city late nights--so walk a mile in some one elses shoe's and you will now why--- 

[k-289]

Also--littlestart- ever read the book ---"What's The Matter With KANSAS" --Thomas Frank---brings up some interesting observations

[k-289]

Well said kraft-t---if you get a chance pickup the book"" What's the matter with Kansas?" by Thomas Frank --its an eye opener--  

[Kay/NC]

I think competing restaurants are well aware of what their competition does and does not do. 

 I've never noticed that tuna salad is offered in the Panera stores around here, so cannot comment directly on their portion size compared to anyone else's.  Their leaf salads are huge, and feature a variety of greens, which is so much better than the tasteless Iceberg lettuce many cheaper places use.  I am one who would rather pay for quality than quantity when it comes to the rare occasion that I eat out. 

I have a road trip planned for most of the day tomorrow.  There's a Panera halfway between my outbound point and home, so it will likely be my lunch stop.  I may go several months and not eat out, then have to do so twice in a week or two, as at the present, due to appointments two hours from home. 

Once I find a spot to eat that I like and that does not make me sick, I tend to stick with it.  Last time I ate elsewhere, it was not a dollar different in cost, and the chicken salad had gristle all through it.  Not having to spit that out is worth way more than an extra spoonful of tuna salad to me. 

[idalivered]

Just curious... if we would extend the taxable limit, would we then increase  the amount that could  could be withdrawn?  wouldn't that be the natural argument to such a move?

[kraft-t]

Those that pay in the mosr get the highest benefit. It always has been that way.

[cowfarmer]

How do you increase revenue to the fed with 10 percent unemployment which is probably closer to 17 percent. I guess you could raise taxes. Your raising it to 3 from 2.5 doesnt account for inflation either.   There was a guy who once said "economic realities cannot be indefinately denied. I believe you are right about social security, that if people were promised that they could retire at 62, they should have that option. They payed there SS tax they deserve it. But do you truly believe this is sustainable. And kraft t lets say you make 100,000 a year how much of that should go to the feds. I would really like to know where you stand on taxes. And if you think your undertaxed the treasury will take donations, if you believe they spend it well on these socail programs send them more. I for one think that the tax system is a joke, by the way did I see you in Madison Wisconsin with that teachers union.  LOL

[cowfarmer]

Kraft t I sent your solution to my baby brother he has an econ degree and works as a market analyst. I don't think he likes your plan. No offense just sayin.