There have been a number of public hearings in East Texas the last couple of weeks over the I-69 portion of the Trans Texas Corridor.
Lot of un happy people who may loose a lot of land. All because we have to prepare for a huge population increase from south of the border and more imports. Its not just the left's fault either. I saw someone the other day say that The "free trade" thing as it currently exists is a religion on the right like "global warming" is on the left. I have to agree.
Yeah, heaven forbid that I get goods cheaper, and free up the American economy to specialize in things that it is extremely good at. Heaven forbid that I would rather have the consumers empowered to set the price, rather than have a bunch of union thugs set the price.
And above all, how DARE we suggest that if American manufacturers want to compete, that they STOP MAKING CRAP and make it better and cheaper than anyone else!
when you start working in the private sector, you can start complaining about consumers setting the price rather than "union thugs". Right now you make your living off of taxpayers as a government employee, so don't pretend to be all "free market" on me. Congrees sets your salary, not the consumers or the free market.
Yes, I have worked for Uncle Sam also in the military, but I tried to not loose sight of the fact that my salary was supplied by taxes, not the free market.
I am no big fan of unions. They have often gotten out of hand, and Detroit is paying for that right now. But the pendulum can swing too far the other way also.
American companies must also obey a slew of regulations that companies in China and other places do not. This artificially raises their cost.
We should shift the tax burden from American Companies to imports- it would help level the artificial playing field that our own enviromental and other regulations cause.
You don't care that millions of acres of privately owned land will be seized by the government just so you can get cheaper communist made goods.
Yes, we know. Your mother is from Germany, so we need to allow unlimited legal immigration from Mexico. Who cares where their allegiance lies, as long as Unsane, on his government salary, can buy cheap goods from China.
As far as American goods go, I drive a 1994 model Chevy S-10 with 230,000+ miles on it. Assembled in Shreveport, Louisiana. Original Engine, original Transmission. (clutch changed at over 200,000 miles)
I WORK IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR. I am what's called a traditional reservist. My pay there is a pittance off of what I make in the private realm and investments. So, you can apologize to me anytime.
You are no big fan of unions? Coulda fooled me. You are the one who favors empowering them.
We should shift the tax burden from American Companies to imports- it would help level the artificial playing field that our own enviromental and other regulations cause. Translation: we should coddle American companies and convince them to continue making crap without penalty. Oh, and with that little proposal of yours - what most of us would call protectionism - American manufacturers can continue to raise prices with impunity for crappier and crappier output. What's the matter, my shrieking populist? You believe so little in your country that you don't think our manufacturers can handle a little competition?
I'd rather our government de-regulate more.
You don't care that millions of acres of privately owned land will be seized by the government just so you can get cheaper communist made goods. So I take it you don't drive on any Interstate highways then? Or highways at all then? Where do you think the land for THEM came from? And what do you think THEY are used for?
Yes, we know. Your mother is from Germany, so we need to allow unlimited legal immigration from Mexico. Who cares where their allegiance lies, as long as Unsane, on his government salary, can buy cheap goods from China. This entire paragraph proves just what a blithering f#$!ing idiot you are. The burden is on YOU. Show me where I advocated increased ILLEGAL (note that word) immigration from Mexico on the basis of my mother being an immigrant. Or do you wish to lie about me like your populist buddies here? If anything, I have said that ILLEGAL immigration is an AFFRONT to my mother because she troubled herself to do it the right way.
Who cares where their allegiance lies? I do, because I have sworn to support and defend the Constitution four times...AND am currently deployed to do exactly that. See, your problem is that you think that ANYONE from Mexico (correct me if I am wrong) is just here to destroy our country in its current form. While I want those who come here ILLEGALLY bounced from the country, I still like LEGAL immigration from anywhere because America was built on immigration.
I addressed my government salary issue. You can apologize at any time.
I broke my camera the other day, a nice, quality Kodak camera. And I intend to buy another because they make a quality, affordable product. So someone in NY will still have a job because they do things right. And so will the people of Warren, MI, who built my outstanding truck, a Dodge. They keep cranking out that quality product, then all the foreign competition (which, oh by the way, keeps them honest) can go to hell. See how easy THAT can be?
Actually, it is I who am trying to talk sense into a pack of shrieking populists, not the other way around.
You might want to work on your reading comprehension. I specifically mentioned "unlimited legal immigration" and you turned it into "illegal". You may want to apologize anyway. I have never advocated unlimited immigration - legal or otherwise. I bet you would on the other hand, IF the immigrants all acted like you, thought like you, prayed exactly like you, and perhaps most important, LOOKED like you.
Haven't been here for a while---but I see the needle is stuck in the same old groove.
It's not what is good for American workers, it's what is good for good ole consumer, Unsane.
Consumers empowered to set the price??? How trite --how B***S***. The prices are set by WalMart and the like when they import goods manufactured at 36 cents an hour. What a poor example of the understanding of economics. You really need to read more.....and study more.
There has never been a period in consumer history as today. But---I should expect this from, one who continues to deny the existence of the TTC! (Pls read the latest news, for heaven's sake.)
I've got mine I, don't care if you get yours. What a wonderful attitude for a fellow American.
Americans making crap??? Now I know why I stopped communicating--the plumbum in your prescriptions has totally damaged your thinking process. Ah, but who cares??? It only costs $4 each time. We simply need to raise taxes to pay for all the healgh issues caused by "cheap goods".
I am going to fade away again--your crap is too much to read about. What an unAmerican attitude. Blame it all on the unions---of course employers and corporations are not to blame.(Yeah, right!)
And finally, like Tumbler used to say about being opposed to illegal immigration, you are opposed to unfair competition by other countries. Your economic vision harkens back to Karl Marx.
It's not what is good for American workers, it's what is good for good ole consumer, Unsane. Because, as we ALL know, protectionism is working SO WELL in France and Japan!!!
Wait a minute...
It's not what makes the United States the most ruthlessly efficient, dynamic, largest and most advanced economy in the world...it's what we can to to strangle that and PROMISE and GUARANTEE EVERYONE a job for life!!! Right?
Consumers empowered to set the price??? How trite --how B***S***. The prices are set by WalMart and the like when they import goods manufactured at 36 cents an hour. What a poor example of the understanding of economics. You really need to read more.....and study more. Um...yes, the consumers ARE empowered. Read my tagline. Slowly. Carefully. Once you grasp it, you will understand economics better than I do. And sorry, I don't consider your savior, Jean-Baptiste Colbert, to be much of an economist.
There has never been a period in consumer history as today. But---I should expect this from, one who continues to deny the existence of the TTC! (Pls read the latest news, for heaven's sake.) Deny the existence of the TTC....the burden is on you. Show me where I have specifically denied the existence of the TTC. If you cannot, I expect an apology for your attempt to lie about me. I have known about the TTC since Gov. Perry took office - I LIVE (usually) in TX!!!
If anything, I have demonstrated that you Conspiros can't make up your minds on where it is. I have known all along, and why it is more economically advantageous to set it on that path.
Americans making crap??? Now I know why I stopped communicating--the plumbum in your prescriptions has totally damaged your thinking process. Ah, but who cares??? It only costs $4 each time. We simply need to raise taxes to pay for all the healgh issues caused by "cheap goods". No lead here, and no drugs. If Americans AREN'T making crappy products, please explain why else GM's market share has declined as it has. Or Ford's. (At least there's Boeing. They don't need the coddling of protectionists like yourself, because they continue to crank out kickass products. Constantly.)
I am going to fade away again--your crap is too much to read about. What an unAmerican attitude. Blame it all on the unions---of course employers and corporations are not to blame.(Yeah, right!) I have the unAmerican attitude? You are the one being a total defeatist about this country. At least I know and accept that American industry can and does kick ass when set free - Microsoft, for example. That company couldn't have happened anywhere else but here...too bad the dynamism that gave rise to it is something you so lust to extinguish.
If you can't accept the fact that unions price their labor out of the market...well, i'll show you some empty real estate in San Antonio that stand as silent monuments to that phenomenon.
And finally, like Tumbler used to say about being opposed to illegal immigration, you are opposed to unfair competition by other countries. Your economic vision harkens back to Karl Marx. Now, see, you demonstrated to one and all you really don't know what you are talking about when you call me a Communist. First you chastise me for attacking unionized labor, and then you say I am a Communist?
Unsane---it's your fault---you kept telling me that I was devoid of economic knowkedge. You said I should read, read, read.
I did --the following is just one of tens of sources on economics I have read to heed your advice:
"Karl Marx
Economic/Political Philosopher
1818 - 1883
History is economics in action.
—Karl Marx "
Another:
"It has become fashionable to think that Karl Marx was not mainly an economist but instead had integrated various disciplines—economics, sociology, political science, history, and so on. But Mark Blaug, a noted historian of economic thought, points out that Marx wrote "no more than a dozen pages on the concept of social class, the theory of the state, and the materialist conception of history." Marx, writes Blaug, wrote "literally 10,000 pages on economics pure and simple."
So, forgive me--he is listed as an economist--poor little me-- I know so little.
AS to France and Spain--I do not give a rat's butt about them. They come after America.
You refuse to address the labor cost of 36 cents an hour. You have spelled it out about your position in life and how you do not care about other Americans. Also, your hate for the unions is weighing too heavily on your mind. (This from me--I am far from a fan of the union. I believe changes can and are being made.)
I believe you are a total globalist and your feeble protests about illegal immigration are just meaningless comments. At one point , I told you how roofers in Tampa FL had lowered the wage scale by hiring illegals to $6.00 an hour. Your response was, then that is what the job is worth. I do not believe there are many on this site that subscribe to such an unfeeling attitude. I do not give a hoot what you say about yourself and your facing life's career risks. I submit that you are in a protected environment. You would be the biggest whiner if your logistics job was filled by low wage earners and cut your income.
Tata , see you at the non-existent SPP/NAU meeting in n'awlens. We can sit around and laugh about our fellow Americans who are getting screwed.
PS Prezush, it has been fun exchanging comments with you about the also non-existing Texas Corridor rthat is listed in magazines, newspaers and all over the net. Including a widely pulicized meeting last week that included some details on the 4 football field wide highway and where it will be. If you do not read the news---I am not your batman nor your ADC---find out for yourself. I have posted locations to read. You have said you donot go to links. I translate that as" If this may prove me wrong. I will be damned if I will go there".
Jellybeans my a$$!!!!
So--I do what you ask and now I am wrong again???
What's a poor old guy to do??
Wait, I know, support my fellow middle class Americans against wild, unfeeling economics from people who are mainly protected from the negative effects by birth and field of study.
Yeah, yeah, screw those lesser skilled Americans. Yeah, yeah, I'm a true patriot as long as I get goods cheaply.
PS I was out at Msoft last week. I was in line with a lot of illegals who want to do the work that Americans will not do. Yeah, yeah!!
AS to France and Spain--I do not give a rat's butt about them. They come after America. America is indeed number one, but unlike you I'm not going to be an ostrich. There IS a world out there, filled with as much opportunity as danger. The wise man will look out for both and keep his eyes out on the world looking for both.
So, forgive me--he is listed as an economist--poor little me-- I know so little. Well, at least you admit it. (Hint: he isn't the only economist, my Jean-Baptiste Colbert disciple; he is one of many. Give Adam Smith a try sometime.)
You refuse to address the labor cost of 36 cents an hour. Huh? Where did this come from? You have spelled it out about your position in life and how you do not care about other Americans. Yeah, I care so little about other Americans that I am deployed, DEFENDING them. Right. Also, your hate for the unions is weighing too heavily on your mind. (This from me--I am far from a fan of the union. I believe changes can and are being made.) I actually would like to see unions become less adversarial. You want to see states like MI get home grown industry again? Try having the unions and private industry split the cost of health care plans and pensions (instead of unions pouring money into themselves, and into politics). The intent not being to take the unions out of politics as much as to give them a sense of OWNERSHIP in the economy.
But, that being said, the adverse effects of unions are noted all over the place.
I believe you are a total globalist ANYONE who uses the word "globalist" is an extreme isolationist who cannot stand the fact that America even has land borders; you, misterbill, believe America and Americans to be so weak and frail that we MUST hermetically seal off the United States completely from the entire world, a la Albania (1945-1991) and North Korea. and your feeble protests about illegal immigration are just meaningless comments. Well, that's your problem. As a child of an immigrant, I don't like people who break the laws to get here. You can't wrap your mind around that comment? You can't accept that I don't drink populist Kool-Aid as eagerly as you? You can't accept the fact that I actually CRITICALLY THINK? That's your problem. At one point , I told you how roofers in Tampa FL had lowered the wage scale by hiring illegals to $6.00 an hour. Your response was, then that is what the job is worth. I do not believe there are many on this site that subscribe to such an unfeeling attitude. Well, that IS what the job is worth. You know Latin. Read my tagline. If I were king for a day, no one would be hired without proof of citizenship/legal permission to work here as a non-citizen. Maybe wages would then uptick, but then you'll whine still that they aren't getting treated like multi-trillionaires I am sure. I do not give a hoot what you say about yourself and your facing life's career risks. I submit that you are in a protected environment. You would be the biggest whiner if your logistics job was filled by low wage earners and cut your income. Interestingly, the company I work for has interests in Mexico and can EASILY move my job to Mexico for cheap. Now, ask yourself: why haven't they? Because even if they paid less, we still do a superior job. Defeatists like you don't get that.
Tata , see you at the non-existent SPP/NAU meeting in n'awlens. We can sit around and laugh about our fellow Americans who are getting screwed. Can't post without lying, can you? Sheesh, do you have ANY integrity left, old man? I never once said the SPP didn't exist. I say that they are a stupid, bureaucratic talk-shop without all these evil superpowers you routinely ascribe to it. Go eat some jellybeans.
By the way, if this NAU is SO REAL AND IS SO HAPPENING AND IS IMMUTABLE FACT, you MIGHT want to explain why PEMEX is still in the hands of the Mexican government. More questions would follow, but other troops here need the computer.
Wait, I know, support my fellow middle class Americans vote for Obama or Clinton and BE HAPPY. they will be happy to steal for you to protect the "middle class". against wild, unfeeling economics from people who are mainly protected from the negative effects by birth and field of study. Um, how am I protected from negative effects by birth/study? Explain yourself here. (You know what's funny? Only the government laid me off. No private employer has.)
Yeah, yeah, screw those lesser skilled Americans. Yeah, yeah, I'm a true patriot as long as I get goods cheaply. Hey, I don't see you at a Wal-Mart saying at the cash register "I will HAPPILY pay $80 for a t-shirt as long as it says Made in the USA!!!" Maybe you ought to be volunteering more of your money at the cash register on your own instead of trying to steal from your fellow Americans.
What's a poor old guy to do??
Some suggestions:
1) Learn to be a critical thinker.
2) Stop drinking in populist crap the likes of Lou Dobbs cranks out.
3) Accept that it is NOT 1957.
4) Look around you. There are plenty of Americans thaking full advantage of this, the world's largest, most advanced, most dynamic economy.
why haven't they? Because even if they paid less, we still do a superior job.
-Unsane
Just my two cents on this issue, as a designer, and someone who's job market is trying severely to skirt our pay and what our jobs are worth, I would hope you would know that by continuously giving 110% at your job, even when pay is reduced or at an unfair rate, you in essence are *hurting* not only yourself, and the economy surrounding said trade, but you are also balancing all the money into the favor of those at the executive level, again, making the rich richer, and making it more difficult for joe everybody to get a decent living wage and a good job. I understand ALOT of this is reliant on personal responsibility. I am betting me and Unsane are very much in agreeance to how I dont feel sorry for someone who expects a job handed to them. However, my main issue is that someone like myself, who spent tons of money on an education, and recieved it from a rather prestigious university, cannot find a good job. Another big issue is, people in my field used to, on average, at entry level, make between 30-35k a year. Now the average has dropped increasingly due to employers slashing wages for designers and even asking for hard working, dedicated, over-time willing designers to do high level identity designs for corporations yet only offering 12 bucks an hour with no benefits.
That my friend IS garbage. I do think the American system works quite beautifully but there IS a problem when you have actual hardworking Americans who are also educated with bachelors degrees, like myself, barely clearing 18k a year. And its not for lack of effort. I have sent over *literally* 139 job applications in 2007 and so far I've began this year with my nose to the grindstone, sending out over 30 applications in January 08 alone. I don't get responses. I follow up and recieve message notifying me they got the resume and will contact me if they feel I fit. Meanwhile my entire repitoire and skill set is not only equal to, but surpassing the requirements for the job. I would also complain about the ludicrous habit of jobs requiring experience for entry level positions (aren't those jobs WHERE people get their first few years of experience?) or about how internet application and job posting sites have ruined the wonderous process of hiring done through face to face interviews, but perhaps I'll save that for a new thread.
The main point of my rant here is this, when workers (illegal or not) take on a job at a lower rate than the established norm for a certain trade, it devalues the trade itself, the income of others in said trade, and the only people who benefit are the fat cats at the top who now have more of a budget to play with because they've slashed the pay rate for their workers. A designer who takes a job at 12 bucks an hour devalues the worth of quality design work. yet skilled designers such as myself have no choice BUT to take these jobs because in the current market, they are the only ones who are interested in giving new graduates a chance. However, if this continues, as time goes on, my trade becomes less and less financially rewarding. This would be fine if it was a dying art or trade. However, design and marketing are booming more than ever now. I always thought the American Dream was to find something in demand, and provide the supply. My question is, if we're so in demand, and yet our supply is limited, and we STILL are seeing a decreasing wage for such work, how does that economically make sense?
Alot of that responsibility DOES rely on corporations and fat execs who have become way too comfortable banking more money than they could ever hope to spend in their lifetime.
"There IS a world out there, filled with as much opportunity as danger. The wise man will look out for both and keep his eyes out on the world looking for both."
Thanks for that. Here I am almost 75 years old and I have not looked ouside my cave in the past 20 years.
"Give Adam Smith a try sometime."
I have no interest in someone who makes cough drops!
You refuse to address the labor cost of 36 cents an hour.
I have sought your superior knowledge in the past. at least three times asking your outstanding input as to how a manufacturer in the US can compete, in labor costs with a country that pays their employees 36 cents an hour. I , per you, am not too smart and do not understand economivcs. You are correct, so enlighten me!
We are, believe it or not, very close in our opinions re: unions!!
"Well, that IS what the job is worth. You know Latin. Read my tagline. If I were king for a day, no one would be hired without proof of citizenship/legal permission to work here as a non-citizen."
Re the value of a job--- You consistently reference your tagline--when the issue of the illegal workers and their impact on wages is addressed you jump on the "I am opposed to illegal immigration" bandwagon. I submit that any fairminded person would find a major contradiction in your thinking there. It is clearly, (esp. in the example I cited), the illegals that have caused this wage decline. I ask oyu to read your own statement above---If you were king for a day--well you aren't and the hard and true facts of life is that they are here , they lower the wage level and ths, according to you--that is what the job is worth. I cannot stress this contradiction enough.
"Can't post without lying, can you?"
Unwarranted and unfair---I, at one time would have thought that beneath you. Oh, how bitter the sting of calumny-----
The reference re: birth and field of study was not directly aimed at you. It is aimed at those who either through family association,. education and all of the benefits of living here, including God's gift of intelligence, --do not labor in semi or low skilled labor and wind up in careers that are not easily turned over to low wage invaders. The H1B act is trying to get to a lot of those folks now. If you read asyou ask me to, you will find thare are many uiin America today with excellent skills and backgrounds who are unable to find work. AND they are not union members nor unskilled..
1. Learn to be a critical thinker!!
Right back atcha pal--step outside the opiate of your attitude about yourself.
2. Stop drinking in populist crap the likes of Lou Dobbs cranks out. GUILTY, GUILTY , GUILTY--and may God punish me for caring about the guy down the street and his family.
3. Accept that it is not 1957.
When you stop accepting economic theories from the 18th and 19th centuries.
4. Look around you--there are plenty .....
Yes, but fewer every day, every week as jobs are shipped overseas as open borders cost jobs and place heavy financila burdens on Americans, when --
Never mind! It is clear to me that you do not read current statistics on the workplace, you place all your trust in economists from the past.
Unwarranted and unfair---I, at one time would have thought that beneath you. Oh, how bitter the sting of calumny-----
---ahhh, BUT 100% accurate. You accuse me of denying the existence of the SPP. I do not - I merely don't see it as the locus of the world's evil that you do. In fact, I fear ESPN and Chinese restaurants more than the SPP. What really pisses me off is that I even HAVE to type that.
Thanks for that. Here I am almost 75 years old and I have not looked ouside my cave in the past 20 years. My father is in his 60s and is not as filled with complete, overwhelming fear and total defeatism as you are. I'm willing to bet that you haven't stepped outside your front door, in a manner of speaking, since 1959.
I have no interest in someone who makes cough drops! Cough drops, AND The Wealth of Nations? He was THE MAN!
I have sought your superior knowledge in the past. at least three times asking your outstanding input as to how a manufacturer in the US can compete, in labor costs with a country that pays their employees 36 cents an hour. I , per you, am not too smart and do not understand economivcs. You are correct, so enlighten me! The same reason that I work for an employer who, at any moment, can ship my job to Mexico, for less cost...yet hasn't, and from all indications, won't. Care to taks some guesses as to why?
Re the value of a job--- You consistently reference your tagline--when the issue of the illegal workers and their impact on wages is addressed you jump on the "I am opposed to illegal immigration" bandwagon. I submit that any fairminded person would find a major contradiction in your thinking there. It is clearly, (esp. in the example I cited), the illegals that have caused this wage decline. I ask oyu to read your own statement above---If you were king for a day--well you aren't and the hard and true facts of life is that they are here , they lower the wage level and ths, according to you--that is what the job is worth. I cannot stress this contradiction enough. The sad thing is that it is not a contradiction. I'd like to toss the illegal immigration element out first and then we'll see how much those jobs are worth...but, then what? What if they don't rise by as much as you think they are worth? Me, I'd say...the tagline. You'd probably go running to the government and scream and scream and scream and scream about how these poor workers are getting screwed and how they need to be coddled and babied, blah blah blah...
But it seems that you cannot accept my disgust at illegal immigration. And then you wonder why I have questioned your integrity.
GUILTY, GUILTY , GUILTY--and may God punish me for caring about the guy down the street and his family. I'm too damn busy worrying about my own damn self to worry about the guy down his street and his family. (May I suggest some Ayn Rand?) That's HIS problem. That's individualism. That is what America was built on - not coddling, Nanny State socialism. The protectionism and coddling you so badly want here is working GREAT in France - the unemployment rate there is ONLY 8%!!!
When you stop accepting economic theories from the 18th and 19th centuries. An amusing counterpunch, thrown from one who worships Jean-Baptiste Colbert.
Yes, but fewer every day, every week as jobs are shipped overseas as open borders cost jobs and place heavy financila burdens on Americans, when -- and all of you whiners and crybabies who think that you are OWED, PROMISED, and GUARANTEED a job for life simply REFUSE to accept the truth. How many people are coming HERE to set up shop? Airbuses are made in Mobile, AL now. Many BMWs are made in SC. Toyotas roll off the assembly line in San Antonio every day. And those are just a few examples of foreign companies who are hiring people HERE all the time.
But do you EVER acknowledge this?
NO! You just sit on the ground and SCREAM and SCREAM and SCREAM and SCREAM and SCREAM and SCREAM and SCREAM and SCREAM and SCREAM and SCREAM about how you are owed a job, and about how because we are not PROMISED and GUARANTEED jobs, that America is going fifth-world!
Tell me something: should we FORCE IBM to make Selectrics once again? After all, IBM ONLY EXISTS to provide jobs, right?
Should we force the car manufacturers to subsidize and pay for blacksmiths and stable hands to make up for those jobs lost when they let loose the car on the landscape?
"You'd probably go running to the government and scream and scream and scream and scream about how these poor workers are getting screwed and how they need to be coddled and babied, blah blah blah... "
This one sentence tells me how I waste my time with you. I have never said that. I am as opposed to a nanny state as I am to Communism. Your continued arrogance and excessive pride about your critical thinking, will be, if not already, your downfall.
Do you go to work in a horse and carriage??? If not, why do you subscribe to ecenomic theory , yes, I said THEORY, that comes from the days of sailing ships?????
"I'm too damn busy worrying about my own damn self to worry about the guy down his street and his family."
I should have guessed. What a selfish attitude. Before you jump on my attitued, I will tell you that I am selfish enough to remember what I was taught in the Navy--one hand for the ship and one hand for myself. Dead wariiors contribute nothing. Dead theories contribute nothing. You can throw all the names of historical economists around that you weant, it changes nothing.
PS I am Ayn Rand's generation. Go teach your grandmother to suck eggs. If you do not understand that last sentence, it tells me even more about you that I would rather not know.
This one sentence tells me how I waste my time with you. I have never said that and that is why I stated that you would PROBABLY go running to the government...what's that key word? . I am as opposed to a nanny state as I am to Communism. Ya coulda fooled me, seeing as you look to protectionism so much - which plays a role in all Nanny States. Your continued arrogance and excessive pride about your critical thinking, will be, if not already, your downfall. Well, it's not arrogance/pride when it is contrasted against those who simply refuse to do it. In fact I think its downright sad.
Do you go to work in a horse and carriage??? If not, why do you subscribe to ecenomic theory , yes, I said THEORY, that comes from the days of sailing ships????? This from one a huge fan of Jean-Baptiste Colbert. You come blasting me for how old the economic philosophies I hold dear are, when you are a parrot of Jean-Baptiste Colbert? Contradictions collapse.
I should have guessed. What a selfish attitude. And you say you are not opposed to a Nanny State? What you blast as selfishness I see as something else entirely: by being self-sufficient and worrying about how to solve my OWN problems and issues, I allow society to aid those who are truly hurting. That's hardly selfish, as much as you throw a temper tantrum screaming otherwise. Before you jump on my attitued, I will tell you that I am selfish enough to remember what I was taught in the Navy--one hand for the ship and one hand for myself. And that holds true in the AF - except I was once told this also: "If you don't take care of yourself, how can you expect to take care of anyone else?" I suppose this simple logic is lost on you.
. Dead wariiors contribute nothing. Dead theories contribute nothing. Like your beloved Jean-Baptiste Colbert. You can throw all the names of historical economists around that you weant, it changes nothing sort of like your beloved Jean-Baptiste Colbert.
PS I am Ayn Rand's generation. Sounds like you never knew who she was until I mentioned her name. Go teach your grandmother to suck eggs. Have you no respect? My grandparents are dead! If you do not understand that last sentence, it tells me even more about you that I would rather not know.
Interestingly, I notice you never ever answered my questions.
Yeah, give us our country back (what the hell is that supposed to mean?) by turning a world superpower and world beater into a shriveled up, whiny, pathetic laughingstock.
He MIGHT want to worry more about his Congressional seat. Apparently the folks in the 14th District have been embarrassed long enough.
Re: the TTC source transtexascorridor.blogspot.com date 2/25/2008
IN THE PATH:
"...concentrating on the four primary routes first,is the beginning of generating the cash flow..."- Texas Transportation Commissioner Ric Williamson, Gov. Rick Perry appointee
Now that Alex Jones, Jerome Corsi, and others have exposed the plot to establish a "North American community," that is to say eradicate the national sovereignty of the United States, Canada, and Mexico in favor of a "United Nations of America" based on the European Union, the corporate media and globalist apologists have kicked into over-drive with a propaganda effort to deny reality."
The world is waking up to the happenings of SPP/NAU--want to bet there is a blogger here who will deny it up to the end?????
The only thing more ignorant than those with nothing to teach, are those who refuse to even listen because they disagree. Lord knows many people realize certain principles in life work, others don't. If you are not keeping an objective approach to ALL information, and not focusing merely on who is speaking, then you are only getting half the story. It's why I lose alot of respect for those on the right wing who refuse to read anything from the left and why I lose alot of respect for those on the left wing who refuse to touch anything written by anyone further right than a left leaning moderate.
"Each situation and problem in this world calls for unbiased, objective analysis." Too bad most people on both sides of the fence traded in this principle for the sake of 'belonging to the club.'
Now that Alex Jones, Jerome Corsi, and others have exposed the plot to establish a "North American community," that is to say eradicate the national sovereignty of the United States, Canada, and Mexico in favor of a "United Nations of America" based on the European Union, the corporate media and globalist apologists have kicked into over-drive with a propaganda effort to deny reality."
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
REALITY is getting shot at in a foreign land.
You losers are SO FORTUNATE that I don't have my full arsenal with me (yet) to unload on you to show you how truly dense you are.
The world is waking up to the happenings of SPP/NAU--want to bet there is a blogger here who will deny it up to the end????? Okay, fine, if this HYPER-EVIL SPP is going to take over North America with its black helicopters and so on, please explain:
1) PEMEX.
2) Why Canada is out to defend its claims of sovereignty over the Northwest Passage over American objections.
3) Why Canada THREW A FIT over the suggestion that it harmonize its customs and immigrations laws/procedures after 11 September 2001?
I have more but I want to see you Conspiros deal with what I gave you.
Oh, and by the way, misterbill, you liar: I'll say it again: I know all about the SPP, I just don't think it to be the locus of the world's evil as you do. Sheesh, I fear the OAS more than them!!! (But anything to give you Conspiros the excuse to completely hermetically seal off the United States from the entire world, becuase as we ALL know, that has ALWAYS worked!)
If I am a "conspiro" the opponents are the "craniorectalinversions".
The Trans-Texas Corridor (TTC) is a transportation network in the planning and early construction stages in the U.S. state of Texas. The network, as planned, would be composed of a 4,000-mile (6,000 km) network of supercorridors up to 1,200 feet (370 m) wide to carry parallel links of tollways, rails, and utility lines.[1] The tollway portion would be divided into two separate elements: truck lanes and lanes for passenger vehicles. Similarly, the rail lines in the corridor would be divided among freight, commuter, and high-speed rail. Services expected to be carried in the utility corridor include water, electricity, natural gas, petroleum, fiber optic lines, and other telecommunications services. The Trans-Texas Corridor will allow passenger vehicular speed limits of up to 85 mph (140 km/h).[2] The network will be funded by private investors and built and expanded as demand warrants.
Jellybeans??? OK as long as I get them cheaper.
Cheap is the most important thing in life. (According to some.)
"More than 10,000 people have attended public hearings across Texas to discuss the proposed Trans-Texas Corridor, which has also been dubbed the "NAFTA superhighway." It is a project that is expected to cost an estimated $183 billion over 50 years. "
Why, there's no such place Toto--ask our resident skeptic who was not invited to any of the meetings.
A patriot must always be ready to defend his country against his government.
Author:
When you can't answer questions or effectively counter counter-arguments...it's much easier to lie about someone. Right?
Again, liar, read above. Having LIVED in TX, I have heard about this project, long before you have. I think I was still in high school when I read about State Highway 130 and I-69, BEFORE they were dubbed the TTC.
While I have challenged you and accused you of holding to outmoded ideas of economics, I have not called you a liar. I have disagreed strongly with you and accused you of being willing to accept many things I would not , in order to buy a cheaper cost product. I have not called you a liar. I am sorry that our discourse has sunken to this level.
"Having LIVED in TX, I have heard about this project, long before you have. I think I was still in high school when I read about State Highway 130 and I-69, BEFORE they were dubbed the TTC."
This from the man who has called others fools for saying such things (the TTC and the NAFTA highway plans existed and were underway). This is a complete refutation of your previous arguments on this subject.
You are not thinking critically here nor have you (apparently) read all you needed to read, or lastly, in your stressful circumstances (entered with complete respect and sincerity), you have been confused and have forgotten some of your previous posts.
I may be old, I may have slowed with age, but I am and will be to the day I die, an Ameirca first person. I do not deny charges of being a populist. God forgive me, I take that as a compliment.
I don't have to sit and drink with the fellow down the street, I don't even have to like him to lend him my support as a fellow American. I care about his job, I care about his family.
The postures of economics do not, in fact, represent the well-being of a populace in toto. There is far more to life than lower costs.
I have assumed from your writings that you are a strong globalist. I have assumed from your writings that you believe that the core of "comparative advantage" is the be-all and end all of happiness and well-being in the USA.
I believe you wrong and I believe our evident slow slide into financial problems recently are the tip of the iceberg in the destruction of the USA.
In spite of all these differences, I have not called you a liar. As a matter of fact, while I strongly disagree with your theses, I have , until recently respected the person. You are doing a very good job of destroying that too.
I am an honest man. You may choose to think me uneducated, an old geezer, or misinformed, but you are insulting and dead wrong to call me a liar.
"This from the man who has called others fools for saying such things (the TTC and the NAFTA highway plans existed and were underway). This is a complete refutation of your previous arguments on this subject. You are not thinking critically here nor have you (apparently) read all you needed to read, or lastly, in your stressful circumstances (entered with complete respect and sincerity), you have been confused and have forgotten some of your previous posts. "
We have watched this multiple times with Unsane. First he mocks those who bring up the TTC, saying they can not even say where it will be, then when shown sources he reverts to the whole "its not a threat and he already knew about it blah blah."
His screen name should be "chaos" not "unsane". His argument syle is such that he readily contradicts his previous position, agrees with you on a position and then attatcks you for having the point of view he just claimed to have.
How many times have we seen him say he has no problem with legal immigration? Above I pointed out that unrestrained legal immigration is no different than illegal immigration. First he tried to turn it into an argument about illegal immigration, then I pointed out I said legal immigration. Then he appeared to agree with me that unrestrained legal immigration is also bad, but attacked me and basically called me a racists for opposing unrestrained legal immigration- even though he just basically said he opposed unrestrained legal immigration.
You owe misterb a big apology...calling him a liar is what I thought was even beneath you.
Respect him, even if you don't think he is right or agree with him, he isn't some troll here, I have watched you guys going back and forth for some time, that is so uncalled for.
Side comment-- Been in bed all day--woke up about an hour ago--think I'm on the mend.
Anyhow, I want to post this one saying that conveys my feelings , a little bit about economics.
"There is only one difference between a bad economist and a good one: The bad economist confines himself to the visible effect; the good economist takes into account both the effect that can be seen and those effects that must be foreseen." -- Frederic Bastiat
This expresses part of my feelings that I have been trying to express to one member. The ability to purchase a product for the lowest price is, to some people the end game. In this, they do not take into account the countrywide impact this may have on our American workers. I have posted the definition of economics on this site more than once. It definitely is important and affects (almost) all of us. I say almost, because there are those whose financial obligations and expenses are very comfortably exceeded by their incomes.
I do not know nor will not get into how many of each financial group there are in the USA. The issue is that our middle class is struggling and the purists of economics continue to argue the advantages of globalism. The most revered theme seems to be "comparative advantage". Simply, let the countries that can perform certain work or build certain products less expensively , do so. The other countries wiill buy those cheaper products while their citizens do the work and make the products that they can do best to sell back to the low wage countries. This theory was reasonable, years ago. Now sit back and think--what products do we make that we can sell cheaper??? Very few, if any. At 36 cents an hour, how many Chinese can buy a Buick Park Avenue???
I ask anyone who has any interest to look at China, in particular. They have the greatest low cost labor in the world. This , in itself suggests that, as is happening, they have a comparative advantage in everything. Gee, economic theory does not go there. Is China rich in natural resources?? Not really, but look at the sheet rock and cement shortages of two years ago. China was buying the goods as quickly as they could be made. They could afford to pay MORE because, in essence, their labor cost are almost non-existent.This labor expense advantage is true in most Central American, South American, countries as well as Asia and Mexico. Look at China bidding up the oil prices.
Now- for those who love economics, I ask you, what is the main product these countries sell-??? Cheaper shirts?? Cheaper shoes??/ Cheaper Television sets??
Yes and no. Their main product is cheaper LABOR. In today's world of fast shipping to all parts of the world, the cost of shipping steel (for example) to China, manufacturing something and shipping it back for sale in America, is cheaper than paying American workers to do it. The bastardization of "comparative advantage" has America and its workers at a disadvantage.
Meantime, on the home front, the unions keep seeking increases in wages and benefits for their workers. At one time, a very reasonable goal. No longer. Our companies are losing money hand over fist because of excessive labor costs. What the people in globalization mode are trying to do is to normalize the wage scale. A good idea, if you do not mind losing your home, car, etc. I have suggested , in the past, a change in the business model to lower wages and increase bonuses based on sales success.
IBM sold its PC business to Lenovo in China. Why??? Well, one reason was due to the cost of manufacturing, the profit margin was essentially non-existent. I would guess IBM was paying their employees from $26-$42 K a year. At $30k a year, that's $15 an hour for an American ...a slight cost advantage of $14.64 per hour for the Chinese. What products, fields, do we have that we can beat the cost advantage??
I could go on for a long time here. Instead, I will just ask--
1. where is this wrong?// 2. Where am I wrong??
PS
I rather suspect that Al Qaeda terrorists make less money than American troops too. I read an article the other day on the negative impact WalMart has on our workers--but--who shops in their stores?? The same workers that are losing their jobs. In the meantime, a large number of our elected officials conspire with and aid in the aggrandizement of the Corporations and employers who seek to increase profits over being Americans. I contend there is a middle ground.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
There have been a number of
February 20, 2008 - 14:13 ET by alamojbThere have been a number of public hearings in East Texas the last couple of weeks over the I-69 portion of the Trans Texas Corridor.
Lot of un happy people who may loose a lot of land. All because we have to prepare for a huge population increase from south of the border and more imports. Its not just the left's fault either. I saw someone the other day say that The "free trade" thing as it currently exists is a religion on the right like "global warming" is on the left. I have to agree.
Free trade
February 21, 2008 - 13:51 ET by UnsaneYeah, heaven forbid that I get goods cheaper, and free up the American economy to specialize in things that it is extremely good at. Heaven forbid that I would rather have the consumers empowered to set the price, rather than have a bunch of union thugs set the price.
And above all, how DARE we suggest that if American manufacturers want to compete, that they STOP MAKING CRAP and make it better and cheaper than anyone else!
Res tantum valet quantum vendi potest.
Hey knucklehead,when you
February 23, 2008 - 14:13 ET by alamojbHey knucklehead,
when you start working in the private sector, you can start complaining about consumers setting the price rather than "union thugs". Right now you make your living off of taxpayers as a government employee, so don't pretend to be all "free market" on me. Congrees sets your salary, not the consumers or the free market.
Yes, I have worked for Uncle Sam also in the military, but I tried to not loose sight of the fact that my salary was supplied by taxes, not the free market.
I am no big fan of unions. They have often gotten out of hand, and Detroit is paying for that right now. But the pendulum can swing too far the other way also.
American companies must also obey a slew of regulations that companies in China and other places do not. This artificially raises their cost.
We should shift the tax burden from American Companies to imports- it would help level the artificial playing field that our own enviromental and other regulations cause.
You don't care that millions of acres of privately owned land will be seized by the government just so you can get cheaper communist made goods.
Yes, we know. Your mother is from Germany, so we need to allow unlimited legal immigration from Mexico. Who cares where their allegiance lies, as long as Unsane, on his government salary, can buy cheap goods from China.
As far as American goods go, I drive a 1994 model Chevy S-10 with 230,000+ miles on it. Assembled in Shreveport, Louisiana. Original Engine, original Transmission. (clutch changed at over 200,000 miles)
So much idiocy and so little time
February 25, 2008 - 16:04 ET by UnsaneHey idiot (isn't reciprocity a bitch?),
I WORK IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR. I am what's called a traditional reservist. My pay there is a pittance off of what I make in the private realm and investments. So, you can apologize to me anytime.
You are no big fan of unions? Coulda fooled me. You are the one who favors empowering them.
We should shift the tax burden from American Companies to imports- it would help level the artificial playing field that our own enviromental and other regulations cause. Translation: we should coddle American companies and convince them to continue making crap without penalty. Oh, and with that little proposal of yours - what most of us would call protectionism - American manufacturers can continue to raise prices with impunity for crappier and crappier output. What's the matter, my shrieking populist? You believe so little in your country that you don't think our manufacturers can handle a little competition?
I'd rather our government de-regulate more.
You don't care that millions of acres of privately owned land will be seized by the government just so you can get cheaper communist made goods. So I take it you don't drive on any Interstate highways then? Or highways at all then? Where do you think the land for THEM came from? And what do you think THEY are used for?
Yes, we know. Your mother is from Germany, so we need to allow unlimited legal immigration from Mexico. Who cares where their allegiance lies, as long as Unsane, on his government salary, can buy cheap goods from China. This entire paragraph proves just what a blithering f#$!ing idiot you are. The burden is on YOU. Show me where I advocated increased ILLEGAL (note that word) immigration from Mexico on the basis of my mother being an immigrant. Or do you wish to lie about me like your populist buddies here? If anything, I have said that ILLEGAL immigration is an AFFRONT to my mother because she troubled herself to do it the right way.
Who cares where their allegiance lies? I do, because I have sworn to support and defend the Constitution four times...AND am currently deployed to do exactly that. See, your problem is that you think that ANYONE from Mexico (correct me if I am wrong) is just here to destroy our country in its current form. While I want those who come here ILLEGALLY bounced from the country, I still like LEGAL immigration from anywhere because America was built on immigration.
I addressed my government salary issue. You can apologize at any time.
I broke my camera the other day, a nice, quality Kodak camera. And I intend to buy another because they make a quality, affordable product. So someone in NY will still have a job because they do things right. And so will the people of Warren, MI, who built my outstanding truck, a Dodge. They keep cranking out that quality product, then all the foreign competition (which, oh by the way, keeps them honest) can go to hell. See how easy THAT can be?
Res tantum valet quantum vendi potest.
I see that in my absence
March 6, 2008 - 20:51 ET by alamojbI see that in my absence Misterbill tried to talk some sense into you, but to no avail.
You might want to work on your reading comprehension. I specifically mentioned "unlimited legal immigration" and you turned it into "illegal".
My apology for thinking you were full time military when you were not.
In actuality...
March 15, 2008 - 09:35 ET by UnsaneActually, it is I who am trying to talk sense into a pack of shrieking populists, not the other way around.
You might want to work on your reading comprehension. I specifically mentioned "unlimited legal immigration" and you turned it into "illegal". You may want to apologize anyway. I have never advocated unlimited immigration - legal or otherwise. I bet you would on the other hand, IF the immigrants all acted like you, thought like you, prayed exactly like you, and perhaps most important, LOOKED like you.
Res tantum valet quantum vendi potest.
So if I oppose unrestrained
March 16, 2008 - 17:47 ET by alamojbSo if I oppose unrestrained LEGAL immigration I am a racist? But how dare I suggest you support unrestrained LEGAL immigration?
Haven't been here for a while---
February 24, 2008 - 00:13 ET by misterbillHaven't been here for a while---but I see the needle is stuck in the same old groove.
It's not what is good for American workers, it's what is good for good ole consumer, Unsane.
Consumers empowered to set the price??? How trite --how B***S***. The prices are set by WalMart and the like when they import goods manufactured at 36 cents an hour. What a poor example of the understanding of economics. You really need to read more.....and study more.
There has never been a period in consumer history as today. But---I should expect this from, one who continues to deny the existence of the TTC! (Pls read the latest news, for heaven's sake.)
I've got mine I, don't care if you get yours. What a wonderful attitude for a fellow American.
Americans making crap??? Now I know why I stopped communicating--the plumbum in your prescriptions has totally damaged your thinking process. Ah, but who cares??? It only costs $4 each time. We simply need to raise taxes to pay for all the healgh issues caused by "cheap goods".
I am going to fade away again--your crap is too much to read about. What an unAmerican attitude. Blame it all on the unions---of course employers and corporations are not to blame.(Yeah, right!)
And finally, like Tumbler used to say about being opposed to illegal immigration, you are opposed to unfair competition by other countries. Your economic vision harkens back to Karl Marx.
My deluded friend
February 25, 2008 - 16:17 ET by UnsaneIt's not what is good for American workers, it's what is good for good ole consumer, Unsane. Because, as we ALL know, protectionism is working SO WELL in France and Japan!!!
Wait a minute...
It's not what makes the United States the most ruthlessly efficient, dynamic, largest and most advanced economy in the world...it's what we can to to strangle that and PROMISE and GUARANTEE EVERYONE a job for life!!! Right?
Consumers empowered to set the price??? How trite --how B***S***. The prices are set by WalMart and the like when they import goods manufactured at 36 cents an hour. What a poor example of the understanding of economics. You really need to read more.....and study more. Um...yes, the consumers ARE empowered. Read my tagline. Slowly. Carefully. Once you grasp it, you will understand economics better than I do. And sorry, I don't consider your savior, Jean-Baptiste Colbert, to be much of an economist.
There has never been a period in consumer history as today. But---I should expect this from, one who continues to deny the existence of the TTC! (Pls read the latest news, for heaven's sake.) Deny the existence of the TTC....the burden is on you. Show me where I have specifically denied the existence of the TTC. If you cannot, I expect an apology for your attempt to lie about me. I have known about the TTC since Gov. Perry took office - I LIVE (usually) in TX!!!
If anything, I have demonstrated that you Conspiros can't make up your minds on where it is. I have known all along, and why it is more economically advantageous to set it on that path.
Americans making crap??? Now I know why I stopped communicating--the plumbum in your prescriptions has totally damaged your thinking process. Ah, but who cares??? It only costs $4 each time. We simply need to raise taxes to pay for all the healgh issues caused by "cheap goods". No lead here, and no drugs. If Americans AREN'T making crappy products, please explain why else GM's market share has declined as it has. Or Ford's. (At least there's Boeing. They don't need the coddling of protectionists like yourself, because they continue to crank out kickass products. Constantly.)
I am going to fade away again--your crap is too much to read about. What an unAmerican attitude. Blame it all on the unions---of course employers and corporations are not to blame.(Yeah, right!) I have the unAmerican attitude? You are the one being a total defeatist about this country. At least I know and accept that American industry can and does kick ass when set free - Microsoft, for example. That company couldn't have happened anywhere else but here...too bad the dynamism that gave rise to it is something you so lust to extinguish.
If you can't accept the fact that unions price their labor out of the market...well, i'll show you some empty real estate in San Antonio that stand as silent monuments to that phenomenon.
And finally, like Tumbler used to say about being opposed to illegal immigration, you are opposed to unfair competition by other countries. Your economic vision harkens back to Karl Marx. Now, see, you demonstrated to one and all you really don't know what you are talking about when you call me a Communist. First you chastise me for attacking unionized labor, and then you say I am a Communist?
Contradictions collapse.
Res tantum valet quantum vendi potest.
Unsane---it's your fault---
February 25, 2008 - 19:52 ET by misterbillUnsane---it's your fault---you kept telling me that I was devoid of economic knowkedge. You said I should read, read, read.
I did --the following is just one of tens of sources on economics I have read to heed your advice:
"Karl Marx
Economic/Political Philosopher
1818 - 1883
History is economics in action.
—Karl Marx "
Another:
"It has become fashionable to think that Karl Marx was not mainly an economist but instead had integrated various disciplines—economics, sociology, political science, history, and so on. But Mark Blaug, a noted historian of economic thought, points out that Marx wrote "no more than a dozen pages on the concept of social class, the theory of the state, and the materialist conception of history." Marx, writes Blaug, wrote "literally 10,000 pages on economics pure and simple."
So, forgive me--he is listed as an economist--poor little me-- I know so little.
AS to France and Spain--I do not give a rat's butt about them. They come after America.
You refuse to address the labor cost of 36 cents an hour. You have spelled it out about your position in life and how you do not care about other Americans. Also, your hate for the unions is weighing too heavily on your mind. (This from me--I am far from a fan of the union. I believe changes can and are being made.)
I believe you are a total globalist and your feeble protests about illegal immigration are just meaningless comments. At one point , I told you how roofers in Tampa FL had lowered the wage scale by hiring illegals to $6.00 an hour. Your response was, then that is what the job is worth. I do not believe there are many on this site that subscribe to such an unfeeling attitude. I do not give a hoot what you say about yourself and your facing life's career risks. I submit that you are in a protected environment. You would be the biggest whiner if your logistics job was filled by low wage earners and cut your income.
Tata , see you at the non-existent SPP/NAU meeting in n'awlens. We can sit around and laugh about our fellow Americans who are getting screwed.
PS Prezush, it has been fun exchanging comments with you about the also non-existing Texas Corridor rthat is listed in magazines, newspaers and all over the net. Including a widely pulicized meeting last week that included some details on the 4 football field wide highway and where it will be. If you do not read the news---I am not your batman nor your ADC---find out for yourself. I have posted locations to read. You have said you donot go to links. I translate that as" If this may prove me wrong. I will be damned if I will go there".
Jellybeans my a$$!!!!
So--I do what you ask and now I am wrong again???
What's a poor old guy to do??
Wait, I know, support my fellow middle class Americans against wild, unfeeling economics from people who are mainly protected from the negative effects by birth and field of study.
Yeah, yeah, screw those lesser skilled Americans. Yeah, yeah, I'm a true patriot as long as I get goods cheaply.
PS I was out at Msoft last week. I was in line with a lot of illegals who want to do the work that Americans will not do. Yeah, yeah!!
Quidquid latine dictum sit alter viditum!!!
It's still b***s*** in any language!!!!
Again, deluded one
February 28, 2008 - 13:43 ET by UnsaneAS to France and Spain--I do not give a rat's butt about them. They come after America. America is indeed number one, but unlike you I'm not going to be an ostrich. There IS a world out there, filled with as much opportunity as danger. The wise man will look out for both and keep his eyes out on the world looking for both.
So, forgive me--he is listed as an economist--poor little me-- I know so little. Well, at least you admit it. (Hint: he isn't the only economist, my Jean-Baptiste Colbert disciple; he is one of many. Give Adam Smith a try sometime.)
You refuse to address the labor cost of 36 cents an hour. Huh? Where did this come from? You have spelled it out about your position in life and how you do not care about other Americans. Yeah, I care so little about other Americans that I am deployed, DEFENDING them. Right. Also, your hate for the unions is weighing too heavily on your mind. (This from me--I am far from a fan of the union. I believe changes can and are being made.) I actually would like to see unions become less adversarial. You want to see states like MI get home grown industry again? Try having the unions and private industry split the cost of health care plans and pensions (instead of unions pouring money into themselves, and into politics). The intent not being to take the unions out of politics as much as to give them a sense of OWNERSHIP in the economy.
But, that being said, the adverse effects of unions are noted all over the place.
I believe you are a total globalist ANYONE who uses the word "globalist" is an extreme isolationist who cannot stand the fact that America even has land borders; you, misterbill, believe America and Americans to be so weak and frail that we MUST hermetically seal off the United States completely from the entire world, a la Albania (1945-1991) and North Korea. and your feeble protests about illegal immigration are just meaningless comments. Well, that's your problem. As a child of an immigrant, I don't like people who break the laws to get here. You can't wrap your mind around that comment? You can't accept that I don't drink populist Kool-Aid as eagerly as you? You can't accept the fact that I actually CRITICALLY THINK? That's your problem. At one point , I told you how roofers in Tampa FL had lowered the wage scale by hiring illegals to $6.00 an hour. Your response was, then that is what the job is worth. I do not believe there are many on this site that subscribe to such an unfeeling attitude. Well, that IS what the job is worth. You know Latin. Read my tagline. If I were king for a day, no one would be hired without proof of citizenship/legal permission to work here as a non-citizen. Maybe wages would then uptick, but then you'll whine still that they aren't getting treated like multi-trillionaires I am sure. I do not give a hoot what you say about yourself and your facing life's career risks. I submit that you are in a protected environment. You would be the biggest whiner if your logistics job was filled by low wage earners and cut your income. Interestingly, the company I work for has interests in Mexico and can EASILY move my job to Mexico for cheap. Now, ask yourself: why haven't they? Because even if they paid less, we still do a superior job. Defeatists like you don't get that.
Tata , see you at the non-existent SPP/NAU meeting in n'awlens. We can sit around and laugh about our fellow Americans who are getting screwed. Can't post without lying, can you? Sheesh, do you have ANY integrity left, old man? I never once said the SPP didn't exist. I say that they are a stupid, bureaucratic talk-shop without all these evil superpowers you routinely ascribe to it. Go eat some jellybeans.
By the way, if this NAU is SO REAL AND IS SO HAPPENING AND IS IMMUTABLE FACT, you MIGHT want to explain why PEMEX is still in the hands of the Mexican government. More questions would follow, but other troops here need the computer.
Wait, I know, support my fellow middle class Americans vote for Obama or Clinton and BE HAPPY. they will be happy to steal for you to protect the "middle class". against wild, unfeeling economics from people who are mainly protected from the negative effects by birth and field of study. Um, how am I protected from negative effects by birth/study? Explain yourself here. (You know what's funny? Only the government laid me off. No private employer has.)
Yeah, yeah, screw those lesser skilled Americans. Yeah, yeah, I'm a true patriot as long as I get goods cheaply. Hey, I don't see you at a Wal-Mart saying at the cash register "I will HAPPILY pay $80 for a t-shirt as long as it says Made in the USA!!!" Maybe you ought to be volunteering more of your money at the cash register on your own instead of trying to steal from your fellow Americans.
What's a poor old guy to do??
Some suggestions:
1) Learn to be a critical thinker.
2) Stop drinking in populist crap the likes of Lou Dobbs cranks out.
3) Accept that it is NOT 1957.
4) Look around you. There are plenty of Americans thaking full advantage of this, the world's largest, most advanced, most dynamic economy.
Res tantum valet quantum vendi potest.
why haven't they? Because
February 28, 2008 - 18:31 ET by Binxlywhy haven't they? Because even if they paid less, we still do a superior job.
-Unsane
Just my two cents on this issue, as a designer, and someone who's job market is trying severely to skirt our pay and what our jobs are worth, I would hope you would know that by continuously giving 110% at your job, even when pay is reduced or at an unfair rate, you in essence are *hurting* not only yourself, and the economy surrounding said trade, but you are also balancing all the money into the favor of those at the executive level, again, making the rich richer, and making it more difficult for joe everybody to get a decent living wage and a good job. I understand ALOT of this is reliant on personal responsibility. I am betting me and Unsane are very much in agreeance to how I dont feel sorry for someone who expects a job handed to them. However, my main issue is that someone like myself, who spent tons of money on an education, and recieved it from a rather prestigious university, cannot find a good job. Another big issue is, people in my field used to, on average, at entry level, make between 30-35k a year. Now the average has dropped increasingly due to employers slashing wages for designers and even asking for hard working, dedicated, over-time willing designers to do high level identity designs for corporations yet only offering 12 bucks an hour with no benefits.
That my friend IS garbage. I do think the American system works quite beautifully but there IS a problem when you have actual hardworking Americans who are also educated with bachelors degrees, like myself, barely clearing 18k a year. And its not for lack of effort. I have sent over *literally* 139 job applications in 2007 and so far I've began this year with my nose to the grindstone, sending out over 30 applications in January 08 alone. I don't get responses. I follow up and recieve message notifying me they got the resume and will contact me if they feel I fit. Meanwhile my entire repitoire and skill set is not only equal to, but surpassing the requirements for the job. I would also complain about the ludicrous habit of jobs requiring experience for entry level positions (aren't those jobs WHERE people get their first few years of experience?) or about how internet application and job posting sites have ruined the wonderous process of hiring done through face to face interviews, but perhaps I'll save that for a new thread.
The main point of my rant here is this, when workers (illegal or not) take on a job at a lower rate than the established norm for a certain trade, it devalues the trade itself, the income of others in said trade, and the only people who benefit are the fat cats at the top who now have more of a budget to play with because they've slashed the pay rate for their workers. A designer who takes a job at 12 bucks an hour devalues the worth of quality design work. yet skilled designers such as myself have no choice BUT to take these jobs because in the current market, they are the only ones who are interested in giving new graduates a chance. However, if this continues, as time goes on, my trade becomes less and less financially rewarding. This would be fine if it was a dying art or trade. However, design and marketing are booming more than ever now. I always thought the American Dream was to find something in demand, and provide the supply. My question is, if we're so in demand, and yet our supply is limited, and we STILL are seeing a decreasing wage for such work, how does that economically make sense?
Alot of that responsibility DOES rely on corporations and fat execs who have become way too comfortable banking more money than they could ever hope to spend in their lifetime.
Again--I bow to your vastly superior intelligence
February 29, 2008 - 01:09 ET by misterbill"There IS a world out there, filled with as much opportunity as danger. The wise man will look out for both and keep his eyes out on the world looking for both."
Thanks for that. Here I am almost 75 years old and I have not looked ouside my cave in the past 20 years.
"Give Adam Smith a try sometime."
I have no interest in someone who makes cough drops!
You refuse to address the labor cost of 36 cents an hour.
I have sought your superior knowledge in the past. at least three times asking your outstanding input as to how a manufacturer in the US can compete, in labor costs with a country that pays their employees 36 cents an hour. I , per you, am not too smart and do not understand economivcs. You are correct, so enlighten me!
We are, believe it or not, very close in our opinions re: unions!!
"Well, that IS what the job is worth. You know Latin. Read my tagline. If I were king for a day, no one would be hired without proof of citizenship/legal permission to work here as a non-citizen."
Re the value of a job--- You consistently reference your tagline--when the issue of the illegal workers and their impact on wages is addressed you jump on the "I am opposed to illegal immigration" bandwagon. I submit that any fairminded person would find a major contradiction in your thinking there. It is clearly, (esp. in the example I cited), the illegals that have caused this wage decline. I ask oyu to read your own statement above---If you were king for a day--well you aren't and the hard and true facts of life is that they are here , they lower the wage level and ths, according to you--that is what the job is worth. I cannot stress this contradiction enough.
"Can't post without lying, can you?"
Unwarranted and unfair---I, at one time would have thought that beneath you. Oh, how bitter the sting of calumny-----
The reference re: birth and field of study was not directly aimed at you. It is aimed at those who either through family association,. education and all of the benefits of living here, including God's gift of intelligence, --do not labor in semi or low skilled labor and wind up in careers that are not easily turned over to low wage invaders. The H1B act is trying to get to a lot of those folks now. If you read asyou ask me to, you will find thare are many uiin America today with excellent skills and backgrounds who are unable to find work. AND they are not union members nor unskilled..
1. Learn to be a critical thinker!!
Right back atcha pal--step outside the opiate of your attitude about yourself.
2. Stop drinking in populist crap the likes of Lou Dobbs cranks out. GUILTY, GUILTY , GUILTY--and may God punish me for caring about the guy down the street and his family.
3. Accept that it is not 1957.
When you stop accepting economic theories from the 18th and 19th centuries.
4. Look around you--there are plenty .....
Yes, but fewer every day, every week as jobs are shipped overseas as open borders cost jobs and place heavy financila burdens on Americans, when --
Never mind! It is clear to me that you do not read current statistics on the workplace, you place all your trust in economists from the past.
Here we go again
February 29, 2008 - 08:23 ET by UnsaneUnwarranted and unfair---I, at one time would have thought that beneath you. Oh, how bitter the sting of calumny-----
---ahhh, BUT 100% accurate. You accuse me of denying the existence of the SPP. I do not - I merely don't see it as the locus of the world's evil that you do. In fact, I fear ESPN and Chinese restaurants more than the SPP. What really pisses me off is that I even HAVE to type that.
Thanks for that. Here I am almost 75 years old and I have not looked ouside my cave in the past 20 years. My father is in his 60s and is not as filled with complete, overwhelming fear and total defeatism as you are. I'm willing to bet that you haven't stepped outside your front door, in a manner of speaking, since 1959.
I have no interest in someone who makes cough drops! Cough drops, AND The Wealth of Nations? He was THE MAN!
I have sought your superior knowledge in the past. at least three times asking your outstanding input as to how a manufacturer in the US can compete, in labor costs with a country that pays their employees 36 cents an hour. I , per you, am not too smart and do not understand economivcs. You are correct, so enlighten me! The same reason that I work for an employer who, at any moment, can ship my job to Mexico, for less cost...yet hasn't, and from all indications, won't. Care to taks some guesses as to why?
Re the value of a job--- You consistently reference your tagline--when the issue of the illegal workers and their impact on wages is addressed you jump on the "I am opposed to illegal immigration" bandwagon. I submit that any fairminded person would find a major contradiction in your thinking there. It is clearly, (esp. in the example I cited), the illegals that have caused this wage decline. I ask oyu to read your own statement above---If you were king for a day--well you aren't and the hard and true facts of life is that they are here , they lower the wage level and ths, according to you--that is what the job is worth. I cannot stress this contradiction enough. The sad thing is that it is not a contradiction. I'd like to toss the illegal immigration element out first and then we'll see how much those jobs are worth...but, then what? What if they don't rise by as much as you think they are worth? Me, I'd say...the tagline. You'd probably go running to the government and scream and scream and scream and scream about how these poor workers are getting screwed and how they need to be coddled and babied, blah blah blah...
But it seems that you cannot accept my disgust at illegal immigration. And then you wonder why I have questioned your integrity.
GUILTY, GUILTY , GUILTY--and may God punish me for caring about the guy down the street and his family. I'm too damn busy worrying about my own damn self to worry about the guy down his street and his family. (May I suggest some Ayn Rand?) That's HIS problem. That's individualism. That is what America was built on - not coddling, Nanny State socialism. The protectionism and coddling you so badly want here is working GREAT in France - the unemployment rate there is ONLY 8%!!!
When you stop accepting economic theories from the 18th and 19th centuries. An amusing counterpunch, thrown from one who worships Jean-Baptiste Colbert.
Yes, but fewer every day, every week as jobs are shipped overseas as open borders cost jobs and place heavy financila burdens on Americans, when -- and all of you whiners and crybabies who think that you are OWED, PROMISED, and GUARANTEED a job for life simply REFUSE to accept the truth. How many people are coming HERE to set up shop? Airbuses are made in Mobile, AL now. Many BMWs are made in SC. Toyotas roll off the assembly line in San Antonio every day. And those are just a few examples of foreign companies who are hiring people HERE all the time.
But do you EVER acknowledge this?
NO! You just sit on the ground and SCREAM and SCREAM and SCREAM and SCREAM and SCREAM and SCREAM and SCREAM and SCREAM and SCREAM and SCREAM about how you are owed a job, and about how because we are not PROMISED and GUARANTEED jobs, that America is going fifth-world!
Tell me something: should we FORCE IBM to make Selectrics once again? After all, IBM ONLY EXISTS to provide jobs, right?
Should we force the car manufacturers to subsidize and pay for blacksmiths and stable hands to make up for those jobs lost when they let loose the car on the landscape?
I could go on but I have work to get done...
Res tantum valet quantum vendi potest.
Your accustaions
February 29, 2008 - 11:23 ET by misterbill"You'd probably go running to the government and scream and scream and scream and scream about how these poor workers are getting screwed and how they need to be coddled and babied, blah blah blah... "
This one sentence tells me how I waste my time with you. I have never said that. I am as opposed to a nanny state as I am to Communism. Your continued arrogance and excessive pride about your critical thinking, will be, if not already, your downfall.
Do you go to work in a horse and carriage??? If not, why do you subscribe to ecenomic theory , yes, I said THEORY, that comes from the days of sailing ships?????
"I'm too damn busy worrying about my own damn self to worry about the guy down his street and his family."
I should have guessed. What a selfish attitude. Before you jump on my attitued, I will tell you that I am selfish enough to remember what I was taught in the Navy--one hand for the ship and one hand for myself. Dead wariiors contribute nothing. Dead theories contribute nothing. You can throw all the names of historical economists around that you weant, it changes nothing.
PS I am Ayn Rand's generation. Go teach your grandmother to suck eggs. If you do not understand that last sentence, it tells me even more about you that I would rather not know.
Ciao----
Weak
March 15, 2008 - 09:15 ET by UnsaneThis one sentence tells me how I waste my time with you. I have never said that and that is why I stated that you would PROBABLY go running to the government...what's that key word? . I am as opposed to a nanny state as I am to Communism. Ya coulda fooled me, seeing as you look to protectionism so much - which plays a role in all Nanny States. Your continued arrogance and excessive pride about your critical thinking, will be, if not already, your downfall. Well, it's not arrogance/pride when it is contrasted against those who simply refuse to do it. In fact I think its downright sad.
Do you go to work in a horse and carriage??? If not, why do you subscribe to ecenomic theory , yes, I said THEORY, that comes from the days of sailing ships????? This from one a huge fan of Jean-Baptiste Colbert. You come blasting me for how old the economic philosophies I hold dear are, when you are a parrot of Jean-Baptiste Colbert? Contradictions collapse.
I should have guessed. What a selfish attitude. And you say you are not opposed to a Nanny State? What you blast as selfishness I see as something else entirely: by being self-sufficient and worrying about how to solve my OWN problems and issues, I allow society to aid those who are truly hurting. That's hardly selfish, as much as you throw a temper tantrum screaming otherwise. Before you jump on my attitued, I will tell you that I am selfish enough to remember what I was taught in the Navy--one hand for the ship and one hand for myself. And that holds true in the AF - except I was once told this also: "If you don't take care of yourself, how can you expect to take care of anyone else?" I suppose this simple logic is lost on you.
. Dead wariiors contribute nothing. Dead theories contribute nothing. Like your beloved Jean-Baptiste Colbert. You can throw all the names of historical economists around that you weant, it changes nothing sort of like your beloved Jean-Baptiste Colbert.
PS I am Ayn Rand's generation. Sounds like you never knew who she was until I mentioned her name. Go teach your grandmother to suck eggs. Have you no respect? My grandparents are dead! If you do not understand that last sentence, it tells me even more about you that I would rather not know.
Interestingly, I notice you never ever answered my questions.
Res tantum valet quantum vendi potest.
Right...
February 21, 2008 - 13:54 ET by UnsaneYeah, give us our country back (what the hell is that supposed to mean?) by turning a world superpower and world beater into a shriveled up, whiny, pathetic laughingstock.
He MIGHT want to worry more about his Congressional seat. Apparently the folks in the 14th District have been embarrassed long enough.
Res tantum valet quantum vendi potest.
Ah, but they're cheap!!!!!
February 26, 2008 - 00:15 ET by misterbillHeadline , date and source_______
"67% of 2007 recalls were China imports
Reports of defective, unsafe products rise every quarter
Posted: February 25, 2008
10:03 pm Eastern
© 2008 WorldNetDaily "
___________________________________________________
Re: the TTC source transtexascorridor.blogspot.com date 2/25/2008
IN THE PATH:
"...concentrating on the four primary routes first,is the beginning of generating the cash flow..."- Texas Transportation Commissioner Ric Williamson, Gov. Rick Perry appointee
_______________________________________________________
de gustibus non est disputandum!
And who cares a whit about the American middle class chumps that buy them!!!!!
I do--but there is someone here who doesn't.!!!!
A patriot must always be ready to defend his country against his government.
Author:
So what, I can get cheap goods---
February 26, 2008 - 00:30 ET by misterbillSo what, I can get cheap goods---if only I had a paycheck!!!!
source, etc included.
"Denying the North American Union
Kurt Nimmo
TruthNews
November 26, 2007
Now that Alex Jones, Jerome Corsi, and others have exposed the plot to establish a "North American community," that is to say eradicate the national sovereignty of the United States, Canada, and Mexico in favor of a "United Nations of America" based on the European Union, the corporate media and globalist apologists have kicked into over-drive with a propaganda effort to deny reality."
The world is waking up to the happenings of SPP/NAU--want to bet there is a blogger here who will deny it up to the end?????
http://www.dailypaul... Go
February 26, 2008 - 13:12 ET by ThoughtPolicehttp://www.dailypaul...
Go there to Read RP's latest response to the TTC...its a 'goodin'
Insane, nice to see you are back from your hiatus. Please, read and learn!
Featuring my own take
February 26, 2008 - 13:16 ET by sarcasmoMocking 2 of CNN's "professional journalists" who are apparently STILL unable to either find eachother or admit that one of 'em MUST be wrong. :)
JMR
A corruption-story the TV media will-not cover.
Is that possible?
March 15, 2008 - 09:30 ET by UnsaneHow can I learn from those with nothing to teach?
Res tantum valet quantum vendi potest.
The only thing more
March 17, 2008 - 12:49 ET by BinxlyThe only thing more ignorant than those with nothing to teach, are those who refuse to even listen because they disagree. Lord knows many people realize certain principles in life work, others don't. If you are not keeping an objective approach to ALL information, and not focusing merely on who is speaking, then you are only getting half the story. It's why I lose alot of respect for those on the right wing who refuse to read anything from the left and why I lose alot of respect for those on the left wing who refuse to touch anything written by anyone further right than a left leaning moderate.
"Each situation and problem in this world calls for unbiased, objective analysis." Too bad most people on both sides of the fence traded in this principle for the sake of 'belonging to the club.'
Conspiro alert
March 15, 2008 - 09:23 ET by UnsaneNow that Alex Jones, Jerome Corsi, and others have exposed the plot to establish a "North American community," that is to say eradicate the national sovereignty of the United States, Canada, and Mexico in favor of a "United Nations of America" based on the European Union, the corporate media and globalist apologists have kicked into over-drive with a propaganda effort to deny reality."
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
REALITY is getting shot at in a foreign land.
You losers are SO FORTUNATE that I don't have my full arsenal with me (yet) to unload on you to show you how truly dense you are.
The world is waking up to the happenings of SPP/NAU--want to bet there is a blogger here who will deny it up to the end????? Okay, fine, if this HYPER-EVIL SPP is going to take over North America with its black helicopters and so on, please explain:
1) PEMEX.
2) Why Canada is out to defend its claims of sovereignty over the Northwest Passage over American objections.
3) Why Canada THREW A FIT over the suggestion that it harmonize its customs and immigrations laws/procedures after 11 September 2001?
I have more but I want to see you Conspiros deal with what I gave you.
Oh, and by the way, misterbill, you liar: I'll say it again: I know all about the SPP, I just don't think it to be the locus of the world's evil as you do. Sheesh, I fear the OAS more than them!!! (But anything to give you Conspiros the excuse to completely hermetically seal off the United States from the entire world, becuase as we ALL know, that has ALWAYS worked!)
Res tantum valet quantum vendi potest.
Oh no--my source is wikipedia---
February 26, 2008 - 15:56 ET by misterbillFeb 23 2008
If I am a "conspiro" the opponents are the "craniorectalinversions".
The Trans-Texas Corridor (TTC) is a transportation network in the planning and early construction stages in the U.S. state of Texas. The network, as planned, would be composed of a 4,000-mile (6,000 km) network of supercorridors up to 1,200 feet (370 m) wide to carry parallel links of tollways, rails, and utility lines.[1] The tollway portion would be divided into two separate elements: truck lanes and lanes for passenger vehicles. Similarly, the rail lines in the corridor would be divided among freight, commuter, and high-speed rail. Services expected to be carried in the utility corridor include water, electricity, natural gas, petroleum, fiber optic lines, and other telecommunications services. The Trans-Texas Corridor will allow passenger vehicular speed limits of up to 85 mph (140 km/h).[2] The network will be funded by private investors and built and expanded as demand warrants.
Jellybeans??? OK as long as I get them cheaper.
Cheap is the most important thing in life. (According to some.)
OK.............?
March 15, 2008 - 09:25 ET by UnsaneYeah, I've known about the TTC since 2001 (est.); I have known about the State Highway 130 project and the I-69 proposal for FIFTEEN YEARS.
What's the point of this?
Oh, and wikipedia is a sucky source, especially if source evaluation is your thing (and it clearly isn't yours).
Res tantum valet quantum vendi potest.
Source Onenewsnow
February 27, 2008 - 00:39 ET by misterbillSource Onenewsnow 2/26/08
"More than 10,000 people have attended public hearings across Texas to discuss the proposed Trans-Texas Corridor, which has also been dubbed the "NAFTA superhighway." It is a project that is expected to cost an estimated $183 billion over 50 years. "
Why, there's no such place Toto--ask our resident skeptic who was not invited to any of the meetings.
A patriot must always be ready to defend his country against his government.
Author:
Much easier to lie about someone, ain't it?
March 15, 2008 - 09:28 ET by UnsaneWhen you can't answer questions or effectively counter counter-arguments...it's much easier to lie about someone. Right?
Again, liar, read above. Having LIVED in TX, I have heard about this project, long before you have. I think I was still in high school when I read about State Highway 130 and I-69, BEFORE they were dubbed the TTC.
Res tantum valet quantum vendi potest.
sorry--
March 15, 2008 - 12:49 ET by misterbillWhile I have challenged you and accused you of holding to outmoded ideas of economics, I have not called you a liar. I have disagreed strongly with you and accused you of being willing to accept many things I would not , in order to buy a cheaper cost product. I have not called you a liar. I am sorry that our discourse has sunken to this level.
"Having LIVED in TX, I have heard about this project, long before you have. I think I was still in high school when I read about State Highway 130 and I-69, BEFORE they were dubbed the TTC."
This from the man who has called others fools for saying such things (the TTC and the NAFTA highway plans existed and were underway). This is a complete refutation of your previous arguments on this subject.
You are not thinking critically here nor have you (apparently) read all you needed to read, or lastly, in your stressful circumstances (entered with complete respect and sincerity), you have been confused and have forgotten some of your previous posts.
I may be old, I may have slowed with age, but I am and will be to the day I die, an Ameirca first person. I do not deny charges of being a populist. God forgive me, I take that as a compliment.
I don't have to sit and drink with the fellow down the street, I don't even have to like him to lend him my support as a fellow American. I care about his job, I care about his family.
The postures of economics do not, in fact, represent the well-being of a populace in toto. There is far more to life than lower costs.
I have assumed from your writings that you are a strong globalist. I have assumed from your writings that you believe that the core of "comparative advantage" is the be-all and end all of happiness and well-being in the USA.
I believe you wrong and I believe our evident slow slide into financial problems recently are the tip of the iceberg in the destruction of the USA.
In spite of all these differences, I have not called you a liar. As a matter of fact, while I strongly disagree with your theses, I have , until recently respected the person. You are doing a very good job of destroying that too.
I am an honest man. You may choose to think me uneducated, an old geezer, or misinformed, but you are insulting and dead wrong to call me a liar.
"This from the man who has
March 16, 2008 - 17:41 ET by alamojb"This from the man who has called others fools for saying such things (the TTC and the NAFTA highway plans existed and were underway). This is a complete refutation of your previous arguments on this subject. You are not thinking critically here nor have you (apparently) read all you needed to read, or lastly, in your stressful circumstances (entered with complete respect and sincerity), you have been confused and have forgotten some of your previous posts. "
We have watched this multiple times with Unsane. First he mocks those who bring up the TTC, saying they can not even say where it will be, then when shown sources he reverts to the whole "its not a threat and he already knew about it blah blah."
His screen name should be "chaos" not "unsane". His argument syle is such that he readily contradicts his previous position, agrees with you on a position and then attatcks you for having the point of view he just claimed to have.
How many times have we seen him say he has no problem with legal immigration? Above I pointed out that unrestrained legal immigration is no different than illegal immigration. First he tried to turn it into an argument about illegal immigration, then I pointed out I said legal immigration. Then he appeared to agree with me that unrestrained legal immigration is also bad, but attacked me and basically called me a racists for opposing unrestrained legal immigration- even though he just basically said he opposed unrestrained legal immigration.
Chaos is clearly a globalist.
Misterbill, Alamojb
March 17, 2008 - 16:25 ET by Ten7sMisterbill, Alamojb, I'm reading, I'm with you. Just haven't had much time to post, and y'all get most of it said anyway.
Unsane... OMG...Just how
March 17, 2008 - 16:34 ET by bigtimerUnsane...
OMG...Just how damned rude do you have to be.
You owe misterb a big apology...calling him a liar is what I thought was even beneath you.
Respect him, even if you don't think he is right or agree with him, he isn't some troll here, I have watched you guys going back and forth for some time, that is so uncalled for.
Please.
economics
March 18, 2008 - 00:11 ET by misterbillSide comment-- Been in bed all day--woke up about an hour ago--think I'm on the mend.
Anyhow, I want to post this one saying that conveys my feelings , a little bit about economics.
"There is only one difference between a bad economist and a good one: The bad economist confines himself to the visible effect; the good economist takes into account both the effect that can be seen and those effects that must be foreseen." -- Frederic Bastiat
This expresses part of my feelings that I have been trying to express to one member. The ability to purchase a product for the lowest price is, to some people the end game. In this, they do not take into account the countrywide impact this may have on our American workers. I have posted the definition of economics on this site more than once. It definitely is important and affects (almost) all of us. I say almost, because there are those whose financial obligations and expenses are very comfortably exceeded by their incomes.
I do not know nor will not get into how many of each financial group there are in the USA. The issue is that our middle class is struggling and the purists of economics continue to argue the advantages of globalism. The most revered theme seems to be "comparative advantage". Simply, let the countries that can perform certain work or build certain products less expensively , do so. The other countries wiill buy those cheaper products while their citizens do the work and make the products that they can do best to sell back to the low wage countries. This theory was reasonable, years ago. Now sit back and think--what products do we make that we can sell cheaper??? Very few, if any. At 36 cents an hour, how many Chinese can buy a Buick Park Avenue???
I ask anyone who has any interest to look at China, in particular. They have the greatest low cost labor in the world. This , in itself suggests that, as is happening, they have a comparative advantage in everything. Gee, economic theory does not go there. Is China rich in natural resources?? Not really, but look at the sheet rock and cement shortages of two years ago. China was buying the goods as quickly as they could be made. They could afford to pay MORE because, in essence, their labor cost are almost non-existent.This labor expense advantage is true in most Central American, South American, countries as well as Asia and Mexico. Look at China bidding up the oil prices.
Now- for those who love economics, I ask you, what is the main product these countries sell-??? Cheaper shirts?? Cheaper shoes??/ Cheaper Television sets??
Yes and no. Their main product is cheaper LABOR. In today's world of fast shipping to all parts of the world, the cost of shipping steel (for example) to China, manufacturing something and shipping it back for sale in America, is cheaper than paying American workers to do it. The bastardization of "comparative advantage" has America and its workers at a disadvantage.
Meantime, on the home front, the unions keep seeking increases in wages and benefits for their workers. At one time, a very reasonable goal. No longer. Our companies are losing money hand over fist because of excessive labor costs. What the people in globalization mode are trying to do is to normalize the wage scale. A good idea, if you do not mind losing your home, car, etc. I have suggested , in the past, a change in the business model to lower wages and increase bonuses based on sales success.
IBM sold its PC business to Lenovo in China. Why??? Well, one reason was due to the cost of manufacturing, the profit margin was essentially non-existent. I would guess IBM was paying their employees from $26-$42 K a year. At $30k a year, that's $15 an hour for an American ...a slight cost advantage of $14.64 per hour for the Chinese. What products, fields, do we have that we can beat the cost advantage??
I could go on for a long time here. Instead, I will just ask--
1. where is this wrong?// 2. Where am I wrong??
PS
I rather suspect that Al Qaeda terrorists make less money than American troops too. I read an article the other day on the negative impact WalMart has on our workers--but--who shops in their stores?? The same workers that are losing their jobs. In the meantime, a large number of our elected officials conspire with and aid in the aggrandizement of the Corporations and employers who seek to increase profits over being Americans. I contend there is a middle ground.