Received from Senator Bill Nelson

Dear Mr. Kayser:

Thank you for contacting me about the economic stimulus package.

The American people are hurting. They are losing their homes, their jobs, their businesses and their life savings. Economists across the political spectrum agree that the government needs to take bold and immediate action to stimulate the economy and curb the risk of a protracted economic recession.

The economic stimulus package will provide critical tax relief, shore up unemployment benefits and food stamps, improve access to health care, and promote energy independence. I believe the stimulus package is narrowly targeted to spend and invest in ways that will get the economy moving again.

I understand your concerns about the stimulus package. Last year I voted against spending $700 billion to bail out Wall Street because the bill lacked meaningful relief for homeowners facing foreclosure and didn't include adequate protections for American taxpayers. I am committed to reducing wasteful spending and improving transparency in Federal funding. For too long have we ignored the consequences of a burgeoning Federal deficit.

As Congress considers measures to put the economy on the right track, I will be sure to keep your views in mind. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future.

P.S. From time to time, I compile electronic news briefs highlighting key issues and hot topics of particular importance to Floridians. If you'd like to receive these e-briefs, visit my Web site and sign up for them at http://billnelson.senate.gov/news/ebriefs.cfm

Michael Phelps "Apologizes"

"I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment," Phelps said in a statement released by Octagon, his management firm, and posted on his Facebook site. "I'm 23 years old, and despite the successes I have had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner that people have come to expect from me. For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public -- it will not happen again."

Michael Phelps we hardly know you. Once again we get an apology from a knucklehead who didn't have the sense to say NO! Yes, Mike, you are 23. But you are NOT just a youthful 23 year old. You are an Olympic icon and with that comes responsibility. You should have known better than to expose your reputation for a couple of hits on a bong.

We live in a culture where anything goes as long as you announce an apology when the deed is done. When Mike says it will not happen again, does he mean he won't smoke dope again or he won't get caught on camera again?

Frank Buckles, Happy Birthday to the last vet of WWI

http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/20090201__Our_last_living_link__to_WWI.html

Three New Stooges

Tom Daschle
Timothy Geithner
Rod Blagojevich

The only "CHANGE" I see coming out of Washington (and Illinois - Obama's home turf) is the coins falling out of the pockets of these guys.

If Mr. Main Street pulled the same shenanigans as these clowns he'd be wearing an orange suit at the local hoosegow(?).

I swear to uphold the....maybe there was a reason those lines got screwed up at the inauguration. Nobody believes it any more.

Okay, once again my New Year's Resolutions have been flushed down the Krapper.

WHAT?

What? This is from The New York Daily News, January 31, 2009:

A Georgia drowning in medical bills for their two disabled kids put everything they own - except for their house - up for auction on ebay. Last week, Gregg and Brittiny Peters accepted a bid of $20,000 for all worldly possessions - but it came with a catch. The winners, a Texas couple, want the family to keep the money and their stuff. "They've worked really hard to get those things and we're in a position to help them," Donnia Blair told The Associated Press. In a strange twist, though, the Peters clan isn't happy about the bid. They said they were looking for a fresh start - not charity. "They are apparently not willing to take our stuff," Brittiny Peters said. "They're purchasing them to give them back to us."

The mom of three - who has one child with autism and another with arthritis - said she may accept the cash but donate the auction items to others.

Now maybe I'm being a bit cynical, but WHAT the heck are these people thinking? They put their crap on ebay, somebody bids on their junk, GIVES them $20,000 and they are not the least bit grateful??? If that's me, I'm taking the money back and finding someone else who might at least say, "Thanks." But that's just me.

Senator Martinez

I received Senator Martinez's response to my question about the new "Stimulus" package.

Below is a response to the recent comments I received from you:

Dear Mr. Kayser:

Thank you for contacting me regarding the United States economy. I appreciate hearing from you and would like to take this opportunity to respond.

In February 2008, the Congress, with my full support, passed the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008. This legislation was designed to jump start our slowing economy and encourage job creation. Included in the package was direct financial relief for individuals and families, as well as tax incentives for businesses aimed at stimulating investment.

As you know, our economy is facing a number of serious challenges--many of which involve housing, an acute issue in our state. As the Senate considers additional proposals aimed at growing our economy, including the possibility of a second stimulus bill, I will keep your thoughts in mind. I will continue to work with my colleagues to find ways to use the resources of the federal government in a reasonable and responsible manner in order to mitigate future losses and put our housing and financial markets on the pathway to recovery.

Again, thank you for sharing your views with me. For more information about issues and activities important to Florida, please sign up for my newsletter at http://martinez.senate.gov.

Sincerely,

Mel Martinez
United States Senator

RIP John Martyn

Sad news today, the passing of John Martyn. His unique guitar sound, voice, and sense of humor will be missed by his fans. RIP John.