Say "no" to Paulson's 700 billion bailout

7:26 pm PDT, Oct 13, David Marotto, New Jersey
Please do not support the efforts to bail out mortgage holders and mortgage lenders with my tax dollars. As a responsible citizen, I do not believe it is right for you to ask me to pay for other peoples’ financial excesses, especially since a bailout encourages lenders to continue making predatory loans, with the assumption that taxpayers are on the hook. Further, we believe that the liability of the mortgage mess should NOT be shifted to GSE’s Freddie and Fannie. I appreciate the goal of helping people to have access to housing, but any proposed bailout will only reward lenders and borrowers who acted irresponsibly, and it will punish people who work hard and diligently manage their finances by not buying houses which they cannot afford. The housing market has begun a process of correction. This is necessary in order to keep housing affordable in the long-term. Let the market correct so we can achieve stability again, and people are able to save and afford the house of their dreams over time. That really is the true American Dream.

11:33 am PDT, Oct 12, C SILVER, Florida
Let the CEO's bail out their own companies with their own money!

11:55 pm PDT, Oct 10, Can Atik, Turkey

12:02 am PDT, Oct 10, Name not displayed, Greece

11:14 am PDT, Oct 9, Charity Vandgrifft, Tennessee
If this money was given to the people of this beautiful country then the economy would be a lot better off then giving it to this big corporations that had their chance to make a change and failed.

1:28 pm PDT, Oct 8, Anna Cento, New York

6:47 am PDT, Oct 8, Jack Layne, Tennessee

3:23 am PDT, Oct 6, Fred Schwiers, New Jersey
Please DONOT support this Bill . This bill encourages irresponsibility . Ironic since it is coming from the SAME administration that fathered the Bankruptcy reform .

9:35 pm PDT, Oct 4, Name not displayed, New York
I really disagree with the 700 billion bailout plan because the money is going to help private companies that outsourced too many american jobs to other countries which injuried the american job force. Secondly the money is going to reward criminals' behavior that backed president Bush's terrible policies. Lastly, the 700 billion bailout plan is a crime committed against humanity!

3:14 pm PDT, Oct 3, Ken/ Sharon Walker, California
No Bailout for Wall Street and government.. This is a disaster to place upon the American taxpayers.. Us taxpaying citizens do not deserve to pick up the tab for the greed of Wall Street investors..The government should be sending out money to the American taxpayers who work hard for their money and many are barely getting by.. Shame on the Bush Administration and the Congress.. A bunch of morons..!!!!!!

1:18 pm PDT, Oct 3, Harold Routzong, Florida

8:24 am PDT, Oct 3, Kelly Dryer, Illinois
Please do not go forward with the Bailout in it's current state. We do not want a bailout with Pork attached. We want a bailout that Buy's toxic assets, re-capitalizes the banks, and reduces debt for mortgage holders. We also want to see the failing banks closed. This plan does not inclued all of the steps needed to be successful and contains too much pork! Please do not push this through. No bailout is better than a poor bailout most of us feel.

5:28 am PDT, Oct 3, Beth Lester, Indiana

5:26 am PDT, Oct 3, Dave Vaillancourt, Indiana
Enough already. Government stay out of this. Let the system correct itself. This is the only real solution, no matter how bad it may hurt for awhile. Propping up mis-managed corporations with a huge cash infusion will only prolong the inevitable. Give the people what they want. I don't know a single person who is for your bailout. Why do you insist on ramming it down our throats. Is it because you're so much smarter than we are that that you just have to do it in leau of truly representing us?

11:03 pm PDT, Oct 2, James Back, Texas
NO to PICKPOCKET-Paulson & Bailout Bush. Let Wall Street find the bottom by itself.

5:11 pm PDT, Oct 2, Wayne Roelle, Georgia
say no to this rip off of us the working class. find the better way. follow proper protocol, have the hearings and take the time. don't put a patch on this. fix it right the first time. stand up and say NO!

4:47 pm PDT, Oct 2, George ., Indiana
No bailout, especially since it cannot even be reviewed by a court.

4:12 pm PDT, Oct 2, Name not displayed, Alabama
DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT implement this so called bailout package! Take back the funds that the "fat cat" CEOs stole from the responsible taxpayers! Implement new laws immediately to prevent this fiasco from ever happening again! Bottom line: Don't let our future generations pay for this mess!

2:42 pm PDT, Oct 2, LILLIAN JOHNSON, Minnesota
I OPPOSE ANY TYPE OF BAILOUT FOR WALL STREET...ESPECIALLY NOW WHEN I SEE ALL THE EARMARKS THAT HAVE BEEN ADDED TO IT...WASHINGTON AS USUAL. I SAY OUST ALL IN WASHINGTON AND START OVER.. FOR A BARRELL OF MONKIES COULDN'T DO ANY WORSE THAN THEY HAVE.. IT IS TIME FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE TO STAND UP AND TAKE OUR COUNTRY BACK AND HOLD THE POLITICANS ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS AND DECISSIONS.

2:23 pm PDT, Oct 2, Jason B, Missouri
Years of bad decisions and stupid mistakes have created an economic nightmare in this country, but $700 billion in new debt is not the answer. As a tax-paying American citizen, I will not support any congressperson who votes to implement such a policy. Instead, I submit the following three steps: Common Sense Plan. I. INSURANCE A. Insure the subprime bonds/mortgages with an underlying FHA-type insurance. Government-insured and backed loans would have an instant market all over the world, creating immediate and needed liquidity. B. In order for a company to accept the government-backed insurance, they must do two things: 1. Rewrite any mortgage that is more than three months delinquent to a 6% fixed-rate mortgage. a. Roll all back payments with no late fees or legal costs into the balance. This brings homeowners current and allows them a chance to keep their homes. b. Cancel all prepayment penalties to encourage refinancing or the sale of the property to pay off the bad loan. In the event of foreclosure or short sale, the borrower will not be held liable for any deficit balance. FHA does this now, and that encourages mortgage companies to go the extra mile while working with the borrower—again limiting foreclosures and ruined lives. 2. Cancel ALL golden parachutes of EXISTING and FUTURE CEOs and executive team members as long as the company holds these government-insured bonds/mortgages. This keeps underperforming executives from being paid when they don’t do their jobs. C. This backstop will cost less than $50 billion—a small fraction of the current proposal. II. MARK TO MARKET A. Remove mark to market accounting rules for two years on only subprime Tier III bonds/mortgages. This keeps companies from being forced to artificially mark down bonds/mortgages below the value of the underlying mortgages and real estate. B. This move creates patience in the market and has an immediate stabilizing effect on failing and ailing banks—and it costs the taxpayer nothing. III. CAPITAL GAINS TAX A. Remove the capital gains tax completely. Investors will flood the real estate and stock market in search of tax-free profits, creating tremendous—and immediate—liquidity in the markets. Again, this costs the taxpayer nothing. B. This move will be seen as a lightning rod politically because many will say it is helping the rich. The truth is the rich will benefit, but it will be their money that stimulates the economy. This will enable all Americans to have more stable jobs and retirement investments that go up instead of down. This is not a time for envy, and it’s not a time for politics. It’s time for all of us, as Americans, to stand up, speak out, and fix this mess. Reverend Jason B

2:06 pm PDT, Oct 2, Matt Burleigh, Washington
Do not vote for the 700 billion dollar bail out bill. These additions added to the bill by the Senate are little more than open bribes to get votes for a Bill that the US congress did not believe was beneficial to the American People. The way my elected officials vote on this bill is the key factor on how I am voting in November. There needs to be business plan and accountability for this money before this bill is passed.

1:50 pm PDT, Oct 2, Aaron Lester, Indiana
I think that it is a travisty to give money, OUR money, which is already so carelessly wasted on hugh bloated beurocracies and welfare to those who won't work, to irresponsible Wall Street bankers and institutions set up to perpetuate financial irresponsibility! I work, pay my taxes, keep up with my financial obligations and yearly see more and more of my hard-earned capitol frittered away by a group of "leaders" who's only concern is getting re-elected and securing their hugh pensions and special interest kick-backs! I do not wish to be disrespectful, but I am angry about the turn that this country is taking towards socialism and government control over our lives and livelihood and particularly about the pandering of OUR representatives to power and wealth in the private sector for their own benefits. Government is in place to SERVE the people, not to be SERVED BY the people. And service to the people does not mean taking honest working people's money to give away to whomever they see will benefit their political careers.

1:29 pm PDT, Oct 2, Paul Hawkins, North Carolina

1:22 pm PDT, Oct 2, Rose Belknap, Florida
Where I come from we put thieves in jail we dont bail them out.

1:13 pm PDT, Oct 2, Matthew Huett, Arizona
I say not the this adminstration using the american public as their own private bank account.. We can bailout out these same financial institutions and individuals that have gotten us into this mess in the first place but can provide health care for everyone in this country? The number one reason people are go bankrupt is because of medical bills. One trillion dollars to bailout the walthiest americans and corporations? This is the best idea you have?

11:56 am PDT, Oct 2, Tracey Groover, Florida
I as a taxpaying citizen with 3 children STRONGLY OPPOSE the bailing out of these lawbreaking scum (Put every single guilty party, regardless of who they are in regular prison (not country club prison) with the other common lawbreakers! We work hard for our money, like 95% of the taxpayers in this country and I am outraged that the govt would even consider such a ridiculous proposition! My family doesn't even own a home because we cannot afford the downpayment or the high interest rates being charged (which drive the price of the payment to where the average american can't even afford the payment every month). High prices for food, gas, utilities and daily living expenses are off the charts and you want MORE MONEY to bail out the already RICH! Give ALL of this money to the people! The 85 Billion used to bail out AIG and the proposed 700 Billion to bail out Wallstreet! Since you have all of this money....why not just print more and give every TAXPAYER in this country 1 million dollars to invest in the country. I know if I had a million dollars I would pay off all of my debt, invest in my children's education, buy a new fuel efficient car (helping out the auto industry and environment), I would be able to put a substantial down payment on a home so that the monthly payments were affordable (helping the banks and mortgage industry) and if the interest rates were fixed at 5% for everyone, regardless of credit then you would see alot more people buying homes and being able to keep them! Trust me, this is a no brainer! The banks would see an influx of cash and people would be less likely to default on loans! Also, by giving this sum of 1 million to every taxpayer they would have more cash to spend and invest, which would further boost the economy. LISTEN TO THE COMMON FOLK! We seem to have more on the ball than all of you guys making the BIG BUCKS! NO BAILOUT! GIVE THE MONEY BACK TO THE PEOPLE! Doing this is a win-win for everyone. The people need the money, not the banks, not Wallstreet and certainly not those of you who already have more money than you know what to do with!

11:27 am PDT, Oct 2, Sailesh Panchang, Virginia
What is the logic of investing in companies that have made poor calls, invested unwisely and recklessly and have now come to regret it? I would say it is very likely they will again be at the door before long asking for $500 billion more. Instead, look for strong enterprising banks with good financial standing. Invest in these organizations to encourage them to expand their operations. Strengthen their capital adequacy if needed. This will ensure liquidity better than the plan to buy bad debts or non-performing assets. It is a pity that the government and elected representatives are spreading fear without laying out a roadmap of how buying poor quality debt will make America stronger and its people resilient. The failed banks and finance / investment companies are very well versed in financial engineering and know the risks associated with leveraging. They are private sector firms that exist under the assumption that the fittest alone can survive. Let them consolidate, amalgamate and figure it out.

9:36 am PDT, Oct 2, Susan J. Bonno-Buckner, California
No bailout...take an economics course...the market needs to correct itself..you are going to make it worse.

9:33 am PDT, Oct 2, Brad Chapman, Ohio
Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) Senator George V. Voinovich (R-OH) Representative Robert E. Latta (R-OH 5th) September 30, 2008 Vote NO: on the Emergency Economic Stabilization Bill Are you surprised at my reluctance to contribute in saving the financial under pinnings of the American economy, just because a few "FatCats" will continue to profit from it? Democrats have for years been decrying class distinction in America. Setting up an us against them ideology. Claims of 'social justice' and 'the wealth gap' fanning envy among the people. So now when Paulson demands 700 billion for bankers, what did he think would happen? The good news is 'the wealth gap' is now closing, for the bigger they are the harder they fall. Sincerely,

9:16 am PDT, Oct 2, Name not displayed, Nevada
let the economy take lts course

8:06 am PDT, Oct 2, Maile Luxor, Alabama

7:25 am PDT, Oct 2, Name not displayed, Virginia
Some americans, like my family, don't use money we dont have... Why should we pay for someone else's mistake.. Many people who sign this petition will not vote for congressmen and senators who vote for this bill... Voting yes to this bill means voting no to re-election.

6:17 am PDT, Oct 2, Tom S, Nebraska
NO BAILOUT!!!

5:18 am PDT, Oct 2, Name not displayed, Connecticut

4:30 am PDT, Oct 2, Salvatore Cento, New York
no bailout and put the people that caused it in jail. do not reward them for being greedy

10:25 pm PDT, Oct 1, Damon Countee, Maryland

8:21 pm PDT, Oct 1, Ilene Cento, New York

5:01 pm PDT, Oct 1, Cora M., Maryland
My husband and I work hard to pay my bills on time including my mortgage. I know i have responsiblity to pay my obligation . It's hard to swallow people who knew that they can't afford the payment yet still they signed for it. Why we're being penalized because they made stupid decision?

3:35 pm PDT, Oct 1, Marci Richardson, North Carolina

3:34 pm PDT, Oct 1, John Plaza, Florida
If my congressman votes for this I will vote him out!

2:54 pm PDT, Oct 1, Tina Mallory, Oklahoma

1:56 pm PDT, Oct 1, Victor Bones, Ohio
i will never trust are goverment ever again,they did the greastest robbery in modern history . so why trust this fools that we elected in the first place to look out for are well american people. they don't really don't care about the working people the real hard working americans!!!.......waMU ceo just got paid today 19 MILLIONS DOLLARS FOR JUST THREE WEEKS OF WORK !!!!! THAT IS INSANE !!! WHAT ABOUT THE HARD WORKING TELLERS AND ETC EMPOLYEES THAT WILL LOSE THERE JOBS !!!! BUT A IDOIT THAT WORK FOR ONLY THREE WEEKS WILL GET A CHECK CUT OUT FOR 19 MILLIONS DOLLARS!!! THINK ABOUT THAT !!! IT DON'T MAKE ANY SENSE, IF AMERICAN PEOPLE GO BROKE, LET THOSE RICH PEOPLE SUFFER JUST LIKE REAL AMERICANS DO ON A EVERYDAY BASICS!!!! SO THATS WHY IM AGAINST THE BAILOUT IF YOUR GONNA BAIL ANYBODY OUT BAILOUT PEOPLE WHO DESEVRE IT START FROM THE BOTTOM UP!!!!! THANK YOU !!

1:41 pm PDT, Oct 1, Joe Shepard, Missouri

12:41 pm PDT, Oct 1, Rosemary Johnson, West Virginia
DO NOT SIGN THIS SENATE BILL.. THIS WOULD BE NOTHING LESS THAN A RANSOM PAYMENT PAID TO THE FINANCIAL INDUSTRY HOLDING AMERICA HOSTAGE.. IF THE ECONOMY FALLS APART SO BE IT..IT'S TIME TO START AGAIN..THIS TIME' BY THE PEOPLE FOR THE PEOPLE"

12:09 pm PDT, Oct 1, Neal Fricks, Colorado

11:06 am PDT, Oct 1, Nick Holzinger, Indiana
there is no need to throw money at a temporary problem, things will get better with out intervention.

11:02 am PDT, Oct 1, Name not displayed, New Jersey

10:50 am PDT, Oct 1, Christian Dorn, California
Top-down economics don't work cause they want to keep the money at the top!

10:44 am PDT, Oct 1, Name not displayed, Missouri
Don't throw good money after bad. The money should be used for SBA loans to stiumulate healthy business growth, infrastructure and alternative energy sources so we can stop our dependence on arab oil. THINK!