2014-01-31
'Obama Did Nothing As State Senator, And Has Done Nothing As President. We're From Chicago.'
Holy crap these guys from the black community in Chicago really give it to the President.
Especially the gentleman in the scarf. Absolutely loved him lambasting Obama for his divisive and pointless 'blame others' rhetoric. "It's not a 1% problem. It's not a 99% problem. It's an American problem."
And, "I'm all for higher wages, but I also know it means higher prices."
Amen brother.
They also grasp that minimum wages is nonsense in lieu of their problems. MW only impacts those with jobs. What about those trying to get into them? These people want jobs and they seem to understand better than the prog in power on how to get them - through free-enterprise. Free-enterprise will only thrive to the extent it's left alone. But free-enterprise isn't left alone in the West. It is attacked, harassed and subject to excessive verbal intellectual diarrhea on a daily basis by champions of know-nothings. And don't make me single out who!
These were the voices of reason and leadership rooted in reality. Quite telling, huh, that it comes from the people, no?
I agree wholeheartedly Obama is all talk. Cheap talk and blame. There's no substance behind all the words. It's just a collection of sentences. He doesn't inspire because people know it's bull shit now.
When a person walks that tight rope of blaming 'corporations' or 'racism' or the 'obstructionist GOP' or whatever like the President does regarding his problems, it's quite clear he's lost the plot and is just flailing his arms punching at shadows.
Now. Compare what these people were saying to how the liberal mainstream press and pundits described the SOTU.
Try and tell me who is delusional and who is real.
Especially the gentleman in the scarf. Absolutely loved him lambasting Obama for his divisive and pointless 'blame others' rhetoric. "It's not a 1% problem. It's not a 99% problem. It's an American problem."
And, "I'm all for higher wages, but I also know it means higher prices."
Amen brother.
They also grasp that minimum wages is nonsense in lieu of their problems. MW only impacts those with jobs. What about those trying to get into them? These people want jobs and they seem to understand better than the prog in power on how to get them - through free-enterprise. Free-enterprise will only thrive to the extent it's left alone. But free-enterprise isn't left alone in the West. It is attacked, harassed and subject to excessive verbal intellectual diarrhea on a daily basis by champions of know-nothings. And don't make me single out who!
These were the voices of reason and leadership rooted in reality. Quite telling, huh, that it comes from the people, no?
I agree wholeheartedly Obama is all talk. Cheap talk and blame. There's no substance behind all the words. It's just a collection of sentences. He doesn't inspire because people know it's bull shit now.
When a person walks that tight rope of blaming 'corporations' or 'racism' or the 'obstructionist GOP' or whatever like the President does regarding his problems, it's quite clear he's lost the plot and is just flailing his arms punching at shadows.
Now. Compare what these people were saying to how the liberal mainstream press and pundits described the SOTU.
Try and tell me who is delusional and who is real.
Wall St. Not Alone In Mortgage Crisis
Limited Modified Hangout follows closely the cause of the mortgage crash. A good, thick, comprehensive read. I merely post an excerpt of the the conclusion here:
...Our argument is and has been that the financial crisis would not have occurred but for government housing policy implemented principally through Fannie and Freddie and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Although there were a number of such policies, the most important were the affordable housing requirements first imposed on Fannie and Freddie in 1992 and expanded and tightened by HUD through 2007.
...Of particular interest are Fannie and Freddie’s non-prosecution agreements with the SEC, in which they agree with facts that confirm—and in many cases go beyond—our original research concerning the scope of the GSEs’ subprime and Alt-A exposure. These are facts, and Nocera and others who might wish it otherwise should become familiar with them.
The thing is, we call for Wall St. execs to be put in jail.
But what about politicians who had a role in it?
...Our argument is and has been that the financial crisis would not have occurred but for government housing policy implemented principally through Fannie and Freddie and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Although there were a number of such policies, the most important were the affordable housing requirements first imposed on Fannie and Freddie in 1992 and expanded and tightened by HUD through 2007.
...Of particular interest are Fannie and Freddie’s non-prosecution agreements with the SEC, in which they agree with facts that confirm—and in many cases go beyond—our original research concerning the scope of the GSEs’ subprime and Alt-A exposure. These are facts, and Nocera and others who might wish it otherwise should become familiar with them.
The thing is, we call for Wall St. execs to be put in jail.
But what about politicians who had a role in it?
Mexicans Fight Back And Anti-Gun Irrationality
Earlier this month I posted about Mexican vigilante's fighting the Cartels. Here's another video by way of SE .
I noticed this comment in the thread:
I noticed this comment in the thread:
"Murican Militias fight to keep Mexicans out.
Mexican Militias fight to protect their communities from Organized Crime. "Gun Rights" fucknuts take note."
Mexican Militias fight to protect their communities from Organized Crime. "Gun Rights" fucknuts take note."
Just last night I had a conversation with a friend and the topic of guns came up. She was telling me how her husband used to hunt and all that but no longer has the time. All the better for her since she absolutely did not want a gun in the house. I asked why and the response was basically 'because.'
Now. This girl is super smart. I mean, she's no prog but on this issue she's probably isn't all that different from those on the left regarding guns. It is her opinion the democratic process is allegedly fighting for.
When I gently pressed her, to get a glimpse into the mind of topical irrational behavior, she added she didn't like that he killed animals and that there was no point to it. "You know you're acting irrationally, right?" I said. "I know! But it's the way I feel."
I feel.
The key word in progressive polity.
I feel, ergo there oughta be a law. And if that law don't affect me, who cares? As long as it fits my feelings.
"Does he (husband) fish" I asked further. "Yes." "How do you feel about dead fish, then?" "Don't start, T.C. You always talk sense! But I can't allow guns in the house!" "Fine. Just checking. As long as you understand your husband is a responsible adult capable of keeping a gun under lock and key. A gun doesn't discharge itself and tragedies are not a reason to be paranoid about them."
I then joked that when you go to the meat counter at the grocery store, someone had to kill all the red, pink and white meat, right?"
On every count she agreed. She knows it makes no sense but it just is. I didn't get into all the nitty-gritty of gun laws and the logic (or lack thereof) behind them. We changed the subject.
The comment above is indicative of the smug misunderstanding of gun rights. It seems today all you have to do is own a gun and you're considered a 'gun rights fucknuts."
Usually, it's people who wouldn't even know how to handle a piece (like the President) who make the most noise and they do it by mostly fudging facts (homicide rates falling, there are thousands upon thousands of gun legislation already in place, etc.) and screaming and howling like maniacs to the wind. People who use blanket terms like 'assault rifles' without even bothering to check and see what it means. I can tell they don't because I did my own research and learned a lot about guns and gun 'culture.' It's nothing like depicted on the news.
It's okay.
For the children.
And since it's for the children you will always be a racist and extremist for not taking their side.
It's all they have to fight this illusion.
Had they presented to me facts I can sink my teeth in, I would support their side. But I just don't see it.
The irony of course, is that the Mexican government disarmed peaceful citizens, they could not muster up a force to fight back against an evil element destroying their communities.
The government should NEVER know where the guns are. EVER.
Just like you save for a rainy day because 'you never know' this is a time-honored simple adage history has proven over and over and over and over...again.
2014-01-30
Fall Of The West #84858509888
Dubai is building District One.
Us?
Well, we have to deal with retarded laws written by fools and knaves.
How can society advance which such utter stupidity in the way?
Oh, right.
Minimum wage hikes!
Solved!
***
As bad as the mandated calorie count is (don't forget to wear your helmet when you go pee people!), this law from Milwaukee is just about as evil as it can get:
"The city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin makes it incredibly difficult to go out of business. In order to close down a business, Milwaukee requires you to purchase an expensive license, you must submit a huge pile of paperwork to the city regarding the inventory you wish to sell off, and you must pay a fee based on the length of your "going out of business sale" plus a two dollar charge for every $1,000 worth of inventory that you are attempting to sell off."
Whoever penned this, take a bow.
Take. A. Bow.
Us?
Well, we have to deal with retarded laws written by fools and knaves.
How can society advance which such utter stupidity in the way?
Oh, right.
Minimum wage hikes!
Solved!
***
As bad as the mandated calorie count is (don't forget to wear your helmet when you go pee people!), this law from Milwaukee is just about as evil as it can get:
"The city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin makes it incredibly difficult to go out of business. In order to close down a business, Milwaukee requires you to purchase an expensive license, you must submit a huge pile of paperwork to the city regarding the inventory you wish to sell off, and you must pay a fee based on the length of your "going out of business sale" plus a two dollar charge for every $1,000 worth of inventory that you are attempting to sell off."
Whoever penned this, take a bow.
Take. A. Bow.
About Ontario's Minimum Wage
People do understand that this leads to inflation, right? That it's a move that removes another layer of a workers from the 'ladder' of economic mobility, right? As long as they know they're fucking people - a tiny portion of the labor force I might add - they allegedly want to help right up the ass. Dumbasses are running the economy and then they wonder why we have dumbass results.
Comment on a comment:
When they don't like the laws, then it is a moral imperative that they be changed, otherwise you hate poor people/women/children/minorities/what the fuck ever.
But when you don't like the proglodtye laws, you are welcome to get the fuck out of the area because the law is the law and can never be changed, otherwise you hate poor people/women/children/minorities/what the fuck ever.
Comment on a comment:
They are supported by a very traditional market argument that says raising minimum wage results in fewer jobs and is thus bad for the wider economy. Of course, the extension of this argument is that no minimum wage at all would be even better for the economy. If you think that, it is time for you to emigrate. There are many countries with no minimum wage.So let me see if I can summarize this peculiar proglodyte refrain:
When they don't like the laws, then it is a moral imperative that they be changed, otherwise you hate poor people/women/children/minorities/what the fuck ever.
But when you don't like the proglodtye laws, you are welcome to get the fuck out of the area because the law is the law and can never be changed, otherwise you hate poor people/women/children/minorities/what the fuck ever.
Sandra Fluke Meme
Fluke meme.
Fuck me. At your expense.
She's the face of derpity.
It's like people who ask for a loan but are shocked - SHOCKED! - it has to be paid back on someone's terms.
Fuck me. At your expense.
She's the face of derpity.
It's like people who ask for a loan but are shocked - SHOCKED! - it has to be paid back on someone's terms.
The Left's New Pet Dog: Costco
Obama is out derping it up with his Costco buddies trying to use it as leverage to push for a minimum wage increase.
At this point I don't know if he deliberately goes out of his way to mislead or is just a plain business illiterate shmuck.
Costco and Wal-Mart operate on COMPLETELY DIFFERENT BUSINESS MODELS. One may as well be in farming and the other mechanics they're so different.
If you can't see this by MERELY OBSERVING how they function, then you should either sit this one out or take a business course.
So sick of this bull shit.
At this point I don't know if he deliberately goes out of his way to mislead or is just a plain business illiterate shmuck.
Costco and Wal-Mart operate on COMPLETELY DIFFERENT BUSINESS MODELS. One may as well be in farming and the other mechanics they're so different.
If you can't see this by MERELY OBSERVING how they function, then you should either sit this one out or take a business course.
So sick of this bull shit.
Fall Of The West Reason 59599696
So punish everyone else...
"A popular gifted program will get the axe after Ditmas Park school officials chose diversity over exclusivity."
Ideology. Must. Prevail! Forward!
Retards. One and all.
"A popular gifted program will get the axe after Ditmas Park school officials chose diversity over exclusivity."
Ideology. Must. Prevail! Forward!
Retards. One and all.
Failed Utopia's
10 Failed Utopias.
They forgot to add Progderpistan.
Where there are no rich people or minimum wages. Just wages infinity and people rich on derp!
They forgot to add Progderpistan.
Where there are no rich people or minimum wages. Just wages infinity and people rich on derp!
The 'I Didn't Do It' President
"The biggest problems that we're facing right now have to do with George Bush trying to bring more and more power into the executive branch and not go through Congress at all. And that's what I intend to reverse when I'm president of the United States of America." - Senator Barack Obama, March 31, 2008
La, dee, daw.
****
It all comes down to Boooooshh and the Joooooos!
La, dee, daw.
****
It all comes down to Boooooshh and the Joooooos!
Breath Of Fresh Air
I'm loving what's going on at Washington Post via Volokh.
Finally, a big people discussion on American politics. In one big swoop, Bezos has improved the quality of people commenting. I have no idea what species has invaded the NYT, but at least the WaPo liberals (some of which have been huffing and puffing) are getting rebutted with thoughtful counter-arguments.
They won't be able to depict their opponents to the average person as 'extremists' anymore.
Finally.
Finally, a big people discussion on American politics. In one big swoop, Bezos has improved the quality of people commenting. I have no idea what species has invaded the NYT, but at least the WaPo liberals (some of which have been huffing and puffing) are getting rebutted with thoughtful counter-arguments.
They won't be able to depict their opponents to the average person as 'extremists' anymore.
Finally.
2014-01-29
Different Business Models Impact Costs
Excellent article that explains Wal-Mart, Costco and Trader Joe's operate on business models.
Now, this is pretty self-evident to those who are business literate but it's still doesn't seem to get through some thick skulls as a few of the comments in the thread shows.
Now, this is pretty self-evident to those who are business literate but it's still doesn't seem to get through some thick skulls as a few of the comments in the thread shows.
Super Bowl Immorality: More NYT Vapidness
Insufferable stupid writing on the Super Bowl from, who else, the New York Times. Equating 'watching the Super Bowl' with 'morality' is pretty silly.
Holy Jeebus these smug, indignant people - including the commenters - are annoying. These are not the comments of sports fans.
Holy Jeebus these smug, indignant people - including the commenters - are annoying. These are not the comments of sports fans.
Obama Owns Afghanistan Whether He Chooses Or Not
Let's be clear. Crystal even.
Afghanistan IS Obama's war now. Actually, it's not his choice anymore. He's been President since 2009. He's the Commander-in-Chief. Stating otherwise is just spinning in the mud.
For a President ready to ignore Congress for any of his pet projects by the 'stroke of a pen' (and proclaims so regularly) it's funny how unwilling he is to close Guantanamo or simply end the war in Afghanistan. Funny how the left don't keep those 'death' clocks anymore either since they've convinced themselves Obama reluctantly engages in war (never mind about his 'secret kill list' for drone strikes) even though he has no problem taking credit for killing Osama bin Laden.
Holes in logic abound.
Fine. He chooses not to for practical political reasons. But if this be true, then you can't simultaneously blame Bush anymore. It's your choice. You're the leader. Own it.
No need to talk like a dove.
Afghanistan IS Obama's war now. Actually, it's not his choice anymore. He's been President since 2009. He's the Commander-in-Chief. Stating otherwise is just spinning in the mud.
For a President ready to ignore Congress for any of his pet projects by the 'stroke of a pen' (and proclaims so regularly) it's funny how unwilling he is to close Guantanamo or simply end the war in Afghanistan. Funny how the left don't keep those 'death' clocks anymore either since they've convinced themselves Obama reluctantly engages in war (never mind about his 'secret kill list' for drone strikes) even though he has no problem taking credit for killing Osama bin Laden.
Holes in logic abound.
Fine. He chooses not to for practical political reasons. But if this be true, then you can't simultaneously blame Bush anymore. It's your choice. You're the leader. Own it.
No need to talk like a dove.
Hairdos Part Of Progressive Intellectualism
Remember kids, they claim Harris-Perry is a formidable intellectual commentator.
This is what passes as good writing?
This is what passes as good writing?
Not Even Quantum Theory Supports Progressive Economics
Progressive Beware...your visions of economics just don't obey the laws of...thermal dynamics!
More here at The Entropy of Nations (where it shows income inequality isn't what progs think it is) and here - the Joint Quantum Institute.
Look, liberal-socialists have been misunderstanding and misleading (read: fucking things up) since, I don't know, roughly 1848.
It's not surprising they can't do math or count.
Everywhere they go, they leave potholes of destruction paved by good intentions.
More here at The Entropy of Nations (where it shows income inequality isn't what progs think it is) and here - the Joint Quantum Institute.
Look, liberal-socialists have been misunderstanding and misleading (read: fucking things up) since, I don't know, roughly 1848.
It's not surprising they can't do math or count.
Everywhere they go, they leave potholes of destruction paved by good intentions.
Climate Change Rigging
More and more, it's looking like the whole climate change movement has been based on faulty premises and calculations...and outright lies.
There's no more foolish and injurious statement to policy than 'it's settled science.' One the President used last night.
From Principa Scientific:
"A newly-uncovered and monumental calculating error in official US government climate data shows beyond doubt that climate scientists unjustifiably added on a whopping one degree of phantom warming to the official "raw" temperature record. Skeptics believe the discovery may trigger the biggest of all “climate con” scandals in Congress and sound the death knell on American climate policy.
Independent data analyst, Steven Goddard, today (January 19, 2014) released his telling study of the officially adjusted and “homogenized” US temperature records relied upon by NASA, NOAA, USHCN and scientists around the world to “prove” our climate has been warming dangerously.
Goddard reports, “I spent the evening comparing graphs…and hit the NOAA motherlode.” His diligent research exposed the real reason why there is a startling disparity between the “raw” thermometer readings, as reported by measuring stations, and the “adjusted” temperatures, those that appear in official charts and government reports. In effect, the adjustments to the “raw” thermometer measurements made by the climate scientists “turns a 90 year cooling trend into a warming trend,” says the astonished Goddard..."
Yet, the President was out still peddling his environmental whacko agenda that in the end will hurt people. Like his 'concrete' economic policies.
There's no more foolish and injurious statement to policy than 'it's settled science.' One the President used last night.
From Principa Scientific:
"A newly-uncovered and monumental calculating error in official US government climate data shows beyond doubt that climate scientists unjustifiably added on a whopping one degree of phantom warming to the official "raw" temperature record. Skeptics believe the discovery may trigger the biggest of all “climate con” scandals in Congress and sound the death knell on American climate policy.
Independent data analyst, Steven Goddard, today (January 19, 2014) released his telling study of the officially adjusted and “homogenized” US temperature records relied upon by NASA, NOAA, USHCN and scientists around the world to “prove” our climate has been warming dangerously.
Goddard reports, “I spent the evening comparing graphs…and hit the NOAA motherlode.” His diligent research exposed the real reason why there is a startling disparity between the “raw” thermometer readings, as reported by measuring stations, and the “adjusted” temperatures, those that appear in official charts and government reports. In effect, the adjustments to the “raw” thermometer measurements made by the climate scientists “turns a 90 year cooling trend into a warming trend,” says the astonished Goddard..."
Yet, the President was out still peddling his environmental whacko agenda that in the end will hurt people. Like his 'concrete' economic policies.
Grisly Discovery In Florida
Ugly.
Just profoundly ugly. 24 more bodies at Dozier Reform school in Florida.
When individuals kill, the state demands action.
When the state kills....
How it's taken this long to get to the bottom of this tragedy is beyond belief and should not be tolerated by Floridians I reckon.
Just profoundly ugly. 24 more bodies at Dozier Reform school in Florida.
When individuals kill, the state demands action.
When the state kills....
How it's taken this long to get to the bottom of this tragedy is beyond belief and should not be tolerated by Floridians I reckon.
New Zealand School Experiment Sheds Light On Bullying
Interesting school experiment in New Zealand. Where they removed rules at recess, it was observed bullying incidences dropped.
Remove the 'rules are meant to be broken' impetus, destroy their habit?
It's like choking off oxygen or something.
Remove the 'rules are meant to be broken' impetus, destroy their habit?
It's like choking off oxygen or something.
The Loophole President; More Empty Platitudes
Let me expand about my SOTU comment from last night. I was too tired and annoyed by what I heard. What I was referring to as 'tyranny' was the President's ghastly explicit announcement that he was going to bypass the legislature (the single most important body representing the people) to push his agenda to some applause. In other words, a big middle finger was given.
I don't know, at this point, how any person who claims to understand civics and ethics or respect democracy could stand for this. I really don't.
****
Comparing President Obama to gaming. In this case, to being a 'munchkin' and what it entails:
These analogies beat the hell out of what I used to read on liberal sites where it seemed every third article or comment was about finding ways to - artistically of course - kill Bush and Godwinning itself into contortions.
"...The problem, though, is that Barack Obama (and I should note that I am lumping his election team in with him here, as Obama largely does not really have much of an independent personality himself) has what the gaming community calls “mini-maxed” himself. Let me explain that one a bit more: lots of video games allow for the player to control a character that gets better at the game as he or she goes through the various game ‘boards.’ Special abilities, improved combat techniques, cool-looking items: if you’re playing a game that is something else besides a straight combat game, you can usually improve how you interact with computer-generated characters (“NPCs”) in the game, or learn how to make your own cool items, or whatever else the game designers thought that you’d like to do. Since gamers like to have unique characters (this is very much the young adult male equivalent to playing dress-up with dolls) there’s usually a way to customize your character, which is to say: people get to choose how and where the character improves.
Mini-maxing is when a player designs a character that is fantastically good at one thing, at the expense of everything else. So you could end up with a character who is, say, obscenely good at hitting things with a sword – but can’t convince a bunch of sailors to drink free beer. The mini-maxer doesn’t mind; he’ll just go around the game trying to resolve as many problems as he can by hitting them with a sword (tabletop gamers – err, “D&D players” – often call this The Gun is My Skill List, although obviously substitute a sword for a gun in the name). The problems that the mini-maxer can’t resolve that way he’ll either ignore until later, or else flail about on the screen while hitting the buttons quickly and/or at random (“button-mashing”), in the hopes that eventually the laws of probability will allow him to bull on through anyway.
And that’s where we are now. Barack Obama knows how to do one thing: elect Barack Obama to public office. And that’s not ‘elect Democrats.’ Or ‘elect liberals.’ Or even ‘elect people that Barack Obama likes.’ It’s just him: his team is trying pretty hard right now to figure out how to use their over-specialized skill more generally, but they don’t have much time to figure it out and the system is actually rigged against them in this case. Barack Obama certainly doesn’t know how to govern effectively; take away a Congress that will rubber-stamp the Democratic agenda and he flails about. He’s so bad at this, in fact, that when confronted with a situation where all he had to do was do nothing to fulfill a campaign promise (the tax cuts) we somehow ended up with a situation where Obama gave in on 98% of those tax cuts and voluntarily signed up to take the blame for the AMT fix. In short: Obama was woefully unprepared for the Presidency, and he hasn’t really spent the last four years trying to catch up."
I don't know, at this point, how any person who claims to understand civics and ethics or respect democracy could stand for this. I really don't.
****
Comparing President Obama to gaming. In this case, to being a 'munchkin' and what it entails:
These analogies beat the hell out of what I used to read on liberal sites where it seemed every third article or comment was about finding ways to - artistically of course - kill Bush and Godwinning itself into contortions.
"...The problem, though, is that Barack Obama (and I should note that I am lumping his election team in with him here, as Obama largely does not really have much of an independent personality himself) has what the gaming community calls “mini-maxed” himself. Let me explain that one a bit more: lots of video games allow for the player to control a character that gets better at the game as he or she goes through the various game ‘boards.’ Special abilities, improved combat techniques, cool-looking items: if you’re playing a game that is something else besides a straight combat game, you can usually improve how you interact with computer-generated characters (“NPCs”) in the game, or learn how to make your own cool items, or whatever else the game designers thought that you’d like to do. Since gamers like to have unique characters (this is very much the young adult male equivalent to playing dress-up with dolls) there’s usually a way to customize your character, which is to say: people get to choose how and where the character improves.
Mini-maxing is when a player designs a character that is fantastically good at one thing, at the expense of everything else. So you could end up with a character who is, say, obscenely good at hitting things with a sword – but can’t convince a bunch of sailors to drink free beer. The mini-maxer doesn’t mind; he’ll just go around the game trying to resolve as many problems as he can by hitting them with a sword (tabletop gamers – err, “D&D players” – often call this The Gun is My Skill List, although obviously substitute a sword for a gun in the name). The problems that the mini-maxer can’t resolve that way he’ll either ignore until later, or else flail about on the screen while hitting the buttons quickly and/or at random (“button-mashing”), in the hopes that eventually the laws of probability will allow him to bull on through anyway.
And that’s where we are now. Barack Obama knows how to do one thing: elect Barack Obama to public office. And that’s not ‘elect Democrats.’ Or ‘elect liberals.’ Or even ‘elect people that Barack Obama likes.’ It’s just him: his team is trying pretty hard right now to figure out how to use their over-specialized skill more generally, but they don’t have much time to figure it out and the system is actually rigged against them in this case. Barack Obama certainly doesn’t know how to govern effectively; take away a Congress that will rubber-stamp the Democratic agenda and he flails about. He’s so bad at this, in fact, that when confronted with a situation where all he had to do was do nothing to fulfill a campaign promise (the tax cuts) we somehow ended up with a situation where Obama gave in on 98% of those tax cuts and voluntarily signed up to take the blame for the AMT fix. In short: Obama was woefully unprepared for the Presidency, and he hasn’t really spent the last four years trying to catch up."
2014-01-28
SOTU Note
I can't watch the SOTU anymore. The President made a plea to tyranny to Democratic applause.
Pass the sickle and hammer for real.
Pass the sickle and hammer for real.
Experiment In New Zealand Sheds Light On Bullying
Interesting. Get rid of rules, end bullying?
Makes sense since the impetus of 'rules are meant to be broken' is no more.
Makes sense since the impetus of 'rules are meant to be broken' is no more.
Faux Fox News
Stephen Glass worked at The New Republic. Jayson Blair - the plagiarist - wrote for the
New York Times.
As you were.
As you were.
Quotes Of The Day And Obama's Minimum Wage Lost Solution
Obama set to 'suggest' a $10.10 minimum wage.
How he arrived at this magical figure remains a magnificent mystery only Pixie's can tell.
***
Quotes from Secretary of the Treasury under FDR Henry Morgenthau, JR.
"...When Roosevelt told Morgenthau he was thinking of raising the price of gold by 21 cents, his entourage asked him why. "It's a lucky number", Roosevelt said. "Because it's three times seven." As Morgenthau later wrote, "If anybody knew how we really set the gold price through a combination of lucky numbers, etc., I think they would be frightened."
"We have tried spending money. We are spending more than we have ever spent before and it does not work. And I have just one interest, and if I am wrong … somebody else can have my job. I want to see this country prosperous. I want to see people get a job. I want to see people get enough to eat. We have never made good on our promises. … I say after eight years of this Administration we have just as much unemployment as when we started. … And an enormous debt to boot."
Funny how all that gets 'erased' and all people remember is that apparently the New Deal worked.
How does it make sense that spending to create jobs (usually temporarily) while going into debt helps an economy? If you don't pay the debt down what good is it?
***
I pulled this comment from Rolling Commie Stone magazine:
John Yaeger: Whats wrong with communism that isnt wrong with capitalism?
Ah, nothing spells idiocy like relativist idiocy.
Capitalism is only responsible for the advancement of Western civilization is all.
Dumbass.
How he arrived at this magical figure remains a magnificent mystery only Pixie's can tell.
***
Quotes from Secretary of the Treasury under FDR Henry Morgenthau, JR.
"...When Roosevelt told Morgenthau he was thinking of raising the price of gold by 21 cents, his entourage asked him why. "It's a lucky number", Roosevelt said. "Because it's three times seven." As Morgenthau later wrote, "If anybody knew how we really set the gold price through a combination of lucky numbers, etc., I think they would be frightened."
"We have tried spending money. We are spending more than we have ever spent before and it does not work. And I have just one interest, and if I am wrong … somebody else can have my job. I want to see this country prosperous. I want to see people get a job. I want to see people get enough to eat. We have never made good on our promises. … I say after eight years of this Administration we have just as much unemployment as when we started. … And an enormous debt to boot."
Funny how all that gets 'erased' and all people remember is that apparently the New Deal worked.
How does it make sense that spending to create jobs (usually temporarily) while going into debt helps an economy? If you don't pay the debt down what good is it?
***
I pulled this comment from Rolling Commie Stone magazine:
John Yaeger: Whats wrong with communism that isnt wrong with capitalism?
Ah, nothing spells idiocy like relativist idiocy.
Capitalism is only responsible for the advancement of Western civilization is all.
Dumbass.
Schumer's Weekly (Bad) Ideas
"The federal government must create a program to outfit autistic
kids with tracking devices, Sen. Chuck Schumer said
Sunday."
You and your crony buddies first Chucky.
You and your crony buddies first Chucky.
2014-01-27
Bitcoin In Canada
Businesses are beginning to jump on it.
Five years on, despite governments trying to shut it down, Bitcoins is gaining, erm, currency.
The beauty? The government can't fuck around with it like it deflates currency though printing. It's an economic phenomena of free people entering into a voluntary economic exchange.
Get used to it.
Five years on, despite governments trying to shut it down, Bitcoins is gaining, erm, currency.
The beauty? The government can't fuck around with it like it deflates currency though printing. It's an economic phenomena of free people entering into a voluntary economic exchange.
Get used to it.
Lamenting The Cashless Economy
This is one result of a cashless economy. With all easily tracked, banks like HSBC in the UK have begun to ask clients for an explanation for large withdrawals.
It's a mighty disturbing development and one that simply operates hand in hand with governments across the West eradicating voluntary transactions among free and enterprising people. Everywhere you look there's not many places where the government has intervened and made a fucking royal mess of.
When cash flowed freely, it's perhaps true taxes weren't collected, but holy moly it kept cash flow going in the economy. It's how immigrants saved up and bought properties for example.
Now the the government wants its cut. They don't give a shit about your well-being. They want their money. So they go in all crevices like waiters' tips to steal money from. The unintended consequences of such short-sighted actions is incalculable.
We don't have 'free-markets.' We have a 'mixed-market' where the mixing comes with a dash of cronyism.
Already banks here are extremely picky with how they deal with clients (less so with the 'right' client of course). I would not be surprised if this comes to North America soon enough.
It's a mighty disturbing development and one that simply operates hand in hand with governments across the West eradicating voluntary transactions among free and enterprising people. Everywhere you look there's not many places where the government has intervened and made a fucking royal mess of.
When cash flowed freely, it's perhaps true taxes weren't collected, but holy moly it kept cash flow going in the economy. It's how immigrants saved up and bought properties for example.
Now the the government wants its cut. They don't give a shit about your well-being. They want their money. So they go in all crevices like waiters' tips to steal money from. The unintended consequences of such short-sighted actions is incalculable.
We don't have 'free-markets.' We have a 'mixed-market' where the mixing comes with a dash of cronyism.
Already banks here are extremely picky with how they deal with clients (less so with the 'right' client of course). I would not be surprised if this comes to North America soon enough.
Legalization Of Marijuana Thanks To Libertarian Persistence
Libertarians will win the marketplace on the ideas in the new age of internet communications.
I've little doubt about this.
It's quite remarkable how fast states in the USA have moved to legalizing marijuana. Just a few months ago I thought it was a pipe dream, yet, not only has it happened, the move towards putting an end to the senseless and futile War on Drugs has begun.
All those lives ruined (and lost by law enforcement) for simple possession is plain irrational.
As for Penn Jillette seen here on The Independents, I agree and have written so on this blog. The liberal position, when all said and done, is simply to force, coerce and even cajole people into doing the right thing as they see and define it. More cynical a view on humanity you can't get. It's why we don't need to engage them.
As my liberal friend tells me, 'people can't be trusted to do the right thing.'
So let's coerce them under the threat of fines and jail into conforming to the progressive or social conservative agenda.
Just move past their jaded world view and forge ahead.
***
Libertarians make no distinction between a racist and non-racist on matters of free speech and expression. Both have EQUAL protection under the Constitution. This is key because this is where they differ with liberals and progressives. While all can agree the racist is a contemptible human being, the liberal will move to silence or censor them. In fact, they move to silence many of the opponents and opposing views.
There is no such thing in libertarian philosophy. The principles on such matters are consistent as they are uncompromising.
I've little doubt about this.
It's quite remarkable how fast states in the USA have moved to legalizing marijuana. Just a few months ago I thought it was a pipe dream, yet, not only has it happened, the move towards putting an end to the senseless and futile War on Drugs has begun.
All those lives ruined (and lost by law enforcement) for simple possession is plain irrational.
As for Penn Jillette seen here on The Independents, I agree and have written so on this blog. The liberal position, when all said and done, is simply to force, coerce and even cajole people into doing the right thing as they see and define it. More cynical a view on humanity you can't get. It's why we don't need to engage them.
As my liberal friend tells me, 'people can't be trusted to do the right thing.'
So let's coerce them under the threat of fines and jail into conforming to the progressive or social conservative agenda.
Just move past their jaded world view and forge ahead.
***
Libertarians make no distinction between a racist and non-racist on matters of free speech and expression. Both have EQUAL protection under the Constitution. This is key because this is where they differ with liberals and progressives. While all can agree the racist is a contemptible human being, the liberal will move to silence or censor them. In fact, they move to silence many of the opponents and opposing views.
There is no such thing in libertarian philosophy. The principles on such matters are consistent as they are uncompromising.
Charter Poll On TVA
Looks like TVA's viewership is an enlightened bunch.
67% think the so-called Charter on Quebec's 'Values' is divisive.
No shit.
When the PQ say it 'unites Quebecers' you need to understand PQ-speak. In this way, it means it 'unites pure laine Quebecois.'
67% think the so-called Charter on Quebec's 'Values' is divisive.
No shit.
When the PQ say it 'unites Quebecers' you need to understand PQ-speak. In this way, it means it 'unites pure laine Quebecois.'
Class Division: The Cat Is Out And Running
A collection of Obama quotes from Instapundit.
He's not, to be fair, the only president in history to employ what some may perceive to be 'Marxist' rhetoric. Theodore Roosevelt was suspicious of big corporations. I believe he was the first President to bust up big companies through anti-trust laws. Andrew Jackson, perhaps the most confusing and perplexing president in history (I can't tell if he was an asshole, had a black heart (Trail of Tears tragedy aside) or honorable populist), had a thorough hatred of banks. Woodrow Wilson, from a libertarian's perspective, was the worst President of the 20th century for all his interventionism. Beyond them, came, of course, FDR - need not rehash his New Deal here.
To the left, Obama is no real socialist but he's the best they've got and what they have is a progressive at heart. Better than nothing. To the cynic, Obama is no different than Bush or any other Republican. In their eyes, blue and red of each party bleed into one color - purple - since they're of the same corrupt machine.
Perhaps this is why libertarian thought is gaining traction?
The French Revolution went haywire partly because a lot of the anger was misplaced to begin with and before they could control the violence, the Reign of Terror had set in thus setting in motion a process of systematic murders. Nationalism was born in France.
Led by a wealthy middle class, it first target the Monarchy and its nobles. Then, it went after the Catholic Church ending finally in cannibalizing the same class that started it.
Best to recall this. I see many people in the middle class accepting a rhetoric that serves against their interest and threatens to swallow them whole when all is said and done.
But that cat is already out of the bag and it ain't going back in.
He's not, to be fair, the only president in history to employ what some may perceive to be 'Marxist' rhetoric. Theodore Roosevelt was suspicious of big corporations. I believe he was the first President to bust up big companies through anti-trust laws. Andrew Jackson, perhaps the most confusing and perplexing president in history (I can't tell if he was an asshole, had a black heart (Trail of Tears tragedy aside) or honorable populist), had a thorough hatred of banks. Woodrow Wilson, from a libertarian's perspective, was the worst President of the 20th century for all his interventionism. Beyond them, came, of course, FDR - need not rehash his New Deal here.
To the left, Obama is no real socialist but he's the best they've got and what they have is a progressive at heart. Better than nothing. To the cynic, Obama is no different than Bush or any other Republican. In their eyes, blue and red of each party bleed into one color - purple - since they're of the same corrupt machine.
Perhaps this is why libertarian thought is gaining traction?
The French Revolution went haywire partly because a lot of the anger was misplaced to begin with and before they could control the violence, the Reign of Terror had set in thus setting in motion a process of systematic murders. Nationalism was born in France.
Led by a wealthy middle class, it first target the Monarchy and its nobles. Then, it went after the Catholic Church ending finally in cannibalizing the same class that started it.
Best to recall this. I see many people in the middle class accepting a rhetoric that serves against their interest and threatens to swallow them whole when all is said and done.
But that cat is already out of the bag and it ain't going back in.
From Finland To Maryland To Mexico
Shooting spree in Finland.
Two things about Finland. They play hockey well and are often mistakenly grouped in as a Scandinavian country. Guilt by association!
The other thing is it's a tiny nation of 4 million but it's not above shooting sprees.
It's funny how on a national scale CNN and other media outlets - though local media is covering it - lost interest when the gunman in Maryland turned out to be black. No invention of a new ethnic category, no right-wing bogeyman, no racist white man angry about Obama being President.
Nothing.
***
Fast & Furious ain't a 'fake scandal' to Mexico.
Via The Blaze.
Two things about Finland. They play hockey well and are often mistakenly grouped in as a Scandinavian country. Guilt by association!
The other thing is it's a tiny nation of 4 million but it's not above shooting sprees.
It's funny how on a national scale CNN and other media outlets - though local media is covering it - lost interest when the gunman in Maryland turned out to be black. No invention of a new ethnic category, no right-wing bogeyman, no racist white man angry about Obama being President.
Nothing.
***
Fast & Furious ain't a 'fake scandal' to Mexico.
Via The Blaze.
Bundesbank's Stunning Declaration
"(A capital levy) corresponds to the principle of national
responsibility, according to which tax payers are responsible for their
government's obligations before solidarity of other states is required."
However, they note that they will not support an implementation of a
recurrent wealth tax in Germany, saying it would harm growth. We await
the refutation (or Draghi's jawbone solution to this line in the sand.)"
Something that consistently fails to resonate with the left. Piss off the people with the capital and willingness to risk it in business ventures and growth will stagnate. It really isn't complicated. Again, I can but use myself as an example. With the PQ in power, they piss me off so much I sank my capital in a U.S. business start-up as opposed to giving it a go here. I have zero trust (and respect) for the Parti-Quebecois.
Personally, I don't understand Americans who bother coming up here but that's me.
Anyway, this table form Zero Hedge is what caught my eye:
If you notice, according to this table, if we look at the %tax on wealth, it looks like the EU taxes the wealthy more but when you divide into financial assets, the USA pulls in more in total dollars.
I have no idea if taking a third is fair or not, but government's can't really take more without jeopardizing a flight of capital or as the Bundesbank is rationally aware, growth.
Something that consistently fails to resonate with the left. Piss off the people with the capital and willingness to risk it in business ventures and growth will stagnate. It really isn't complicated. Again, I can but use myself as an example. With the PQ in power, they piss me off so much I sank my capital in a U.S. business start-up as opposed to giving it a go here. I have zero trust (and respect) for the Parti-Quebecois.
Personally, I don't understand Americans who bother coming up here but that's me.
Anyway, this table form Zero Hedge is what caught my eye:
If you notice, according to this table, if we look at the %tax on wealth, it looks like the EU taxes the wealthy more but when you divide into financial assets, the USA pulls in more in total dollars.
I have no idea if taking a third is fair or not, but government's can't really take more without jeopardizing a flight of capital or as the Bundesbank is rationally aware, growth.
Quote Of The Day
From WSJ Letters:
"Regarding your editorial "Censors on Campus"
(Jan. 18): Writing from the epicenter of progressive thought, San
Francisco, I would call attention to the parallels of fascist Nazi
Germany to its war on its "one percent," namely its Jews, to the
progressive war on the American one percent, namely the "rich."
From
the Occupy movement to the demonization of the rich embedded in
virtually every word of our local newspaper, the San Francisco
Chronicle, I perceive a rising tide of hatred of the successful one
percent. There is outraged public reaction to the Google buses carrying
technology workers from the city to the peninsula high-tech companies
which employ them. We have outrage over the rising real-estate prices
which these "techno geeks" can pay. We have, for example, libelous and
cruel attacks in the Chronicle on our number-one celebrity, the author
Danielle Steel, alleging that she is a "snob" despite the millions she
has spent on our city's homeless and mentally ill over the past decades.
This
is a very dangerous drift in our American thinking. Kristallnacht was
unthinkable in 1930; is its descendent "progressive" radicalism
unthinkable now?"
Venture investor Tom Perkins.
While I may disagree in parts (an organized killing spree similar to Kristallnacht is highly unlikely), I concur with the overall sentiment.
While I may disagree in parts (an organized killing spree similar to Kristallnacht is highly unlikely), I concur with the overall sentiment.
There is a disturbing trend and have been blogging about it from sometime. There's no question it comes more from the left and the likelihood of violence still more so to come from that side of the ideological equation. It has always been the case and won't likely change.
The problem is the President isn't helping matters at all with this constant and consistent divisive rhetoric. It will be interesting to hear his State of the Union Address tomorrow. Liberals are calling for a more muscular progressive agenda. It's already been intimated he will talk about moving "forward" with or without Congressional approval. Apparently roughly half the population that votes Republican or thinks along conservative lines means jack shit to him.
Not good.
***
Quote from CNN article linked above:
"Moreover, through its tax policies, the US government picks winners and losers. For instance mortgage interest is deductible, rent is not. Hence the government gives preferential treatment to home owners. Investment income is taxed less than bank interest. The government gives preferential treatment to stock holders over savings accounts. Because the Government determines winners and losers in the tax game, a sense of fair play is lost.
A low flat tax without deductions would make a level playing field. At least all Americans would know that citizens and corporations are paying the same low rate. The government doesn't get to give preferential treatment to one group and everyone is contributing to rebuilding America."
***
Quote from CNN article linked above:
"Moreover, through its tax policies, the US government picks winners and losers. For instance mortgage interest is deductible, rent is not. Hence the government gives preferential treatment to home owners. Investment income is taxed less than bank interest. The government gives preferential treatment to stock holders over savings accounts. Because the Government determines winners and losers in the tax game, a sense of fair play is lost.
A low flat tax without deductions would make a level playing field. At least all Americans would know that citizens and corporations are paying the same low rate. The government doesn't get to give preferential treatment to one group and everyone is contributing to rebuilding America."
Liberal Backlash At Washington Post
"I open up the “Saturday Morning Headlines” email and this is at the
top. Is the WashPo going gun nut? They hired what looks like a teenage
law professor? “Negroes and the Gun”?? What? And what the hell is a
Volokh Conspiracy?
You go to read NEWS, and you get BIZARRE. That’s the internet for ya. Too bad it’s happening at the Washington Post. Yet another sign of decadence."
Bee-yoo-tee-FULL! They're already panicking.
What a smart-alec, ignorant, smug asshole.
This mentality reminds me of people or businesses who can't embrace the inevitability of technology. Get on the ride or be left off.
If he'd bother to read Volokh he'd know they're far from being "nuts." Ah, but carrying an opinion other than the generic, standard, dated left-wing view (passing off as 'centrist') is not acceptable in totalitarian-progressive-la-la-land.
I've been reading Volokh on and off for years now. It offers yet a different perspective on issues of the day. Something WaPo readers (and most cultists at other major news sites that are in bed with statism) sorely need looks like.
No, sir. We're all trying to prevent further decadence.
You go to read NEWS, and you get BIZARRE. That’s the internet for ya. Too bad it’s happening at the Washington Post. Yet another sign of decadence."
Bee-yoo-tee-FULL! They're already panicking.
What a smart-alec, ignorant, smug asshole.
This mentality reminds me of people or businesses who can't embrace the inevitability of technology. Get on the ride or be left off.
If he'd bother to read Volokh he'd know they're far from being "nuts." Ah, but carrying an opinion other than the generic, standard, dated left-wing view (passing off as 'centrist') is not acceptable in totalitarian-progressive-la-la-land.
I've been reading Volokh on and off for years now. It offers yet a different perspective on issues of the day. Something WaPo readers (and most cultists at other major news sites that are in bed with statism) sorely need looks like.
No, sir. We're all trying to prevent further decadence.
2014-01-26
T.C.'s Profile Updated!
Hello, I'm T.C. and I want to be your friend. Or more! Or more? But first, lemme formally introduce myself. I'm a nonsense sort of fucker who likes to call people names. I no longer hold punches with idiots and have no patience for putzes all precious kinds.
I like cleaning toilets, coughing, vomiting, high fructose syrup, and changing diapers of strangers. "May I, madame?" is my claim to fame at the police station.
I just hates long walks on the bitch as well as the beach, the planet, healthy food, people with a sense of humor, and intelligence.
BFFAE?
I like cleaning toilets, coughing, vomiting, high fructose syrup, and changing diapers of strangers. "May I, madame?" is my claim to fame at the police station.
I just hates long walks on the bitch as well as the beach, the planet, healthy food, people with a sense of humor, and intelligence.
BFFAE?
American Left Unhinged
Funny how we never hear of libertarians or 'crazy Teabaggers' targeting people at their homes.
Left-wingers, on the other hand, they have no qualms with publishing names and going all lynch mob.
Idiot protestors.
Left-wingers, on the other hand, they have no qualms with publishing names and going all lynch mob.
Idiot protestors.
2014-01-25
Libertarianism Is Liberalism In Its Original State
Libertarianism, in the end, is but classical liberalism.
Contemporary liberalism, meanwhile, has been hijacked by intolerant authoritarians.
****
How did I end up this way?
I was persuaded by the ideas and compelling arguments.
The non-aggression principle is massively compelling because from their you can rationalize many things about contemporary public policy which is predicated on force.
It's simply not accurate that a strong individual leads to a weak community thus resulting in 'anarchy'. This is a cynical view on human nature. In my view, the opposite can happen. It is also not true libertarians believe in 'no' government. The believe government has a legitimate role in preserving rights, national security and getting involved in limited amounts in various projects so as to limit the potential for corruption, coercion and cronyism. Anyone who accepts the current state of governance is out of their fricken minds.
This group thinks it is "independent" or 'free thinking.' This after it expunges and enormous amount of energy defending the expansion of government control.
Contemporary liberalism, meanwhile, has been hijacked by intolerant authoritarians.
****
How did I end up this way?
I was persuaded by the ideas and compelling arguments.
The non-aggression principle is massively compelling because from their you can rationalize many things about contemporary public policy which is predicated on force.
It's simply not accurate that a strong individual leads to a weak community thus resulting in 'anarchy'. This is a cynical view on human nature. In my view, the opposite can happen. It is also not true libertarians believe in 'no' government. The believe government has a legitimate role in preserving rights, national security and getting involved in limited amounts in various projects so as to limit the potential for corruption, coercion and cronyism. Anyone who accepts the current state of governance is out of their fricken minds.
This group thinks it is "independent" or 'free thinking.' This after it expunges and enormous amount of energy defending the expansion of government control.
2014-01-24
Vancouver Little Less Green Today
Vancouver's green 'Vertical farms' goes kaput.
Guess who's gonna pay?
No. Not granma.
Taxpayers!
First Bixi files for bankruptcy in Montreal and now Alterrus in Vancouver.
Guess who's gonna pay?
No. Not granma.
Taxpayers!
First Bixi files for bankruptcy in Montreal and now Alterrus in Vancouver.
Bill 60 Is All Bull Shit Theater
Could you believe, in this day and age and all that the West has been trying to achieve in terms of human rights, we are treated to this incredible sad spectacle in Quebec?
That it comes down to universities having to defending basic universal principles and human rights to the government?
It's astonishing as it is staggering the level of ignorance and abject stupidit.
CAQ member Natalie Roy, so I heard on the radio, went as far as to outrageously ask Concordia University officials during the Bill 60 hearings "how many people" wear various religious symbols or are of a certain religion.
I thought we settled this line of questioning, you know, under discrimination.
What part of discrimination don't they get?
Kudos for Concordia with hitting back by saying "we don't collect such data,"
No kidding. Is it fucking Nazi Germany?
What's her point? What was she phishing for? Does she possess this kind of mentality? If so, this is mighty problematic. Do these people not see what they're doing? What's wrong with these intellectually defective buffoons?
This is the current state of Quebec intellectualism? That we're now being asked such questions?
Holy shit. This is not good. Canada can't close a blind eye to this much longer. At some point, they'll have to say 'not in our name.' As long as you're part of this country, you will cease to act like depraved assholes. Want to turn Quebec into a 'p'tit pays'? Then break off. If not, stay in fucking line and stop dividing people.
As for the hearing, it's all democratic theater. It's all a sham. Drainville, that dope, has already made clear his 'la,la,la I'm not hearing you because you're not a real Quebecer' stance. It's what Quebec excels at. Bull shit.
They ain't gonna budge know why? Because they're are middling little, divisive, small-minded twirps that's why. At its fundamental base the PQ is NOT INCLUSIVE. It is 'nous' versus 'les autres.' That's their shtick.
At this point all I can offer is the PQ can go fuck itself and any person who remotely or mildly agrees with their tripe and drivel can join them in the yokel swinging party.
It's getting increasingly difficult to bite my lips listening to these clowns.
That it comes down to universities having to defending basic universal principles and human rights to the government?
It's astonishing as it is staggering the level of ignorance and abject stupidit.
CAQ member Natalie Roy, so I heard on the radio, went as far as to outrageously ask Concordia University officials during the Bill 60 hearings "how many people" wear various religious symbols or are of a certain religion.
I thought we settled this line of questioning, you know, under discrimination.
What part of discrimination don't they get?
Kudos for Concordia with hitting back by saying "we don't collect such data,"
No kidding. Is it fucking Nazi Germany?
What's her point? What was she phishing for? Does she possess this kind of mentality? If so, this is mighty problematic. Do these people not see what they're doing? What's wrong with these intellectually defective buffoons?
This is the current state of Quebec intellectualism? That we're now being asked such questions?
Holy shit. This is not good. Canada can't close a blind eye to this much longer. At some point, they'll have to say 'not in our name.' As long as you're part of this country, you will cease to act like depraved assholes. Want to turn Quebec into a 'p'tit pays'? Then break off. If not, stay in fucking line and stop dividing people.
As for the hearing, it's all democratic theater. It's all a sham. Drainville, that dope, has already made clear his 'la,la,la I'm not hearing you because you're not a real Quebecer' stance. It's what Quebec excels at. Bull shit.
They ain't gonna budge know why? Because they're are middling little, divisive, small-minded twirps that's why. At its fundamental base the PQ is NOT INCLUSIVE. It is 'nous' versus 'les autres.' That's their shtick.
At this point all I can offer is the PQ can go fuck itself and any person who remotely or mildly agrees with their tripe and drivel can join them in the yokel swinging party.
It's getting increasingly difficult to bite my lips listening to these clowns.
2014-01-23
Taking Telemarketer For A Ride
Imagine calling someone for telemarketing purposes only to be the subject of a prank?
English Education Institution Closes
Established in 1888, Queen of Angels Academy is closing.
Something tells me the PQ are sobbing uncontrollably.
Something tells me the PQ are sobbing uncontrollably.
Sharia Courts In Britain
From Gatestone Institute:
"There are some who are putting women at risk. And doing so for ridiculous reasons, namely that they are somehow responsible for the abuse they are suffering." — Nazir Afzal, head of the Crown Prosecution Service, northwest England.A new documentary secretly filmed inside several of the 85 Islamic Sharia Law courts operating in Britain has exposed the systematic discrimination that many women are suffering at the hands of Muslim jurists.
What's Fair?
Bloomberg may have been a whacko nanny-stater but there's no denying the man knows money and economics:
"But late last week Mayor Bloomberg was channelling these columns when he said that raising taxes on high earners could drive them from the city. "One percent of the households that file in this city pay something like 50% of the taxes," explained the Mayor. "In the city, that's something like 40,000 people. If a handful left, any raise would make it revenue neutral. The question is what's fair. If 1% are paying 50% of the taxes, you want to make it even more?"
Rich people can move. Easily. And they do. Just like businesses.
"But late last week Mayor Bloomberg was channelling these columns when he said that raising taxes on high earners could drive them from the city. "One percent of the households that file in this city pay something like 50% of the taxes," explained the Mayor. "In the city, that's something like 40,000 people. If a handful left, any raise would make it revenue neutral. The question is what's fair. If 1% are paying 50% of the taxes, you want to make it even more?"
Rich people can move. Easily. And they do. Just like businesses.
Save The Planet: Scambait
"So what is scambaiting?
Well, put simply, you enter into a dialogue with scammers,
simply to waste their time and resources. Whilst you are
doing this, you will be helping to keep the scammers away
from real potential victims and screwing around with the
minds of deserving thieves.
It doesn't matter if you
are new to this sport or a hardened veteran; if you are
wasting the time of a scammer, or frustrating them in any
way well that's good enough for us, and we would welcome you
to join with our now very large community."
Derpville USA: Next Stop Washington State
“We know our economy is stronger when an honest day’s work is rewarded with a fair wage,” Farrell said."
Derp, derp, derpity, derp.
From comments:
"Are State Rep. Jessyn Farrell, the 30 House Democrats and Gov. Jay Inslee fools or puppet masters?
If they really believe as Rep. Farrell says that 'This bill rewards work, moves the economy forward, and promotes fundamental economic fairness.” they're fools.
All this bill does is create a temporary illusion that will quickly dissipate as the increase in wages drives inflation in the prices of goods and services, leaving all who depend on the minimum wage with the same buying power tomorrow as they had yesterday.
If, on the other hand, they know their premise is false, and we know they know it’s false, then they're puppet masters, pulling on the strings of ignorance and trading the Kool-Aid of minimum wage for the votes that will rob their constituents of Liberty."
Derp, derp, derpity, derp.
From comments:
"Are State Rep. Jessyn Farrell, the 30 House Democrats and Gov. Jay Inslee fools or puppet masters?
If they really believe as Rep. Farrell says that 'This bill rewards work, moves the economy forward, and promotes fundamental economic fairness.” they're fools.
All this bill does is create a temporary illusion that will quickly dissipate as the increase in wages drives inflation in the prices of goods and services, leaving all who depend on the minimum wage with the same buying power tomorrow as they had yesterday.
If, on the other hand, they know their premise is false, and we know they know it’s false, then they're puppet masters, pulling on the strings of ignorance and trading the Kool-Aid of minimum wage for the votes that will rob their constituents of Liberty."
Things Caused By Global Warming
Yikes!
Now, if they could just do a similar list for state interventionism and excessive regulations!
Now, if they could just do a similar list for state interventionism and excessive regulations!
The Rise Of The Libertarian Class
There you go.
As I mentioned, it's no coincidence libertarians are coming into the mainstream.
They offer a legit alternative to what's out there.
Classical liberalism is making a comeback.
As I mentioned, it's no coincidence libertarians are coming into the mainstream.
They offer a legit alternative to what's out there.
Classical liberalism is making a comeback.
Unions In Canada: An On-Going Evolution
From the Canadian Encyclopedia:
"In the last decades of the 20th century, in most industrialized countries of the world, union membership and its rate have strongly declined. In the United States it is well below 20%. There is only one important exception, Canada. Two main reasons explain this singular situation.
1. Automatic union dues checkoff from each paycheck, according to most collective agreements, sometimes by the law itself, is applied to all employees in the bargaining unit. The amount is transferred directly to the local (or other) union treasurer. Thus all members automatically remain in good standing. Since such provision is regularly transferred into the next agreement, the union in place has a kind of long survival ticket. The only stop machinery would be an explicit vote against the union asked for and obtained by the employees of the unit in question.
2. Almost all public-sector employees, federal, provincial and municipal, are already unionized and have the automatic checkoff provision in their collective agreement. The small decrease that can be observed, in private and public sector, come from special circumstances: a decrease in the labour force, the shutdown of a firm and/or an explicit rejection vote by the employees involved, which is highly improbable if not totally impossible."
The distribution of union members by province is uneven, the most highly unionized being BC and Newfoundland (around 50%), and the least, Prince Edward Island (25%). The distribution has also changed over time. Between 1962 and 1984 (2 years for which relatively comparable data are available) the degree of unionization has increased in most provinces; it has remained relatively stable, around 35%, in Ontario, Nova Scotia and Manitoba. An important advance (from 25% to 41%) has occurred in Québec, mainly because of an almost complete unionization of public-sector employees. Besides the recent case of Newfoundland, BC has always been the most unionized of all Canadian provinces, while Ontario and Nova Scotia, former strongholds of Canadian unions, are losing ground."
Quebec has a civil service infamous for its size. It has double the public sector of California. This, in part, explains why we have an anti-business, anti-private bent here. The irrational envy or 'wealth' and the subsequent suspicion of how it's attained is not unique (thought it's higher here than most places) to Quebec but to an overall left-wing mindset that covers all of North America.
"...The advance of unionism in the public sector is particularly obvious when one considers the 10 largest unions in Canada. The 3 groups with the highest number of members are (and have been for a while) public-sector unions: the CANADIAN UNION OF PUBLIC EMPLOYEES (CUPE), the National Union of Provincial Government Employees (NUPGE) and the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC). Altogether they represent 750 000 members. Only after these 3 come the most powerful unions of the private sector, the Steelworkers, the Food and Commercial Workers, and the Autoworkers. Thirty years ago, the Steelworkers and the Autoworkers were the biggest of all Canadian unions. With the decline of the labour force in many sectors, union mergers often become the unavoidable option. An important example, though by no means the only one, was the Communications, Energy and Paper Workers Union of Canada, established in 1993. One may wonder of what remains of the basic principle of North American trade unionism. Many, if not close to all, main unions today are not defined by a trade but are rather of a general nature."
"...Most open conflicts in the 1990s have occurred between governments and public-sector employee unions. Since the 1980s there were very few major strikes in private-sector companies; despite the "sacrifices" asked for by the employers, most unions have conceded on important demands, like job numbers, because they feared that the company would close the plant and move it elsewhere, or contract-out most of the labour work to low-wage countries, thus losing the work."
When you force minimum wages up artificially that's what happens. A corporation objectively, so it's been argued, simply packs up and goes to a lower-cost jurisdiction. Sure, it can pass down the added costs to consumers but sometimes they may calculate it's not enough.
****
Just a story.
My father-in-law had to negotiate with unions while a key man at Steinberg's back in the day. The grocery profession already operates on tight margins (around 1.5 to 2%) based on high volume so any incremental increase would impact their bottom line substantially. He would tell me tales of dealing with the unions, which to him, were nothing but a racket because the company was pretty forward thinking and generous when it came to employees. Alas, sibling in-fighting, changing economic landscape, increased competition and impractical union demands eventually brought the grocery empire down to be sold off principally to IGA.
The point is, he argued, the unions were acting against their better interest with the mounting issues. He asked if it was better to keep a job or not have one if they closed. They called the bluff, not entirely unlike the situation at Hostess, and the rest was history.
The union head later on, ironically, went on to open his own store and would solicit my father-in-law for help on how to run and manage it. Among the advice sought was how to deal with the unions.
"Now, you see what it's like, eh Arnold?" he would joke. Arnold would just chuckle and reply, "Yes, sir. I understand now. I can see you treated us right."
I believe that last part because he was indeed a fine man.
"In the last decades of the 20th century, in most industrialized countries of the world, union membership and its rate have strongly declined. In the United States it is well below 20%. There is only one important exception, Canada. Two main reasons explain this singular situation.
1. Automatic union dues checkoff from each paycheck, according to most collective agreements, sometimes by the law itself, is applied to all employees in the bargaining unit. The amount is transferred directly to the local (or other) union treasurer. Thus all members automatically remain in good standing. Since such provision is regularly transferred into the next agreement, the union in place has a kind of long survival ticket. The only stop machinery would be an explicit vote against the union asked for and obtained by the employees of the unit in question.
2. Almost all public-sector employees, federal, provincial and municipal, are already unionized and have the automatic checkoff provision in their collective agreement. The small decrease that can be observed, in private and public sector, come from special circumstances: a decrease in the labour force, the shutdown of a firm and/or an explicit rejection vote by the employees involved, which is highly improbable if not totally impossible."
The distribution of union members by province is uneven, the most highly unionized being BC and Newfoundland (around 50%), and the least, Prince Edward Island (25%). The distribution has also changed over time. Between 1962 and 1984 (2 years for which relatively comparable data are available) the degree of unionization has increased in most provinces; it has remained relatively stable, around 35%, in Ontario, Nova Scotia and Manitoba. An important advance (from 25% to 41%) has occurred in Québec, mainly because of an almost complete unionization of public-sector employees. Besides the recent case of Newfoundland, BC has always been the most unionized of all Canadian provinces, while Ontario and Nova Scotia, former strongholds of Canadian unions, are losing ground."
Quebec has a civil service infamous for its size. It has double the public sector of California. This, in part, explains why we have an anti-business, anti-private bent here. The irrational envy or 'wealth' and the subsequent suspicion of how it's attained is not unique (thought it's higher here than most places) to Quebec but to an overall left-wing mindset that covers all of North America.
"...The advance of unionism in the public sector is particularly obvious when one considers the 10 largest unions in Canada. The 3 groups with the highest number of members are (and have been for a while) public-sector unions: the CANADIAN UNION OF PUBLIC EMPLOYEES (CUPE), the National Union of Provincial Government Employees (NUPGE) and the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC). Altogether they represent 750 000 members. Only after these 3 come the most powerful unions of the private sector, the Steelworkers, the Food and Commercial Workers, and the Autoworkers. Thirty years ago, the Steelworkers and the Autoworkers were the biggest of all Canadian unions. With the decline of the labour force in many sectors, union mergers often become the unavoidable option. An important example, though by no means the only one, was the Communications, Energy and Paper Workers Union of Canada, established in 1993. One may wonder of what remains of the basic principle of North American trade unionism. Many, if not close to all, main unions today are not defined by a trade but are rather of a general nature."
"...Most open conflicts in the 1990s have occurred between governments and public-sector employee unions. Since the 1980s there were very few major strikes in private-sector companies; despite the "sacrifices" asked for by the employers, most unions have conceded on important demands, like job numbers, because they feared that the company would close the plant and move it elsewhere, or contract-out most of the labour work to low-wage countries, thus losing the work."
When you force minimum wages up artificially that's what happens. A corporation objectively, so it's been argued, simply packs up and goes to a lower-cost jurisdiction. Sure, it can pass down the added costs to consumers but sometimes they may calculate it's not enough.
****
Just a story.
My father-in-law had to negotiate with unions while a key man at Steinberg's back in the day. The grocery profession already operates on tight margins (around 1.5 to 2%) based on high volume so any incremental increase would impact their bottom line substantially. He would tell me tales of dealing with the unions, which to him, were nothing but a racket because the company was pretty forward thinking and generous when it came to employees. Alas, sibling in-fighting, changing economic landscape, increased competition and impractical union demands eventually brought the grocery empire down to be sold off principally to IGA.
The point is, he argued, the unions were acting against their better interest with the mounting issues. He asked if it was better to keep a job or not have one if they closed. They called the bluff, not entirely unlike the situation at Hostess, and the rest was history.
The union head later on, ironically, went on to open his own store and would solicit my father-in-law for help on how to run and manage it. Among the advice sought was how to deal with the unions.
"Now, you see what it's like, eh Arnold?" he would joke. Arnold would just chuckle and reply, "Yes, sir. I understand now. I can see you treated us right."
I believe that last part because he was indeed a fine man.
Wisconsin: Bellweather State
Governor Scott Walker is proposing $1 billion in tax cuts according to Breitbart:
'...Half of the cuts will be achieved through property tax reductions, and the other half will consist of lower payroll taxes, as well as lower income tax rates for the lowest state bracket."
I think a great many people, regions and jurisdictions will be looking at Wisconsin to see the results.
2014-01-22
Obamacare Slams Smokers
Everyday something new comes up about Obamacare.
Heard on the radio that apparently insurance companies can't charge heroin addicts or alcoholics since they're now considered pre-existing conditions (fall of the West but I digress), but charging smokers is permitted.
And in every thread I read, people are not impressed.
Angry even.
Heard on the radio that apparently insurance companies can't charge heroin addicts or alcoholics since they're now considered pre-existing conditions (fall of the West but I digress), but charging smokers is permitted.
And in every thread I read, people are not impressed.
Angry even.
American Enterprise: Don't Talk, Just Do
Okay, maybe the USA has lost a little of its rebellious independent-minded luster a little but that it ranks behind Rwanda and Belarus (according to a study by the International Finance Corp) for ease of opening a business doesn't rattle me much.
In the end, where would you rather live? I think most would take the added couple of steps required to incorporate and live in an advanced economy than Rwanda...I think.
Now. Where it's unacceptable is that a mighty business and commercial enterprising society like the USA (natural inheritors of Rome, Venice, and London) should not rank behind the likes of industrialized and advanced nations like New Zealand and Canada. Not to slag the two - each fine in their own right - but we're talking the USA here.
In the end, where would you rather live? I think most would take the added couple of steps required to incorporate and live in an advanced economy than Rwanda...I think.
Now. Where it's unacceptable is that a mighty business and commercial enterprising society like the USA (natural inheritors of Rome, Venice, and London) should not rank behind the likes of industrialized and advanced nations like New Zealand and Canada. Not to slag the two - each fine in their own right - but we're talking the USA here.
Appreciating Rodents
Darn - snaps finger - missed Squirrel Appreciation day.
Thread winner:
"I guess this is not the place to mention that I shoot these rotten little buggers."
***
Years ago, and I mean years ago when I was 12, I was invited to a classmates birthday. She had a 'pet' squirrel - and by pet I mean her father basically ensnared and captured it from their back yard. The thing was going bat shit crazy trapped in the cage. All I can remember was hoping it didn't escape because it was gonna go 'Machete' on everyone it was that angry. She (did I mention she had a crush on me?) remained calm claiming it was 'nervous' because of all the people.
Sure. Keeping it caged against its will had nothing to do with it.
Whatever you say.
Thread winner:
"I guess this is not the place to mention that I shoot these rotten little buggers."
***
Years ago, and I mean years ago when I was 12, I was invited to a classmates birthday. She had a 'pet' squirrel - and by pet I mean her father basically ensnared and captured it from their back yard. The thing was going bat shit crazy trapped in the cage. All I can remember was hoping it didn't escape because it was gonna go 'Machete' on everyone it was that angry. She (did I mention she had a crush on me?) remained calm claiming it was 'nervous' because of all the people.
Sure. Keeping it caged against its will had nothing to do with it.
Whatever you say.
Medieval Sex: Stop And Sin
From the Historyblog comes this sex flowchart on sex in the Middle-Ages.
Canons of Theodore:
"Whoever fornicates with an effeminate male or with another man or with an animal must fast for 10 years.
Elsewhere it says that whoever fornicates with an animal must fast 15 years and sodomites must fast for 7 years.
If the effeminate male (bædling) fornicates with another effeminate male (bædling), (he is to) do penance for 10 years.
Whoever does this unintentionally (unwærlice) once must fast for 4 years; if it is habitual, as Basil says, for 15 years if he is not in orders and also one year (less?) so as a woman does. If it is a boy, for the first time, 2 years; if he does it again, 4 years.
If he is a boy, for the first time, 2 years; if he does it again, 4 years.
If he fornicates interfemorally (between the limbs), he must fast for 1 year or the 3 40-day periods.
If he defiles himself (masturbates), he is to abstain from meat for four days.
He who desires to fornicate (with) himself (i.e., to masturbate) and is not able to do so, he must fast for 40 days or 20 days"
What happens if someone engages in all of these? That's a lifetime of penitence.
Stop! Sin!
Canons of Theodore:
Elsewhere it says that whoever fornicates with an animal must fast 15 years and sodomites must fast for 7 years.
If the effeminate male (bædling) fornicates with another effeminate male (bædling), (he is to) do penance for 10 years.
Whoever does this unintentionally (unwærlice) once must fast for 4 years; if it is habitual, as Basil says, for 15 years if he is not in orders and also one year (less?) so as a woman does. If it is a boy, for the first time, 2 years; if he does it again, 4 years.
If he is a boy, for the first time, 2 years; if he does it again, 4 years.
If he fornicates interfemorally (between the limbs), he must fast for 1 year or the 3 40-day periods.
If he defiles himself (masturbates), he is to abstain from meat for four days.
He who desires to fornicate (with) himself (i.e., to masturbate) and is not able to do so, he must fast for 40 days or 20 days"
What happens if someone engages in all of these? That's a lifetime of penitence.
Stop! Sin!
Anthony Calvillo Retires; Over Reacting To Richard Sherman
One of the all-time great QB's in the CFL has called it a day. Montreal Alouettes legend Anthony Calvillo retires after 20 seasons, three Grey Cups (including eight appearances in the final) and numerous passing records among them are a record 79,816 passing yards
(agonizingly close to 80 000. Man, one game against Winnipeg could have gotten him there!). The most of any pro QB in any league in history clocking in 455 TD's along the way. The say you're as good as the company you keep and only Dan Marino, Brett Favre, Warren Moon and Peyton Manning have managed at least 400 touchdowns. He also, passed for 2470 yards in the Grey Cup.
While at the helm, the Als were always a contender; an organization with excellent pedigree and class. He and GM Jim Popp have been able to keep the Alouettes relevant (no easy task with our unpredictable fan base) in Montreal helping to usher in a new golden age for football in the province. I don't think it's much of a coincidence that the country's most dominant football program is in Quebec with the Laval Rouge et Or along with the arrival of the Universite de Montreal Carabins both having displaced the traditional programs from McGill (Redmen), Concordia (Stingers) and Bishop's (Gaiters).
Beyond football, the California-born Calvillo has been a fixture and great ambassador for the sports in this city.
The CFL, Montreal and Canada as a whole have been blessed and made richer these past 20 years.
Salut, Anthony et merci.
***
Richard Sherman.
Wow that's some faux outrage out there.
I wasn't all that offended by his comments following Seattle's win over San Francisco in the NFC championship game. What do people expect when you pull a thoroughly jacked-up guy in front of a camera seconds after winning a game to catapulted your team into the Super Bowl? He just finished playing out of his mind and you expect him to be all composed?
Get real.
I've been in situations where once a whistle goes my blood and adrenalin is so fricken high best you keep away.
It's even more ridiculous our reactions whenever the occasional outburst happen. "Oh, that was not appropriate." Such comments remind me of the media and how they indignantly react to bruising hockey plays or Don Cherry. It always reminds me of the fickle client who shouts "I'm never shopping here again!" over the smallest of problems.
Sports is not all pretty folks. Sports is vicious and Sherman is probably the most vicious cornerback in the league in terms of excellence. Guy just stopped the 49ers and was pumped.
Let it go. In fact, I found it entertaining. Sure, perhaps his attack on Crabtree lacked a touch of class (Crabtree is not a mediocre receiver) but let the Seahawks organization deal with that.
Man, if the weather is bad in New York I can totally see the Seahawks defense make Manning their bitch. Those fast outside routs, 12 play drives that eat the clock, and pocket QBing will be all but almost impossible for Denver. Seattle is gonna blitz and Manning will have not second but milliseconds to get rid of the ball.
The Broncos, good as they are (and really, that's gotta be one of the smoothest offenses ever), better hope the weather is okay. They couldn't pull away from San Diego and New England neither of which have Seattle's powerful defense.
***
Back to the Als.
I fear we may be in store for some lean years unless Popp can magically (as he has in the past) find a star QB to replace Calvillo. As we see in the NFL, it's no easy task to find one; especially for a league like the CFL.
His departure made me wonder about the day when Tom Brady and/or Bill Belichick leave the New England Patriots.
Boy, will that hit fans in New England/Boston in the face hard. They've been accused of not appreciating what they have at the moment but rest assured, when Brady leaves they'll immediately remember the good old days.
Guys like Brady and Calvillo and what they mean to their franchises simply don't come around all that often.
While at the helm, the Als were always a contender; an organization with excellent pedigree and class. He and GM Jim Popp have been able to keep the Alouettes relevant (no easy task with our unpredictable fan base) in Montreal helping to usher in a new golden age for football in the province. I don't think it's much of a coincidence that the country's most dominant football program is in Quebec with the Laval Rouge et Or along with the arrival of the Universite de Montreal Carabins both having displaced the traditional programs from McGill (Redmen), Concordia (Stingers) and Bishop's (Gaiters).
Beyond football, the California-born Calvillo has been a fixture and great ambassador for the sports in this city.
The CFL, Montreal and Canada as a whole have been blessed and made richer these past 20 years.
Salut, Anthony et merci.
***
Richard Sherman.
Wow that's some faux outrage out there.
I wasn't all that offended by his comments following Seattle's win over San Francisco in the NFC championship game. What do people expect when you pull a thoroughly jacked-up guy in front of a camera seconds after winning a game to catapulted your team into the Super Bowl? He just finished playing out of his mind and you expect him to be all composed?
Get real.
I've been in situations where once a whistle goes my blood and adrenalin is so fricken high best you keep away.
It's even more ridiculous our reactions whenever the occasional outburst happen. "Oh, that was not appropriate." Such comments remind me of the media and how they indignantly react to bruising hockey plays or Don Cherry. It always reminds me of the fickle client who shouts "I'm never shopping here again!" over the smallest of problems.
Sports is not all pretty folks. Sports is vicious and Sherman is probably the most vicious cornerback in the league in terms of excellence. Guy just stopped the 49ers and was pumped.
Let it go. In fact, I found it entertaining. Sure, perhaps his attack on Crabtree lacked a touch of class (Crabtree is not a mediocre receiver) but let the Seahawks organization deal with that.
Man, if the weather is bad in New York I can totally see the Seahawks defense make Manning their bitch. Those fast outside routs, 12 play drives that eat the clock, and pocket QBing will be all but almost impossible for Denver. Seattle is gonna blitz and Manning will have not second but milliseconds to get rid of the ball.
The Broncos, good as they are (and really, that's gotta be one of the smoothest offenses ever), better hope the weather is okay. They couldn't pull away from San Diego and New England neither of which have Seattle's powerful defense.
***
Back to the Als.
I fear we may be in store for some lean years unless Popp can magically (as he has in the past) find a star QB to replace Calvillo. As we see in the NFL, it's no easy task to find one; especially for a league like the CFL.
His departure made me wonder about the day when Tom Brady and/or Bill Belichick leave the New England Patriots.
Boy, will that hit fans in New England/Boston in the face hard. They've been accused of not appreciating what they have at the moment but rest assured, when Brady leaves they'll immediately remember the good old days.
Guys like Brady and Calvillo and what they mean to their franchises simply don't come around all that often.
De Blasio Payback; Quote Of The Day
Something tells me New York is not in good hands with de Blasio.
He is, after all, essentially, it's looking like, a mean-spirited socialist with a knack for cronyism.
***
Pulled this quote out from an article:
President Francois Hollande’s uphill battle to make France more competitive.
I thought 'socialist' and 'competitive' were mutually exclusive mortal enemies.
'Socialism' and 'bankrupt', meanwhile are mutually inclusive allies.
Hollande is gonna do jack shit.
He is, after all, essentially, it's looking like, a mean-spirited socialist with a knack for cronyism.
***
Pulled this quote out from an article:
President Francois Hollande’s uphill battle to make France more competitive.
I thought 'socialist' and 'competitive' were mutually exclusive mortal enemies.
'Socialism' and 'bankrupt', meanwhile are mutually inclusive allies.
Hollande is gonna do jack shit.
The Face Of Castro Communism In Cuba
I think people who praise Cuba are either disingenuous or ignorant or both. Nothing in between. I've had naifs tell me how 'great' Cuba is. But when I went all I saw, behind the gleaming smiles and happy dispositions, was misery. Pure fucking abject misery.
No. I don't accept Castro 'did good things' for his people anymore I do when I hear about Mao having done good things. By this logic, we can find the good in Hilter and Stalin.
I draw a clear line at these sociopaths for I think it's no laughing matter to even remotely consider their philosophical ideals.
If you're anywhere near on the 'Dictator Spectrum' (as are many on the North American left even if they don't know it), stay off my lawn.
Again. In just one week in Cuba I saw pretty much all what this writer from World Affairs Journal is conveying.
How anyone can see the good in any of this is beyond me. Which is why I suggest their disingenuous rubes trying to make a cheap political point up here.
Whenever I hear apologists like Justin Trudeau (and he's not alone) wax vapid nonsense about Castro, I think back on a fine gentleman I met in Cuba. His name was Michael. Michael earned an engineering degree in Russia yet he was handing out towels for a $1 a month on pampered clowns like me and the people I was with. Michael was a dignified fellow and in one simple action I understood what Cuba was all about.
When I began to ask questions about Castro he slyly looked around. I asked, 'spies?'
He winked.
Cuba.
No. I don't accept Castro 'did good things' for his people anymore I do when I hear about Mao having done good things. By this logic, we can find the good in Hilter and Stalin.
I draw a clear line at these sociopaths for I think it's no laughing matter to even remotely consider their philosophical ideals.
If you're anywhere near on the 'Dictator Spectrum' (as are many on the North American left even if they don't know it), stay off my lawn.
Again. In just one week in Cuba I saw pretty much all what this writer from World Affairs Journal is conveying.
How anyone can see the good in any of this is beyond me. Which is why I suggest their disingenuous rubes trying to make a cheap political point up here.
Whenever I hear apologists like Justin Trudeau (and he's not alone) wax vapid nonsense about Castro, I think back on a fine gentleman I met in Cuba. His name was Michael. Michael earned an engineering degree in Russia yet he was handing out towels for a $1 a month on pampered clowns like me and the people I was with. Michael was a dignified fellow and in one simple action I understood what Cuba was all about.
When I began to ask questions about Castro he slyly looked around. I asked, 'spies?'
He winked.
Cuba.
2014-01-21
Deal With Anti-Communists With These Tips
What's 50 or 80 million killed among friendly communists?
These people are frightening.
40 helpful derps on how to deal with anti-communists.
These people are frightening.
40 helpful derps on how to deal with anti-communists.
Bezos: You Go Girl
***Updated***
Amazon owner Jeff Bezos is beginning to leave his mark at The Washington Post.
Out is Ezra Klein, in are Eugene Volokh and Reason's Radley Balko.
That thud you just heard was the collective concussion of the cracking left.
Good.
Something tells me it ain't stopping there.
I can't bear to listen to pompous hipsters like Klein and Yglesias talk about finance, business and economics anymore. It was way too cruel. Knuckleheads who aren't even businessmen passing comment on it. What the fuck was WaPo thinking? Salon (or is it Slater Yglesias writes for?) I get but what's the Washington Post's excuse?
"Obama's finest speeches do not excite. They do not inform. They don't even really inspire. They elevate. They enmesh you in a grander moment, as if history has stopped flowing passively by, and, just for an instant, contracted around you, made you aware of its presence, and your role in it. He is not the Word made flesh, but the triumph of word over flesh, over color, over despair. The other great leaders I've heard guide us towards a better politics, but Obama is, at his best, able to call us back to our highest selves, to the place where America exists as a glittering ideal, and where we, its honored inhabitants, seem capable of achieving it, and thus of sharing in its meaning and transcendence."
This - Klein - was their 'econ' writer? He also penned an article 'Obamacare is winning' in 2010.
Oof.
That's not an economist. That's a hipster sycophant with scant knowledge of history and economics.
Bezos did the right thing cutting him - especially since he had the chutzpah to ask for $10 million to start his own blog.
More gushing Yglesiklein here.
Amazon owner Jeff Bezos is beginning to leave his mark at The Washington Post.
Out is Ezra Klein, in are Eugene Volokh and Reason's Radley Balko.
That thud you just heard was the collective concussion of the cracking left.
Good.
Something tells me it ain't stopping there.
I can't bear to listen to pompous hipsters like Klein and Yglesias talk about finance, business and economics anymore. It was way too cruel. Knuckleheads who aren't even businessmen passing comment on it. What the fuck was WaPo thinking? Salon (or is it Slater Yglesias writes for?) I get but what's the Washington Post's excuse?
"Obama's finest speeches do not excite. They do not inform. They don't even really inspire. They elevate. They enmesh you in a grander moment, as if history has stopped flowing passively by, and, just for an instant, contracted around you, made you aware of its presence, and your role in it. He is not the Word made flesh, but the triumph of word over flesh, over color, over despair. The other great leaders I've heard guide us towards a better politics, but Obama is, at his best, able to call us back to our highest selves, to the place where America exists as a glittering ideal, and where we, its honored inhabitants, seem capable of achieving it, and thus of sharing in its meaning and transcendence."
This - Klein - was their 'econ' writer? He also penned an article 'Obamacare is winning' in 2010.
Oof.
That's not an economist. That's a hipster sycophant with scant knowledge of history and economics.
Bezos did the right thing cutting him - especially since he had the chutzpah to ask for $10 million to start his own blog.
More gushing Yglesiklein here.
Bay Area Deadbeats
The fuck is wrong with these people?
"It's a disparity between the kind of people capable of generating an income and the kind of people who have nothing better to do in the middle of a Tuesday morning than stop people with jobs to do from going about their day. I'm absolutely baffled at the fawning sympathy the protesters keep getting in these stories."
"For some, the buses, used by companies like Google and Apple, have become symbols of income disparity in San Francisco."Comment:
"It's a disparity between the kind of people capable of generating an income and the kind of people who have nothing better to do in the middle of a Tuesday morning than stop people with jobs to do from going about their day. I'm absolutely baffled at the fawning sympathy the protesters keep getting in these stories."
Healthcare.gov Heaven For Hackers
They warned us about this sort of thing and it happened. Hackers still 70 000 identities from Healthcare.gov.
What difference does it make at this point? Why won't Republicans help fix the mess we alone made?
What difference does it make at this point? Why won't Republicans help fix the mess we alone made?
IRS Scandal Real
The left consider the IRS scandal a 'faux scandal.' Of course, Christie's Bridgegate is a bigger story to them.
But, unfortunately, to the people in the 'know' like former IRS agents and workers and the like, it is a scandal.
Anecdotally, I invested in a U.S. start up along with other investors. One of the them - who connected me - has an accountant who was a former IRS higher-up. When asked about if the scandal was trumped up all he said is "friend, if only you knew."
From the TaxProf (link above):
But, unfortunately, to the people in the 'know' like former IRS agents and workers and the like, it is a scandal.
Anecdotally, I invested in a U.S. start up along with other investors. One of the them - who connected me - has an accountant who was a former IRS higher-up. When asked about if the scandal was trumped up all he said is "friend, if only you knew."
From the TaxProf (link above):
"At a tax symposium at Pepperdine Law School last week, former IRS chief counsel Donald Korb was asked, "On a scale of 1-10 ... how damaging is the current IRS scandal?"
His answer: 9.5. Other tax experts on the panel called it "awful," and said that it has done "tremendous damage."
I
think that's right. And I think that the damage extends well beyond the
Internal Revenue Service. In fact, I think that the government agency
suffering the most damage isn't the IRS, but the National Security
Agency. Because the NSA, even more than the IRS, depends on public
trust. And now that the IRS has been revealed to be a political weapon,
it's much harder for people to have faith in the NSA."
What I don't understand is why people would choose to blindly close ranks with the government on this one even though it goes against their OWN INTERESTS. For if they're doing this to one group, they can easily do it to anyone they choose; including yours - whoever you belong to. Quote Of The Day
"Negotiating with Obama is like playing chess with a pigeon. The
pigeon knocks over all the pieces, shits on the board and then
struts around like it won the game."
Not sure who to attribute this to.
Not sure who to attribute this to.
Swedes More Practical Than Painted
Everyone wants to copy the Scandinavians (especially the PQ - those posers and wannabes). I mean, they managed to be both wealthy and socialist!
Cracks in the armor always happen when other people's money begins to dry up.
Even the much admired public health system is under duress as Swedes have no more time to wait in long queues.
Sound familiar?
As for Sweden's economic success, it's been recounted that it was attained in parts of the economy where there was no heavy regulation thus leaving certain parts of its economy free to, you know, fucking produce.
Cracks in the armor always happen when other people's money begins to dry up.
Even the much admired public health system is under duress as Swedes have no more time to wait in long queues.
Sound familiar?
As for Sweden's economic success, it's been recounted that it was attained in parts of the economy where there was no heavy regulation thus leaving certain parts of its economy free to, you know, fucking produce.
Progressivism Unchecked
Subsidize hipster-novelist housing.
Courtesy of The Guardian.
Just when you though they can't be more, le mot juste, idiotic they bang in with this.
Jesus Christ, just turn the West into one big Disney make-believe theme site and be done with it already.
Courtesy of The Guardian.
Just when you though they can't be more, le mot juste, idiotic they bang in with this.
Jesus Christ, just turn the West into one big Disney make-believe theme site and be done with it already.
When The Krugmanian Strikes
"And who are these lucky few? Mainly they’re executives of
some kind, especially, although not only, in finance. You can argue
about whether these people deserve to be paid so well, but one
thing is clear: They didn’t get where they are simply by
being prudent, clean and sober.”
Aside from the fact Kroooogman (aka Krugnuts and Krugman) can't possibly verify this (he's really taken to taking out of his asshole), it's time for him to revive Izvestia.
One could claim, I don't know, given his flatulent vapidness he's one of the undeserving rich? I mean, dude is living off a Nobel prize while unproductively spewing monkey screech at the paper of record now mostly used to wash car windows.
Of course, he's the 'right kind of rich.'
Basically, he's saying you can never attain grand things in life. Forget that fancy education. Only the lucky few get in.
It will be hard to keep my kid away from losers like this.
Comment:
"Could someone give me the chart or empirical set of equations that calculates exactly what each of us deserve? I keep hearing this word thrown around but never get a cited reference so that I can go check to see if I'm getting what I deserve."
Yeah!
***
Krugman is one of those lefties I so loathe mostly because of his constant lamenting of being challenged.
From the Washington Free Beacon:
"As anyone who has been paying attention knows, the left isn’t terribly fond of the free press because the free press makes the narrative harder to control. That’s why you end up with “thought leaders” like Paul Krugman bemoaning the fact that his preferred narrative is “up for argument.”*
Krugman’s lament is benign in comparison to a pair of other complaints aired this weekend.
Remember the story published by Grantland and written by Caleb Hannan that I highlighted? Hannan and his editors were faced with a tough choice: publish a story about someone who was caught lying about her past and then killed herself, or spike it.** They chose to run it. Outrage ensued. Not because their facts were wrong or there was anything untruthful in the piece. But because the person who was caught lying about her past committed suicide.
That there was some level of angst is unsurprising: In this, the era of perpetual outrage, everyone’s always angry about something. No, what was disconcerting is that there were people calling for the imprisonment of a journalist for committing the crime of reporting...."
***
Someone I know read Krugman's book on ending the recession. He summarized the book in this one quote by Paul:
"I believe that income inequality played a role in the economic collapse. Unfortunately I can't prove this."
No wonder he asserts 'nothing is up for debate' in whatever he writes.
Aside from the fact Kroooogman (aka Krugnuts and Krugman) can't possibly verify this (he's really taken to taking out of his asshole), it's time for him to revive Izvestia.
One could claim, I don't know, given his flatulent vapidness he's one of the undeserving rich? I mean, dude is living off a Nobel prize while unproductively spewing monkey screech at the paper of record now mostly used to wash car windows.
Of course, he's the 'right kind of rich.'
Basically, he's saying you can never attain grand things in life. Forget that fancy education. Only the lucky few get in.
It will be hard to keep my kid away from losers like this.
Comment:
"Could someone give me the chart or empirical set of equations that calculates exactly what each of us deserve? I keep hearing this word thrown around but never get a cited reference so that I can go check to see if I'm getting what I deserve."
Yeah!
***
Krugman is one of those lefties I so loathe mostly because of his constant lamenting of being challenged.
From the Washington Free Beacon:
"As anyone who has been paying attention knows, the left isn’t terribly fond of the free press because the free press makes the narrative harder to control. That’s why you end up with “thought leaders” like Paul Krugman bemoaning the fact that his preferred narrative is “up for argument.”*
Krugman’s lament is benign in comparison to a pair of other complaints aired this weekend.
Remember the story published by Grantland and written by Caleb Hannan that I highlighted? Hannan and his editors were faced with a tough choice: publish a story about someone who was caught lying about her past and then killed herself, or spike it.** They chose to run it. Outrage ensued. Not because their facts were wrong or there was anything untruthful in the piece. But because the person who was caught lying about her past committed suicide.
That there was some level of angst is unsurprising: In this, the era of perpetual outrage, everyone’s always angry about something. No, what was disconcerting is that there were people calling for the imprisonment of a journalist for committing the crime of reporting...."
***
Someone I know read Krugman's book on ending the recession. He summarized the book in this one quote by Paul:
"I believe that income inequality played a role in the economic collapse. Unfortunately I can't prove this."
No wonder he asserts 'nothing is up for debate' in whatever he writes.
New England Social Safety Increasingly Under Scrutiny
They say sports or radio is all local. The same can be said of politics. However, while keeping in mind local considerations and concerns impact policy in certain places, I tend to look outside set borders. That way, we see a general pattern as a whole when it comes to policy. For example, while Quebec is unique in terms of its onslaught on civil liberties, I compare it not as a province within Canada but a region and jurisdiction in the larger context of North America and in some case the West as a whole.
When you view things from above and remain informed of what other places are doing you get a sort of barometer of how we're doing. It is my contention, in terms of civil liberties, Quebec is a derelict region; especially when under a Parti Quebecois government. They can squawk all they want in defending their tenuous positions, but the facts when measured against 'their peers' don't lie.
For example, Massachusetts and Ontario doesn't have a human rights record at the UN. Quebec does. No jurisdiction on the continent prevents people from choosing where they can send their kids to school or have state-sanctioned discrimination through the threat of fines for expressing oneself in another language other than French. No jurisdiction employs punitive measures in order to protect the 'collective will' of the Francophone majority. The threat of being overwhelmed by a sea of English-speaking peoples, while not without some merit, has turned Quebec into a paranoid paradox. It claims to be tolerant, but its laws saw otherwise.
Matters are so bizarre you have ministers like Lisee and Drainville, in their mighty tribal yelp deep within their loins, assert, rather frivolously, their Charter 'values' are in the tradition of Thomas Jefferson. The Charter is a document not of inclusiveness, but in the nationalist mind, but of exclusivity. It has already divided 'les autres' from the 'pure laine' and that's how they like it.
Jefferson my ass.
New England is another geographical region I tend to look as a group rather than by the six individual states that make that region up.
Whenever I read articles like this one where people are loaded with as many as 13 EBT cards (food stamps) but are taking vacations to Hawaii in the Bangor News from Maine (Democrats have been forced to consider looking at the EBT situation given the mounting evidence of rampant fraud), it pays to think about the ramifications of our decisions when it comes to the welfare state. There's a fine line between compassion and enabling; incentives and addiction to 'free money.'
A professor at a College argued that it was a person's Constitutional right to travel. No kidding. But where does it say it should be on taxpayer dime? If a person is on welfare and in need of help to pay for groceries, how does it reason they can afford to go to Hawaii? Can it be fraud is involved?
Just like I don't believe all "47 million" Americans on food stamps (an outrageous figure) are not all honest, hard-working people (even our concept of hard work has diminished somewhat - subjective as it is. I know a few lazy people who claim to work 'hard') as progressive project, I don't believe they're are all lazy and unproductive as conservatives are apt to think.
Either way, it's crucial any welfare, no matter the amount (and one can argue welfare fraud is tiny compared to other types of fraud that cost society contending the corporate variety is far worse) comes with strict conditions.
Or else you get expanded visions of what constitutes 'compassion' like in Vermont where Montpelier can help those who can't pay their own property taxes. Not only do Vermonters have to cover their own property taxes (which in some places are low to begin with especially compared to mine here in Quebec), they have to subsidize other people's taxes? It's a kind of double tax.
One of the main criteria in choosing to live in a particular area is whether you can afford the property taxes. If you willingly neglect this crucial consideration, then it's on you to pay for those consequences. After all, as the good aforementioned professor mentioned, it's your Constitutional right to freely move about. I would love to buy my parent's home but (aside from the list price), I can't afford the obscene property taxes (which in their case, is basically theft).
New England is one place, it's even weirder in California and New York (where, in addition, Governor Cuomo went into a kind of intolerant, nativist rant against pro-gun and life Americans who weren't welcomed in 'his' State - he would make any Pequiste proud with that nonsense) where the state seems to have become completely unhinged in its 'nanny-state' endeavors.
The good news is people are beginning to question the whole darn system. A very basic 'how much government is enough' in collaboration with 'why should I fork the bill since I do enough' line of thinking is settling in.
Indeed, at some point, how much is enough?
When you view things from above and remain informed of what other places are doing you get a sort of barometer of how we're doing. It is my contention, in terms of civil liberties, Quebec is a derelict region; especially when under a Parti Quebecois government. They can squawk all they want in defending their tenuous positions, but the facts when measured against 'their peers' don't lie.
For example, Massachusetts and Ontario doesn't have a human rights record at the UN. Quebec does. No jurisdiction on the continent prevents people from choosing where they can send their kids to school or have state-sanctioned discrimination through the threat of fines for expressing oneself in another language other than French. No jurisdiction employs punitive measures in order to protect the 'collective will' of the Francophone majority. The threat of being overwhelmed by a sea of English-speaking peoples, while not without some merit, has turned Quebec into a paranoid paradox. It claims to be tolerant, but its laws saw otherwise.
Matters are so bizarre you have ministers like Lisee and Drainville, in their mighty tribal yelp deep within their loins, assert, rather frivolously, their Charter 'values' are in the tradition of Thomas Jefferson. The Charter is a document not of inclusiveness, but in the nationalist mind, but of exclusivity. It has already divided 'les autres' from the 'pure laine' and that's how they like it.
Jefferson my ass.
New England is another geographical region I tend to look as a group rather than by the six individual states that make that region up.
Whenever I read articles like this one where people are loaded with as many as 13 EBT cards (food stamps) but are taking vacations to Hawaii in the Bangor News from Maine (Democrats have been forced to consider looking at the EBT situation given the mounting evidence of rampant fraud), it pays to think about the ramifications of our decisions when it comes to the welfare state. There's a fine line between compassion and enabling; incentives and addiction to 'free money.'
A professor at a College argued that it was a person's Constitutional right to travel. No kidding. But where does it say it should be on taxpayer dime? If a person is on welfare and in need of help to pay for groceries, how does it reason they can afford to go to Hawaii? Can it be fraud is involved?
Just like I don't believe all "47 million" Americans on food stamps (an outrageous figure) are not all honest, hard-working people (even our concept of hard work has diminished somewhat - subjective as it is. I know a few lazy people who claim to work 'hard') as progressive project, I don't believe they're are all lazy and unproductive as conservatives are apt to think.
Either way, it's crucial any welfare, no matter the amount (and one can argue welfare fraud is tiny compared to other types of fraud that cost society contending the corporate variety is far worse) comes with strict conditions.
Or else you get expanded visions of what constitutes 'compassion' like in Vermont where Montpelier can help those who can't pay their own property taxes. Not only do Vermonters have to cover their own property taxes (which in some places are low to begin with especially compared to mine here in Quebec), they have to subsidize other people's taxes? It's a kind of double tax.
One of the main criteria in choosing to live in a particular area is whether you can afford the property taxes. If you willingly neglect this crucial consideration, then it's on you to pay for those consequences. After all, as the good aforementioned professor mentioned, it's your Constitutional right to freely move about. I would love to buy my parent's home but (aside from the list price), I can't afford the obscene property taxes (which in their case, is basically theft).
New England is one place, it's even weirder in California and New York (where, in addition, Governor Cuomo went into a kind of intolerant, nativist rant against pro-gun and life Americans who weren't welcomed in 'his' State - he would make any Pequiste proud with that nonsense) where the state seems to have become completely unhinged in its 'nanny-state' endeavors.
The good news is people are beginning to question the whole darn system. A very basic 'how much government is enough' in collaboration with 'why should I fork the bill since I do enough' line of thinking is settling in.
Indeed, at some point, how much is enough?
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