Have we come this far already?

**CountryBoy** · 02-24-2009, 03:34 PM

Public funds to pay for private debt
Houston aims to clear balances so some can buy homes

Houston taxpayers could start footing the bill to help first-time homebuyers pay off debts and improve their credit scores, under a proposal before City Council this week.

The “Credit Score Enhancement Program” will give up to $3,000 in grants to individuals who are trying to qualify for mortgages through the city’s homebuyers assistance program. City officials say some applicants fall short of eligibility by only 10 or 20 points on their credit scores, and paying off some debt balances can quickly improve their numbers.

The proposal has aroused critics who say the city should not use public funds to help people pay down car loans, credit card balances, or other debts — even if the slight credit bump would help them realize the dream of home- ownership.

Councilwoman Anne Clutterbuck called the program well intentioned but said it would go too far. “If this credit crisis has taught us anything, we need to focus on paying off our debts and saving more,” she said. “Using government money to help someone pay off their debts is not the same as asking them to pay off their debts themselves.”

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/...n/6277344.html

I guess we're slowly going to start paying other peoples bills with our tax dollars. If Texas is considering this lack of responsibility, other states can't be to far behind. What's this called.... socialism. Maybe these people should RENT.

It may not pass, but to even consider using public funds ( taxpayers money), just baffles the heck out of me. This is just a hint of whats on the way. I just can't believe that any American would consider this option.

CB

**Frixxxx** · 02-24-2009, 04:20 PM

Originally Posted by CountryBoy

....I guess we're slowly going to start paying other peoples bills with our tax dollars. If Texas is considering this lack of responsibility, other states can't be to far behind. What's this called.... socialism. Maybe these people should RENT.

It may not pass, but to even consider using public funds ( taxpayers money), just baffles the heck out of me. This is just a hint of whats on the way. I just can't believe that any American would consider this option.

CB

If you are getting your bills paid off, I'm sure, THEY"RE FOR IT!!!!

But let me ask a question. Give $3000 to a home buyer. They pay taxes on the property to pay back that $3000 in a few years. Everything else is gravy. What we're seeing is a pay it forward mentality only it feels like a cost you later program.

I don't agree with it, but then when grasping for straws, some people get the short one.

**CountryBoy** · 02-24-2009, 04:59 PM

Originally Posted by Frixxxx

If you are getting your bills paid off, I'm sure, THEY"RE FOR IT!!!!

But let me ask a question. Give $3000 to a home buyer. They pay taxes on the property to pay back that $3000 in a few years. Everything else is gravy. What we're seeing is a pay it forward mentality only it feels like a cost you later program.

I don't agree with it, but then when grasping for straws, some people get the short one.

I'm not sure whether we're robbing Peter to pay Paul, playing hide the pea or button button, whose got the button.

I've had the short straw in the early 80's recession, lost my job, had to sell my house for almost 25% less and used up my savings to make ends meet. So I've been there, but I have to tell ya Frixxx, I would never expect or accept money from my neighbor, I worked minimum wage, I think $3.25 per hour, to help make my savings last a little longer.

So people can work make it thru tough times, if they are willing to man up and do what it takes. But we're emasculating the men in this country.

And making them worthless lazy good for nothing beggars.

CB

**Frixxxx** · 02-24-2009, 06:47 PM

Originally Posted by CountryBoy

I'm not sure whether we're robbing Peter to pay Paul, playing hide the pea or button button, whose got the button.

We're robbing Peter, Paul, Mary AND their children.

Originally Posted by CountryBoy

I've had the short straw in the early 80's recession, lost my job, had to sell my house for almost 25% less and used up my savings to make ends meet. So I've been there, but I have to tell ya Frixxx, I would never expect or accept money from my neighbor, I worked minimum wage, I think $3.25 per hour, to help make my savings last a little longer.

God Bless you for sacrificing to ensure that you did it on your own!!!!

Originally Posted by CountryBoy

So people can work make it thru tough times, if they are willing to man up and do what it takes. But we're emasculating the men in this country.

And making them worthless lazy good for nothing beggars.

CB

Yes, "man up", Glenn Beck was on Fox News this morning and stated,"It is not the American economy that I have faith in, it's the American People."

This is my dilemma. Why aren't more people like you? Where are the American People now? If JFK was a great president, how come his words are not being used right now..Ask not......

If we can stop catering to the cheaters and start focusing on our loyal, respectful, hard-working people, maybe we can achieve the hope President Obama has been talking about. This trickle-down stuff is not working and people are losing whatever hope they have.

Also, I would love to hear how these polls are being done to test his approval ratings. Those who have lost their homes, probably don't have a phone to voice their opinions.

Anyway, dignity and pride and honor have not held up over the past few decades and that hurts us from every angle, not just financial!

**CountryBoy** · 02-24-2009, 07:13 PM

Originally Posted by Frixxxx

We're robbing Peter, Paul, Mary AND their children.
God Bless you for sacrificing to ensure that you did it on your own!!!!

Yes, "man up", Glenn Beck was on Fox News this morning and stated,"It is not the American economy that I have faith in, it's the American People."

This is my dilemma. Why aren't more people like you? Where are the American People now? If JFK was a great president, how come his words are not being used right now..Ask not......

If we can stop catering to the cheaters and start focusing on our loyal, respectful, hard-working people, maybe we can achieve the hope President Obama has been talking about. This trickle-down stuff is not working and people are losing whatever hope they have.

Also, I would love to hear how these polls are being done to test his approval ratings. Those who have lost their homes, probably don't have a phone to voice their opinions.

Anyway, dignity and pride and honor have not held up over the past few decades and that hurts us from every angle, not just financial!

Yeah I agree with Glenn and you, where is that “can do” attitude of the American people? It’s like today, folks have turned JFK’s famous saying around and are asking what can my Country do for me…..

Yeah people are losing hope and to tell the truth Frixxxx, when this stimulus package went from a Job Stimulus to Welfare Stimulus, I started losing hope right there, because it was just politics as normal. Most people want to work and this package has minimal job stimulus.

We do a lot of polls at my work with various industries and a lot of it is how you phrase the question. For example, “Are you against the Iraq war? I would answer yes to that question, but if it was phrased like “do you think we needed to go into Iraq to fight terrorism? I’d say yes. This may have been a poor example, cause I don’t even want to get into that subject. But hopefully you got the idea. And you’re right, those that have lost their jobs or homes couldn’t be reached in most cases, I’d venture to say.

Yep, BHO needs to get to those our loyal, respectful, hard-working people and things would take off and I don’t know what happened to our dignity and pride and honor. It’s a sad situation, but I think a lot of it has to do with the parents over the past couple of decades have stopped raising their children.

Now Lady will know where my paranoia and conspiracy beliefs come from.

You shouldn't have mentioned Glenn. Now where did I put my duck tape. lol

Oh well, hang tough and be careful and enjoy your trip.

CB