tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511919565050288865.comments2011-12-01T14:13:12.467-06:00LostLocalhostUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511919565050288865.post-37914616067688849352011-12-01T14:13:12.467-06:002011-12-01T14:13:12.467-06:00Unfortunately what's happening is the conserva...Unfortunately what's happening is the conservatives advocate for capitalism on the way up and socialism on the way down, while the liberals advocate for socialism on the way up and capitalism on the way down. No one, liberal or conservative, has the courage to accept the consequences of their policy positions when taken to their logical extremes.<br />In the conservative world we go back to the grand old world of the industrial revolution. Corporations (really their CEOs) effectively rule the country and the political establishment. Workers were ground to paste in the name of progress. The environment was crushed and destroyed in the name of progress. <br />In the liberal world we move to 1984. Our basic decisions are made for us in the name of societal well being. Nonconformity is ground away leaving both high and low achievers at the same level. The environment is beautiful but you can't go anywhere near it.<br />Those of us in the middle are left scratching our heads trying to find the path that balances these two worlds into something that works. Because let's be honest here, neither vision if given complete free reign will work. You need liberalism to drive change and to protect the people, but you need conservatism to maintain order and protect the values system.<br />Here's a clip that I find particularly poignant on the topic: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnUBNRZaFJY<br />-RSlostlocalhosthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03492390722636143324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511919565050288865.post-74782312154558643182011-12-01T14:12:55.088-06:002011-12-01T14:12:55.088-06:00A buddy of mine tried to post this here, but had i...A buddy of mine tried to post this here, but had issues. So this is a copy and paste from his email he wanted me to put up here. It is in two parts due to limitations of my comments system<br />======<br /><br />The main issue for me is that the bankers and financial institutions extracted tremendous amounts of wealth from across the globe and consolidated it into the hands of a few, did so in a fraudulent way, had that fraud come back and bite them, and then had the audacity to come to their respective governments and ask to be saved. What's more infuriating is that the officials who proclaimed "small government, limited intervention, no regulation" promptly wrote them a huge check, providing the bankers with yet more of the world's wealth. And they did so with very few strings attached.<br />I think it's reasonable to require that the banks write down the loans on any house that was underwater. Note, I'm not calling for the erasure of all debt; merely asking for a means of allowing people to have some degree equity stake. The other thing that really needs to happen is that the laws regarding student loan debt need to have a long hard look taken at them. In particular, private student loans should be subject to the same standards as any other unsecured debt, namely that they can be shed via bankruptcy. Net effect, fewer private student loans. This comes back to your point about education being a responsibility. If you can't get the scholarships or the loans then you don't go or you work your ass off in whatever crappy job you have to in order to go to college.<br />Healthcare is a strange topic. No, I'm not responsible for your health but when you get the plague I care. A lot. Especially considering those who are least likely to have health insurance are most likely to have to go to work even when ill. From an infection vector perspective that's a big deal. Providing a mechanism for those who are ill to be treated when it's "non-emergency" keeps the rest of the population healthier.<br />Guaranteed wage is a non-starter. You can make money if you have a job (or a trust fund) otherwise stay out of the way.<br />I'm fine with a constitutional amendment on racial and gender discrimination. The people most likely to care are the ones that the law targets. Laws can be changed at the whim of the government and the courts, constitutional amendments are not so easy to change.<br />A trillion dollars in infrastructure is probably a bit low, but it's a good starting point. Our country has taken the "patch and ignore" approach to infrastructure for far too long. The fundamental basis of our economic engine must be maintained and occasionally rebuilt. Without it we're hosed.<br />In today's political arena there is no tolerance for a grand vision, for compromise, or for far reaching goals. The instant gratification society is destroying our ability to succeed. At the end of the day these movements are concerned with one thing: having people be heard. That part is good.lostlocalhosthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03492390722636143324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511919565050288865.post-91919819044537176932011-11-11T00:23:33.973-06:002011-11-11T00:23:33.973-06:00Why is it a shock? First of all, there is no proof...Why is it a shock? First of all, there is no proof. If I'm going to hold the left to requiring proof of their allegations, I'm going to hold the right to it as well.<br /><br />Also, as I mentioned, this sort of thing has a limited playtime in the news - even when stretched out by the MSNBCs of the country. This would NOT be the best time to unveil this against Cain. As much as I hate him, Romney has a better chance to beat the BigO, so if anything the left would want Cain to win the primary and have this dumped on him after that. The only way this would have been a strategy by them is if they felt he was more of a threat than Romney, or they wanted to keep playing the race card against the GOP.<br /><br />Yet again I ask, where's the beef? Err... proof, I mean.lostlocalhosthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03492390722636143324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511919565050288865.post-51705568242339306662011-11-10T19:47:12.091-06:002011-11-10T19:47:12.091-06:00Why is it a shock that he said this was orchestrat...Why is it a shock that he said this was orchestrated this scandal my friend? The Dems, especially the "Chicago Machine" that gave us Obama and supports him..is known for this kind of crap. Also for stuffing ballot boxes, false votes from people that have been dead 20yrs or so, manufacturing scandals, paying bribes, intimidating voters[black panthers at the polls when Obama was elected is the most recent example] on and on ad infiniteum.<br /><br /> I keep waiting for them to uncork the creme de la creme of these kind of tactics. <br />It's always been said that the fastest way to kill a career is with a dead girl or a live boy. Sadly the former which SHOULD have killed Ted Kennedy didn't. More is the pity on that score as it took us 50yrs to get rid of his ass.<br /><br />I Don't believe the women. as to why? read my response to you and basset back over on 2x4.Da Curly Wolfhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07631427436506831892noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511919565050288865.post-40236664330749307022011-11-08T16:52:24.107-06:002011-11-08T16:52:24.107-06:00Talking belbow. ;)Talking belbow. ;)likwidtekhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01840031900434445391noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511919565050288865.post-7194792819433447952011-11-08T15:19:06.301-06:002011-11-08T15:19:06.301-06:00BTW, I can only hope my little blog would gain eno...BTW, I can only hope my little blog would gain enough attention to matter to someone somewhere. But even to that end, I claim this only to be my thoughts on things as I see them. If I'm wrong, it's because I either haven't see the evidence to the contrary, or I interpreted the evidence I did see in a way not like others. I try to stay without agenda, and understand things the best way logically.<br /><br />I'm not important enough to be considered a talking head. Maybe a talking kneecap... or a talking pinkie toe.lostlocalhosthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03492390722636143324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511919565050288865.post-39227156577427361062011-11-08T15:15:05.794-06:002011-11-08T15:15:05.794-06:00According to the definition I'm aware of, my s...According to the definition I'm aware of, my statements wouldn't be classified as neoconservative.<br /><br />The majority of what I've seen from the occupy groups themselves seem to support the same beliefs that many of these groups do. I believe that you attract what you put out, and unless you make a statement distancing yourself from those things you do not believe in, that's the impression you will continue to give.<br /><br />I agree that there are people who have good points in the occupy movement, and I've tried to make that clear in the few spots I see them. Unfortunately, if you have groups like those listed throwing their support behind you those messages don't hold as much weight. At some point you have to say "Umm, no. That's not why we're here - you have it wrong, and here's why." I haven't seen that. At least RP has said multiple times in many situations that he doesn't agree with what some of his supporters do, but it's their right to do it.<br /><br />If all goes well, I hope to get some video from the Chicago rally this weekend - perhaps someone will change my mind and distance themselves from these groups in person.lostlocalhosthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03492390722636143324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511919565050288865.post-44903071488472564122011-11-08T14:53:15.370-06:002011-11-08T14:53:15.370-06:00You're saying that it's a two way associat...You're saying that it's a two way association. As if you or some other neocon read or heard "The occupy wall street movement officially acknowledges the American Nazi Party's endorsement and we would like it known that the support is reciprocated."<br /><br />As far as I know the OWS thing has no direction, leaders or official structure. From what I see, it's a huge number of pissed off people who are complaining about a wide range of things ranging from government bailing out big banks to people being pissed about the huge disparity of income between the people the US. That said, so many talking heads keep trying to label and demonize the movement and pin it all on them nasty liberals. There are liberals and conservatives out there from what I've seen. <br /><br />This kind of rhetoric is polarizing and bad for america. Those are Americans out there and some of them have some really good points. <br /><br />It's BS and you know it.<br /><br />I'm just saying, don't be just another one of those neocon talking heads. There isn't enough truth out there and this stuff just doesn't help anything.likwidtekhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01840031900434445391noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511919565050288865.post-63098891182128677072011-11-08T13:21:16.635-06:002011-11-08T13:21:16.635-06:00So you don't think those who you associate wit...So you don't think those who you associate with say anything about you? If your kid is hanging out with people who you know have outrageous beliefs and are immoral, your thinking is it's ok? I could think like you if the occupy group were to denounce some of these groups - just like if it were my kid I would trust them more if they avoided the druggies and promiscuous crowds.<br /><br />There is guilt for what you believe, but your associations are a good indication of those beliefs.lostlocalhosthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03492390722636143324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511919565050288865.post-89986138558036415692011-11-08T11:11:00.979-06:002011-11-08T11:11:00.979-06:00Dude this post is hyperbolic garbage. To say that...Dude this post is hyperbolic garbage. To say that a person or movement is defined by a selectively chosen list of people that cheer them on is such a fallacy. <br /><br />People tried this crap with Ron Paul saying that he was "backed" by white supremacists. WTF does that even mean? Turns out they sent Ron Paul a check for $500. And somehow that means they're connected somehow?<br /><br />This type of blogging (reblogging) just stinks. What is the point? Guilty by association? <br /><br />This is pure crap propaganda.likwidtekhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01840031900434445391noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511919565050288865.post-50441550371956391512011-10-28T13:41:53.220-05:002011-10-28T13:41:53.220-05:00Agreed. I'm a firm believer that what makes yo...Agreed. I'm a firm believer that what makes you a criminal is breaking the law and hat makes you morally despicable is doing immoral things.<br />Simply being rich, owning a multi-million dollar business, or offering items or services that many people want is not illegal or immoral.<br /><br />Show me your friends, I'll show you your future. :)lostlocalhosthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03492390722636143324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511919565050288865.post-44712128774278071512011-10-28T13:19:08.857-05:002011-10-28T13:19:08.857-05:00I'm not sure how he gets that he's paying ...I'm not sure how he gets that he's paying 50% but this is a pretty good conversation an an interesting point of view from one of the 1%<br /><br />I think that the #OWS are upset for sure. I think that a lot of them think the answer is to get government more involved, tax and regulate more to fix this. Personally I think it's the collusion of corporations and government that caused this. The scam can be busted up if we disarm the corporations; Meaning, take away the ability for corporations to manipulate the economy and siphon tax payer dollars. That is, get money out of politics and get the government OUT of the economy. <br /><br />This is another NOT black and white issue. It's not the 1% vs the 99% it's the goverment/corporate (corporatists) vs everyone else. Not all of the 1% are in bed with congress and paying them off. Again, it's easy to get trapped in the Us versus Them absolutist way of thinking.<br /><br />We've got to think rationally about this.likwidtekhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01840031900434445391noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511919565050288865.post-47975979939353091592011-10-26T16:58:42.729-05:002011-10-26T16:58:42.729-05:00Ahhh, maybe that's why NASA's funding was ...Ahhh, maybe that's why NASA's funding was cut. :)lostlocalhosthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03492390722636143324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511919565050288865.post-2052778391686775632011-10-26T13:22:14.581-05:002011-10-26T13:22:14.581-05:00I'd like to see them fired into the sun, after...I'd like to see them fired into the sun, after they've been loaded onto a rocket of course. Alas..we don't HAVE a rocket big enough to hold them all so...multiple space shots.Da Curly Wolfhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07631427436506831892noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511919565050288865.post-23790745356565181032011-10-16T10:25:55.323-05:002011-10-16T10:25:55.323-05:00Thanks for your thoughts, Mort. As for my thoughts...Thanks for your thoughts, Mort. As for my thoughts on your points...<br /><br />1. While I disagree it's a gross misrepresentation, or even a slight misrepresentation I'll ask a question back - Who is causing this? I believe that if it is indeed a misrepresentation it's by the people who are actually attending. Signs that blame corporations, "Occupy <b>WALL STREET</b>" which is primarily tied to corporations and not thought of as a government entity, and banter only about the 1% and not the ties to government... It's not my fault (or the fault of the person who made that image) on how they are perceived - it's their own mixed, convoluted message.<br /><br />That is, of course, if you really believe it's not about hating on corporations. <br /><br />The other item that leads me think that they do not thinks it's the relationship to the government is that they are not "occupying" any government locations... (at least to my knowledge). Many of the banks and institutions they are protesting would be bankrupt if our government hadn't stepped in, which is something I'm unsure anyone could argue would be a bad thing - businesses need the ability to fail without a sweeping safety net.<br /><br />2. First, that seems like shady practices - it's part of the reason no one likes lawyers, because this is their thinking. How can you even go to the table to negotiate with these sort of demands? Second, I think the person who made up those demands did not think like you. I think they genuinely wanted each of these things and in the way it's listed as "demands" and not negotiation points, they were not expecting to negotiate.<br /><br />3. I haven't noticed. Mainly because I never consider race in situations, unlike others who try to insinuate that situations are race related, even if they are not.<br /><br />With that said though, I'll bite...<br /><br />While I do not have the stats, I would bet that there is a larger percentage of whites who work, earn more, and therefore pay more taxes and would more likely end up being part of the 53%. Is the 53% representative of the country? Absolutely, yes. Of the whole country? Obviously not. But I find it amusing you use that almost as an attack on the movement when those claiming to be part of the 99% are not representing 99%.<br /><br />I have a big issue with blanket statements like "The problem with white people..." You know, if you replace that with "black people" you're a racists. No wait, it's still a racist statement...<br />White people don't recognize "white privilege"?! <b>PEOPLE</b> don't recognize privilege! You think the color of your skin has anything to do with the human nature of taking things for granted? It doesn't. Look out at the protests and you'll see many people <a href="http://i.usatoday.net/news/_photos/2011/10/12/Column-Will-Occupy-Wall-Street-fizzle-out-HDF9CM6-x-large.jpg" rel="nofollow">not recognizing the privilege they have to live in the best place in the world</a>, do as they wish, protest without being killed, build their own businesses when they refuse to support others, and live a generally free life. It's not a "white" problem. <br /><br />You simply bringing the race card up is insinuating one of a couple things... 1) Other races don't pay taxes. 2) The 53% as a group (which it isn't) is somehow racist? or 3) Minorities aren't smart enough to get themselves out of troubled situations like white males. I think the answer is much more simple... Minorities simply haven't posted their pictures - That's it. No fault of anyone.<br />It's that simple and to apply race to it, is not justified. In fact, crying wolf when there is none, is in fact racist itself.lostlocalhosthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03492390722636143324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511919565050288865.post-80696161062436793812011-10-16T06:49:39.923-05:002011-10-16T06:49:39.923-05:001. it is a gross misrepresentation to say the move...1. it is a gross misrepresentation to say the movement does not support corporations. What they want is to dislodge corporate control over our government.<br /><br />2. The secret to good demands is to ask for way more than you know you'll ever get and negotiate.<br /><br />3. have you noticed the homogeneity (white male) of the 53% versus the heterogeneity of the 99%. Do you think that the 53% may not actually be representative of our country? The problem with white people, and I am one, is that they don't recognize white privilege. If you are white, your life is made a lot easier in the US by your skin tone alone. <br /><br />peace,<br />Mort<br /><br />My take on 53%:<br />http://iam53percent.blogspot.comMort Redclayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11172828807158516764noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511919565050288865.post-11146990274904171982011-10-15T21:06:28.822-05:002011-10-15T21:06:28.822-05:00Found your site through the Tumblr 53% group. Lov...Found your site through the Tumblr 53% group. Love this post and will spread this around as much as I can. Fantastic points.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511919565050288865.post-44421910406017496402011-10-11T22:34:52.043-05:002011-10-11T22:34:52.043-05:00Here's the thing, there are assistance program...Here's the thing, there are assistance programs out there available, and they serve an amazing purpose for those who really need it. Many are religious institutions, and almost all are rampant with abuse.<br /><br />There is never a problem with asking for help - because there are times everyone needs it. The problem with this is when concessions are demanded and one group is forced to support another.<br /><br />I think the biggest problem with this is that people have a seriously flawed view on what a "living wage" would be. Now some think a cell phone is a necessity? A car? A TV? A computer? Hell no. Necessity = form of shelter, clothing, and sustenance - Not enough to gorge yourself, but true sustenance. This has caused many of the great offers to be abused.lostlocalhosthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03492390722636143324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511919565050288865.post-6066493294476257792011-10-11T21:56:23.982-05:002011-10-11T21:56:23.982-05:00"Guaranteed living wage income regardless of ..."Guaranteed living wage income regardless of employment."<br /><br />I'm not of the opinion these losers who can drop everything and protest for weeks at time will actually start a revolution. I am, however, enjoying the theater and the chance to engage some of my liberal friends in a frank discussion of why I think their way is wrong. <br /><br />That statement is the beginning, middle, and end of the argument against all forms of socialism. I've worked - no college, basically crappy jobs - since I was nineteen. Proud of myself for making it and blessed to have help from my hard working parents when I'm stuck. It may not seem like much to most people, but it's what I've done with my life. It's been hard sometimes, but I do what I have to do. Right now, it's two part-time jobs and keep <br /><br />Have to admit, I'd be temped to sit back, at least for a while, at live at the "living wage" if these dingbats succeeded. Lord knows, I've lived below it on more than one occasion. If someone already has a poor work ethic, they're never going to want to go to work. We've seen that with the welfare system. Can you imagine how bad it'll be when you don't even have to pop out a baby to freeload?NerdBlisshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14979889864158848313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511919565050288865.post-85460584992468582812011-10-10T19:06:32.593-05:002011-10-10T19:06:32.593-05:00Dude, you rock!Dude, you rock!Alfredo Olonahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07430120218178093910noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511919565050288865.post-1511030876732500682011-10-09T23:20:47.414-05:002011-10-09T23:20:47.414-05:00Pshaw..I took that list of demands and responded t...Pshaw..I took that list of demands and responded to all of them. Ripped them apart too. N o I am not a happy camper.Da Curly Wolfhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07631427436506831892noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511919565050288865.post-26036550711245629332011-10-09T20:29:47.503-05:002011-10-09T20:29:47.503-05:00Well, that explains why I suddenly had 119 blog po...Well, that explains why I suddenly had 119 blog posts show up from you on Google Reader.The Dutchesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11124662537193638688noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511919565050288865.post-19092992700747525762011-10-09T19:55:33.052-05:002011-10-09T19:55:33.052-05:00what deejrandom said.. :)
Ill pass on the link an...what deejrandom said.. :)<br /><br />Ill pass on the link and the dragnet clip.Irishhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09772405362867585844noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511919565050288865.post-51941050388426815722011-10-09T16:12:42.880-05:002011-10-09T16:12:42.880-05:00Found this on the We are the 53% tumblr site. Very...Found this on the We are the 53% tumblr site. Very cool - Like the addition of the Dragnet video. Weirdly appropriate now...deejrandomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06805418493995688709noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511919565050288865.post-74416263370705679812011-09-27T09:06:28.223-05:002011-09-27T09:06:28.223-05:00Pretty cool! I would never even attempt shooting ...Pretty cool! I would never even attempt shooting something like this - I'd probably drop my camera into the tank on accident while trying to reframe my shot or something.The Dutchesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11124662537193638688noreply@blogger.com