October 20, 2010
— Monty This is our future if we don't change our ways.
Exhibit A: England faces the largest budget cuts since World War II.
Exhibit B: France is tearing itself apart over a move to bring state pensions under control.
This is the end result of the welfare-state. The Europeans (and Democrats here at home) want a utopia where all needs are met, all the hungry are fed, all the children warm and safe, all the sick made whole, all the evil punished and the innocent made free, a land where all is peace and all live in harmony. Instead, the welfare-state is waste and weakness and impoverishment and upheaval and ennui. It is generational warfare, class warfare, enormous debts, squalor, meanness, shortages, selfishness. It is, at base, the end of civil society. Communist economies fall faster because they take the poison pure; it takes the merely socialist ones more time to sicken and die. It is not clear to me that either England or France will be able to make these reforms "stick". England might perhaps have more of a chance than France does, but even in Albion the days of Dame Margaret Thatcher are well past -- much of the country not only relies on the dole (and I count the NHS as part of that), but remembers nothing else. Entire generations of citizens have been born and grew to adulthood in a land of a debased civil society, outlandish political promises and a hidebound, near-moribund private sector. A country with "free" healthcare, a generous welfare system where it was often more remunerative not to work, and a private sector so sclerotic and union-infested that a structural unemployment rate of 8-10% was accepted as perfectly normal. Young people pursue endless, meaningless degrees (using state-provided funds more often than not) and have basically given up on the antiquated notions of marriage and family, to say nothing of religion. (No building in England is so empty as a Christian church nowadays.)
It's no accident that Germany is doing so much better in relative terms than England and France. Germany had to re-assert the traditional Teutonic work-ethic after World War II out of absolute necessity. The re-integration of East Germany in the 1990's forced them to be even more efficient, more productive, more financially conservative. England and France, contrarily, went the route of social welfare -- the more "liberal" route. And in the end instead of reaping "fairness" and societal harmony, they reaped instead penury and unrest. The redistributionist route led -- as it always, always does -- to a dead end.
We see our future playing out in England and France right now. Only our upheavals are going to be much larger and more violent than theirs. Our population is larger, more diverse, and more polarized; our politics more fraught; our debts and obligations massively larger. Our passions are harder to rouse, but once aflame, take a long time to burn out.
As in France, we have let an enormous segment of our population -- perhaps as much as half -- fall into a state where they depend on government largesse for a substantial part of their income. This is not money they earned themselves, not wages or savings, but rather money squeezed from the more productive half of the country. Half of our citizens pay no income taxes at all. An increasing number will draw public-sector pensions, Social Security, and medical insurance (Medicare/Medicaid) in amounts that far exceed what they contributed to those plans. Half of the US population, in short, lives not by the fruits of their own toil but by the (coerced) charity of others, as filtered and distilled through the hand of the government. This can not -- it can not, by the laws of economics and simple physics -- continue. The mathematics of the problem trump even philosophical issues of fairness, of governance, of ethics or law. The mathematics simply will not allow it.
Consider the French. They are rioting over a proposal to raise the national age of retirement from 60 to 62. Germany's is 65 (going to 67) -- how happy will German workers be to subsidize the early retirements of their French neighbors? The French labor unions are on a rampage, denouncing the move as a violation of a "promise" the country made to the workers. (If this reminds you of California, New Jersey, New York, and Michigan -- well, the situations are closely analogous.) The word "promise" is illuminating: people have stopped thinking of social welfare as a "benefit" or a "perquisite", and have begun instead to think of it as a "right" or a "promise". A legally-binding promise which cannot be broken, though the heavens fall. Well, the heavens are falling, and the sovereigns will discover a universal truth: a government "promise" is not a suicide pact. Reality will assert itself, one way or another.
Governments the world over are discovering that the river of money is not endless. That seemingly-inexhaustable mountain of wealth has been turned into an ocean of debt that will take decades to pay off. The spendthrift habits of the Western nations will put burdens on our children, and other generations not yet born, that should outrage us as a people. We are investing in the old rather than the young, and are punishing risk-taking and entrepreneurship rather than rewarding it. Our tax regimes seem to be deliberately crafted to kill innovation and long-term thinking. (What does "legacy" mean if the wealth I have accumulated in my life cannot be passed on to my children or heirs, but is instead eaten by the all-consuming government?) Young people -- young families -- are the foundation upon which Western Civilization is built. Neglect them, overburden them, cheat them, and you are committing societal suicide.
One measure of how self-destructive Europe has become can be seen in the birthrate. In developed countries like France, the birthrate among natives has plummeted to below the replacement rate (though some dispute this). Among immigrants who share little cultural affinity with the French (or are actively hostile to it), the birthrate has soared. What this means in 20 or 30 years is that what is "French" (or "English" or "American") will be determined by those same children. The same goes for Spain, for Portugal, for Germany, for England -- indeed, for the entire continent. (America at least has a positive population growth, albeit not by much. And our immigrants are also outbreeding the natives by a wide margin.) Demographics is a game of last man standing: the people who make the laws 20 or 30 years from now are the babies being born today. If you don't produce children, you have no voice in the future.
If the governments of the West have an excuse -- however weak and puling -- it is this: they meant well. It is not wrong to wish that every citizen have free health care, free food, free housing, and some money to spend even if they have no job. It's not wrong; it's just impossible. Health care is a service that has huge costs associated with it. These costs cannot be "magicked" away just because we find them inconvenient. Food must be grown, transported, packaged, and prepared -- all costs that must be accounted for. Shelter does not precipitate out of thin air. We cannot delude ourselves into thinking that "the government" can provide these things to us at no cost, because "the government" must pay for these things just as individuals do, and because the government has only one source of wealth -- the citizens -- that's where it must go for the money. So if Bob is given 'free' health care, 'free' food, and a 'free' apartment, the government isn't paying for it; Tom, Jane, Howard, and Sue are paying for it. And at a vastly inflated cost due to the innate governmental inefficiency that dilutes every dollar that passes through their hands. Soon the social welfare costs eat up the money intended for good and necessary governmental expenditures like the military, the police, and infrastructure. Social welfare becomes a beast that eats everything.
We are living in an age where citizens will have to re-think their basic relationship to their government, and to each other. The government is not -- cannot be -- the cornucopia that provides for all needs for all citizens. It cannot even provide for most needs for most citizens. The math only works if the producers outnumber the welfare recipients, and by quite a large margin; but this margin is long gone. France and England blew past the 50% mark long ago. The United States is teetering on the edge of a 50/50 split.
Citizens must once again be taught that they, and only they, are responsible for their lives. A civilized nation provides for the helpless, the weak, and the defenseless. But it does not expand the definition of those words so broadly that it encompasses half of its citizens. A nation that values self-reliance and ambition must accept that "opportunity" emcompasses the possibility of failure. Failure -- even ruin -- is a necessary and inevitable part of any market-based economy. You cannot engineer failure out of the equation without rendering it meaningless.
As I said, I am not hopeful for most of Europe (and even Germany is weaker than it seems). England may yet surprise me, but their culture is weaker now than it has ever been. The primary ingredient of recovery is will, and I just don't know if the dependent scions of Albion have enough left to climb out of the hole they're in.
Which brings us to America. Do we have the will to climb out of the gargantuan hole we have dug ourselves into? It remains an open question. I find encouragement in the rise of the Tea Party, but discouragement in the sweeping victory of Barack Obama. Half of my fellow citizens would prefer to bleed the body politic until it dies; as long as they do not outlast the flow of money, they care nothing for what comes after. But I care about legacy, about culture, and about the whole idea of America as a place where you can go as far as talent and ambition can take you. The unfortunate fact, though, is that much talent and ambition will have to be expended in simply paying off our massive debt, and in reforming our nonsensical entitlement programs. (I've said it many times, but it bears repeating: if you're not going to reform Social Security and Medicare, then don't bother doing anything, because it won't matter anyway.)
We are poised on the edge of a knife. On one side: bankruptcy, insolvency, and dissolution. On the other: a reinvigorated individualism, a sense of the government as servant of the people, not the master.
France is lost; England is sinking. America must survive if Western Civilization is to have any hope at all of surviving the perils yet to come.
Posted by: Monty at
03:54 PM
| Comments (384)
Post contains 1842 words, total size 11 kb.
Posted by: The Highland Pipes at October 20, 2010 03:59 PM (aTRLl)
Posted by: nevergiveup at October 20, 2010 03:59 PM (U5btG)
Posted by: fluffy at October 20, 2010 03:59 PM (SwkdU)
it's funny how the same stupid seniors who didn't get their measly COLA increase in their Social Security payment will be going to the polls voting for congressmen who give themselves big raises and big pensions and big french benefits.
Posted by: the slide of civilization at October 20, 2010 04:00 PM (hBqOU)
We are fucked...we have been fucked for a while. All one has to do to be aware of how fucked we are is to listen to Republicans talk about working with Obama. How the fuck do these fuckers imagine you "work" with Obama? Assholes.
Snipped from another site..someone counter it PLEASE because I cannot.
Deterrence, by free Americans against those who would subvert and destroy this country, has failed.
The Bad People have
- the initiative,
- both the checkbook and the printing press,
- the controls of the combine,
- the mainstream media,
- academia, from pre-K through grad school and beyond via the professoriate,
- an array of unscrupulous allied organizations,
- a standing domestic army of Federal, state, and local law enforcement,
- possession of much of the nation's remaining economic activity via regulation and/or outright ownership,
- the armed forces,
- financial and other support from strategic enemies and other transnationals,
- a domestic surveillance capability to make the Stasi blush,
- the half-hearted collaboration of the Dead Elephants, and
- a shockingly-ignorant electorate.
More importantly, they also have both
- a plan to do more transformation of America, and
- the will to implement that plan, no matter what it takes.
Posted by: Pierre Legrand at October 20, 2010 04:03 PM (52h7T)
Posted by: J.J. Sefton at October 20, 2010 04:03 PM (9Cooa)
The great failing of socialism is its complete inability to cope with fifth grade math.
Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at October 20, 2010 04:03 PM (rNJC9)
The pendulum is swinging back to sanity in the US. Of course it's only a small step but a step indeed. I think the poll on women dumping the Dems is a good indicator. Although I'm not convinced it's anything but a short-term net gain.
Posted by: laceyunderalls at October 20, 2010 04:03 PM (TuxkI)
Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at October 20, 2010 04:04 PM (rNJC9)
I've seen the term POWDER IS DRY so many times.
Now it makes sense. Come and squat in my house bitches!!!! Then say hello to my leeeeetel friend.
Posted by: greg at October 20, 2010 04:05 PM (Vqruj)
Ponder that.
Posted by: S. Weasel at October 20, 2010 04:05 PM (ukKRW)
Posted by: willow at October 20, 2010 04:05 PM (iAu/o)
Lazy.. Lazy... Lazy...
collect the dole.. live just fine.. and woner why their country SUCKS.
Oh and complain how mean America is.
Posted by: Timbo at October 20, 2010 04:05 PM (ph9vn)
I'll bet my left nut if we made an tv commercial about how much representatives and senators pay themselves, and how much they allow themselves in budgets, and how much they give themselves in pensions...
all the Democrat's black and poor support would vanish.
Posted by: Senator Soothsayer (R-AoS) at October 20, 2010 04:06 PM (6cqZX)
Hopeful sign from France:
French authorities force open fuel depots
French authorities have forced some fuel depots to reopen to ensure gasoline supplies disrupted by nationwide strikes over pension reform.
Brice Hortefeux, the interior minister, has threatened to send in paramilitary police to stop rioters who torched cars, trashed stores and injured police and others on the fringes of nationwide protests.
He said more than 1,400 people have been detained for such violence over the past week.
Posted by: stuiec at October 20, 2010 04:07 PM (7AOgy)
Posted by: willow at October 20, 2010 04:07 PM (iAu/o)
Monty, as always, excellent post.
We are not poised on bankruptcy for poised denotes a potentiality. We, as a country are indeed bankrupt and this is not hyperbole nor said with the intention of being provocative. We, the United States of America are actually bankrupt.
The retail banks are insolvent, no one knows their acutal book value since no one knows the full scope of their liabilities, only that they are exacting and growing exponentially worse on top of a current foundation of insolvency.
The federal government has a fed fund rate of near zero in order to provide ostensible value to the banks so they may engage in carry trade to stave off the inevitable systemic collapse.
What is changing is the citizens understanding of that which typically was shoved into the corner of esoterics.
The esotercis of fractional banking have hit home and the tipping point is here.
The only certain variable is substantial, mind boggling, wondering if I am still living in America change. For we indeed live in an age of turbulence.
But alas, the sun will rise but what daylight will bring will be nothing, nothing of what we knew and thought could ever become reality.
Folks, brace and prepare for change because it's coming.
Posted by: journolist at October 20, 2010 04:08 PM (O/NP5)
Posted by: GuyfromNH at October 20, 2010 04:08 PM (kbOju)
Posted by: willow at October 20, 2010 08:07 PM (iAu/o)
Sounds like fun, although France and the UK are a long way to go just for a riot.
Posted by: Oldcat at October 20, 2010 04:09 PM (z1N6a)
Posted by: steevy at October 20, 2010 04:09 PM (oa00o)
They'll have to get a military first. That crap don't grow on trees.
Posted by: Oldcat at October 20, 2010 04:09 PM (z1N6a)
Posted by: nevergiveup at October 20, 2010 04:10 PM (U5btG)
Posted by: MaxMBJ at October 20, 2010 04:10 PM (90bLF)
Posted by: Dr. Spank at October 20, 2010 04:10 PM (Y81Xa)
It is our failure to develop and proselytize the wickedness of social justice that allows it to fester, we look the other way because after all, the other side means well. Well, no, they don't. They infantilize and insult the beneficiaries of their so-called goodness. They corrupt the body politic.
Posted by: The Pricker! at October 20, 2010 04:10 PM (pKpfd)
all the Democrat's black and poor support would vanish.
Hmm, I dunno about that. It's the entitlement mentality that we have to break with the part of their base that votes based on need of dependency. What do they care what congressional shitstains make as long as they get some unearned scratch out of it as well? And if they have to tax Richie Rich more to do it, well then all the better.
You have to change the underlying behavior before you can hope for that kind of outcome.
Posted by: laceyunderalls at October 20, 2010 04:11 PM (TuxkI)
Folks acquaint yourself with SCOTT WALKER.
County Exec of Milwaukee County. Governor Scott Walker of Wisconsin in 2 weeks.
Google "AMENT PENSION SCANDAL".
Walker is LITERALLY Chris Christie Lite.
No tax increases in 8 years. Cut County government by a third.
In a LIBTARD BLUE CITY and BLUE STATE.
The county has suburbs. THANK GOD.
Posted by: gus at October 20, 2010 04:11 PM (Vqruj)
I think the powers that be have orchestrated a looting- which is currently in full force for those willing to see- that will leave most of us destitute.
I don't know what kind of juggernaut needs to occur to right the ship.
Whatever it is, it won't be pretty.
Posted by: Derak at October 20, 2010 04:12 PM (gizcd)
Posted by: rdbrewer at October 20, 2010 04:12 PM (XyHWo)
Posted by: Monty at October 20, 2010 04:12 PM (o2hlb)
Truthfully, I think we're boned and nothing short of total chaos will be required to reset the clock. The main reason being that there are too many parasites and not enough workers (as you've mentioned). I hope I'm wrong, but I'm not too optimistic about the future.
This post made me feel old. I'm not feeling too well now. "In the end, there will be only chaos" feels like ashes in my mouth.
Goodnight, everyone.
Posted by: Kratos (Ghost of Sparta) at October 20, 2010 04:13 PM (c0A3e)
Posted by: Oldcat at October 20, 2010 04:13 PM (z1N6a)
timbo said; and complain how mean americ is.
to them we are , most pf america expects their neighbors to get up and strive for a future for their kids, they however expect a future of unicorns to be handed to their children by the goodness of gvt desiring votes-incurring power over them.
Posted by: willow at October 20, 2010 04:13 PM (iAu/o)
Posted by: Monty at October 20, 2010 04:14 PM (o2hlb)
Posted by: British and French at October 20, 2010 04:14 PM (BP6Z1)
They are not being "assholes" and no it is not entirely their fault. We the people demmand a certain level of comity in political discourse. And by and large, if the Republicans don't put forth a "good faith effort" to work with the Administration before throwing their hands in the air refusing to pass a budget for two years, and effectively shutting down the federal government, then we the people will punish them for not trying. So it is we they attempt to placate, mainly to avoid the title of "obstructionist". The process of moving America to the right after a century of leftward slide will be slow. Nothing can be done instantly politically, and political solutions to worldly problems involve politics, or have you forgotten that?
Pierre, if you think the situation is irreversible by political means I suggest you start stocking up on food, guns and ammo.
Posted by: MikeTheMoose at October 20, 2010 04:15 PM (0q2P7)
Posted by: Derak at October 20, 2010 08:12 PM (gizcd)
And its pretty now?
Posted by: Oldcat at October 20, 2010 04:15 PM (z1N6a)
They grind out witty commentary; I refrain from whipping them until they bleed.
This is unjust. They deserve a raise. Perhaps some bling [see the post below.....]
Posted by: laceyunderalls at October 20, 2010 04:16 PM (TuxkI)
"It's not wrong; it's just impossible."
Actually, because it is impossible, it is morally wrong to promote it an an ideal ...but that's an argument for another day.
Nice job!
Posted by: Charles Johnson's Johnson at October 20, 2010 04:16 PM (kcLcX)
thanks for bumming us all out - with the sad truth
Phil Gramm said it best- too many people in the wagon, not enough out front pulling
There are fundamental problems with our government that have nothing to do with the Constitution and everything to do with modern politics. Congress exempts itself from the laws it would burden Us with. The lack of TERM LIMITS has given us career politicians that care about nothing so much as perpetual re-election. We have people in office who only care about the power and prestige, not the good of the country. We have politicians and voters that would rather see the US go to hell in a handbasket as long as their ideology and their party prevails.
We are in decline. I don't know if it can be reversed.
Finally, all politicians are scum-sucking bastards, and I hate them with the white hot burning intensity of a thousand suns.
Posted by: Jones at October 20, 2010 04:16 PM (b+yWd)
Posted by: Raykon W Bono at October 20, 2010 04:16 PM (0IR+C)
Posted by: steevy at October 20, 2010 04:16 PM (oa00o)
Posted by: Gloria Allred at October 20, 2010 04:16 PM (UOM48)
Save us Chris Christie; you're our only hope.
Save us Chris Christie; you're our only hope.
Save us Chris Christie; you're our only hope.
Posted by: Leia at October 20, 2010 04:16 PM (/AACO)
Need free money? Just bring down the console (tax someone else, put off financial collapse for the next guy to deal with, etc)
Posted by: brak at October 20, 2010 04:17 PM (nIoiW)
Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 20, 2010 04:18 PM (UOM48)
BUY!!! BEFORE YOU'RE PRICED OUT !!!
Posted by: Jim Cosmo Cramer at October 20, 2010 04:19 PM (vdfwz)
Kratos, time is not for sackcloth , stay with us and help fight. i honestly have never felt as scared as i have since the first crash is sept 08, we will indeed be doomed if we don't DEMAND netter from our overlords.
otherwise yeah i kow chaos is near.
Posted by: willow at October 20, 2010 04:19 PM (iAu/o)
Save us Chris Christie; you're our only hope.
Save us Chris Christie; you're our only hope.
Save us Chris Christie; you're our only hope.
Posted by: Leia at October 20, 2010 08:16 PM (/AACO)
That would work better with the promise of Crispy Cremes...
Posted by: Chris Christie at October 20, 2010 04:20 PM (PWj+8)
Still embargoed until tomorrow but the numbers are leaking out from a PPIC poll showing Meg Whitman down 6 to Jerry Moonbeam.
This is not good news. Not disastrous news, but Meg hasnt had an upswing in almost two months, while Brown has done nothing but tick slowly upwards.
Posted by: mike d at October 20, 2010 04:20 PM (W0V5W)
Yeah, he bugs me sometimes, but he deserves an award for opening the folks eyes and shining a spotlight on the demon roaches scurrying around in this administration.
I just pray he and his family stay safe.
Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 20, 2010 04:20 PM (UOM48)
Posted by: Monty at October 20, 2010 08:12 PM (o2hlb)
I agree with that Monty. Very thoughtfully articulated.
We as human beings indeed have the resolve, intellect, passion and empathy to create solutions. However, major change, major upending change is inevitable on account the status quo is unsustainable even at optimal economic output.
Posted by: journolist at October 20, 2010 04:21 PM (O/NP5)
No one is willing to cut these programs. It's not politically possible. Therefore, it's inevitable that we are totally boned in the end. Each politician hopes that he's dead and gone before the Big Bone arrives
Posted by: kbdabear at October 20, 2010 04:22 PM (vdfwz)
Posted by: Jones at October 20, 2010 04:22 PM (b+yWd)
Posted by: ParisParamus at October 20, 2010 04:22 PM (GGjFD)
OLD CAT?? Walker is the County Executive. He is Republican.
He is running against the LIBTARD DEMOCRAT FAILURE MAYOR of MILWAUKEE.
City turnout is bad.
County turnout is good.
Posted by: gus at October 20, 2010 04:23 PM (Vqruj)
Yo Jimmy Choo Burberry, this is a doomsday thread.
We can't afford you.
Know your place, bitch.
Yeah, but everything's better with cute shoes!!!
Posted by: EZB at October 20, 2010 04:23 PM (fa9yq)
Posted by: Museisluse at October 20, 2010 04:24 PM (DTfXb)
When you sit down and think it through, you come to the realization that we are in serious trouble.
There will be no easy fix, if there is a fix at all.
The people are the problem, look around you and listen to them, they are a lost cause.
There is a hard lesson going to be learned here, maybe the hard lesson will be what gets the people back on the right track.
God help us all, we are going to need it.
Posted by: MarkC at October 20, 2010 04:25 PM (R96BC)
Posted by: kbdabear at October 20, 2010 04:25 PM (vdfwz)
Posted by: MikeTheMoose at October 20, 2010 08:15 PM (0q2P7)
One recalls that the Constitution gives the President certain powers that act as checks and balances on Congress. So yes, even if the Republicans take both houses of Congress, they have to deal with Obama and maneuver him into giving them what they want, even if only in part. "Working with" the President doesn't necessarily imply "cooperating with" the President and his political agenda.
Posted by: stuiec at October 20, 2010 04:25 PM (7AOgy)
Not without a Mad Max type of apocalyptical situation. Mostly because that would be the only way they'd understand there was NO MORE MONEY!
Posted by: EZB at October 20, 2010 04:25 PM (fa9yq)
The problem is clear. The rent is too damn high.
Posted by: Olliander at October 20, 2010 04:25 PM (j4xgZ)
Oh and I'm going to hell for these thoughts but I have friends going to France in two weeks. They are in panic mode over the strike and now, just now!, they're on a screed about how the Parisians need to 'just deal and get over' the increase of the retirement age.
They're full on libtards and it took every ounce of energy I had not to giggle in their face. That trip needs to be cancelled. Just so they see how their idiocy ultimately comes back to bite them on the backside.
Posted by: laceyunderalls at October 20, 2010 04:26 PM (TuxkI)
Posted by: steevy at October 20, 2010 04:26 PM (oa00o)
I pray to the almighty gods that I am wrong.
Posted by: Holger at October 20, 2010 04:26 PM (V9Q+f)
Oh, lacey, you missed my earlier post. D'oh's new assistant is from DC and friends with the Salahis.
Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 20, 2010 04:26 PM (UOM48)
Posted by: steevy at October 20, 2010 08:16 PM (oa00o)
Of course. Why do you think we've been acting like spoiledm backtalking teenagers for 60 years?
Posted by: British and French and Canadians at October 20, 2010 04:27 PM (BP6Z1)
Posted by: British and French at October 20, 2010 08:14 PM (BP6Z1)
You best be steppin' back cracka!!! Git yo ass in line.
Posted by: Obama Goan Pay My Mortgage Woman at October 20, 2010 04:27 PM (azgo2)
Posted by: laceyunderalls forgetting this is the stompy boot blog at October 20, 2010 04:27 PM (TuxkI)
I don't know, for some reason, I think France may have more of a chance than Great Britain (and it's not just b/c I'm a little bit of a Francophile).
Some of them have a clue... one of their best-sellers recently was something called "Absolument dé-bor-dée ! ou le paradoxe du fonctionnaire - Comment faire les 35 heures en... un mois" a/k/a "Absolutely swamped! or the paradox of a government functionary - How to do 35 hours [of work] in... a month." Basically, a non-fiction book mocking the laziness of government workers. Plus their health system is at least semi-privatized. Don't mistake what comes out of Paris for what comes out of France at large - there's a lot of "fly-over" types outside of Paris.
Also, I think the chav culture has overwhelmed Great Britain and that they're at the point of no return with that aspect of the culture war.... I could be wrong.
Posted by: La Mauvaise New Yorkaise at October 20, 2010 04:28 PM (BpBIE)
Or, you know, a coup d'etat
I mean, theres already a critical cell in the form of the czars in place, plus massive subversive cells throughout the Left. All they need is a loyal armed force [even a smallish one] and a little ...push.
Posted by: Curly at October 20, 2010 04:28 PM (hCQG5)
Thus of the property of the wealthy nothing spared, save the sea-green stone idol chiseled in the likeness of The Gods of the Copybook Headings. This the young revolutionaries took back with them as a symbol of conquest over the old gods and beings of greed, and as a sign of leadership in western land. But on the night after it was set up in the Temple of Global Warming, a terrible thing must have happened, for weird lights were seen over the lake, and in the morning the people found the idol gone and the high-priest lying dead, as from some fear unspeakable. And before he died, the green father had scrawled upon the altar of chrysolite with coarse shaky strokes the sign of DOOM.
Liberally adapted. Thanks to HPL
Posted by: MikeTheMoose at October 20, 2010 04:28 PM (0q2P7)
They'll have to get a military first. That crap don't grow on trees.
Posted by: Oldcat at October 20, 2010 08:09 PM (z1N6a)
I bet Russia will be happy to sell military hardware to the highest bidder. Even odds those former/future commies would never consider that war in Europe would hurt one of the good things going for them in Natural gas sales.
Posted by: buzzion at October 20, 2010 04:28 PM (oVQFe)
Posted by: gus at October 20, 2010 04:28 PM (Vqruj)
Posted by: Monty at October 20, 2010 04:29 PM (o2hlb)
On topic, I think:
Residents of Tightwad offer Barack Obama lessons on balancing a budget
The people of Tightwad, fed up with rampant government spending and a ballooning national debt, are offering Washington politicians a few lessons on how to balance a budget.
Tightwad (population: 63) is a stop on the road in rural Missouri. It became a byword for frugality after it was renamed in the 1930s and the locals feel amply qualified to tell the Obama administration how to tighten belts.
"We can't run on a deficit or rob Peter to pay Paul like the government does," said Wendy Huey, 40, a co-owner of the Tightwad Store. "When times are tough, I can open up a line of credit or cut spending.
"I don't really agree with operating a business on a line of credit so I have to look at my expenses. The government just likes to spend. We go to war and blow up another country and then we spend millions trying to make the place better."
David Todd, 41, was fixing his beaten-up old truck after it had hit a buck deer. He makes ends meet by washing dishes at a catfish restaurant. "All this money that's being spent in Washington, I don't see any of it," he said. "Us ordinary folk can't live if we spend what we don't have, but it's different rules for politicians."
His friend Suzette Corpier, 47, a cook and an undecided voter, said: "I'd like to see President Obama walk through Tightwad and see how things are. I'd like to sit him down at my table. I have to calculate each portion according to what I can afford.
"I have two or three pairs of shoes. I can't spend money on frivolous things. Politicians all seem to be in it for themselves. It's easy to be greedy when you have other people's money to spend."
Tightwad was previously called Edgewood and there are several versions of how the new name originated. One is that a store owner cheated a postman out of a watermelon to make 50 cents, another is that a local merchant overcharged for a rooster.
Posted by: stuiec at October 20, 2010 04:29 PM (7AOgy)
Watch the videos in France. Freakish losers out of control.
30/30 scope. Ready aim fire.
Disappear into the night.
Repeat as necessary.
Posted by: gus at October 20, 2010 04:30 PM (Vqruj)
Can Be Down 3 Points
No seriously?! I don't know anything about the composition of his district but this sucks. Those ads were comedy gold.
Posted by: laceyunderalls at October 20, 2010 04:30 PM (TuxkI)
She's been to the Salahi's Oasis vineyard and has lots of inside dish.
*rubbing hands together*
Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 20, 2010 04:30 PM (UOM48)
Posted by: June C. at October 20, 2010 04:31 PM (z0rD5)
Posted by: steevy at October 20, 2010 04:31 PM (oa00o)
Regarding Germany, they're boned too. They make take longer to go the way of the other Europeans, but they too love the sweet, "free" milk from the government teat.
Posted by: NM Hick at October 20, 2010 04:32 PM (IzuWw)
iDepression 2.0
http://tinyurl.com/3xtd6rb
And this, a very witty and informative story on our destruction by the Fed:
The Wrath Of Bernanke: IceCap Management On Star Trek 2 As A Harbinger Of Things To Come
http://tinyurl.com/2ajkjxj
Posted by: shibumi at October 20, 2010 04:32 PM (OKZrE)
Posted by: Curly at October 20, 2010 08:28 PM (hCQG5)
Too bad about that gun control, huh?
Posted by: Oldcat at October 20, 2010 04:32 PM (z1N6a)
She's been to the Salahi's Oasis vineyard and has lots of inside dish.
*rubbing hands together*
Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 20, 2010 08:30 PM (UOM4
Oo-oo-ooh! Looking forward to that already! :-)
Posted by: Mary in LA at October 20, 2010 04:32 PM (NGf/6)
Posted by: steevy at October 20, 2010 04:33 PM (oa00o)
Jeebus. If there was ever a clearer picture of a class of people who believe they are entitled, here it is.
Our libtard trash are taking notes.
Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 20, 2010 04:33 PM (UOM48)
Posted by: rdbrewer at October 20, 2010 04:33 PM (XyHWo)
Replica government Wholesale Congress Best government money can buy Wholesale Senators will vote any way you want. Replica Congress helping you reach objectives,
Posted by: Thadeus Hammerpenny at October 20, 2010 04:33 PM (En7xg)
It's not wrong to bathe semi-daily, stop fucking long enough to raise the 4 children you already have with 4 different strangers, It's not wrong to get a job, brush your teeth and SHUT THE FUCK UP.
I'm not you Mommy libtards. Get used to it. The Gravy Train is not stopping in LIBTARDVILLE anymore.
Posted by: gus at October 20, 2010 04:34 PM (Vqruj)
Posted by: Wooga at October 20, 2010 04:34 PM (I8NEJ)
Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 20, 2010 04:34 PM (UOM48)
Posted by: Monty at October 20, 2010 04:35 PM (o2hlb)
This sounds great and worked well for highly motivated young people from poorer backgrounds who would go into fields like mathematics. But it produced a whole set of other problems including the best and brightest going into underwater basketweaving and related fields.
And, of course, it was unsustainable.
Recently the government (I assume it was still Labour) made some cuts and permitted schools to charge up to a 3000 pound fee. Now, the government is making 80% cuts and permitted unlimited fees. Or at least that's the rumor. I think they will probably make fewer cuts and cap the fees at something on the order of 10000 pounds.
The faculty also have it easy. Even at the least impressive places, their teaching loads are a third of what a typical faculty member at a top 20 school would do. And teaching is literally an hour lecture a few times a week and then a final exam.
But for all of the bleating and outrage, they knew they were talking to a guy who worked much harder than they do and that their gravy train was over. They'd had it too good for too long. On this front, I think the UK will do well, even though they will lament the egalitarian system they lost. Also, more students will enter lucrative professions rather than selecting something easy because there are no debts.
On the NHS front, the middle class is used to having supplementary insurance and those who have academic or cubicle jobs are truly jealous at the fact that I can see a doctor then a specialist and have a procedure done and be out of the hospital by the end of the week. They know that they worked hard and gave up things to get the same type of job I got, but they get less purchasing power for their job to help subsidize a hypochondriac starving artist's right to layabout and then access the health system anytime they wish.
Again, they won't say it directly. They will prefer the egalitarianism out loud, but they'll bemoan the fact that it doesn't work well.
And the fact that this is a coalition government doing this is helping tremendously. The Lib Dems are giving a lot of cover to the Tories. I know they are pretty much David Brooks' wet dream come true, but they are the only ones who can do what needs to be done over there.
Oh, and there aren't taxes to be raised. The VAT is high enough, thankyouverymuch.
And one more thing about academia. I suggested to them that they could just subsidize UK students like the public schools do in the US. Nope. EU rules state that the fees for UK students must be the same as all EU students. The result: Oxford and Cambridge and LSE will just end up taking more full-freight-paying rich Russian and Chinese students. And oil-rich muslims, too.
Posted by: AmishDude at October 20, 2010 04:36 PM (3wPsb)
Thanks for this. I cannot comment during the day on your finance threads as I've gotta work, but your posts always get my interest.
Posted by: Curly at October 20, 2010 04:37 PM (hCQG5)
Posted by: steevy at October 20, 2010 04:37 PM (oa00o)
Posted by: George Orwell at October 20, 2010 04:37 PM (AZGON)
I'm glad SEIU bitches are FAT and wear XXXL PURPLE SHIRTS. Makes them easier targets. And the FAT FUCKERS are easy to see thru my NIGHT VISION HEAT SENSOR SCOPE.
Posted by: gus at October 20, 2010 04:37 PM (Vqruj)
Oh and I wanted to share this -
CIN Public Schools got busted bussing three vans of HS students to the polls. Apparently they were given sample Dem ballots only to take into the voting booths. They is some discrepancy on when they were given the ballots. Some say it was on the bus with local Dreihaus volunteers.
The school district is denying any wrongdoing at this point. They are saying that a former CPS principal who now works at a non-profit gave them the ballots once they got out of the bus. She's no longer with the district so they feel there was no wrongdoing since it technically wasn't a school employee.
There was an injunction pending to keep the school from doing it again. They've settled with the petitioner saying, and this is my favorite part, while they deny any wrongdoing, they will see that no partisan politicking takes place in the future.
Um, if nothing happened in the past why do you have to ensure it won't happen in the future. ???
It's ACORN 2.0 here this week.
Posted by: laceyunderalls at October 20, 2010 04:38 PM (TuxkI)
Posted by: kbdabear at October 20, 2010 08:25 PM (vdfwz)
Heh, I thought the same thing, but hey, they were extremists that just happened to be muslim.
Posted by: Lt.Kilgore at October 20, 2010 04:38 PM (FIDMq)
"Sorry, we're not going to invade you this time."
Posted by: arhooley at October 20, 2010 04:38 PM (tB9Rd)
The three years we lived in Germany, in the military, I learned to speak fluently as a kid, by a Russian teacher. Can't speak but a few words now.
I can actually do pretty well in Italy. Just make crap up as I go (plus, D'oh speaks fluent Spanish, and he makes it up as he goes).
Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 20, 2010 04:38 PM (UOM48)
Posted by: Debbie Downer at October 20, 2010 04:39 PM (3jZ02)
Great piece Monty. Your posts don't tend to bum me out much because I've thought Europe, particularly Britain and France, have been hopeless for quite awhile. I believe America is in a very slow, but steady decline. The last year has giving me a bit of hope, small though it is.
I think resigned is the word.
Posted by: Delta Smelt at October 20, 2010 04:39 PM (AZWim)
Excellent essay Monty. You clearly and succintly summarize our danger - in terms anyone can understand. I've passed it on to my friends and I hope it goes viral.
Unfortunately, as much as I want to deny it, I am afraid we are beyond the point of no return - barring violent upheaval. Leftist beauracrats are so deeply burrowed into every aspect of our infrastructure that replacing the elected officials will have mainly cosmetic results. One tiny, microscopic example - here in Los Angeles you get a ticket for using a cell phone while driving - $20 bucks first offense. No big deal...right? It turns out however that you also pay an additional $38 in various fees, making the ticket now $58. My buddy just got one yesterday and that's how I found out. I didn't vote for this....as a matter of fact, none of us voted for this. But there you have it - extra costs imposed by beauracratic fiat. Again, just a tiny example. How many others are we infested with.I would say more than anyone can even begin to imagine.
We're gonna need to take this whole fucking thing down with a wrecking ball.
Posted by: LGoPs at October 20, 2010 04:39 PM (lHn6+)
Posted by: Monty at October 20, 2010 04:40 PM (o2hlb)
Half of my fellow citizens would prefer to bleed the body politic until it dies; as long as they do not outlast the flow of money, they care nothing for what comes after.
This in sum is why i hate the Left.
Posted by: Interesting Decision at October 20, 2010 04:40 PM (hD0CU)
Monty - "Life at the Bottom" is sitting here in my living room, waiting to be read. Until then, my information on British society comes from reruns of "Little Britain" and "Kerry Katona: What's the Problem?" (I joke... I joke....).
As for the French, maybe I'm slightly too influenced by the ones I know who live here. After all, they did leave for a reason.
Posted by: La Mauvaise New Yorkaise at October 20, 2010 04:40 PM (BpBIE)
Posted by: Vichy Republic at October 20, 2010 04:40 PM (SwkdU)
I mentioned the Cincinnatti story earlier and HeatherCarrots pointed out the kids also got ice cream.
Posted by: Senator Soothsayer (R-AoS) at October 20, 2010 04:41 PM (En7xg)
Posted by: railwriter at October 20, 2010 04:41 PM (3qItU)
Posted by: kbdabear at October 20, 2010 08:25 PM (vdfwz)
Heh, I thought the same thing, but hey, they were extremists that just happened to be muslim.
Posted by: Lt.Kilgore at October 20, 2010 08:38 PM (FIDMq)
Speaking of Fox, don't you just love Bill O'Luffah making his show all about him and his meaningless The View appearance less than 2 weeks before an election?
His ego has reached new levels.
Posted by: Delta Smelt at October 20, 2010 04:42 PM (AZWim)
Posted by: EZB at October 20, 2010 04:42 PM (fa9yq)
His ego has reached new levels.
Posted by: Delta Smelt at October 20, 2010 08:42 PM (AZWim)
No kidding... STFU already.. nobody cares, Bill.
Posted by: Timbo at October 20, 2010 04:43 PM (ph9vn)
Posted by: Greg at October 20, 2010 08:30 PM (7+pP9)
You're about to find out that it's only how most of the people you talk to view the GOP. Most of America is going to dish out an ass-whuppin' to the Democrats in just under two weeks' time -- and wish like hell that Obama was on the ticket too, so that he could share in the punishment.
Posted by: stuiec at October 20, 2010 04:44 PM (7AOgy)
Posted by: railwriter at October 20, 2010 08:41 PM (3qItU)
--Germany has lots of coal. If worse comes to worst, they can go back to synthesizing oil like they did in WWII.
Posted by: logprof at October 20, 2010 04:45 PM (BP6Z1)
Jeebus. If there was ever a clearer picture of a class of people who believe they are entitled, here it is.
Our libtard trash are taking notes.
Our libtard trash already knows all of this.
Right now, I know people who are "underemployed" and can recite to you how many weeks of unemployment they have left and how many extensions they can get, as if they are reciting the Bible. These are people who are going to get a gold watch from Unemployment Compensation, because they have been on it consistently since 1980. Did I mention that most of them have new-ish cars, houses and boats? And, for the record, these are not minorities.
It's a lifestyle you see.
Just like the "I must retire at 60" lifestyle in France.
Posted by: shibumi at October 20, 2010 04:45 PM (OKZrE)
Read for laughs, it looks like Pearlstein simply put his byline on a column written by Robert "Cousin Eddie" Gibbs
Democrats suffer from Americans' unwillingness to accept economic reality
"Most Americans still think that the bailouts of the banks, the auto companies and American International Group will wind up costing taxpayers hundreds of billions of dollars. In fact, the latest guess is that the government will come out even on the deal, and may even turn a profit.
Many Americans think that the economic stimulus package has been a failure. In fact, the estimates from a wide range of experts say the stimulus has saved or created more than 3 million jobs.
Many Americans believe their federal taxes have gone up in the past two years. In fact, for 90 percent of households, taxes were temporarily cut"Posted by: kbdabear at October 20, 2010 04:46 PM (vdfwz)
Posted by: Disgruntled Postal Workers Union, Local #33 at October 20, 2010 04:46 PM (FUozQ)
149 Even if the Republicans take back both houses (fantasyland but a girl can dream) they've already showed signs of caving and I fear we'll be back to Dem light in no time.
------
Agree 100%.
Posted by: Olliander at October 20, 2010 04:46 PM (j4xgZ)
Posted by: Greg at October 20, 2010 08:30 PM (7+pP9)
You're about to find out that it's only how most of the people you talk to view the GOP. Most of America is going to dish out an ass-whuppin' to the Democrats in just under two weeks' time -- and wish like hell that Obama was on the ticket too, so that he could share in the punishment.
Posted by: stuiec at October 20, 2010 08:44 PM (7AOgy)
--Stupid thing about that cartoon is that if they turn right they still avoid the icebergs.
Posted by: logprof at October 20, 2010 04:46 PM (BP6Z1)
Posted by: Freie Demokratische Partei at October 20, 2010 08:33 PM (uCjoj)
Just you try!
Posted by: CDU/CSU, SPD und die GRÜNE at October 20, 2010 04:47 PM (IzuWw)
Let's not kid ourselves. Most of the same idiots in GOP leadership positions over the past 5-6 years or so, are still there.
Does anyone trust Cornyn? Or McConnell? They couldn't stand up to Murkowski after she lost a primary for petes sake.
Posted by: Olliander at October 20, 2010 04:48 PM (j4xgZ)
Posted by: pashmr at October 20, 2010 04:49 PM (meXju)
I can't call a lib a lib, or discuss any of the content of this blog without fear of offending someone's delicate feelings.
The deck has been stacked against me because I have a super power of offending people without even trying, or knowing till it's too late..
Posted by: sTevo at October 20, 2010 04:49 PM (VMcEw)
Posted by: railwriter at October 20, 2010 04:49 PM (3qItU)
HeatherCarrots.
Ha!
Yes, Graeters. Only the best ice cream for the little 'uns. Indoctrination at its finest.
Posted by: laceyunderalls at October 20, 2010 04:50 PM (TuxkI)
Posted by: MikeTheMoose at October 20, 2010 08:15 PM (0q2P7)
AMMO DEALS .308 30.06 .45 .308 .22 20 gauge check
Mountain House Check
GOOD Bag check
Training weapons Check
Training hand to hand Check
Teaching family same Check
Appleseed Check...
Posted by: Pierre Legrand at October 20, 2010 04:50 PM (52h7T)
At least the Brits are taking tiny steps toward fixing some of their problems. It's reported that a cool half-million gubmint drones are being made redundant (as they so quaintly pout it) and public distress over the excesses of the dole seems to be growing.
Our country is far behind in facing up to impending disaster. Osama Obama and his regime continue to insist that all will be well if we keep on shoveling money at the unproductive, the union thugs, favored wealthy contributors and members of the "protected class."
And then, when it seems sanity might be returning, we learn that too many Repubs in Congress are so hung-up on their membership in D.C.'s American Royal Class that they won't go B-to-the-W to wipe out every shred of the Traitor-in-Chief's nation-killing programs. Instead, they'll "compromise."
Having said that, it worries me that the necessary 180-degree turn in our political system might result in the kind of ugly Ayn Randian "let the weaklings die" philosophy some here seem to be hoping for.
You are right that health care and a certain amount of support for people who are trying to make it (but who, for one reason or another, can't at the moment) are desirable goals and, with prudence and common sense, something might be possible. Not "free" houses, or Escalades, or big-screen TVs, but a roof and something to eat....
Perhaps my own present situation makes me more sensitive to that; I don't know. But I do believe that a small, efficient government does not have to turn its back on citizens who are at risk. What it has to do is stop enriching the leeches (many in other countries, some already well-off thanks to their connections) who are currently living fat off money we don't have.
Rough times lie ahead. I hope if we do turn the tide and rid our government of the lazy drones, felons and traitors who infest it (starting, please, with the Mohammedan Mouthpiece and his vengeful schemes) we don't lose our humanity in the process.
Posted by: MrScribbler at October 20, 2010 04:51 PM (Ulu3i)
Posted by: railwriter at October 20, 2010 08:49 PM (3qItU)
--Uh, that coal is a resource?
Posted by: logprof at October 20, 2010 04:51 PM (BP6Z1)
Cornyn must pay for the Florida idiocy above all else. Pure and simple.
Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at October 20, 2010 04:51 PM (rNJC9)
Posted by: Monty at October 20, 2010 08:40 PM (o2hlb)
The problem is defining Utopia as a society in which "every citizen [has] free health care, free food, free housing, and some money to spend even if they have no job." That's not Utopia, that's a feedlot, filled with dumb animals waiting for the slaughter.
Utopia is a society in which every citizen has productive and satisfying employment that allows him to afford health care, food, housing and spending cash, and to save up sufficient wealth to retire comfortably.
It is morally wrong to desire that society become the former type of false Utopia, and morally right to work to transform society to become as close to the latter true Utopia as possible. The first is morally wrong because it weakens the society and sets up barriers and penalties for those who would and could help all citizens into productive and satisfying work.
Posted by: stuiec at October 20, 2010 04:52 PM (7AOgy)
Posted by: George Orwell at October 20, 2010 04:53 PM (AZGON)
I reckon most of the bad stuff is going to happen inside those big blue cities. Us rural types don't like those cities now and we sure ain't driving in to sell surplus food during the shooting and mayhem.
Posted by: John Galt at October 20, 2010 04:54 PM (NLWij)
Posted by: curious at October 20, 2010 04:54 PM (p302b)
Ermmm...
Posted by: Chancellor Schröder (retired) at October 20, 2010 04:55 PM (IzuWw)
Posted by: George Orwell at October 20, 2010 04:55 PM (AZGON)
Even if obamacare is repealed, the likelihood that we will still follow Europe in circling the bowl is very great. Social Security must be totally reconstructed as well as medicare. One and ten trillion are represented by those programs for which the is no money.
We have to shift hard back to capitalism or we join Europe. The only difference is that we will never enjoy govt funded retirement at ~ 60. We are already too far down the dead end road.
Muslim influence is surging in Europe precisely for Islamophobia - the fear of standing up to that ideology. Tolerance in Europe is not just something they practice because it's the right thing to do. It is practiced because Europeans have no choice. The foot is already on their neck.
Posted by: Hussein the Plumber at October 20, 2010 04:55 PM (r1h5M)
Play nice, kids.
Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 20, 2010 04:56 PM (UOM48)
I don't care. My outrage at the entire scheme has subsided. I've made bad investments in the past... and with each one, I wrote it off, I learned the lesson, and then I moved on. That's what America needs to do. Cancel Social Security and Medicare. Now.
Posted by: jwpaine at October 20, 2010 04:56 PM (FUozQ)
Posted by: fluffy at October 20, 2010 04:56 PM (SwkdU)
Posted by: Cicero at October 20, 2010 04:57 PM (Jl3/t)
Posted by: nickless at October 20, 2010 04:57 PM (MMC8r)
Posted by: logprof at October 20, 2010 04:57 PM (BP6Z1)
Posted by: sTevo at October 20, 2010 08:49 PM (VMcEw)
I haven't had to put with those in a while, thank God. The last session I remember featured a video called, "When the Harassed Becomes the Harasser," in which a bunch of women oggled the Poland Spring guy.
My fellow attendees were 2 women and one guy whom I had forgotten was there. I started to say, "Look at the ass...."
Oh. Right. I'm bad at this, aren't I?
Posted by: La Mauvaise New Yorkaise at October 20, 2010 04:58 PM (BpBIE)
...
- academia, from pre-K through grad school and beyond via the professoriate,
That's the one that bugs me.
And excellent post, Monty.
Posted by: arhooley at October 20, 2010 04:59 PM (tB9Rd)
Posted by: Monty at October 20, 2010 04:59 PM (o2hlb)
Re: Sharron Angle's remark
Funny how the Left is aghast over Sharron noticing ethnicity. These are the same people who like sticking ethnicity in our faces.
Posted by: Senator Soothsayer (R-AoS) at October 20, 2010 05:00 PM (TeF6E)
I'm sure the ass out of which that stat was pulled was quite spectacularly wide.
Posted by: Waterhouse at October 20, 2010 05:00 PM (m8g7K)
I hope you've all by now secured appropriate firearms and enough ammo to last the waves of city trash that will be attempting to raid your gardens and food cupboards.
Posted by: Unclefacts, AoSHQ Pro Debate Team at October 20, 2010 05:00 PM (eCAn3)
Posted by: FlaviusJulius at October 20, 2010 05:01 PM (9cflz)
RIP a beautiful, brave friend of D'oh's who died a couple of days ago, in her early 40s...of brain cancer....her third episode with the disease. Always cheerful, working, serving others. A true Southern lady. The earth is an emptier, sadder, lonelier place without her.
God bless, sweet lady.
Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 20, 2010 05:02 PM (UOM48)
Posted by: Senator Soothsayer (R-AoS) at October 20, 2010 09:00 PM (TeF6E
Yeah, like Harry Reid.
No negro dialect/ no way a hispanic could be a conservative
Posted by: Delta Smelt at October 20, 2010 05:02 PM (AZWim)
Posted by: curious at October 20, 2010 05:02 PM (p302b)
Posted by: FlaviusJulius at October 20, 2010 05:03 PM (9cflz)
It's usually so left leaning I find myself throwing shoes at the screen (my ugly shoes that is). Maybe it's better. L&O LA looks like it's going down the lefty path.
Posted by: EZB at October 20, 2010 05:03 PM (fa9yq)
RIP a beautiful, brave friend of D'oh's who died a couple of days ago, in her early 40s...of brain cancer....her third episode with the disease. Always cheerful, working, serving others. A true Southern lady. The earth is an emptier, sadder, lonelier place without her.
God bless, sweet lady.
Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 20, 2010 09:02 PM (UOM4
--Fortunately, I have a cup to raise to her! R.I.P.
Posted by: logprof at October 20, 2010 05:03 PM (BP6Z1)
So which is it? Saved or created? Or is that like the climate data? We'll just have to trust you?
Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at October 20, 2010 05:03 PM (rNJC9)
Posted by: Jerry Brown at October 20, 2010 05:04 PM (UfmcV)
Cornyn has made a number of mistakes but frankly I can't blame him. He was doing what he thought was in the best interests of the Party at the time. Unfortunately he wasn't always right.
Posted by: Chris in Va at October 20, 2010 09:00 PM (uCjoj)
Perhaps, but he's sure a slow learner.
Posted by: Delta Smelt at October 20, 2010 05:04 PM (AZWim)
Posted by: railwriter at October 20, 2010 05:04 PM (WovsE)
Posted by: FlaviusJulius at October 20, 2010 05:04 PM (9cflz)
Posted by: YIKES! at October 20, 2010 05:05 PM (8Q9il)
Posted by: George Orwell at October 20, 2010 05:05 PM (AZGON)
Posted by: logprof at October 20, 2010 05:05 PM (BP6Z1)
Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 20, 2010 09:02 PM (UOM4
The most sincere condolences to you and your friends family.
Posted by: Hussein the Plumber at October 20, 2010 05:06 PM (r1h5M)
I hope you've all by now secured appropriate firearms and enough ammo to last the waves of city trash that will be attempting to raid your gardens and food cupboards.
Frick! No.
Can I crash on your couch??
(Jane, sorry to hear about your friend. I remember you takling about her. No one should endure those illnesses -- esp. multiple times. She's at peace now though. Night,lady.)
Posted by: laceyunderalls at October 20, 2010 05:06 PM (TuxkI)
Also--only $300K per job.
Way to go, Crapulus!!!!
Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at October 20, 2010 05:07 PM (rNJC9)
Posted by: railwriter at October 20, 2010 09:04 PM (WovsE)
--I did not say that Germany was "resource-rich;" I was denying that it is "resource-poor," which is what you originally wrote. Germany rapidly industrialized for a reason.
Posted by: logprof at October 20, 2010 05:08 PM (BP6Z1)
--Stupid thing about that cartoon is that if they turn right they still avoid the icebergs.
Posted by: logprof at October 20, 2010 08:46 PM (BP6Z1)
That, and the fact that Obama has actually steered us harder into the iceberg and then called for full speed ahead to make sure the gash in the side cuts through all of the watertight compartments. (Not to mention that it was Pelosi and Reid who steered us into contact with the iceberg in the first place.)
It bears continual repeating: Pelosi and Reid took over Congress in January 2007. Are we better off now than we were in December 2006? (Hint: the US unemployment rate in December 2006 was 4.5 percent, vs. 9.6 percent today. Total public debt outstanding -- the national debt -- was $8.7 trillion at the end of December 2006, vs. $13.7 trillion today. The budget deficit for fiscal 2007 was $161 billion, vs. $1.29 trillion in FY 2010.)
Posted by: stuiec at October 20, 2010 05:08 PM (7AOgy)
Frick! No.
Can I crash on your couch??
Posted by: laceyunderalls at October 20, 2010 09:06 PM (TuxkI)We'll discuss rent and other arrangements upon your arrival.
Posted by: Unclefacts, AoSHQ Pro Debate Team at October 20, 2010 05:09 PM (eCAn3)
I hope you've all by now secured appropriate firearms and enough ammo to last the waves of city trash that will be attempting to raid your gardens and food cupboards.
Brass n Lead, baby!!!
Posted by: billygoat at October 20, 2010 05:09 PM (5qJM5)
Posted by: FlaviusJulius at October 20, 2010 09:07 PM
You lost me at "Hannity."
Posted by: MrScribbler at October 20, 2010 05:09 PM (Ulu3i)
Posted by: Wodeshed at October 20, 2010 05:09 PM (1hmph)
Amongst the guns my late father-in-law left to his daughter is an M-1 Carbine and 1200 rounds of ammo in canisters.
Posted by: nickless at October 20, 2010 05:10 PM (MMC8r)
That's not the point. No taking sides from the national campaign committee level in a primary fight. Otherwise, you get Arlen Specter on your shoes.
Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at October 20, 2010 05:10 PM (rNJC9)
Posted by: stuiec at October 20, 2010 05:11 PM (7AOgy)
Posted by: Chris in Va at October 20, 2010 09:07 PM (uCjoj)
That's fair.
Norton was the safer pick. Buck is somewhat more conservative, but more of a loose cannon. I wouldn't have minded either really. Norton would have cruised to a W. Buck will win, but he's making us sweat for it.
Posted by: Delta Smelt at October 20, 2010 05:11 PM (AZWim)
Posted by: Delta Smelt at October 20, 2010 05:12 PM (AZWim)
Posted by: billygoat at October 20, 2010 09:10 PM (5qJM5)
Very very fast. Moved that bike on to a 72 harley ironhead bobber that I've been enjoying shattering eardrums with the straight pipes.
Posted by: Unclefacts, AoSHQ Pro Debate Team at October 20, 2010 05:13 PM (eCAn3)
actually I think the republicans are playing both ends against the middle. When she lost the primary, that was that, it would have been perfectly acceptable and appropriate for them to strip her of her republican duties in favor of someone else taking the position in advance so there would be a smooth transition. Instead they probably encouraged her to do a write in vote probably because when they contacted miller they realized that he could not be run by them and they had a tantrum.
Posted by: curious at October 20, 2010 05:13 PM (p302b)
Posted by: Monty at October 20, 2010 05:14 PM (o2hlb)
Posted by: EZB at October 20, 2010 05:14 PM (fa9yq)
Posted by: Monty at October 20, 2010 05:15 PM (o2hlb)
Posted by: logprof at October 20, 2010 05:15 PM (BP6Z1)
What I did know was she was beautiful, she had suffered through most of her adult life, never had kids, and the condolences need to go to her sweet husband and family.
Last time I was around her was last winter. She came up to me at a party and gave me her usual huge hug. She looked great. Later that night, D'oh told me she had just been diagnosed with brain cancer for....the third time.
We all believed she'd beat it again. I was shocked when she died.
I believe she's in Paradise with her Maker and her loved ones who've gone before.
Thanks, guys.
Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 20, 2010 05:15 PM (UOM48)
For better or worse, even that eventuality is moot. Whom would one fight in a violent upheaval, in a modern industrialized society? It's not like we're in the pre-industrial times when you could just kill the King's tax collector if enough in your village were behind you. Even back then, the King could send troops to burn your hamlet.
Good point and one that's crossed my mind. In the Revolutionary War the embattled farmers were at least similarly armed as the British Army. Today, much less so. What I'd give for an Abrams tank in my backyard.......
Even our 2nd Amendment Rights are tenuous. All it takes is one pissed off girlfriend to get a restraining order and your guns will be confiscated. Thankfully that hasn't happened to me but it makes me more polite...........sigh.
Posted by: LGoPs at October 20, 2010 05:16 PM (lHn6+)
In my mind< I don't distinguish between Utopia and Dystopia. It always seems to turn out that way.
Posted by: fluffy at October 20, 2010 08:56 PM (SwkdU)
Yep. The Eloi had pretty cushy lives of leisure, which the Morlocks labored hard and long to support. Except when it came time for the Morlocks to take their daily meat, it was the flesh of the Eloi that sated their hunger.
H.G. Wells thought it would be the poorer working class that would become the Morlocks. Well, it's actually the middle class, and the Eloi won't spring come from the idle rich but from the indolent poor.
Posted by: stuiec at October 20, 2010 05:16 PM (7AOgy)
Posted by: mama winger at October 20, 2010 05:17 PM (KDX07)
BE POLITE!
Posted by: Frank Booth at October 20, 2010 05:18 PM (5qJM5)
I really worry about the m&m's that watch Fox between 9 and 10 pm.
Please, just don't. Your mental health will thank you.
Posted by: laceyunderalls at October 20, 2010 05:18 PM (TuxkI)
God bless, sweet lady.
Posted by: Jane D'oh at October 20, 2010 09:02 PM (UOM4
{{{{{hugs Jane D'oh}}}}}
Prayers going up for you, and for your friend. The earth's loss is surely Heaven's gain.
Posted by: Mary in LA at October 20, 2010 05:19 PM (NGf/6)
Posted by: George Orwell at October 20, 2010 05:19 PM (AZGON)
I nominate Mr. Hammerpenny for winner of the thread!
Posted by: Mary in LA at October 20, 2010 05:20 PM (NGf/6)
Posted by: Greg's Mom at October 20, 2010 05:20 PM (5qJM5)
"France is lost; England is sinking. America must survive if Western Civilization is to have any hope at all of surviving the perils yet to come."
Too late.
Posted by: Javems at October 20, 2010 05:20 PM (kI3Wm)
There used to be a site called "InvadeFrance.us" that was basically a parody mocking French military err..adventures. I'm not sure if it still exists.
Posted by: Chris in Va at October 20, 2010 09:01 PM (uCjoj)
Posted by: buzzion at October 20, 2010 05:20 PM (oVQFe)
Posted by: FlaviusJulius at October 20, 2010 05:21 PM (9cflz)
A tune to accompany that image.
Posted by: Chancellor Schröder (retired) at October 20, 2010 05:22 PM (IzuWw)
Posted by: Monty at October 20, 2010 05:22 PM (o2hlb)
This happened in D.C. Did you hear about it?
Whose narrative would this have impacted negatively?
Posted by: Hussein the Plumber at October 20, 2010 05:22 PM (r1h5M)
Please, just don't. Your mental health will thank you.
Posted by: laceyunderalls at October 20, 2010 09:18 PM (TuxkI)
Well he's having Christy Noem on next, so there is always that.
Posted by: Delta Smelt at October 20, 2010 05:23 PM (AZWim)
Posted by: Mary in LA at October 20, 2010 05:23 PM (NGf/6)
Posted by: Karl Rove at October 20, 2010 05:23 PM (AZGON)
First, a Beltway creature/committee/whatever is never going to have optimal judgement on state and local matters. Ever. In the end, if they make that call, it will undercut the eventual nominee for just that reason. Second, early picks like this are inherently flawed. There are too many things that can and will happen that can influence a race, like hugging the Democratic President and selling your political soul to the Crapulus. I'll add at this point that our current practice of having presidential nominations sewed up by mid-March is an outgrowth of this lack of patience. Result? Barack Obama is President and Rudy Giuliani focused irrationally on Florida to the exclusion of all else.
Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at October 20, 2010 05:24 PM (rNJC9)
Posted by: Monty at October 20, 2010 09:22 PM (o2hlb)
He hasn't paid rent since the 1980's. He's a Vietnam Vet and he does odd jobs around the apartment complex in exchange for living rent free.
Posted by: robtr at October 20, 2010 05:24 PM (fwSHf)
This happened in D.C. Did you hear about it?
Whose narrative would this have impacted negatively?
Posted by: Hussein the Plumber at October 20, 2010 09:22 PM (r1h5M)
Nothing to see here -- move along!
Posted by: Main Stream Media at October 20, 2010 05:25 PM (5qJM5)
Posted by: Weew at October 20, 2010 05:25 PM (mS1ai)
Posted by: Delta Smelt at October 20, 2010 05:25 PM (AZWim)
Posted by: Monty at October 20, 2010 05:25 PM (o2hlb)
Posted by: Mary in LA at October 20, 2010 05:26 PM (NGf/6)
Breaking . . . Gwen Ifill's twitter response 3.0
We have a distinct reason for which is antithetical to common perception in terms of substantial virtual and systematic dynamics for which we discern causal notions that distinctly exacerbate the situation irrespective of actualization relative to the substantiation of it all, which of course depends on the nature of the correlation amongst specific subject matter.
Gwen Ifill, PBS
Posted by: journolist at October 20, 2010 05:27 PM (O/NP5)
Out of bounds, Smelt. I know him and his family. He's a great husband and father.
Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at October 20, 2010 05:27 PM (rNJC9)
Volare, oh oh......Cantare, oh oh oh oh
[damn it , who posted that?? I.Hate.You. get it out of my head....NOW!]
Posted by: laceyunderalls at October 20, 2010 05:27 PM (TuxkI)
Posted by: cali grump at October 20, 2010 05:27 PM (hL0k8)
Posted by: Mary in LA at October 20, 2010 09:26 PM (NGf/6)
Heh, heh...she said, NUT STRIPS...heh-heh!
Posted by: Beavis at October 20, 2010 05:27 PM (5qJM5)
Posted by: George Orwell at October 20, 2010 05:28 PM (AZGON)
Y'all are talkin' Eastern time, right? That whiny little jock-sniffer comes on at 8:00 here in CDT-land.
I'd extend the mental-health ban to include the previous hour, too. O'Reilly has finally found his favorite subject -- O'Reilly, of course! -- and has gone from obnoxious to insufferable.
And yeah, Beck is not so swell these days, either.
So much for "fair and balanced."
Posted by: MrScribbler at October 20, 2010 05:28 PM (Ulu3i)
But the Marines aren't budging -- they plan to lock the toilets until the morning of their race the day after, they tell the New York Times.
...
Posted by: runningrn at October 20, 2010 09:21 PM (qY2Vc)
I ♥ the USMC! :-)
Posted by: Mary in LA at October 20, 2010 05:28 PM (NGf/6)
There is one ray of hope for a suicidal Europe; their immigrants are not automatically granted citizenship, nor are their anchor babies. When the bad times come, and they will, the native peoples of Europe will make life very uncomfortable for the welfare suckling third world emigres loafers amongst them.
France is not as far gone as they seem, regardless of the anarchists and union thugs rioting in the streets. They still have pride in their culture. The English I'm not so sure about. France lost the war, but emerged with some dignity. The English won the war, lost an empire, and have never recovered.
Posted by: Cooter at October 20, 2010 05:29 PM (UfmcV)
He's a great husband and father.
Yes, but is he a great, great, great!!!1!!1!!11!! husband and father?
Posted by: laceyunderalls at October 20, 2010 05:29 PM (TuxkI)
Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at October 20, 2010 09:27 PM (rNJC9
I thought it was clear I was joking. Fair enough.
The man never takes a vacation, much to my chagrin.
Posted by: Delta Smelt at October 20, 2010 05:30 PM (AZWim)
Posted by: cali grump at October 20, 2010 09:27 PM (hL0k
But we need our nourishment...how else can we get through our difficult school day without NOURISHMENT!!!11!eleventy!!...by the way, have you seen our iPhones?... we can't find them!
Posted by: The Children at October 20, 2010 05:31 PM (5qJM5)
Yes, but is he a great, great, great!!!1!!1!!11!! husband and father?
Posted by: laceyunderalls at October 20, 2010 09:29 PM (TuxkI)
Maybe Luntz could do a focus group on it.
Posted by: Delta Smelt at October 20, 2010 05:31 PM (AZWim)
The smart thing to do would be to phase out welfare while encouraging business and also encouraging charity (because I'm rather soft when it comes to feeding starving children, and if you suddenly push a shitload of people over the side, like what we have now on our welfare rosters, you wind up causing a huge amount of social unrest and chaos). Send tax money into paying for infrastructure and the military -- as these would provide some sort of work and are necessary. No more bailing out unions, banks, bad loans; no more huge public sector salaries, pensions, or benefits. And while I've argued as of late with the state's rights folks -- yes, much of this needs to be handled at the state level.
Unfortunately, we're a bit late in the game, and certain things have conspired in the past 6 years to make any changes incredibly...upheaval-ish...and that's not taking into account any outside influences.
I'm afraid at this point we are starting to see the opening salvos of the fight between the leftists and the "peaceful ones" -- it isn't front and center just yet, but it's started...as it always was going to...there is still some faint glimmer that both can be sent reeling, but that hope is dimming.
Posted by: unknown jane at October 20, 2010 05:31 PM (5/yRG)
Posted by: fluffy at October 20, 2010 05:32 PM (SwkdU)
But they have fast trains...
and the largest airliner in the world...
that no-one really wants...
and both are heavily subsidized of course.
But they do have them!
Posted by: Hussein the Plumber at October 20, 2010 05:32 PM (r1h5M)
Posted by: FlaviusJulius at October 20, 2010 05:32 PM (9cflz)
Tone does not carry well on the intertubes. All is forgiven.
Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at October 20, 2010 05:32 PM (rNJC9)
Posted by: Wodeshed at October 20, 2010 05:34 PM (1hmph)
Posted by: FlaviusJulius at October 20, 2010 05:34 PM (9cflz)
That was a real tweet?? I assumed journolist make that up! I was going to commend him on his asshattery.
Posted by: laceyunderalls at October 20, 2010 05:34 PM (TuxkI)
Posted by: FlaviusJulius at October 20, 2010 09:34 PM (9cflz)
FIFY!
Posted by: billygoat at October 20, 2010 05:35 PM (5qJM5)
Posted by: Monty at October 20, 2010 05:36 PM (o2hlb)
Posted by: fluffy at October 20, 2010 05:36 PM (SwkdU)
Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at October 20, 2010 09:32 PM (rNJC9)
True it doesn't. And for the record, as much as he can irritate me, I have no doubt he is a decent guy. In fact, he's one of the few talking heads I would be shocked to learn was having an affair.
O'luffa on the other hand.....
Posted by: Delta Smelt at October 20, 2010 05:37 PM (AZWim)
Posted by: George Orwell at October 20, 2010 05:38 PM (AZGON)
Posted by: FlaviusJulius at October 20, 2010 05:40 PM (9cflz)
Of all the idiocy, in a country with hundreds of television networks and radio stations and satellite channels--THAT is is the one that makes my head explode.
Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at October 20, 2010 05:41 PM (rNJC9)
Posted by: fluffy at October 20, 2010 05:41 PM (SwkdU)
Posted by: USS Diversity at October 20, 2010 05:42 PM (u3Zi5)
Posted by: Monty at October 20, 2010 09:36 PM (o2hlb)
And because of global economics, they could easily lose control over inflation. There have been a couple of voices of reason from the Fed Reserve banks but they have been largely ignored. If they turn out to be right in the end, the monster they think they have chained is going to escape.
Posted by: Hussein the Plumber at October 20, 2010 05:42 PM (r1h5M)
Breaking . . . Gwen Ifill's twitter response 3.0
We have a distinct reason for which is antithetical to common perception in terms of substantial virtual and systematic dynamics for which we discern causal notions that distinctly exacerbate the situation irrespective of actualization relative to the substantiation of it all, which of course depends on the nature of the correlation amongst specific subject matter.
Gwen Ifill, PBS
Translation: I'm not stupid really, look at all these big words I strung together.
BTW that "sentence" pretty much solidifies her stupidity.
Posted by: Lemmiwinks at October 20, 2010 05:44 PM (IqfKc)
Posted by: journolist at October 20, 2010 09:18 PM (O/NP5)
--Saw Vic Damone sing that live. It was awesome and he is EPIC smooth.
Posted by: logprof at October 20, 2010 05:45 PM (BP6Z1)
Posted by: laceyunderalls at October 20, 2010 05:45 PM (TuxkI)
I haven't read the comments. In case no one mentioned it, great post Monty.
I especially liked this:
"So if Bob is given 'free' health care, 'free' food, and a 'free' apartment, the government isn't paying for it; Tom, Jane, Howard, and Sue are paying for it. And at a vastly inflated cost due to the innate governmental inefficiency that dilutes every dollar that passes through their hands. Soon the social welfare costs eat up the money intended for good and necessary governmental expenditures like the military, the police, and infrastructure. Social welfare becomes a beast that eats everything"
It's amazing that most people have no realization of this inefficiency. Uncle Sugar takes a huge fuckin' cut.
Posted by: The Outlaw in the Heavenly Hall at October 20, 2010 05:45 PM (zxrQh)
Posted by: Delta Smelt at October 20, 2010 09:25 PM (AZWim)"
sorry to disappoint you but he really loves his family and they really love him and they go to church every Sunday.
Posted by: curious at October 20, 2010 05:45 PM (p302b)
--Huh? That's a lot more than 140 characters.
Posted by: logprof at October 20, 2010 05:45 PM (BP6Z1)
Is this the proper time to point out the inevitable unforeseen foreign policy crisis of drastic consequences?
Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at October 20, 2010 05:46 PM (rNJC9)
If Yassir Arafat can win the Nobel Peace Prize, Gucccione needs a Nobel for Literature for the invention of Penthouse Forum.
Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at October 20, 2010 05:47 PM (rNJC9)
Breaking . . . Gwen Ifill's twitter response 3.0
We have a distinct reason for which is antithetical to common perception in terms of substantial virtual and systematic dynamics for which we discern causal notions that distinctly exacerbate the situation irrespective of actualization relative to the substantiation of it all, which of course depends on the nature of the correlation amongst specific subject matter.
Gwen Ifill, PBS
Translation: I'm not stupid really, look at all these big words I strung together.
BTW that "sentence" pretty much solidifies her stupidity.
Posted by: Lemmiwinks at October 20, 2010 09:44 PM (IqfKc)"
ah so the rumors are true? The thesaurus is more important than even the interns.....and the hairdresser....
well done, thesaurus....
Posted by: curious at October 20, 2010 05:47 PM (p302b)
sorry to disappoint you but he really loves his family and they really love him and they go to church every Sunday.
Posted by: curious at October 20, 2010 09:45 PM (p302b)
You could never disappoint me curious. Never ever ever ever. Trust me on this.
Posted by: Delta Smelt at October 20, 2010 05:48 PM (AZWim)
Posted by: George Orwell at October 20, 2010 05:48 PM (AZGON)
I heard some rumor about Bain Capital and a hannity connection and I can't remember what the guy said. He had the most beautiful blue eyes I've ever seen and a smile to match.
Posted by: curious at October 20, 2010 05:49 PM (p302b)
Sorry to hear that. He was a distant relative.
Posted by: Pete GuisomethingItalian at October 20, 2010 05:50 PM (z0rD5)
334 Right at the moment, most retail figures are not good -- they are depending upon a strong Christmas season to make their figures healthy. I'm not sure it will happen; there are too many variables that could take place.
I don't really know if Americans have changed their spending habits from choice or force -- there are a lot of people out of work right now or have had their hours cut (let alone fears that their savings may be raided or that they will shortly be paying more taxes). Food prices are going up, gas prices are high -- many people are having a hard time making ends meet...they can't afford to buy the jet skis, or even the cheap goods at wally world, and they are afraid of what the future may bring; that isn't conducive to good retail figures. There seems to be no end in sight to this, because business is understandably leery of investing in workforce right now thanks to the adminstration (no workforce investment, no consumer spending, no healthy kick to the economy that the Feds are looking for). I think if the Republicans sweep Congress we may see a vote of confidence from employers and later from the public...but that brings us back to this holiday retail season; if something should happen that would cause people to buy even less than the paltry amount most retailers are envisioning we're in trouble.
Posted by: unknown jane at October 20, 2010 05:50 PM (5/yRG)
"You could never disappoint me curious. Never ever ever ever. Trust me on this.
Posted by: Delta Smelt at October 20, 2010 09:48 PM (AZWim)"
did I say something wrong? Are you making fun of me? sometimes I don't get the subtle nuances...is that what I missed?
It's just that I may not listen to him and rarely watch his show but I happen to know he is a good guy and so I hate for people to not know the truth.
Posted by: curious at October 20, 2010 05:52 PM (p302b)
Any relation to Sohale Siddiqi?
Posted by: Blackford Oakes at October 20, 2010 05:52 PM (0IR+C)
Posted by: Monty at October 20, 2010 05:53 PM (o2hlb)
Posted by: dagny at October 20, 2010 05:53 PM (gwF2v)
Posted by: Monty at October 20, 2010 05:58 PM (o2hlb)
People have actually been making deals with their sibs not to exchange presents at Christmas. Instead people are saying "make me a batch of my favorites, your chocolate chip cookies"...
seriously, someone said to me to make them a lasagna, put it into little square disposable freezer thingies and give it to them at Christmas wrapped in a bow. He said he really needs the lasagna and he could live without the expensive tie or thomas pink shirt. That has made me think a lot, a lot.
Posted by: curious at October 20, 2010 06:01 PM (p302b)
If we weren't supporting millions of illegal Mexicans, Guatamalans, Salvadorans, etc., there might be more to take care of actual citizens.
It would be interesting to know how much goes to social services for illegals.
Posted by: Who Knows at October 20, 2010 06:03 PM (QLiYt)
Posted by: RightThinker at October 20, 2010 06:05 PM (KmHbv)
Who the fuck reads books to cows???
Posted by: Lemmiwinks at October 20, 2010 06:06 PM (IqfKc)
Posted by: unknown jane at October 20, 2010 06:07 PM (5/yRG)
The list of their names or this is bullshit
Posted by: ya2daup at October 20, 2010 06:07 PM (yRrAd)
Posted by: unknown jane at October 20, 2010 10:07 PM (5/yRG)"
I'm almost getting a vibe that it won't be cool to have anywhere near a normal Christmas for anyone since it is getting more and more obvious how many people don't have a job and are losing their house.
Posted by: curious at October 20, 2010 06:12 PM (p302b)
Got any value-rite left? I could use a martini.
Posted by: PHenry at October 20, 2010 06:14 PM (oOXkS)
... the estimates from a wide range of experts say the stimulus has saved or created more than 3 million jobs.
The list of their names or this is bullshit
Posted by: ya2daup
Fine. The Tooth Fairy and Santa Clause are a couple. Heard of them?
Posted by: Dang at October 20, 2010 06:16 PM (TXKVh)
374 Right now we are all caught in a catch 22: no, we can't afford to feed people, etc. However, we have enough of our workforce laid off or taking cuts that if social programs were cut out tomorrow we'd have a lot of people in very desperate straights (and desperate people do desperate things). So, the wisest thing to do would be to phase out social programs while finding some way to employ our workforce, so they in turn have some money to spend, and encouraging charity at the local level -- because that really is the only way to effectively "combat poverty" (people will always be poor, but poverty is best addressed by local communities imho, not a central government or even at the state level).
I also think there is a big difference between poverty as we know it (I fail to see how a person can be poor and own a cell phone and a newer car) which is a ludicrous thing to have to support, and poverty as it actually is which entails actual starvation, homelessness, etc. (and is something no moral/ethical individual could sit by and let a neighbor suffer through).
Posted by: unknown jane at October 20, 2010 06:17 PM (5/yRG)
Posted by: unknown jane at October 20, 2010 06:23 PM (5/yRG)
Posted by: Pelayo at October 20, 2010 06:26 PM (V9Q+f)
Posted by: Phinn at October 20, 2010 06:27 PM (yInhd)
I remember a much criticized speech by GWB in which he said that churches do a good job of taking care of their neighbors and communities on very little money. He was right, everyone knows that. The Amish do a great job too, they help one another. We've become disconnected from our neighbors. I was recently at a dinner and two people at the dinner who did not know one another found out they lived in the same building in manhattan by arriving home at the same time and recognizing one another as they entered the building. They had both lived in the building for more than 5 years.
My church publishes a list in the bulletin of those things needed by the "human concerns committee"....and then the parishioners donate. So when you go food shopping you just buy more and bring it when you go to church on Sunday.
Posted by: curious at October 20, 2010 06:27 PM (p302b)
Posted by: mikeyboss at October 20, 2010 06:40 PM (IgpkI)
Posted by: meep at October 20, 2010 06:43 PM (Jw4eT)
Great post Monty.
Now if we can elect a congress that can connect the dots, maybe we can do better. Need to get rid of the commies first.
Posted by: sTevo at October 20, 2010 06:46 PM (VMcEw)
Sure. I get it. I'm just saying that as a promoter of economic liberty, I try to put "the only way to foster community based on peace, cooperation and mutual respect" right at the top.
To most people, a society based on "individualism" sounds like "I get to keep all my stuff." While that's true, it's not what inspires people, because it's not what most people are interested in. They're interested in social connection.
(P.S. If I catch any of you guys in my stuff, I kill you.)
Posted by: Phinn at October 20, 2010 06:48 PM (yInhd)
RE: if you're not going to reform Social Security and Medicare, then don't bother doing anything, because it won't matter anyway
Amen!
People are yelling cut spending, just not my Social Security or Medicare..I can't stand those jerks
Posted by: Amen at October 20, 2010 06:48 PM (xwHdz)
Posted by: meep at October 20, 2010 06:52 PM (Jw4eT)
Posted by: eman at October 20, 2010 06:55 PM (GuTnD)
It won't end well for this nation unless the 50% that produce take up arms and slaughter the 50% of parasites who endlessly suck their lifeblood.
That's the next step if we can't win through political means.
Posted by: Trump at October 20, 2010 07:06 PM (hK2Ya)
Posted by: LikeATimeBomb at October 20, 2010 07:09 PM (haZwo)
384 Well, the free market economy is "individualistic" because it does place more power over the economy into the individual's hands -- in that regard it is more charitable, more civic minded, etc. because individuals have to live in communities. Individuals have personal access to the consequences of economic boom times and economic lean times. The individual is more likely to effectively alleviate problems in a community because they have personal investment in it and ready access and knowledge of the problem. That is something government can't really have.
Unfortunately for us, we have a great need of getting back to that -- but we also have about 80 years of statism and corporatism which has really torn the idea of the free market and small, localized governance to shreds on all levels (even psychologically -- none of us is really firsthand knowledgeable about how a really free market society works, we've all grown up in some sort of statism; we're used to it even though we don't much care for it), and it would take a lot of time to gain back even a little bit...time which I'm afraid we don't have anymore.
Posted by: unknown jane at October 20, 2010 07:16 PM (5/yRG)
Posted by: rawmuse at October 20, 2010 07:17 PM (nJKiM)
Posted by: unknown jane at October 20, 2010 07:19 PM (5/yRG)
Posted by: Donna V. at October 20, 2010 07:23 PM (TraH6)
Posted by: Donna V. at October 20, 2010 07:36 PM (TraH6)
But because they are limosine and champagne socialists, they themselves will never have to endure the consequences of their ideology -- that's one of the things at the heart of the matter.
As for charity and community mindedness equaling collectivism -- yes and no. Charity and community mindedness work because they make good sense. It does no good, nor makes good sense, to not engage in them -- because people do not, have not ever, taken destitution well. Sooner or later the little people, the have nots wind up throwing their lot in with somebody who promises them theirs...and revenge against the "haves".
Posted by: unknown jane at October 20, 2010 07:36 PM (5/yRG)
Posted by: rawmuse at October 20, 2010 07:36 PM (nJKiM)
Posted by: Donna V. at October 20, 2010 07:54 PM (TraH6)
Posted by: Leting It Sink In at October 20, 2010 07:56 PM (qZb8X)
Posted by: disgusted! at October 20, 2010 08:02 PM (rsOPT)
Posted by: rawmuse at October 20, 2010 08:05 PM (nJKiM)
"No building in England is so empty as a Christian church nowadays."
To our Separation of Church and State deniers, I ask, "How do you like how that state church thing is working out for them?" These guy have mandatory religion classes, and probably even school prayer. Still think SofC&S is anti-religion and atheistic? I thought so. That's how you are.
Posted by: Optimizer at October 20, 2010 08:07 PM (2lTU+)
Posted by: George Orwell at October 20, 2010 08:37 PM (AZGON)
I am continually impressed and moved by the range of thought and ability to express such that I encounter at AofShq. Bravo.
Posted by: Derak at October 20, 2010 08:12 PM (gizcd)
Posted by: flashbazzbo, s.e. at October 20, 2010 08:25 PM (iy8V9)
I've seen your posts here a million times. I must finally say it.
You, dear lady, are a class act. Your friends are richer because of you.
Posted by: Derak at October 20, 2010 08:28 PM (gizcd)
Posted by: marc in calgary at October 20, 2010 08:30 PM (twux5)
We are the indispensable nation, and the one bulwark holding back the Caliphate. It is up to us to defend Western Civilization, and we cannot fail at that.
Therefore, I propose that the other, lesser nations of Western Civilization fall in behind us as the lesser states of Lacedaemon, they then provide us with either the men, the goods, or the money to support the war. If they want to live like helots, we treat them like helots. We'll be the Spartiates.
Posted by: SGT Dan at October 20, 2010 08:41 PM (HBTr7)
Posted by: rawmuse at October 20, 2010 08:49 PM (nJKiM)
"I find encouragement in the rise of the Tea Party, but discouragement in the sweeping victory of Barack Obama."
But what you seem to be ignoring is that the former came after the latter. The Tea Party is a reaction to Obama. A broad, sweeping, grassroots reaction to Obama, and all his collectivist sidekicks.
The average Joe just went by Obama's campaign promises and the media propaganda, and just thought it would be "cool" to do the "black president" thing. To many, it was probably like an indulgence offering. They have been told that they must repent for being racist, in much the same way as Catholics start off in a hole via the concept of original sin. If you haven't harbored a single racist thought, or done a single racist deed in your entire life, you must still repent for the sin of slavery that other members of your race perpetrated over a century before you were born. People just seem to be suckers for feeling guilty.
The average Joe has figured out that they've been lied to, while the media who enthusiastically spread the lies lament about the "unrealistic expectations" that they themselves worked their hardest to generate. They've even figured out that Obama really is a socialist, like the "right-wing crackpots" said. (Too bad they didn't do their homework ahead of time - it would have been pretty obvious.)
It's a classic case of "You fucked up - you trusted us!" The same people who trusted the banks - with govt oversight - not to give them a bigger mortgage than they cold afford trusted the national media and one of the two major political parties to vet this guy.
You're also ignoring that this "sweeping victory" was no such thing. If you compare the election stats to previous elections, there are plenty of them that were more profound victories, both in terms of popular vote, and in terms of the electoral college. Beyond that, Obama relied heavily on the black vote, which he receive close to 100% of. The non-black vote was probably pretty even, so you could say that racism and fraud (portraying himself as everything he was not) put him in the White House. He can count on the same racism next time, but his con job has been mostly exposed.
Another point is that the race was basically tied until the financial crisis hit. By now, people (people who aren't liberal, that is, or at least black) are figuring out that Democrats aren't exactly the answer they were looking for. There's a certain justice to the "new normal" unemployment rate engineered by Obama afflicting his most stalwart supporters the worst, but the fact that they will still support him anyway is an ongoing challenge in trying to fix this.
Posted by: Optimizer at October 20, 2010 08:49 PM (2lTU+)
I remember a similar lament years ago, to which a National Review writer said,
We have National Review. We win.
We do have God, too.
Be the wave!!
Posted by: ExExZonie at October 20, 2010 08:57 PM (gZHvI)
Death will be slow, as we are numb and subdued as a people. We are not near bottom. Not even close. When there are open calls for secession we will be within reach (sooner the better), but people just have too much to lose right now - or so they perceive.
Posted by: rogue at October 20, 2010 09:53 PM (vQoSF)
Posted by: rogue at October 20, 2010 09:57 PM (vQoSF)
Good writin'. "Puling" new to me.
Our 'closest' friends are French expats, physicians, both US citizens now. Their own parents quite ancient, they may have made their last trip home with their young girls.
Wish I could see them more often-they're reliably to the right of me on most issues. My impression is that France is deeply divided. I keep looking for the right to shoot back.
Posted by: gary gulrud at October 20, 2010 10:19 PM (/g2vP)
@50 We the people demmand a certain level of comity in political discourse. And by and large, if the Republicans don't put forth a "good faith effort" to work with the Administration before throwing their hands in the air . . . then we the people will punish them for not trying. --- When has this ever been true? The Dems demand comity and cooperation of Repubs, but when the Dems win, it's 'fuck you guys, we won.' And how often has the electorate punished the elected for anything? It's been far too long - maybe we will dole some punishment Nov 2.
@312 They still have pride in their culture. --- Smelly cheese and dry ass wine? France lost the war, but emerged with some dignity. --- Their dignity smells worse than their cheese. If what they have is dignity, I'll pass, thanks.
Posted by: Penultimatum at October 20, 2010 10:38 PM (p/iUh)
Posted by: jodetoad at October 20, 2010 11:26 PM (LFPYl)
And, since to be a lefty means you have a terminal learning disorder, they keep pushing no matter how bad they fail - the solution is always a larger dose of the medicine that killed the last patient.
We have to stop them, to marginalize them, and to constantly remind everyone of why we had to do it, or that WILL be our future - at least until the inevitable collapse, followed by chaos.
Posted by: Merovign, Strong on His Mountain at October 21, 2010 12:53 AM (bxiXv)
Posted by: Pruman at October 21, 2010 05:20 AM (5TzUw)
Posted by: armchair pessimist at October 21, 2010 06:01 AM (mXSth)
Great, great post, Monty! There are a lot of words up there, but every one was worth reading. Thanks!
I find encouragement in the rise of the Tea Party, but discouragement in the sweeping victory of Barack Obama. Half of my fellow citizens would prefer to bleed the body politic until it dies; as long as they do not outlast the flow of money, they care nothing for what comes after.
I selected this excerpt to respond to because it's the sweetest cut of meat. I, too, find encouragement by the rise of the Tea Party, but I'm not so discouraged by the rise of Obama. We (the entire blog) have been over this before: The country didn't know what Obama was in 2008. He won big, for sure, but there were a lot of factors that played into that. His victory wasn't popular assent for everything he stands for.
As for citizens' preference to bleed society dry: I see it that way, too, but they only do so because they have incentives to do so. Taking away these incentives won't be easy, but it shouldn't be that hard either.
Posted by: FireHorse at October 21, 2010 06:38 AM (sWynj)
#429, it's not that the Star Trek universe is a moneyless society, it's just that ninety percent of the action is aboard ships and with a replicator, you don't need a ship's store or onboard PX. The current US military, everyone gets paid by direct deposit and half the kids are fucked if we go someplace that doesn't take debit cards.
The scene in Star Trek IV, everyone gets that wrong. Think if you went back 400 years with what was in your pockets. You have funny pieces of paper and some odd rectangles of a funny substance no one there has seen before. Your bank account doesn't exist yet. They had to sell Kirk's antique eyeglasses to an antique dealer to get 20th century cash money. That was the issue.
The novel "Crisis on Centaurus" actually dealt with Kirk's off-duty real estate investments and pay issues. Starship captains are near the top of the Starfleet pay scale, and he made far more than he spent since he lived on board, took most of his meals on board, and only had some personal stuff in a storage locker dirtside.
Another time travel novel I read dealt with a guy buying old 1960's era US bills from currency collectors so he'd have money when he went back.
Posted by: SGT Dan at October 21, 2010 07:06 AM (QUuUE)
Posted by: adc at October 21, 2010 08:02 AM (l4wgH)
We are not on the edge of the knife -- we are doomed. The Tea Party is at its zenith, yet even now it accounts for only a third or so of the electorate. But even among Tea Partiers, polls show that most favor leaving Social Security and Medicare as they are. We are a society spoiled by wealth, and only going bust will force us to come to reality.
But even if we could magically turn things around, there's no way our economy survives the combination of austerity and the impending collapse of Europe and Japan. Who will buy our products?
So enjoy the view while you have it... we're heading over the waterfall and there is nothing we can do about it now.
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