The Republican Road to Recovery
Politics • Views: 2,941
Here’s The Republican Road to Recovery in PDF form. What do you think?
It’s hard not to notice that there are no actual numbers therein.
877 comments
4 |
seekeroftruth Thu, Mar 26, 2009 6:58:48pm |
Thanks for linking this Charles. I'll take this budget, even without numbers, versus the Obama budget that I know will bankrupt this country.
| 5 |
jackfetch Thu, Mar 26, 2009 6:59:55pm |
"It’s hard not to notice that there are no actual numbers."
This raises the question, what's worse no numbers, or fake, arbitrary numbers?
| 6 |
Dar ul Harbarian Thu, Mar 26, 2009 6:59:55pm |
No numbers. Those are negotiable, I guess.
| 9 |
jaunte Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:01:25pm |
In addition to securing our nation’s major entitlements,
by enacting common-sense reforms and weeding out
waste, fraud, and abuse, Republicans propose to undo the
recent reckless and wasteful Democrat spending binge
included in the so-called “stimulus” and omnibus bills. In
addition, Republicans would cut overall nondefense
spending by reforming or eliminating a host of wasteful
programs deemed ineffective by various government
entities. And Republicans would fully fund our ongoing
commitments overseas while devoting the entirety of any
savings from reduced fighting to deficit reduction,
rebuilding our military, and funding our commitment to
our veterans.
Some specifics would make a refreshing change.
| 11 |
Bloodnok Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:02:05pm |
With regard to entitlements, Republicans support the
notion that wealthy seniors like Warren Buffett and
George Soros can afford to pay $2 per day more for their
Medicare prescription drug coverage.
"Wealthy seniors". Love it.
| 15 |
iLikeCandy Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:03:21pm |
This is supposed to be only an outline.
"Cantor and Ryan were reportedly 'embarrassed' by the document -- believing it was better to absorb a week of hits from Democrats than to be slammed for failing to produce a thoughtful and detailed alternative," Thrush reports.
[Link: www.realclearpolitics.com...]
| 16 |
Dar ul Harbarian Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:03:22pm |
| 17 |
jaunte Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:03:42pm |
Here are some numbers:
"Republicans propose a simple and fair tax code with a
marginal tax rate for income up to $100,000 of 10
percent and 25 percent for any income thereafter, with a
generous standard deduction and personal exemption.
Republicans would allow any individual or family
satisfied with their current tax structure to continue to
pay those rates, while dropping the two lowest rates by 5
percent to provide every taxpayer with a tax cut.
Republicans would also permanently fix the Alternative
Minimum Tax (AMT) so that millions would no longer
have to fear the possible imposition of a huge, new tax
each year."
| 18 |
Crimsonfisted Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:04:01pm |
Can we dump the Dept of Energy and the Dept of Education? What do they do after all? Except cause misery and cost a lot.
| 19 |
Gus Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:04:18pm |
Seems like they take up more space laying out the Democrats and the president's agenda than they do in presenting the Republican solution.
| 20 |
Killgore Trout Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:04:40pm |
A quick skim sent my Bullshit detector into overdrive.
| 22 |
Randall Gross Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:04:46pm |
From just a quick skim, it's a start but not enough.
| 23 |
JarHeadLifer Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:05:44pm |
The GOP leadership has said that the numbers will come sometime next week. As for the plan, it's far better than just saying "No" to every Barry and his colleagues suggest. I'm curious and anxious to see what kind of mathematics the GOP comes up with. If they're realistic and not idealistic, perhaps there's hope for the party after all.
| 24 |
Dar ul Harbarian Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:05:59pm |
re: #18 Crimsonfisted
Can we dump the Dept of Energy and the Dept of Education? What do they do after all? Except cause misery and cost a lot.
No shit.
I wonder whose district this is in?
Look:
The Department of Energy said last Friday that it expects to provide $535 million in loans to California start-up Solyndra, which has a novel design for rooftop solar arrays. The alternative-energy loan, the first of its kind in four years from the DOE, is a positive sign for the finance-challenged green-tech industry, investors and entrepreneurs said this week.
...
In anticipation of a big inflow of money, green business people have reported spending a lot of time in Washington, D.C. Everyone--from small start-ups to established wind project developers--is hiring lobbyists to influence policy.
Yeah, I bet!
Toot! Toot!
Gravy train's a-rollin'!
All Aboard!
...
"The higher quality projects will rise to the top."
Quality is left undefined in the article.
Businesses involved in building large wind farms or solar projects will directly benefit from stimulus spending, according to investors. Companies that sell smart-grid equipment and software to utilities, meanwhile, could benefit indirectly from investments to modernize the grid.
There's that "smart" word again. Maybe anything with the word smart in it is considered to be of "high quality"
...
"Any time you have a big new initiative, you have to assume a certain amount of waste and a certain amount of mistakes," Foundation Capital's Holland said. "However, directionally, these are really the right things for the country."
Wow. Smart, nuanced people I have never heard of who know what's best for the country like it!
Direction trumps waste!
Remember that next time you leave the parking brake on.
| 25 |
Irene NYC Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:06:00pm |
Okay, it's a start. But they should've gone after the projected deficits like rabid dogs - "This means $22,589 for every living American today in debt" - or somesuch and driven that point home until every breathing person in the USofA understood what's at stake.
I give it a C minus.
| 26 |
seekeroftruth Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:06:18pm |
re: #13 Iron Fist
At this point it would seem to be the difference between playing Russian Roulette with a revolver. Or with a belt-fed machinegun. One way is guaranteed to kill you.
Exactly.
And considering that the House Republicans have no say what so ever in the House, thanks to Pelosi's rules, I don't have a problem with the missing actual numbers.
| 28 |
livefreeor die Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:06:19pm |
re: #11 Bloodnok
"Wealthy seniors". Love it.
On the subject of Soros does anyone else find it suspicious that he has benefitted at an icredible level financially from Obama and co.'s bumbling with the current economic situation?
| 29 |
Sharmuta Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:06:22pm |
re: #22 Thanos
From just a quick skim, it's a start but not enough.
That's what I thought to. It's the right track, but they're still missing the larger picture.
| 30 |
Mad Prophet Ludwig Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:06:26pm |
So in otherwords, we have a hit piece, that sets out to blame everything on the Dems with no talk of an actual plan that will do anything.
Where is the mea culpa for GOP pork?
Please do not get me wrong. I have no love of the Dems, but what exactly is this piece of paper proposing as something to do?
More to the point... Where is there any indication that the GOP actually now cares about fiscal responsibility and will police its own ranks if it regains power.
How bloody useless.
| 31 |
Opinionated Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:06:52pm |
The public is tone deaf to Republicans.
Republicans will only rise if Obama is seen as doing damage to this country.
The bad news is that his harm may not be seen for years.
The Fed printing money may save the near term economy and help Obama even as both he and the Fed make the long term treacherous.
The Republican recovery will come as a flight to something different but only after much pain.
| 32 |
Killgore Trout Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:07:45pm |
On taxes....
Republicans propose a simple and fair tax code with a marginal tax rate for income up to $100,000 of 10 percent and 25 percent for any income thereafter, with a generous standard deduction and personal exemption.
# 10% on income between $0 and $8,025
# 15% on the income between $8,025 and $32,550; plus $802.50
# 25% on the income between $32,550 and $78,850; plus $4,481.25
# 28% on the income between $78,850 and $164,550; plus $16,056.25
# 33% on the income between $164,550 and $357,700; plus $40,052.25
# 35% on the income over $357,700; plus $103,791.75
That's a big drop in revenue. Where's the extra money going to come from?
| 33 |
Dianna Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:08:15pm |
Have the Republicans found hard numbers to compare?
I was busy today, so I probably missed this information.
I'm annoyed by the introductory paragraph, though: "a children's" had me ready to leap at someone, red pencil at the ready.
| 34 |
Gus Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:08:25pm |
On the document end it looks a little faded here and there. Need some font work.
| 35 |
livefreeor die Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:08:26pm |
re: #28 livefreeor die
On the subject of Soros does anyone else find it suspicious that he has benefitted at an icredible level financially from Obama and co.'s bumbling with the current economic situation?
PIMF
icredible=incredible
| 36 |
Dar ul Harbarian Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:08:28pm |
re: #32 Killgore Trout
On taxes....
That's a big drop in revenue. Where's the extra money going to come from?
The presses can be run an extra shift or two.
| 37 |
jaunte Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:08:46pm |
This is good; I'd like to see more than one paragraph about nuclear energy:
In order to bring online a safe, inexpensive, and clean
American energy source quickly, Republicans support
removing government barriers to new nuclear reactors as
long as they meet strict security and safety criteria.
Efforts to streamline the hearing and judicial review
process for nuclear permitting to place reasonable limits
on arduous anti-energy litigation would be pursued as
well.
| 38 |
Sharmuta Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:08:53pm |
re: #32 Killgore Trout
Cutting taxes increases revenue to the government.
The better question is, where are they going to cut spending?
| 39 |
Salem Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:08:56pm |
In honor of Spock's birthday I'm watching This Side of Paradise.
"I'm not leaving, Jim!"
| 40 |
FrogMarch Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:09:07pm |
re: #32 Killgore Trout
On taxes....
That's a big drop in revenue. Where's the extra money going to come from?
Increased productivity. More people paying into the system.
or we can raise taxes, kill off jobs and productivity ala the Obama.
| 41 |
Occasional Reader Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:09:16pm |
re: #8 buzzsawmonkey
Upding not only for a good point, but for saying "raises the question" instead of misusing "begs the question."
For all intensive purposes, I agree with you.
| 43 |
Occasional Reader Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:10:12pm |
| 44 |
Dianna Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:10:29pm |
re: #24 Dar ul Harbarian
Wow. Smart, nuanced people I have never heard of who know what's best for the country like it!
Direction trumps waste!
Remember that next time you leave the parking brake on.
Wild guess? Jerry Lewis, D-Redlands.
The man's a positive genius in the bringing home the pork department, and I think I drove past their industrial site last time I was home.
| 45 |
Sharmuta Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:11:00pm |
Seriously- to hell with the government thinking my money is theirs. When I'm broke, I have to budget differently. Why can't the government? They can learn to cut back their spending like a regular person does. Easy enough for them to tell me to go without. How about we put the shoe on the other foot?
| 46 |
jaunte Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:11:13pm |
Bit of a graphic cheat on page 16. They left off the 'blue' deficit bar for 2008.
| 47 |
Sharmuta Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:11:51pm |
It's NOT that government doesn't have enough money- it HOW they spend what they do have!
| 49 |
Dar ul Harbarian Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:12:09pm |
re: #45 Sharmuta
Seriously- to hell with the government thinking my money is theirs. When I'm broke, I have to budget differently. Why can't the government? They can learn to cut back their spending like a regular person does. Easy enough for them to tell me to go without. How about we put the shoe on the other foot?
Haven't these people ever played Sim City?
| 50 |
june_july Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:12:13pm |
What I think is that these are the same people who when the republicans had the power in the House and Senate did nothing to stop the growth of government, did nothing to prevent the current situation, took money from anyone who would give it to them, and sold them the future of the US in return.
There's not a lot of credibility in the Republicans of today. The party needs fresh blood, not more words. The republicans will be in the outhouse for a long time, and frankly they deserve it.
What's sad is that America deserve better leaders, on all sides of the political spectrum, but I see no hope of that in the foreseeable future.
| 51 |
Gus Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:12:16pm |
re: #46 jaunte
Bit of a graphic cheat on page 16. They left off the 'blue' deficit bar for 2008.
Redline it. ;)
| 53 |
Killgore Trout Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:13:05pm |
Ok, they've completely lost me.....
ENDS THE BAILOUTS AND REFORMS THE FINANCIAL SYSTEM
I know a lot of people on the right want to end the bailouts but I'm afraid it's just not possible. The near complete collapse of our financial system would be a horrific disaster far beyond what we are now seeing. It would also greatly prolong economic recovery. I know this is big with the Tea party crowd but it would destry the country far faster than the imagined Cloward-Piven conspiracy.
This plan is bullshit.
| 54 |
Aviator Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:13:28pm |
re: #49 Dar ul Harbarian
Haven't these people ever played Sim City?
Yes, but they found the game to be defective. Socialism didn't work.
/
| 55 |
jcm Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:13:38pm |
re: #32 Killgore Trout
On taxes....
That's a big drop in revenue. Where's the extra money going to come from?
Wilson, Kennedy, Reagan, Bush all cut rates. Revenue went up.
| 56 |
Sharmuta Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:14:14pm |
It's the HOW. I cannot stress it enough! This plan doesn't go far enough in addressing government spending. I would ban baseline budgeting, and I would ban the practice of departments having to spend their entire budget to guarantee they'll get funding in the next budget. The very WAY government spends our money is wasteful!
| 57 |
Occasional Reader Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:14:23pm |
re: #48 buzzsawmonkey
Aaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrggggggggghhhhhhhh.
Between you and I; was that outburst really necessary?
| 59 |
Sharmuta Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:15:16pm |
"It is in the area of spending that the Republican Party's performance, in its seven years of power, has been most disappointing."
~Barry Goldwater
| 60 |
seekeroftruth Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:15:30pm |
re: #49 Dar ul Harbarian
Haven't these people ever played Sim City?
Upding. The same thing has been said in my house.
| 61 |
Dianna Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:15:30pm |
re: #50 june_july
Yes, but no one who's ever seen me when my censor is really off-line is ever going to elect me to Congress.
I'm a sensible person, and I half-way understand economics. I certainly understand conservative principles. And I respect grammar, at least when I'm not being an artifartarian. However, I have a tendency to say precisely - and memorably - what I'm thinking.
Electoral office is not a thing I will ever achieve.
| 62 |
Randall Gross Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:15:51pm |
re: #56 Sharmuta
It's the HOW. I cannot stress it enough! This plan doesn't go far enough in addressing government spending. I would ban baseline budgeting, and I would ban the practice of departments having to spend their entire budget to guarantee they'll get funding in the next budget. The very WAY government spends our money is wasteful!
I want Omnibus budget bills broken into supplements by department. Rework the rules so that one contention over one program can't stop the whole government because the Omnibus got hijacked.
| 64 |
stevieray Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:15:59pm |
re: #32 Killgore Trout
On taxes....
That's a big drop in revenue. Where's the extra money going to come from?
As long as the percent of GDP spent by the government is above the peak of the Rahn curve, the reduction in spending should increase economic growth, and as the Laffer curve (as history) shows, decreases in tax rates (to a certain point) end up increasing government revenues.
| 65 |
Killgore Trout Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:16:04pm |
re: #55 jcm
That works on capital gains but the effect is temporary. They're talking income tax. I seriously doubt everybody is going to get a 30% raise to make up for the lower income tax rate.
| 66 |
Buster Bunny Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:16:13pm |
re: #49 Dar ul Harbarian
Haven't these people ever played Sim City?
Well .. when I used to get bored with the Sim City game, I used to press all the danger options all at once. You know .. 3 giant lizards, two to five hurricanes at any point in the city, and of course .. i just sat there and pushed the earthquakes until the town was rubble.
But .. this is worse.
| 67 |
Occasional Reader Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:16:50pm |
re: #63 buzzsawmonkey
I got seven inches waggin' and I call it a woody
If it's waggin', it can't be a woody.
| 68 |
CommonCents Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:17:05pm |
re: #5 jackfetch
"It’s hard not to notice that there are no actual numbers."
This raises the question, what's worse no numbers, or fake, arbitrary numbers?
From an AP article I read earlier today, I don't have the link but...
Among the assumptions used in White House and congressional forecasting:--A tax cut has only one-quarter of the value of a spending increase of the same size, in terms of expanding the economy.
--Every dollar spent on unemployment benefits is worth $1.63 of quick economic expansion. Food stamps boost the economy even more.
The first bullet: nice assumption. Based on what exactly.
The second bullet: another doozy. With that kind of return I would think that 99.9% unemployment would be good for the country. Now I get it.
| 69 |
David Simon Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:17:29pm |
I'm only halfway through, but what the fuck?
Republicans also propose a new tax deduction that allows
businesses with less than 500 employees to take a tax
deduction equal to 20 percent of their income, ensuring
that these engines of growth will continue to fuel our
economic recovery and companies can compete with their
foreign counterparts, while keeping jobs here at home.
So, if I'm an employer with 510 employees, I'll think about firing 11 of them. If I'm an employer with 499 employees, kiss the help wanted sign goodbye.
How about a tax deduction for ALL employers who increase employment?
| 70 |
mikeymom Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:17:43pm |
OT--sorry to go OT so early--but im concerned about hubby--and this may make male lizards unconfortable-- but- here goes--he was supposed to have a kidney stone blasted next monday--no biggie as BFV wife had it done--on his pre-op check last week, they out him on a sulfa based antibio which he started on mon--took about 6 doses-- tues earle am he woke up and his penis and balls were swollen prple itchy and when he touched them, the skin started to peel off! omg-- it was horrible! so- dr said it was allergic reaction-duh--put him another antibiotic yesterday--was supposed to see dermatologist today but we had a blizzard--so now hes been on keflex for 1 1/2 days and now his toungue is sore--no swelling or difficulty breathing--but JEEZ!
| 71 |
Randall Gross Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:17:55pm |
We also need to go back to the future and unearth Graham Rudman from its time capsule.
| 73 |
Dianna Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:18:16pm |
re: #67 Occasional Reader
If it's waggin', it can't be a woody.
Um....
I am afraid I must - deferentially - differ.
Size does have an effect.
| 74 |
alegrias Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:18:24pm |
re: #30 LudwigVanQuixote
So in otherwords, we have a hit piece, that sets out to blame everything on the Dems with no talk of an actual plan that will do anything.
Where is the mea culpa for GOP pork?
Please do not get me wrong. I have no love of the Dems, but what exactly is this piece of paper proposing as something to do?
More to the point... Where is there any indication that the GOP actually now cares about fiscal responsibility and will police its own ranks if it regains power.
How bloody useless.
* * * **
MEA CULPAS and self flagellation are not useful to reverse the major damage Democrats are inflicting on the current & future economy. McCain been there & done that for us. "We came to Washington to change Washington and Washington changed us" bla bla bla. THAT message didn't exactly inspire voters.
Obama's budgets were written by the democrats controlling Congress since 2006, and what democrats have done is ORDERS OF MAGNITUDE greater than what some porky Republicans got in earmarks or agreed to spend on ENTITLEMENT PROGRAMs many Americans demanded.
| 75 |
Sharmuta Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:18:34pm |
re: #62 Thanos
I want Omnibus budget bills broken into supplements by department. Rework the rules so that one contention over one program can't stop the whole government because the Omnibus got hijacked.
There are a number of ways to correct the outrageous spending practices in Washington. It would have been nice to see this addressed, but alas- both parties have allowed these practices to be ensconced.
| 76 |
funky chicken Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:18:44pm |
To be fair it's not the job of the opposition to present a budget. That's the president's job.
| 77 |
jcm Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:18:49pm |
re: #65 Killgore Trout
That works on capital gains but the effect is temporary. They're talking income tax. I seriously doubt everybody is going to get a 30% raise to make up for the lower income tax rate.
They all lowered income taxes. Reagan's cut the top rate from the 70's to the 30's.
| 79 |
Dar ul Harbarian Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:19:16pm |
| 80 |
iLikeCandy Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:19:26pm |
re: #69 David Simon
I'm only halfway through, but what the fuck?
So, if I'm an employer with 510 employees, I'll think about firing 11 of them. If I'm an employer with 499 employees, kiss the help wanted sign goodbye.
How about a tax deduction for ALL employers who increase employment?
Oh, quit being so neg. They want to encourage small- to middle-sized businesses.
| 81 |
CommonCents Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:20:00pm |
re: #28 livefreeor die
On the subject of Soros does anyone else find it suspicious that he has benefitted at an icredible level financially from Obama and co.'s bumbling with the current economic situation?
Not at all. You could probably time his $1 billion return with when Obama switched from "the sky is falling" to "it's not as bad as we think".
| 82 |
Dianna Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:20:00pm |
re: #70 mikeymom
I have no clue, beyond allergies, but...I'm surprised he hasn't gone out in the blizzard to get this taken care of.
| 83 |
dahveed Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:20:01pm |
re: #53 Killgore Trout
So what's your plan? Give more money to AIG so they can give the money to foreign banks? (Which is the real crime. Not the bonuses which was one-tenth of one percent of what AIG was given.)
This bailout is what - $750 billion already? And how exactly are we better off with all this money wasted? The financial system is still screwed up. Throwing money at it is not making it any better.
| 84 |
David Simon Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:20:13pm |
re: #27 taxfreekiller
Personal Responsibility.
Yep, that's what's missing. Even Obama manages to sneak it into his speeches every now and then.
| 85 |
Wishing Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:20:14pm |
re: #70 mikeymom
How scary! Praying that you both get through this whole mess safely and soon.
| 88 |
Killgore Trout Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:20:35pm |
re: #69 David Simon
Also see their section on on marginal tax rates. They are claiming 10% for those earning under $100,000. If I get a 20% deduction for owning a small business the government send me a check on April 15th. Brilliant!
| 89 |
Dianna Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:21:06pm |
re: #76 funky chicken
To be fair it's not the job of the opposition to present a budget. That's the president's job.
Not originally.
| 92 |
Mirage Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:21:49pm |
re: #56 Sharmuta
It's the HOW. I cannot stress it enough! This plan doesn't go far enough in addressing government spending. I would ban baseline budgeting, and I would ban the practice of departments having to spend their entire budget to guarantee they'll get funding in the next budget. The very WAY government spends our money is wasteful!
Granted the way government spending is set up it promotes egregious overspending. However, there is no way the entire system will be turned on its ear all at once; there is too much. Get the spending under control first then work on fixing the system one piece at at time. Dramatic changes rarely get through but reasonable, incremental fixes are more possible and palatable.
| 93 |
alegrias Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:21:57pm |
re: #45 Sharmuta
Seriously- to hell with the government thinking my money is theirs. When I'm broke, I have to budget differently. Why can't the government? They can learn to cut back their spending like a regular person does. Easy enough for them to tell me to go without. How about we put the shoe on the other foot?
* * * *
hahahaha. This government will tell you what is yours and you will like it! For the greater good.
| 94 |
iLikeCandy Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:22:01pm |
re: #87 buzzsawmonkey
The Democrats are encouraging small business, by causing large businesses to downsize.
Heh, true dat.
| 95 |
Sharmuta Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:22:14pm |
I favor real tax reform. Reduce the cost of compliance on the public, and reduce the money needed to fund the IRS by implementing a flat tax or go all out and repeal the 26th Amendment and go with a consumption tax.
| 96 |
Dar ul Harbarian Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:22:16pm |
re: #87 buzzsawmonkey
The Democrats are encouraging small business, by causing large businesses to downsize.
It will be easy to have a small business when the Democrats' plans are in effect.
But you have to have a big business first.
| 99 |
Killgore Trout Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:22:53pm |
re: #83 dahveed
We still have one or two more rounds of bailouts left to go. I would hope that after this we break up the banks so our economy doesn't hinge on a dozen companies. I'm not sure if anyone is planing on doing that.
| 100 |
mikeymom Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:23:24pm |
re: #82 Dianna
I have no clue, beyond allergies, but...I'm surprised he hasn't gone out in the blizzard to get this taken care of.
he did go yesterday for the tallywhacher thingy--neosporin advised--have many people look at it--very embarrassed-lol-this new drug thing-celflex-- not really bad yet--will keep a close watch- we will need to call ambulance if it gets worse- roads near impassible
sigh
| 101 |
alegrias Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:23:26pm |
re: #76 funky chicken
To be fair it's not the job of the opposition to present a budget. That's the president's job.
* * * *
The minority in past always presented alternative budgets. The LOYAL elected OPPOSITION deserves to have its say.
| 103 |
Killgore Trout Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:23:34pm |
| 104 |
Sharmuta Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:23:41pm |
re: #92 Mirage
Granted the way government spending is set up it promotes egregious overspending. However, there is no way the entire system will be turned on its ear all at once; there is too much. Get the spending under control first then work on fixing the system one piece at at time. Dramatic changes rarely get through but reasonable, incremental fixes are more possible and palatable.
I wold start with blocking baseline budgeting.
| 107 |
CommonCents Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:24:02pm |
re: #93 alegrias
* * * *
hahahaha. This government will tell you what is yours and you will like it! For the greater good.
Well said comrade alegrias.
| 108 |
Wishing Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:24:05pm |
I am reading Ayn Rand's Anthem. Weird book. But I want to hurry up and finish it!
| 109 |
lawhawk Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:24:08pm |
How much time has the GOP had to work on coming up with an alternative and this is the product of their efforts? I'm not impressed. Not at all.
When I blog about the NJ political situation, the NYC fiscal mess, mass transit in the NYC metro area, I can somehow manage to come up with figures and alternatives, and I'm just a lowly blogger who has to dig for the facts and figures. The GOP supposedly has a bunch of staffers to do that job.
Like I said, I'm not impressed.
And based on this effort, the Democrats will laugh and scoff at the GOP effort - and rightfully so. The GOP has to come up with a solid alternative, and attacking on the fiscal irresponsibility of these spending plans is the place to start. Start with the fact that businesses are already showing signs of recovery even without the porkfest - and without spending hundreds of billions to do so. Note that housing sales are improving, and the credit markets are lending mortgages to qualified borrowers in greater numbers than they were a few months ago, which is yet another sign that the markets are improving. That doesn't require government throwing trillions more and seizing control over industries. It means letting the markets resolve the issues.
But will anyone at the GOP listen? Well, I can hope, but the reality is that they're all too tone deaf to consider fiscal responsibility as the way to redemption in the eyes of most Americans.
| 111 |
jcm Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:24:50pm |
re: #98 Iron Fist
It's not about revenue. It is about spreading the wealth. That is about the only true thing Obama said in his entire campaign. Revenue is incidental. Besides, they can always raise taxes more if revenue drops off.
Yep, if it was about revenue, deficits and debt. We'd see a lot different plan, form both sides.
| 115 |
Sharmuta Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:25:58pm |
re: #103 Killgore Trout
I disagree. At this point, we have so many tax cheats that the burden of the missing taxes falls on the rest of us. With a consumption tax, there are no mechanisms for people to hide behind. You spend money- you pay taxes.
| 116 |
jcm Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:26:04pm |
re: #108 Wishing
I am reading Ayn Rand's Anthem. Weird book. But I want to hurry up and finish it!
It'll make sense......
| 117 |
Dar ul Harbarian Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:26:10pm |
re: #98 Iron Fist
It's not about revenue. It is about spreading the wealth. That is about the only true thing Obama said in his entire campaign. Revenue is incidental. Besides, they can always raise taxes more if revenue drops off.
It's not even about that.
It is about gaining and maintaing power though dependent constituencies.
| 118 |
Occasional Reader Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:26:11pm |
re: #95 Sharmuta
Reduce the cost of compliance on the public, and reduce the money needed to fund the IRS by implementing a flat tax
"Flat tax" is a red herring. What's complicated about the tax code isn't the differential tax rates; you look those up in the table, or do the little formula thing, and you're done. What's complicated is, basically, figuring out "what is taxable income", what are allowable exemptions and deductions, etc.
Consumption tax*, on the other hand, has real possibilities.
(*Anticipating buzzsawmonkey; the problem will be finding enough people with tuberculosis to tax)
| 119 |
Opinionated Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:26:18pm |
re: #32 Killgore Trout
On taxes....
That's a big drop in revenue. Where's the extra money going to come from?
It's being printed.
Down the line, we will see unprecedented inflation for the US, skyrocketing oil prices and a very devalued Dollar.
| 120 |
Dianna Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:26:41pm |
re: #108 Wishing
I am reading Ayn Rand's Anthem. Weird book. But I want to hurry up and finish it!
It's only about 150 pages. What's keeping you?
| 121 |
iLikeCandy Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:26:44pm |
re: #102 CommonCents
Can we just call it a rough draft?
re: #109 lawhawk
How much time has the GOP had to work on coming up with an alternative and this is the product of their efforts? I'm not impressed. Not at all.
Apparently this is an outline, intended to shut the Dems up fast, although some Repubs would have preferred to keep taking heat for a week to produce a more detailed document.
So it's the old tradeoff between speed and quality.
| 122 |
Mad Prophet Ludwig Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:26:59pm |
re: #74 alegrias
* * * **
MEA CULPAS and self flagellation are not useful to reverse the major damage Democrats are inflicting on the current & future economy. McCain been there & done that for us. "We came to Washington to change Washington and Washington changed us" bla bla bla. THAT message didn't exactly inspire voters.Obama's budgets were written by the democrats controlling Congress since 2006, and what democrats have done is ORDERS OF MAGNITUDE greater than what some porky Republicans got in earmarks or agreed to spend on ENTITLEMENT PROGRAMs many Americans demanded.
On the contrary. They need to convince me that they will do any better than the Dems economically. I am not interested in debating the origins of the current crisis. There is more than enough blame to go around. However, I can not forget that the GOP had eight years at the helm - where they did nothing to fix things either, and their giant porhulus bill was even less better managed than this one. During those eight years, rather than being tax and spend dems they were simply spend and spend Reps, and no where in there was anything approaching the fiscal savvy that they are now claiming.
Let me be clear. I don't trust them at all. America in general does not trust them at all. They need to show that they are something different from both their own failed past and the Dems.
| 124 |
lawhawk Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:27:26pm |
And yes, I'm aware that the GOP has no real power in Congress these days because they've lost any chance to affect the process - they lack the numbers to stop the Democrats from ramming through any legislation that the Democrats see fit.
All the talk about how the GOP is obstructionist is a bald-faced lie. Democrats control the process, and hope to get political cover by coopting enough GOPers to claim bipartisanship for the next election season, when Democrats can again blast the GOP.
| 125 |
Gus Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:27:30pm |
re: #88 Killgore Trout
Also see their section on on marginal tax rates. They are claiming 10% for those earning under $100,000. If I get a 20% deduction for owning a small business the government send me a check on April 15th. Brilliant!
That's not how it would work. The 20% would only be a deduction.
They'd would still have to pay Self Employment Tax which is around 15% after your Schedule C.
| 126 |
jdog29 Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:27:54pm |
The conservative road to recovery lies through socially conservative issues. Abortion/Same sex marriage/Guns/School Choice/Embryonic Stemcell Research etc. Those issues will bring the financially conservative issues back to power as well.
If the Republicans try to paint themselves as fiscal conservatives, it would be a joke. If the Republicans abandon the social conservative wing of the party i.e. John McCain not wanting to press on any of those issues the Republican party might cease to exist or become an irrelevant permanent minority party.
On Abortion, give in on rape, incest and life of the mother which makes up less than 1% or all abortions. Even health of the mother if need be, because the reality is the huge majority of abortions performed worldwide at a rate of 80 per minute or between 44-45 million a year are just pure and simple birth or population control.
Same sex marriage is the epitome of the dishonest scale. Any scale, court or document claiming the union of two men or women to be equal to that of a union between a man and woman is dishonest. Push for the state to get out of the marriage business altogether before recognizing what is known to be a fraud. We saw the results of the dishonest scale forced upon the banking mortgage industry by the Democrats. The dishonest scale forced on the institution of marriage will have far more reaching disasterous consequences.
School Choice is such a natural attraction to minority voters it is obscene how no Republican candidate can seem to effectively articulate locking minorities into failing schools is oppressive and the modern day equivalent to slavery. The well to do kids and parents are keeping up their education with Silvan, Kaplan or some other tudoring service which most minorities, single parent families and those on gov't benefits can't afford.
As far as guns are concerned, must the path to tyranny be laid out again? The answer is always "yes" because I have a short memory. Guns ownership is the key to women's rights and a woman's ability to equalize the playing field. Why this fact is not highlighted, underlined, italicized and in bold verdana 14 pt. font in every political campaign ran is right next to insane.
Embryonic Stemcell Research is simply human testing. How old can an embryo be before it can no longer have scientific tests run on IT anymore? This question defeats any debater. 3 months 6 months, doesn't matter because the barbaric horror of the reality of what embryonic stemcell research is- becomes vividly apparent no matter how it is followed up by smooth articulation.
Free markets, entrepreneurism, capitalism? absolutely, but only because of necessity. Conservatives seem unable to recognize or admit communism and socialism are beautiful concept on paper, but if the tax rate above 500K or 1 mil goes to 100% or something close enough, no one will break their backs to produce anything for someone else no matter how beautiful of a concept or how socially justifiable anyone paints it out to be.
| 127 |
mikeymom Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:27:57pm |
my hubby was also "laid off" from a big blue company today--but it is a good thing--was ready to retire. now he gets 6 mo pay, extended med benefits and hes happy. on the other hand, our 29 yr old son who is a foreman for a solar co here in co, was told jes getting a pay cut. its starting folks--we are gonna get fuc-ed.
| 128 |
KingKenrod Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:28:11pm |
re: #69 David Simon
I'm only halfway through, but what the fuck?
So, if I'm an employer with 510 employees, I'll think about firing 11 of them. If I'm an employer with 499 employees, kiss the help wanted sign goodbye.
How about a tax deduction for ALL employers who increase employment?
They should tie it to gross receipts, not # of employees if they want to help small/medium sized business. And a truly progressive idea would be to provide MORE tax breaks for each additional employee hired.
| 129 |
Sharmuta Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:28:22pm |
re: #118 Occasional Reader
I favor the consumption tax over the flat tax, but I feel either would be a big improvement over what we have right now.
It pisses me off to NO END that they tax every cent I earn, then tax me again when I spend it. It's unAmerican and it's morally wrong.
| 130 |
iLikeCandy Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:28:28pm |
I'm gettin' out of here before this gets interesting. Last night I didn't get a thing done on account of being here.
| 131 |
Dar ul Harbarian Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:29:20pm |
Here is a creative way to spend money:
Give it Gitmo detainees released in the US
| 132 |
BatGuano Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:29:24pm |
re: #108 Wishing
I am reading Ayn Rand's Anthem. Weird book. But I want to hurry up and finish it!
I read it for the first time 3 months ago. Hang in there, it's worth it.
| 133 |
David Simon Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:29:39pm |
re: #40 FrogMarch
Increased productivity. More people paying into the system.
or we can raise taxes, kill off jobs and productivity ala the Obama.
Upding for a pithy, effective explanation of the tax paradox.
| 134 |
Mirage Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:30:20pm |
re: #104 Sharmuta
I wold start with blocking baseline budgeting.
What would you suggest be done to replace the system that's there now? I agree it needs to be overhauled and heavily trimmed back, but what would be the alternative that wouldn't bring everything to a screeching halt?
| 135 |
itellu3times Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:30:23pm |
It’s hard not to notice that there are no actual numbers therein.
Boogers.
Other than that, what y'all have already said.
| 137 |
Occasional Reader Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:30:51pm |
re: #129 Sharmuta
I favor the consumption tax over the flat tax, but I feel either would be a big improvement over what we have right now.
I think the flat tax would be no improvement, and does raise some real equity concerns. Now, what I still can't understand is; if we do have to have a "progressive" income tax rate, why have it with these sudden marginal jumps, that can actually disincentive people to earn that next dollar? Make it a formula that yields a curve instead.
| 138 |
WindHorse Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:31:02pm |
re: #129 Sharmuta
but don't forget..... it does pay for the jets that Nancy Pelosi is entitled to.... right?
| 139 |
itellu3times Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:31:48pm |
re: #137 Occasional Reader
I think the flat tax would be no improvement, and does raise some real equity concerns. Now, what I still can't understand is; if we do have to have a "progressive" income tax rate, why have it with these sudden marginal jumps, that can actually disincentive people to earn that next dollar? Make it a formula that yields a curve instead.
The "flat tax" is almost always, "flat x% of income over $y", which if you graph it out, is just the kind of curve you want.
| 140 |
Dar ul Harbarian Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:32:13pm |
I know!
Once the nation is broke, and nobody has any income to speak of, we could start a national Lotto.
| 141 |
Dianna Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:32:15pm |
re: #126 jdog29
No, it doesn't.
Sorry, but the whole social conservative business doesn't do a thing for me.
Why not? Because I'm a semi-single femme, with property, and absolutely zero interest in who's butt-fucking whom, provided it's consensual, all parties are over 18, and no children are going to be involved. Certain old social compromises - that is, you do not comment on a pregnancy until 16 weeks or so - need to come back into vogue. If you behave with integrity and honor to your significant other, you are absolutely none of my business.
| 142 |
Salem Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:32:47pm |
"You belong in a circus, Spock! Right next to the dog-eared boy!"
| 143 |
Randall Gross Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:32:51pm |
re: #100 mikeymom
That's not sounding good, anaphylactic shock is nothing to mess with. Did the doc prescribe any anti-histamines? ( the tongue thing has me worried, you might give them a call and see what they say about that...) Chances are pretty slim that he will go into full anaphylaxis, but read the clinical care section here just in case.
[Link: en.wikipedia.org...]
| 144 |
Occasional Reader Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:32:58pm |
re: #139 itellu3times
The "flat tax" is almost always, "flat x% of income over $y", which if you graph it out, is just the kind of curve you want.
Er... yes, I'm aware of that. I'm talking about the current "progressive" rate system.
| 145 |
Charles Johnson Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:33:52pm |
re: #126 jdog29
You are living in a dream world.
| 146 |
3 wood Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:33:58pm |
Good evening.
The market mounted another rally today rising s little over 2% today. The Messiah is now down about 3% of his term, but he will blame that on Bush.
I watched the classic evisceration of Gordon Brown by Daniel Hannan today on youtube.
I noticed the Mr. Hannan was able to do that with out a teleprompter.
Amazing.
By the way, I figure Brown is out as Prime Minister within 6 months, easy.
And don't be surprised if you see the EU disintegrate. The Germans finally decided to stop being sponged off of the the EU. That means the money is drying up for those officious EU clowns to play games with.
| 147 |
Dustyvet Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:34:16pm |
| 148 |
funky chicken Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:34:23pm |
They need to cut the spending, and prove that they really cut the spending before they cut taxes.
Sorry, but we've seen Reagan and GWB pass huge tax cuts that, yes, stimulated the economy BUT without spending cuts, it just saddles future generations with debt.
| 149 |
stuck in california Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:34:40pm |
re: #18 Crimsonfisted
Can we dump the Dept of Energy and the Dept of Education? What do they do after all? Except cause misery and cost a lot.
How about dump all departments except defence...
| 150 |
Dianna Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:34:50pm |
re: #136 jcm
Why is it annotated? It's one of the few Ayn Rand's books I can abide. Mostly because it's short enough not to become annoying.
| 152 |
David Simon Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:35:06pm |
re: #65 Killgore Trout
That works on capital gains but the effect is temporary. They're talking income tax. I seriously doubt everybody is going to get a 30% raise to make up for the lower income tax rate.
See Ireland. Explain the metamorphosis from sick man to economic miracle if you think it has nothing to do with having the lowest corporate tax rates in the developed world.
| 153 |
hazzyday Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:35:30pm |
From a big picture perspective looks ok but PDF files are for wimps.
They should attach the name Carter to the 70's
rent and work for an hourly wage? Their tax incentives have little direct effect.
Insurance premiums and benefits should follow to a new job.
What is affordable health care?
Dissolve the IRS. Or redefine deductions to reflect modern society.
In general , they should take each paragraph and turn it into a primetime commercial and start running them constantly. What they say is good, but what they didn't say is also important.
Marriage, ID, immigration. An appeal to hispanic voters?
High level talk about economic principles is just so much goobledy gook if confidence is already low. Nothing is being done to solve the corruption problems. Name names in the big D party. Let them salvo back.
| 155 |
Sharmuta Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:35:40pm |
re: #126 jdog29
I could not disagree more. It's the social issues that are killing us. The American public thinks abortion should remain legal with some restrictions- that's where we are now. The call for a Constitutional ban should be dropped from the platform.
As far as your other points- the GOP should stand for individual rights. When we do that, all we need to do going forward is be intellectually honest. If we support individual rights, then supporting gun ownership is a given, school choice is a given, and we are hypocrites if we think allowing gays to marry is harming any traditional couple from getting married.
Stand for individual rights and fiscal responsibility, and I believe people will come back to the party.
| 156 |
Occasional Reader Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:35:57pm |
re: #146 3 wood
The Germans finally decided to stop being sponged off of the the EU.
What does an obscure British rock band have to do with anything?
| 157 |
itellu3times Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:36:08pm |
re: #146 3 wood
I watched the classic evisceration of Gordon Brown by Daniel Hannan today on youtube.
Hannan was on Hannity (!) radio this afternoon, and on Hannity TV this evening, I believe.
| 159 |
lawhawk Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:36:57pm |
re: #121 iLikeCandy
Even an outline can provide some facts and figures to go along with the policy objectives. Heritage Foundation has charts available, showing just how irresponsible the Democrats are in their spending.
They could take those figures - using the WH own figures, to show what the overall deficit will be based on Obama's actions.
Look at what he's doing this year, and for the next four years; he's doubled the national deficit in one fell swoop this year alone, and will double it again. That's a pretty powerful figure.
More powerful figures? How about the cost to every man, woman and child in the nation for that debt. That's a pretty tough number to digest.
| 161 |
The Shadow Do Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:37:12pm |
re: #99 Killgore Trout
We still have one or two more rounds of bailouts left to go. I would hope that after this we break up the banks so our economy doesn't hinge on a dozen companies. I'm not sure if anyone is planing on doing that.
I agree but that is not what is happening. In fact the big companies are deemed too large to fail and thus Federalized. These propped up government owned entities will be center of commercial activity. The small guys will perhaps be permitted to operate so long as they keep out of the way of our new progressive leadership.
Sick
| 162 |
3 wood Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:37:30pm |
re: #134 Mirage
What would you suggest be done to replace the system that's there now? I agree it needs to be overhauled and heavily trimmed back, but what would be the alternative that wouldn't bring everything to a screeching halt?
You give each department a sunset budget, on a rotating schedule for 5 years. That means each year you review 20% of the budget from a zero baseline position.
| 163 |
Buster Bunny Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:37:31pm |
re: #154 Macker
Um, don't you mean the 16th Amendment?
Breaking Amendments seems to be like collecting firewood at the moment. We are trying to do anything to get the fire started again.
..... Billy Joel anybody?
| 164 |
yesandno Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:37:34pm |
This is a start. These are goals. Still not specific, but at least they are beginning to formulate policies that candidates can run on. It is important to get them a bit more specific and to be able to get them down to sentences that can be understood quickly by voters. The Dems have talking points. Republicans need to speak with a similar voice to have an impact.
Think they do need specific economic policies to run on. The 2010 races will be on the economy and foriegn policy. Everything else will be pretty much off the board I would think at this point... I think changes to the Court will occur before the 2010 elections, otherwise, they too will be a 2010 consideration.
| 165 |
Dancing along the light of day Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:37:45pm |
And, there are ALL of 10 signatures on the document....
| 166 |
Dianna Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:37:50pm |
re: #156 Occasional Reader
What does an obscure British rock band have to do with anything?
"I'm fixing a hole where the rain can get in,
But if the sweat pours out,
Just shout,
I'll try to swim and pull you out."
| 167 |
Dar ul Harbarian Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:38:19pm |
re: #70 mikeymom
OT--sorry to go OT so early--but im concerned about hubby--and this may make male lizards unconfortable-- but- here goes--he was supposed to have a kidney stone blasted next monday--no biggie as BFV wife had it done--on his pre-op check last week, they out him on a sulfa based antibio which he started on mon--took about 6 doses-- tues earle am he woke up and his penis and balls were swollen prple itchy and when he touched them, the skin started to peel off! omg-- it was horrible! so- dr said it was allergic reaction-duh--put him another antibiotic yesterday--was supposed to see dermatologist today but we had a blizzard--so now hes been on keflex for 1 1/2 days and now his toungue is sore--no swelling or difficulty breathing--but JEEZ!
He sounds like he needs to go to an e.r.
I don't want to be an alarmist, but if he has Stevens-Johnson syndrome it can be very serious.
| 168 |
Gus Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:38:28pm |
re: #149 stuck in california
How about dump all departments except defence...
DOD requires a government infrastructure. If the only government department left was the military it would increase the potential for an imbalanced government. It's not that simple.
| 169 |
3 wood Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:38:35pm |
re: #156 Occasional Reader
Nice catch. I type too fast to catch that stuff.
| 170 |
David Simon Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:38:49pm |
re: #80 iLikeCandy
Oh, quit being so neg. They want to encourage small- to middle-sized businesses.
You probably think farm subsidies, steel tariffs and the prescription drug giveaway were good ideas as well, don't you? Fucking idiot.
| 171 |
funky chicken Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:38:57pm |
re: #122 LudwigVanQuixote
On the contrary. They need to convince me that they will do any better than the Dems economically. I am not interested in debating the origins of the current crisis. There is more than enough blame to go around. However, I can not forget that the GOP had eight years at the helm - where they did nothing to fix things either, and their giant porhulus bill was even less better managed than this one. During those eight years, rather than being tax and spend dems they were simply spend and spend Reps, and no where in there was anything approaching the fiscal savvy that they are now claiming.
Let me be clear. I don't trust them at all. America in general does not trust them at all. They need to show that they are something different from both their own failed past and the Dems.
+1
| 172 |
Dianna Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:39:03pm |
re: #155 Sharmuta
One brief point - we have not actually sat down and done a solid analysis of gay marriage. Until we have, we're all operating in the realm of emotion.
| 173 |
Charles Johnson Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:39:11pm |
re: #141 Dianna
No, it doesn't.
Sorry, but the whole social conservative business doesn't do a thing for me.
Why not? Because I'm a semi-single femme, with property, and absolutely zero interest in who's butt-fucking whom, provided it's consensual, all parties are over 18, and no children are going to be involved. Certain old social compromises - that is, you do not comment on a pregnancy until 16 weeks or so - need to come back into vogue. If you behave with integrity and honor to your significant other, you are absolutely none of my business.
That's what conservatism used to mean -- mind your own business, and I'll keep my nose out of your business.
Instead, we now have closet fascists who think it's absolutely vital to impose their fundamentalist version of morality on everyone else.
| 174 |
Dianna Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:39:40pm |
re: #166 Dianna
"I'm fixing a hole where the rain can get in,
But if the sweat pours out,
Just shout,
I'll try to swim and pull you out."
Er, sorry.
"I've got you under my skin
Where the rain can't get in."
Sorry. Twenty years.
| 175 |
twincitiesgirl Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:39:45pm |
OT- The Pope is being criticized for distorting "condom" science.
| 177 |
Dianna Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:40:18pm |
re: #173 Charles
That's what conservatism used to mean -- mind your own business, and I'll keep my nose out of your business.
Instead, we now have closet fascists who think it's absolutely vital to impose their fundamentalist version of morality on everyone else.
Yes! Absolutely!
| 179 |
lifeofthemind Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:40:56pm |
Wish they had come out with this 8 months ago and stuck to it.
| 180 |
mikeymom Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:41:02pm |
re: #143 Thanos
thank you-- i think a small dose of benydrel is in order until the am when he can see a dr-
| 181 |
David Simon Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:41:04pm |
re: #88 Killgore Trout
Also see their section on on marginal tax rates. They are claiming 10% for those earning under $100,000. If I get a 20% deduction for owning a small business the government send me a check on April 15th. Brilliant!
Sorry, I'm not following you.
| 182 |
snowcrash Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:41:25pm |
re: #166 Dianna
Not so obscure. Loved Uncertain Smile and This is the Day. Haven't thought of those songs in years.
| 183 |
idioma Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:41:39pm |
The Republicans no longer have a leg to stand on when it comes to "fiscal Responsibility". They've lost that message, and traded it in for persecution of homosexuals and combating science. Until they can figure out a way to separate themselves from evangelical philosophy, they will continue to lose touch with the struggling working class.
This document is a flimsy presentation of a non-alternative. The GOP has no influence in the house, and the Democratic party knows this. While hackneyed rhetoric from 1993 blow-hards -Rush- chant "it's yer money" "Democrats will make you poor!" "The sky is falling" "They'll take yer guns!" "They'll give your daughters abortions!" "They'll take away your prayers!" and wait for the power to shift back to them.
Of course, once they do get that power, will they balance the budget, cut spending, or invest in alternative energy as promised? Nope, they'll go right back to focusing on Gay Marriage, Roe V. Wade, Stem Cells, and teaching The Bible in the science classes of public schools.
The Democrats are no angels. But the GOP is turning into the Americana equivalent of the Taliban - implementing their own brand of Sharia Law.
| 184 |
CyanSnowHawk Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:42:01pm |
You want numbers? That's expecting a lot, it's only been a little more than 24hrs since you posted that they need to come up with a plan and quit this "Obama must fail" business.
/
| 185 |
Randall Gross Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:42:07pm |
We aren't going to be able to undercut the Dems attempts to steal our individuality and liberties if we are hypocrites in the social issue arena. So Jdog, F you and the tired, last-century nag you rode in on. We don't have time or patience for that shit anymore, and can not afford it.
| 186 |
3 wood Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:42:14pm |
Here is the piece by Hannan talking about how the Germans are no longer going to be fleeced by the EU.
Another great piece by this guy.
| 187 |
Mad Prophet Ludwig Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:42:43pm |
re: #126 jdog29
Sorry, not all of us want to be Baptists. Some of us believe that one of the great strengths of the Nation and one of the great achievements of the founding fathers was the revolutionary idea that Church and State need to be kept separate.
As to Gay marriage, however much I may be repelled by the excess of the gay pride movement, if you do not like it, do not perform gay marriages at your church. It is not for the state to dictate who one citizen can fall in love with. Or is individual liberty no longer a conservative value?
While we are at it, is whether or not two guys can get a civil union honestly more important than the two wars we are fighting?
As to abortion, the fact of the matter is that the average American wants to keep it legal. I am not trying to start an abortion debate per-se, but your analysis that this is a winning political strategem is flawed.
As to gun ownership - I agree that upholding the second Amendment is a good idea. However, your analysis that guns = women's rights is curious to say the least. I think that the advent of birth control coupled with higher education and the right to vote in the period of post-war prosperity were the largest factors. No one assumes
"be good to her or she will shoot you."
You have a recipe for disaster.
| 188 |
Dianna Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:42:57pm |
re: #176 Gus 802
Out of the boardroom and into the bedroom.
Neither. Within very tight limits, that is, what causes extreme social disruption?
| 189 |
David Simon Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:43:12pm |
re: #95 Sharmuta
I favor real tax reform. Reduce the cost of compliance on the public, and reduce the money needed to fund the IRS by implementing a flat tax or go all out and repeal the 26th Amendment and go with a consumption tax.
You mean the 16th amendment, I think.
| 190 |
Mad Prophet Ludwig Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:43:24pm |
| 191 |
Fat Bastard Vegetarian Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:43:41pm |
I'm fixing a hole where the rain gets in
and stops my mind from wandering
where it will go
I'm filling the cracks that ran though the door
and kept my mind from wandering
where it will go
And it really doesn't matter if I'm wrong
I'm right where I belong
I'm right where I belong
See the people standing there
who disagree and never win
and wonder why they don't get in my door
Lennon/McCartney
| 193 |
Randall Gross Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:44:12pm |
re: #180 mikeymom
thank you-- i think a small dose of benydrel is in order until the am when he can see a dr-
Talk to them first please, I'm not a Dr.
| 194 |
Sharmuta Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:44:17pm |
re: #134 Mirage
What would you suggest be done to replace the system that's there now? I agree it needs to be overhauled and heavily trimmed back, but what would be the alternative that wouldn't bring everything to a screeching halt?
I think increases in funding should be based on real need, not blind, blanket handouts. Say a program has been baselined for a 5% increase every year in funding, but only needs a 2% increase. Not only do they have more money than they need- they are obligated to spend all that money to ensure they receive they same 5% increase the next year.
And I'm not so sure it would be as disruptive as you think. Some local governments have moved to the form of spending I have in mind, and it's been nothing but beneficial for all involved when the government has to spend it's money like real people.
| 195 |
Gus Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:44:37pm |
re: #188 Dianna
Neither. Within very tight limits, that is, what causes extreme social disruption?
Yep. Within limits and using common sense.
| 196 |
Mich-again Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:44:56pm |
re: #99 Killgore Trout
We still have one or two more rounds of bailouts left to go. I would hope that after this we break up the banks so our economy doesn't hinge on a dozen companies. I'm not sure if anyone is planing on doing that.
The ultimate bailout is the global currency. Game over.
| 197 |
Killgore Trout Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:45:08pm |
re: #152 David Simon
See Ireland. Explain the metamorphosis from sick man to economic miracle if you think it has nothing to do with having the lowest corporate tax rates in the developed world.
We could use to lower our corporate tax rate but in case you've never been there you should also note INCOME TAX IRELAND
ncome Tax after subtracting deductions from total pay:
20% on the first €36,400
41% on the balance
....and there also a 20% VAT (sales tax) on top of that. Europe makes up the revenue from lower tax rates by taxing the hell out ot the citizens. We do the opposite here. You could move to Ireland or the UK if you want to but it's very expensive.
| 198 |
lifeofthemind Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:45:26pm |
re: #80 iLikeCandy
Oh, quit being so neg. They want to encourage small- to middle-sized businesses.
The Honorable James Hacker MP: You know Humphrey, I think government has got to
be awfully careful about throttling small businesses.
Bernard Wooley: The bank isn’t actually a small business.
The Honorable James Hacker MP: It will be if we throttle it, Bernard.
| 200 |
Sharmuta Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:45:59pm |
re: #189 David Simon
Yes- I was already corrected. Typo- my bad.
| 201 |
Dianna Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:46:04pm |
re: #187 LudwigVanQuixote
Sorry, not all of us want to be Baptists.
Absolutely!
I want to drink, dance, play cards and...um...well, fornicate.
| 202 |
OldLineTexan Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:46:29pm |
re: #187 LudwigVanQuixote
Sorry, not all of us want to be Baptists.
I looked and looked and could NOT find that specific point.
Maybe all Baptists ain't quite what YOU think they are.
| 203 |
David Simon Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:47:02pm |
re: #115 Sharmuta
I disagree. At this point, we have so many tax cheats that the burden of the missing taxes falls on the rest of us. With a consumption tax, there are no mechanisms for people to hide behind. You spend money- you pay taxes.
Agreed. There's no such thing as a fair tax (in the case of a consumption tax, the rich will still pay more than their fair share, and there would probably be an increase in "black market" goods), but a consumption tax is about as least unfair as you can get.
| 204 |
3 wood Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:47:41pm |
I've noticed that the TED spread is starting to rise again, which signifies a growing sense of risk between banks. Don't be surprised if you see a significant market sell off in the next few trading days.
Also, for those economics wonks out there (like me) the velocity of money has slowed down to 9 from the prior average of 17. Imagine what will happen to inflation when the velocity speeds up again.
| 205 |
Dar ul Harbarian Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:48:06pm |
re: #180 mikeymom
thank you-- i think a small dose of benydrel is in order until the am when he can see a dr-
Get on the phone with a local e.r. and describe the symptoms, medications, timing and other information they may ask.
If this is a Stevens-Johnson reaction, which can occur with sulfa antibiotics, you don't want to manage this on your own.
Make a phone call.
| 206 |
SteveC Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:48:07pm |
Off Topic
Updating from last night:
The doctors kept pushing Tony's Heart Transplant back and back and finally took him to the Operating Room about 11:00 PM. The procedure went great! They finished about 5:30 AM, and his family was able to see him for the first time about 7:30 AM. The last I heard, Tony was still in ICU, doing good but still on the vent.
I'm sure the family would want me to thank each and every one of you for pulling for Tony last night! And a big THANK YOU from me - Lizards Rule, as always!
| 207 |
Randall Gross Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:48:30pm |
I would wager we will see an attempt by the Dems to legalize weed and tax it within five years. They love their sin taxes.
| 208 |
Dianna Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:48:37pm |
re: #202 OldLineTexan
I looked and looked and could NOT find that specific point.
Maybe all Baptists ain't quite what YOU think they are.
My Male - to whom I am not married for a number of reasons - is a Baptist. But he's not a good one, by his own admission.
| 209 |
Mad Prophet Ludwig Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:48:44pm |
re: #201 Dianna
Absolutely!
I want to drink, dance, play cards and...um...well, fornicate.
Amen sister... Even though he played (brilliantly) for a different team than me, I love the Augustine, "Oh lord make me chaste but not yet."
| 210 |
Gus Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:48:45pm |
Meh, I'm not going to hold my breath on any tax cut or flat tax or consumption tax. They'll lower one thing and raise the other. The states would raise taxes and the cities would raise sales tax. They also don't include Social Security taxes into the discussion.
| 211 |
OldLineTexan Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:49:44pm |
re: #208 Dianna
My Male - to whom I am not married for a number of reasons - is a Baptist. But he's not a good one, by his own admission.
Hard to find a really good one.
/
| 213 |
Mad Prophet Ludwig Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:49:46pm |
re: #202 OldLineTexan
I looked and looked and could NOT find that specific point.
Maybe all Baptists ain't quite what YOU think they are.
Point is taken. Permit me to retract that line and replace it with:
Not all of us want to be Fundamentalist Christians.
| 214 |
Fat Bastard Vegetarian Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:50:21pm |
| 215 |
yesandno Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:50:27pm |
re: #147 Dustyvet
The OBAMA Song! (Official Version)
Veryhighuni brow!
| 216 |
Sharmuta Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:50:35pm |
I was flipping through David Frum's book today, and he made the case that the pro-life movement has accomplished many of it's lesser goals inthat abortion is at the lowest rate it's been since the 1970s, and that most states have reasonable restrictions. He went on to say there really isn't much more they can do besides pass a Constitutional ban, and that's never going to happen. It's an issue that only divides people at this point, and it's killing this party. Frum suggests the pro-life movement move on to working on fetal stem-cells. Not sure if he's right on that point, but I thought he did a great job of stating why the abortion issue is killing this party.
| 217 |
Dianna Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:50:38pm |
re: #209 LudwigVanQuixote
Amen sister... Even though he played (brilliantly) for a different team than me, I love the Augustine, "Oh lord make me chaste but not yet."
Confessions, Chapter IX.
I like the old translation - Grant me chastity and continence, Lord, but not yet.
| 218 |
Dan G. Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:50:41pm |
Republicans also seek to provide
universal access to affordable health care and offer common-sense
reforms to address our entitlements and ensure that our children and
grandchildren can secure future benefits.
Stillborn.
| 219 |
Killgore Trout Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:51:32pm |
Also missing in this plan is the acceptance of responsibility for the current crisis. This has been a bipartisan disaster in the making for about 20 years. Republicans share the blame. Also missing is the required regulations to prevent this from happening again. The repeal of the uptick rule (under Bush) allowed for bear runs with borrowed money on financial stocks. The repeal of Glass-Steagall (under Clinton with a Republican congress) allowed AIG to run like a hedge fund and allowed irresponsible banks to merge brokerage houses and commercial banks. This consolidation meant they could drag down larger sections of the financial structure when they failed.
I know Republicans hate regulations but they need to get over that.
| 220 |
OldLineTexan Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:51:47pm |
re: #213 LudwigVanQuixote
Point is taken. Permit me to retract that line and replace it with:
Not all of us want to be Fundamentalist Christians.
Ah, yes. The socially acceptable bogeyman.
Cool. As long as you are aware that not all "Fundies" (I love that slur, BTW) are Baptists, and neither are all Baptists "Fundies".
/It's a damnably complicated world
| 221 |
yesandno Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:51:53pm |
re: #173 Charles
That's what conservatism used to mean -- mind your own business, and I'll keep my nose out of your business.
Instead, we now have closet fascists who think it's absolutely vital to impose their fundamentalist version of morality on everyone else.
Amen!
| 222 |
OldLineTexan Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:52:16pm |
| 225 |
3 wood Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:53:10pm |
Get your mortgages while you can:
Mortgage rates hit record low
CHICAGO (MarketWatch) -- The average rate on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages hit a record low this week, after the Federal Reserve announced it would purchase Treasury securities over the next six months, Freddie Mac's chief economist said on Thursday.
The 30-year mortgage averaged 4.85% for the week ending March 26, the lowest point since Freddie Mac's weekly survey began in 1971. Last week, the mortgage averaged 4.98%; the mortgage averaged 5.85% a year ago.
With money this cheap, there is a potential strategy of borrowing cash now at a low locked in rate and getting ready to invest it at future higher rates as inflation hits.
| 226 |
reine.de.tout Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:53:40pm |
re: #70 mikeymom
OT--sorry to go OT so early--but im concerned about hubby--and this may make male lizards unconfortable-- but- here goes--he was supposed to have a kidney stone blasted next monday--no biggie as BFV wife had it done--on his pre-op check last week, they out him on a sulfa based antibio which he started on mon--took about 6 doses-- tues earle am he woke up and his penis and balls were swollen prple itchy and when he touched them, the skin started to peel off! omg-- it was horrible! so- dr said it was allergic reaction-duh--put him another antibiotic yesterday--was supposed to see dermatologist today but we had a blizzard--so now hes been on keflex for 1 1/2 days and now his toungue is sore--no swelling or difficulty breathing--but JEEZ!
I'm not a doctor.
but I've heard of the skin-peeling reaction, and it is rare but very serious allergic reaction.
The tongue soreness sounds like it MIGHT be a continuation of allergic reaction - call your doctor NOW.
| 227 |
Dianna Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:53:46pm |
re: #220 OldLineTexan
Ah, yes. The socially acceptable bogeyman.
Cool. As long as you are aware that not all "Fundies" (I love that slur, BTW) are Baptists, and neither are all Baptists "Fundies".
/It's a damnably complicated world
An anthropology professor - a close friend of mine - once opined over wine and cigars that fundamentalism was the confluence of wide-spread literacy and superficial historical knowledge.
It's not a bad thing. But it does tend to be a touch naive.
| 228 |
Randall Gross Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:53:57pm |
re: #212 Iron Fist
Inflation would seem to me to be the biggest economic risk out there right now. Haven't they essentially printed a trillion dollars or so with the various bail-outs? You simply can't print money like that and not have inflation.
Above and beyond that the Carbon Cap and Tax scheme will ultimately raise prices on everything through increased energy costs, goods scarcity driven by the recession will add to it, and competition with the new gov't bloat will create wage inflation in some sectors.
| 229 |
Opinionated Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:54:43pm |
re: #216 Sharmuta
I wonder how many of the foaming at the mouth "Baby Killer" Giuliani haters still today are happy that he is not President- even if Obama is?
| 230 |
IslandLibertarian Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:54:45pm |
re: #211 OldLineTexan
Hard to find a really good one.
/
St Peter was giving a new arrival a tour around Heaven, when they walked by a room with a bunch of people sitting around with their arms folded and angry frowns on their faces.
The newcomer asked "Who are they?"
St Peter answered "SHHHHHHHH! Those are Baptists, and they think they're the only ones here."
| 231 |
Fat Bastard Vegetarian Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:55:03pm |
re: #219 Killgore Trout
OT, KT? Changed my intertubes the other day with Cox. Went down to the "economy class" high speed internets.
No. Discernible. Difference. At. All.
Thought you'd like to know. Went from 43.95 per month to 17.99. I'll take it. Don't do a lot of movie downloads or anything.
I can't tell the difference.
| 232 |
Sharmuta Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:55:08pm |
Roughly from memory- Frum's figures put the number of abortions around 1.3 million, and less than 15% are tax payer funded. The majority of women getting abortions are usually low income, less educated, and of legal age.
| 233 |
3 wood Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:55:21pm |
re: #212 Iron Fist
Inflation would seem to me to be the biggest economic risk out there right now. Haven't they essentially printed a trillion dollars or so with the various bail-outs? You simply can't print money like that and not have inflation.
Plus the Fed/Treasury has pumped another 2 trillion in. Multiply that by a factor of 10 for the fractional banking impact, then factor in a higher velocity, and draw your own conclusions.
I'm getting ready for hyper inflation.
| 234 |
Dar ul Harbarian Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:55:43pm |
re: #226 reine.de.tout
I'm not a doctor.
but I've heard of the skin-peeling reaction, and it is rare but very serious allergic reaction.
The tongue soreness sounds like it MIGHT be a continuation of allergic reaction - call your doctor NOW.
Agreed.
Seek medical attention.
Not tomorrow.
Now.
| 235 |
Mad Prophet Ludwig Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:55:45pm |
re: #220 OldLineTexan
Ah, yes. The socially acceptable bogeyman.
Cool. As long as you are aware that not all "Fundies" (I love that slur, BTW) are Baptists, and neither are all Baptists "Fundies".
/It's a damnably complicated world
OK OK... I am not trying to slur Christians or make over generalizations. What term is appropriate for those politically motivated Christians who make it their mission to politicize their religious views - specifically their religious feelings on issues such as gay marriage, abortion and Darwin?
| 236 |
reine.de.tout Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:55:49pm |
re: #216 Sharmuta
I was flipping through David Frum's book today, and he made the case that the pro-life movement has accomplished many of it's lesser goals inthat abortion is at the lowest rate it's been since the 1970s, and that most states have reasonable restrictions. He went on to say there really isn't much more they can do besides pass a Constitutional ban, and that's never going to happen. It's an issue that only divides people at this point, and it's killing this party. Frum suggests the pro-life movement move on to working on fetal stem-cells. Not sure if he's right on that point, but I thought he did a great job of stating why the abortion issue is killing this party.
I might add the pro-life movement also needs to heavily promote abortion alternatives.
| 237 |
OldLineTexan Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:55:57pm |
re: #227 Dianna
An anthropology professor - a close friend of mine - once opined over wine and cigars that fundamentalism was the confluence of wide-spread literacy and superficial historical knowledge.
It's not a bad thing. But it does tend to be a touch naive.
Not a bad starting definition, IMO. The term is bandied about quite freely these days, and is suffering from dilution.
| 238 |
jcm Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:56:13pm |
re: #225 3 wood
Get your mortgages while you can:
Mortgage rates hit record lowWith money this cheap, there is a potential strategy of borrowing cash now at a low locked in rate and getting ready to invest it at future higher rates as inflation hits.
I've been thinking about it. I got a 4.85% 15 year at the last low point in the mortgage market, I want to run the numbers and see if I can trim a few points off.
| 239 |
Fat Bastard Vegetarian Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:56:21pm |
re: #222 OldLineTexan
Okay, actually. I know a bunch of competitors who are barely treading water though.
I actually feel for them too. Some nice guys.
| 240 |
Desert Dog Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:56:47pm |
re: #233 3 wood
Plus the Fed/Treasury has pumped another 2 trillion in. Multiply that by a factor of 10 for the fractional banking impact, then factor in a higher velocity, and draw your own conclusions.
I'm getting ready for hyper STAGflation.
ftfy
| 241 |
Sharmuta Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:57:01pm |
re: #229 Opinionated
I wonder how many of the foaming at the mouth "Baby Killer" Giuliani haters still today are happy that he is not President- even if Obama is?
Same with Romney. The pro-lifers moved to Huckabee, and hurt Romney's chances to challenge McCain. Of course it's possible Romney would have lost to 0bama anyways, but the point is that we're losing out on good candidates because of this so-called conservative purity test.
| 242 |
idioma Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:57:04pm |
re: #126 jdog29
...
If Republicans are Socially Conservative, and Fiscally Liberal; and the Democrats are Socially Liberal, and Fiscally Liberal, how do you expect our nation to get the budget under control? Poverty threatens freedom more than you think sir.
The government of this country has no constitutional obligation to support a religious perspective in setting social policies. You don't like abortion? Fine, don't get one, but let the non-believers decide. You don't like gay marriage? Fine, don't marry someone of the same sex. You would like to make this economic crisis a matter of enforcing your socially conservative agenda. Would a person truly be in contradiction with themselves in adopting a Socially Liberal and Fiscally Conservative position?
I believe that free people are happy.
I believe that happy people are productive.
I believe that productive people generate more wealth.
I believe that a nation of productive and wealthy people are better equipped to help those less fortunate.
What do you believe?
| 243 |
Dianna Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:57:13pm |
re: #236 reine.de.tout
I might add the pro-life movement also needs to heavily promote abortion alternatives.
Which, baldly stated, they do a very poor job of!
Most of the alternatives groups are small, and poorly funded. There just aren't that many people willing to help a young woman through her pregnancy.
| 244 |
funky chicken Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:57:24pm |
re: #219 Killgore Trout
Also missing in this plan is the acceptance of responsibility for the current crisis. This has been a bipartisan disaster in the making for about 20 years. Republicans share the blame. Also missing is the required regulations to prevent this from happening again. The repeal of the uptick rule (under Bush) allowed for bear runs with borrowed money on financial stocks. The repeal of Glass-Steagall (under Clinton with a Republican congress) allowed AIG to run like a hedge fund and allowed irresponsible banks to merge brokerage houses and commercial banks. This consolidation meant they could drag down larger sections of the financial structure when they failed.
I know Republicans hate regulations but they need to get over that.
Yep.
| 246 |
Fat Bastard Vegetarian Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:57:50pm |
re: #239 Fat Bastard Vegetarian
Bunch of evil doers too. Should point that out.
| 247 |
OldLineTexan Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:57:56pm |
re: #235 LudwigVanQuixote
OK OK... I am not trying to slur Christians or make over generalizations. What term is appropriate for those politically motivated Christians who make it their mission to politicize their religious views - specifically their religious feelings on issues such as gay marriage, abortion and Darwin?
Which group's deeply-held political views do not approach religion these days?
| 248 |
Stonemason Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:58:05pm |
re: #235 LudwigVanQuixote
OK OK... I am not trying to slur Christians or make over generalizations. What term is appropriate for those politically motivated Christians who make it their mission to politicize their religious views - specifically their religious feelings on issues such as gay marriage, abortion and Darwin?
I think the point is, at least my point would be, stop generalizing at all. there are Muslims that " politicize their religious views - specifically their religious feelings on issues such as gay marriage, abortion and Darwin?" and there are Atheists that " politicize their religious views - specifically their religious feelings on issues such as gay marriage, abortion and Darwin?"
This is not a Christian thing alone.
| 249 |
Sharmuta Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:58:21pm |
re: #236 reine.de.tout
I might add the pro-life movement also needs to heavily promote abortion alternatives.
Absolutely they should work to improve adoption laws and contraception, but many in the pro-life movement don't want people having sex at all, so contraception funding is just as bad in their opinions.
| 250 |
reine.de.tout Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:58:23pm |
re: #243 Dianna
Which, baldly stated, they do a very poor job of!
Most of the alternatives groups are small, and poorly funded. There just aren't that many people willing to help a young woman through her pregnancy.
Agreed!
The best one out there right now is Catholic Charities, and they do an excellent job.
but they cannot keep people working because they cannot pay a decent wage, and so they have a lot of turnover.
| 251 |
Mad Prophet Ludwig Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:58:33pm |
re: #242 idioma
...
If Republicans are Socially Conservative, and Fiscally Liberal; and the Democrats are Socially Liberal, and Fiscally Liberal, how do you expect our nation to get the budget under control? Poverty threatens freedom more than you think sir.The government of this country has no constitutional obligation to support a religious perspective in setting social policies. You don't like abortion? Fine, don't get one, but let the non-believers decide. You don't like gay marriage? Fine, don't marry someone of the same sex. You would like to make this economic crisis a matter of enforcing your socially conservative agenda. Would a person truly be in contradiction with themselves in adopting a Socially Liberal and Fiscally Conservative position?
I believe that free people are happy.
I believe that happy people are productive.
I believe that productive people generate more wealth.
I believe that a nation of productive and wealthy people are better equipped to help those less fortunate.What do you believe?
Rock on! 10,000,000 updings from me if I could.
| 252 |
Desert Dog Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:58:39pm |
re: #245 taxfreekiller
Frum rimes with Bum.
He penned the Axis of Evil, but has joined the Axis of Weasels
| 253 |
Opinionated Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:59:03pm |
re: #241 Sharmuta
.... we're losing out on good candidates because of this so-called conservative purity test.
And the worst part......even the election of Obama does not seem to have changed anything with the purity test certain to be instituted again for 2012.
| 254 |
reine.de.tout Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:59:15pm |
re: #249 Sharmuta
Absolutely they should work to improve adoption laws and contraception, but many in the pro-life movement don't want people having sex at all, so contraception funding is just as bad in their opinions.
people not having sex - bwahahahaha!
Not. Ever. Going. To. Happen.
| 255 |
Dianna Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:59:26pm |
re: #248 Stonemason
I just told my Male that, if you really look at it, most human beings believe six impossible things before breakfast.
| 256 |
Catttt Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:59:31pm |
re: #250 reine.de.tout
Agreed!
The best one out there right now is Catholic Charities, and they do an excellent job.
but they cannot keep people working because they cannot pay a decent wage, and so they have a lot of turnover.
I was a Catholic Charities baby. :D
| 257 |
OldLineTexan Thu, Mar 26, 2009 7:59:37pm |
re: #238 jcm
I've been thinking about it. I got a 4.85% 15 year at the last low point in the mortgage market, I want to run the numbers and see if I can trim a few points off.
I got almost the same, 4.875 on a fifteen five years back. I do not think there's any way to improve on it right now.
| 258 |
David Simon Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:00:06pm |
re: #197 Killgore Trout
....and there also a 20% VAT (sales tax) on top of that. Europe makes up the revenue from lower tax rates by taxing the hell out ot the citizens. We do the opposite here. You could move to Ireland or the UK if you want to but it's very expensive.
Most of our tax burden falls on individuals as well - despite relatively high corporate income tax rates. And if you're "rich" and live in New York, California or any other state with high income tax rates, you'll pay more than if you lived in Ireland.
| 259 |
3 wood Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:00:09pm |
re: #238 jcm
I've been thinking about it. I got a 4.85% 15 year at the last low point in the mortgage market, I want to run the numbers and see if I can trim a few points off.
Get it while you can. Bernanke is not talking about this (thank God), but they realize that they are in the "liquidity trap" range with interest rates, and will bump up the discount rate at their earliest opportunity.
| 260 |
Dianna Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:00:12pm |
re: #247 OldLineTexan
Which group's deeply-held political views do not approach religion these days?
All the world is crazy, except for me and thee.
(And I'm not so sure about thee!)
| 261 |
yesandno Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:00:32pm |
re: #175 twincitiesgirl
OT- The Pope is being criticized for distorting "condom" science.
Don't think he was distorting it. He believes that abstinence is the most effective method of not spreading the disease. If both parties wait for marriage and then never leave the fold, then aids is unlikely to be an issue unless contacted some other way....
He isn't arguing science. He just believes science is not needed. We might consider it naive, but that is his belief.
| 262 |
Fat Bastard Vegetarian Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:00:47pm |
re: #255 Dianna
Like? *Chin in palms, waiting expectantly*
| 263 |
Killgore Trout Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:01:04pm |
re: #231 Fat Bastard Vegetarian
OT, KT? Changed my intertubes the other day with Cox. Went down to the "economy class" high speed internets.
No. Discernible. Difference. At. All.
Thought you'd like to know. Went from 43.95 per month to 17.99. I'll take it. Don't do a lot of movie downloads or anything.
I can't tell the difference.
Thanks for the idea. I think I'll be the same thing here soon.
| 264 |
reine.de.tout Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:01:06pm |
| 265 |
rawmuse Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:01:20pm |
"Vote for me, I'll take away the free stuff"
Freedom and liberty are a tough sell.
| 266 |
Mirage Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:01:34pm |
re: #194 Sharmuta
I think increases in funding should be based on real need, not blind, blanket handouts. Say a program has been baselined for a 5% increase every year in funding, but only needs a 2% increase. Not only do they have more money than they need- they are obligated to spend all that money to ensure they receive they same 5% increase the next year.
And I'm not so sure it would be as disruptive as you think. Some local governments have moved to the form of spending I have in mind, and it's been nothing but beneficial for all involved when the government has to spend it's money like real people.
Unfortunately, changing the way local governments do things is much easier to do than getting the Federal government to change their SOP (which is like pulling teeth if history is any indication). Getting the spending under control with the system in place would do much for eventually getting the system itself changed since you're not fighting multiple battles.
| 267 |
Dianna Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:02:01pm |
re: #254 reine.de.tout
people not having sex - bwahahahaha!
Not. Ever. Going. To. Happen.
Thank the infinite goodness of the various deities believed in by LGF!
(Sorry, I really, really, like sex.)
| 268 |
Fat Bastard Vegetarian Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:02:02pm |
re: #263 Killgore Trout
Thanks for the idea. I think I'll be the same thing here soon.
They don't tell you it's available. Have to threaten to go DSL or sumpthin'. That's what I did.
| 269 |
Desert Dog Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:02:13pm |
re: #265 rawmuse
"Vote for me, I'll take away the free stuff"
Freedom and liberty are a tough sell.
Ironic that all that free stuff Pres. Obama is giving away comes with little tiny shackles.
| 271 |
Mad Prophet Ludwig Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:02:25pm |
re: #248 Stonemason
I think the point is, at least my point would be, stop generalizing at all. there are Muslims that " politicize their religious views - specifically their religious feelings on issues such as gay marriage, abortion and Darwin?" and there are Atheists that " politicize their religious views - specifically their religious feelings on issues such as gay marriage, abortion and Darwin?"
This is not a Christian thing alone.
There are some unattached to reality Haredim (Jewish) also. However, fundamentalism amongst religions other than Christianity is not a particular issue amongst the base of the Republican party. While I respect the posed critiques of my language, let's not become so touchy that we can no longer define who we are talking about.
So seriously - what do we call the good folks at the Texas Board of Education for instance? They are not Muslims, Jews, or Bhuddists.
| 272 |
Killgore Trout Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:02:30pm |
re: #244 funky chicken
It's very unpopular in conservative circles but I'm afraid it's just the reality of the situation.
| 273 |
Catttt Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:03:01pm |
re: #34 Gus 802
On the document end it looks a little faded here and there. Need some font work.
The wacky fonts gave me a headache. What's wrong with CG Times or Ariel?
| 274 |
OldLineTexan Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:03:10pm |
re: #260 Dianna
All the world is crazy, except for me and thee.
(And I'm not so sure about thee!)
Me neither, actually.
I believe myself to be quite deliciously insane.
| 275 |
Dianna Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:03:32pm |
| 276 |
Sharmuta Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:03:40pm |
re: #266 Mirage
I understand. However- my problem is no one's even discussing HOW government spends. In order to get the public support needed to reform the system, republicans need to start with education the public on just how government spends. I think if average Americans learned this- they would be outraged, and rightfully so.
| 277 |
lifeofthemind Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:03:56pm |
Okay, Lets Review:
1. Our Liberty is from God, not the Government
2. Our Sovereignty is in our Souls, not the Soil
3. Our Security is through Strength, not Surrender
4. Our Prosperity is through the Private sector, not
the Public sector
5. Our truths are Self-evident, not Relative.
(Congressman Thaddeus McCotter)
| 278 |
Dianna Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:03:58pm |
re: #274 OldLineTexan
Me neither, actually.
I believe myself to be quite deliciously insane.
I am merely charmingly eccentric.
| 279 |
Fat Bastard Vegetarian Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:04:10pm |
| 280 |
3 wood Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:04:13pm |
re: #270 Iron Fist
At least I'm heavily invested in precious metals. Copper, brass, and steel, mostly. Especially steel.
If inflation gets high enough, lead will be a precious metal.
| 281 |
Killian Bundy Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:04:32pm |
It seems like a reasonable exposition of general principles that, to reasonable people, would appear to be much more reasonable than the nightmare of exploding debt and government that is the Obama budget. As the party out of power, it's not the Rebublican's job to offer specific spending proposals. Why should they allow themselves to get pinned down to specific spending proposals, that would certainly involve tough choices, when their spending proposals have no chance of being adopted anyway?
/in politics, what you say can and will be used against you
| 282 |
Dianna Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:04:38pm |
re: #265 rawmuse
"Vote for me, I'll take away the free stuff"
Freedom and liberty are a tough sell.
I don't get any free stuff.
| 283 |
Gus Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:04:39pm |
re: #273 Catttt
The wacky fonts gave me a headache. What's wrong with CG Times or Ariel?
I usually go with Arial for a general font. Serif fonts are also harder to read. The type there is also a little small. Might be hard for people with vision problems to read. But yeah, it is wavy and seems like they generated a low quality PDF to boot.
| 284 |
Killgore Trout Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:04:46pm |
...And another thought on ending the bailouts. I think history will show that the biggest mistake of this whole fiasco (at least so far) was the failure of the fed to rescue Lehman Bros. I really think repeating this mistake another couple dozen times would be a disaster.
| 285 |
Slumbering Behemoth Stinks Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:04:52pm |
re: #173 Charles
I have to disagree with you there, Charles. I don't quite think they are closeted.
| 286 |
OldLineTexan Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:04:55pm |
re: #271 LudwigVanQuixote
There are some unattached to reality Haredim (Jewish) also. However, fundamentalism amongst religions other than Christianity is not a particular issue amongst the base of the Republican party. While I respect the posed critiques of my language, let's not become so touchy that we can no longer define who we are talking about.
So seriously - what do we call the good folks at the Texas Board of Education for instance? They are not Muslims, Jews, or Bhuddists.
The three Creationist liars? Or the rest of them?
| 287 |
Fat Bastard Vegetarian Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:04:57pm |
| 289 |
Sharmuta Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:05:42pm |
re: #276 Sharmuta
I understand. However- my problem is no one's even discussing HOW government spends. In order to get the public support needed to reform the system, republicans need to start with education the public on just how government spends. I think if average Americans learned this- they would be outraged, and rightfully so.
I guess my point is that before anything can really be dome on this front, they GOP needs to engage in an educational campaign to get the grassroots support needed for reform. That would be the first real step towards changing spending practices.
| 290 |
Catttt Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:05:44pm |
re: #261 yesandno
Don't think he was distorting it. He believes that abstinence is the most effective method of not spreading the disease. If both parties wait for marriage and then never leave the fold, then aids is unlikely to be an issue unless contacted some other way....
He isn't arguing science. He just believes science is not needed. We might consider it naive, but that is his belief.
Well, if the Pope can't go with touting the Catholic way of things, who will?
| 292 |
KingKenrod Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:06:21pm |
re: #277 lifeofthemind
Okay, Lets Review:
1. Our Liberty is from God, not the Government
2. Our Sovereignty is in our Souls, not the Soil
3. Our Security is through Strength, not Surrender
4. Our Prosperity is through the Private sector, not
the Public sector
5. Our truths are Self-evident, not Relative.(Congressman Thaddeus McCotter)
Is that the guy who shows up on Redeye? He has a hilarious deadpan. I've been wondering if his material is written for him.
| 293 |
Stonemason Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:06:23pm |
re: #271 LudwigVanQuixote
Idiots works for me, why single out their religious beliefs?
The term "godless communist" died in the fifties, notice that? How come we do not see "fundamentalist atheist" bandied about when discussing things that some atheists are dead set on?
We have a separation, let us use it. Keep religion out of public schools and out of our politics...that means both sides.
| 294 |
rawmuse Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:06:39pm |
How specific was Obama when he was campaigning? Not very, not until the end, when he posed as a conservative, and made promises that even he admits now, two months in to his 1st term, he can not keep.
| 295 |
David Simon Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:07:04pm |
re: #219 Killgore Trout
The repeal of Glass-Steagall (under Clinton with a Republican congress) allowed AIG to run like a hedge fund and allowed irresponsible banks to merge brokerage houses and commercial banks.
But that isn't what brought AIG down. It was a handful of Nick Leesons in their credit default swap division. (And what are credit default swaps? Unregulated insurance!)
| 296 |
wong fei hung Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:07:16pm |
Totally OT:
I haven't read the PDF. I just wanted to take a quick second to thank Charles.
I can be a total, potty-mouthed bastard at times (see?). I usually refrain from F-Bombs and the like, but I tend to draw mental pictures with my posts that would lead to Amish style-shunning on some other blogs.
So - thanks, Charles. Not just for providing a place for us to spout off, but for allowing us to be ourselves when we do it, imperfections and all.
This comment was brought to you by the letter Boobs.
-WFH
| 297 |
Catttt Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:07:38pm |
re: #294 rawmuse
How specific was Obama when he was campaigning? Not very, not until the end, when he posed as a conservative, and made promises that even he admits now, two months in to his 1st term, he can not keep.
And - did the oceans start to drop yet? I don't THINK so.
| 298 |
rawmuse Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:07:38pm |
re: #282 Dianna
I don't get any free stuff.
That's because you are a worker and work provider, and therefore must be punished. For the Greater Good, of course.
| 300 |
Fat Bastard Vegetarian Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:07:45pm |
re: #294 rawmuse
I'd respect him more if he'd come out and say, "Man! I knew it was all bull-shit."
| 301 |
Killian Bundy Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:07:57pm |
re: #219 Killgore Trout
The repeal of Glass-Steagall (under Clinton with a Republican congress) allowed AIG to run like a hedge fund
You're not going to start this bull[expletive deleted] again are you?
/AIG is an insurance company, not a bank
| 302 |
Dianna Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:08:05pm |
re: #279 Fat Bastard Vegetarian
Six impossible things....?
Let's see:
That my dogs are happier to see me than breakfast.
That the cat kisses me because he loves me, rather than he's marking me as his property.
That my coffee will actually help.
That if I took vitamins the night before, I will have more energy.
That the sun "rises."
That I can have a "quickie" and still make my train.
| 303 |
Gus Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:08:09pm |
re: #297 Catttt
And - did the oceans start to drop yet? I don't THINK so.
I'm still waiting for my free TV!
//
| 304 |
Fat Bastard Vegetarian Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:08:56pm |
| 305 |
Catttt Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:09:13pm |
re: #303 Gus 802
I'm still waiting for my free TV!
//
I got this tip from a customer - stop paying your mortage - President O will pick up the tab! Use the money for a trip to Hawaii!
| 306 |
Mad Prophet Ludwig Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:09:17pm |
re: #286 OldLineTexan
The three Creationist liars? Or the rest of them?
You know I love your posts, but you are willfully not being helpful. I do not wish to offend, however, I do wish to be accurate. What do we call the so called "social conservatives" when at the end of the day, that is only code for a certain American form of Christian social views mixed with political activism?
| 307 |
Fat Bastard Vegetarian Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:09:55pm |
re: #302 Dianna
Nuthin' like a four hour quickie.
| 308 |
doppelganglander Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:10:02pm |
re: #183 idioma
I don't entirely disagree with you, but I downdinged you for the GOP=Taliban comparison. When the GOP starts stoning rape victims in football stadiums, I'll concede your point.
| 309 |
Gus Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:10:24pm |
re: #305 Catttt
I got this tip from a customer - stop paying your mortage - President O will pick up the tab! Use the money for a trip to Hawaii!
Really? This person actually said that and meant it or is doing that?
| 310 |
Dianna Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:11:20pm |
re: #304 Fat Bastard Vegetarian
Godspeed TFK.
How I love that man! (In a totally hetero way!)
From my POV, that may be the problem.
| 311 |
Dianna Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:11:38pm |
| 312 |
Mad Prophet Ludwig Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:12:29pm |
re: #293 Stonemason
Idiots works for me, why single out their religious beliefs?
The term "godless communist" died in the fifties, notice that? How come we do not see "fundamentalist atheist" bandied about when discussing things that some atheists are dead set on?We have a separation, let us use it. Keep religion out of public schools and out of our politics...that means both sides.
I assure you I would be equally upset at a Sharia school board or, for that matter, a public Jewish school board that forced everyone to eat kosher. That point, however is moot, because, we are not talking about the right wing of Judaism or Islam here. They are not the people that the GOP is courting with disasterous policies.
| 314 |
lifeofthemind Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:13:08pm |
re: #292 KingKenrod
Is that the guy who shows up on Redeye? He has a hilarious deadpan. I've been wondering if his material is written for him.
That is him, why wouldn't he do his own work? He isn't a big enough fish to have a staff to do his thinking for him.
| 315 |
LynnfromNZ Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:13:08pm |
There aren't any "actual" numbers in O'Bambi's budget, either.
| 316 |
Stonemason Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:13:20pm |
re: #306 LudwigVanQuixote
You know I love your posts, but you are willfully not being helpful. I do not wish to offend, however, I do wish to be accurate. What do we call the so called "social conservatives" when at the end of the day, that is only code for a certain American form of Christian social views mixed with political activism?
Why deal in codes at all? See, I am confused, why do we need to label people at all? Does it make us feel better that THEY are THEY?
The Texas board members are idiots, they are not like me, I am a Christian, don't lump them in with me, that is all I ask.
If you feel the need to label them, I gave you the term Idiots, Young Earth Creationists works and so does stupid, brain-dead clods. Is there some reason you must add the word Christian to the label?
| 317 |
doppelganglander Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:13:26pm |
| 318 |
Sharmuta Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:13:39pm |
The more things change, the more they stay the same. 50+ years ago, Barry Goldwater lamented at the big spending of the republicans. And here we are again. If we can't stay true to conservative fiscal principles, then what it the difference between our party and the democrats?
| 319 |
Mich-again Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:14:02pm |
The easiest way to reduce our energy dependency is to use less. And the easiest way to use less is to quit wasting it. Here are a few ideas.
The schools and mail should be cut to four days per week. School buses use almost 900 million gallons of fuel per year. Rough estimate: A Supertanker every day. So every day we reduce school busing, we send an oil tanker home.
And get all the local road crews to go out and time the stop lights in cities across the country. With Mapquest and some pretty easy to configure software it wouldn't be too hard to generate a master schedule for the lights on the major roads in a city. Everybody gets better gas mileage and there would be fewer accidents.
And highway construction projects have to do a better job of flowing traffic through lane reductions. When highways choke down to one lane it always ends up being a clusterf*ck at the last minute merge point. Maybe they could install RYG stoplights for each lane at the merge point? There has to be some better way to get the highway down to one lane.
Don't think about conservation as using less. That sounds repressive. Think of it as wasting less. That sounds smart.
| 320 |
NY Nana Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:14:34pm |
re: #180 mikeymom
I hate to scare you..I have been in anaphylactic shock twice. Once when I was about 15, and had been to my pediatrician for my weekly allergy shot. His RN gave it to me, as he was in mourning for his daughter, and had taken a month off to be with his wife, as this was their only daughter, and they were out of state. I felt funny on the way home, and by the time I got there, I was really almost too woozy to put my key in the door. I had shown a reaction in my MD's office the year before, but he would make me sit in the waiting room for 30 minutes after a shot, and when I felt 'funny', he did something I cannot remember...it was in the early 1950's. He also had halved my dose, unknown to me. The RN didn't look at my chart, so she gave me the full dose. The last thing I remember was calling my parents, who rushed home from my Dad's store...I was unconscious. Another pediatrician had been called by the RN when my parents called ASAP, and she called him, and he was rushing to our house..they got there at the same time...my parents did not know that I was unconscious....as there were no mobiles in those days. He gave me an injection of Epinephrine, and stayed at my side. I came out of it, thank G-d. The pediatrician who saved my life was the one who took care of my first-born, and his office RN? The one who gave me the shot that nearly killed me. I adored her, and she was ecstatic to see my son.
Before that? I was a nursing student at the now-defunct Brooklyn Jewish Hospital, where the pollen count had it's start. The department head asked if anyone had ever been in anaphylactic shock, and I was the only one. They made an appointment, and on my day off, they gave me an allergy shot...bingo! They gave me Epinephrine ASAP, and I was OK. BTW, I just remembered that a bee bite at summer camp did it, and I was rushed to the infirmary..another shot.
About 20 years or more ago? I was bitten by an insect, and realized what was happening. My husband grabbed the kids and rushed me to the ER. I used to have an Epi-Pen at home, and in my purse, in case.
Now, in my early 70's, I take an allergy pill starting in March through the end of the ragweed season. No problems anymore.
How is your kid now? Did the allergy med work? If not, is there any way that you can have an emergency room MD get to your house? I have been through this too many times to ever want to see anyone, especially a child, go through this.
As a retired RN? I think of this as a possible emergency. As a mother of 4, and grandmother of 3? I can imagine how you are feeling right now.
| 321 |
Desert Dog Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:14:35pm |
re: #315 LynnfromNZ
There aren't any "actual" numbers in O'Bambi's budget, either.
There are lots and lots and lots and lots of zeros, I can tell you that
| 322 |
David Simon Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:15:24pm |
re: #318 Sharmuta
The more things change, the more they stay the same. 50+ years ago, Barry Goldwater lamented at the big spending of the republicans. And here we are again. If we can't stay true to conservative fiscal principles, then what it the difference between our party and the democrats?
Democrats tax; Republicans mortgage.
| 323 |
Fat Bastard Vegetarian Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:15:40pm |
re: #317 doppelganglander
I was one of 6, born within 7 years.
People would ask me (when I was older, of course) "Y'all Catholic?", I'd say, "Nope! Mom and dad just loved to screw."
Wish I had a camera for each time I said that. The looks were just priceless.
| 324 |
idioma Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:16:37pm |
re: #199 Iron Fist
Your reasoning is flawed. The formation of a national healthcare infrastructure is not inherently a threat. No, our constitution does not state that American Citizens are entitled to free healthcare, but it also doesn't bother to mention anything about building roads, schools, hospitals, or funding space exploration.
Don't get upset with me simply because the Republican party is no longer recognizable to Lincoln.
Are you really complaining about Millionaires being brought under the thumb of the federal government after they ran off with my parent's 401ks'? Exactly who would you believe defends your rights anyways?
I've been overseas in combat operations during my early adult life, what have you been doing? I know what happens to a people when a few motivated religious men get their hands on some explosives and form a political party.
Do you?
Islam, Christianity, or Judaism; it's all the same when you men are told to "Take back you country in the name of God!"
God has never been accountable for such actions, and never will.
If extreme conservatives in congress didn't have that pesky constitution in their way, they would gladly round up the gays. But they would do it for Jesus instead of Allah.
If you are gay, it wouldn't matter what the extremists called it, you would just be scared.
So yeah, the GOP have their own brand of Sharia. I'll stand by that statement, but it's your job to prove to me that the Republicans ONLY SAYING that they are against gays, but don't really mean it.
| 325 |
Desert Dog Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:18:30pm |
re: #319 Mich-again
Supply and demand at work then? You can also increase the supply as well. Slowing down the demand is not enough. I still think we should be looking into all energy sources right now. ALL of them, as much as we can. Having the worlds fate in the hands of dictators and Oil Sheiks is not my idea of a bright future.
Nuclear, solar, wind, petroleum development and exploration, alternative fuels.....we need to do all of this now....not wait until the price of unleaded goes up to $4 a gallon again (because we all know it's just a matter of time when it does)
| 326 |
OldLineTexan Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:19:02pm |
re: #306 LudwigVanQuixote
You know I love your posts, but you are willfully not being helpful. I do not wish to offend, however, I do wish to be accurate. What do we call the so called "social conservatives" when at the end of the day, that is only code for a certain American form of Christian social views mixed with political activism?
You are correct. I am not being helpful. I despise labels, especially those that have been spit in my general direction (not by you, of course).
I think describing these people by name is sufficient, and there is also the lovely "creationist" tag, although I admit to preferring "Creationist" to describe the politically active and morally challenged creationists who pened/attempt to implement the DI wedge strategy.
But I will not make further issue of it. If you want to call them "Baptists", by all means do so.
| 327 |
Killgore Trout Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:20:26pm |
re: #301 Killian Bundy
You're not going to start this bull[expletive deleted] again are you?
/AIG is an insurance company, not a bank
I already explained it to you before and I'm not going to waste my time again. If you don't understand it that's fine, nothing I can say will help you.
| 328 |
Mad Prophet Ludwig Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:20:53pm |
re: #173 Charles
That's what conservatism used to mean -- mind your own business, and I'll keep my nose out of your business.
Instead, we now have closet fascists who think it's absolutely vital to impose their fundamentalist version of morality on everyone else.
I only have one quibble. The people who want to impose their morality on us are hardly in the closet.
| 329 |
Dar ul Harbarian Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:21:55pm |
mikeymom
If you husband has this it could be life threatening.
Note the oral lesions:
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
Seek medical attention now.
I am leaving now, but if mikeymom shows up again someone please communicate this to her.
| 330 |
doppelganglander Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:22:37pm |
re: #324 idioma
I'll say it again. Comparing the GOP to the Taliban, or their agenda to sharia law, is over the top and offensive. You sound like a Farker.
| 331 |
Ojoe Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:23:00pm |
From the PDF:
a closer look at the Democrat budget
reveals something far different—it spends too much, taxes too
much, and borrows too much.
This is the basic truth and I can't argue with it.
And if true that the spending proposed equals 28% of GDP, that means in a way that the government is controlling us by 28%, to the extent that we are economic animals. Hardly a happy event within the meaning of freedom.
| 332 |
Catttt Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:23:52pm |
re: #309 Gus 802
Really? This person actually said that and meant it or is doing that?
No, but he knows someone who is, and he is really annoyed about it. He's a real straight arrow.
| 333 |
Dianna Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:23:55pm |
re: #328 LudwigVanQuixote
I only have one quibble. The people who want to impose their morality on us are hardly in the closet.
Perhaps not. But the ones I worry about are sneaky. They begin from an unexceptionable premise, then reason in quite dangerous directions.
Pretty much anyone who's got a bad idea can be spotted by one thing: they do not think in terms of the individual, but of groups, or (worse yet!) society in general. Usually with the added fillip of wanting to "improve the human condition."
| 334 |
NY Nana Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:24:15pm |
re: #312 LudwigVanQuixote
No public school would be, nor should they be allowing meals of any religious nature. We observe kashrut, and our 4 kids went to public schools, and to Hebrew School after school. They took packed lunches from home. And no all-Jewish school board, if there was one in any place in the US, would ever even think of demanding kosher food for all the students.
My kids missed out on more cupcakes over the years at birthday parties in their classes....they survived, thank G-d! ;)
What really infuriates me is that the NYC public schools make room in the schools during Ramadamn for the cult of islam kids to pray on their prayer rugs during the day, and when classes are given. If they want to do this, and also demand halal meals? They should be in a cult of islam school.
| 336 |
Gus Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:25:16pm |
re: #331 Ojoe
From the PDF:
This is the basic truth and I can't argue with it.
And if true that the spending proposed equals 28% of GDP, that means in a way that the government is controlling us by 28%, to the extent that we are economic animals. Hardly a happy event within the meaning of freedom.
40% of the earmarks in the current budget are from Republicans.
| 337 |
Killian Bundy Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:25:36pm |
re: #327 Killgore Trout
I already explained it to you before and I'm not going to waste my time again. If you don't understand it that's fine, nothing I can say will help you.
You didn't explain [expletive deleted] except your profound ignprance about the Glass-Steagall act. But hey, shout it loudly, you only have yourself to embarrass.
/here's a hint, it never applied to insurance companies and AIG is am insurance company
| 338 |
Fat Bastard Vegetarian Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:25:51pm |
| 339 |
stevieray Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:26:05pm |
re: #284 Killgore Trout
...And another thought on ending the bailouts. I think history will show that the biggest mistake of this whole fiasco (at least so far) was the failure of the fed to rescue Lehman Bros. I really think repeating this mistake another couple dozen times would be a disaster.
Hmmm... maybe.
It depends on whether this crisis is caused by too much bad debt (a quality issue)... and then the answer is for the government to buy up the bad debt, and thereby unclog the system.
If the problem is simply too much debt, good or bad (a quantity issue), then all of these bailouts are only going to prolong and deepen the problem, as the money for the bailouts is borrowed as well. The current pattern of defaults could break in either direction, as the weakest loans would be the first to fail in either scenario.
If the economy comes back moderately strong and doesn't trip into a second decline... it was the former.
If it is the latter, then all of the borrow-and-bail machinations of DC are only going to make things worse... think: Brazil in the eighties style inflation, and a lost decade with little or no growth like Japan in the nineties.
| 340 |
Killgore Trout Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:26:15pm |
| 341 |
BatGuano Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:26:23pm |
re: #183 idioma
Hi Idioma, I just down dinged you for the Rebublican- Sharia law thing. Sharia is something that has nothing to do with the Republican party.
| 342 |
OldLineTexan Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:27:26pm |
re: #338 Fat Bastard Vegetarian
No cupcakes!? Glad I'm a Gentile.
I really like cake.
It's true, he does.
| 343 |
Desert Dog Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:27:46pm |
re: #324 idioma
Under our current system, you basically have two choices. Judging by your posts, you seem to prefer what the Republicans offer as opposed to the Democrats. So, will you try and change the Republicans from the inside, or sit on the outside of the next election because the Republicans are "too religious" for your tastes? Right now, a third party and independents have zero political clout and power. That may change in time if too many like minded Dems and Republicans get sick of their respective parties and join to form another third party. But, that is a long, long way off.
The only way to effect change in the current political line-up is to be IN the current political line-up. So, you can work from the ground up in the Republican party, and get them to see things your way (good luck doing that with the Dems), or you can sit on the sidelines and craft rational and well thought out tomes to nobody.
| 344 |
Sharmuta Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:28:25pm |
I am growing more and more concerned about my country. We are not going to be able to save it from the ravages of socialism at this rate because we'd rather quibble about morality issues that affect a small percentage of our population. Meanwhile- the socialism is affecting 100% of the population. They take our money, make us dependent upon them, and teach our kids how not to think.
But we have people in this party that still want to focus on issues like abortion and evolution. The real enemy is socialism! We're not going to be able to combat it if we keep focusing on the wrong target. And we keep doing that, so I'm beyond worried our posterity will suffer because of our shortsightedness.
| 345 |
Fat Bastard Vegetarian Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:29:36pm |
| 347 |
Mad Prophet Ludwig Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:30:25pm |
re: #326 OldLineTexan
You are correct. I am not being helpful. I despise labels, especially those that have been spit in my general direction (not by you, of course).
I think describing these people by name is sufficient, and there is also the lovely "creationist" tag, although I admit to preferring "Creationist" to describe the politically active and morally challenged creationists who pened/attempt to implement the DI wedge strategy.
But I will not make further issue of it. If you want to call them "Baptists", by all means do so.
Ouch...
On this, I can relate. I never try to lump all people of a religious persuation in one bin. From my own experience, there are some Jews who are less than my ideal and it pains me to my soul to have people think that they represent me. I'm thinking about how I feel about Noam Chomsky or that Naturei Karta putz that kissed the dinner jacket.
I am honestly deeply sorry for saying it in a way that offended you.
However much it pains me though, those people are still Jews.
I really did retract the Baptist line. I realize that was wrongly stated.
However, we are indeed looking at a cetain subset of Christians. I don't know what to call them, but they are something different from the other wings of the GOP and they do need some identifier.
| 348 |
NY Nana Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:30:33pm |
re: #329 Dar ul Harbarian
I could not remember Stephens-Johnson Syndrome, which is what I had all those times, and yes, it requires immediate attention.
| 349 |
Macker Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:30:37pm |
re: #178 taxfreekiller
Hence, my designation for the Demo☭rats.
| 350 |
CharlieBravo Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:31:12pm |
There is only one thing that can save the United States - Term Limits.
| 351 |
Sharmuta Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:31:15pm |
Socialists in republican clothing must be thrown out of office and replaced with pro-Americans. Socialist republicans have hurt this party more than any attacks from the left and msm could ever have accomplished.
| 352 |
Stonemason Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:31:40pm |
re: #344 Sharmuta
The question remains, can we live without that voting bloc, can we gather enough moderate democrats and independents to defeat the socialism without the far right base?
Let us not forget, Mr. Obama did not win without his far left base, that seemed just fine, and they are every bit as nuts as the far right base.
How can we galvanize the middle?
I am in agreement with a deep education program, but it will take time and a whole lot of money.
| 353 |
Mich-again Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:31:59pm |
re: #319 Mich-again
Rough estimate: A Supertanker every day.
Fact check myself. 4 million gallons per day of some combination of diesel and gasoline does not come close to a supertanker which can hold 2 million barrels of oil. Barrels, gallons.. details..
| 354 |
Fat Bastard Vegetarian Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:32:07pm |
re: #345 Fat Bastard Vegetarian
Gonna have to double ding there. No wonder your karma's so cool!
G'night y'all!
DAMN!
| 355 |
Killian Bundy Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:32:31pm |
re: #340 Killgore Trout
Lol
An act passed by Congress in 1933 that prohibited commercial banks from collaborating with full-service brokerage firms or participating in investment banking activities.
/you'll notice that the words insurance company don't appear anywhere within that sentence
| 356 |
Mad Prophet Ludwig Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:32:52pm |
re: #334 NY Nana
No public school would be, nor should they be allowing meals of any religious nature. We observe kashrut, and our 4 kids went to public schools, and to Hebrew School after school. They took packed lunches from home. And no all-Jewish school board, if there was one in any place in the US, would ever even think of demanding kosher food for all the students.
My kids missed out on more cupcakes over the years at birthday parties in their classes....they survived, thank G-d! ;)
What really infuriates me is that the NYC public schools make room in the schools during Ramadamn for the cult of islam kids to pray on their prayer rugs during the day, and when classes are given. If they want to do this, and also demand halal meals? They should be in a cult of islam school.
Fear not, we are completely on the same side. I thought it was common knowledge here that I'm observant.
| 357 |
Desert Dog Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:33:10pm |
re: #339 stevieray
Hmmm... maybe.
It depends on whether this crisis is caused by too much bad debt (a quality issue)... and then the answer is for the government to buy up the bad debt, and thereby unclog the system.
If the problem is simply too much debt, good or bad (a quantity issue), then all of these bailouts are only going to prolong and deepen the problem, as the money for the bailouts is borrowed as well. The current pattern of defaults could break in either direction, as the weakest loans would be the first to fail in either scenario.
If the economy comes back moderately strong and doesn't trip into a second decline... it was the former.
If it is the latter, then all of the borrow-and-bail machinations of DC are only going to make things worse... think: Brazil in the eighties style inflation, and a lost decade with little or no growth like Japan in the nineties.
I think there is plenty of blame to go around. If the Republicans fessed up and acknowledged their part, it would let them get on with things. The Democrats in Congress and our current President have dirty hands from FannieMae to AIG. They will not "fess up".
Let's face facts, when the Republicans had the Whitehouse, both houses of Congress and a majority in the SCOTUS, they BLEW IT. I am a lifelong Republican and I was shocked at the level of idiocy coming from Washington. We need to reform and come back with a clear, precise, positive and workable vision....or, we will continue to lose to the phoney-balony Democrats.
| 358 |
NY Nana Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:33:13pm |
re: #338 Fat Bastard Vegetarian
ROTFL! Uh, since my kids are now in their 40's, and only 1 in is his 30's? I think the cupcakes just may have passed their sell-by dates!
I don't think that if I had saved them in someone's freezer for you that they would really taste all that good now.
| 360 |
Sharmuta Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:34:11pm |
re: #350 CharlieBravo
There is only one thing that can save the United States - Term Limits.
I have to disagree. The solution to our problems is more complex than a magical restrictive solution like term limits. Additionally, you would be forcing out some good politicians and that could lead to their replacements being far worse than having allowed them to stay.
| 361 |
stevieray Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:35:02pm |
re: #357 Desert Dog
I think there is plenty of blame to go around. If the Republicans fessed up and acknowledged their part, it would let them get on with things. The Democrats in Congress and our current President have dirty hands from FannieMae to AIG. They will not "fess up".
Let's face facts, when the Republicans had the Whitehouse, both houses of Congress and a majority in the SCOTUS, they BLEW IT. I am a lifelong Republican and I was shocked at the level of idiocy coming from Washington. We need to reform and come back with a clear, precise, positive and workable vision....or, we will continue to lose to the phoney-balony Democrats.
True enough.
Has nothing to do with my comment, but it certainly is true.
| 362 |
WindHorse Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:35:37pm |
| 363 |
Killgore Trout Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:35:40pm |
For those who might have honest questions about how the repeal of the Glass Steagall act is connected to AIG; Google search aig glass steagall. Some interesting reading to be had, agree with it or not it's important to understand the issues.
| 364 |
David Simon Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:35:51pm |
re: #324 idioma
Your reasoning is flawed. The formation of a national healthcare infrastructure is not inherently a threat.
We already have a "national healthcare infrastructure." If you want health care, you're free to purchase it. What's your real agenda? Oh..
Are you really complaining about Millionaires being brought under the thumb of the federal government after they ran off with my parent's 401ks'?
IRC Section 401(k) plans are defined contribution plans. They belong to the people who defer their salaries, and they are administered by independent trustees. In other words, there's no way - legal or otherwise - for "millionaires" to steal them.
Go peddle your bullshit elsewhere.
| 365 |
Stonemason Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:36:13pm |
re: #347 LudwigVanQuixote
However, we are indeed looking at a cetain subset of Christians. I don't know what to call them, but they are something different from the other wings of the GOP and they do need some identifier.
I have no idea why you are ignoring me...they are IDIOTS, or CREATIONISTS, or stupid brain dead clods. Leave the religion out of it...you still haven't explained to me why the religion needs to be involved in the label.
You mentioned Chomsky, until right now, I had no idea he was Jewish...see, never labeled that way, didn't stop me from thinking he was an idiot.
Stop thinking in terms of religion...please.
| 366 |
Mad Prophet Ludwig Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:36:26pm |
re: #357 Desert Dog
I think there is plenty of blame to go around. If the Republicans fessed up and acknowledged their part, it would let them get on with things. The Democrats in Congress and our current President have dirty hands from FannieMae to AIG. They will not "fess up".
Let's face facts, when the Republicans had the Whitehouse, both houses of Congress and a majority in the SCOTUS, they BLEW IT. I am a lifelong Republican and I was shocked at the level of idiocy coming from Washington. We need to reform and come back with a clear, precise, positive and workable vision....or, we will continue to lose to the phoney-balony Democrats.
That's what I am saying.
| 367 |
Killgore Trout Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:36:55pm |
re: #355 Killian Bundy
See #363 if you want to understand. Otherwise don't bother me please. I'm not interested.
| 368 |
Mad Prophet Ludwig Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:37:39pm |
re: #365 Stonemason
I have no idea why you are ignoring me...they are IDIOTS, or CREATIONISTS, or stupid brain dead clods. Leave the religion out of it...you still haven't explained to me why the religion needs to be involved in the label.
You mentioned Chomsky, until right now, I had no idea he was Jewish...see, never labeled that way, didn't stop me from thinking he was an idiot.Stop thinking in terms of religion...please.
Sorry, I am not ignoring you. I can only type and scan so quickly.
I hear your points. I really do.
| 369 |
David Simon Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:37:40pm |
| 370 |
Catttt Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:37:55pm |
re: #337 Killian Bundy
Hon, Killgore is in essence correct, imho. The law changes in 1999 allowed AIG to operate what amounted to "a hedge fund" within a high (AAA) rated insurance company. This trading was in essence unregulated.
AIG sold insurance against the default of risky debt bundles. E.g., AIG, relying on its high credit rating, sold credit protection (credit default swaps) on collateralized debt obligations on very limited margin.
AIG did not, to put it mildly, have the ability to back this up with capital.
AIG's credit rating was downgraded.
AIG had margin calls - they lost those low margins when their credit rating was downgraded.
AIG was required to post collateral with the trading partners because of the margin calls.
AIG didn't have enough to cover said calls.
AIG had a HUGE liquidity crisis.
| 371 |
NY Nana Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:38:02pm |
re: #356 LudwigVanQuixote
Fear not, we are completely on the same side. I thought it was common knowledge here that I'm observant.
I know...but when it comes to the ones who would kill us all, Christians and Jews, and who caused 9/11 about 45 minutes from where we live, there just is no bend in me...
On a serious note, is there a problem getting certain kosher for Passover products where you live? We are in the NY area, and were astounded at how many things are not available this year.
| 372 |
Killian Bundy Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:38:51pm |
re: #363 Killgore Trout
For those who might have honest questions about how the repeal of the Glass Steagall act is connected to AIG; Google search aig glass steagall. Some interesting reading to be had, agree with it or not it's important to understand the issues.
You might also want to Google AIG cat litter.
/just as applicable
| 373 |
Mich-again Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:38:55pm |
re: #325 Desert Dog
Nuclear, solar, wind, petroleum development and exploration, alternative fuels.....we need to do all of this now....
You can't do it fast enough. Long term plans for making more. Short term plans for wasting less. Create a glut and bring down the market price for oil. Which will help when the inflation from the enormous debt kicks in.
| 374 |
Mad Prophet Ludwig Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:39:02pm |
re: #334 NY Nana
OT but have you started the Chametz hunt yet?
| 376 |
yesandno Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:39:13pm |
re: #319 Mich-again
The easiest way to reduce our energy dependency is to use less. And the easiest way to use less is to quit wasting it. Here are a few ideas.
The schools and mail should be cut to four days per week. School buses use almost 900 million gallons of fuel per year. Rough estimate: A Supertanker every day. So every day we reduce school busing, we send an oil tanker home.
And get all the local road crews to go out and time the stop lights in cities across the country. With Mapquest and some pretty easy to configure software it wouldn't be too hard to generate a master schedule for the lights on the major roads in a city. Everybody gets better gas mileage and there would be fewer accidents.
And highway construction projects have to do a better job of flowing traffic through lane reductions. When highways choke down to one lane it always ends up being a clusterf*ck at the last minute merge point. Maybe they could install RYG stoplights for each lane at the merge point? There has to be some better way to get the highway down to one lane.
Don't think about conservation as using less. That sounds repressive. Think of it as wasting less. That sounds smart.
You cannot conserve yourself into a greater supply. You don't use it, someone else does. I think conservation is a great idea. We all need to do it. But I don't think we need to move to third world status because of energy dependency. We need to find more energy...now. The demand is not going away. And that is a good thing.
In the meantime, we need oil and gas to keep us going while we develop other sources of energy. But it could be our oil and gas if we would drill and expand refineries. Nothing is going to happen with new energy overnight.
When attempting to solve problems too quickly with untested answers and large assumptions we end up with unintended consequences that cuts off the nose to spite the face...
| 377 |
jaunte Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:40:30pm |
re: #363 Killgore Trout
For those who might have honest questions about how the repeal of the Glass Steagall act is connected to AIG; Google search aig glass steagall. Some interesting reading to be had, agree with it or not it's important to understand the issues.
Some familiar names pop up in this NYT piece on the repeal of Glass-Steagall:
''If we don't pass this bill, we could find London or Frankfurt or years down the road Shanghai becoming the financial capital of the world,'' said Senator Charles E. Schumer, Democrat of New York. ''There are many reasons for this bill, but first and foremost is to ensure that U.S. financial firms remain competitive.''
But other lawmakers criticized the provisions of the legislation aimed at discouraging community groups from pressing banks to make more loans to the disadvantaged. Representative Maxine Waters, Democrat of California, said during the House debate that the legislation was ''mean-spirited in the way it had tried to undermine the Community Reinvestment Act.'' And Representative Barney Frank, Democrat of Massachusetts, said it was ironic that while the legislation was deregulating financial services, it had begun a new system of onerous regulation on community advocates.
[Link: www.nytimes.com...]
| 378 |
Mich-again Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:40:48pm |
re: #376 yesandno
You cannot conserve yourself into a greater supply.
Do you actually propose that reducing demand will not increase supply? Really?
| 379 |
Mad Prophet Ludwig Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:41:00pm |
re: #371 NY Nana
I know...but when it comes to the ones who would kill us all, Christians and Jews, and who caused 9/11 about 45 minutes from where we live, there just is no bend in me...
On a serious note, is there a problem getting certain kosher for Passover products where you live? We are in the NY area, and were astounded at how many things are not available this year.
I'm in the DC metro area. I have not noticed a serious problem. Then again, the only things I really buy for Pesach that are pre-made are wine and matzo, so I may not be the best to ask.
| 380 |
Killian Bundy Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:41:54pm |
re: #370 Catttt
Hon, Killgore is in essence correct, imho. The law changes in 1999 allowed AIG to operate what amounted to "a hedge fund" within a high (AAA) rated insurance company. This trading was in essence unregulated.
AIG sold insurance against the default of risky debt bundles. E.g., AIG, relying on its high credit rating, sold credit protection (credit default swaps) on collateralized debt obligations on very limited margin.
AIG did not, to put it mildly, have the ability to back this up with capital.
AIG's credit rating was downgraded.
AIG had margin calls - they lost those low margins when their credit rating was downgraded.
AIG was required to post collateral with the trading partners because of the margin calls.
AIG didn't have enough to cover said calls.
AIG had a HUGE liquidity crisis.
Glass-Steagall only applied to commercial banks and brokerage firms, of which AIG is neither.
/Glass-Steagall never applied to hedge funds either, which, so far, are unregulated
| 381 |
Racer X Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:42:12pm |
re: #350 CharlieBravo
There is only one thing that can save the United States - Term Limits.
And the abolishment of income tax. We should go with a Federal sales tax.
| 382 |
Sharmuta Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:42:46pm |
OT: I should not have linked De Colores earlier. Can't get it out of my head now.
| 383 |
Racer X Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:43:49pm |
re: #360 Sharmuta
I have to disagree. The solution to our problems is more complex than a magical restrictive solution like term limits. Additionally, you would be forcing out some good politicians and that could lead to their replacements being far worse than having allowed them to stay.
I know of no "good politicians". They all lie. It is to the extent that is the question.
| 384 |
Killian Bundy Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:43:51pm |
re: #370 Catttt
Hon, Killgore is in essence correct, imho. The law changes in 1999 allowed AIG to operate what amounted to "a hedge fund" within a high (AAA) rated insurance company. This trading was in essence unregulated.
AIG sold insurance against the default of risky debt bundles. E.g., AIG, relying on its high credit rating, sold credit protection (credit default swaps) on collateralized debt obligations on very limited margin.
AIG did not, to put it mildly, have the ability to back this up with capital.
AIG's credit rating was downgraded.
AIG had margin calls - they lost those low margins when their credit rating was downgraded.
AIG was required to post collateral with the trading partners because of the margin calls.
AIG didn't have enough to cover said calls.
AIG had a HUGE liquidity crisis.
/and what does all that have to do with Glass-Steagall anyway?
| 385 |
Timbre Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:44:13pm |
The Republicans had also better take the lead on the judicial runaway train (and upcoming train wreck) of allowing individuals and groups to break long-standing laws in the name of "free exercise" clause of the First Amendment. Religion doesn't give someone the right to practice polygamy, child rape, and cross-burnings, to name but a few.
| 386 |
hiddenlizard Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:44:56pm |
Road to Recovery: Atlas Shrugged, esp. the long speech. Every word of it.
| 387 |
David Simon Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:45:50pm |
re: #363 Killgore Trout
For those who might have honest questions about how the repeal of the Glass Steagall act is connected to AIG; Google search aig glass steagall. Some interesting reading to be had, agree with it or not it's important to understand the issues.
Just a cursory glance, but it appears that at least some of that materal conflates the financial products division with the credit default swap division. If one can't be bothered to distinguish between the two, I don't think there's much useful knowledge to be gleaned.
| 388 |
gmsc Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:46:18pm |
Does Obama want his bank plan to fail?
Tom Smith
Dick Morris says yes, because it is a necessary prelude to nationalization, which DM says Obama wants to do, because he wants to socialize the financial sector. If this is true, it would be very alarming.
It makes me wonder, how would the American people (so called) react if and when it turns out BHO really does want to socialize as much of the economy as possible, such as most major banks and health care? Would people really stand for that? Banks would be couched as an emergency measure, and health care as necessary for growth. It's hard for me to see how this could fail to get ugly.
(Hat tip: Instapundit)
| 389 |
Sharmuta Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:47:15pm |
re: #383 Racer X
I know of no "good politicians". They all lie. It is to the extent that is the question.
I have only one that comes to mind, and he's out of office now. Rod Grams. He authored more legislation signed into law in 8 years in both houses of Congress than many lifetime politicians have in their entire career. He's the man that brought you the $500 per child tax credit and the Social Security lock box.
| 390 |
Mich-again Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:49:12pm |
re: #382 Sharmuta
I like Raffi's version.
E por eso los grandes amores de muchos colorores me gustan a mi!
| 391 |
David Simon Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:49:27pm |
re: #370 Catttt
Hon, Killgore is in essence correct, imho. The law changes in 1999 allowed AIG to operate what amounted to "a hedge fund" within a high (AAA) rated insurance company. This trading was in essence unregulated.
AIG sold insurance against the default of risky debt bundles. E.g., AIG, relying on its high credit rating, sold credit protection (credit default swaps) on collateralized debt obligations on very limited margin.
But what does that have to do with Gramm-Leach-Bliley? Credit default swaps are unregulated insurance. The contracts were unregulated before, during and after Glass Steagall.
| 393 |
NY Nana Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:49:39pm |
re: #364 David Simon
He/she picked an excellent, self-descriptive nic.
| 394 |
Racer X Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:49:45pm |
Politicians should be required to pass an ethics review every year.
| 396 |
BatGuano Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:51:01pm |
We have social pressures and law restraints on what is allowed in the US. What happens in the bedroom between consenting adults is of no interest to me and should not be of interest to the Republican party: They need to move on.
Abortion? That is is a bigger problem. I am against it in most
cases, but that should be left to the states: It is not mentioned in the constitution and should be left to the states.
| 397 |
Dianna Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:51:34pm |
We're almost 400 comments in, so I'm going to quote a story about youth group I found on another site. I won't link it, because it's not appropriate, I'm just quoting because it's one of the funniest damn things I've read in years.
The Parable of the White Hankie
"See this hankie? It's pure and clean and white. Let's rub it into this pan of mud... Oh, what a mess; I'll take it home and wash it..."
This goes on for several consecutive weeks. The hankie looks white to us, when it is shown every [youth group meeting] night.At the end of a month or so, the much-muddied-and-washed hankie is taken out once more, and held side-by-side with a brand-new, never-muddied hankie--and behold! The washed hankie is actually a dingy grayish color, compared to the unused one!
Moral of the story: Keep yourself pure and clean, like this unused hankie; repentance, apparently, only makes you look "kinda clean" if no one compares you to an unused, 'never-repented' girl.
Bonus: We all were given brand-new, white, lace-edged hankies with an attached card, reminding us to keep ourselves pure and clean, and that we could use the hankies on our wedding day.
| 398 |
yesandno Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:51:48pm |
re: #378 Mich-again
Do you actually propose that reducing demand will not increase supply? Really?
Badly worded on my part. Yes, reducing demand increases supply. However, it is only in static environments that it means this. If the demand keeps increasing because of new users on the grid, conservation will not adequately solve that problem.
Conservation will help. But there are a lot out there that think conservation alone will solve the problem.
| 399 |
Macker Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:51:48pm |
If term limits are ever added to the Constitution, then the House term should be adjusted to four years; three four year terms in the House...or two six-year terms in the Senate...and you're done.
These politicians must be made to live under the laws they've written.
| 400 |
Sharmuta Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:52:05pm |
re: #394 Racer X
Politicians should be required to pass an ethics review every year.
How about a basic civics test?
| 401 |
Killgore Trout Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:52:58pm |
re: #377 jaunte
In the House, 155 Democrats and 207 Republicans voted for the measure, while 51 Democrats, 5 Republicans and 1 independent opposed it.
Idiots, all of them.
| 402 |
idioma Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:53:07pm |
re: #364 David Simon
IRC Section 401(k) plans are defined contribution plans. They belong to the people who defer their salaries, and they are administered by independent trustees. In other words, there's no way - legal or otherwise - for "millionaires" to steal them.
Go peddle your bullshit elsewhere.
Nice language. :)
recklessly gambling with people's retirement plans, while presenting the appearance of sound, responsible investing, is nothing more than a scam, and nothing less than criminal. So yes, to those that would wear sheep's clothes and offer "security" while subtly transforming our housing markets into a pyramid scheme, I will gladly use the label of "running off with". Because they ought to be accountable. A con is still a con, no matter how much money you make off of it. Or how many lives you destroy.
"We already have a "national healthcare infrastructure." If you want health care, you're free to purchase it. What's your real agenda? Oh.."
Let's try this thought exercise; because frankly, your frontal lobe is looking a little flabby:
"We already have a "national defense infrastructure." If you want an army, you're free to pay the militia. What's your real agenda? Oh.."
Does this statement still make sense? Let's try again.
"We already have a "national ground transportation infrastructure." If you want to drive more than 30 miles, you're free to pay a toll. What's your real agenda? Oh.."
Does THIS statement still make sense? Let's try again.
"We already have a "national law enforcement infrastructure." If someone breaks into your house, you're free to pay a $75 copay, call the local private security, they'll arrive in two to three hours, and if an arrest is made, charge your local insurance. If convicted you'll only have to cover %50 of the trial. What's your real agenda? Oh.."
Not all of us are "free" to pay for health care; no more than we can afford trained mercenaries, private communities, private security, or other services we have long taken for granted.
I am GLAD the fire/police/defense/education/ departments are funded with tax dollars. I could not afford to privately fund these organizations. So why do ambulances, police, and fire vehicles all have sirens, but it's the ambulance that charges me?
I pay my taxes, just like you, and I want those dollars to work for me.
| 404 |
Macker Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:53:23pm |
re: #400 Sharmuta
I'll bet there are some House reps out there who think we have 57 states?
| 405 |
Sharmuta Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:53:57pm |
re: #390 Mich-again
I like Raffi's version.
E por eso los grandes amores de muchos colorores me gustan a mi!
I like it!
| 406 |
David Simon Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:54:23pm |
| 407 |
Mr. In get Mr. Out Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:55:29pm |
re: #399 Macker
If term limits are ever added to the Constitution, then the House term should be adjusted to four years; three four year terms in the House...or two six-year terms in the Senate...and you're done.
These politicians must be made to live under the laws they've written.
I've been trying to think of reasonable term limits for awhile. If I ever ran, I'd limit myself to only two.
| 408 |
Sharmuta Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:56:05pm |
re: #392 Iron Fist
I agree, Cousin Fist. I don't know what can be done to get a more informed electorate. It starts with education, in that the kids aren't taught the real importance of making informed decisions in the voting booth, or even that it's their civic duty to do so. It's something I've been pondering for the last week or so- the solution is elusive.
| 409 |
Stonemason Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:56:27pm |
re: #402 idioma
Go read the Constitution of the United States, when you find Healthcare in there, come back, till then...
| 410 |
Macker Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:57:03pm |
re: #407 Mr. In get Mr. Out
One issue I have with such short terms for the House is that they spend the first year recovering from the election they just won. The second year, they spend campaigning for re-election. You really can't get shit done with just two years.
| 411 |
jaunte Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:57:03pm |
re: #401 Killgore Trout
This analysis is pretty good:
Would Glass-Steagall Have Helped?...since banks were prohibited from offering interest rates above 4.0% on passbook savings accounts, money market funds had no difficulty in attracting deposits. Savings flowed from bank accounts to money market funds in astonishing amounts.
The result was tremendous pressure from the banking lobby for relief from the regulated rates on savings and checking accounts. That relief was eventually granted.
The issue is that a "money market fund" is essentially a packaged securities consisting of a pool of commercial paper issued by corporations. What this type of "package" does is create a short-term liability (daily interest payments or accruals) from a package of longer term assets. (Commercial paper is typically sold at a discount to face value, with the "interest" being paid only when the paper certificate becomes payable in full.)
It is this nature of "misaligned risk-reward" that the Glass-Steagall Act was designed to prevent."
[Link: snuffysmithsblog.blogspot.com...]
| 412 |
funky chicken Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:57:09pm |
re: #383 Racer X
I know of no "good politicians". They all lie. It is to the extent that is the question.
Wayne Allard term-limited himself, and the people of CO chose to elect a democrat named Udall in his place. Allard was leading the charge (along with Orrin Hatch) to develop the CO oil shale last summer. Allard was a decent man and represented the people of CO pretty well. I doubt his replacement will do as well.
| 413 |
Sharmuta Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:57:10pm |
re: #404 Macker
I'll bet there are some House reps out there who think we have 57 states?
There's at least one former Senator who did.
| 414 |
Vicious Babushka Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:57:26pm |
re: #371 NY Nana
I know...but when it comes to the ones who would kill us all, Christians and Jews, and who caused 9/11 about 45 minutes from where we live, there just is no bend in me...
On a serious note, is there a problem getting certain kosher for Passover products where you live? We are in the NY area, and were astounded at how many things are not available this year.
Like what products are you missing?
we have always avoided using processed "Kosher for Pesach" products although for the last couple of years I used the frozen gefilte fish rolls instead of grinding my own, and last year I bought a jar of horseradish instead of grinding the chrain and beets.
Everything else is just chicken, eggs, fruits and potatoes! The organic section of the supermarket has power-washed romaine lettuce which is just great.
I have not even begun shopping yet. I wanted to go to Canada to buy a couple cases of Perrier sparkling water, maybe it's worth a run to Windsor.
| 415 |
Stonemason Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:57:37pm |
re: #409 Stonemason
Go read the Constitution of the United States, when you find Healthcare in there, come back, till then...
Okay, didn't mean don't post anymore, as that is how the above might be taken, I meant learn something, then post, stop comparing apples to oranges.
| 416 |
Mr. In get Mr. Out Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:58:12pm |
re: #408 Sharmuta
I agree, Cousin Fist. I don't know what can be done to get a more informed electorate. It starts with education, in that the kids aren't taught the real importance of making informed decisions in the voting booth, or even that it's their civic duty to do so. It's something I've been pondering for the last week or so- the solution is elusive.
I wish more people could make a decision and stick by it.
| 417 |
idioma Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:59:04pm |
re: #330 doppelganglander
The constitution does not protect you from being offended by me. Exactly who is it that defends placing The 10 Commandments™ inside a courthouse?
The resemblance cannot easily be ignored. If that comparison offends you, then prove me wrong, or change the status of the GOP and MAKE me wrong. I'd gladly accept either outcome.
| 419 |
Killgore Trout Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:59:52pm |
re: #411 jaunte
I almost linked to that one a few times but decided not to. The true believers can't be swayed. It's complicated (this whole thing is) and the ideologues are eager to exploit the situation to advance their agendas.
| 420 |
Vicious Babushka Thu, Mar 26, 2009 8:59:56pm |
re: #418 Macker
Please don't tell me you live in Detroit.
I don't live in Detroit. I live 2 miles north of the Detroit city limits.
| 421 |
Macker Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:01:33pm |
re: #420 Alouette
You're gonna make me guess. Royal Joke or Berkley?
| 422 |
Racer X Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:01:43pm |
re: #419 Killgore Trout
Here's my agenda:
The freaking government needs to stop spending money it does not have.
Simple.
| 423 |
Killgore Trout Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:01:50pm |
re: #411 jaunte
Your NYT link is high comedy in retrospect.....
The bill will now be sent to the president, who is expected to sign it, aides said. It would become one of the most significant achievements this year by the White House and the Republicans leading the 106th Congress.''Today Congress voted to update the rules that have governed financial services since the Great Depression and replace them with a system for the 21st century,'' Treasury Secretary Lawrence H. Summers said. ''This historic legislation will better enable American companies to compete in the new economy.''
I'm laughing all the way to the poor house.
| 424 |
Sharmuta Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:01:51pm |
Then there's the issue of those of us that are politically aware not taking the time to get involved with the party and working to keep socialist republicans out of our party before they can reach the ballot where they become everybody's problem. The way we get better candidates is to work within the party and get the best people on the ballot in the primary portion of the electoral process.
| 425 |
NY Nana Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:02:05pm |
re: #374 LudwigVanQuixote
It will have to wait til Sunday, when our youngest comes over to move all the Passover stuff here, and then do the shelf-linings, etc., as I am disabled and NY Grampa has quite a job doing most of it alone. We are in an apartment, and the Pesach stuff is kept in a storeroom the rest of the year. Then he and son will take the regular things and put them in the storeroom.
And after Pesach? Reverse the procedure. We were in Brooklyn yesterday getting some things we really needed, like Israeli aluminum foil that is so thick that it lasts the whole 8 days.
Paper plates, etc., after the exchange.
There are already so many cartons and bags with stuff in another room...
Are you all ready now?
| 426 |
Dark_Falcon Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:02:40pm |
re: #402 idioma
Nice strawman you're setting up there. None of us called for privatizing the fire departments. Go shill your DNC talking points someplace. So far, you sound like the evil lovechild of avanti and SpaceJesus: combining the worst qualities of the two of them.
| 427 |
Timbre Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:02:50pm |
What was the name of the federal Representative (I think) who gave a speech on the floor by calling for President Clinton's resignation prior to the actual impeachment, then as calls from Democrats rained down on him -- "You resign! -- he stated he was resigning because he had an affair while in office?
| 428 |
SFGoth Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:02:52pm |
So I see the Republican Party now supports universal health care. Great. I'll support UHC when the recipients of my hard-earned tax dollars start eating right, exercising, and giving up really stupid lifestyle habits. I eat right, go to the gym, and don't do stupid shit. I have no intention of providing medical care to people that want to eat themselves into an obese diabetic state, get winded walking up one flight of stairs, and then decide to jaywalk on a busy street. Fuck them and the fuck the GOP if it's going to become Dem Lite.
| 429 |
jaunte Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:03:33pm |
re: #419 Killgore Trout
Paul Volcker was prophetic here;
Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volker was strongly against the Federal Reserve motion to permit this type of security underwriting by banks. His argument at the time included the following points:* Lenders will "recklessly lower loan standards in pursuit of lucrative securities offerings, and"
* "Market bad loans to the public"
[Link: snuffysmithsblog.blogspot.com...]
| 430 |
Mich-again Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:03:44pm |
re: #398 yesandno
If the demand keeps increasing because of new users on the grid, conservation will not adequately solve that problem.
True. Making more is the long term fix but wasting less is the short term fix. We need to try to create a glut in the oil market to crash the price. It should be a National priority. All it takes to make a glut is fill up the supply chain. Not very hard to do but you don't get there with incremental improvements you need quantum leaps. That is why I proposed doing things like go to a 4 day week for the public schools and the US Mail to reduce fuel consumption.
| 431 |
Vicious Babushka Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:04:13pm |
re: #421 Macker
You're gonna make me guess. Royal Joke or Berkley?
Farther west, on the other side of Greenfield.
| 432 |
reine.de.tout Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:04:18pm |
re: #428 SFGoth
So I see the Republican Party now supports universal health care. Great. I'll support UHC when the recipients of my hard-earned tax dollars start eating right, exercising, and giving up really stupid lifestyle habits. I eat right, go to the gym, and don't do stupid shit. I have no intention of providing medical care to people that want to eat themselves into an obese diabetic state, get winded walking up one flight of stairs, and then decide to jaywalk on a busy street. Fuck them and the fuck the GOP if it's going to become Dem Lite.
When I looked at the document, the proposal was some sort of tax credit for the purchase of insurance; not gov't provided care.
| 433 |
Mad Prophet Ludwig Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:04:57pm |
re: #414 Alouette
Like what products are you missing?
we have always avoided using processed "Kosher for Pesach" products although for the last couple of years I used the frozen gefilte fish rolls instead of grinding my own, and last year I bought a jar of horseradish instead of grinding the chrain and beets.
Everything else is just chicken, eggs, fruits and potatoes! The organic section of the supermarket has power-washed romaine lettuce which is just great.
I have not even begun shopping yet. I wanted to go to Canada to buy a couple cases of Perrier sparkling water, maybe it's worth a run to Windsor.
They may revoke my membership for this, but I have never gotten into gefilte fish...
A related but different thought... Have you ever used quinoa? It's fantastic and I suppliment a lot of my recipes with it, since it isn't one of the grains that can become chametz.
| 434 |
Mich-again Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:06:05pm |
re: #405 Sharmuta
I like it!
Saw him in concert at a small local theater years back. Very cool show. I know the words to just about every Raffi song by heart.
| 435 |
Mad Prophet Ludwig Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:06:28pm |
re: #425 NY Nana
I am not even close to all ready... This Sunday is going to be a major cleaning day for me...
| 436 |
funky chicken Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:07:28pm |
you know it's bad when Jack F'n Murtha sounds more statesmanlike than an awful lot of republicans:
[Link: www.defensenews.com...]
read the whole thing....
| 437 |
David Simon Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:07:31pm |
re: #402 idioma
Nice language. :)
recklessly gambling with people's retirement plans, while presenting the appearance of sound, responsible investing, is nothing more than a scam, and nothing less than criminal. So yes, to those that would wear sheep's clothes and offer "security" while subtly transforming our housing markets into a pyramid scheme, I will gladly use the label of "running off with". Because they ought to be accountable. A con is still a con, no matter how much money you make off of it. Or how many lives you destroy.
Here's some more nice language: you don't know what the fuck you are talking about. Private pensions have moved away from defined benefits to defined contributions. And the investment vehicles have shifted toward self-direction. There's a novel concept, huh? Making people responsible for their own lives.
As for the rest of your idiocy, you're going to equate national defense, law enforcement and transportation infrastructure with going to see the doctor? What else should government be responsible for? Feeding you? Clothing you? Paying for your golf lessons?
| 438 |
idioma Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:08:11pm |
re: #341 BatGuano
Hi Idioma, I just down dinged you for the Rebublican- Sharia law thing. Sharia is something that has nothing to do with the Republican party.
When a political force relentlessly pursues enacting laws based shamelessly on their personal religious beliefs, it doesn't matter if it's Allah, God, Spaghetti Monster, Yahweh, Ja, or Teh Ceiling Cat. What does matter is who's rights are served, and who's are disolved.
Telling people that your party believes "the government should stay out of your personal lives!" and then telling some people that they should not be in love or have sex with each other is a clear contradiction.
Telling people that your party believes "every American's right to bear arms shall not be infringed." but then telling women they have no right to an abortion is a clear contradiction.
But religious laws don't have to make sense, do they?
Sharia isn't just barbaric, it lack accountability inherent to reason. By any other name would a rose smell?
| 439 |
Sharmuta Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:09:02pm |
re: #434 Mich-again
Saw him in concert at a small local theater years back. Very cool show. I know the words to just about every Raffi song by heart.
On the pervious thread, Spanish class had come up, and I mentioned how in Spanish, my classmates and I loved singing songs, and De Colores was our favorite. Hadn't listened to it in years, but the version I linked to was the one my Spanish teacher used, so it really brought back some memories. We just loved that song. I liked the guitar in your Raffi link- it was really cool.
| 440 |
Mad Prophet Ludwig Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:09:07pm |
re: #417 idioma
The constitution does not protect you from being offended by me. Exactly who is it that defends placing The 10 Commandments™ inside a courthouse?
The resemblance cannot easily be ignored. If that comparison offends you, then prove me wrong, or change the status of the GOP and MAKE me wrong. I'd gladly accept either outcome.
Ok I was actually able to hear what you were saying untill you put the TM over the Ten Commandments. That was just poor form.
| 441 |
iLikeCandy Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:10:46pm |
re: #159 lawhawk
All that you say is true, lawhawk, but the thing is supposed to be the Republicans' plan, not the anti-plan.
| 442 |
Mich-again Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:10:57pm |
Based on the last ten years performance, Mason Jar Funds have exceeded all the competition.
| 443 |
funky chicken Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:10:57pm |
re: #433 LudwigVanQuixote
They may revoke my membership for this, but I have never gotten into gefilte fish...
A related but different thought... Have you ever used quinoa? It's fantastic and I suppliment a lot of my recipes with it, since it isn't one of the grains that can become chametz.
the daughter and I were just perusing the jars of gefilte fish at the supermarket this afternoon. she'll eat pretty much anything, including brussels sprouts, and her only comment was "gross."
my mom talks about when her grandma used to make that stuff...ickiepoo
| 444 |
Sharmuta Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:11:11pm |
I urge everyone to pick up a copy of Conscience of a Conservative and you might be stunned how Goldwater was right then, and his points are just as relevant today- including his criticisms of republicans.
| 445 |
OldLineTexan Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:11:50pm |
re: #434 Mich-again
Saw him in concert at a small local theater years back. Very cool show. I know the words to just about every Raffi song by heart.
I like the one from the Obama Inauguration, The Wheels On The Bus Don't Touch The Ground.
| 446 |
Mich-again Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:12:03pm |
re: #444 Sharmuta
I urge everyone to pick up a copy of Conscience of a Conservative and you might be stunned how Goldwater was right then, and his points are just as relevant today- including his criticisms of republicans.
Ha. And his name was Barry.
| 447 |
Macker Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:12:20pm |
re: #444 Sharmuta
I urge everyone to pick up a copy of Conscience of a Conservative and you might be stunned how Goldwater was right then, and his points are just as relevant today- including his criticisms of republicans.
That's because Barry was an American FIRST and a Republican SECOND. This is as it should be.
| 448 |
Ateam Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:12:35pm |
re: #212 Iron Fist
Inflation would seem to me to be the biggest economic risk out there right now. Haven't they essentially printed a trillion dollars or so with the various bail-outs? You simply can't print money like that and not have inflation.
Inflation connected formally with demand & supply offering at the market places. In a global world with global prices, d most commodities (mainly - oil, grains etc) are measured by needs and ability to produce (of course also manipulative actions. but on the long run the real thing and numbers prevail). Decline from $147 a barrel to about $50 meaning saving USA economy $2B per day. $700B which is being kept annually at pockets of hundreds millions buyers. So it is with allot raw materials which were significantly influencing Economy. Especialy in America with free competition.
| 449 |
Dark_Falcon Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:12:51pm |
re: #447 Macker
That's because Barry was an American FIRST and a Republican SECOND. This is as it should be.
Concur.
| 450 |
NY Nana Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:12:59pm |
re: #406 David Simon
And like the Energizer Bunny, keeps on going proving and proving and proving and proving.....
| 451 |
Gus Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:13:07pm |
re: #441 iLikeCandy
All that you say is true, lawhawk, but the thing is supposed to be the Republicans' plan, not the anti-plan.
Looks like it doesn't it? I think some people are reading through it and confusing the Democrats plans with Republicans plans. This is mainly because the majority of the document is outlining the Democrats plans.
| 452 |
Mad Prophet Ludwig Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:13:33pm |
re: #443 funky chicken
the daughter and I were just perusing the jars of gefilte fish at the supermarket this afternoon. she'll eat pretty much anything, including brussels sprouts, and her only comment was "gross."
my mom talks about when her grandma used to make that stuff...ickiepoo
Yeah, every culture has an idiomatic dish (or two) that either you loved (or had horror from) as a child.
| 453 |
funky chicken Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:13:40pm |
Oh, and I'm not religious, but I have no problem with the 10 Commandments. Post them everywhere. If you're not religious, the stuff about God doesn't concern you and really shouldn't offend you. The rest of them seem like pretty good rules to me.
| 454 |
idioma Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:14:00pm |
re: #343 Desert Dog
Under our current system, you basically have two choices. Judging by your posts, you seem to prefer what the Republicans offer as opposed to the Democrats. So, will you try and change the Republicans from the inside, or sit on the outside of the next election because the Republicans are "too religious" for your tastes? Right now, a third party and independents have zero political clout and power. That may change in time if too many like minded Dems and Republicans get sick of their respective parties and join to form another third party. But, that is a long, long way off.
The only way to effect change in the current political line-up is to be IN the current political line-up. So, you can work from the ground up in the Republican party, and get them to see things your way (good luck doing that with the Dems), or you can sit on the sidelines and craft rational and well thought out tomes to nobody.
In 2004, from the Gulf of Arabia, I absentee-voted for Batman and Robin. Between Lurch and Dubbyaw, knowing that I was still in uniform, I could not support either candidate.
I am registered to vote, and have written my congressman on many occasions. He's a Democrat, but he answers my emails with well-thought responses, not generic dribble. Party lines are blurred right now for good reason, but the GOP has a lot more work cut out than the Dems, because they do a much better job of listening than you may think. The GOP is full of self-righteous zealots and fundamentalists, with an unfortunately short list of exceptions.
Maybe it's generational, I don't really know. What I do know is that the contradictions frighten me as much as those that believe the Book of Revelations
| 455 |
iLikeCandy Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:14:09pm |
re: #198 lifeofthemind
The Honorable James Hacker MP: You know Humphrey, I think government has got to
be awfully careful about throttling small businesses.
Bernard Wooley: The bank isn’t actually a small business.
The Honorable James Hacker MP: It will be if we throttle it, Bernard.
iLikeIt
| 456 |
Dianna Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:14:14pm |
Good night!
I'm sorry no one laughed at the parable of the white hankie. I thought it was hysterical.
| 457 |
Olderthandirt Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:14:44pm |
Early in 2008, the NRCC I saw a page of issues as posted by that body. The issue were not prioritized, simply a dump of so-called concerns. Well, BHO's groupies one-upped those clowns in the NRCC and had their well thought action plan, trumping the thought dump of the GOP brain trust.
This so-called Road to Recovery is more of the same and it's not even a good manifesto.
The GOP needs to have an action plan, with a set of achievable goals, and defining the means of accomplishing whatever it is they wish to accomplish.
Manifestos won't cut that cheese.
The GOP needs to understand that clarity of thought comes first before action. "Ready, Fire, Aim" doesn't work, really!
| 458 |
Mich-again Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:15:08pm |
Don't fear inflation until there is a scarcity in supply. It will affect the products and commodities we import first.
| 459 |
OldLineTexan Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:15:14pm |
re: #454 idioma
Just as an aside, it's "Revelation". No "s".
| 460 |
Mr. In get Mr. Out Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:15:20pm |
re: #428 SFGoth
So I see the Republican Party now supports universal health care. Great. I'll support UHC when the recipients of my hard-earned tax dollars start eating right, exercising, and giving up really stupid lifestyle habits. I eat right, go to the gym, and don't do stupid shit. I have no intention of providing medical care to people that want to eat themselves into an obese diabetic state, get winded walking up one flight of stairs, and then decide to jaywalk on a busy street. Fuck them and the fuck the GOP if it's going to become Dem Lite.
If everyone did those items listed, we wouldn't need socialized health care. Insurance companies wouldn't continue raising premiums because of their at-risk clients.
| 461 |
SanFranciscoZionist Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:16:11pm |
re: #108 Wishing
I am reading Ayn Rand's Anthem. Weird book. But I want to hurry up and finish it!
Let me know what you think when you're done. It's the only Rand I've read, and I found it interesting, but wasn't wild about a couple choices she made with it.
I was looking for a companion book for my unit on The Giver, for the more advanced readers in the class.
| 462 |
reine.de.tout Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:16:20pm |
re: #438 idioma
When a political force relentlessly pursues enacting laws based shamelessly on their personal religious beliefs, it doesn't matter if it's Allah, God, Spaghetti Monster, Yahweh, Ja, or Teh Ceiling Cat. What does matter is who's rights are served, and who's are disolved.
Telling people that your party believes "the government should stay out of your personal lives!" and then telling some people that they should not be in love or have sex with each other is a clear contradiction.
Telling people that your party believes "every American's right to bear arms shall not be infringed." but then telling women they have no right to an abortion is a clear contradiction.
But religious laws don't have to make sense, do they?
Sharia isn't just barbaric, it lack accountability inherent to reason. By any other name would a rose smell?
Has abortion been outlawed while I wasn't looking?
| 463 |
Dustyvet Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:16:27pm |
re: #457 Olderthandirt
Early in 2008, the NRCC I saw a page of issues as posted by that body. The issue were not prioritized, simply a dump of so-called concerns. Well, BHO's groupies one-upped those clowns in the NRCC and had their well thought action plan, trumping the thought dump of the GOP brain trust.
This so-called Road to Recovery is more of the same and it's not even a good manifesto.
The GOP needs to have an action plan, with a set of achievable goals, and defining the means of accomplishing whatever it is they wish to accomplish.
Manifestos won't cut that cheese.The GOP needs to understand that clarity of thought comes first before action. "Ready, Fire, Aim" doesn't work, really!
"Ready, Fire, Aim" Very messy firing squad...:)
| 464 |
funky chicken Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:16:52pm |
re: #452 LudwigVanQuixote
Yeah, every culture has an idiomatic dish (or two) that either you loved (or had horror from) as a child.
and regional cuisine, like grits (shudder) in the South or scrapple (shudder) in New Jersey diners.
we actually saw menudo on a buffet at a fancy hotel here in Las Vegas. ewwww
| 465 |
Dark_Falcon Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:18:06pm |
re: #454 idioma
In 2004, from the Gulf of Arabia, I absentee-voted for Batman and Robin. Between Lurch and Dubbyaw, knowing that I was still in uniform, I could not support either candidate.
Holy Assclowns, Batman! We've got a troll here. I believe that the Book of Revelations has a lot of truth in it, but that like Genesis it cannot simply be taken literally. How about cutting back the Christian bashing?
| 466 |
doppelganglander Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:19:19pm |
re: #417 idioma
The constitution does not protect you from being offended by me. Exactly who is it that defends placing The 10 Commandments™ inside a courthouse?
The resemblance cannot easily be ignored. If that comparison offends you, then prove me wrong, or change the status of the GOP and MAKE me wrong. I'd gladly accept either outcome.
I never said I have a right not to be offended. I'm just telling you I'm offended.
You've been registered since 11/07 and have made a whopping 12 comments. I doubt you lurk much either because if you did, you'd be aware that majority opinion here believes that the Christian fundamentalists have too much influence in the party, to the detriment of its ability to win elections. I'm a Christian, not a fundamentalist, and I think so, too.
As to the point at hand, let's do a little side by side comparison.
Some Christians want the 10 Commandments posted in courthouses. Some Muslims want to use the Koran itself as a book of law.
Many Christians are opposed to abortion except in cases of incest, rape, or danger to the life of the mother. Many Muslims believe women should be stoned for being raped.
When Christians are unhappy about public affairs, they write letters, hold peaceful demonstrations, publish articles, post on web sites, vote, and try to influence the votes of others. When Muslims are unhappy about public affairs, they riot, burn cars, burn their enemies in effigy, destroy public property, shout slogans like "Death to the Jews," and carry signs with vile (and usually misspelled) insults to non-Muslims.
I am well aware that there is a tiny Christian minority that would like to see the law of the land aligned with their version of Biblical values. Most Christians strenuously disagree. But even that small minority is not trying to violently overthrow the government, forcibly convert people, put gays in concentration camps, or force women to wear tacky jumpers.
I have no interest in trying to change your mind. It's much to narrow to move around in there.
| 467 |
Mich-again Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:21:22pm |
Dallas police delayed NFL player as relative died
Classic case of Barney Fife Syndrome.
| 469 |
idioma Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:22:14pm |
re: #409 Stonemason
Where in the constitution does it say "tax dollar funded schools, roads, metropolitan transportation, space missions, fire department, police department, hospitals, vaccination, or natural disaster mitigation through advanced technology, or research and development" but I gladly pay taxes to enjoy these essential, and modern government supported agencies. Why does it have to be in the constitution for my child to have a yellow bus to pick him up for school in the morning? Or for your grandmother to call 911 when there is a burglary?
*Check*
| 470 |
Gus Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:23:26pm |
re: #460 Mr. In get Mr. Out
If everyone did those items listed, we wouldn't need socialized health care. Insurance companies wouldn't continue raising premiums because of their at-risk clients.
But when the government forces people to make those life style changes you get a Nanny State.
*Just a note but the Republican document in question makes no mention of supporting universal health care.
| 471 |
Catttt Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:24:18pm |
re: #380 Killian Bundy
Glass-Steagall only applied to commercial banks and brokerage firms, of which AIG is neither.
/Glass-Steagall never applied to hedge funds either, which, so far, are unregulated
I think you are forgetting the Law of Unintended Consequences.
AIG Financial Services' trading partners were big banks and brokerage firms that were trading in credit default swaps.
The essence of the money to be made was in the risk - and the riskier products were more lucrative. The products themselves - e.g., mortages - were not the value - the risk was. And the risk seemed risk free, as long as things went up and up and up. Never mind that they were out on the edge of the edge.
The insurance company was essential in these trades, because as I mentioned above, credit default swaps are essentially insurance policies covering the losses on security products in the event of a default.
Credit default swaps were unregulated thanks to a provision of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act.
| 472 |
NY Nana Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:24:20pm |
re: #414 Alouette
Like what products are you missing?
I also used to make my own gefilte fish, but now buy the big can. And red horseradish? Can't find it! Also a number of Israeli products, like mandlen that were in a cardboard package, the flavors of yogurt that my husband and youngest like, a certain KP cookie that had the right amount of carbs for my snack at night before I take my night time shot of insulin, and wonderful dried mushrooms.
I would have to post my Pesach shopping list to say what we could not find..even in Brooklyn. But getting the ultra-heavy Israel aluminum foil was great.
No trouble with the hand-made Shmura matzo, fortunately, and some common products. I forget how many eggs I go through just for Pesach!
We noticed last year that a few products were not to be found, but this year? Oy!
| 473 |
Killgore Trout Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:24:39pm |
re: #429 jaunte
Mad props to Volker. Maybe somebody should find him and give him a job or something.
| 474 |
funky chicken Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:25:38pm |
re: #458 Mich-again
Don't fear inflation until there is a scarcity in supply. It will affect the products and commodities we import first.
Yeah, I heard that on Bob Brinker's Moneytalk radio show. He said inflation isn't a big short term threat because of all the excess goods piled up waiting for buyers. I believe he referred to all the news stories about new foreign cars parked in lots at ports, etc?
It made me feel better at least for the short term, which means everybody has time to plan.
| 475 |
Killgore Trout Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:25:55pm |
re: #471 Catttt
Thanks for keeping up the good fight. I gave up.
| 476 |
Dark_Falcon Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:26:28pm |
re: #473 Killgore Trout
Mad props to Volker. Maybe somebody should find him and give him a job or something.
He won't work for Obama. He would advocate policies that would work, whereas Obama wants policies that advance the power of government.
| 477 |
David Simon Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:26:39pm |
re: #462 reine.de.tout
Has abortion been outlawed while I wasn't looking?
lol.
And by the way, I love the schmucks who are so fond of saying "the constitution doesn't specifically say" when it comes to protecting something they like, yet they clam up when asked to point to the passage in the 14th amendment that declares abortion a constitutional right (Roe v Wade) or that mandates free education for the kids of illegal aliens (Plyler v Doe).
| 479 |
NY Nana Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:27:11pm |
re: #465 Dark_Falcon
I wonder if it's uniform had stripes across it....and he was part of a chain gang. Hmmmm. And would he have been able to vote?
| 480 |
pink freud Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:27:30pm |
re: #466 doppelganglander
Excellent rebuttal, doppelganglander, and I applaud your effort.
I doubt it would get this cordial a response from those "much better at listening" dems. I'm with Dark Falcon. And, it's nasty to boot.
| 481 |
Racer X Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:28:04pm |
re: #471 Catttt
Too big to fail, but not smart enough to see there was risk?
Screw 'em. Let 'em fail.
Does anyone listen when E.F. Hutton speaks? Not any more.
| 483 |
SanFranciscoZionist Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:29:46pm |
re: #230 IslandLibertarian
St Peter was giving a new arrival a tour around Heaven, when they walked by a room with a bunch of people sitting around with their arms folded and angry frowns on their faces.
The newcomer asked "Who are they?"
St Peter answered "SHHHHHHHH! Those are Baptists, and they think they're the only ones here."
A pious old Jew, Mr. Finkelstein, dies and ascends to heaven. As the Archangel Gabriel leads him around, he smells wonderful food, and spots a buffet.
"Sit down," Gabriel suggests. "Have a bite to eat. The pastrami is great."
"Well, maybe," says Mr. Finkelstein. "Who slaughters your meat?"
"Moshe Rabbenu does it himself," Gabriel says.
"Mmmmm," says Finkelstein. "And who runs the kitchen?"
"The Prophetess Miriam prepares everything with her own hands," Gabriel assures him. "Maybe some corned beef on rye?"
"Mmmmm," says Finkelstein. "And who's your mashgiach?"
Gabriel solemnly points upward. "Himself," he whispers.
Finkelstein thinks for a moment. "You know," he says finally, "just to be on the safe side, I'll have the fruit plate."
| 484 |
Killgore Trout Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:30:01pm |
re: #476 Dark_Falcon
He won't work for Obama. He would advocate policies that would work, whereas Obama wants policies that advance the power of government.
Heh....
Volker
In January 2008, he endorsed Democratic Presidential Candidate Barack Obama for President.[10]
On April 8, 2008, he was the featured speaker at "The Economic Club of New York" and spoke about the issues and causes of the 2008 US recession, and critiqued the 2008 US financial system and the 2008 Federal Reserve policies.[11]
He is today an economic advisor to President Barack Obama.[12][13] Mr. Volcker will head the President's Economic Recovery Advisory Board[14].
| 485 |
Catttt Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:30:08pm |
re: #475 Killgore Trout
Thanks for keeping up the good fight. I gave up.
I think the reason I'm tempted to put my toe in is that I'm studying for my Series 7 right now. I know there are people here lots more knowledgeable on this stuff than I am, but I can sometimes break it down so that it makes sense to people - that's what I do for a living ('splain stuff to people).
| 486 |
idioma Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:30:14pm |
re: #426 Dark_Falcon
Nice strawman you're setting up there. None of us called for privatizing the fire departments. Go shill your DNC talking points someplace. So far, you sound like the evil lovechild of avanti and SpaceJesus: combining the worst qualities of the two of them.
You are sad to me.
When I ordered parts for Navy ATC Radar, I found three axis joysticks cost the taxpayer over $10,000. An F-22 Raptor just crashed this week, it cost $200,000,000 to build, plus maintenance.
We accept the fact that the government is obligated to the common defense, and common welfare. So why is it okay to spend 900,000,000-eleventy-jesus-gagillion-F@#$ing dollars on giant military weapons, but as soon as someone whispers about public funding for prenatal care GOP screams "Oh noes! Teh Commeez!"
It's childish to endorse enormous nuclear arsenals and $200,000,000 jets while freaking out anytime someone thinks the government has a responsibility to ensuring medical care is affordable.
Geez.
| 487 |
jaunte Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:30:20pm |
re: #473 Killgore Trout
Mad props to Volker. Maybe somebody should find him and give him a job or something.
Here's a more recent quote:
Volcker: Look. The basic economy is not irretrievably damaged in any way, shape, or form. We had to go through an adjustment, which is tough. It’s happening much quicker. You’d rather have it happen gradually. But I’m optimistic that, okay, we’ve got to get the consumption down, we got to get spending in line with our capacity to produce. I think that’s going on. And that process is going to take a while. If we can stabilize the financial market, we ought to come out of this. Then we’ve got a lot of work to do about what we do with the regulatory system, the supervisory system, what the role of the Federal Reserve is, what the role of the Treasury and the government is, because this is a different financial market.[Link: blogs.wsj.com...]
| 488 |
reine.de.tout Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:30:26pm |
re: #466 doppelganglander
That was just great.
I particularly liked this line:
I have no interest in trying to change your mind. It's much to narrow to move around in there.
| 489 |
Mr. In get Mr. Out Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:30:45pm |
re: #470 Gus 802
But when the government forces people to make those life style changes you get a Nanny State.
*Just a note but the Republican document in question makes no mention of supporting universal health care.
Yes, if they're forced to make the changes. I never said they should be forced. If I want to eat bacon and sausage every morning, I'm damn well going to
| 490 |
reine.de.tout Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:31:49pm |
re: #426 Dark_Falcon
Nice strawman you're setting up there. None of us called for privatizing the fire departments. Go shill your DNC talking points someplace. So far, you sound like the evil lovechild of avanti and SpaceJesus: combining the worst qualities of the two of them.
Perfect!
| 491 |
Catttt Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:31:56pm |
re: #481 Racer X
Too big to fail, but not smart enough to see there was risk?
Screw 'em. Let 'em fail.
Does anyone listen when E.F. Hutton speaks? Not any more.
Meanwhile, while the hares have been forgotten, the tortoises of the financial industry are still here, debt free, and picking up other companies' stampeding customers. :D
| 492 |
doppelganglander Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:31:57pm |
| 493 |
Killgore Trout Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:32:09pm |
re: #485 Catttt
I'm trying real hard to understand economics and shit these days. I have developed a basic understanding of quantum physics and Zen philosophy but this economics shit is really hard.
| 494 |
Gus Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:32:11pm |
re: #489 Mr. In get Mr. Out
Yes, if they're forced to make the changes. I never said they should be forced. If I want to eat bacon and sausage every morning, I'm damn well going to
Right. I just had a burger myself. Followed by a cigaret and a couple of swigs of whisky.
| 495 |
Racer X Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:32:58pm |
Two women were playing golf. One teed off and watched in horror as her ball headed directly toward a foursome of men playing the next hole.The ball hit one of the men. He immediately clasped his hands together at his groin, fell to the ground and proceeded to roll around in agony. The woman rushed down to the man, and immediately began to apologize.
‘Please allow me to help I’m a Physical Therapist and I know I could relieve your pain if you’d allow me,’she told him.
‘Oh, no, I’ll be all right. I’ll be fine in a few minutes,’ the man replied. He was in obvious agony, lying in the fetal position, still clasping his hands together at his groin. At her persistence, however, he finally allowed her to help.
She gently took his hands away and laid them to the side, loosened his pants and put her hands inside. She administered tender and artful massage for several long moments and asked,’How does that feel’?
He replied: ‘It feels great, but I still think my thumb’s broken.’
| 496 |
SFGoth Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:33:00pm |
re: #467 Mich-again
Dallas police delayed NFL player as relative died
Classic case of Barney Fife Syndrome.
Yeah, I read that. If the story's accurate, bastard. He should be barred from attending the passing of someone close to him, if anyone is.
| 497 |
Catttt Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:33:15pm |
re: #487 jaunte
That's what I keep telling people. So far, the market has never gone down and stayed there.
| 498 |
Noam Sayin' Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:33:16pm |
re: #471 Catttt
The insurance company was essential in these trades, because as I mentioned above, credit default swaps are essentially insurance policies covering the losses on security products in the event of a default.
If I understand you correctly, I have to disagree. That company in AIG that dealt with default credit swaps and such was set up for the purpose of those kinds of transactions. The insurance industry's own regulative bodies - FINRA and the NAIC - forbid such endeavors.
Nonetheless, the insurance wing was brought down with them.
| 499 |
Racer X Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:33:57pm |
re: #491 Catttt
Meanwhile, while the hares have been forgotten, the tortoises of the financial industry are still here, debt free, and picking up other companies' stampeding customers. :D
Exactly!
There is money to be made (and lost).
| 500 |
reine.de.tout Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:33:58pm |
re: #493 Killgore Trout
I'm trying real hard to understand . . . shit these days. . .
That reminds me - have you finished the contraption for your cat yet?
| 501 |
Catttt Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:34:37pm |
re: #493 Killgore Trout
I'm trying real hard to understand economics and shit these days. I have developed a basic understanding of quantum physics and Zen philosophy but this economics shit is really hard.
Economics is hard. I've sat and listened to my company's chief economist - my mind boggles. He's great, and it makes sense while I'm there, but it leaks out of my ears on the way out of the room.
| 502 |
reine.de.tout Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:34:42pm |
| 503 |
NY Nana Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:34:57pm |
re: #479 NY Nana
Verrrrrry interesting:
idioma
Karma: -9
Registered since: Nov 11, 2007 at 11:35 am
No. of comments posted: 15
No. of links posted: 0
| 504 |
SanFranciscoZionist Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:35:17pm |
re: #312 LudwigVanQuixote
I assure you I would be equally upset at a Sharia school board or, for that matter, a public Jewish school board that forced everyone to eat kosher. That point, however is moot, because, we are not talking about the right wing of Judaism or Islam here. They are not the people that the GOP is courting with disasterous policies.
The right wing of Judaism currently tends to traipse along with the right wing of Christianity, but with less of a tendency to fixate on weird and impossible GOP candidates.
| 505 |
funky chicken Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:35:59pm |
re: #426 Dark_Falcon
Nice strawman you're setting up there. None of us called for privatizing the fire departments. Go shill your DNC talking points someplace. So far, you sound like the evil lovechild of avanti and SpaceJesus: combining the worst qualities of the two of them.
actually, I'm going for love child of Pat Buchanan and Medea Benjamin
| 506 |
jaunte Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:36:03pm |
re: #497 Catttt
"Was it over when the hedge funds bombed Pearl Harbor? No!"
| 507 |
Dustyvet Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:36:24pm |
For protection, my father bought me a German Shepherd dog. He was a wonderful watchdog. One evening while I was being held up, he watched.
| 508 |
Fred72 Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:37:03pm |
re: #58 taxfreekiller
Even if the Bush tax cuts expire, people who make more than $250K will pay less of a percentage of their income in taxes than people who make less than $250K.
I make a little more than $250K per year and, unlike many people, I'm not trying to reduce my income to avoid a bracket increase. You see, I took the (unfortunately, non-trivial) time to do a little algebra. The marginal tax I'll pay on the earnings above $250K will go up, to be sure, but they're going up by a small amount compared to the $20K - $30K in income I'd have to say goodbye to in order to drop a bracket.
My total percentage of income tax goes down as I make more than $250K because FICA tops out at around $97,500. If you make less than that, 100% of your paycheck is subject to FICA tax. For me, it's a little more than a third. And the more I make, the lower this percentage gets.
Do I think letting the tax cuts expire is a good idea? No. It didn't create the jobs that the Bush administration probably expected it to, but all the same, I'd rather be paying less taxes. But I've found that the "letting the tax cuts expire will cause people to want to earn less money!" meme going around is spread by two groups of people: people who aren't yet at that $250K mark (and thus are putting words in my mouth), and people who simply do not understand how the marginal tax system works. We have plenty of reasons to be angry at the tax cuts expiring... let's not show the world that it's because we're bad at math. It's sad enough that, as Charles points out, so many Republicans are bad at science... let's not make it worse.
| 509 |
idioma Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:37:23pm |
re: #437 David Simon
Here's some more nice language: you don't know what the fuck you are talking about. Private pensions have moved away from defined benefits to defined contributions. And the investment vehicles have shifted toward self-direction. There's a novel concept, huh? Making people responsible for their own lives.
As for the rest of your idiocy, you're going to equate national defense, law enforcement and transportation infrastructure with going to see the doctor? What else should government be responsible for? Feeding you? Clothing you? Paying for your golf lessons?
W. had no trouble with sending money to sick banks.
Too bad for those unable to afford cancer screenings...
You sound like "screw them" Zuniga when you talk about the sick this way. The elderly and disabled should not have to choose between slowly crumbling from painful symptoms or being able to eat in the same country that puts men on the moon, and fibre optic networks under our streets.
Have you ever watched a woman loose 30 pounds as her cervix slowly ate her? Have you ever watch a small boy hold his father's hand while AIDS takes his last breath?
I have.
Is that emotionally sensational? Probably, unless you are a psychopath. But it is still an ugly reality. What about you? what if you are too old to start a new career, your retirement has fizzled to half of what you were expecting, and then you are having trouble urinating, you suspect it's your prostate, but you cannot afford a rectal exam or cancer screening biopsy with your low income.
sucks to be you?
I think we can do better than that.
What do you think?
| 510 |
Gearhead Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:37:52pm |
Thanks for posting this Charles. I can't really comment, since I haven't had a chance to read it yet, but my initial thought re: the lack of numbers is that it's better to start with a principals rather than numbers. Fmr. Secretary Paulson started with numbers, and what we got was "Oh, just pick something. How's $700 billion sound?" Road to Recovery may at least be a start to returning to a GOP grounded in its core principals. I hope I still feel that way after reading it.
| 511 |
capitalist piglet Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:38:14pm |
re: #462 reine.de.tout
Has abortion been outlawed while I wasn't looking?
I'm still trying to figure out what it has to do with the Second Amendment.
| 513 |
SanFranciscoZionist Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:38:29pm |
re: #334 NY Nana
What really infuriates me is that the NYC public schools make room in the schools during Ramadamn for the cult of islam kids to pray on their prayer rugs during the day, and when classes are given.
How does it hurt anyone if the kids pray at school?
| 514 |
Dark_Falcon Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:38:50pm |
re: #486 idioma
You are sad to me.
When I ordered parts for Navy ATC Radar, I found three axis joysticks cost the taxpayer over $10,000. An F-22 Raptor just crashed this week, it cost $200,000,000 to build, plus maintenance.
We accept the fact that the government is obligated to the common defense, and common welfare. So why is it okay to spend 900,000,000-eleventy-jesus-gagillion-F@#$ing dollars on giant military weapons, but as soon as someone whispers about public funding for prenatal care GOP screams "Oh noes! Teh Commeez!"
It's childish to endorse enormous nuclear arsenals and $200,000,000 jets while freaking out anytime someone thinks the government has a responsibility to ensuring medical care is affordable.
Geez.
Against my better judgment, I'm going to answer this point: The government is constitutionally bound to handle the common defense. The same is not true for health care. The experiences of Canada and the UK leads me to believe that government trying to 'make health care affordable' only leads to poorer and scarcer health care.
| 515 |
Killian Bundy Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:39:03pm |
re: #471 Catttt
I think you are forgetting the Law of Unintended Consequences.
AIG Financial Services' trading partners were big banks and brokerage firms that were trading in credit default swaps.
The essence of the money to be made was in the risk - and the riskier products were more lucrative. The products themselves - e.g., mortages - were not the value - the risk was. And the risk seemed risk free, as long as things went up and up and up. Never mind that they were out on the edge of the edge.
The insurance company was essential in these trades, because as I mentioned above, credit default swaps are essentially insurance policies covering the losses on security products in the event of a default.
Credit default swaps were unregulated thanks to a provision of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act.
/right, and Glass-Steagall still wouldn't be applicable to AIG itself
| 516 |
NY Nana Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:39:38pm |
re: #505 funky chicken
actually, I'm going for love child of Pat Buchanan and Medea Benjamin
*My eyes!* *My eyes!*
| 517 |
funky chicken Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:39:58pm |
re: #508 Fred72
Even if the Bush tax cuts expire, people who make more than $250K will pay less of a percentage of their income in taxes than people who make less than $250K.
I make a little more than $250K per year and, unlike many people, I'm not trying to reduce my income to avoid a bracket increase. You see, I took the (unfortunately, non-trivial) time to do a little algebra. The marginal tax I'll pay on the earnings above $250K will go up, to be sure, but they're going up by a small amount compared to the $20K - $30K in income I'd have to say goodbye to in order to drop a bracket.
My total percentage of income tax goes down as I make more than $250K because FICA tops out at around $97,500. If you make less than that, 100% of your paycheck is subject to FICA tax. For me, it's a little more than a third. And the more I make, the lower this percentage gets.
Do I think letting the tax cuts expire is a good idea? No. It didn't create the jobs that the Bush administration probably expected it to, but all the same, I'd rather be paying less taxes. But I've found that the "letting the tax cuts expire will cause people to want to earn less money!" meme going around is spread by two groups of people: people who aren't yet at that $250K mark (and thus are putting words in my mouth), and people who simply do not understand how the marginal tax system works. We have plenty of reasons to be angry at the tax cuts expiring... let's not show the world that it's because we're bad at math. It's sad enough that, as Charles points out, so many Republicans are bad at science... let's not make it worse.
Yeah, I'm not fond of class warfare at all, but my husband and I just had a similar discussion. We're well under $250k...hell, we're way under $150k. We agreed that the higher marginal taxes were something we would be able to bear if it ever came to it.
:0
| 518 |
Dark_Falcon Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:40:16pm |
re: #505 funky chicken
actually, I'm going for love child of Pat Buchanan and Medea Benjamin
EWWWWW!
| 519 |
CapeCoddah Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:40:22pm |
re: #478 Timbre
Kathleen Kennedy Townsend is a blatant liar.
"Kennedy" and "Lie" go together like chocolate and peanut butter.
| 520 |
swamprat Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:41:00pm |
| 521 |
David Simon Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:41:31pm |
re: #471 Catttt
Credit default swaps were unregulated thanks to a provision of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act.
Credit default swaps were unregulated by the SEC. AIG is an insurance company. Since when does the SEC regulate insurance?
| 522 |
Noam Sayin' Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:41:47pm |
| 523 |
Killgore Trout Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:42:13pm |
re: #500 reine.de.tout
That reminds me - have you finished the contraption for your cat yet?
Almost. I made a really basic error and only made six spokes for the wheel which requires 8. I'm pretty good at bending and curing bamboo now so it should be done in another week or two. I have it set up with the two missing spokes and it works in concept. The cats get very cranky when I take it down.
I have to do taxes this weekend but I'm going to try to get time to type up some recipes for you. The Udon may be too exotic so I'm going to send some everyday/year round sweet potato recipes as a backup.
| 524 |
SanFranciscoZionist Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:42:20pm |
re: #365 Stonemason
I have no idea why you are ignoring me...they are IDIOTS, or CREATIONISTS, or stupid brain dead clods. Leave the religion out of it...you still haven't explained to me why the religion needs to be involved in the label.
You mentioned Chomsky, until right now, I had no idea he was Jewish...see, never labeled that way, didn't stop me from thinking he was an idiot.Stop thinking in terms of religion...please.
Islam has nothing to do with it. They are terrorists, plain and simple, they are bad evil individual people. I don't see why we need to bring their religion into it. Bad people who do bad things come from all faith backgrounds.
/OK, I'm being mean, but when people do things out of religious motivations...is it bad to notice that? Does it malign everyone else from that religion who haven't done whatever it is to notice that?
| 525 |
NY Nana Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:42:34pm |
re: #513 SanFranciscoZionist
How does it hurt anyone if the kids pray at school?
They are in a public school. They no more want to fit in than I want to swim an ocean with my hands tied. They want us to be subjugated to them, and allow them to take over.
No thank you!
| 526 |
Gus Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:43:22pm |
re: #514 Dark_Falcon
Against my better judgment, I'm going to answer this point: The government is constitutionally bound to handle the common defense. The same is not true for health care. The experiences of Canada and the UK leads me to believe that government trying to 'make health care affordable' only leads to poorer and scarcer health care.
I'm trying to think this through but actually the F-22 provided health care for the employees of Lockheed indirectly alongside providing an updated aircraft for the Air Force.
| 527 |
Timbre Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:43:39pm |
re: #509 idioma
I think we need as few laws as possible which mandate action: hire this person because of their (blank) or be fined. Accommodate these would-be terrorists or be sued. Pay for his or her health care or go to jail. The force behind every law, even fines, is the weapon, the handcuffs, and the jail. I don't appreciate someone telling me I will do this or else. That's not freedom. Charity is noble because it is not demanded or extorted.
| 528 |
CapeCoddah Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:43:57pm |
re: #505 funky chicken
actually, I'm going for love child of Pat Buchanan and Medea Benjamin
How about Barney Frank and Medea Benjamin?
| 529 |
SanFranciscoZionist Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:44:21pm |
re: #379 LudwigVanQuixote
I'm in the DC metro area. I have not noticed a serious problem. Then again, the only things I really buy for Pesach that are pre-made are wine and matzo, so I may not be the best to ask.
They seem to have matzah in the stores this year, baruch Hashem. Also, this year's mystery product on the Passover products table is--brandy.
| 530 |
swamprat Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:44:48pm |
re: #509 idioma
The biggest lefty I know, who absolutely hates Bush, gives him credit for the efforts he put forth over AIDS in Africa. You are badly informed, or are a liar, and I have already said my piece about that.
| 531 |
Dark_Falcon Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:45:25pm |
re: #509 idioma
You sound like "screw them" Zuniga when you talk about the sick this way. The elderly and disabled should not have to choose between slowly crumbling from painful symptoms or being able to eat in the same country that puts men on the moon, and fibre optic networks under our streets.
And you sound like Markos "Screw Them" Moulitas. Take your socialist rhetoric back to the Kos where it belongs.
That said, its actually kind of nice to have a commie troll to roast tonight. When we have to smack down creationists, we're attacking those who at least tend to vote for our party, so I always feel some regret. A commie can be flamed happlily. So congrats, idiota, you've brought us all together.
| 532 |
realwest Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:46:37pm |
Good evening y'all - sorry to be late to the thread, but I spent a good deal of time reading what Charles kindly provided to us as The Republican Road to Recovery. It took a while for the Democrat's numbers to actually sink in.
re: #124 lawhawk
"All the talk about how the GOP is obstructionist is a bald-faced lie. Democrats control the process, and hope to get political cover by coopting enough GOPers to claim bipartisanship for the next election season, when Democrats can again blast the GOP."
It's hard for me to find anything that is incorrect in your statement, but I do think part of the problem - a big part during the election campaign and NOW, is the MSM. No matter what the Republicans propose, the MSM will either: not cover it at all, miss essential points or find "errors" when there are none.
I'm not surprised that the Republican's haven't come up with any numbers yet. But other than Gross numbers, I haven't seen anything from the Democrats either - I've written to my two US Senators (one an R and one a D) and asked for information in Obama's budget - how much for this, how much for that.......you know some sort of breakdown. The R Senator told me he hasn't seen the actual proposed budget yet either. The D Senator has not yet responded.
But I'd like to propose what may be a third plan to economic recovery: Start the game OVER with the Federal Government starting from ZERO dollars for anything and then review ALL the programs the Government has, see where there is overlap, see where there are programs that are either no longer needed or that could in fact pay for themselves (think "Highway Trust Fund"), Defense, Domestic, everything. I know this suggestion will strike some -hopefully not too many of you - as something which would take too long. But I think what we have in much of the Federal Spending is spending caused by powerful Congresscritters getting the pork for their respective districts and States as well as some legitimately unknown duplication of efforts by the government.
One term for this process is "Zero Based Budgeting" and in two law firms in which I was a partner, each department head had to propose what that department would need in terms of funds for legal staff of all types and related expenses, vs. how much income that department head anticipated generating that year and the basis for those calculations. It was an eye-opener for me - we had many attorney's in different departments doing duplicative work for different clients and not really fulfilling what was considered a basic requirement: billing at least Two Thousand hours a year. That's not working Two Thousand hours a year, that's billing Two Thousand hours a year. Ordinarily we found that most of us were working something like Twenty four hundred hours to get to Two thousand billable hours.
Once we, as a Nation, have a grasp of the same thing, THEN we can debate what should the government be spending money on and what should the government not spend money on.
| 534 |
Dark_Falcon Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:48:15pm |
re: #528 CapeCoddah
How about Barney Frank and Medea Benjamin?
That works. She's from San Fran, I can see her as a fag hag. Emphasis on the hag part.
| 535 |
Catttt Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:48:50pm |
re: #498 Noam Sayin'
If I understand you correctly, I have to disagree. That company in AIG that dealt with default credit swaps and such was set up for the purpose of those kinds of transactions. The insurance industry's own regulative bodies - FINRA and the NAIC - forbid such endeavors.
Nonetheless, the insurance wing was brought down with them.
No, no, no. This practice was and IS unregulated. Think loophole or laissez faire.
Insurance companies do not consider credit default swaps to be insurance, and they are NOT regulated as insurance. In fact, they are not regulated by anybody.
The Commodity Futures Modernization Act (CFMA) of 2000 (signed by President Clinton) included a loophole that deregulated derivatives trading between financial institutions (the OTC market, which is electronic).
| 536 |
Catttt Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:49:36pm |
re: #515 Killian Bundy
/right, and Glass-Steagall still wouldn't be applicable to AIG itself
Now you're splitting hairs, my dear. You don't have to always be right.
| 537 |
Killer Tomato Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:50:03pm |
| 538 |
SanFranciscoZionist Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:50:23pm |
re: #433 LudwigVanQuixote
They may revoke my membership for this, but I have never gotten into gefilte fish...
A related but different thought... Have you ever used quinoa? It's fantastic and I suppliment a lot of my recipes with it, since it isn't one of the grains that can become chametz.
Gefilte fish isn't something you're 'into'. It's something you eat to establish your credentials as a shtarker Ashkenazi.
| 539 |
Charles Johnson Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:50:30pm |
I think I'm going to start automatically blocking accounts, if the person hasn't posted in a certain time period -- say, two months.
The number of trolls who've been showing up with accounts that have been inactive for years is getting ridiculous.
| 540 |
Gearhead Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:51:08pm |
re: #528 CapeCoddah
How about Barney Frank and Medea Benjamin?
What a trade-off: cross-species marriage (Buchanan/Medea) vs. same-sex marriage.
| 541 |
idioma Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:51:27pm |
re: #466 doppelganglander
I have no interest in trying to change your mind. It's much to narrow to move around in there.
ZING!
On a side note, thanks for having so much interest in me. You checked my profile? Stalker. :)
My line of work does not often include an internet connection. So I read often, but post very little. I'm with LGF for the RSS feed mostly.
You have made some good comparisons between christians and muslims, but it's not really the point now is it?
I could talk about bombing abortion clinics, but that's also not the point.
Take a good hard look some time at the midwest mind.
Rent the following movies:
Friends of God: A Road Trip With Alexandra Pelosi
JESUS CAMP: Directed by Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady
The God Who Wasn't There: written and directed by Brian Flemming
Then tell me if you still believe the GOP can actually separate from fundamentalists.
You say you are a christian?
Great!
But why are you a christian?
Why not worship Zues?
How can someone exercise their right to vote in a democracy when sermons tell them how to think?
| 542 |
Catttt Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:51:31pm |
re: #521 David Simon
Credit default swaps were unregulated by the SEC. AIG is an insurance company. Since when does the SEC regulate insurance?
CDS's are unregulated by anyone.
| 543 |
SanFranciscoZionist Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:51:37pm |
re: #435 LudwigVanQuixote
I am not even close to all ready... This Sunday is going to be a major cleaning day for me...
I'm just going to set my house on fire, and live on quail in the hills for a week. Simple, traditional, and requires no tinfoil.
| 544 |
David Simon Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:52:54pm |
re: #509 idioma
W. had no trouble with sending money to sick banks.
Too bad for those unable to afford cancer screenings...
You sound like "screw them" Zuniga when you talk about the sick this way. The elderly and disabled should not have to choose between slowly crumbling from painful symptoms or being able to eat in the same country that puts men on the moon, and fibre optic networks under our streets.
Have you ever watched a woman loose 30 pounds as her cervix slowly ate her? Have you ever watch a small boy hold his father's hand while AIDS takes his last breath?
I have.
Is that emotionally sensational? Probably, unless you are a psychopath. But it is still an ugly reality. What about you? what if you are too old to start a new career, your retirement has fizzled to half of what you were expecting, and then you are having trouble urinating, you suspect it's your prostate, but you cannot afford a rectal exam or cancer screening biopsy with your low income.
sucks to be you?
I think we can do better than that.
What do you think?
That you're a demagogic idiot.
Say your dream comes true and we end up with national health care. Voila, the demand for health care has increased without a concomitant increase in supply. So how do you ration the health care? With long waits. (See any country that has attempted to do what you're suggesting.)
Ultimately, costs need to be cut. So government will begin to put the squeeze on the health care providers and the drug manufacturers. What happens then? Our best and brightest no longer opt for careers in the medical profession. It's so much easier - and so much more lucrative - to embark on a career practicing law or accounting or whatever. (Again, see any country that has attempted national health care.)
Finally, you fucking asshole, don't presume moral superiority when all you do is bitch that someone else should do something. If you want to pay for someone else's health care, be my guest. Just keep your grubby paws off of my wallet.
| 546 |
Mr. In get Mr. Out Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:53:26pm |
| 547 |
NY Nana Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:53:53pm |
re: #435 LudwigVanQuixote
I am not even close to all ready... This Sunday is going to be a major cleaning day for me...
Now I can exhale! Welcome to the club! I thought that you were actually ready.
| 548 |
Irene NYC Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:54:10pm |
re: #539 Charles
I think I'm going to start automatically blocking accounts, if the person hasn't posted in a certain time period -- say, two months.
The number of trolls who've been showing up with accounts that have been inactive for years is getting ridiculous.
Two months may be too short. For example, I was out of the States for some time and also had to tend to important affairs for a few months thus didn't post for quite some time.
Sometimes life interferes with being a lizard.
My $0.02 worth.
| 549 |
Catttt Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:54:35pm |
re: #539 Charles
I think I'm going to start automatically blocking accounts, if the person hasn't posted in a certain time period -- say, two months.
The number of trolls who've been showing up with accounts that have been inactive for years is getting ridiculous.
At least a couple of months, though, in case someone gets sick or goes into the hospital or something?
Can it be someone not logging in? I know we have a number of shy people who log in and read but don't post a lot - they sometimes feel they can't express themselves well in writing, so thay might post once in a while but not in a troll-like way. Lurkers.
| 550 |
Noam Sayin' Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:54:53pm |
re: #535 Catttt
You seem to understand it deeper than me, so I'm not going to argue. My understanding was that these transactions are prohibited for insurance companies, so insurance groups set up sister companies (subsidiaries, or whatever nature of corporate structure) to engage in that market.
In any case, I'm sure you and I can agree it doesn't take a genius to recognize the risk in these endeavors. I'm fortunately employed because my company stayed away from them.
| 551 |
Dustyvet Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:54:58pm |
re: #539 Charles
I think I'm going to start automatically blocking accounts, if the person hasn't posted in a certain time period -- say, two months.
The number of trolls who've been showing up with accounts that have been inactive for years is getting ridiculous.
No more sleeper trolls...
| 552 |
realwest Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:55:00pm |
re: #539 Charles
That is a terrific idea! Not only will it hopefully stop
trolls from jumping into a thread that is still On Topic, but it should also stop the ridiculous down-dinging by registerd lizards whom none of us recognize by their nic names, because they don't post, they just exist to ding other people down.
| 553 |
jaunte Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:55:36pm |
If you aim to worship Zues
You got to pay the Grecian dues
Go tell the Spartans down in Hel
To study up on how they spel
/
Goodnight all.
| 554 |
pink freud Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:55:44pm |
"Friends of God: A Road Trip With Alexandra Pelosi."
C'est tout, finis.
| 555 |
Killian Bundy Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:55:47pm |
re: #536 Catttt
Now you're splitting hairs, my dear. You don't have to always be right.
It's pretty simple, AIG is an insurance company and Glass-Steagall never regulated insurance companies.
/pick any regulation you like, but Glass-Steagall isn't it
| 556 |
swamprat Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:55:48pm |
re: #539 Charles
I think these accounts are stored and sold. But I haven't been able to track the source.
| 557 |
Pvt Bin Jammin Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:55:55pm |
Good evening, lizards. Trying to catch up with the thread.
Charles, that sounds like a good idea. I see those weirods from 2004 making their tenth post. If you want, you can delete my hubby's account. He got all excited and thought he would post but he doesn't. I screwed up his nic when I registered him anyway. It was supposed to be "Major Disaster" and I typed in "General Disaster".
| 558 |
David Simon Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:56:24pm |
re: #542 Catttt
CDS's are unregulated by anyone.
Precisely. Which is why I don't understand the point you're trying to make.
| 559 |
Dark_Falcon Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:56:42pm |
re: #539 Charles
I think I'm going to start automatically blocking accounts, if the person hasn't posted in a certain time period -- say, two months.
The number of trolls who've been showing up with accounts that have been inactive for years is getting ridiculous.
That's a good idea. I would include an exception for someone who could provide a good reason for his/her absence, to be given by you on a case-by-case basis.
| 560 |
swamprat Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:57:04pm |
re: #556 swamprat Maybe not sold per se, but given out like a bug-me-not account.
| 562 |
Bob Dillon Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:57:43pm |
re: #543 SanFranciscoZionist
I'm just going to set my house on fire, and live on quail in the hills for a week. Simple, traditional, and requires no tinfoil.
Like the guy who pushed his Ferrari off the cliff and asked for an insurance compensation because his hand brake slipped - back in the 60's iirc?
/
| 563 |
Mr. In get Mr. Out Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:57:44pm |
re: #557 Pvt Bin Jammin
Good evening, lizards. Trying to catch up with the thread.
Charles, that sounds like a good idea. I see those weirods from 2004 making their tenth post. If you want, you can delete my hubby's account. He got all excited and thought he would post but he doesn't. I screwed up his nic when I registered him anyway. It was supposed to be "Major Disaster" and I typed in "General Disaster".
So, his name became its own disaster. :)
| 564 |
Rob with a mind Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:57:51pm |
The republican road to recovery is:
1. Start a 4 year filibuster. Metaphorically punch him every time he moves. Every thing he tries to do we show him the same bi-partisan attitude he shows us.
2. We are the greatest country man ever made. We real Americans are tough. We are the good guys remember? We are fighting for the legacy and in the shadow of every man woman and child that died in the struggle for liberty..
2. Run that arrogant punks ass ragged. HE CAN'T HANDLE THE PRESSURE! Especially with with any class. Lets run him down every where he goes. "HIM NOT THE OFFICE. Politics is like sports, it takes toughness. Rudy has it, Jindal don't! This ego maniac will have a melt down. He will then start to lose it. We Continue more of the same. His soft inner arrogant girlie-man self cant help to do what comes naturally. He will pout.
Lincoln said America was mans last best hope for survival. He was right
LETS PLAY TO WIN! OUR KIDS DESERVE OUR BEST SHOT!
| 565 |
SanFranciscoZionist Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:58:03pm |
re: #507 Dustyvet
For protection, my father bought me a German Shepherd dog. He was a wonderful watchdog. One evening while I was being held up, he watched.
We had a German shepherd. Well, a mix, wolf and chow-chow and collie and St. Bernard, but there was German shepherd in there.
He would have killed anyone who tried to harm one of us--damn near went for a junkie who menaced my mother one morning when she was walking him...but my father always said that a pleasant burglar with a good ear-scratch and a pack of bologna could have stripped the house clean of valuables without interference.
Not that we had a lot of valuables, so I suppose it didn't really matter.
| 566 |
Catttt Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:58:16pm |
re: #550 Noam Sayin'
You seem to understand it deeper than me, so I'm not going to argue. My understanding was that these transactions are prohibited for insurance companies, so insurance groups set up sister companies (subsidiaries, or whatever nature of corporate structure) to engage in that market.
In any case, I'm sure you and I can agree it doesn't take a genius to recognize the risk in these endeavors. I'm fortunately employed because my company stayed away from them.
It's actually very simple, in this case. Phil Gramm gave them carte blanche. No one - and I mean no one - regulates these trades. No.One.
| 567 |
Racer X Thu, Mar 26, 2009 9:58:36pm |
re: #539 Charles
I think I'm going to start automatically blocking accounts, if the person hasn't posted in a certain time period -- say, two months.
The number of trolls who've been showing up with accounts that have been inactive for years is getting ridiculous.
And miss out on all the fun of whacking them?
Better yet - give Mandy a stick. That would be fun.
| 569 |
Dustyvet Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:00:08pm |
re: #567 Racer X
And miss out on all the fun of whacking them?
Better yet - give Mandy a stick. That would be fun.
Mandy's Got a dirty big stick, and knows how to use it...:)
| 570 |
NY Nana Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:00:09pm |
re: #528 CapeCoddah
How about Barney Frank and Medea Benjamin?
If I have a nightmare, I will seek you and find you! ;)
| 571 |
Catttt Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:00:25pm |
re: #558 David Simon
Precisely. Which is why I don't understand the point you're trying to make.
You obviously aren't reading all the posts. I'm responding to people who are asking about this stuff or saying they ARE regulated by this or that or the other.
Are you David Simon the writer? I always want to ask that whenever I see you here. If so, I like your books.
| 572 |
pat Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:00:48pm |
The GOP only had 48 hours to counter the Obama budget. And that really is not the normal process. The GOP now controls about a quarter of DC's resouces given the way committees allocate staff. So the GOP cannot muster real figures in that time.
In addition, they are totally demoralized. And some are Obama worshipers and whores. The 3 RINOS, etc.
As for the House, they are like the Democrats, often the GOP has elected dolts. Who knows why these people win. It has nothing to do with brains.
On the other hand I sense a ballooning fear of panic among economists, business, and stockholders. I don't think Obama can move fast enough to put his dreams in effect.
| 573 |
David Simon Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:00:50pm |
re: #566 Catttt
It's actually very simple, in this case. Phil Gramm gave them carte blanche. No one - and I mean no one - regulates these trades. No.One.
Again, I don't understand your point. Gramm-Leach-Bliley was about what the SEC could and couldn't regulate. The SEC never had the power to regulate insurance contracts.
| 574 |
realwest Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:00:57pm |
re: #549 Catttt
"Can it be someone not logging in?" I understand your reasoning here, but the problem is that there is no way I know of for Charles to clean out those trolls who deliberately muck up an otherwise On Topic Thread AND those folks who Log In just to downding other posters.
And, I think I'm right here, people can read LGF without being registered, but can't comment nor down or upding comments.
| 575 |
Noam Sayin' Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:01:01pm |
re: #566 Catttt
But those trades are prohibited for insurance companies. That's my understanding.
| 576 |
idioma Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:01:13pm |
| 577 |
SanFranciscoZionist Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:01:16pm |
re: #525 NY Nana
They are in a public school. They no more want to fit in than I want to swim an ocean with my hands tied. They want us to be subjugated to them, and allow them to take over.
No thank you!
I repeat. Who is harmed if Muslim children pray at school? Christian kids have prayer circles and Bible study groups in public schools. There's no possible justification for excluding one group and not another.
| 578 |
Dustyvet Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:01:22pm |
A man went into a pet store and said to the owner, I'd like to buy a pet that is out of the ordinary - unusual.
The pet shop owner replied, well,I have one Rairy-bird left...
The man said, I've never even heard of a Rairy-bird, that certainly makes it unusual!, I'll take it!
So the man brought home his new Rairy-bird and soon found out that it had a huge appetite! It was always hungry! Finally,the Rairy-bird was so big and fat that it wouldn't fit inside the house anymore, much less the cage! The man said to himself: I've got to get rid of this animal-I can't afford to feed it! So he rented a huge dump truck, put the Rairy-bird into the back, and drove to the edge of a high cliff. He then dumped the Rairy-bird out of the truck and over the cliff! Thinking that all his troubles were over, the man was driving home when he suddenly heard this singing coming from the back of the dump- truck:
"It's a long long way to tip-a-Rairy!
| 579 |
Bob Dillon Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:01:31pm |
re: #552 realwest
That is a terrific idea! Not only will it hopefully stop
trolls from jumping into a thread that is still On Topic, but it should also stop the ridiculous down-dinging by registerd lizards whom none of us recognize by their nic names, because they don't post, they just exist to ding other people down.
Mega ding ups RW. Pussies that hit and run while never confronting on a thread.
No offense to the ladies here! - Girlie Men.
| 581 |
Pvt Bin Jammin Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:02:08pm |
| 582 |
JohnAdams Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:02:26pm |
re: #556 swamprat
I think these accounts are stored and sold. But I haven't been able to track the source.
At first I thought bad idea because I'm sure there are many, many people who come on here to read but don't post out of shyness or because they feel intimidated/not decent enough writers. Still, many of them inevitably learn something. And if they are lurking to get ammo for their own agendas, so be it. And a troll can provide good sport.
That being said, I'm sure they piss off Charles from time to time. I can understand his frustration.
| 583 |
David Simon Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:02:26pm |
re: #571 Catttt
You obviously aren't reading all the posts. I'm responding to people who are asking about this stuff or saying they ARE regulated by this or that or the other.
Are you David Simon the writer? I always want to ask that whenever I see you here. If so, I like your books.
No ma'am. I'm not that talented. ;->
| 584 |
Catttt Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:02:31pm |
re: #555 Killian Bundy
It's pretty simple, AIG is an insurance company and Glass-Steagall never regulated insurance companies.
/pick any regulation you like, but Glass-Steagall isn't it
Did I say Glass Steagall even once? No.
| 585 |
Timbre Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:02:33pm |
re: #557 Pvt Bin Jammin
Good evening, lizards. Trying to catch up with the thread.
Charles, that sounds like a good idea. I see those weirods from 2004 making their tenth post. If you want, you can delete my hubby's account. He got all excited and thought he would post but he doesn't. I screwed up his nic when I registered him anyway. It was supposed to be "Major Disaster" and I typed in "General Disaster".
Make it General President. That way if people call him by his first name, its "Hey, General, how's it going?" "Good morning, General!" And if they call him by his last name, well-- its "Have a great day, Mr. President." "Thank you for stopping by, Mr. President." Your hubby would swell with pride! :)
| 586 |
CapeCoddah Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:02:49pm |
re: #578 Dustyvet
A man went into a pet store and said to the owner, I'd like to buy a pet that is out of the ordinary - unusual.
The pet shop owner replied, well,I have one Rairy-bird left...
The man said, I've never even heard of a Rairy-bird, that certainly makes it unusual!, I'll take it!
So the man brought home his new Rairy-bird and soon found out that it had a huge appetite! It was always hungry! Finally,the Rairy-bird was so big and fat that it wouldn't fit inside the house anymore, much less the cage! The man said to himself: I've got to get rid of this animal-I can't afford to feed it! So he rented a huge dump truck, put the Rairy-bird into the back, and drove to the edge of a high cliff. He then dumped the Rairy-bird out of the truck and over the cliff! Thinking that all his troubles were over, the man was driving home when he suddenly heard this singing coming from the back of the dump- truck:
"It's a long long way to tip-a-Rairy!
LOL, that was old when I was a little kid!
| 588 |
realwest Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:02:53pm |
re: #557 Pvt Bin Jammin
Hi PBJ - come on now, what you did was give him a BIG promotion - you are after all his loving wife - that was no screw up! LOL!
| 589 |
Pvt Bin Jammin Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:04:05pm |
re: #585 Timbre
Make it General President. That way if people call him by his first name, its "Hey, General, how's it going?" "Good morning, General!" And if they call him by his last name, well-- its "Have a great day, Mr. President." "Thank you for stopping by, Mr. President." Your hubby would swell with pride! :)
LOL
| 590 |
realwest Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:04:28pm |
re: #580 Noam Sayin'
*Ouch*! Darn it Noam, can't you just stay with noogies?! You are way bigger than I am and those tackles - friendly though they may be - hurt!
:)
| 591 |
SanFranciscoZionist Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:04:31pm |
re: #541 idioma
How can someone exercise their right to vote in a democracy when sermons tell them how to think?
How can someone exercise their right to vote in a democracy when the TV tells them how to think? How can someone exercise that right if Rush Limbaugh tells them how to think? How can they exercise that right if their next-door neighbor tells them how to think?
Adults make up their own minds. Some of us turn to religious or political leaders for guidance.
| 592 |
swamprat Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:04:32pm |
re: #541 idioma
You have no idea how many of us are pagan, atheists, deists, Buddhists, unitarians,and ultra-Orthodox don't care. You are posting to some pre-conceived template you read about some where. You lack the foundation to give a rational critique.
Pah!
| 593 |
Erik The Red Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:04:36pm |
re: #578 Dustyvet
That is sooo bad Dv that a gave you a upding. LOL :)
| 594 |
Ateam Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:05:00pm |
re: #539 Charles
Just out off curiosity - how many nick-names are registered in your blog?
| 595 |
Noam Sayin' Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:05:00pm |
| 596 |
Dark_Falcon Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:05:18pm |
re: #541 idioma
Why am I a Christian? Because I believe that Christianity is the best explanation for humanity's purpose in the universe and that it provides the best moral code to live by. And as for your attacks on the "midwestern mind", as a lifelong resident of a midwestern state (Illinois) I would like to invite to FOAD.l
| 597 |
Dustyvet Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:05:31pm |
re: #593 Erik The Red
That is sooo bad Dv that a gave you a upding. LOL :)
THE PERKS OF BEING 50+
1. Kidnappers are not very interested in you.
2. In a hostage situation you are likely to be released first.
3. No one expects you to run - anywhere.
4. People call at 9 PM and ask, "Did I wake you?"
5. People no longer view you as a hypochondriac.
6. There is nothing left to learn the hard way.
7. Things you buy now won't wear out.
8. You can eat dinner at 4 P.M.
9. You enjoy hearing about other peoples' operations.
10. You get into heated arguments about pension plans.
11. You have a party and the neighbors don't even realize it.
12. You no longer think of speed limits as a challenge.
13. You quit trying to hold your stomach in, no matter who walks into the room.
14. You sing along with elevator music.
15. Your eyes won't get much worse.
16. Your investment in health insurance is finally beginning to pay off.
17. Your joints are more accurate meteorologists than the national weather service.
18. Your secrets are safe with your friends, because they can't remember them either.
19. Your supply of brain cells is finally down to manageable size.
20. You can't remember who sent you this list.
| 598 |
Bob Dillon Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:05:50pm |
re: #565 SanFranciscoZionist
True ... and you can train your hounds to ignore that stuff. And get down to biz right now. Chomp!
| 599 |
Timbre Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:06:09pm |
re: #578 Dustyvet
If your bird works part-time in an office, does that make it a Temp-o-Rairy?
| 600 |
Pvt Bin Jammin Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:06:24pm |
re: #576 idioma
stalking is as stalking does.
Don't you dare f**k with NY Nana.
We have freedom of information here at LGF.
| 601 |
NY Nana Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:07:01pm |
re: #577 SanFranciscoZionist
I repeat. Who is harmed if Muslim children pray at school? Christian kids have prayer circles and Bible study groups in public schools. There's no possible justification for excluding one group and not another.
I doubt that you are a Conservative, and I am not referring to that branch of Judaism. And living in the Bay area?
If you do not understand the concept of a public school system, then I am not about to explain it to you..you don't have to reply. I am not in the mood for a flame war. Thanks, anyway.
Sad.
| 602 |
Dustyvet Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:08:01pm |
The Three Bears returned one sunny sunday morning from a stroll in the woods to find the door of their little house open. Cautiously, they went inside. After a while, big Daddy Bear's deep voice boomed out, "Someone's been eating MY porridge!" Mummy Bear gave a yelp, "Someone's been eating MY porridge!", she said. Little Baby Bear rushed in, "Forget the porridge - someone's nicked the DVD player!"
| 603 |
realwest Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:08:07pm |
re: #579 Bobibutu
Thanks Bobibutu! Um, can I ask you what you thought of my comment #532?
| 604 |
Bob Dillon Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:08:07pm |
re: #577 SanFranciscoZionist
I repeat. Who is harmed if Muslim children pray at school? Christian kids have prayer circles and Bible study groups in public schools. There's no possible justification for excluding one group and not another.
No problem if they do it on their own time - to have a edict - is a wedge.
| 605 |
Killian Bundy Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:08:21pm |
re: #584 Catttt
Did I say Glass Steagall even once? No.
/no, you didn't and I have no quarrel with you
| 606 |
NY Nana Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:08:41pm |
re: #557 Pvt Bin Jammin
Hello, there! How did we ever manage to be posting at the same time?
| 607 |
Pvt Bin Jammin Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:08:57pm |
re: #588 realwest
Hi PBJ - come on now, what you did was give him a BIG promotion - you are after all his loving wife - that was no screw up! LOL!
LOL That was what I told him when we realized that I screwed up.
| 608 |
Noam Sayin' Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:09:26pm |
re: #602 Dustyvet
Really, now. Do bears use the word, "nicked?"
| 609 |
Pvt Bin Jammin Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:10:06pm |
re: #606 NY Nana
Hello, there! How did we ever manage to be posting at the same time?
It's pretty rare. Is NY Grandpa telling you it's bedtime already?
| 611 |
Dustyvet Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:10:07pm |
| 612 |
NY Nana Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:10:21pm |
re: #604 Bobibutu
Thanks, Bobibutu! You just helped bring my B/P down about 20 points.
/Don't confuse him with reasoning.
| 613 |
NY Nana Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:11:24pm |
re: #609 Pvt Bin Jammin
It's pretty rare. Is NY Grandpa telling you it's bedtime already?
Not a word...maybe he fell asleep at his computer? I don't hear any snoring though.
| 614 |
Desert Dog Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:11:53pm |
I am back, I just got done reading the book of Revelations...MAN, that story ends in the strangest way.
So, what did I miss?
| 615 |
Killer Tomato Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:12:17pm |
OK - who here has blue eyes?
Brazil president blames white people for crisis
By Jonathan Wheatley in São Paulo and agencies
Published: March 27 2009 00:27 %P% Last updated: March 27 2009 00:27
Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Thursday blamed the global economic crisis on “white people with blue eyes” and said it was wrong that black and indigenous people should pay for white people’s mistakes.
| 616 |
VioletTiger Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:12:23pm |
| 617 |
Racer X Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:12:42pm |
Bubba goes to the tent revival and listens to the preacher. After a while, the preacher asks anyone with needs to come forward and be prayed over.
Bubba slowly rises from his chair and gets in line.
When it's his turn the preacher says, "Bubba, what you want me to pray about?"
Bubba says, "Preacher, I need you to pray for my hearing."
So the preacher puts his right finger in Bubba's right ear and his left hand on top of his head and prays a while. Then the preacher puts his left finger in Bubba's left ear and his right hand on top of his head and prays some more.
After a few minutes, the preacher removes his hands and says, "Bubba, how's your hearing now?"
Bubba says, "I don't know, preacher; it ain't till next Wednesday."
| 620 |
pat Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:13:10pm |
Muslims do not pray in silence. And they do so 5 times a day during school hours. Each prayer takes 15 minutes because of various BS that they linger thru. Then there are the special things they 'need'. Foot baths, rugs, compasses, absence of infidels, no shoes, separate rooms for girls and boys.
The whole process is used as proof that these primitive cultist are somehow special.
They can pray before a test. Just like everyone else. At home .
| 622 |
realwest Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:14:22pm |
re: #560 swamprat
I'm sorry, it's late and I'm tired, but I don't understand you. Are you saying people register here and then sell or trade their registered nics (and passwords) to other folks? If so, what is the point of a person buying an account here or trading something for one - Charles has enough "open registration" threads that anyone who is serious about being a registered lizard can be if they just stay vigilant about it.
| 623 |
NY Nana Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:14:49pm |
re: #600 Pvt Bin Jammin
Yipes! I had better see if NY Grampa is awake! He just grunted 'yes'. ;)
| 624 |
Timbre Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:14:51pm |
re: #615 Killer Tomato
OK - who here has blue eyes?
Uh, oh-- He's found NOI theology. Shaytan is not going to be pleased...
/
| 625 |
Timbre Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:15:47pm |
re: #616 VioletTiger
Either way we need some Komodo lizards to dig 'em out!
| 626 |
stevieray Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:15:50pm |
re: #578 Dustyvet
"It's a long long way to tip-a-Rairy!"
Its a long way to go for that punchline! Jeez Louise!
| 627 |
Mr. In get Mr. Out Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:16:04pm |
re: #615 Killer Tomato
OK - who here has blue eyes?
Once you start grouping people like this, it can create a lack of empathy in one group when they confront the labeled.
| 628 |
Gearhead Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:16:07pm |
Charles, would it be possible to differentiate between new accounts that reach a certain age without posting and those of us who post, but may go for a while without posting?
Or maybe an automated negative karma-based expulsion.
Or perhaps up/down dings for accounts?
| 629 |
realwest Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:16:10pm |
re: #607 Pvt Bin Jammin
And yet you didn't get a promotion to corporal or Specialist (sorry, not up on current military ranks)!
That's not fair and you can tell him Noam Sayin' said so!
| 630 |
Fenway_Nation Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:16:33pm |
re: #557 Pvt Bin Jammin
Good evening, lizards. Trying to catch up with the thread.
Charles, that sounds like a good idea. I see those weirods from 2004 making their tenth post. If you want, you can delete my hubby's account. He got all excited and thought he would post but he doesn't. I screwed up his nic when I registered him anyway. It was supposed to be "Major Disaster" and I typed in "General Disaster".
Was the name Professor Chaos taken?
| 631 |
SanFranciscoZionist Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:17:13pm |
re: #601 NY Nana
I doubt that you are a Conservative, and I am not referring to that branch of Judaism. And living in the Bay area?
If you do not understand the concept of a public school system, then I am not about to explain it to you..you don't have to reply. I am not in the mood for a flame war. Thanks, anyway.
Sad.
I'm not a conservative, that's correct. Have never claimed to be one, I'm here for the Israel issues, the evolution and the fruit cup. I do attend a Conservative shul.
I understand the concept of a public school system. I also understand the rights of individual students in that school system. I am not seeking a flame war, but it sounds to me as though you want Muslim students to be barred from praying at school because you distrust the goals of Islam in America. We can't do that, unless we're willing to ban all forms of religious expression on our campuses, which is not traditionally a conservative goal.
If you want to leave this conversation here, I'm OK with that. I certainly don't want a flame war, or see any need for one. A freilacheh Pesach.
| 633 |
JohnAdams Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:18:35pm |
re: #620 pat
Muslims do not pray in silence. And they do so 5 times a day during school hours. Each prayer takes 15 minutes because of various BS that they linger thru. Then there are the special things they 'need'. Foot baths, rugs, compasses, absence of infidels, no shoes, separate rooms for girls and boys.
The whole process is used as proof that these primitive cultist are somehow special.
They can pray before a test. Just like everyone else. At home .
This is why there should be NO exceptions for anyone wanting to exercise a religious ritual in a public school--Jew, Christian, Muslim, Hindu or otherwise. My old man put 9 children through Catholic schools because he wanted us to have a religious education. Ya pick a public school, you live by a strict rule of separation of church and state. That's it!
| 634 |
SanFranciscoZionist Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:18:50pm |
re: #604 Bobibutu
No problem if they do it on their own time - to have a edict - is a wedge.
Edict? I assumed they did it on their own time. Do I not understand the situation?
| 635 |
Pvt Bin Jammin Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:19:17pm |
re: #613 NY Nana
Not a word...maybe he fell asleep at his computer? I don't hear any snoring though.
I just tried to log in as my hubby "General Disaster" and tell you it was kinda late in New York....forgot the password. LOL
| 636 |
Bob Dillon Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:19:24pm |
re: #603 realwest
Thanks Bobibutu! Um, can I ask you what you thought of my comment #532?
I got the Lawhawk piece - read it 3x - and agree - what specifically did you have?
| 637 |
Timbre Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:19:49pm |
OK, I see it's time to make room for the night shift (CONUS time). Take care, all.
| 638 |
SanFranciscoZionist Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:20:06pm |
re: #615 Killer Tomato
OK - who here has blue eyes?
Mine are brown. My husband's are green, though, and my father's are blue--I guess we have some responsibility here.
| 639 |
Bob Dillon Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:20:14pm |
| 640 |
Pvt Bin Jammin Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:20:38pm |
re: #618 Noam Sayin'
'Nite, Noam. Have a great day tomorrow.
| 641 |
Dustyvet Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:20:49pm |
re: #629 realwest
And yet you didn't get a promotion to corporal or Specialist (sorry, not up on current military ranks)!
That's not fair and you can tell him Noam Sayin' said so!
It's a new rank the Pentagon is testing, Captain-Corporal
| 642 |
Killer Tomato Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:20:53pm |
re: #627 Mr. In get Mr. Out
And the winner of this evening's 'understatement of the night' award goes to.... *rips envelope*.... Mr. In get Mr. Out!
(crowd goes wild)
;-)
| 643 |
Dark_Falcon Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:21:02pm |
OK, I'm starting to fade. Time for me to hit the sack. Till, tomorrow....
| 645 |
idioma Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:22:18pm |
re: #544 David Simon
That you're a demagogic idiot.
Say your dream comes true and we end up with national health care. Voila, the demand for health care has increased without a concomitant increase in supply. So how do you ration the health care? With long waits. (See any country that has attempted to do what you're suggesting.)
Ultimately, costs need to be cut. So government will begin to put the squeeze on the health care providers and the drug manufacturers. What happens then? Our best and brightest no longer opt for careers in the medical profession. It's so much easier - and so much more lucrative - to embark on a career practicing law or accounting or whatever. (Again, see any country that has attempted national health care.)
Finally, you fucking asshole, don't presume moral superiority when all you do is bitch that someone else should do something. If you want to pay for someone else's health care, be my guest. Just keep your grubby paws off of my wallet.
It always comes back to this, doesn't it? You cannot really support your argument with reason, or a thought exercise. Instead you parrot failed arguments, and then (because you are still angry) toss a couple of expletives to make your point clear.
Health care is complicated. And to model a public service to address it would take statesmen with clear heads, and informed decisions. Your anger is unwarranted and unwelcome.
The consequences you mention follow a flawed line of reasoning as well. You claim that there will be no more doctors if we nationalize health care! I never said that doctors should not receive generous compensation for their talents or dedication to healing.
Might I make a modest proposal?
Suppose we were to create a fund. A fund in which people invested their retirement savings into portfolios that were divided into different areas of medicine, such as diagnostic equipment, infomedic technology, Pharmaceuticals, medical schools, and specialty fields.
People would invest in areas of medicine most relevant to their current needs. Those that are young and single, would put money into sports medicine since their demographic would mostly require injury and stress related care. Young married couples would want to put money fertility, pediatrics and prenatal care as well as sports medicine. Those approaching retirement would move funds into geriatrics, etc.
Demand would drive these markets, and they would be proportionally funded by investors.
The problem with our current system is not just an issue of cost, it's an issue of interest. My company has fairly good insurance, and I pay for it each month. But the CEO of this same company has the same coverage. He has no interest in paying more than I do, because his health needs are not served better by doing so.
But what if everyone could invest in their health, instead of simply insuring it? Now, let's suppose the federal government served to control and regulate such funds, to avoid unethical and harmful practices, and placed a cap on malpractice?
I think America could do a better job in creating national health care than any other nation's attempt, because we are not simply greedy, we are very creative as well.
Doesn't this seem more constructive an idea than simply calling someone a "fucking asshole" or telling them to "Just keep your grubby paws off of my wallet"?
My "grubby paws" don't want in your wallet either, for the record.
Also, are you a christian?
Because if you are I must laugh at least a little bit. Since Jesus was not exactly a man of the establishment, or friend of the wealthy. Would you do as Jesus taught, and give your money to the poor and live a humble life composed of subsistence?
| 646 |
schnapp Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:22:20pm |
re: #615 Killer Tomato
damn it! first i'm hated for being jewish. now because my eyes are blue! there is just no escaping . . .
| 647 |
Desert Dog Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:22:29pm |
re: #638 SanFranciscoZionist
Mine are brown. My husband's are green, though, and my father's are blue--I guess we have some responsibility here.
I'm the only evil white man in this house. My wife is filipina and my kids are only 1/2 evil white man (boys?). Perhaps the brown will offset the white and they can still be saved? I have green eyes, so, I guess I am only partially responsible for raping the planet.
| 648 |
Pvt Bin Jammin Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:24:26pm |
re: #630 Fenway_Nation
Was the name Professor Chaos taken?
We were sticking to military type names but that would be a great nic. LOL
| 649 |
Bob Dillon Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:24:32pm |
re: #634 SanFranciscoZionist
Edict? I assumed they did it on their own time. Do I not understand the situation?
I don't know - If one does what they will on their own time - I support that - as long as it does not disrupt others.
Maybe I don't understand the situation.
| 650 |
capitalist piglet Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:24:51pm |
re: #645 idioma
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...
| 651 |
realwest Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:25:34pm |
re: #615 Killer Tomato
Uh oh. (strikes Brazil off his list of countries to visit if he could ever find enough money to visit them!).
| 652 |
Gus Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:26:12pm |
re: #645 idioma
Too wordy. Then at the end you make a religious judgement.
| 653 |
realwest Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:26:44pm |
re: #618 Noam Sayin'
Good night, Noam! Thanks for the friendly tackle!
| 654 |
JohnAdams Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:26:45pm |
re: #644 pat
Your spot-on post was more in regards to MO, which I understand is the subject of the day unfortunately. The Muslims are so damn demanding and have such a cultural inferiority complex that it seems to require a constant reminder to them of what living in this free society entails.
Emagine a religion in which every time the number 4 is uttered, all 4 worshippers must place a chicken on their head and dance the cha-cha for 15 minutes. It's kinda like that.
| 655 |
BatGuano Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:26:51pm |
re: #631 SanFranciscoZionist
I think Christians are barred from praying at school . I know I was in 60's. Is that what you are writing about?
| 656 |
Bob Dillon Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:26:53pm |
re: #620 pat
Muslims do not pray in silence. And they do so 5 times a day during school hours. Each prayer takes 15 minutes because of various BS that they linger thru. Then there are the special things they 'need'. Foot baths, rugs, compasses, absence of infidels, no shoes, separate rooms for girls and boys.
The whole process is used as proof that these primitive cultist are somehow special.
They can pray before a test. Just like everyone else. At home .
Squeese me - they do (in silence) - from my personal experience with them in Indonesia ... circa 70's. Has it changed?
| 657 |
Fred72 Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:26:53pm |
re: #46 jaunte
Bit of a graphic cheat on page 16. They left off the 'blue' deficit bar for 2008.
Matching up the years with the bars... the 2008 bar is actually there, but they've shifted the bars for 2008 and later to the right to create a gap between 2007 and 2008. Take another look and I think you'll agree. All the years and bars are presented and accounted for.
What's troubling is that the split is between 2007 and 2008, when it should be between 2008 and 2009. More to the point, the 2008 bar should be blue, not red, as 2008 was under a Republican administration.
I can see why they did this -- 2008's deficit was the largest of the Bush administration, and more than double that of the 2007 deficit. Now, I don't think that a certain amount of deficit is necessarily a bad thing, but this is just plain misleading. The democrats pull this sort of stuff too, but two wrongs don't make a right.
| 658 |
Desert Dog Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:26:56pm |
re: #645 idioma
For a "newbie" you sure talk big. I am not a Christian, does that mean, I'm "ok" in your book?
| 659 |
Dustyvet Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:27:56pm |
When terrorist work related accidents go terribly right:
A would-be suicide bomber accidentally blew himself up on Thursday, killing six other militants as he was bidding them farewell to leave for his intended target, the Interior Ministry said.
"The terrorist was on his way to his destination and saying good-bye to his associates and then his suicide vest exploded," a statement from the ministry said.
[Link: mypetjawa.mu.nu...]
| 660 |
realwest Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:28:30pm |
re: #626 stevieray
Dusty vet's real name is Louise? Wow, who'd a thunk it!
:)
How are ya doing my friend?
| 661 |
Afrocity Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:28:47pm |
Evening Lizards.
Officials: Madonna Trying to Adopt Malawian Child
Hey Madonna try adopting American children.
| 663 |
Racer X Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:30:24pm |
Bless me Father, for I have sinned. I have been with a loose woman."
"Is that you, little Tommy Shaughnessy?"
"Yes, Father, it is."
"And, who was the woman you were with?"
"Sure and I can't be tellin' you, Father. I don't want to be ruining her reputation."
"Well, Tommy, I'm sure to find out sooner or later, so you may as well tell me now. Was it Brenda O'Malley?"
"I cannot say."
"Was it Patricia Kelly?"
"I'll never tell."
"Was it Liz Shannon?"
"I'm sorry Father, but I'll not name her."
"Was it Cathy Morgan?"
"My lips are sealed."
"Was it Fiona McDonald, then?"
"Please, Father, I cannot tell you."
The priest sighs in frustration. "You're a steadfast lad, Tommy Shaughnessy, and I admire that. But you've sinned, and you must atone. You cannot attend church for three months. Be off with you now."
Tommy walks back to his pew. His friend Sean slides over and whispers what'd you get?"
"Three month's vacation and five good leads."
| 664 |
Pvt Bin Jammin Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:30:36pm |
re: #653 realwest
Good night, Noam! Thanks for the friendly tackle!
I forgot about those tackles. Noam asked me to do that to Sage, in person, I was so embarrassed. LOL
To be honest, I just told him he was being tackled.
| 665 |
Fenway_Nation Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:30:42pm |
re: #615 Killer Tomato
OK - who here has blue eyes?
Wonder if he was talking about those gringos from America and Europe- keep in mind there's no shortage of fair-skinned, light-haired, blue-eyed Brazilians in the south, either.
/would Lula prefer equal opportunity misery a-la Cuba or N. Korea?
| 666 |
Dustyvet Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:30:53pm |
re: #660 realwest
Dusty vet's real name is Louise? Wow, who'd a thunk it!
:)
How are ya doing my friend?
| 669 |
Gearhead Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:31:23pm |
re: #659 Dustyvet
When terrorist work related accidents go terribly right:
A would-be suicide bomber accidentally blew himself up on Thursday, killing six other militants as he was bidding them farewell to leave for his intended target, the Interior Ministry said.
"The terrorist was on his way to his destination and saying good-bye to his associates and then his suicide vest exploded," a statement from the ministry said.
[Link: mypetjawa.mu.nu...]
This is a clear case of simplifying a process to create a win-win. They all wanted to die (presumably). Their intended victims probably want to live. Everyone gets what they want.
| 670 |
JohnAdams Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:31:26pm |
re: #659 Dustyvet
When
terroristman-caused disaster work related accidents go terribly right:A would-be suicide bomber accidentally blew himself up on Thursday, killing six other militants as he was bidding them farewell to leave for his intended target, the Interior Ministry said.
"The terrorist was on his way to his destination and saying good-bye to his associates and then his suicide vest exploded," a statement from the ministry said.
[Link: mypetjawa.mu.nu...]
Get with the program.
| 672 |
Bob Dillon Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:32:38pm |
re: #662 realwest
The Zero Based Budgeting.
OH! That's easy ... Horse or Bull Shit ... take 'ur pick.
| 673 |
idioma Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:32:44pm |
re: #619 ploome hineni
what a stupid question........and coming from such a stupid premise
sermons can and do include all sorts of instructions and exhortations, which people can follow or notsermons tell people not to have abortions
not to steal, not to murder, not to lie, to love your neighbor, be faithful to youe spouse
and so on...
you are being rediculous..your thought processes are extremely confused
Do you equate a woman making the difficult decision to terminate a pregnancy with theft, murder, and dishonesty?
and it's ridiculous - not "rediculous".
Cheers.
| 675 |
Pvt Bin Jammin Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:33:36pm |
re: #671 realwest
That just might work for next time. Trying to figure out the password for the old one just in case Charles didn't get rid of it yet, so if you see it, it's really me.
| 676 |
SanFranciscoZionist Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:33:48pm |
re: #646 schnapp
damn it! first i'm hated for being jewish. now because my eyes are blue! there is just no escaping . . .
re: #647 Desert Dog
I'm the only evil white man in this house. My wife is filipina and my kids are only 1/2 evil white man (boys?). Perhaps the brown will offset the white and they can still be saved? I have green eyes, so, I guess I am only partially responsible for raping the planet.
Well, according to the whole 'ice people/sun people' thing, Jews are like the iciest of the ice people, so I don't think it matters if we have blue eyes or not, we're just plain guilty.
DD, I think your kids are OK. If I remember my identity politics indoctrination--I graduated college in 95, so may be slightly rusty, but have had refresher course when doing teaching credential--being any appreciable amount of brown-indigenous-oppressed type person counts. The only exception to this is being white and having a very slight amount of Native American ancestry, which can work, but needs very advanced training and handling, otherwise you're just a poser.
In fact, having the complicated issues of being the offspring of a mixed marriage may up your son's oppressed person of color points. They could write a book!
But your attempt to dodge your responsibility for destroying the planet by bringing attention to your 'green' eyes, just proves that you are an oppressive oppressing oppressor. Do not EVER try to get a martyr cookie.
///////////////////////////////////////////
| 680 |
Killer Tomato Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:34:21pm |
Well, the Supreme Allied Commander (the cat) wishes to go to bed and is insisting I go too...
Night, all!
| 681 |
realwest Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:35:25pm |
re: #672 Bobibutu
Why? Not take my pick, but why do you think Zero Based Budgeting is either one?
| 682 |
Pvt Bin Jammin Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:35:34pm |
| 683 |
schnapp Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:35:49pm |
re: #645 idioma
people just don't get it. health care was good before the government started intervening too much. we don't need to move forward. we need to go backwards.
in australia we had the best system before medibank or medicare. everyone got insurance that was cheap and covered basically everything. if you couldn't afford insurance then the individual hospital or clinic would determine your means to pay. no one went without and there were no waiting lines or wasted resources. if you could afford health care then it was your responsibility and if you couldn't then you got government help. responsibility didn't rest on the employer or the taxpayer.
america and australia and other countries should go back in time to fix health care. to a time before "employer sponsored" or "medibank" existed in our societies.
| 684 |
idioma Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:36:24pm |
re: #658 Desert Dog
For a "newbie" you sure talk big. I am not a Christian, does that mean, I'm "ok" in your book?
that depends, would you easily be a hypocrite if I were to compare you to the prophet you claim to follow?
Christians are not very "Christ-like" if you catch my drift. Muslims are bad actors in the modern world, but Christians thrive by ignoring their own history.
Can you dig it?
| 685 |
stevieray Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:36:28pm |
re: #657 Fred72
Are they labeling it by congressional control? They Democrats took over capital hill in January of 2007...
| 686 |
realwest Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:36:48pm |
re: #677 Afrocity
You still in the hospital? I hope not, cause hospitals are no place for sick people to be in if they want to get well!
| 687 |
Macker Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:37:27pm |
re: #683 schnapp
Perhaps the GOP can do that after Ted Kennedy dies. After all, he's responsible for HMOs.
Of course, Mary Jo Kopechne was unavailable for comment.
| 688 |
Gus Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:37:28pm |
re: #684 idioma
that depends, would you easily be a hypocrite if I were to compare you to the prophet you claim to follow?
Christians are not very "Christ-like" if you catch my drift. Muslims are bad actors in the modern world, but Christians thrive by ignoring their own history.
Can you dig it?
I can dig it. You're a fucking NOOB that needs to take a hike.
| 689 |
freetoken Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:37:32pm |
It's no wonder the GOP "Road to Recovery" doesn't include any of their own numbers on their proposals, because they don't like big numbers!
As we witnessed today in Texas, where the GOP eliminated "billions" from the age of the universe and the Earth, and wanted to replace the numbers with just the phrase "a long time ago"....
So if the GOP doesn't like big numbers like "billions", why would we expect them to like even bigger numbers like trillions?
To remain consistent with their Texas brethren, why don't we suggest to the Washington level GOP that they simply use the term "a big amount of money"... forget the math.
| 690 |
funky chicken Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:37:42pm |
well, I'm off to bed too. sleep well lizards.
| 691 |
stevieray Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:37:51pm |
re: #660 realwest
Dusty vet's real name is Louise? Wow, who'd a thunk it!
:)
How are ya doing my friend?
Doing good, Real. How are you holding up? That tackle looked pretty rough!
| 692 |
SanFranciscoZionist Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:38:12pm |
re: #649 Bobibutu
I don't know - If one does what they will on their own time - I support that - as long as it does not disrupt others.
Maybe I don't understand the situation.
I'm not totally sure. I seem to infuriate everyone I try to ask about this.
;)
I can't tell if it's just kids being given a classroom they can slip into and pray at lunchtime, which seems reasonable, or a full-scale mosque in a public school, which sure doesn't.
Anybody got a link?
| 693 |
Bob Dillon Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:39:21pm |
re: #681 realwest
Why? Not take my pick, but why do you think Zero Based Budgeting is either one?
It is Gobbledygook
[Link: en.wikipedia.org...]
Check this out and get back to me.
| 694 |
Desert Dog Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:39:22pm |
re: #673 idioma
Do you equate a woman making the difficult decision to terminate a pregnancy with theft, murder, and dishonesty?
and it's ridiculous - not "rediculous".
Cheers.
Here's some big words for you. Can you use your super smart spell checker and make sure I am spelling them correctly?
pretentious
bombastic
pompus
vainglorious
presumptuous
"know-it-all"
| 695 |
Gus Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:39:28pm |
| 696 |
SanFranciscoZionist Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:40:42pm |
re: #655 BatGuano
I think Christians are barred from praying at school . I know I was in 60's. Is that what you are writing about?
Christian kids can pray at school, everywhere that I'm aware of in the U.S. Public schools have prayer circles, Bible study clubs, etc.
What were you specifically told you couldn't do in the 60s? And where were you going to school? (I have no idea how custom or law may have changed since then.)
| 697 |
Desert Dog Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:41:25pm |
re: #684 idioma
that depends, would you easily be a hypocrite if I were to compare you to the prophet you claim to follow?
Christians are not very "Christ-like" if you catch my drift. Muslims are bad actors in the modern world, but Christians thrive by ignoring their own history.
Can you dig it?
Sorry bub, I can't dig your vibe.
| 698 |
Afrocity Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:41:51pm |
re: #686 realwest
You still in the hospital? I hope not, cause hospitals are no place for sick people to be in if they want to get well!
You're telling me.
I just stopped in. I am sleepy, just wanted to see what is going on. I am tired of Obama but looks like we are stuck with him and his BS town hall meetings.
Nite lizards. I pray for all of you.
| 699 |
AmeriDan Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:42:26pm |
re: #684 idioma
Christians thrive by ignoring their own history.
GAZE
Muslims are bad actors in the modern world,
GAZE
Can you dig it?
NO
| 700 |
schnapp Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:42:47pm |
re: #687 Macker
the "road to recovery" wasn't very insightful either though. more tax credits? the system as far as i have read is so complicated already it doesn't need an expansion of employer sponsered health care and the complication that go with it. take things back. a simple and unregulated market for health care. people can buy their own insurance. people who can't should pay what they can or get assistance from the government or something. simple, equitable and efficient.
| 701 |
Gus Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:42:59pm |
re: #541 idioma
ZING!
======Snip lots of garbage======I could talk about bombing abortion clinics, but that's also not the point.
Take a good hard look some time at the midwest mind.
Rent the following movies:
Friends of God: A Road Trip With Alexandra Pelosi
JESUS CAMP: Directed by Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady
The God Who Wasn't There: written and directed by Brian FlemmingThen tell me if you still believe the GOP can actually separate from fundamentalists.
======Snip lots of garbage======
Please tell us more about this MIDWESTERN mindset you mentioned.
| 702 |
stevieray Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:43:10pm |
re: #676 SanFranciscoZionist
Leonard Jeffries is a racist lunatic with power and a podium.
/always a splendid combination
| 703 |
idioma Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:43:11pm |
re: #683 schnapp
people just don't get it. health care was good before the government started intervening too much. we don't need to move forward. we need to go backwards.
in australia we had the best system before medibank or medicare. everyone got insurance that was cheap and covered basically everything. if you couldn't afford insurance then the individual hospital or clinic would determine your means to pay. no one went without and there were no waiting lines or wasted resources. if you could afford health care then it was your responsibility and if you couldn't then you got government help. responsibility didn't rest on the employer or the taxpayer.
america and australia and other countries should go back in time to fix health care. to a time before "employer sponsored" or "medibank" existed in our societies.
You raise some interesting points there. I believe that looking at past models in determining function is entirely appropriate. But once the government has involved itself (which, it has) it has to own that responsibility. The Government in the United States failed to act as a neutral party in regulating the costs of health care by not providing limits to class-action and malpractice compensations, and the costs are absorbed by all.
Private health care in the US is sadly becoming less accessible, while the needs of citizens increase proportionally to the population.
But if the Genie is out of the bottle, we might not be able to get it to go back inside. So what's next?
I have offered just one idea of how.
I am sure there are better ideas; but we certainly cannot continue to just "hope" that it works itself out on its own.
| 704 |
JohnAdams Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:43:32pm |
re: #692 SanFranciscoZionist
I'm not totally sure. I seem to infuriate everyone I try to ask about this.
;)I can't tell if it's just kids being given a classroom they can slip into and pray at lunchtime, which seems reasonable, or a full-scale mosque in a public school, which sure doesn't.
Anybody got a link?
If fucking "Allah" can't get with a sweet kid blowing him a kiss with a mind-thought before a big test, then he is as big a douchebag non-deity as seems obvious to anybody with even the remotest human sensibility, or who has noted the more than 12,000 terrorist atrocities committed in his name in just the last 8 years.
NO RELIGIOUS FACILITIES IN ANY PUBLIC FUCKING SCHOOL!
| 705 |
idioma Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:43:38pm |
| 706 |
Aviator Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:43:50pm |
re: #539 Charles
I think I'm going to start automatically blocking accounts, if the person hasn't posted in a certain time period -- say, two months.
The number of trolls who've been showing up with accounts that have been inactive for years is getting ridiculous.
I would hope you don't. I post here sometimes, but have periods of time that often exceed 2 months when I am not around. Life gets in the way sometime.
| 707 |
BatGuano Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:43:50pm |
Irish politician: "Half the lies my opponent said about me aren't true".
| 708 |
SanFranciscoZionist Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:43:52pm |
re: #661 Afrocity
Evening Lizards.
Officials: Madonna Trying to Adopt Malawian Child
Hey Madonna try adopting American children.
Wait, is this another kid, or the one she already had?
Reminds me of a cartoon I saw--smartly dressed white woman holding black infant in her arms, looking smug. Two friends look on, and one whispers behind her back, "She tells everyone he's adopted from Africa, but if you ask me, he's just African-American."
| 709 |
JohnAdams Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:45:19pm |
| 711 |
realwest Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:45:55pm |
re: #683 schnapp
We actually have something akin to what you're saying. In most cities - I'll use NYC as an example because I have experience with it - there is at least ONE public hospital. You as a patient are billed on your ability to pay. The result, however, is that the various clinics - intestinal, urological, cancer and the like are ALWAYS filled to a point where some don't get to see a doctor and most see a doctor for 5 minutes or less.
And, if I'm not mistaken, any Emergency Room, even at Private (for profit) hospitals can't legally turn you away just because you have no insurance or an ability to pay then and there. It's one reason why ERs in California, for example, are overwhelmed - usually by immigrants, legal or not - because the sick folks can't afford a primary care phsician for their normal needs. So they go to an ER for what amounts to a general physical exam.
That's the job Michelle Obama held at U of Chicago Hospital - to try to convince OTHER hospitals ER's to take more of the patients who showed up at her hospital's ER.
| 712 |
Neo Con since 9-11 Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:45:58pm |
re: #539 Charles
I think I'm going to start automatically blocking accounts, if the person hasn't posted in a certain time period -- say, two months.
The number of trolls who've been showing up with accounts that have been inactive for years is getting ridiculous.
Nooooo, please don't block MigueldowninMexico! He hasn't posted lately due to a serious stroke but he was very beloved (in a manly way, of course) lizard. I'm still hoping he'll recover.
Perhaps you could block only the recently inactive accounts with fewer than 5,000 posts?
| 713 |
AmeriDan Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:46:16pm |
re: #706 Aviator
I would hope you don't. I post here sometimes, but have periods of time that often exceed 2 months when I am not around. Life gets in the way sometime.
Same here.
| 714 |
Gus Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:46:42pm |
re: #709 JohnAdams
My guess is "idioma" has needed many, many years and an expensive education to accumulate that kind of ignorance and moral equivalence.
I'll say. He's rude and another narcissist. More than that he's anti-social and clueless.
| 715 |
pat Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:47:06pm |
re: #631 SanFranciscoZionist
Not quite true. Islam is not a religion as is understood by others. It is a death cult of primitive savages. If you are really a Jew, which I doubt. Take a tour of the Sudan.
| 716 |
lostlakehiker Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:48:25pm |
re: #32 Killgore Trout
On taxes....
That's a big drop in revenue. Where's the extra money going to come from?
Actually I'm reconciled to the current tax rates, provided only that they're indexed against inflation. What we need is not lower taxes so much as restrained spending and useful spending. The government is running a dangerous deficit. All the taxes now being collected could be used on useful spending.
Even assuming no tax cuts and no economic collapse that would puncture revenue, social security is too expensive. Promised benefits are unaffordable. Honesty requires that this be acknowledged sooner rather than later and the promises cut back so people have a chance to plan. Because whether the promises are cut now, or not, the benefits will be cut later.
| 717 |
Pvt Bin Jammin Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:49:14pm |
re: #712 Neo Con since 9-11
Nooooo, please don't block MigueldowninMexico! He hasn't posted lately due to a serious stroke but he was very beloved (in a manly way, of course) lizard. I'm still hoping he'll recover.
Perhaps you could block only the recently inactive accounts with fewer than 5,000 posts?
I just reported/recommended your post so Charles will see it . You can't believe how often I think about Miguel. Wouldn't it be great if he showed up some day?
| 718 |
idioma Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:49:19pm |
re: #694 Desert Dog
Here's some big words for you. Can you use your super smart spell checker and make sure I am spelling them correctly?
pretentious
bombastic
pompus
vainglorious
presumptuous
"know-it-all"
You forgot "scruffy looking nerf-herder!"
You are embarrassed, I get it.
Also, it's not "pompus" it's "pompous".
喝采!
| 719 |
realwest Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:49:56pm |
re: #691 stevieray
Ah, I'm doing ok physically - just shook off that tackle like it was nothing (he says, having just hobbled to and from the bathroom!).
Mentally, not so good. Too much damn stress from politicians of any party throwing my money around like drunken sailors, then saying I should be paying more money for them to throw around like drunken sailors.
| 720 |
Erik The Red Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:50:09pm |
re: #712 Neo Con since 9-11
Nooooo, please don't block MigueldowninMexico! He hasn't posted lately due to a serious stroke but he was very beloved (in a manly way, of course) lizard. I'm still hoping he'll recover.
Perhaps you could block only the recently inactive accounts with fewer than 5,000 posts?
Have you had any news about how Miguel is doing? Lots of Lizards have asked and we can't seem to find out.
| 721 |
Killian Bundy Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:50:13pm |
re: #712 Neo Con since 9-11
Nooooo, please don't block MigueldowninMexico! He hasn't posted lately due to a serious stroke but he was very beloved (in a manly way, of course) lizard. I'm still hoping he'll recover.
/um, no one's been able to affirmatively get a hold of him by e-mail or phone for quite some time now, Realwest tried more than once
| 722 |
JohnAdams Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:50:38pm |
re: #716 lostlakehiker
Actually I'm reconciled to the current tax rates, provided only that they're indexed against inflation. What we need is not lower taxes so much as restrained spending and useful spending. The government is running a dangerous deficit. All the taxes now being collected could be used on useful spending.
Even assuming no tax cuts and no economic collapse that would puncture revenue, social security is too expensive. Promised benefits are unaffordable. Honesty requires that this be acknowledged sooner rather than later and the promises cut back so people have a chance to plan. Because whether the promises are cut now, or not, the benefits will be cut later.
So, you got a plan B? ;~)
| 724 |
SanFranciscoZionist Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:51:20pm |
re: #674 ploome hineni
tell me, how do you celebrate A freilacheh Pesach? you buy a box of matzahs?
Clean house, scour weird back corners, find husband's abandoned Cheezits, cover most of kitchen in aluminum foil, turn the oven on high, switch dishes, boil silverware.
Make gentile college friend who's a year younger than me go on chametz hunt. Burn chametz. Accidentally set feather on fire. Turn off fire alarm.
Live for a week on potatoes, matzo, strange baked good products from Steits, matzo ball soup, leftovers from my mother's and avocados. Wish I was Sephardi. Wonder if there's any way to convert.
Attend community seder with parents. Be very nice to out of towners. Pray there's a kid, or at least a twenty-something I can palm the Fir Kashes off on.
Plan to go to third-night feminist seder. Forget.
Flip dishes again, strip all the tinfoil off everything, and eat pasta until I keel over.
Repeat again next year.
Also, I buy a box of matzos.
You?
| 725 |
pink freud Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:51:46pm |
re: #717 Pvt Bin Jammin
I just reported/recommended your post so Charles will see it . You can't believe how often I think about Miguel. Wouldn't it be great if he showed up some day?
Yes. I miss him.
| 726 |
Desert Dog Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:52:34pm |
re: #718 idioma
You forgot "scruffy looking nerf-herder!"
You are embarrassed, I get it.
Also, it's not "pompus" it's "pompous".喝采!
As my fine wife always says when she meets a person of your caliber:
"karatin mo sarili mo ikaskas mo sa pader titi mo, kupal!"
| 727 |
BatGuano Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:52:50pm |
re: #696 SanFranciscoZionist
I went to school in Oregon, California, Arizona, Oklahoma, and Ohio. I never heard a teacher or school administrator say that we weren't allowed. to pray. At that time I heard that it was forbidden from the news. Not that I had any great urge to. This was between the years 1961 and 1968.
| 728 |
Killian Bundy Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:53:14pm |
re: #719 realwest
throwing my money around like drunken sailors
/or, as I recently posted, spending like a drunken sailor on crack with someone else’s stolen credit card
| 729 |
schnapp Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:53:25pm |
re: #711 realwest
but health care costs are still high and the safety net is weak. in australia the waiting lists are long and there is a 1.5% medicare tax levy. there is not one system in the world that provides equitable and efficient health care anymore. the US is too regulated and costly and too many people are pushed out of the market and can't afford treatment for devastating conditions. the public hospitals are really only good for emergencies and quick treatments because they are so overrun. there are health care horror stories from the US which make me cringe. but in australia people sometimes just die waiting.
both systems suck.
| 730 |
Bob Dillon Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:54:02pm |
re: #706 Aviator
I would hope you don't. I post here sometimes, but have periods of time that often exceed 2 months when I am not around. Life gets in the way sometime.
If you don't have time to post - you don't have enough time.
| 731 |
Erik The Red Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:54:51pm |
A man was interviewing for a sales representative. One candidate would
have been ideal for the position except that he had a disconcerting
mannerism. He kept winking.
"Look here, I'd like to give you the job, you've got good references
and experience. The trouble is this trick you've got of winking all the
time, it might put our customers off."
"No worries." the candidate replied. "All I've got to do to get rid of
it is to take a couple of aspirins."
So saying he began emptying his pockets. The employer was startled to
see dozens of condoms, multi coloured ones, ribbed ones, heavy duty
varieties and every known brand of standard condom.
"Here we are." said the rep. He swallowed two aspirins and his winking
stopped at once.
"Thats all very well but we couldn't hire a man who was going to be
womanising all over his territory."
"Oh I wouldn't dream of it, I'm happily married."
"Then how do you account for all of these things?"
"Simple, Did you ever go into a chemist winking all the time and ask for
a packet of aspirins?"
| 732 |
Aviator Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:54:56pm |
re: #730 Bobibutu
If you don't have time to post - you don't have enough time.
I don't quite follow your meaning.
| 733 |
Pvt Bin Jammin Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:55:00pm |
re: #725 pink freud
Yes. I miss him.
I'm really a new lizard compared to him but he was great and I think some of us from So Calif almost had him convinced to visit us.
LOL I tried to buy some mescal over the holidays but wasn't able to get it.
| 734 |
SanFranciscoZionist Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:56:11pm |
re: #715 pat
Not quite true. Islam is not a religion as is understood by others. It is a death cult of primitive savages. If you are really a Jew, which I doubt. Take a tour of the Sudan.
I'm a Jew. You're a bigot. Takes all kinds in this big world.
| 737 |
AmeriDan Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:57:53pm |
Abortion as birth control is repulsive to a vast majority of people. Abortion to save the life of the mother, or due to incest, is a medical procedure.
| 738 |
stevieray Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:58:04pm |
re: #719 realwest
Mentally, not so good. Too much damn stress from politicians of any party throwing my money around like drunken sailors, then saying I should be paying more money for them to throw around like drunken sailors.
There's a lot of that going around. My mom emailed me tonight... she says she's not gonna watch the news anymore, it just makes her angry and depressed.
| 739 |
JohnAdams Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:58:20pm |
re: #729 schnapp
The basic problem is that with today's medicine, if you guarantee the absolutely best medical attention will be brought to bear, to everyone from Bill Gates to the man with no name living in a refrigerator box, and back that up with 100% lockdown insurance against malpractice, bad luck, or just plain death--then you have created a National Health Service that is basically a bottomless pit into which you can never stop pouring the cash. Going forward, it only gets worse. It's infinity spending. The country becomes a giant hospital.
| 740 |
Catttt Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:58:25pm |
re: #575 Noam Sayin'
But those trades are prohibited for insurance companies. That's my understanding.
The problem is, no one really said "these are insurance products." They really are a little of this and a little of that, and they became the redheaded stepchild.
Insurance companies are state-regulated. The CMFA, passed in 2000, barred the SEC and the CFTC from regulating derivatives trading between financial institutions.
After the CMFA passed, NY state's insurance department said CDS's were not insurance products, so they weren't going to regulate them. Most of this trading takes place in NY.
The OTS of the federal Treasury Department regulated AIG as a thrift holding company, because they had a savings and loan under the umbrella. They had an epic fail.
| 741 |
idioma Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:58:31pm |
re: #710 ploome hineni
first of all, 48% of abortions are repeats, for some used instead of more traditional, less intrusive birth control
and most abortions are done on women of color...
I have no objection to abortion, but I would require women wanting repeat abortions be forced to participate in the procedure......cleaning up, or watching a few
the point was, sermons exhort us to do many things...no comparison was intended
/I was going to remind you about the spelling of Zeus...not Zues...but decided thats in the rush to respons, spelling suffers
alas, I am not a typist, and forgot to spellcheck..........my secretary who usuall types for me is not available
I'm a dittle lyslexic when I type fast. I am busted. Rats! I guess that means I am wrong about everything?
"and most abortions are done on women of color..."
"I have no objection to abortion, but I would require women wanting repeat abortions be forced to participate in the procedure......cleaning up, or watching a few"
Hahaha there goes any chance YOU will ever have of running for office.
Most people are more careful to hide their inner-racist.
Explain to me one more time why it matters what color a woman's skin is when it comes to her rights?
Also, how many women do you know that have shared their abortion experience with you? I am going out on a limb here and guessing very few. With so much harsh criticism, I would imagine you are very unapproachable on such matters.
Peace.
| 742 |
Neo Con since 9-11 Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:58:38pm |
re: #717 Pvt Bin Jammin
I would love to hear from him again, he was a good friend to most of us, and hope he recovers enough to be able to let us know he is still alive. I fear the worst for him but I still have some hope. It can take years to relearn even basic actions like typing after a major stroke so I like to think he still with us even though we haven't seen him around in months.
| 743 |
pink freud Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:58:50pm |
re: #733 Pvt Bin Jammin
I'm really a new lizard compared to him but he was great and I think some of us from So Calif almost had him convinced to visit us.
LOL I tried to buy some mescal over the holidays but wasn't able to get it.
Miguel had one of the most pleasant demeanors here and always made me feel welcome. He got me over my shyness on the LNDT's. I regretted so much when the "troubles" begin and was very sad to see him so distressed. It would soothe me to know how he is doing.
| 744 |
eastvillageinfidel Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:59:02pm |
re: #539 Charles
I think I'm going to start automatically blocking accounts, if the person hasn't posted in a certain time period -- say, two months.
The number of trolls who've been showing up with accounts that have been inactive for years is getting ridiculous.
Eek! I hardly ever post anymore, but I'm mostly a stealth up-dinger! :)
| 745 |
SanFranciscoZionist Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:59:06pm |
re: #727 BatGuano
I went to school in Oregon, California, Arizona, Oklahoma, and Ohio. I never heard a teacher or school administrator say that we weren't allowed. to pray. At that time I heard that it was forbidden from the news. Not that I had any great urge to. This was between the years 1961 and 1968.
Huh. I don't know. These days, it's no big deal. I think a lot of the high-profile conflicts over formalized school prayers were happening then, so that might have influenced things.
| 746 |
realwest Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:59:14pm |
re: #693 Bobibutu
OK, well aside from the fact that it saved two law firms, each with over three hundred lawyers a bunch of money, from your link:
Zero-based budgeting is a technique of planning and decision-making which reverses the working process of traditional budgeting. In traditional incremental budgeting, departmental managers justify only increases over the previous year budget and what has been already spent is automatically sanctioned. No reference is made to the previous level of expenditure. By contrast, in zero-based budgeting, every department function is reviewed comprehensively and all expenditures must be approved, rather than only increases.[1] Zero-based budgeting requires the budget request be justified in complete detail by each division manager starting from the zero-base. The zero-base is indifferent to whether the total budget is increasing or decreasing.The term "zero-based budgeting" is sometimes used in personal finance to describe the practice of budgeting every dollar of income received, and then adjusting some part of the budget downward for every other part that needs to be adjusted upward. It is more technically correct to refer to this practice as "zero-sum budgeting".
Zero based budgeting also refers to the identification of a task or tasks and then funding resources to complete the task independent of current resourcing.
[emphasis added, realwest]
You may think - actually I guess you DO think that is bullshit, but from my perspective, with a Federal Government so bloated with both functions and employees, I think an exercise in Zero Based or Zero Sum budgeting might be a good way to see whether or not certain governmental departments/divisions/subdivisions,whatever,are in fact actually a) doing what they are supposed to b) not duplicating the work that some other department, etc is responsible for doing and c) evaluating the dollars spent to the value delivered, instead of merely accepting that last years budget was ok, how much do we increase the budget this year?
| 747 |
Bob Dillon Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:59:17pm |
re: #732 Aviator
I don't quite follow your meaning.
If there is not time in your day to respond or post - then you are too busy.
| 748 |
Catttt Thu, Mar 26, 2009 10:59:43pm |
re: #684 idioma
What part of "I am not a Christian" do you not grok?
| 750 |
Desert Dog Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:00:21pm |
re: #741 idioma
Too bad your mother did not think the way you do, perhaps we could have all been spared your "lecture" this evening
| 751 |
Macker Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:00:27pm |
re: #744 eastvillageinfidel
Eek! I hardly ever post anymore, but I'm mostly a stealth up-dinger! :)
Now you know what to do.
| 752 |
Erik The Red Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:01:02pm |
re: #750 Desert Dog
Too bad your mother did not think the way you do, perhaps we could have all been spared your "lecture" this evening
Ouch.////
| 753 |
Ateam Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:01:05pm |
re: #661 Afrocity
Hi Afrocity! how are u filling after this medicine proceeder?
| 755 |
Gus Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:01:22pm |
re: #741 idioma
Don't let facts get in the way of your tiny little mind.
| 756 |
Neo Con since 9-11 Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:01:25pm |
re: #721 Killian Bundy
I'm aware of that but I still have not given up all hope he makes a partial recovery
| 757 |
Catttt Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:01:32pm |
re: #744 eastvillageinfidel
Eek! I hardly ever post anymore, but I'm mostly a stealth up-dinger! :)
Lurker updinger. :D
Honestly, I KNOW there are lurker lizards who would feel their heart sink if they came by one day and were no longer able to log in.
| 758 |
SanFranciscoZionist Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:01:37pm |
re: #731 Erik The Red
A man was interviewing for a sales representative. One candidate would
have been ideal for the position except that he had a disconcerting
mannerism. He kept winking.
"Look here, I'd like to give you the job, you've got good references
and experience. The trouble is this trick you've got of winking all the
time, it might put our customers off."
"No worries." the candidate replied. "All I've got to do to get rid of
it is to take a couple of aspirins."
So saying he began emptying his pockets. The employer was startled to
see dozens of condoms, multi coloured ones, ribbed ones, heavy duty
varieties and every known brand of standard condom.
"Here we are." said the rep. He swallowed two aspirins and his winking
stopped at once.
"Thats all very well but we couldn't hire a man who was going to be
womanising all over his territory."
"Oh I wouldn't dream of it, I'm happily married."
"Then how do you account for all of these things?"
"Simple, Did you ever go into a chemist winking all the time and ask for
a packet of aspirins?"
Two men are talking about their faith. "It's really hard to be a gay Catholic," one of them says wistfully.
"You think you have problems?" says his friend. "Try being a Jehovah's Witness vampire."
| 759 |
schnapp Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:02:40pm |
re: #739 JohnAdams
that's why health care would be best to go back in time to when it was simple, equitable and efficient. i believe that the government should make sure all poor people get treatment, but that individuals should take responsibility for their health if they have the means. that should be universal enough for the left and efficient enough for the right.
| 760 |
BatGuano Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:03:02pm |
re: #745 SanFranciscoZionist
Could be. Prayer in school is not necessary.
| 761 |
freetoken Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:04:11pm |
re: #716 lostlakehiker
Promised benefits are unaffordable. Honesty requires that this be acknowledged sooner rather than later and the promises cut back so people have a chance to plan.
A noble idea, but that is asking too much from our leaders, no?
| 762 |
SanFranciscoZionist Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:04:26pm |
re: #736 ploome hineni
Thanks. Good source.
Last year at the crazy moonbat school I was teaching at, some of the kids asked to start a Christian club. They had a very good time with it, and I think raised some money for a charity they were interested in.
| 764 |
Pvt Bin Jammin Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:05:08pm |
re: #742 Neo Con since 9-11
I would love to hear from him again, he was a good friend to most of us, and hope he recovers enough to be able to let us know he is still alive. I fear the worst for him but I still have some hope. It can take years to relearn even basic actions like typing after a major stroke so I like to think he still with us even though we haven't seen him around in months.
I still retain that hope too. Maybe he is with non-english speaking people. I wish I knew some spanish speaking person that could contact a church in his area. That might work, if we had his actual name or other identifying info.
| 766 |
realwest Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:06:10pm |
re: #712 Neo Con since 9-11 Sigh. I don't object to your suggestion, but I'm afraid we won't be hearing from him again. He had, I believe, either one stroke that was more massive than was initially reported, or had one or more additional strokes. I've called him on the phone and used to get a busy signal. Now I get a "Phone not in use" or something similar (my Spanish isn't as good as it once was) and of course I've e-mailed him on I don't know how many times. His last e-mail was to the effect that his son and d-i-l were with him "my family is all around me. It is nice."
Last words I've ever heard from him. There is another LGFer with whom Miguel was very friendly and she can't raise him by phone or e-mail him with any success either.
| 767 |
Macker Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:06:30pm |
re: #764 Pvt Bin Jammin
I still retain that hope too. Maybe he is with non-english speaking people. I wish I knew some spanish speaking person that could contact a church in his area. That might work, if we had his actual name or other identifying info.
I miss Miguel lots too.
| 768 |
Bob Dillon Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:06:31pm |
re: #746 realwest
OK, well aside from the fact that it saved two law firms, each with over three hundred lawyers a bunch of money, from your link:
[emphasis added, realwest]
You may think - actually I guess you DO think that is bullshit, but from my perspective, with a Federal Government so bloated with both functions and employees, I think an exercise in Zero Based or Zero Sum budgeting might be a good way to see whether or not certain governmental departments/divisions/subdivisions,whatever,are in fact actually a) doing what they are supposed to b) not duplicating the work that some other department, etc is responsible for doing and c) evaluating the dollars spent to the value delivered, instead of merely accepting that last years budget was ok, how much do we increase the budget this year?
Hell - I don't know - but if tasked with it i'm willing to try. And I know a few individuals who would rise to the occasion.
It's all for noght so it's a mute point.
| 769 |
Catttt Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:07:52pm |
re: #574 realwest
"Can it be someone not logging in?" I understand your reasoning here, but the problem is that there is no way I know of for Charles to clean out those trolls who deliberately muck up an otherwise On Topic Thread AND those folks who Log In just to downding other posters.
And, I think I'm right here, people can read LGF without being registered, but can't comment nor down or upding comments.
I know, but there is a sense of belonging for some people - the good, but quiet lizards. They log in, read, upding, read, nod, etc.
Maybe a "POST ONE A MONTH, LURKER" notice at the top would help.
| 770 |
idioma Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:08:01pm |
re: #755 Gus 802
You are arrogant. But that's fine. Is my mind tiny? Sure, I will concede to that point. Will you admit the same could be true for you? I don't really care who you are. Tonight I came here to talk about the crippled GOP and their failed marriage to Evangelical Christians. It has been a real disaster, and we will all pay the consequence.
Sleep well.
| 771 |
eastvillageinfidel Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:08:44pm |
re: #757 Catttt
I always get here so late it seems like it's all been said - better than I could - but I try to help the more articulate, humorous lizards with their karma points :)
| 772 |
SanFranciscoZionist Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:08:44pm |
re: #737 AmeriDan
Abortion as birth control is repulsive to a vast majority of people. Abortion to save the life of the mother, or due to incest, is a medical procedure.
Fearful, but really wanting to know...if I'm over the line, tell me and I'll go back to bad jokes.
I've always wanted to ask someone who's generally opposed to abortion but accepts/thinks it should be permitted it in cases of incest about that. Are you one, and if so, will you explain why?
If you're opposed to abortion because it destroys human life, why is the child of an incest victim not just as sacred as any other? The child is an innocent bystander to a crime.
I'm genuinely curious here, and have never gotten an opportunity to hear this idea explained. Can you give me hand?
| 774 |
Killian Bundy Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:09:47pm |
Glen Beck is just plain creepy, straight out of Network.
/and I'm really pissed that FNC bumped the rebroadcast of Special Report in this hour's time slot for this wacko doomsday crap
| 775 |
JohnAdams Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:10:05pm |
re: #741 idioma
I'm a dittle lyslexic when I type fast. I am busted. Rats! I guess that means I am wrong about everything?
"and most abortions are done on women of color..."
"I have no objection to abortion, but I would require women wanting repeat abortions be forced to participate in the procedure......cleaning up, or watching a few"
Hahaha there goes any chance YOU will ever have of running for office.Most people are more careful to hide their inner-racist.
Explain to me one more time why it matters what color a woman's skin is when it comes to her rights?
Also, how many women do you know that have shared their abortion experience with you? I am going out on a limb here and guessing very few. With so much harsh criticism, I would imagine you are very unapproachable on such matters.
Peace.
Weren't you just busting somebody a few posts ago for a misspelling? What a typical douchebag elitist liberal hypocrite. You were mis-educated. Never too late to try again.
| 776 |
Pvt Bin Jammin Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:10:34pm |
re: #721 Killian Bundy
/um, no one's been able to affirmatively get a hold of him by e-mail or phone for quite some time now, Realwest tried more than once
Last I heard, the phone was still connected, and I would call the number if RW gave it to me, just to check again. I just don't want to give up hope.
BTW, I cracked up over the AIG Kitty Litter. You are one of my favorite lizards.
| 777 |
BatGuano Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:11:23pm |
re: #684 idioma
I down dinged you gain on than one. I try to explain my down dings but I don't always do if the posts are too egregious.Comparing Muslim "Bad Actors"and Christians is too much.
| 778 |
Gus Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:11:36pm |
re: #775 JohnAdams
Weren't you just busting somebody a few posts ago for a misspelling? What a typical douchebag elitist liberal hypocrite. You were mis-educated. Never too late to try again.
Idioma won't listen. He display the pathology of a anti-social narcissist and think he has all of the answers.
| 780 |
AmeriDan Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:12:10pm |
Who in this country does not receive health care?
Yes, the rich get better care; but what's next?
Should the poor live in mansions and be driven in limos too?
I hate the term "slippery slope", but this is a fine example of it.
Everyone having the exact same things will never happen because it's impossible.
| 781 |
Desert Dog Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:12:43pm |
re: #770 idioma
You are arrogant. But that's fine. Is my mind tiny? Sure, I will concede to that point. Will you admit the same could be true for you? I don't really care who you are. Tonight I came here to talk about the crippled GOP and their failed marriage to Evangelical Christians. It has been a real disaster, and we will all pay the consequence.
Sleep well.
You still here? I thought you have insulted everyone already and left....oh well, I guess some newly arrived "knuckle-draggers" will soon feel the sharp pain of your rapier wit, eh?
| 783 |
pink freud Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:13:20pm |
re: #780 AmeriDan
Who in this country does not receive health care?
Yes, the rich get better care; but what's next?
Should the poor live in mansions and be driven in limos too?
I hate the term "slippery slope", but this is a fine example of it.
Everyone having the exact same things will never happen because it's impossible.
Ah, but they're sure giving it hell trying to convince their voters of that, aren't they?
| 784 |
Gus Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:13:50pm |
re: #183 idioma
The GOP is turning into the Americana equivalent of the Taliban - implementing their own brand of Sharia Law.
| 785 |
realwest Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:14:09pm |
Well y'all I gotta get some sleep now. I hope you all have a great evening/early morning and that I get the chance to see you all down the road.
Good night, all.
| 786 |
Neo Con since 9-11 Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:14:19pm |
re: #766 realwest
I realize the odds are slim and I knew about your efforts and appreciate keeping us informed. But if he is still alive, I'd hate to have him try to log in to greet us and find himself locked out.
| 788 |
pink freud Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:14:45pm |
re: #785 realwest
Nite real, sleep well. See you tomorrow. :-)
| 789 |
SanFranciscoZionist Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:15:14pm |
re: #773 ploome hineni
Your information confirmed my statements, which were based on longtime experience. It seemed nice to thank you for looking for a source. I would have been happy to find one had I been asked, but I'm pleased to know of this one.
I'm sorry to have inconvenienced you. In future, if you want links for anything I may say, please feel free to ask and I'll get them myself.
:)
| 790 |
schnapp Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:15:32pm |
re: #780 AmeriDan
are you replying to any comment in particular or just putting it out there?
| 791 |
rawmuse Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:15:44pm |
re: #780 AmeriDan
I must correct you. I have been to socialist countries in a time when all people had exactly the same things, got the same allowance, worked at the jobs that the State decided were the best for them, lived where the State told them to, the whole bit.
Except the Party officials, of course. They got the nice cars, the cottages on the Black Sea, etc.
So every one was Equal. Equally fucking miserable.
This is the end result of this poisonous ideology that we find ourselves mucking about.
| 792 |
realwest Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:16:20pm |
re: #786 Neo Con since 9-11 That's why I said I agree with you that he should not be blocked.
And I too hold out some hope - slim though it may be -I really like Miguel a great deal.
Now I must go to sleep.
Good night.
| 793 |
pink freud Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:16:31pm |
| 794 |
AmeriDan Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:16:54pm |
re: #783 pink freud
Ah, but they're sure giving it hell trying to convince their voters of that, aren't they?
Yep. The irony is that the "poor" are just where the rich Libs want them.
Settling for whatever scraps they got tossed.
| 795 |
schnapp Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:17:34pm |
re: #791 rawmuse
was that country the united states of hopeychange?
| 796 |
Pvt Bin Jammin Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:17:50pm |
re: #792 realwest
That's why I said I agree with you that he should not be blocked.
And I too hold out some hope - slim though it may be -I really like Miguel a great deal.Now I must go to sleep.
Good night.
Nite, RW, I am out too.
| 797 |
pink freud Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:18:35pm |
re: #794 AmeriDan
For some unfathomable reason, they simply cannot see it.
I truly believe it is due to an intellectual deficit.
| 798 |
NY Nana Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:19:14pm |
re: #631 SanFranciscoZionist
A freilacheh Pesach.
Same to you! I was actually away from the computer making out the menus for the 2 Seders....and didn't realize how late it was.
G'nite, all! Sweet dreams!
| 799 |
pink freud Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:19:23pm |
re: #796 Pvt Bin Jammin
Nite, PBJ. You and Major Disaster have a nice evening. :-)
| 802 |
rawmuse Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:20:02pm |
re: #795 schnapp
was that country the united states of hopeychange?
No, it was the Soviet Union.
I am proud to say that I have visited most Communist shit holes, and even have arrest records in some of them.
| 806 |
Erik The Red Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:20:56pm |
| 807 |
pink freud Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:21:00pm |
re: #800 AmeriDan
I suspect excessive multicultural and diversity training.
| 808 |
Killgore Trout Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:21:35pm |
Aeroponics is the way of the future.
/namaste, Y'all
| 809 |
AmeriDan Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:22:05pm |
re: #790 schnapp
are you replying to any comment in particular or just putting it out there?
A little of both.
| 810 |
pink freud Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:22:11pm |
| 812 |
SanFranciscoZionist Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:22:41pm |
re: #793 pink freud
This link may help clarify some things for you, SFZ.
Are you under the impression that I think Islam is all happy flowers and peace and sunshine? Not to worry. I can match you horror story for horror story. Want to talk about stonings? FGM? Madrassas? Suicide bomber videos? Beheading videos? I'm there.
However, I don't go around lumping all the Muslims in the world into one heap, and I don't care for people using foul or insulting language about others' religions when those others--American schoolchildren in this case--have done nothing to deserve it.
Nor do I appreciate people flipping out if I respectfully disagree with their opinions. Nor do I appreciate having my religion called into question.
That is all.
| 814 |
Dustyvet Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:23:38pm |
| 815 |
SanFranciscoZionist Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:24:03pm |
re: #798 NY Nana
Same to you! I was actually away from the computer making out the menus for the 2 Seders....and didn't realize how late it was.
G'nite, all! Sweet dreams!
Sleep well, and dream of charoset.
| 816 |
Erik The Red Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:24:04pm |
I smell a new thread coming in 5,4,3.......
| 817 |
NY Nana Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:24:34pm |
re: #801 pink freud
G'nite, pink freud! Sweet dreams to you.
| 818 |
dkorta Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:26:38pm |
re: #645 idioma
.... Would you do as Jesus taught, and give your money to the poor and live a humble life composed of subsistence?
And would you do as Jesus did, and courageously accept your death as a logical conclusion to your life? Or would you require the state to sustain your chickenshittedness ad-infinitum?
| 820 |
Desert Dog Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:27:04pm |
re: #816 Erik The Red
I smell a new thread coming in 5,4,3.......
What;s your weather like over there these days, Erik? The end of summer?
| 821 |
Erik The Red Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:28:19pm |
re: #820 Desert Dog
What;s your weather like over there these days, Erik? The end of summer?
Coming to the end. Very good the last 2 weeks. This is the best time of year here for the weather.
| 822 |
stevieray Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:28:27pm |
re: #807 pink freud
I suspect excessive multicultural and diversity training.
A strong possibility.
Once you've convinced someone that all belief systems and ways of life are essentially the same, in direct opposition to all of history and the state of the world today, you have managed to break their minds. They can no longer distinguish truth from fiction. Their connection to reality has snapped.
Then you can convince them of anything else you wish... they no longer have any bearings to right themselves by.
| 824 |
Catttt Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:28:41pm |
re: #812 SanFranciscoZionist
I understand what you are saying. I do think, however, that public school should be a religion-free zone with people free to be a religion but not to practice it in the public school.
Some children might want to be able to concentrate on school without the religion of their overlords - I mean religious supervisors appointed by their parents or guardians - breathing down their necks. That's what shul and catechism are for.
| 826 |
rawmuse Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:29:41pm |
re: #819 Iron Fist
Well said, my friend.
That same dipshit ideology, the one I thought we had driven a wooden stake thru its heart, now rises up, zombie-like, and threatens us again.
| 827 |
AmeriDan Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:29:57pm |
re: #816 Erik The Red
I smell a new thread coming in 5,4,3.......
2,1... Nevermind.
/Stinky is drunk again.
| 828 |
Desert Dog Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:30:00pm |
re: #821 Erik The Red
Coming to the end. Very good the last 2 weeks. This is the best time of year here for the weather.
same for Arizona....right before they turn on the giant ovens
| 829 |
AmeriDan Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:31:00pm |
| 830 |
Sharmuta Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:31:07pm |
I think the Balanced Budget Amendment Proposal needs to come back.
| 831 |
Dustyvet Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:31:07pm |
A couple of zoologists decided to give a lion a cell phone in order to keep track of his whereabouts. Unfortunately, whenever they tried to call, the lion was busy!
| 833 |
NY Nana Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:32:02pm |
re: #815 SanFranciscoZionist
Sleep well, and dream of charoset.
You, too. So help me, we were just talking about which kind of apples to get. We have a problem, as our 2 1/2 year old grandson loves apples, but is allergic to peanuts. We use walnuts. I will have to ask my daughter in the AM re the situation with other nuts, as peanuts are not actually nuts, but legumes. He goes to a Chabad Gan, and has been practicing the 4 questions. Our almost-9 year old granddaughter will help him, just in case.
All of a sudden Pesach is almost here!
One day I will actually go to sleep before 2 AM....honest!
Sweet dreams.
| 834 |
Catttt Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:32:19pm |
re: #824 Catttt
I understand what you are saying. I do think, however, that public school should be a religion-free zone with people free to be a religion but not to practice it in the public school.
Some children might want to be able to concentrate on school without the religion of their overlords - I mean religious supervisors appointed by their parents or guardians - breathing down their necks. That's what shul and catechism are for.
Full disclosure - I lasted one month in Catholic school in first grade. If my mom hadn't put me in public school, I'd probably be a female Al Capone by now. Heavy authority crunching makes me want to crunch back.
| 835 |
SanFranciscoZionist Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:33:05pm |
re: #824 Catttt
I understand what you are saying. I do think, however, that public school should be a religion-free zone with people free to be a religion but not to practice it in the public school.
Some children might want to be able to concentrate on school without the religion of their overlords - I mean religious supervisors appointed by their parents or guardians - breathing down their necks. That's what shul and catechism are for.
What do you envision as 'practice'? To some extent, what you're saying seems reasonable to me, and then I think, OK, does that mean a kid can't bring a Bible to school and read it at recess? Does that mean kids can't pray by the flagpole? Saying that would mean a big change in the existing law, and I think it would SERIOUSLY anger a lot of Christian groups and individuals. (Lots of others, too, but that's where the big energy has been in making sure religious options at school stay open.)
| 836 |
Killian Bundy Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:33:12pm |
re: #830 Sharmuta
I think the Balanced Budget Amendment Proposal needs to come back.
/excellent idea, although we're probably too far down the road now
| 837 |
NY Nana Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:33:36pm |
re: #823 Pvt Bin Jammin
Same to you, And sweet dreams! I am now being pulled away from the computer by NY Grampa!
| 838 |
Catttt Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:33:50pm |
re: #833 NY Nana
One day I will actually go to sleep before 2 AM....honest!
Me too! (hahahahaha)
Hey - I work the swing shift! :D
| 839 |
SanFranciscoZionist Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:38:29pm |
re: #825 ploome hineni
y
:Dagain..you just missed the point
I like to research not a problem..I didn't do it for you I did it for me, for the other readers
because so much of what you write just misses the point..so preditable, so pc, JUNK
so shallow
your attitude so smug
Ploome, seriously, are you reading what I'm writing? Because as sarcastic as I was being above--I didn't miss your point, I'm just not interested in being hostile--your posting simply confirmed what I'd been saying, which is that Christian students are permitted to pray and express themselves religiously in public school settings.
Is that not what it said?
| 840 |
Sharmuta Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:39:17pm |
re: #836 Killian Bundy
/excellent idea, although we're probably too far down the road now
Thank you.
| 841 |
SanFranciscoZionist Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:40:02pm |
re: #834 Catttt
Full disclosure - I lasted one month in Catholic school in first grade. If my mom hadn't put me in public school, I'd probably be a female Al Capone by now. Heavy authority crunching makes me want to crunch back.
One of my cousins on the Catholic side got kicked out her first day. The little boy behind her was pulling her hair. Her dad always told her to hit back--she has four big brothers--so she did.
EXpelled.
| 842 |
NY Nana Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:42:16pm |
re: #838 Catttt
I work the procrastination shift. ;)
Seriously, has anyone heard from MikeyMom re her husband? She hasn't posted for quite a while. I hope we will get good news!
G'nite, for real.
| 843 |
idioma Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:54:08pm |
re: #804 ploome hineni
statistics say, NOT ME, that the percentage of abortion done on women of color is highest...
so, let them have their abortions......and let them do it...
so much better than having gangs of unwanted thugs on the streeets
I wonder if you would be willing to actually take your opinion to some of these "women of color", and tell them what you think?
I'm guessing not.
Future generations will be ashamed because of such bigotry.
| 844 |
Scion9 Thu, Mar 26, 2009 11:59:21pm |
re: #835 SanFranciscoZionist
What do you envision as 'practice'? To some extent, what you're saying seems reasonable to me, and then I think, OK, does that mean a kid can't bring a Bible to school and read it at recess? Does that mean kids can't pray by the flagpole? Saying that would mean a big change in the existing law, and I think it would SERIOUSLY anger a lot of Christian groups and individuals. (Lots of others, too, but that's where the big energy has been in making sure religious options at school stay open.)
It means they can't get up, go off to another room free from non-Christians, perform ritual cleansing, pull out their Bible, quote from it aloud three to four times a day for fifteen minutes, regardless of what is actually going on in the school day; testing, lecturing, et cetera.
Various religions, Christianity included, may have the right to free exercise of their religion at public schools, but only on their own time; at lunch, after school, briefly in between classes.
No one is (rightfully) going to abide a handful of Christian students putting down their pencils and walking to the flagpole, pulling out carpets and books, kneeling down over them, while specifically barring 'infidel' supervision, mid-test for a third of the class period, coming back in and expecting to be able to finish their test.
| 845 |
idioma Fri, Mar 27, 2009 12:03:37am |
re: #818 dkorta
And would you do as Jesus did, and courageously accept your death as a logical conclusion to your life? Or would you require the state to sustain your chickenshittedness ad-infinitum?
Is this the part where we praise a martyr or condemn islam? I can't keep it straight anymore.
Death, is the logical conclusion to all life.
"chickenshittedness"
Seriously? I'm a vet with an honorable discharge from the USN. So which when I speak my mind freely - backed by the constitution I defended with my life - and you don't like what I say, I'm a somehow a coward.
While I was in the military, my healthcare was covered by the tax dollar, so was my paycheck, my meals, and my uniforms. So should I have demanded to pay for those things on my own, so that YOU would cease to believe I am chicken feces?
I guess you would have to be there to see where I'm coming from.
| 846 |
dkorta Fri, Mar 27, 2009 12:18:22am |
| 847 |
idioma Fri, Mar 27, 2009 12:23:30am |
re: #723 ploome hineni
Did you seriously link to [Link: www.abortionno.org...] ?
You've got to be kidding.
This is your best attempt at finding an unbiased source? Little red bone structures displayed in tandem with some anthem orchestra thump are supposed to sway me?
Most people would not support orthopedic surgery if they had to watch it - by the same logic.
You'll have to do better than "it looks gross!" and "Colored Women do it more." as an argument against a woman's right to choose.
| 848 |
idioma Fri, Mar 27, 2009 12:26:27am |
re: #846 dkorta
re: #845 idioma
And you assume I'm not a vet because.........?
Anyway, you didn't answer my question.
Question:"And would you do as Jesus did, and courageously accept your death as a logical conclusion to your life?"
and I said: "Death, is the logical conclusion to all life."
So what are you missing? I already explained the my position on chicken feces.
| 849 |
dkorta Fri, Mar 27, 2009 12:36:16am |
re: #848 idioma
Question:"And would you do as Jesus did, and courageously accept your death as a logical conclusion to your life?"
and I said: "Death, is the logical conclusion to all life."
So what are you missing? I already explained the my position on chicken feces.
Talk is cheap. And your primary focus from what I've read on previous posts seems to be keeping your theoretically "very bravely honorary discharged" Naval ass from being lowered six feet under.
And you didn't answer the question about why you assumed I wasn't a vet. Or are two questions at once a little too much for your tiny brain to handle?
| 850 |
Scion9 Fri, Mar 27, 2009 12:42:34am |
re: #845 idioma
While I was in the military, my healthcare was covered by the tax dollar, so was my paycheck, my meals, and my uniforms. So should I have demanded to pay for those things on my own, so that YOU would cease to believe I am chicken feces?I guess you would have to be there to see where I'm coming from.
Not really. You were required to work for all of that. You were an employee of the USG. Likewise many other non-military civil servants are provided with equipment, education, healthcare and pay as compensation for their service.
If my tax dollars are paying for your, or anyone else's healthcare, et cetera, then I demand that they work for me (which, if you are a vet, then you did, and thank you). At the very least though, like other public services such as roadways, and fire departments, laws governing our behavior in obeying traffic laws and fire safety need to be in place.
National healthcare means national health laws. If you want to bring it, then bring it, but I want (and believe me, if it does go down I am going to get) a say in what you do with your body, since maintaining your health is now a public good, just like maintaining the roads and making sure building don't burn down.
You better not be eating too much of what I say you can't, being too sedentary or too active, destroying your eyes with too TV, monitors or print, aggravating any preexisting conditions with smoking, drinking or stress, or passing on that bad DNA to kids that are just going to be a tax burden on my possibly healthy children.
If you are sick because you don't take care of yourself that is your dime. If it isn't, it seriously needs to be your crime, just like criminally negligent arson, or any other form of reckless endangerment, or destruction or misuse of public property for that matter.
However, as a note, you never got top of the line healthcare in the military, so that isn't really a great analog to equal healthcare for every citizen. Many in the private sector, and many other public servants that didn't give nearly as much as you probably did have much better because they occupy a higher social strata and economic bracket. In a fully nationalized system, I would not be granted the same healthcare as my CEO, and he would not receive the same benefits as our Congressmen, and many of us may not receive healthcare at all for non-general maladies, because of rationing (which despite any of our Eutopian dreaming, would be a reality).
| 851 |
BatGuano Fri, Mar 27, 2009 12:45:02am |
If you do not like 1950's rock and roll do not click on the the Youtube thing
| 852 |
idioma Fri, Mar 27, 2009 12:47:33am |
re: #849 dkorta
Talk is cheap. And your primary focus from what I've read on previous posts seems to be keeping your theoretically "very bravely honorary discharged" Naval ass from being lowered six feet under.
And you didn't answer the question about why you assumed I wasn't a vet. Or are two questions at once a little too much for your tiny brain to handle?
So are you the kind of guy that says "support our troops!" until it's inconvenient? Because the republicans did the same thing when they mocked Lurch only to turn around and perform Fellatio on Johnny-Mc's POW stat.
I did not assume you were or were not a vet.
In fact. It doesn't matter to me, because I am not attacking you on grounds of bravery, civic duty, or contributions.
You however, seem to think some very funny things about the world. But you are free to think those things.
But not because Jesus said so.
So, the troops should be respected, and their service honored, so long as they follow Jesus and want to end abortion rights in America?
You're silly.
| 853 |
Scion9 Fri, Mar 27, 2009 12:52:52am |
re: #852 idioma
So are you the kind of guy that says "support our troops!" until it's inconvenient? Because the republicans did the same thing when they mocked Lurch only to turn around and perform Fellatio on Johnny-Mc's POW stat.
We should respect the service of Al Sadr, Zarqawi, et alia in the Iraq War. It is only a small thing that they were on the other side, conspiring to kill Americans. Not terribly different from John Kerry after all.
| 854 |
dkorta Fri, Mar 27, 2009 1:04:28am |
re: #852 idioma
So are you the kind of guy that says "support our troops!" until it's inconvenient? Because the republicans did the same thing when they mocked Lurch only to turn around and perform Fellatio on Johnny-Mc's POW stat.
I did not assume you were or were not a vet.
In fact. It doesn't matter to me, because I am not attacking you on grounds of bravery, civic duty, or contributions.
You however, seem to think some very funny things about the world. But you are free to think those things.
But not because Jesus said so.
So, the troops should be respected, and their service honored, so long as they follow Jesus and want to end abortion rights in America?
You're silly.
Yeah, baby. I'm the new Obama. I'm whatever you want me to be.
Meantime, I think if the Temple police are coming to arrest you in the Garden of Gethsemane, you're running like a scalded dog. Away from them.
Now some might say that's chickenshit. But you wouldn't. Cause you say you have an honorable discharge from the US Navy!
| 855 |
idioma Fri, Mar 27, 2009 1:12:43am |
re: #850 Scion9
Not really. You were required to work for all of that. You were an employee of the USG. Likewise many other non-military civil servants are provided with equipment, education, healthcare and pay as compensation for their service.
...
National healthcare means national health laws. If you want to bring it, then bring it, but I want (and believe me, if it does go down I am going to get) a say in what you do with your body, since maintaining your health is now a public good, just like maintaining the roads and making sure building don't burn down.You better not be eating too much of what I say you can't, being too sedentary or too active, destroying your eyes with too TV, monitors or print, aggravating any preexisting conditions with smoking, drinking or stress, or passing on that bad DNA to kids that are just going to be a tax burden on my possibly healthy children.
...
However, as a note, you never got top of the line healthcare in the military, so that isn't really a great analog to equal healthcare for every citizen. Many in the private sector, and many other public servants that didn't give nearly as much as you probably did have much better because they occupy a higher social strata and economic bracket. In a fully nationalized system, I would not be granted the same healthcare as my CEO, and he would not receive the same benefits as our Congressmen, and many of us may not receive healthcare at all for non-general maladies, because of rationing (which despite any of our Eutopian dreaming, would be a reality).
Damn! now that is how you debate.
All other haters, please take notes.
Yes, it is true that medical care in the Navy was far from great. But if I NEEDed something, I did get it. In the analog of law enforcement, the wealthy do live in gated communities, patrolled by rent-a-cop security, and when they travel they can pay for bodyguards and the like. Just because our government funds public schools doesn't mean that those better off cannot send their children to private schools either.
I have no desire to ensure the wealthy live in the same conditions that I do. I understand that the primary flaw of Marxism is that it robs talented people of their ambitions, while bureaucrats remain "more equal" than others.
I have a 9mm handgun and a 12 gauge Remington for home defense, but I am still glad I can call 911 when someone is appears to be breaking into a car near my home.
I do think our country should continue to work toward efforts in reducing the cost of health care, because it effects the healthy and the sick. I do think the government's funding priorities are far from immune to public criticism.
I walk and ride public transit for most things, and drive my car (a Scion, BTW) for everything else. For the amount of money spent by the federal government each year, I would support some of that money being used to provide a "bus" equivalent for medical care. Nothing fancy or even comfortable, it might take longer, be noisy, crowded, or even smell bad, but it get's you what you need eventually, and if it's not good enough, then you should be motivated to save money for a car, or find an charity to help.
Such a measure would create jobs, give medical students additional opportunities to learn specialties, and could even serve as a sort of "pre-screening" to offload the burdens facing some providers.
I don't claim to have a perfect model ready to execute, I just think it's worth the research to find a way to do it well, and improve the quality of life for American citizens.
| 856 |
idioma Fri, Mar 27, 2009 1:15:36am |
re: #854 dkorta
Meantime, I think if the Temple police are coming to arrest you in the Garden of Gethsemane, you're running like a scalded dog. Away from them.
Now some might say that's chickenshit. But you wouldn't. Cause you say you have an honorable discharge from the US Navy!
So you DO praise martyrs!
Does that include suicide bombers? they run toward police in my experience.
Get a clue.
| 857 |
dkorta Fri, Mar 27, 2009 1:19:00am |
re: #856 idioma
So you DO praise martyrs!
Does that include suicide bombers? they run toward police in my experience.
Get a clue.
Jesus rose from the dead. Suicide bombers, not so much.
That's a clue for you, fool.
| 858 |
idioma Fri, Mar 27, 2009 1:39:05am |
re: #723 ploome hineni
And just to be clear, you DO have a religious biased, and you quote a source which has a religious biased. [Link: www.abortionno.org...]
Nothing says "Pro-life" like the hypocritical use of a bible verse!
| 859 |
idioma Fri, Mar 27, 2009 2:05:04am |
re: #857 dkorta
And nothing says hypocrite like quoting the bible on a "pro-life" website.
[Link: www.abortionno.org...]
You really believe in 2000 year old jewish zombies, virgin mothers, talking snakes, guys getting swallowed by whales for days at a time, and big boats filled with two of each animal?
Okay...
Just something to look into, but Jesus is just a duplicate myth of Horus, son of Osiris [Link: en.wikipedia.org...]
Stories from the life of Horus had been circulating for centuries before Jesus birth (circa 4 to 7 BCE)
Father: Only begotten son of the God Osiris.
Only begotten son of Yehovah (in the form of the Holy Spirit).
Mother:
Isis-Meri.
Miriam (a.k.a. Mary).
Foster father:
Seb, (Jo-Seph).
Joseph.
Foster father's ancestry:
Of royal descent.
Of royal descent.
Birth location:
In a cave.
In a cave or stable.
Annunciation:
By an angel to Isis, his mother.
By an angel to Miriam, his mother.
Birth heralded by:
The star Sirius, the morning star.
An unidentified "star in the East."
Birth date:
Ancient Egyptians paraded a manger and child representing Horus through the streets at the time of the winter solstice (about DEC-21).
Born during the fall. However, his birth date is now celebrated on DEC-25. The date was chosen to occur on the same date as the birth of Mithra, Dionysus and the Sol Invictus (unconquerable Sun), etc.
Birth announcement:
By angels.
By angels.
Birth witnesses:
Shepherds.
Shepherds.
Later witnesses to birth:
Three solar deities.
Three wise men.
Death threat during infancy:
Herut tried to have Horus murdered.
Herod tried to have Jesus murdered.
Handling the threat:
The God That tells Horus' mother "Come, thou goddess Isis, hide thyself with thy child."
An angel tells Jesus' father to: "Arise and take the young child and his mother and flee into Egypt."
Rite of passage ritual:
Horus came of age with a special ritual, when his eye was restored.
Taken by parents to the temple for what is today called a bar mitzvah ritual.
Age at the ritual:
12
12
Break in life history:
No data between ages of 12 & 30.
No data between ages of 12 & 30.
Baptism location:
In the river Eridanus.
In the river Jordan.
Age at baptism:
30.
30.
Baptized by:
Anup the Baptiser.
John the Baptist.
Subsequent fate of the baptiser:
Beheaded.
Beheaded.
Temptation:
Taken from the desert of Amenta up a high mountain by his arch-rival Sut. Sut (a.k.a. Set) was a precursor for the Hebrew Satan.
Taken from the desert in Palestine up a high mountain by his arch-rival Satan.
Result of temptation:
Horus resists temptation.
Jesus resists temptation.
Activities:
Walked on water, cast out demons, healed the sick, restored sight to the blind. He "stilled the sea by his power."
Walked on water, cast out demons, healed the sick, restored sight to the blind. He ordered the sea with a "Peace, be still" command.
Raising of the dead:
Horus raised Osirus, his dead father, from the grave.
Jesus raised Lazarus from the grave.
Transfigured:
On a mountain.
On a high mountain.
Key address(es):
Sermon on the Mount.
Sermon on the Mount; Sermon on the Plain.
Method of death:
By crucifixion or by the sting of a scorpion; sources differ.
By crucifixion.
Accompanied by:
Two thieves.
Two thieves.
Burial:
In a tomb.
In a tomb.
There's more.
But it's just a silly story to me.
| 861 |
Just Another Four-letter Word Fri, Mar 27, 2009 5:19:26am |
I read it, and found it wanting.
Seriously, where's the beef?
Oh, it sounds good, but there's no substance, no hard and fast numbers.
Maybe I'm wrong, but it sounds like more of the linguini-spined Republican pap. We get enough pap and platitudes from the Dumbocrats, and this is waaaaaay too wishy-washy, especially in these hard times that are only going to get worse.
Throw ALL the bums out, and start over. Especially at the top!
JAFLW
| 863 |
EaterOfFood Fri, Mar 27, 2009 5:55:56am |
re: #849 dkorta
You would be surprised how many leftist trolls at other right wing blogs claim exemplary military service. I believe that one's the "appeal to authority" logical fallacy, am I correct?
| 864 |
EaterOfFood Fri, Mar 27, 2009 5:58:50am |
re: #859 idioma
You really believe in 2000 year old jewish zombies,
You don't believe in the Chanukah Zombie?
| 866 |
FrogMarch Fri, Mar 27, 2009 6:29:23am |
Does Obama want his bank plan to fail?
I think it's probable.
| 867 |
FrogMarch Fri, Mar 27, 2009 6:31:06am |
re: #295 David Simon
But that isn't what brought AIG down. It was a handful of Nick Leesons in their credit default swap division. (And what are credit default swaps? Unregulated insurance!)
ding ding ding.
| 868 |
sleepyone Fri, Mar 27, 2009 6:49:40am |
re: #539 Charles
I think I'm going to start automatically blocking accounts, if the person hasn't posted in a certain time period -- say, two months.
The number of trolls who've been showing up with accounts that have been inactive for years is getting ridiculous.
FWIW, I wouldn't like to see that instituted Charles. I don't post very often but I've been reading and posting in one form or another since 01 and would hate to lose the privilege to comment every now and then just due to the infrequency of my posts.
Just my two cents...
| 870 |
dragonladyalso Fri, Mar 27, 2009 7:34:03am |
re: #52 Iron Fist
The Department of Energy exists to keep us safe from nuclear and hydroelectric power. Under Obama, they're not going to be very keen on coal or natural gas, either. They keep us from drilling in the arctic wasteland, keep windmills off the Mass. coast, and keep solar farms out of the middle of the desert. The need a budget of only a trillion dollars to accomplish all of these good works.
The Department of Education is the name of the Federal [Bad] Teacher's Union. Their job is to keep teachers who would otherwise be fired for poor performance on the job. Americans have the right to demand substandard performance from the nation's teachers, and the Department of Education has been delivering on that promise for almost 40 years.
How could you not know this?
Best comment so far!
| 871 |
EaterOfFood Fri, Mar 27, 2009 8:24:40am |
re: #868 sleepyone
I agree with him. I'm also a newbie and on matters where my education is incomplete, I choose to remain silent and be thought a fool than speak up and remove all doubt.
But then I read this and I cannot remain silent.
re: #869 buzzsawmonkey
I say this with great grief, for I would like to see those of my friends who would like to avail themselves of the marriage option be able to do so. But I cannot support the goals of a movement which seeks to enshrine both the marriage option and the public excesses of the Folsom Street Fair as inalienable rights.
The Folsom Street Fair is indeed embarrassing, and an issue not of homosexuality per se but of public decency regarding all public sexual acts. But if every group were to be judged by its worst members, no one would have any rights. The gay rights movement is far from monolithic, and the ones at FSF aren't the ones going to NY and MA to tie the knot. 27% of gays voted for John McCain and continue to be attacked for doing so...by other gays. I even came across a gay blog whose messengers viciously attacked Mary Tyler Moore (even going so far as making fun of her diabetes) for declaring herself a "libertarian centrist" while saying nothing (after being asked nothing) about gay issues. She's probably no Anita Bryant, but I'm just glad she's not another Ed Asner. either. But so much for an all-for-one, one-for-all "movement". No wonder there's homophobia.
re: #869 buzzsawmonkey
That movement has already shown that it will target any opposition as "hate speech"; there is no reason to believe that if it gets its way it will not further press its efforts to erode and to gut the First Amendment even more than it has already, targeting religions which do not knuckle under as well as political opponents.
That is a symptom of their knee-jerk leftism. But if a Freeper saying the movie Milk had a happy ending, and an Oklahoma legislator calling gays "worse than terrorists" isn't "hate speech" (isn't any statement of dislike basically "hate speech") than I don't know what is. Looking at potential social change and wanting to minimize the assumed negative costs to society is not necessarily hateful.
If gay marriage were legal in all 50 states, it would take years for it to transform gay culture (especially among males) if it did at all. And any lawsuit against a church would be thrown out of court; no place of worship is compelled by law to perform any ceremony in conflict with its religious beliefs. And as for Freedom of Speech, the assaults on it are independent from the gay marriage debate.
So don't let a few bad apples discourage you. That would be like judging Martin Luther King by the actions of Louis Farrakhan.
| 872 |
RandyinWash Fri, Mar 27, 2009 8:52:09am |
The republicans picking up the mantra of universal health-care is just depressing to me for a number of reasons:
1. It is a huge expansion of the reach of the government. Your health will be the government's business subject to regulation and monitoring.
2. Rationing is a must under this system. Miss getting a PSA screen at 40? Pay a fine, or more in taxes. Need an expensive treatment at 66? Oops, that stops at 62. Unlucky for you.
3. Universal health-care will be immensely expensive. Taxes of many different types will be needed to cover the cost. It cannot be paid for and maintain our improving standard of living.
4. Political government employees (congressmen in particular) will have access to the best. Military care is so-so (at least when I was in) but most active military are fairly young, healthy individuals so the level of care is less demanding than 40+ year olds. (service combat injuries aside). In many areas today, medical care for military dependents is sent out to civilian doctors. It was always my wife's goal to be "champused out" so she didn't have to deal with the military medical system. Care for older people will suffer the most, as has been the case (in my opinion) for care for aging veterans.
A poster earlier said:
I don't claim to have a perfect model ready to execute, I just think it's worth the research to find a way to do it well, and improve the quality of life for American citizens.
| 874 |
Canoe Train Fri, Mar 27, 2009 9:37:43am |
re: #868 sleepyone
I have to agree with sleepyone here. I do not post all that often, either, but it is enlightening to be able to read and occasionally participate. Some of the topics are ones in which I do not have "a dog in the fight," so to say.
Besides, I participate far more often in the Lizard Lounge. I would prefer that banning would remain on an individual basis.
| 876 |
jimmyk Fri, Mar 27, 2009 10:19:42am |
re: #46 jaunte
On the missing blue bar thing: It's there, but it's in red. I'm guessing they're talking about fiscal years, so 2008 is really July 2007-June 2008, and they're calling it Democrat because the Dems controlled Congress, and spending bills have to originate in Congress, after all. Doesn't really make much difference to the overall story, but they need to make a better case against Obama claiming that he "inherited" the current deficit.
| 877 |
EaterOfFood Fri, Mar 27, 2009 7:21:00pm |
re: #873 buzzsawmonkey
Your use of the phrase "she's no Anita Bryant" is telling. Bryant was personally demonized in a totally disgusting way by the gay-rights groups opposing her effort to repeal a Dade County ordinance in exactly the same way that the Prop 8 thugs personally targeted people in California. The fact that the tactics of the movement are demonstrably the same--completely built on personalized hatred--over a 32-year divide makes me extremely chary of granting that movement anything, wholly on the basis of its corruption of political discourse for one-third of a century. That the gay rights movement served as a model for the Islamist movement in this country--and the gay rights movement as a whole is more in bed with the Islamists than not--also does not give me any reason to trust them, let alone grant their demands.
First of all, Anita Bryant insulted gays at every turn, throwing out accusations that, if they had been against Jews, would qualify as blood libel. There was no need to "demonize" her. She is no victim.
The idea that the gay rights movement served as a model for Islamists is laughable. Their hatred of gays is literally murderous. Gays need to wake up and realize that they have the most to lose from Islamism, like their heads, for one thing.
re: #873 buzzsawmonkey
As far as your claim that any lawsuit against any church or religion would be thrown out of court, that is nonsense; there have already been punitive actions taken against Catholic hospitals which refuse to perform abortions.
Which hospitals are those?
Quite frankly, if you support gay marriage "in the abstract," but not in the real world because of some gays' hostility towards Christianity (which did not exactly grow out of a vacuum) and sympathy for leftist causes, that position makes no sense to me. What would that position entail for heterosexual leftists? They share the same hostility towards Christianity (and even my own religion, Judaism), the same support to dubious causes, and throw around the term "hate speech" like a teenage girl uses the word "like".
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