1 Great news!  Apparently, a long-lost Nigerian relative of mine needs help securing $15T in Nigerian government assets!  We'll all be rollin' in it soon, peeps!

2 another day......another doom.....

3 Kitteh pic FAIL.

4

Is that the Pet Sematary cat or one of your own?  Gives a whole new meaning to "welcome home".

5 Okay... I'm just gonna say it. I am seriously considering becoming a 2nd wife (the fun one!) to the next tribal chieftan, I run across. Problem is... I'm not good at identifying tribal chieftans beforehand...

6 Ironically, many of the problems in our current healthcare system that lead to demands for public policy fixes—the underpayment of primary care providers, overpayment for certain specialty procedures, excessive payments for medical supplies—actually originate in government-run health programs.

The root cause of the problem is the misguided liberal belief that it's wrong for health care to be a profitable industry. That's retarded. If we want good health, then health care should be enormously profitable! Profitable industries attract investment and competition. A profitable industry draws the brightest and most most ambitious people to it. Profit + ambition breeds innovation. Innovation + competition lowers costs and improves care.

The leftist drive to make medicine unprofitable and run by bureaucrats means that instead of bright, ambitious, innovators... you get an industry run by bureaucrats and people who couldn't get more lucrative hobs elsewhere.

7

A chicken in every pot, and a bailout check in every union wallet!

I may have mentioned this before, but on top of all the obvious reasons to despise modern labor unions (thuggery, extortion, smug arrogance, unbelievably bad body odor, etc), I loathe them all the more for ruining one of my favorite guilty pleasure films:  Newsies.*  I can't listen to the soundtrack without getting violently angry when "The World Will Know" comes on. 

Damn you, union goons.  DAMN YOU.

_{*Shut up.  I was twelve and Christian Bale has always been hot.} 

8 It's only a matter of time, IMO, before the demo's start coming after not just income, but wealth.  And not after a person dies...some type of yearly government "fee" for the right to have a robust 401k, stock fund, etc.  The idea has been floated before...I believe Jessie Jackson back in the 80's and Michael Moore and Van Jones more recently.  But, they see all this money piled up and believe it's been ill-gotten and they need to correct that.

Also, I didn't see the debate, but from what I read, Perry is not strong on immigration and there are still questions regarding his view of the state/individual relationship with the HPV vaccine issue (the vaccine has been explained, so to speak, but his impulse to implement such an overreach has not). 

I cannot/will not vote for Mittsy.  Attacking Perry from the left on SS not the final straw...that came long ago...but it does prevent me from even taking a 2nd look.

9

FDR: A chicken in every pot

BHO: Some pot in every chicken

10 How about no????

Crying Boner hasn't weighed in yet with one of his "compromise deals".

11 ***Will read Banjo Magazines, for credit***

12 The idea that the LAT still worships FDR and thinks Obama is governing in his methods tells you all you need to know about the MFM.

They are massively wrong on both scores.

13 I can't help but notice that yet again there was no pizza for the contestants.  WTF, Herman Cain?  W T F !?

14 Dude wants to be the president of America but he can't even get his dudes to deliver the pizza on time.

15 Crying Boner hasn't weighed in yet with one of his "compromise deals".

Posted by: Vic at September 13, 2011 09:00 AM (M9Ie6)

The next hill, gentlemen, the next hill...

16 "A chicken in every pot" is a Hoover quote.  No, not Barack Hoover Obama!

17 On the US Postal service I do believe it is possible to save them provided they are willing to do what is needed.

Politically though they will not and one of two things will happen (1) It will continue to be a massive dollar sink to support it as just another pork project like the rail roads (2) It will go bankrupt and collapse.

Number 1 is most likely until the entire country collapses.

18 >>>I can't help but notice that yet again there was no pizza for the contestants. WTF, Herman Cain? W T F !?<<< Not part of the 9-9-9 plan. Whatever the fuck that is...

19 And I do love me some Amity Schlaes and Bastiat.

20 Love doom kitteh!

21 A chicken in every pot, and a bailout check in every union wallet!

Doom!!  Down every lane!!!

22 brb, gotta oil-up for my writhing audition.

23 "Find a job you like and can do well"

I think that is a alternate description of "follow your dreams" or at least one of your dreams.  One of my dreams is to collect a paycheck.  All my other dreams kind of depend on that one.

24 The greec1year gov't that closed yesterday at 122 is at 135 now. They are done.

25

And not after a person dies...some type of yearly government "fee" for the right to have a robust 401k, stock fund, etc. 

Nationalizing all private retirement funds has been kicked around for awhile.  If there's ever a serious attempt to do so, the tars and feathers will cease to be metaphorical. 

The hell, there's already less than 2 workers for everyone on SS?  I thought we were still at 3.1 or some such.  Look, not to start a huge flame war, but give Perry this, he's forced there to be at least a passing glance towards an honest discussion about the SS disaster that's coming up huge and fast.

The student loan link is a paywall link but I'll take a whack at it.  I'm in way, way, way over my head on my student loans due to some bad life choices and then some personal disasters.  I don't say that for pity, I'm a big girl and I accept the consequences of my actions.  The problem is that because the loans are non-dischargeable (for good reason!), there is no escape from the trap of capitalized interest and massive, massive penalties.  Once you are in the hole, you pretty much can't get out.   Add in that the entire industry is now in the hands of the feds and, yup, it's a disaster.  Not that I'm calling for a bail out, I'm not though, hell, yes, I would take one, I'm stupid not an idiot.  But I fully expect there to be screaming for something to be done especially as all the kids are graduating without a chance in hell for any type of job. 

 

26 "It is a campaign," press secretary Jay Carney said when pressed on Mr. Obama's political motives. "The president is campaigning—for growth and jobs."

This makes me want to punch something.  Stupid SCOAMF.

27 One of my dreams is to collect a paycheck.  All my other dreams kind of depend on that one.

And the bigger that paycheck the bigger I can dream.

28 Barack Obama is a stuttering clusterf*ck of a miserable failure.

Now to read the comments...

29 "The root cause of the problem is the misguided liberal belief that it's wrong for health care to be a profitable industry." The manifestation of this belief forces cost shifting because of two sources of unrealistic funding pressure: the Medicare Fee Schedule (Medicare reimbursement, actually) and the unfunded mandates in EMTALA. All the other factors multiply the effects, but these two are the core drivers. Just as the CRA was the root cause of the housing bubble and collapse, social engineering is what made healthcare costs spiral out of control.

30 Gregory of Yardale - the root cause of problems in healthcare is the deep disconnect between cost and perceived value. Insurance distorts the true cost of services, then the tax code distorts the price of insurance. Fix that, then the market will sort out many of those issues. Some tort reform and maybe a specialized, expert court (like the tax court) for medical claims would be a good place for government action.

31 Student loan defaults on the rise?

If I were a craven, cocksucking piece of shit politician whose only goal is reelection, I might float the idea of forgiving part or all of those loans sometime after November 6th, 2012.

32 CBD - shhhh

33 Posted by: Jean at September 13, 2011 09:19 AM (WkuV6)

Yup!

Look at the elective procedure component of medicine. Costs have dropped dramatically while quality has improved. It's almost as if there is an unseen hand directing all of those decisions!

34 26 "It is a campaign," press secretary Jay Carney said when pressed on Mr. Obama's political motives. "The president is campaigning—for growth and jobs."

This makes me want to punch something.  Stupid SCOAMF.

Posted by: rockhead at September 13, 2011 09:13 AM (ZMHGo)

The best part of that presser was the press corps laughing in Carney's face.

I am counting the days until Carney shows up at a press conference tanked on quaaludes and bathtub gin.

35

If I were a craven, cocksucking piece of shit politician whose only goal is reelection, I might float the idea of forgiving part or all of those loans sometime after November 6th, 2012.

That is exactly what I am expecting. 

36 There are two options for USPS survival- all home delivery transferred to SWAT no-knock drug raiders one day a week junk mail delivery only

37 Re: Healthcare.

I don't think we can point to a single "root cause" of the problems anymore.

Insurance, as it was originally created, performed the same function for your body that insurance on your car or home does: protected from catastrophic injury.  That it has changed is due to both government intervention and the market-place itself.

On the Government side of things, medical care is one of those things that requires a great deal of education to understand- education most people just aren't going to have.  At that point, it is not necessarily completely illegitimate for Government (though I'd argue: States and Municipalities, not the Fed) to step in with regulation.

But it even goes farther than that: malpractice suits, "made up" conditions (Restless leg syndrome?  WTF?), and so forth.  All of these things distort the 'pure' market.

38 Issa's clean enough.

Solyndra, make an effort to tell 3 people a day about Barry's personal style of viagra...."solyndra"

39

You may love being a street-mime, but you will starve in the cold if you try to do it for a living. Find a job you like and can do well, and make your living that way. You can do the mime thing on weekends.

If you think of how America raises its children from pre-school through university education as a business, its business model is illogical.   It's as if every year we hire two or three million aspiring actors and actresses and novelists and screenwriters and psychologists and sociologists and English professor-wannabes and political consultants when we know we can only use a few thousand, but at the same time we don't hire enough engineers and inventors and mechanics and carpenters and machinists and so those jobs go begging.   So we have a lot of frustrated twenty-somethings in debt who can't get a job in their soft "field."   And the business that is America is failing because it can't produce anything in the hard fields.    

40

From the sidebar, it looks like Michele Bachman met Jenny McCarthy after the debate last night.

How soon will it be before the inevitable Bachman war for polio begins? Its one thing to question the process Perry used, but no Michele there is nothing inhereently wrong with vaccines, and no Mr. Santorum, taking said vaccine does not make young girls slutty or want to give bjs.

There's some weapons grade stupid going on here.

41 8 the hammer,

at that point they will be destroyed, the wealthy will either flee or fight for their assets....politically or physically.

You think "white flight" destroyed the cities just wait until "wealth flight" takes the capital out of the nation as cash and they start over somewhere.

42 29 FTL,

Yeah that is a lot of it, look at what MittCare has done for Bean land....

driven up costs and split legal immigrants off care while still caring for illegals.

43 But it even goes farther than that: malpractice suits, "made up" conditions (Restless leg syndrome?  WTF?), and so forth.  All of these things distort the 'pure' market.

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) is tired beyond tired of the trolls at September 13, 2011 09:28 AM (8y9MW)

I have restless penis syndrome.

44 Find a job you like and can do well, and make your living that way.

I'll be sure to tell that to Eric Clapton.  Just sayin'.

Now, I understand that the point is "don't waste 4 - 6 years and $40,000 on a Theater degree: if you're a good actor, you'll be a good actor without the 'education' and you might as well be prepared in case you're a sucky actor," but our society kind of relies on the artists, too.  Except mimes.  Mime should be outlawed. ("No one deserves mime, Buffy" -Oz, BtVS)

45

Congress, you should vote for this bill!  As soon as my staff finishes writing it!

46 43 Billy Jeff,

I have westless sphinctah syndwome.....

47

Part of the problem with healthcare is that the person paying the bills (usually the company you work for) for it is not the person recieving the service (you). (Also govt.'s fault)

There's no incentive to keep costs down or use the service only when needed. I know people I work with who go to the doctor every time they stub thier toe because its paid for.

Tack on the fact that Docs gotta make back the money they're losing on government patients, and the most obscure billing practices out there, and its no wonder costs spiraled up. McCain had that right, what needs done is to let people handle thier own health insurance.

48 45 His Royal Highness Obamacles X,

We'll get right on passing your pondrance of a paradigm sire.

//Congress

49 what needs done is to let people handle thier[sic] own health insurance.

That's true.  Also true is that most (if not all) of the insurance mandates need to be removed (there is no reason that I, a man, should even be offered maternity benefits- but insurance companies are required to offer them, so that's priced into my premium anyway).

50 Not part of the 9-9-9 plan.

Whatever the fuck that is...

Posted by: Deety at September 13, 2011 09:05 AM (zybIv)

Deety, Deety,

9 pizzas

9 toppings

9 hungry mouths

I actually like Cain alot. hope there is room for him somewhere next administration.

51 Minor risk - Greek 1 year bonds yielding over 100%.  Tiny.  Miniscule really.

52 Posted by: Hussein the Plumber at September 13, 2011 09:39 AM (jx2j9)

So, if you figure the likelihood of an institution being able to pay its bonds is roughly inversely proportional to the yield, we're looking at something like a -67% chance that the Greeks will be able to pay their bonds next year?

53 Deety, whatever the hell you're doing, make sure to post pics.  TYVM

54

You know, one of these days someone is going to shove back, hard, on the libel standard under Times v. Sullivan.  Issa may be that guy, after all, he's got the pockets to fund it.  That NYT piece goes right up to the line of outright lies.  Also is it too much to ask that the coordination be at least a little bit better camouflaged?   I mean, c'mon, at least make an effort to look independent. 

 

 

55
I laugh in the face of DOOM!

Of course, hitting the Val-U-Rite will give you that sort of courage.

56 You know, one of these days someone is going to shove back, hard, on the libel standard under Times v. Sullivan

Actually, they probably won't.

No Republican will have the guts, and no Democrat will have the need.

57 Ironically, many of the problems in our current healthcare system that lead to demands for public policy fixes—the underpayment of primary care providers, overpayment for certain specialty procedures, excessive payments for medical supplies—actually originate in government-run health programs.

If only someone had a succinct formulation of that insight and linked it through their name...

58 47 Jollyroger,

well that and to cut off the pooling of resources for as many as you can.....

even health insurance in the pre Federal Fake Insurance days was driving up cost.

Examine the cost of a broken arm for example over the years 1900-2000

Started out at 12 dollars, even adjusted for BPP at the max rate it is less than 400 bucks.....

nowadays that same arm costs an uninsured patient about 2500 bucks when all is said and done for a simple break with only x-rays needed.....

guess the cost of plaster of paris has shot up?

59 I R A , I'm  rather squeamish about living under a tarp, imagine running out of comet to clean the restroom bucket!

60 52 Allen G,

correct....

the default is properly measured in 2 weeks-24 weeks but within 6 months this gets resolved.

61 You know, one of these days someone is going to shove back, hard, on the libel standard under Times v. Sullivan.

The only thing that will ever undo that is to have 7 Thomases on the court. That will take voters willing to elect real conservatives in the Senate by a wide margin and a conservative President at the same time, along with the liberal outcomist justices all retiring.

In short, it will never happen.

62 man massive sock shedding failure....egads

63 I'm thinking that the GOP should pass all of the JEF's proposals except, make the implementation contingent upon the passing of one of two separate bills: 1) that raises the taxes or 2) another bill that cuts the spending needed to fund and pay for it.

That way, when the tax bill fails with ample Democrat votes (who don't want to be tagged as voting for a tax increase before the election) and the spending bill fails because they all vote against it, the GOP can respond to the inevitable claim by the JEF that it was they who killed his perfect plan to revive the economy by saying, "It was his party that wouldn't vote to pay for it--we passed it and we asked them to vote on how to pay for it. They refused."

64 Now we know the purpose of the joint session of congress - to make campaign commercials.  Fortunately we have the first black president, so any application of ethics rules can be dispensed with.

I suppose we are lucky, in a macabre sort of way.   By being witnesses to history, we not only get to experience what few in humanity have experienced first hand - the fall of a great nation, but we also get to be observers and victims, if you will, to the worst president in history. 

Now we know how the Romans felt watching Rome burn.

65 guess the cost of plaster of paris has shot up?

They don't immobilize simple breaks that way anymore. They have found that it does more harm than good.

66 61 Vic,

well the soonest you'd see a shift wold be 12 years or so....

don't be so defeatist Vic....

I think we are going to have a filibuster proof Senate next year and get to see Schoomah have a stroke at some point....

problem is Mitt thinks Justice Kennedy is a hardass conservative.

67 Good morning, morons! 

The open thread seems to be dead, Jim, so I thought I'd bring this up here. 

Remember the Politico story a couple of weeks ago about the anonymous Romney donor?  There was an investigation into who was behind an organization's donation and eventually that person outed himself. 

Anyway, I have it from first-hand sources that the media, including national reporters, are actively digging around the business community, including their family and friends, to find out who is supporting Romney with donations.  The way that the phone calls are going down, they are alleging that these businesses are going around campaign finance laws to support Mitt.  Peoples' friends and relatives are being called to "confirm" what they know about donations in light of an "investigative report" into "illegal" campaign activities. 

If ace or any of the morons have media contacts they might want to poke around and figure out who's behind it.  I only heard East Coast media outlets, but I had the impression it was NY media... which is getting picked up also by the Salt Lake press. 


It sounds like Romney is continuing to mischaracterize Perry's positions.  That's pretty unforgivable.  But in light of this other information, I think we also need to challenge how "safe" a candidate he is.  They are going to take him down.  Frankly, I think Perry has a better "electability" quotient than Romney at this stage of the game.

Also, based on what I read of Bachmann's over the top performance on Gardasil and the post-debate wrap up by Palin, those chicks are dead to me. 

68 "Tack on the fact that Docs gotta make back the money they're losing on government patients. . ." That was my point about cost shifting. The people running the health-provider industry are required by law to turn to their accountants and say, "Here. Hide this." Whether it's a shortfall between the cost of a procedure and the Medicare Fee Schedule that dictates reimbursement via Medicare, Medicaid, or many private insurers or whether it's the entire cost of treating some indigent gunshot victim that the EMTs brought into your emergency room Saturday night, the arithmetic will always win if the practice/hospital needs to stay open. If we can eliminate every other bit of fraud and moral hazard from the system, that still will not address the steady stream of, "Here. Hide this."

69 65 Vic,

yeah I know my son had a broken arm last year this month actually......

still a broken arm can go as high as 12,000 some woman was going berzerk when my boy had to go to the Orth Surgeon to get his growthplate bolted together....

70 Posted by: Vic at September 13, 2011 09:47 AM (M9Ie6)

Atrophy is a bad thing. And bone grows strong when it is stressed. It's counter-intuitive to allow some movement, but hell, it works.

Of course under ObamaCare, they just amputate if younger than 65, and euthanize if older.

71 I think we are going to have a filibuster proof Senate next year and get to see Schoomah have a stroke at some point....

I really don't think so.  I think we'll probably take the senate, but I don't think we end up with 60 seats.  And even if we do, two of those are the Maine sisters.  And it wouldn't be "fair" to stop the minority party from having their say.

(Sort of like how it would never be fair to filibuster- because the people elected the majority.  It's almost like they're not actually on our team...)

72 64 HtP,

oh now....it took Rome 400 years to fall...

it'll take us 400 days at the rate the Klown Prine of Keynes is going....

73 As a woman, I'm becoming embarrassed by these Republican women, frankly. Sorry. That showing by Bachmann last night was way beyond cringeworthy. And it irks me that so many may have watched it. It hurts the R brand immeasurably. Worse than crazy Ron Paul. I have a real problem with anti-vaxxers.

74 I really don't think so.  I think we'll probably take the senate, but I don't think we end up with 60 seats.

I agree.

There are a lot of "make nice" Senators on our side.  In addition to the Maine twins, Orrin (just endorsed by Romney, I believe - another black mark against Mitt) is going to be extra-secure at the start of his term, so he should be really annoying. 

75 "It is a campaign," press secretary Jay Carney said when pressed on Mr. Obama's political motives. "The president is campaigning—for growth and jobs."

This makes me want to punch something.  Stupid SCOAMF.

Posted by: rockhead at September 13, 2011 09:13 AM (ZMHGo)

 

Yeah, he's campaigning for his own job and growth in political donations

76 still a broken arm can go as high as 12,000 some woman was going berzerk when my boy had to go to the Orth Surgeon to get his growthplate bolted together....

There has to be far more than a "simple" break if it's a 12K charge to fix a broken arm.  Here in TX, if you take it to the ER it'll run you between 1000 & 2000 (simple break- x-ray only).

77 71 Allen G,

Nah I think the New England Blue Bloods will give us at least a year maybe two after they see the wave is even in the Senate....

The main problem I see is whether ot not we should go inverted crony machine politics or not....


the nice thing about Wham Ba lam's overreach and overuse of regulatory and EO edicts is the economy will come roaring back once we free up energy harvesting and production and defund the NLRB

78 don't be so defeatist Vic....

SCOTUS has been packed with liberal outcomists  from FDR and his rubber stamp Senate since the 40s. We have had 70 years to clean it up and haven't been able to since.

79 And it irks me that so many may have watched it.

Do we know the numbers yet?  I mean, with two MNF games, it's hard to imagine it was a well-watched debate.  Fingers crossed on that, anyway. 

80 problem is Mitt thinks Justice Kennedy is a hardass conservative.

Compared to Mitt he is.

81 76 Allen G,

it was...like I said I was at the orth surgeons....that said when I was a boy 12gs would get you a 4 year degree....

82 I am seriously considering becoming a 2nd wife (the fun one!) to the next tribal chieftan, I run across. Please forward your bust size, dietary requirements and a video demonstrating your flexibility and/or open-mindedness.

83 I really don't think so.  I think we'll probably take the senate, but I don't think we end up with 60 seats. 

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) is tired beyond tired of the trolls at September 13, 2011 09:49 AM (8y9MW)

Agreed. But until the Republican party starts playing tough, it won't matter what kind of majority it has.

For instance, the Maine sisters should be bounced from every committee, isolated from the press, and marginalized in every way. But that won't happen.

84 Posted by: Y-not at September 13, 2011 09:48 AM (5H6zj)

Not to worry, Politico will not out Romney unless he wins the nomination. They are building their war chest just in case.

85 God, I just realized I sounded like a concern troll there. Sorry again. I just . . . seriously anti-vax BUGS. And most of my peers are BIG on it. And they're liberal so . . . it's just so irrational it plays to a prejudice against women that I fear is well-grounded in reality. That anecdote Bachmann spouted made me throw things.

86 There was a debate last night?

87 78 Vic,
the moonbat domination of the courts was ignored for as long as possible...like the average mush middle citizen is desperately trying to ignore fast and furious and gun/gangwalker....

it makes people nervous to see such banal evil corruption...

not justifying it, just saying....

thing is Schumer and friends tipped the triple standard hand to the point where the next time we have the ability we'll start making a dent

88 I really don't think so.  I think we'll probably take the senate, but I don't think we end up with 60 seats.

I think it is possible to hit the 60, but we really need 65 or so to overcome the traitors. That is where it gets hard.

89 I'll be sure to tell that to Eric Clapton.  Just sayin'.

I used to tutor athletes, and to a man they all assumed that they'd go on to the pros and make their fortunes that way. Maybe 5% of all college athletes I knew went on to play professionally, and fewer still went into the large professional leagues. Those who did go pro often got hurt, or simply failed to live up to expectations, and were cut. They ended up back in the neighborhood with no job, no education, and no prospects.

The same is true of musicians. I am one, and I know a lot more, and of all the musicians I know, maybe 10 actually make a living doing what they do. And calling it a "living" is charitable -- no benefits, irregular pay, and they barely make a living wage. Not many stay in the gig as a career -- if you have a family, you usually have to take a straight job to make ends meet. Clapton and the other music millionaires are an aberration of history, not  the rule: musicians have never made much money, ever, in the history of the human species, and I think that history is reverting back to the mean. Musicians now have to make money the old-fashioned way: by playing to live audiences, and by selling merch.

Example: I am a huge Joe Bonamassa fan. He's a blues-rock wunderkind, and is every bit the artist that SRV or Clapton is. Yet he has to hustle like a local bar-band to make bank: he tours constantly, plays upwards of 200 shows a year, and will play any gig. He often plays to houses of 50 or fewer. He rarely gets radio play, he's obscure to most of the mainstream audience, and yet he's probably one of the best guitarists ever to play the instrument.

That's what "success" looks like in the music field today unless you're very, very lucky. The days of playing to packed 10,000-seat arenas are over for most bands -- they live for the festival and tavern circuit, and barely make enough to put gas in the van and pay the band.

I'm not saying that it's an unrewarding life. Just that the rewards are not monetary more often than not.

90 Folks, gotta go. Be good today.

91 89 Monty,

the odds of success are about the same...

I have told the boy quite forcefully I will support him in any professional endeavor he seems qualified for so long as the rate of success is better than "graphic artist, musician, or pro-athlete".....

he has a cousin that is wasting his life chasing the garage band dream

92 Not to worry, Politico will not out Romney unless he wins the nomination. They are building their war chest just in case

---

What's happening is that folks who are being investigated are now afraid to allow their names to be associated with charities that they also happen to support.  Their relatives, friends, and associates are receiving quasi threatening phone calls from muck-raking journalists.  They're preparing for a backlash as soon as Romney regains the lead. 

I think it extends beyond Politico at the national level, but it certainly does now include Salt Lake muck-rakers as well as national ones.  I gather it's been very intense the past couple of weeks. 

Of course, I hope that Romney does not regain the lead, but these are Mitt supporters (and mostly LDS) so they think he will (wish-casting perhaps). 

That reminds me: time to send a donation to Perry. 

93 Please forward your bust size, dietary requirements and a video demonstrating your flexibility and/or open-mindedness.

Posted by: Empire of Jeff at September 13, 2011 09:53 AM (XE2Oo)

You don't really care about her dietary requirements, do you?

94 92 Y-not,

you know your analysis reminds me that I really want to lynch the media if they manage to use an electron microscope on all our Pols while "not noticing" Solyndra F&F and the rest.....

Not to the point of death but perhaps just literally kick a newsies ass from one end of town to the other in every county seat in ever state in america.....

95 guess the cost of plaster of paris has shot up?

Posted by: Dr. Bawney sven10077Volunteer Proctologist at September 13, 2011 09:42 AM (AEIYh)

Part of that is what I alluded to, the hospitals playing "Robin Hood" due to the free riders.

I remember when I got my bill(s) after my wife had our first baby. It had a $200 "community fee" or something like that added to it. I asked what that was and they told me it was added by the hospital to help cover the cost of the people who didn't pay (hospital was in Houston and apparently had a number of walk ins and illegals who took advantage.) Once you add in the cost passed on by coverning the medicare/medicaid shortfall reimbursement, its easy to see why costs have exploded.

People used to pay for thier own crap back in the day. It was still cheaper than when my wife had to go to the E.R. That one wiped out my savings and I had insurance... seems like the system is set up to hose responsible people.

96

We have jobs created and jobs saved, but this doesnÂ’t seem to fit in there anywhere.  Perhaps a new category: Jobs that would have otherwise never been in doubt except for leftists who were covering their tracks for having been instrumental in causing the economic collapse in the first place.  Kind of long no doubt, but accurate.

97 Did you guys see the UW stuff at Althouse? Anyway that university actually has this dude who is the Vice-Provost of Diversity and Climate (I assume b/c they can't get enough black students to agree to go to a cold climate?!!? because I'm pretty sure he can't actually do anything about the climate). Which begs the question - they also have a Provost of Diversity and Climate?!!? They need two bullshit admins for this?

98 Oh, and speaking of charities, this administration (and any Republican in Congress that supports it) can DIAF if it pushes the elimination of deductions for charitable donations.  Seriously.  My husband read somewhere that it's estimated that roughly 80% of human services needs are currently met by charities rather than the state.  Since folks making over $200K are the ones who keep those charities afloat (no matter how good we small donors may feel about our contributions), the potential impact of eliminating the deduction is dire. 

99 @ sven, My sister was the valedictorian of her high school. Full ride to college, where she majored in fucking DANCE. She's living in my brother's basement bedroom. He's a long-haul trucker. My Master Race will have such fripperies relegated to electives or hobby status. What a waste of potential.

100 95 Jollyroger,

yup prescisely...

Doctors donated all their time at Hospitals prior to about 1905, but the deal was the donated time was usually forgiven outright in taxes...

I far prefer a society where "charity" is in fact "charity" but LBJ and friends decided people didn't need reminded that they were literally being gifted goods and services on other people's sacrifice so now we have "rights"....

101 Y-Not ,
so we have a media that now  seems concerned where political contibutions come from?

I'm astounded!
srsly makes my eyes cross, to see exactly When they think it's appropriate to do their jobs!

102

How soon will it be before the inevitable Bachman war for polio begins? Its one thing to question the process Perry used, but no Michele there is nothing inhereently wrong with vaccines, and no Mr. Santorum, taking said vaccine does not make young girls slutty or want to give bjs.

What annoys me about the HPV vaccine controvery is that public health, in the form of disease containment / prevention, is a legitimate government function.  What's worse, the groups that are hardest hit by venereal disease such as HPV are the communities where girls are most vulnerable and likely to be preyed upon.  These communities aren't going to be jumping at the chance to get girls immunized.  Even if you disagree with Perry's decision, I don't see how it makes him a closet statist.

103 You don't really care about her dietary requirements, do you? Spooky. It's like you're looking into my soul.

104 99 EoJ,

yup...China has the sense to treat the Beijing Opera like a performing arts academy rather than trying to pull the charade that they are real college students....

you either have that talent or you don't and the so-called professors of it are glorified tutors and instructors.....

the Overlords of Academia need kicked in the nuts

105 So the irony of all of this focus on campaign contributions is that it's Palin's populist strategy that will sink Romney, since the only "concern" the media has is donations from wealthy folks and corporations. 

She may be helping Romney now with her beating on the crony capitalism drum, but she'll be his ultimate undoing.

106 he has a cousin that is wasting his life chasing the garage band dream

Well, I don't know that I'd use the word "waste". Some people were born to make music -- I really believe that. Their talent is so manifest that it would be a waste for them to do anything else. But the rewards, as I said before, are rarely financial. A professional musician has a hard life (especially a touring musician). A very few thrive on the road, but they are the rarest of rare birds; most burn out or burn up with drugs, booze, and fatigue.

You can make it as a musician...if you're willing to make the compromises you have to make to do it for a living. Most people who think they want to be a musician don't understand these trade-offs when they go into the business.

However...I know guys who have been playing music for 40 or 50 years and love the lives they have led. They didn't end up with a lot of wealth, but they are rich in friends and experiences. Most would probably say they don't regret the journey.

107 5 Okay...

I'm just gonna say it.

I am seriously considering becoming a 2nd wife (the fun one!) to the next tribal chieftan, I run across.

Problem is...

I'm not good at identifying tribal chieftans beforehand...

I'm afraid a poor British tourist may have become one....against her will.  Heard on Fox last night she and her husband were staying at a Very Exclusive Resort in Kenya, where British royalty and loads of celebrities have staying.  During the night, someone entered their room/tent/whatever, killed the 58 year-old husband, and kidnapped her.  A speedboat was heard leaving the area. 

There is some speculation it may have been Somali pirates, or some form of al-Qaeda.

Poor woman.

108 98 Y-not,

the battlelines are being drawn....

what you'll see if the Donks take back the house and seate through the level of Fraud it looks like it will take to keep King Bury on the big chair is the Blue states legislating their failed paradigm into the law of all the land precedence and Constitution be damned.....

they get that demographics are not their friend unless they import more voters stat....

luckily they think they have a 12 million strong reserve

109 Even if you disagree with Perry's decision, I don't see how it makes him a closet statist.

Posted by: Alex at September 13, 2011 10:09 AM (J2ejK)

---

Moreover, in what universe is it at all likely that Perry would empower the Dept of HHS or the Dept of Ed to force something like this one school children across the nation?

I don't understand the logic that we are supposed to give Romney a pass on Masscare because he was doing that at the state level as if that was not a sign of what Romney thinks government should be doing (particularly with his singularly crappy walk-back of the program itself), but somehow Perry, who has consistently fought to limit over-reach by the Feds, is definitely going to be a nanny-stater based on one misguided attempt to provide a vaccine to Texans. 

110

My sister spent seven years in college, and now that she's graduating she's discovered that all the advice mom and I gave her was true.  Mom warned her about taking any class that struck her fancy, whether or not it helped with her major, because she would have to pay for that education in the end.  I warned her to find something that she likes to do, but can pay the bills, rather than something that she loves to do but can't make ends meet.  Instead, she spent several years studying music with a focus on vocals, and then switched to linguistics and studied abroad for a year only to come home and find that half her credits accumalated so far didn't count. 

I just had to write her a check to cover rent this month.  The bright spot is that she's always been willing to swallow her pride when it comes to work.  She just accepted a job back at Fred Meyer, which pays enough for her to survive, and which gives her some opportunity to advance if she wants it.

111 106 Monty,

that's the thing he is not at all talented and will not make the sacrifices and engage in the humility necessary to grow....

I have no problem with art, I am an ex choir boy.  That said if you are obviously not talented and your name is not William Hung you got trouble if you think you can live on that talent.  He half-heartedly pursues oddjobs here and there and has ignored a very real talent for summons serving.

I have sacrificed my earning potential to a degree the last decade so I can raise my son, I understand what you are saying so far as non-tangible rewards in lieu of monetary ones. The difference is I am part of a partnership with a spouse that makes enough I am not a "drain" on any financial pool but our own.  He is 26 and still at home.

I know the argument can be made that that is his parents' deal and it indeed is, but the ethics of that are so alien to me so far as his behavior from his PoV that I cannot comprehend it.

112 5 I am seriously considering becoming a 2nd wife (the fun one!) to the next tribal chieftan, I run across.
Posted by: Deety at September 13, 2011 08:55 AM (zybIv)   Marriage to polygamous tribal chieftains  isn't everything it's cracked up to be. Trust me on that.

113 We have friends whose son wanted to go into broadcast journalism so the first thing he did after high school graduation was get his nose and upper lip pierced.

114 105 Y-not,

Sarah Palin's little performance last night had me cancel my donations to SARAH! pac....

nut up cupcake and if you want to pretend you're in get the hell in...otherwise STFU and tweet.

115 @ 104, The hell of it is, you can make some good money in the industry on the business side. I have three daughters in dance lessons. That shit ain't cheap. My wife and I offered to stake my sister if she wanted to open her own studio. Nope. She wants to be a dancer. And contra Monty's musician example, there are a hell of a lot less paying gigs for dancing that don't involve leaving a snail track down a brass pole.

116 They ended up back in the neighborhood with no job, no education, and no prospects.

Like I said, I understand your point- don't go to school "for" sports.  Go for an education that'll let you make bank.  Then, if sports works out, great, if not, you've got a fall back.

My Mom told us (we all ignored her though) to at least minor in science or math- because there will always be call for scientists and mathematicians.

As for sports specifically- that's because so many of them get way too big for their britches.  The best college football success story I can think of is someone who specifically didn't go pro- Major Applewhite with Texas, who went straight from graduation to Quarterbacks Coach for Texas.  Would he have made more money in the Pros?  Maybe.  But his money is more sure in coaching.

117 114 Jane D'oh,

yeah it's gonna be a brave new world when they are in charge....

think about how amusing my life will be in my twilight though....at 60 I'll get to see boomers in their 80s acting 50 and the generation Y folk wearing 3 piece suits with tongue studs and tatoos trying to look professional.....

the US is on its way to becoming the Sid and Nancy of the west

118

What annoys me about the HPV vaccine controvery is that public health, in the form of disease containment / prevention, is a legitimate government function.  What's worse, the groups that are hardest hit by venereal disease such as HPV are the communities where girls are most vulnerable and likely to be preyed upon.  These communities aren't going to be jumping at the chance to get girls immunized.  Even if you disagree with Perry's decision, I don't see how it makes him a closet statist.

Posted by: Alex

That's based entirely on WHAT he did and HOW. He instituted it via executive order. That's statist. It was mandatory (again statist), with an opt out (which is good).

Here's how a conservative would have done it:

1. Make vaccine available.

2. Encourage dissemintation of information

3. People who want it can get it. Kinda like how flu shots are done.

Ta da.

To his credit, he reversed himself, and did not rewrite history when he did so (unlike a certain candidate whose position on SS is subject to change *coughromneycough*).

119

What annoys me about the HPV vaccine controvery is that public health, in the form of disease containment / prevention, is a legitimate government function.  What's worse, the groups that are hardest hit by venereal disease such as HPV are the communities where girls are most vulnerable and likely to be preyed upon.  These communities aren't going to be jumping at the chance to get girls immunized.  Even if you disagree with Perry's decision, I don't see how it makes him a closet statist.

Posted by: Alex at September 13, 2011 10:09 AM (J2ejK)

I didn't get into that, but it is and has traditionally fallen under the authority of the state (in this case actual state) under the police power. Kids still get mandatory immunizations.

In this case, the uber religious right thumps its chest and says haw dare he? Its an STD and thats icky. I think there's a bit of naivety on the religious rights part. I was by all standards a good kid. Strait A's, StuCo president, NHS, baseball capt., went to chuch regular, but I did likes to try to find a way into young girls pants....

It happens. And even good girls can catch it from thier husbands who don't know they have it. And the $5,000 payoff thing? Please.

120

EoJ,

Social dance instructors don't make that much, based on the ones I've talked to, but usually can find some paying work.  I've considered whether or not to pay the $3-4k it would take to get good enough to teach as a side gig.

121 He is 26 and still at home.

I find that odd, but then again I grew up in a different time. I left home at 16 (long story) and had to get emancipated so I could get a job and rent an apartment. I would rather have lived under an overpass than move back in with my mother and stepfather, but...that's me. I had a lot of shitty, low-end jobs. What my college scholarships didn't cover, I worked to pay on my own. It never occurred to me to do otherwise. (Though I did borrow money from an uncle for my last year of school. And paid it back, on time and with interest.)

Everybody's situation is different, I understand, but I think a lot of parents aren't really doing their kids any favors by letting them stay in the nest for so long.

122

Ugh, don't talk about being a musician, I have a college freshman who is majoring in commercial music.  If he couldn't major in music he would not have gone to college -- he is simply not interested in anything else and hasn't been since he picked up a guitar at age 12.  At least I refused to let him take out $200,000 in  loans to go to Berklee or NYU, so he will have a real degree when he finishes and little if any debt.  He wants to be a composer and arranger; he figured out a year ago after doing a summer workshop at Berklee that he was not the next Clapton and isn't going to be a world famous guitarist, but he is a talented composer and songwriter and he is at a college where he can study that.  And if he gets sick of music he can change majors and get a good business degree at this college. 

I actually know a lot of music majors who have made a living at it, though many of them are teaching or directing marching bands or owners of music stores.  One college friend of mine has made a very good living and traveled all over the world manufacturing and selling band uniforms and arranging trips for high school and college bands. 

I think it will be intereting to watch this "recession generation" as they grow up and move out into the world.  If my son and his friends are any indication, they don't ascribe to the same "American Dream" their parents had, since they have seen so much of that dream go up in smoke these last few years.  They don't plan to buy a house, use credit cards, live in an expensive suburb far away from their job, drive a BMW, etc.  The bankers and merchants of the world need to get ready to face a generation that refuses to borrow money for big-ticket items and doesn't want to live in the suburbs.

123 Moreover, in what universe is it at all likely that Perry would empower the Dept of HHS or the Dept of Ed to force something like this one school children across the nation?

In what universe is it at all likely that Romney would have passed Obamacare?  Or wouldn't sign the bill vetoing it if it hit his desk?  The point isn't that he'd do it at the Fed level, it's an argument about his views regarding the relationship between the Government and the Citizenry.

Now, I happen to think the huge difference there is that Perry's EO included an opt-out provision (which I would have used, had HPV Vaccines remained the order of the day), and RomneyCare does not provide any opt-out: you pay for insurance, prove you're unable to pay (so other people will pay for you), or receive a fine.

That makes RomneyCare far worse than the HPV Vaccine. 

I'm also on your side that RomenyCare was a perversion of legal precedent (yes, they technically had the power, but mandating someone purchase a specific product just because they're alive will always be beyond the pale) whereas there is precedent for mandating vaccinations- even ones surrounded by some amount of controversy.

I still wish he hadn't done it in the first place, but that's because I disagree with the policy, not because I think it was the proverbial "bridge too far."

124 BTW the new U.S. News and World Report college rankings for 2012 are out.  More bullshit that will drive more people into more debt trying to get that magic credential that will ensure them fame and fortune. 

125

I didn't get into that, but it is and has traditionally fallen under the authority of the state (in this case actual state) under the police power. Kids still get mandatory immunizations.

In this case, the uber religious right thumps its chest and says haw dare he? Its an STD and thats icky. I think there's a bit of naivety on the religious rights part. I was by all standards a good kid. Strait A's, StuCo president, NHS, baseball capt., went to chuch regular, but I did likes to try to find a way into young girls pants....

It happens. And even good girls can catch it from thier husbands who don't know they have it. And the $5,000 payoff thing? Please.

Posted by: Jollyroger

 

And this is where we get into the bullshit "only uptight religious thunps would dare oppose such a wonderful thing". Most states don't make flu shots mandatory, and annual flu outbreaks are certainly more prevalent than this. This  vaccine was for an entirely different means of transmission, and this seems to be the first time such a vaccine was mandated. As such, that makes Perry Chuck Yeager in this respect. There's nothing "traditional" about this. Instead of hiding behind "thumps" try telling Perry that next time he wants to go for a test flight, strap in tight.

126 122 Monty,

exactly I did the same to a large degree....

left at 15....now I dropped out of college but went to work in the Air cargo biz and am my own master as far as debt....

I fell in love with my wife when I was 12 but stayed away because I didn't want to drag her down w/me if I failed....

her mom and dad were wary of me but finally assented to our relationship....

her dad told me the week before he was finally to enter his deathbed that he feels I wasted a lot of potential but that I was a survivor and he knew I will always protect his daughter and grandson and not let them starve come hell or highwater whether it is a massive event like an ELE or just hard times.

People like you and I will in all likelihood survive the socialist implosion, but I cannot for the life of me see how 26 year old 16 year olds will....

anyway far too many people have far too little understanding of the notion of "carrying capacity" on an economic level....when some latte sipping 24 year old still st home child starts lecturing me about the morality of the economy I want to shake them sane

127 123 Rockmom,

they have prepared...why do you think capital shifted to asia?

128 @ Alex I'm not talking about social dance. I'm talking about dance satudios that teach jazz, ballet, lyrical, tap, hip hop, musical theater, etc. To children ages 3-18. There are multiple revenue streams from the same customers: costumes, ad sales, recital tickets, competition fees if your kid wants to compete in extra events, concessions at events, bags, accessories - the list goes on. We know a gal who owns one in New Orleans - she makes a very nice living and has a continuous student base of hundreds of kids. But my sister doesn't want "to teach 3 year-olds to tap their foot." Clueless.

129 Now, I happen to think the huge difference there is that Perry's EO included an opt-out provision (which I would have used, had HPV Vaccines remained the order of the day), and RomneyCare does not provide any opt-out: you pay for insurance, prove you're unable to pay (so other people will pay for you), or receive a fine.

And the other telling difference is that Perry admitted that he made a mistake and moreover that the mistake he made was in not listening to his constituents.

Romney still has not dissected Masscare and really owned up to the ways it has made health care worse in Massachusetts. 

So the folks who are touting how intelligent Romney is have some explaining to do, because even a dummy like me can see that increasing wait times for medical procedures by weeks is a disastrous result. 

130 Here's how a conservative would have done it:

Actually, what he says he would have done (in retrospect) is make it an Opt-In, instead of an Opt-Out.  Part of the reason for the mandate (only part, though, don't believe it was the 'main' reason) is that insurance companies weren't covering the injection which was (is?) really, really expensive.

It's a form of myopia a lot of our politicians have- they have their pet issue that skews their perceptions.  In Rick Perry's case, it's any form of cancer.  I bet if they found a vaccination that would prevent colon cancer, he'd do everything he could to mandate it for men's use (well, not anymore, but he would have).  So, since it is so important to him that people get this vaccine that can prevent many forms of cervical/uterine cancer, he felt justified in mandating it.

He has learned his lesson, though, so I'm good with that.

131 130 Y-not,

Perry runs on his record and owns up to his errors, Mitt runs from his record and leases excuses.....

Perry didn't put anyone away and may have stumbled but Bachmann and Mitt have lost my enthusiastic support if either win and Sarah finally lost my wallet.

132 131 Allen G,

Nice summary....I have to admit I get tunnel vision on the C word as well....

it has taken a lot from me

133 he figured out a year ago after doing a summer workshop at Berklee that he was not the next Clapton and isn't going to be a world famous guitarist

Even famous musicians don't make as much money as people assume they do (as a rule). A few are very wealthy, but even some very big names barely break even when you consider the costs: traveling is hideously expensive (international travel even more so); the band and sound guys and roadies have to be paid (at MU scale); the promoters and managers take a bite; wear and tear on the gear.... The list goes on.

There are no benefits beyond what the musicians' union provides (which don't amount to much). If the gate ends up short or you don't draw or you have to cancel a gig, no one gets paid.

Clapton ended up a millionaire, but his various sidemen and bandmates and backup singers and guitar techs sure didn't.

Another problem is locale: unless you live in a major music industry "hub" like Minneapolis, Nashville, Memphis, or L.A., it's hard to get a paying gig on the production side of music either. And the competition is fierce, especially these days. There aren't that many producer or sound-tech jobs around, but Berklee and the rest just keep pumping out new grads like sausages.

134 I'm not talking about social dance. I'm talking about dance satudios that teach jazz, ballet, lyrical, tap, hip hop, musical theater, etc. To children ages 3-18.

This is true of any "studio" education: Dance, Martial Arts, Music, etc.

135 Even famous musicians don't make as much money as people assume they do (as a rule).

That's because Recoupment sucks.

That nice house they are "given" by they studio??  Yeah, that's forced on them as part of their contract (most are too ignorant, at first, to realize what's happening) and then they're forced to pay for it.

Same for studio time, advertising, etc.

136

There are multiple revenue streams from the same customers: costumes, ad sales, recital tickets, competition fees if your kid wants to compete in extra events, concessions at events, bags, accessories - the list goes on.

Ballroom / Latin dancing can be just as bad.  One studio I took lessons at made buku bucks selling costumes, shoes, etc to the women.  Additionally, competitions and shows meant customers could pay 5-6k a pop when you factored in private lessons. 

That doesn't even get into the insanity that is the Argentine Tango community...

137

And this is where we get into the bullshit "only uptight religious thunps would dare oppose such a wonderful thing". Most states don't make flu shots mandatory, and annual flu outbreaks are certainly more prevalent than this. This  vaccine was for an entirely different means of transmission, and this seems to be the first time such a vaccine was mandated. As such, that makes Perry Chuck Yeager in this respect. There's nothing "traditional" about this. Instead of hiding behind "thumps" try telling Perry that next time he wants to go for a test flight, strap in tight.

Posted by: Blue Hen at September 13, 2011 10:31 AM (6rX0K)

Flu no, but diptheria, tetnaus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis b, varicella, and hepititus a are all administered before the child's first birthday. So, not Yeageresque yet.

The way the virus is transmitted is the only difference about the disease itself. Yeah, you might get the flu, but the odds of it causing serious life threatening harm is a lot less. The real problem here for Santorum was that it involves sex.

I noted above that I'm not really comfortable with the EO methods, but that was neither Bachman nor Santorums line of attack.

138 I'm thinking of going back to school to get a degree in Fashion Merchandising. I want to be a buyer for Saks. / every other girl I met in high school

139 That makes RomneyCare far worse than the HPV Vaccine.

Especially considering Romneycare is law in MA. and the 'mandatory' vaccine was over before it started.

There is no perfect candidate.

140

@129

EoJ, that reminds me of a "Bullshit" episode on Cheerleading. Turns out one company sells all the cheer equipment, runs cheer camps, and a cheer competition. Its all a money making enterprise. I wouldn't be surprised if they weren't behind those awful Cheer movies "Bringing it on" or whatever too.

I wonder if those have a pron parody yet....

141 141 Jollyroger,

ahem "debbie does dallas" et al....

remember they were "doing it to get to competition"

142 142 141 Jollyroger,

ahem "debbie does dallas" et al....

remember they were "doing it to get to competition"

Posted by: sven10077 at September 13, 2011 10:47 AM (AEIYh)

Great film. I remember watching that one on my friends pirated cable in junior high...

143 Long time and big time Palin fan ... seeing her on Greta made me want to puke. When did she go back to jr. high?

144 144 HoneyBadger,

about 3 months ago I suspect.....

like I said she has finally lost my wallet.

145 145 ... like totally fer sure ...

146

#134 My son is in Nashville.  He didn't want to go South and hates country music, but he has found out quickly that there is a lot more rock and even classical music there than he thought.  His roommate is a business major so he doesn't have to be surrounded by music all the time.  After 3 weeks he is already thanking us for sending him there and not Berklee.  

147 One thing I saw a while back (I think it was Seth Godin*): Jobs today are not something you "find." And the whole lexicon surrounding that concept is dead too. The new economy is that jobs are something you create. Today you have to show your worth before the money gets paid.

*He's got some great ideas as to marketing, I suspect he's a serious leftist, and the JEF definitely read his book on how to sell something but skipped the part on how you have to deliver.

148 Obama is a stuttering clusterf*ck of a miserable failure.

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