A few years ago, the Oakland Raiders played the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Superbowl. It was the battle of Bays, and the battle of pirates.
Late in the game, the Raiders scored three straight touchdowns. Although they did not make any extra point conversions, those 18 points were impressive. The Buccaneers did score a pair of touchdowns at the end, but the Raiders 18 points outdid the 14 points of the Buccaneers.
Yet for some reason, the Buccaneers won the Superbowl instead of the Raiders. Despite outscoring the Buccaneers 18-14, apparently that was not enough to override the first three quarters of the game, in which the Buccaneers squeaked past the Raiders 34-3. The Raiders closed to within 34-21, and then lost 48-21.
As painful as this Superbowl was, it is almost as painful listening to Hillary Clinton explain to us why facts do not matter and numbers are mere inconveniences.
Below is her “victory” speech from her win in Kentucky. Despite her being thrashed in Oregon, and in many states across the country that she does not count for various reasons, in her world, the last few minutes can make up for the first three quarters.
At least this woman is consistent. She is ready to lie on day one. Why6 would she not be? She has had experience lying for 35 years.
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/05/clintons_kentucky_victory_spee.html
“I am thinking about why we are all here. It is not just to win a primary, or even just to win an election; what propels us is the struggle to realize America’s promise.”
While this is harmless blather to some, somebody ought to tell Hillary that most people do not struggle with this issue. They already appreciate America for what it has been for more than a couple of centuries.
Nevertheless, if this was the worst one could say about Hillary, it would not be that bad. It is not even close, which is why she is that bad.
She spent much time making the obligatory comments praising Ted Kennedy, which is fine. However, he was supporting Barack Obama, not her. She does not have to mention this, but it is worth noting.
“It is not just Kentucky bluegrass that is music to my ears.”
Hillary has loved Kentucky bluegrass all her life. She has also been a lifelong New York Yankees fan.
Does Hillary know the name of one bluegrass artist or song?
It is not about music. It is about insincerity and a patronizing nature.
It is one thing to thank people. It is another to claim to be one of them. Hillary is a wealthy woman from a privileged background that somehow managed to position herself to the right of Barack Obama.
“Some have said your votes didn’t matter, that this campaign was over, that allowing everyone to vote and every vote to count would somehow be a mistake.”
Nobody of any credibility said that. Hillary loves to play the “us against them” card.
“This is one of the closest races for a party’s nomination in modern history.”
Horshoes and hand grenades Hillary. Close means zilch.
“We’re winning the popular vote…”
No you are not Hillary. You are turning into Al Gore’s evil twin. The real fun will be those that still think Gore won in 2000 trying to explain why the rules are different now. Sometimes I think liberals would even cheat at Monopoly, but then remember that they would refuse to play that game because some people get wealthy, making the game unfair.
“Though we have been outspent massively…”
As much as I hate using pop culture references, Justin Timberlake was right to tell Britney Spears to “Cry me a river.” The reason why she was outspent was because more people liked Barack Obama. Hillary loves the little people defeating the behemoths except when she is the behemoth. His supporters and their $25 donations beat out her fat cats and their $100,000 donations.
Hillary does not understand that rich people have a right to be rich. Obama played by the same rules of raising money, and he won fair and square. Yes, he will be a complete hypocrite when he inevitably starts bashing the rich, but that is for later. Life is not fair, no matter how desperately Hillary tries to spread the misery of equality. Obama should spend into the stratosphere, as is his right.
“We have to select a nominee who is best positioned to win in November, and someone who is best prepared to address the enormous challenges facing our country in these difficult times.”
The “electability” argument is pure fraud. The rules cannot be undone. John Edwards, Bill Richardson and Joe Biden are all more electable. The road is littered with candidates that would have been strong in a general election if only they did not have to go through the pesky nuisance of a primary. Rudy Giuliani in 2008, John Edwards and Joe Lieberman in 2004, and John McCain in 2000 all tried to play to the center. This is admirable, but passionate bases have every right to make their voices heard. If moderates are troubled by this, then they should speak up more forcefully. I detest activists, but respect the fact that they get things done because they are motivated. Hillary was rejected by a majority of voters in her own party. Barely being rejected is no different from a landslide rejection. A close loss is a loss.
“Now, I’m told that more people have voted for me than for anyone who has ever run for the Democratic nomination.”
That is also a lie Hillary. Stop manipulating the numbers. You may have turned $1000 into $100,000 playnig commodities, but in this game, 2 + 2 still does not equal 5.
Also, and this must be repeatedly reinforced, even if she did win the popular vote, that would be a symbolic victory that is meaningless from an electoral standpoint.
(The talk before the 2000 election was Al Gore losing the popular vote but winning the Electoral College. His supporters were fine with this, and the campaign’s last minute hit job about a drunk driving scandal almost made their concerns moot)
“Whether or not we will have a president who will rebuild the economy, end the war in Iraq, restore our leadership in the world and stand up for you every single day.”
The economy is actually doing well, and there is a chance that we might not have a recession at all. As for restoring our leadership in the world, Europeans are supporting conservative leaders in droves. Even if this was not the case, John Kerry’s “global test” is as useless now as it was in 2004. As for ending the war in Iraq, if support for the war upticks again, she will be for the war since the beginning anyway.
“For too long, too many Americans have felt invisible in their own country. Well, you’ve never been invisible to me. I’ve been fighting for you my entire life.”
Most people want to be left alone to make the most of their own lives. They are only invisible to the elites like Hillary who consider them “flyover country.” Just because Obama was even more condescending than she was does not make her the champions of ordinary Americans. The people who make this country great, who shop at Walmart, like NASCAR, go target shooting…Hillary has utter contempt for these people.
We are in this race because we believe everyone deserves a shot at the American Dream, the opportunity to work hard at a good job to get ahead, to save for college, for a home, for retirement.”
This would be true except for the fact that Hillary wants to raise capital gains taxes, which would decimate retirement accounts. Only people making less than a certain amount can open up IRAs, so hurting retirement accounts hurts the rich the least. She also wants to tax the profits of legal businesses, which would cripple the shareholders of these companies. Yes, the female version of Robin Hood will wreck a family owning a few shares of stock to teach rich powerful producers a lesson.
“a president with experience representing the people of the United States in more than 80 countries to restore our leadership and moral authority in the world.”
I have drank Coca Cola in many places in this world. Therefore, I am a world renowned food and beverage expert that should be the CEO of the Coca Cola company. I also own stock in Coca Cola, which makes me a part owner. Using Hillary’s math, I should be the Chairman of the Board as well, since the fact that my shares were bought more recently invalidates the millions of shares that the current CEO owns.
“This country needs our combination of strength and compassion to help people struggling with their bills.”
Strength? Democrats love using words like “toughness” and “strength” everywhere except where it matters. Even Barack Obama has a new meaningless phrase known as “tough diplomacy.”
John Kerry wanted a “stronger America.”
Republicans don’t have to announce how tough they are. It is taken at face value (Now if only republicans would promise to never again try to run on compassion. It makes me ill).
As for my bills, I have student loans, and I do not need nor want Hillary’s help. I want my taxes low, so I can pay the loans myself. Period. Exclamation point. Let me keep my money, and mind your own business.
“I’m going to keep standing up for the voters of Florida and Michigan. Democrats in those two states cast 2.3 million votes and they deserve to have those votes counted.”
No they do not. The rules were crystal clear.
“Who is ready on Day One to lead?”
John McCain. He actually has a record of accomplishment, despite his not attending tea parties and ribbon cutting ceremonies across 80 nations.
“Just this week, I met 89-year-old Emma Hollis, an African-American woman, she has seen so many barriers crumble and fall in her lifetime, but she is not finished yet.”
Yes, the obligatory sop to a random black woman. While this is harmless, Obama is winning over 90% of the black vote, including black women. Hillary is cherry picking. There might be a white male gun owner that watches football that likes Hillary, but in statistics this would be called an aberration.
“I’m thinking about Andrea Steagall, a strong and composed young woman, 20 years old, who drove across Kentucky to meet me. Her husband, Justin, is deployed in Afghanistan.”
This is another aberration. John Kerry lost 75% of the military vote. Al Gore tried to have their ballots invalidated, since “counting all the votes” was only meant for his supporters. Hillary can claim every left of center military person aching for a photo op and a cushy pentagon job, but the rank and file are behind the war hero John McCain.
“I’m thinking again about Dalton Hatfield, the 11-year-old from Kentucky, who sold his bike and his video games to raise money to support my campaign.”
This is one time that I hope Hillary is lying. If this story is truthful, then I am appalled. I will not blame Hillary, but I will say that the boy’s parents are most likely disgusting human beings. 11 year old children are apolitical unless their parents indoctrinate them. Good parents who truly care about their children would prefer their child keep his bicycle and video games. Yes, the left cares about the children.
“The state motto of Kentucky is, ‘United we stand, divided we fall.'”
Hillary is all about division. She pits groups against each other.
“We won’t just unite our party; we will unite our country.”
All the while bashing republicans. You are a fighter who prides herself on defeating enemies. You are also a healer who will bring us together.
Hillary, with all respect to the people of Maxwell House Coffee, you truly are consistent in your insincerity. You are good to the last drop.
The percolator has been turned off. Now all we see is a drip.
I would not even let her iron my shirts. I know more about domestic life than she does. Perhaps her servants can show her how to do it.
Enough Hillary. Even democrats, who will believe anything, do not believe you. The most gullible have seen through you.
It is easy to see through when there is nothing actually there but a blank space.
More democrats found substance in Barack Obama than in Hillary.
While that makes me laugh, they have every right to nominate whoever they wish.
Hillary, the last drip has dropped. The last drop has dripped. The faucet has been turned off, and the lights have been turned out.
It is time for you to do the same.
eric
Well yea, but you gotta admit its still fun to see what shes going to do next.
I mean, I detest the woman, but whenever I hear her on the tube I run over to listen to what the next big laugh of the day is.
The economy is doing well??? Once again I peer into the alternate universe of conservativsm… (do de do de… Twilight Zone music)
The Dems may as well keep playing this out through the convention, keep McCain out of the news, and put off the real game until as late as possible. If you guys think the Dem primary is ugly just wait until the general election! McCain and Obama (or Hillary?) may try to look as though they’re taking the high road, but the parties and the 527s et al will pull no punches. Either way, the Dems may well lose – once again throwing an election that was their’s for the taking. The economy is NOT good. Our national security is NOT good. The wars are NOT going well. Any sane, normal, regular, working person knows these things as indisputable facts. But if the choice is a black guy or an old white guuy. the old white guy wins. And if the choice is Hillary or an old white man, the old white man still wins, as Hillary has been so smeared, slandered and libeled over the years, her negatives are just too high.
If the Dems give the nom to Hillary, black people will stay home in November, and without them, the Dems lose. If Obama continues on to the nom, they still lose, as there just aren’t enough black people to override the racist anti-vote. It’s a lose, lose – for the Dems and America.
JMJ
Jersey.
The only reason you here so much negative crap about the economy is because the candidates need something to bitch about.
I mean really. You have to admit that during an election cycle all issues will get blown out of proportion one way or another.
Even the White house just blasted NBC for intentionally casting the economy in negative light.
I cant count the number of times each night NBC/MSNBC use the term “recession” even though their is no consensus that we are in one.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/05/20080519-4.html
“when the Commerce Department on April 30 released the GDP numbers for the first quarter of 2007, Brian Williams reported it this way: “If you go by the government number, the figure that came out today stops just short of the official declaration of a recession.”
The GDP estimate was a positive 0.6% for the first quarter. Slow growth, but growth nonetheless. This followed a slow but growing fourth quarter in 2007. Consequently, even if the first quarter GDP estimate had been negative, it still would not have signaled a recession – neither by the unofficial rule-of-thumb of two consecutive quarters of negative growth, nor the more robust definition by the National Bureau of Economic Research (the group that officially marks the beginnings and ends of business cycles).
Furthermore, never in our nation’s history have we characterized economic conditions as a “recession” with unemployment so low – in fact, when this rate of unemployment was eventually reached in the 1990s, it was hailed as the sign of a strong economy. This rate of unemployment is lower than the average of the past three decades.
Are there numbers besides the “government number” to go by? Is there reason to believe “the government number” is suspect? How does the release of positive economic growth for two consecutive quarters, albeit limited, stop “just short of the official declaration of a recession”?”
I dont know where you get this notion that our national security is bad.Since 911 our country, embassies and installations around the world have sufferd no attacks. As compared to the constant attacks we suffered before 911.
And if you think the war is screwed up now just imagine if Hillary or Obama dealt with it.
Hillary is her own worst enemy. Liable, slander whatever, shes responsable
“The only reason you here so much negative crap about the economy is because the candidates need something to bitch about.”
I’m not sure on what planet you and Eric live, but here in Real World Land, the price of food and gas is through the roof, home values are falling of a cliff, jobs are scarce and lousy, and the government is impotent and useless. Contrary to the loony dellusions of conservatives, you can only talk up or down the economy so much. Most people look at their lives and decide for themselves whether things are good or not, and the vast majority of Americans are quite decidedly convinced we’re in big trouble.
I’m sorry, but anyone who thinks the economy is in good shape is either doing well themselves but are too selfish and short-sighted to care about the rest of the world around them, or just have no clue period. I have it pretty good, but I’m not so gullible as to believe that just because I have it pretty good (not great, mind you, just okay) everyone else has it good too.
Everything else you said is just plain absurd nonsense. It’s really like peering into another universe with you guys sometimes.
JMJ
I like the way you bring the world into this when its America we’re talking about.
This economy points to nothing more than part of the cycle our economy has always gone thru.
Everything else I said is just plain nonsense ?
You’re whole break down on Americas projected voting habits is about as full of racism, ageism and sexism as it gets.
Well I guess turn about is fair play. Since you want to look at it that way I notice you didnt mention the racist black who will not vote for an old white guy no matter what.
And that there is a majority of black votes being cast for Obama simply because he is black.
Gee, does that mean that race would actually be a predominant issue on the left ?
I thought none of that matterd to liberals and dems.
As a matter of fact race and sex is a huge issue on the left.
Only because they push it to the front of every issue possible.
And this time that nasty little habit of theirs came back to bite em in the a$$.
I remember a year ago blogging with libs and how they were all lit over the prospect of a woman or a black man being president.
It was totally idealistic on the part of libs to envision the prospect of showing our diversity and great open mindedness to themselves and the rest of the world.
Instead of actully taking into concern whether either one of these two could run the country.
Now the left is stuck with two of the least qualified candidates they really ever had out of the bunch they had to choose from.
Racism and sexism on the left at its best ladies and gents.
Its going to cost them the election because they were more worried about making a statement as opposed to an intelligent decision
“Hillary wants to raise capital gains taxes, which would decimate retirement accounts.”
Not true!
Anyone with the most cursory knowledge of IRA and other such retirement accounts knows that only withdrawals are taxed, not gains as they accumulate.
Please stop spreading disinformation.
An increase in the capital gains tax would “hurt” almost exclusively the well-to-do, not the average American. Any assertion to the contrary is hogwash, or worse.
Michael Blaine
Mr. Blaine,
I normally answer my emails in private. I am making an exception in this case.
1) One of the reasons most Americans detest liberals is the smugness. Anybody who disagrees with them is automatically an imbecile. It is possible to dispute a point without being a pompous gasbag.
2) I have been a financial services professional for 15 years. I am a VP at a brokerage firm. I know how IRAs work, whether they be educational, SEP, Roth, or traditional. We can have a debate over whether Coverdell plans are better than UGMA/UTMA accounts. Either way, while gains do not get taxed until withdrawan, upon being withdrawan, the rate DOES matter. If people think capital gains rates are going up next year, they might hesitate to make stock trades this year.
Plenty of people will transact based on capital gains rates increases or decreases that are anticipated. Higher taxes hurts all investors. The rich get hurt the least because they have other options.
The best example was the “luxury tax” on yachts. All it did was cripple the yacht makers. It is the same with capital gains taxes.
Again, debate your points without venom or condescension please.
Then read my column entitled “The capital gains tax is unethical.” It should be scrapped entirely.
eric
The calculus behind all of her actions and rhetoric now is simple: she is positioning for a run in 2012, which can only happen with a McCain victory (Obama loss) in November.
I’m looking forward to when, instead of issues of race and gender, we can have a national discussion on how the political system is driven by personal ambition, not a sacrifice for public service.
Hillary makes for the perfect example to get the talking started.
‘The best example was the “luxury tax” on yachts. All it did was cripple the yacht makers. It is the same with capital gains taxes.’
Terrible example because it is not the same.
First, why does the US even need a yacht industry? It doesn’t. (The yacht sob story is always trotted out when the wealthy are trying to avoid pulling their own weight; it’s pure propaganda.)
Moreover, higher capital gains taxes would help close the nation’s gaping budget deficit, restoring investor confidence. And THAT is what really matters. Right now the Treasury is run like we’re a banana republic; many other countries have more credibilty with investors, and we’re losing out to them.
We need to run our finances on a grown-up basis that inspires long-term confidence. That is the single best recipe for growth.
Michael Blaine
Why won’t my comments post?
Is the blog’s author suppressing debate?
“Right now the Treasury is run like we’re a banana republic.”
Having written the above, I realize I need to apologize to many erstwhile banana republics. A country like Brazil now runs its finances more responsibly than the US does. Indeed, the value of the real has doubled against the dollar in recent years. In this case, the market is telling us something important.
Also, I’m sorry for having the audacity to visit this website and disagree with its author; I didn’t realize bringing up contrarian opinions and facts was against the rules.
But since it apparently is, I suggest the blog be accessible only to invited or previously-vetted posters. That way, there will be no danger of a debate breaking out. The blog’s author can thussafely remain safe and smug in his original views and assertions.
MB:
“First, why does the US even need a yacht industry? ”
Gee, I might be a little out my element here but I know for a fact as a metal refinisher, having worked a foundry and operating a chrome plating shop there is a lot of collateral employment involved in the yacht/marine vehicle industry.
“There is a lot of collateral employment involved in the yacht/marine vehicle industry.”
I know there is. But an industry more oriented to serving the middle class can employ people just as well if not better than the superfluous luxury yacht industry. Our nation can utilize its scarce resources catering to the pampered few or the many (still) in the middle.
Rember, the Egyptian pyramids and the southern cotton plantations put a lot of people to work, too. That doesn’t mean they were necessary or even good projects.
Mr. Blaine,
This is your last warning. My blog allows for vigorous dissent. It does not allow personal attacks. You came on this site and launched personal attacks.
There are people who fiercely disagree with me who do so in a civilized manner. They can attest to my blog being one of the fairest and most lenient out there.
You have the potential to contribute to a lively debate. It is for that reason only that I am giving you one last opportunity to take your head out of your rumpus with regards to judging me. Read some of the other comments today that disagree with me. I have no objection with them.
It is not your views, it is your demeanor. Now I know you want me to ban you so you can claim intolerance, but my blog is not a democracy, and I will not tolerate violations of my rules…no cursing and no personal attacks…those are the rules.
The rest is up to you. If you can behave yourself like a civilized adult, you will be welcome here for some time to come.
Argue issues, not personal attacks.
eric
Also, in some cases, I do not allow for alternative viewpoints.
Those who deny the Holocaust, or engage in racism or antisemitism…I am not interested in dialogue. They get banned, as intolerant as that may seem to some.
eric
MB:
“Also, I’m sorry for having the audacity to visit this website and disagree with its author; I didn’t realize bringing up contrarian opinions and facts was against the rules.”
Bringing up contrary opinions is one thing, but you flat out accused the author of spreading disinformation.
If you ever spent enough considerable time here you would know that all opinions are welcome unless you are vulgar or hateful.
I’m sure my expertise in financial matters is no where near that of yours or blacktygrrrs but even I am aware of the the capital gains tax affecting withdrawls from my IRA and not the simple accumilation of gains whithin it.
I just re-read my initial post. Categorically, it does not contain anything that can be remotely construed as a personal attack. Further, the post is not an “e-mail” so I don’t know why that mechanism for dialogue was even mentioned. I am perplexed, and left thinking that my comments – though not an attack – hit a nerve that triggered an impulse to censor.
It IS disinformation.
A normal, retirement withdrawal from a 401(k) plan is subject only to income tax in the year that it occurs.
Capital gains tax never enters the picture.
Maybe people should be turning to ME for investment advice. I’m an amateur, but at least I know what I’m talking about.
MB;
“Our nation can utilize its scarce resources catering to the pampered few or the many (still) in the middle.”
Do you have something against applying a profit motivated enterprise to our economy ?
Me thinks you are leaning towards Marxism from the sounds of it .
Maybe we should do away with all forms of employment that produce any item deemed too luxurious for the “common good” ?
Rember, the Egyptian pyramids and the southern cotton plantations put a lot of people to work, too. That doesn’t mean they were necessary or even good projects.
Yea, great.
I also remember slavery being banned in civilized countries.
The beauty of our civilization here in America is that it is left to our free will and market to determine what is a worthy project and what is not.
Cotton was incredibly essential and necessary to the American economy and played a huge role in the growth of our country. As stained as the industry was from slave labor it was none the less a huge element in our growth.
The Pyramids were simply a result of vanity and grandiosity
“The Pyramids were simply a result of vanity and grandiosity.”
Just like a luxury yacht. Thanks for making my case.
“The beauty of our civilization here in America is that it is left to our free will and market to determine what is a worthy project and what is not.”
Hardly. Our economy is so distorted by government intervention and a byzantine tax code it’s a joke.
The author of this very blog says he has taken out student loans. The government, by backing the loans, helped make his education possible. In the free market, he may never have gone to college. Under free market principles, his education never should have been supplied.
Sugar: the US pays a high multiple of the world price for this commodity because the domestic industry is protected.
Housing: Mortgage interest is dedcutible against the income tax.
And so on, ad infinitum.
So, I don’t know what free market you’re able to live in, but – at least in the US – I don’t even know where to begin looking for it . . .
It’s time to grow up and drop the myths.
MB:
“Capital gains tax never enters the picture.”
Thats a load.
I’ve drawn from it before and payed taxes on that draw.
If Hillary were elected I might be tempted to pull it all out and put it into a small piece of property.
Bottom line is this. Under Hillary my own money will cost me more to access.
MB;
“I did not make any case for you other than the fact that the Pyramids and cotton were two completely different types of contributions to an economic system.
As a matter of fact I pointed out how the yacht industry feeds many other industries to the point that it is a viable industry. The pyramids were not, and so it was also realized and we didnt see any more built after that era. Also the pyramids were not a finacial endeavor and absolutly nothing to do with feeding any kind of economy.
You may think our economy is a joke then I suggest you do move to that banana republic that is so much more efficient.
I started my own business with my last 250.00 15 years ago.
That investment allowed me to be the owner of a half million dollar house in Hawaii and due my standards put all refinshers in Hawaii out of business.
It boggles my mind how the people that despise this country the most still choose to live here.
If you can find something better whats stopping you?
I know this much.
We are not the wealthiest country in the world because of practices that you would like to implement.
The beauty of this country is that we dont have people like you deciding what is necessary and what isnt.
Michael, I’m so liberal I make Dennis Kucinich blush, but our good host lets me run amok around here. He’s a good guy, just completely politically wrong. ;) Just try to keep it respectful. The Tygrrrr genuinely believes what he proffers. He’s certainly not intentionally trying to spread disinformation.
As for the Cap Gains tax, for example, there are reasonable arguments all the way around. I agree with you that Cap Gains for the divestments of the individually wealthy should probably be raised, if anything just as a dissuasive sin tax on the McMansion industry, a significant cause of todays mortgage meltdown. On the other hand, the CGT is also a corporate tax, and that I do have a problem with. Corporations are NOT people. They should NOT be taxed. And all they do is pass the tax onto us anyway. PEOPLE should be taxed on their transactions. NOT corporations. It is yet another competitive impediment on America, like our insipid private health insurance scam of an industry.
Otherwise, great points Michael!
JMJ
I see no one here understands tax policy – for example, the difference between capital gains tax and income tax – or how 401(k) and other such plans work.
It’s not a question of what anyone BELIEVES, JMJ, it is question of what the actual policy is.
And just because I point out that the US economy is market-based – not a pure free market – I am accused by micky2 of “despising” America? Give me a break. I merely have my eyes open.
“The beauty of this country is that we dont have people like you deciding what is necessary and what isnt.”
Correct. We have other, much more malignant and/or ignorant people than me deciding what is necessary and what isn’t. For example, some of these people decided the war in Iraq and tax breaks for the ultra-rich were necessary, while running a responsible national fiscal policy was not.
If I were in control, it would have been the opposite and you’d all be thanking me.
MB:
“Correct. We have other, much more malignant and/or ignorant people than me deciding what is necessary and what isn’t. ”
I disagree.
First of all you were not elected to office by the people as being trusted to make these decisions.
MB:
“And just because I point out that the US economy is market-based – not a pure free market – I am accused by micky2 of “despising” America? ”
Not at all, and you talk about disinformation?
That comment was in relation to your praise for Brazils economic practices.
You sound like you would be a lot of fun on a date.
If you wanted to skip all that “superfluous” stuff in the middle I know a lady that…
Finally, I read this in the “about” section of the blog (there was a lot of disturbing stuff there, but this was the most egregious):
“9/11 fuels my emotions every day.”
And if the blog’s author has to censor my interpretation of his own words again, he should just give in fully to suppression and take the ENTIRE comment down.
And let me point out that on my blog, I don’t manipulate comments. I let them stand. In fact, I’ve only ever touched one: I removed it because it was nothing but profanity and didn’t make any sense. But this blog’s author trims and deletes to his heart’s content.
Without a level playing field, and given the uninformed nature of the discourse around here, I’m out. Ciao.
“That comment was in relation to your praise for Brazils economic practices.”
Oh, yes, let me apologize for the fact that Brazil’s budget deficit is smaller than the US’, and that its currency is actually appreciating markedly, while ours is in the toilet.
I’m sorry that those are the facts. I love you USA! You are infallible and perfect in every way!!!!!
M.B;
“Oh, yes, let me apologize for the fact that Brazil’s budget deficit is smaller than the US’, ‘
No, screw that ! why dont you apologize for doing exactly what you accuse others of doing ?
You come here and the first thing out of your fingertips is to accuse the author of spreading disinformation.
I stand corrected.
There must of been some other things coming out of your fingertips otherwise you wouldnt of been complaining about your comments either being edited or deleted.
I have been on this blog for close to a year now and have probaly seen 4 or 5 instances where a commenter was warned and or treated the way you are being treated by the author.
It has always been for reasons only of vulgarity, hateful speech or personal attacks.
I have incredible disagreements on this blog with Jersey McJones almost on a daily basis and he has said some things that I thought for sure would of pushed the author over the edge and yet this has never been warned or spoken to in the manner blacktygrrr has as with you.
I myself have been scolded by the author before and as much as I feel that I had a right to say what I said it still did not take precedense to the rules he sets for his blog.
This can only lead me to believe that are truly an incredible a$$ and are being treated accordingly.
Also. You have not said anything of typical liberal emotional intolerance that I have not heard before.
Frankly put, you are boring and your hatred is predictable.
And last but most important is that I find you to be a self centerd autocratic dictative sort who would easly pass for a raving communist. And I’ll tell you why.
This statement right here;
“First, why does the US even need a yacht industry? It doesn’t. ‘
I mean really dude ! What the f**k is that all about ?
Who are you to ask such a question when its not much better to ask why do we need a luxury car industry ? Or 5 star hotels ? Or clubs and restaurants that cater to those who prefer something more than what you deem necessary ?
If some shmuck wants to drop 5 million on a yacht it sure as hell isnt for you to decide if its necessary or not. And I want to build that yacht for him and he wants to pay me guess what ?
I would do it just to piss you off. You know why ?
Because in this country I CAN !
“If some shmuck wants to drop 5 million on a yacht it sure as hell isnt for you to decide if its necessary or not. And I want to build that yacht for him and he wants to pay me guess what ?
I would do it just to piss you off. You know why ?
Because in this country I CAN !”
I don’t doubt that you feverishly WISH to believe as much, but whether you CAN build yachts is increasingly fanciful. Perhaps if you build for wealthy European or Arab clients, yes. They have healthy economies, valuable currencies. But don’t imagine you’ll be building your piss-off yacht for Americans.
Tacking the prevailing bad winds of dollar devaluation and housing meltdown, yacht sales have declined in Florida this year by as much as 50%. Struggling Economy Batters Boat Sales In South Florida, don’tcha know. Go look it up in yesterday’s Sun Sentinel. It’s just the start. The MEW juice’s almost gone, you see. And what’s left, why, dang it all, it’s been watered down!
Obviously, the market has decided Americans don’t deserve yachts. And that you don’t deserve to build yachts for them. Now, why is that? What’s the deal? Why can’t you be a yachtzi if you wanna be?
For the answer, you really should think about what bad fiscal policy, bad tax policy, bad foreign policy and bad personal debt management can do to a nation. It will help you understand why the waste you exult has had such negative consequences for all. But don’t take my word for it.
Take it from the market. And Gillligan dude? Take it like a man.
“Because in this country I CAN !”
You know what: you could in Brazil, too.
Brazil can not only build boats, but also sophisticated airplanes: Embraer is building perhaps the world’s best commuter jet by the hundreds, for export all over the world. Maybe you could get in on that action.
Also, Brazil’s stock market is up by 22% this year, while the US’ is down 4%. Oh, I’m sorry! I shouldn’t point that out. It disturbs the locals on this blog to know that good things can happen overseas.
Well, Michael, I am well versed in economics and tax policy, at least when compared to the average shmuck. And I do agree that lowering the Cap Gains tax really only further regresses our tax system, tilting it all the more in favor of the very wealthy who in fact are not significant drivers of the overall economy, despite the dellusions of conservatism, and further pressures the conveniently unmeasured inflation on goods and services. So I agree with you.
Interesting that you brought up Brazil. While it’s true they have experienced significant growth in recent years, and have managed to maintain an export surplus, they still have a terrible wealth disparity and most of the growth has come at the expense of the environment. How long they can keep this up is hard to say, but growth is slowing already in the past couple of years, regardless of the service sector oriented rising strock market. It’s an interesting comparison you raised there – how “growth” sometimes does not represent general progress, how the stock markets sometimes do not reflect actual grwoth or progress, and how the balance of trade is vital to sustained growth, progess, and stock gains. We could learn a few lessons from the Brazilian example. We should note, however, that much of the growth of the Real is really just a reflection of the weakness of the Dollar.
JMJ
JMJ:
Just visited your blog.
I like what I saw!
Also, JMJ, I certainly would never say that Brazil is Valhalla.
But it amazes me how easy it is to raise the hackles of some Americans simply by pointing out that sometimes other countries get things right, and often we in the USA get things wrong.
That should not be a controversial assertion, but on these lunatic lickspittle-to-the-oligarchy blogs, it happens almost every time!
If nothing else, the blogosphere has shown me how many vindictive, semi-literate feudalists live in our midst.
Yea, but if I did in Brazil that wouldnt piss you off as much as if I did it right here.
As simple minded as this might seem I guess I should explain to you that I already live here, and I’m quite happy where I’m at in my beautiful house in Hawaii where we enjoy the 2nd or 3rd highest standard of living in the country, our crime rate is half that of anywhere in the country and we have been elected the best city(Honolulu) in the country to raise my son or any child for that matter. We also enjoy being one of the healthiest states in the country and we live longer than the average American also.
But from the sounds of things you would be happier any place else.
Heres a little insight on the situation on your lovely Brazil
“The Brazilian police and the Brazilian press report that the rate of crime continues to rise, especially in the major urban centers – though it is also spreading in rural areas. Brazil’s murder rate is more than four times higher than that of the U.S. Rates for other crimes are similarly high. The majority of crimes are not solved.
Street crime remains a problem for visitors and local residents alike, especially in the evenings and late at night. Foreign tourists are often targets of crime and Americans are not exempt.
Robbery and “quicknapping” outside of banks and ATM machines are common. In a “quicknapping,” criminals abduct victims for a short time in order to receive a quick payoff from the family, business or the victim’s ATM card. Some victims have been beaten and/or raped.
BRASILIA: Once spared the crime rates of other Brazilian cities, Brasilia now has significant crime problems. Following the citywide trend of previous years, reports of residential burglaries continue to occur in the generally affluent residential sections of the city. Public transportation, hotel sectors and tourist areas are still the locations with the highest crime rates, though statistics show that incidents can happen anywhere and at anytime. The majority of kidnappings in Brasilia continue to be the “quicknappings.”
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Medical care is generally good, but it varies in quality, particularly in remote areas, and it may not meet U.S. standards outside the major cities.
An increase in Dengue Fever cases in early 2008 led to a number of deaths primarily around Rio. Visitors are advised to take precautions against mosquitoes.
And most recently there was this little development.
http://www.globalvoicesonline.org/2008/01/20/brazil-no-right-to-information/
“Where is the transparency?”, asks PE Body Count [pt] on learning that the Secretary of Social Defense in Pernambuco, Brazil has decided to stop providing information on violence and crime rates to the press. “The attitude, in the most naive approach, may raise suspicion that there manipulation of the homicide rates and other statistics”.
So ya know what bub.
You be my guest. Take you and whatever and head on down there.
Just dont make to much money alright?
We may never hear from you again.
On second thought, I’ll pay your airfare. :-)
M.B.;
“Also, JMJ, I certainly would never say that Brazil is Valhalla.
But it amazes me how easy it is to raise the hackles of some Americans simply by pointing out that sometimes other countries get things right, and often we in the USA get things wrong.
Yea ! Duh?
Especially when you compare to a freaking hell hole !
M.B.;
“If nothing else, the blogosphere has shown me how many vindictive, semi-literate feudalists live in our midst.”
Hah !
The blogosphere has also shown me that this is the most definate sign of a rabid lunatic leftist.
Their bloated snobbery always forces them to bring up the slightest misuse of grammar.
And he talks about vindictive ?
( By the way, your new buddy Jersey misspelled “growth” and “progress” )
Michael,
“Just visited your blog.
I like what I saw!”
Thanks man – I like your’s too!
“But it amazes me how easy it is to raise the hackles of some Americans simply by pointing out that sometimes other countries get things right, and often we in the USA get things wrong.”
Oh God, I know. It’s so frustratingly stupid. And when you see these hackles raised at the highest levels of our government. such as when SCJs cite foreign law, that’s just embarrassing. I think the best example of this futile psuedo-logic is seen in our healthcare system. We are the ONLY developed nation with such a backwards, cannibalistic, useless, parasitic system. Or take our Police State. We have the highest incarceration rate in the world, and though our levels of crime are understandable (we are the “wretched refuse” afterall), there’s no excuse for the blatant race/class war that is the war on drugs, or the self-defeating incarceration of absent fathers, or the regressive taking of licenses for non-traffic related offenses, or the seizing of assets without due process. And the ridiculous military! Don’t even get me started on that! We behave like a Third World cesspit! It just goes on and on, and the xenophobic excuses from the Right are so d@maned frustratingly stupid, making all these problems virtually intractable.
JMJ
JMJ:
“I think the best example of this futile psuedo-logic is seen in our healthcare system. ‘
Yea, and the same shmucks that you say are in control of our f’d up tax system are the same shmucks you want to take care of your body ?
Puleeese.
I have only one thing to say to you and those who would want government control health care.
PULL IT OUT !
Hey Jersey !
Why dont you and Mike just get a room already ?
M.B.;
“If nothing else, the blogosphere has shown me how many vindictive, semi-literate feudalists live in our midst.”
In addition , since my first response to this line with special attention to “feudalists” I will also add that it has become incresingly apparent since your little love fest with Jersey began that you would only like to hear yourselves both being reflected in each others confirmation of your dysfunctional ideas.
The best example of you dysfunctional thought process would be how you undoubtedly made my point for me when you said this; “Also, JMJ, I certainly would never say that Brazil is Valhalla” after you were so hell bent on putting Brazil at the top of the world simply because they had a little bump in their economy.
Of course you and Jersey are quite simply ignorant to the level of the trade offs involved when you brag about these other countries and their excellence in only one or two areas as compared to all the great things we have to be thankful for here in America.
You’re like a couple of spoiled rotten little teenage girls who bitch about everything at home and you know damn well this is the best place on earth
Does it need work ? Yea! Of course it does.
But the methods and solutions you both would like to impose on this country have been tried before in other civilizations and they have failed.
This line of yours Michaell says it all in a nut shell.
M.B.
why does the US even need a yacht industry? It doesn’t
The market decides, not your personal hatred for anyone who makes more money than you.
——————————————————————————————————————–
Finnegan’s Wake-Up Call
“I don’t doubt that you feverishly WISH to believe as much, but whether you CAN build yachts is increasingly fanciful. Perhaps if you build for wealthy European or Arab clients, yes. They have healthy economies, valuable currencies. But don’t imagine you’ll be building your piss-off yacht for Americans.”
I have a wake up call for you. Go ask Ted kennedy !
Also , if you paid attention to the post here and were actually up to date on the conversation you would realize that I referd to the many collateral employment oppotunities involved in the production of yachts and luxury recreational marine vehicles.
I live in Hawaii, and trust me bro ! I work on alot of yachts refinishing the brass, copper and replating everything from portholes to deck trims.
The plating and refinishing business in the mainland states alone employs well into the hundreds of thousands.
That is simply the plating and metal fabrication aspect of a yachts construction.
Do I also need to mention the hundreds of other materials and services involved in building these vehicles that add to Americas labor force and contribute to our economy ?
Now, shall we talk about the commercial use of these vehicles also ? And the services they provide and the staffs that they employe ?
Being one of the top tourist destinations in the world I can safely tell you that these vessels add a huge amount of volume to our states economy.
And one of the biggest contributions to my success as a small business owner.
Finnegan:
“Take it from the market. And Gillligan dude? Take it like a man.
Why do libs or the equivalent nuts always bring up the “man” thing?
Hmmm…
You mention a series of national woes, JMJ, that I see as huge problems as well, including healthcare.
Did you know that only four countries in the world don’t mandate paid leave for new mothers? Apart from the US, the other three average a per capita income of $1,200! On this front, we are in the company of the truly miserable.
Micky: I haven’t complained about anyone’s spelling and grammar. I’ve found their comments and reasoning deficient, though.
Also, you call Brazil a sh*thole?!!; have you flown a US airline lately? Hah!
M.B.;
“Micky: I haven’t complained about anyone’s spelling and grammar. I’ve found their comments and reasoning deficient, though.”
M.B.
““If nothing else, the blogosphere has shown me how many vindictive,” semi-literate “feudalists live in our midst.”
No, you critisized the level of literacy.
Once again you’re full of it.
In any blog your level of literacy is determined by your ability to convey your message via spelling and typing. Whatever way you choose to say it, you still carry that snobbery so many liberals are famous for by assuming they are so much smarter than everyone else.
And yet all you really do is cry like a little boy and bring no points that I couldnt crap out my rear in my sleep.
M.B.
“Also, you call Brazil a sh*thole?!!; have you flown a US airline lately? Hah!”
How does that have anything to do with me choosing to live and do business in America ?
At least they’re not getting flown into buildings anymore.
Have you seen your friend Anders Gravers lately?