Well at least they're finally at the right place!

@honkeykat,
when you're flying at 41K feet and 500 knots, I'm sure you'll be happy that those who build them don't offer anything critical to society. Now I'm not trying to slam fire fighters or cops, but those are employees of the state, who derive their pay from the taxpayer. Personally I'm a bit weary of all the armchair quarterbacks that feel they are in a position to state their "expert" opinions on it. This isn't a sweet deal. This in my opinion having been an employee for 24 years of Boeing is an effort to squash the NLRB complaint, and to garner support of a relatively new workforce that aren't seasoned with these contracts. This may come across as trying to bring peace between the company and labor, but I think in the near future there will be substantial layoffs. It makes complete business sense to entice a younger group with a bit of cash right before the holidays to secure that vote, before the cull. We haven't seen an employment buildup here since the late 80's, and there is no way we can sustain the numbers we have. There is change incorporation that will soon phase out, as well as some of the flight test, and when production starts running a bit more smoothly on the programs, we'll see a steep decline. I don't want to be a naysayer, but the reality and history back this up. I hate to see anyone lose their job, any job, not just Boeing, especially in this economic downturn. This contract extension vote is unprecedented in our history, especially a year before the contract expires. It doesn't pass the smell test. If they wanted extended labor peace, why not offer up a 15 year contract?

I was just down in Arizona. Privatized liquor sales. 1/2 gallon of Bacardi rum was 19 bucks vs 32 up here. So privatization absolutely drives down the costs.

So what exactly is the problem? 47% of Americans don't pay any federal income tax. This would be an equitable way for those that haven't contributed to put some "skin" in the game. Now they can feel that they are contributing members of society rather than being parasitic. I say it's a win/win. My only concern is the 9% on top of state sales tax. So since my county is 8.6% + 9% if I'm not mistaken would be a 17.6% sales tax. This actually may cause the consumer to spend less overall except for necessary goods.

bob42263
Ponzi scheme definition. And yes, Social Security is a Ponzi scheme. The founding fathers warned against one generation being beholden to future generations, as well as each generation passing on it's debts to it's children.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponzi_scheme

What's the reality luvskomotv? That you have people out there that covet what others have worked for? Occupy isn't going anywhere, there's no traction. Interviews have revealed most don't know why they're there. There is no cohesive voice. All I see is a bunch of people lounging around, leaving garbage everywhere. I don't sympathize with them in the least. They blame Wall Street, they blame corporations, completely oblivious that corporations are the main job sources. In order to hire workers you have to have a product people are willing to buy. In order to grow as a company you have to make a profit. It's pretty simple economics. All I see is a bunch of college age kids, and some old hippies out there with the abercrombie and fitch clothes, talking on their cell phones and taking pictures, all courtesy of corporations. Talk about the underserved entitlement class. America doesn't owe them anything. It's up to the "individual" to pursue their happiness, without expecting the other guy to take care of them. Having government take from the rich and give to the poor... or equalize everything, is brilliantly communist. What's laughable is that the Democrats and the media is trying to get you and others to believe that they are just like the TEA party when nothing could be further from the truth. Even Pelosi is trying to reinvigorate the lie that the TEA party spit on someone. That has never been validated. No people have come forward, no photographic evidence. That's a Nazi tactic.. tell a lie often enough it becomes it's own truth.

Bill Clinton and Obama.. aka the Duke and the Dauphin...

I do read the Constitution and the Federalist papers. Your commentary couldn't be more misguided and untruthful.

If it's from Arkansas, can it really be fresh? ;)

I guess this may be what would happen if Obama decided to forgo the teleprompter ;)