Gridlock on Capitol Hill- Deficit Panel Folds its Tent

This never-ending gridlock on The Hill is becoming more than annoying to voters. The Republicans just don't get that it's impossible to demand cutbacks in major programs like defense and entitlements like Social Security, Medicare, Healthcare, Education, Defense, etc. without increasing taxes for corporations and the wealthiest 1% of Americans. These are difficult times that demand flexibility from our legislators - not political posturing. No "new" taxes, is not the same as NO TAXES. We need some revenue to fund the programs that are the lifeblood of our country. How can the Republicans be so near-sighted to see the implications of their policy to the poorest of the poor in our country. People are coping with foreclosures that are the result of poor banking and mortgage lending shell games and the taxpaper is left holding the bag. Those people losing their homes will need help -- food and temporary housing. We need a government that governs. If this situation doesn't change, I wouldn't be surprised if there's a turnover in Congress with all incumbents looking for new jobs. I'm sure I'm not the only one who is frustrated with this situation.

ISRAEL IS A MUST SEE!

We just returned from the mind-blowing country of Israel and can't say enough about its natural beauty, modern cities and the lifestyle of its people. With the headlines talking about the precarious situation Israelis live in, when you're there you feel like it's a definite exaggeration and sensationalist tactic of the media. Israelis live in harmony with people of all religions in the places we visited, working next to each other, speaking each other's language and managing quite well to have a good life. Everywhere we went we heard people talking about how peace is their dream for themselves and their children. The conflicts that exist should be negotiated with givebacks on both sides with the ultimate aim of peace. 'See the photo of the Bahai Gardens in Haifa and the beautiful windows of the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth. The beauty of Israel in its outlying areas like the kibbutzes and the Dead Sea, the history of Jerusalem or the super-modern cities like Tel Aviv all appeal to the tourist with its diverse sights and energy. The food is mostly vegetarian and full of fresh vegetables and fish. The natural light in the Jerusalem stones and the small winding streets with souks were so exotic and beautiful. Praying at the Wailing Wall and seeing Yad Vashem were both very emotional experiences. Some of the restaurants like Katy's in Jerusalem were outstanding in ambiance and in its French cuisine. We particularly loved the duck! Israeli wines from the Golan Heights surprised us as well. I can't wait to go back to Israel and I recommend it to everyone thinking of an exciting and historic adventure.