Comments on: Economic pessimism

By: The cligg;

The cligg; — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 02:47:41 +0000

The Cliff; Decades of underinvestment in our country by the wealthy class, two Bush wars paid for on credit, and an unrestrained culture on Wall Street that treated the economy like a poorly run casino has unarguably left America strapped for cash. The only question at hand is whether we’ll finally be treated to genuine accountability and sound fiscal policy in this deal.
Not if the Republicans get their way. Their endless exaggeration of the certain doom that awaits us on the other side of the fiscal cliff is intended once again to force middle class and poor Americans to accept yet one more bum deal so that the wealthy don’t have to budge an inch. But this time, they do so at their own political peril

By: James E.

James E. — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 00:01:40 +0000

Dee, I should hope that we could debate sending slings and arrows at each other over politics, but with the knowledge that each of us is valued. Perhaps not friends, but worthy chat opponents. I think each of us loves the debate, but that neither of us wants to hurt the other. May we continue in that spirit?

By: James E.

James E. — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 20:59:23 +0000

OK, I’ve inadvertently riled up Dee again, so I’m going to go over to Netflix and watch some BBC Bleak House.

By: James E.

James E. — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 20:50:44 +0000

Dee, have you run out of argument? If I were calling names, I wouldn’t have called you a lady.

By: Dee

Dee — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 20:45:25 +0000

Longhofer-”Dee, you are one angry lady tilted to the extreme right.” Calling names again? I win!

By: James E.

James E. — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 20:42:24 +0000

Dee, didn’t we discuss this at length yesterday?
No change today except your attempt to shame me (an American issue), in an attempt to negate my point that Republicans have painted themselves into a corner. If it’s not a political issue, then Tea/Republicans should just give in to the President (and they should because they have no choice). Oh, how sweet it is.

By: Dee

Dee — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 20:22:30 +0000

Longhofer-Changing the subject again. The subject is not the 2012 election , it is tthe fiscal cliff and the laughable compromise the Administration put forward. It is about the lack of seriousness that the Administration is showing in trying to solve a major problem of spending. I will repeat, this is NOT a Republican/Democrat issue. It is an American issue. And only approaching the problem through the narrow blinders of party politics is foolhardy and dangerous.

By: James E.

James E. — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 20:07:39 +0000

Robert, I see you are back — to answer your question, because the Commanding General of the Military District of Washington abused his discretion. Are you able to understand these large words?

By: James E.

James E. — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 20:00:17 +0000

Dee, Mitt didn’t give 47% of America respect, so please don’t ask for any. And, it appears to be your position that Democrats are cheats, liars, etc., etc., while Republicans are pristine. Dee, you are one angry lady tilted to the extreme right.

By: Dee

Dee — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 19:48:58 +0000

Longhofer-the Republicans, represent 48% of the voters but do not deserve respec?. Well that runs both ways. The Democrats, who have cheats, liers, thiefs, lawbreakers for representatives are examples of politicians deserving of respect? Don’t think so. You are making me laugh again.The fiscal cliff is not a Republican/Democrat problem. It is an American problem. Obama is so busy playing games and campaigning that he has been unable to even produce a unlaugable budget since he came into office. Even his liberal Democrat Senate was rolling in the aisles when the last budget was sent over. Not one of them, incuding Reid, voted for it. As the leader of the Country, Obama is obligated to lead in solving the fiscal problem, not play games. The Republicans will be blamed for whatever happens that is bad. That is a fact.

By: cookie65

cookie65 — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 12:02:23 +0000

The repubs should call the dems bluff on spending cuts. Offer them $25 billion in new taxes for every federal agency that they eliminate and no longer fund and let them pick which ones. Anyone who believes the dems are gonna cut any significant spending need to start shopping for a bridge. That is like believing prop 30 in California was for schools.

By: robertdnoll

robertdnoll — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 10:37:20 +0000

senator McCain was in jail as a prisoner of war,why was james e sent to jail?

By: Phil Veerkamp

Phil Veerkamp — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 08:02:31 +0000

pleasant conversation makes a nice end of th' day. G'night, Colonel

By: James E.

James E. — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 07:54:32 +0000

OK, checking out — going over to Netflex to watch some BBC Bleak House.

By: James E.

James E. — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 07:49:37 +0000

Reminds me that you can quickly break a person if you know what he/she fears.

By: James E.

James E. — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 07:47:14 +0000

Phil, push my face into a cage of hungry rats, and I’ll tell you whatever you want to know including 2 plus 2 equals 5 or 6 or 7 or 8 or whatever makes you happy. No contest.

By: Phil Veerkamp

Phil Veerkamp — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 07:44:43 +0000

YES. Winston Smith finally did admit that 2 + 2 = 5

By: James E.

James E. — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 07:29:18 +0000

On the other hand, I know nothing about music or
speaking Japanese.

By: James E.

James E. — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 07:26:42 +0000

Phil, when I was Division Chief, Special Operations Division in the Pentagon, one of the sub elements in my Division was Psychological Warfare — in those days we were beaming propaganda into Cuba. The subtle message had to be woven into a learned academic message, so perhaps I am too attuned to looking for subtle messages. Nevertheless, it’s a necessary skill in our political world and one I’m glad to have.

By: Phil Veerkamp

Phil Veerkamp — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 07:21:05 +0000

. . . will be FED.

By: Phil Veerkamp

Phil Veerkamp — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 07:01:08 +0000

Ahhh . . . I see the split in perception. The forecast future population stabilization has macroeconomic consequences. The constraints on growth are real. The end of (population growth) economic growth has consequences. The author WAS NOT advocating for or against abortion/contraception. He was forecasting population stabilization as having economic consequences. The ponzi scheme of compound economic growth is nearing an end. A = P(1+r/n)^nt is the “beast”. The exponential function will be fed.

By: James E.

James E. — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 06:47:39 +0000

Phil, not to worry, you have been a gentleman regarding Catherine. No one will fault you.

By: James E.

James E. — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 06:46:04 +0000

And, as to it all going down hill when we stop having babies seemed to be a subtle anti-abortion
message. As I said previously, the program was most academic and pleasing, but seemed to be skillfully spoken to
advance the conservative message. Phil, the radio host is certainly more pleasant than Rush.

By: Phil Veerkamp

Phil Veerkamp — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 06:41:40 +0000

Yes, James, I thought twice before assuming that level of familiarity with Catherine. I guess it’s the season. But I will not be surprised if/when members of this forum insinuate more.

By: James E.

James E. — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 06:31:44 +0000

*** listen, not read.

By: James E.

James E. — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 06:30:46 +0000

Phil, private link for Catherine? That’s just not fair. Catherine, please read it for your own evaluation — you have to remember, I’ve become very cynical in my old age. But, I nevertheless think I got the nuance of the message.

By: Phil Veerkamp

Phil Veerkamp — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 05:26:05 +0000

Dee, thank you for the compliment on my cooking. In all modesty I am the inspiration for LINK - the Seinfeld SOUP NAZI James and Catherine GET NO SOUP from me!

By: Phil Veerkamp

Phil Veerkamp — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 05:13:58 +0000

Catherine, obviously I am unable to speak to what the Colonel heard. His synopsis totally misses the global perspective of the book and presents only as a U.S. centric treatise regarding progressive vs conservative philosophy. In fact the United States enters the discussion only to the extent of our place within the larger global community. The most brief summary might describe the book as a look at the cyclical rise and fall of societies and our place on that “sine wave”. Find 40 minutes, Catherine, and listen for yourself. – just for you – your very own link – Season’s Greetings! - LINK - HERE

By: Catherine

Catherine — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 04:45:09 +0000

***That would be Thank you

By: Catherine

Catherine — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 04:42:59 +0000

Gosh, Phil, if the Colonel’s summary is accurate, I guess that’s not the book for me. But That You–it’s the thought that counts……. And I’m perplexed by voters who elect men like McConnell and Graham. These noisy people distract the Republican Party from finding real leaders. My guess is the 31st will come and go, and the world will not end.

By: Phil Veerkamp

Phil Veerkamp — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 03:54:02 +0000

Catherine, SUPER! My Christmas shopping is done.

By: James E.

James E. — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 03:33:44 +0000

OK, I’m going to take a time out. I’ve done enough to rile up Dee and I have to give my dogs their heart worm medicine. Later.

By: James E.

James E. — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 03:32:38 +0000

Dee, the President’s offer not showing respect. Boehner and McConnell deserve no respect. The have proven time and time again that the Party of NO has no concern for the American people. Respect is earned, not demanded.

By: James E.

James E. — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 03:28:55 +0000

Phil, I listened to the 40 minutes. Let me summarize: We must get rid of entitlements and not tax producers or we will go the way of Rome.
People have become subjects of government by decree, and which governments are run by bureaucrat/politician Socialists. And, it will all start to go down hill when we stop having babies.
The program was very academic sounding, but the bottom line seemed to support the Tea/Republican philosophy. Did I misread or, should I say, mishear?

By: James E.

James E. — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 03:17:48 +0000

Dee, you say that such an offer does not deserve a counter-offer. OK, good, then off the cliff and Boehner/McConnell will be blamed. Don’t you see, the Tea/Republicans have painted themselves into a corner.

By: James E.

James E. — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 03:13:36 +0000

Dee, regarding all these taxes next year, as George W. Bush would say, “At last the coffers will begin to fill.”

By: Dee

Dee — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 02:48:34 +0000

Phil-Just to make your evening because I am jealous of your expertise in soup making. New Taxes for Obamacare starting January 1.Excise tax of 2.3% on medical device companies (pacemakers, wheelchairs,etc.). This is on the gross income even is the company does not make a profit.—Surtax on investment income of 3.8%(This is in addition to tax rate already paid.)in households with income making $250,000;single $200,000.—Medicare Payroll Tax Hike from 2.9% to 3.8%.on households with income of $250,000;single $200,000. This is a direct hit on small business owners who will the entire increase..—Cutting of medical itemized deductions from 7.5% of AGI to 10% f AGI. Next year will be fun.

By: Dee

Dee — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 02:32:26 +0000

Longhofer, “Dee, yes, of course, as in the motion, or the proposed contract offer, etc., etc., does not meet the laugh test. A term of derision.” Such an offer does not deserve a counteroffer. The offer shows a lack of seriousness and respect. And since no matter what happens will be the Reps fault one can only laugh. Besides, the last time Boehner thought he had deal with Obama, Obama called him up with new numbers and this 1.6 trillion increase in taxes is double what was being discussed before the election. I’m sure the next offer will include 3.2 trillion in tax increases.

By: James E.

James E. — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 02:22:21 +0000

Dee, reference Charles Krauthammer’s comment. Yes, the President does expect the Tea/Republicans to cave on everything — he now comes from a position of strength. But, if they fold at the last moment, I’m sure they can be given a few crumbs so they can save some small amount of face.
Otherwise, off the cliff.

By: James E.

James E. — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 02:16:06 +0000

Dee, as I understand it, the President made an offer. Instead of a counter-offer, the Tea/Republicans laugh. No lesser offer from the President because he has been fooled again and again in the past. Stalemate until the Tea/Republicans fold or off the cliff.

By: James E.

James E. — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 02:10:21 +0000

Dee, yes, of course, as in the motion, or the proposed contract offer, etc., etc., does not meet the laugh test. A term of derision.

By: James E.

James E. — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 02:03:17 +0000

Phil, it matters not to me. I am so easy going.

By: Dee

Dee — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 01:45:14 +0000

Charles Krauthammer on Thursday called an offer to fix the fiscal cliff from the White House, presented to House Republicans by Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner, “not just a bad deal, this is really an insulting deal.”

“What Geithner offered, what you showed on the screen, Robert E. Lee was offered easier terms at Appomattox, and he lost the Civil War,” Krauthammer said on Fox News on Thursday. “There are not only no cuts in this, there’s an increase in spending with a new stimulus. I mean, this is almost unheard of. What do they expect? They obviously expect the Republicans will cave on everything. I think the Republicans ought to simply walk away.”

By: Catherine

Catherine — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 01:34:07 +0000

Phil, I’m waiting for it to have more than 3 reviews and a Kindle edition, which will be hard if it’s out of stock.

By: Dee

Dee — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 01:26:03 +0000

This last offer does not pass the giggle test. And wth your vast knowledge of jurispudence you know what the giggle test is.

By: Dee

Dee — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 01:21:32 +0000

Longhofer-As I understand it the Administration makes and offer. The Reps say we can’t do that. The Administration makes anotherd worst offer. The Reps say we can do that. The Administration makes an even more horrendous offer. The Reps say O.K. And we go merrily on down the hill into bankruptcy.—The dept ceiling is like the credit available on your credit card. Without a budget it doesn ‘t matter because in reality at this point no one knows how much the government is spending on what. And nobody cares. The whole thing is humorous except for the results.

By: Phil Veerkamp

Phil Veerkamp — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 00:18:09 +0000

Catherine, would you like the book for Christmas? - LINK - AMAZON - Temporarily out of stock. UnCivilization - Urban Geopolitics in a Time of Chaos - Hardcover

By: Phil Veerkamp

Phil Veerkamp — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 00:13:06 +0000

Colonel, for some unexplainable reason I have fallen into the habit of addressing you as Colonel. It occurs to me that your essence may not be bold Colonel . Colonel, is this better? Are you more Colonel orColonel?

By: Catherine

Catherine — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 00:00:59 +0000

Evelyn, good article, especially the part on stock dumping….. Phil, wish there was a transcript, as the book looks interesting.

By: Phil Veerkamp

Phil Veerkamp — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 23:54:45 +0000

Colonel, I appreciate your sense of humor. You (we) will find such assets indispensable. BTW were you able to find 40 minutes for this? - LINK - 40 minutes - UnCivilization - Urban Geopolitics in a Time of Chaos by Gregory R. Copley