I suggest that you do not continue to send out paper based social security statements. This would save the government operational costs and would be more environmentally friendly. The savings would include the following:

- Postage

- Printing & Paper Costs

The social security statements still need to be made available but should be made available online. I believe the information is avilable in databases so that it can be exposed over the web. This would require a 1 time investment.

To convert people from paper based to online based statements, the next time the paper statements are sent out they should offer an option for each individual to opt in. Individuals would use their social security numbers as the unique identifier.

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You probably know the saying “it’s good enough for gov’t work”–well it’s true. Being in the military for 12+ yrs and seeing gov’t employees both military and civilian–i see the lack of motiviation and quality of work making our bearuacracy even bigger. too much paperwork and takes too much time–” here make 14 copies of these” and alot of waste of resources.

My suggestion is to revise the gov’t hiring and reward system: They get paid by productivity–not salary–the incentive is a retirement package but it shouldn’t be guaranteed if they are poor performers. They can have a union to represent them but this doesn’t change the process for hiring and firing based on performance. Too many times do I see people get paid on a yearly basis on the gov’t paycheck but do not produce anything while others pick up the slack and work harder and yet do not get rewarded.

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It seems that a large part of the issues with the auto industry have come from the ridiculously high wages and benefits paid to the line workers in the factory. (The other problem is designs and technology that are well below par for what the market demands, but that’s an internal GM/Chrysler/Ford problem.).

The advocates for these wages are the notorious UAW. I’d like to suggest (and this could have been suggested before) a socialization of the auto unions. After banks, I believe the auto industry is the largest recipient of government aid. If the government was able to impose a salary cap for TARP recipients, then a similar reform should be in the government’s control. By socializing the auto unions, the government will not need to negotiate concessions with a third party, but rather work together to create a greater good. Obviously, this union would fall under the U.S. Department of Labor.

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I would like to know when are the Mortgage companies suppose to assist with Modification. I have been trying to get on one for over 6 months with no assistance. I am now in an active foreclosure about to lose my house because the mortgage company has not attempted to assist. I have called several times and they always have the same story they are reveiwing it but now I am about to lose my home due to their lack of help……

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All votes in the house and the senate must be open and public record, this is good. Unfortunately many votes are ‘politically’ influenced. Is it possible to allow Legislators to cast unanimous support prior to moving an item to a formal vote? This could allow Representatives and Congressmen to support, or not support, a bill based on their true position not an influenced position that may have an alternate agenda. This might have the potential of reducing waste and improving efficiency in the House and the Senate. While this may not be completely viable perhaps some rendition may generate similar results.

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Please restore the international status of the United States as a leader and defender of the rule of law that will even prosecute one of our own presidents and vice-presidents for the crime of torture.

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I think raises should be like bonuses to elected officals. Supposidely they work for me, I do not work for them. For instance, I voted for Senators, Congress Person, Governor, etc and I should be able to vote whether they should get a raise/bonus or not. If I feel the elected official did a good job I should be able to vote for the raise or not. If I think the elected official did a poor job – why should this person get a raise/bonus. Yes, I can vote them out the next time. But I am upset that in this economy how dare these officials vote themselves any extra benefits, raises, etc. I do believe in giving the lesser paid government employees a raise first –but the elected officials – they have done such a lousy job – they do not deserve one. I want the vote.

It is a big confict of interest when these officials are the voters for this issue!

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I think that Obama can spend some of this money wisely by bringing America up to par with the rest of the world, I now it has been tried before but this should be done if he wants to spend money. This will create jobs even if its for a short time. Our State/county is requireing us to put Metric Depth markers on public swimming pools. Should they not be requiring it with the Roads/Gas pumps/Weights etc., if they want us to do this by law?.

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I suggest that all parts of government office be put on the same health and retirement plans of corporate America. Eliminate the pension plan and replace with a 401K plan with no more than a 6% match. Make all members of the government pay their fair share for medical coverage

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Mr. Obama, Nancy P, and every one else, too:

With Respect:

The ITEM LEFT OUT of the State of the Union which is tantamount to S.U.C.C.E.S.S. is WAGES!

Please keep this word in mind, and put it into action with all due haste!

WAGES!!

Wages make the economy work,

Wages make the government work,

Wages keep the people happy, and the country moving forward in all ways which count.

WAGES :: WAGES :: WAGES … ~~ Make ‘em happen!!

Keep up the good work and the positive spirit.

Good address!

Sally Kaiser

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