If you don't like high gas prices......

[Four Suns]

I have not been involved in politics for that long and not until the last few years (after becoming self employed...and that was not by choice but now is working out pretty good!) did I become deeply involved! I mean I work alot of hours to feed my family. I perform any task someone wants to pay for, from working on holding tanks on rv's to full remodel. I do not believe in hand outs but will support any sort of "hand up"! It's really eye opening how much it costs to try to "live the American Dream" and very irritating to see my tax dollars being handed out to folks who should have been neutered or "fixed" after the 3rd or 4th kid they cannot take care of!! So with this way of thinking, what exactly does that make me:huh:

That makes you one of the evil SOB's that should be punished!

How dare you! Haven't you heard that "the Man" is keeping you down!

 

[rickyp52]

Ok- I'm need to jump in here.

There isn't an unbiased news organization anywhere today. The biggest problem as I see it is that there is only one offering a different opinion/ angle/ slant then all the others. As human beings we have inherent bias. The problem gets public when our bias is further pushed due to financial considerations. Those could be as simple as keeping your job as a reporter if you sensationalize an angle to a story to the producer who is influenced by the sponsors of a particular program who have a outward agenda. The biggest issue is not our bias but that we are only offered one of two choices- Left or Right. I lean right on most fiscal issues and left/libertarian on most social issues. I just want the facts, but the problem is I have to wade through all the B.S. so try to find the truth. It is exhausting and it is not helping our democracy!

Truer words have never been spoken.

 

[CROSE]

After reading all this and listening to all the news I am very curious to hear what exactly does leaning left on social issues mean? I would really like to know what is the exact meaning of leaning left or right! I'm getting confused because you can see folks arguing left vs right but when talking personally to (left leaners) they believe mostly like I do and (right leaners) agree almost fully with my thinking:huh: How can we be so divided and, in the end, want pretty much the same thing:smt021
I have not been involved in politics for that long and not until the last few years (after becoming self employed...and that was not by choice but now is working out pretty good!) did I become deeply involved! I mean I work alot of hours to feed my family. I perform any task someone wants to pay for, from working on holding tanks on rv's to full remodel. I do not believe in hand outs but will support any sort of "hand up"! It's really eye opening how much it costs to try to "live the American Dream" and very irritating to see my tax dollars being handed out to folks who should have been neutered or "fixed" after the 3rd or 4th kid they cannot take care of!! So with this way of thinking, what exactly does that make me:huh:

Looking forward to replies from Comsnark and Rickyp52. If you can't tell from my tone I'm being sincere and not trying to be a smart azz.

In an October 2010 study, researchers from the University of California, San Diego, and Harvard University identified a "liberal gene"

Read more: http://healthland.time.com/2011/04/...he-difference-lie-in-the-brain/#ixzz1JFMM5LoU
​

 

[ANYTIME]

No, I'm not making any such assumptions, but your are, and they've lead you to a pretty silly conclusion. What happened to your original post anyway?

I totally modified my original post because I didn't want to perpetuate my error. Thanks for pointing it out to me.

My comment about assumptions was that it seems (to me) that you imply that 35 million bbls of oil is relative insignificant because it would only provide us (United States) with enough crude oil to last us until this Thanksgiving.

Please let me make an analogy. I began working at 16 years of age. I retired right after my 69th birthday and am living on my modest retirement benefits. I have Social Security and pensions from the U.S. Navy (20+ years of service), IBM and Lockheed Martin (30+ years of employment). I could not enjoy my lifestyle with only one or even two of my income sources, but with all three, things are good for my wife and I.

My analogy is: With only a few sources of domestic oil, with total reserves of 35 billion BBLs and nothing else, we would be in bad shape...but we have hundreds/thousands of domestic wells, and all these wells together go a long way to improve our path to energy independence. If our illustrious President would permit significantly more oil domestic oil exploration, we probably, in my opinion, would achieve energy independence.

I agree with Obama that we also must develop additional renewable sources of domestic energy, but not at the cost of neglecting to use the oil that is available to be pumped and otherwise developed (shale oil, etc.) in the U.S.A. and our territorial waters. It seems to me that Obama is using the EPA to oppress development of additional sources of oil under the (stupid) guise it contributes to Global Warming.

 

[floriduramax1]

In an October 2010 study, researchers from the University of California, San Diego, and Harvard University identified a "liberal gene"

Read more: http://healthland.time.com/2011/04/...he-difference-lie-in-the-brain/#ixzz1JFMM5LoU
​

"The theory that hereditary factors help shape political leanings has been gaining support in recent years. A new study in the Journal of Politics, published by Cambridge University Press, develops that hypothesis further. Individuals carrying a particular variant of the D4 gene affecting the neurotransmitter dopamine are more likely to turn out to be liberals, conclude researchers from the University of California, San Diego, and Harvard University."

DOP..e..amine...lol Sorry had to do it!! I have always heard liberalism was a mental disorder...


I probably agree with this as well...

"that liberals are likely to have more friends than conservatives"

​

​

 

[Four Suns]

$2700 to fill up the boat... and it'll last a day. Actually, I'm assuming my fuel costs this summer will be $250/hour while on plane.

 

[comsnark]

After reading all this and listening to all the news I am very curious to hear what exactly does leaning left on social issues mean? I would really like to know what is the exact meaning of leaning left or right! I'm getting confused because you can see folks arguing left vs right but when talking personally to (left leaners) they believe mostly like I do and (right leaners) agree almost fully with my thinking:huh: How can we be so divided and, in the end, want pretty much the same thing:smt021
I have not been involved in politics for that long and not until the last few years (after becoming self employed...and that was not by choice but now is working out pretty good!) did I become deeply involved! I mean I work alot of hours to feed my family. I perform any task someone wants to pay for, from working on holding tanks on rv's to full remodel. I do not believe in hand outs but will support any sort of "hand up"! It's really eye opening how much it costs to try to "live the American Dream" and very irritating to see my tax dollars being handed out to folks who should have been neutered or "fixed" after the 3rd or 4th kid they cannot take care of!! So with this way of thinking, what exactly does that make me:huh:

Looking forward to replies from Comsnark and Rickyp52. If you can't tell from my tone I'm being sincere and not trying to be a smart azz.

I think there are some very important points here.

First. . .the differences between the "left" and "right" are truely very small. One needs to go no further than the budget crap to recognize that there is practically no difference between the parties.

Second. . .Controversy sells news. Increases ad revenue. Rush Limbaugh did not make his morning preaching happiness and sunshine. Commentators like Rush and Glen Beck (he is a commentator, not a journalist, right?) make more money pumping up controversy rather than smoothing it over. News organizations still have to "sell" the news. . . and even those that try to be neutral are naturally influenced by the feedback from their audience and their customers (the advertisers).

Third. . . .Is Fox really the ONLY right of center news source? Rush does not work for Fox. Little Green Footballs and National Review Online are not owned by Fox, are they? I think there are many news outlets that have found market niches on all ends of the political spectrum.

Fourth. . . yeah. . $250/hr sounds right for a 48DB. Scary isn't it? Up from $175 or so an hour last year? Is this still small change compared to maintenance and other ownership costs?

 

[MonacoMike]

I think there are some very important points here.

First. . .the differences between the "left" and "right" are truely very small. One needs to go no further than the budget crap to recognize that there is practically no difference between the parties.

Second. . .Controversy sells news. Increases ad revenue. Rush Limbaugh did not make his morning preaching happiness and sunshine. Commentators like Rush and Glen Beck (he is a commentator, not a journalist, right?) make more money pumping up controversy rather than smoothing it over. ?

Both are commentators.

No comment on the percentage increase the poor pay in taxes when Clinton raised taxes on the rich?

 

[floriduramax1]

I think there are some very important points here.

First. . .the differences between the "left" and "right" are truely very small. One needs to go no further than the budget crap to recognize that there is practically no difference between the parties.

Second. . .Controversy sells news. Increases ad revenue. Rush Limbaugh did not make his morning preaching happiness and sunshine. Commentators like Rush and Glen Beck (he is a commentator, not a journalist, right?) make more money pumping up controversy rather than smoothing it over. News organizations still have to "sell" the news. . . and even those that try to be neutral are naturally influenced by the feedback from their audience and their customers (the advertisers).

Third. . . .Is Fox really the ONLY right of center news source? Rush does not work for Fox. Little Green Footballs and National Review Online are not owned by Fox, are they? I think there are many news outlets that have found market niches on all ends of the political spectrum.

Fourth. . . yeah. . $250/hr sounds right for a 48DB. Scary isn't it? Up from $175 or so an hour last year? Is this still small change compared to maintenance and other ownership costs?

That's it? I was kinda hoping for a little more from you:huh:

 

[comsnark]

Both are commentators.

No comment on the percentage increase the poor pay in taxes when Clinton raised taxes on the rich?

Busy tonight- paying taxes! Have not had a chance to go back and read the article in detail. BUT I have stated before that we need a higher percentage of the population paying into the system. Only 50% of households paying tax is just WRONG. Will read now.

That's it? I was kinda hoping for a little more from you:huh:

Sorry - been busy! But I recall being in basic agreement with what you wrote!

 

[skibum]

Its all George Bush's fault...

 

[comsnark]

Both are commentators.

No comment on the percentage increase the poor pay in taxes when Clinton raised taxes on the rich?

I spent a few minutes looking through these articles today. I did not see this claim made in either article. It may very well be in the Michael Eden article and I missed it -> there is many leading statements made in that article mixed in with the hyperbole.

I have already stated my belief that the poor do not have adequate "skin in the game". With 50% of Americans not paying income taxes; hard to see a tax rate increase affecting the poor. In terms of taxes, it is pretty obvious that 0% tax rates results in no revenue. So do 100% tax rates. Clearly, there is an "optimum" somewhere in the middle. I have stated before: Spending is the root cause problem.

 

[Woody]

Just trying to have a little fun here, don’t be too viscous.
There is a guy that raises nite crawlers. He hires moo-moo clad women to pick those night crawlers and pack them in moss filled containers. The entrepreneur makes $1mil a year off the venture, he’s an excellent businessman. It’s steady work but the moo-moo clad women are only paid $10/hr, $12.50 if they are made head worm puller. The moo-moo’d women pay all the same taxes that anyone else does but at the end of the year they often have no income tax liability. The moo-moo clad women recognize that their hard work and that of the owner generates a lot of income, theirs + the owners. They feel they are indirectly paying more income tax than given credit for, after all they helped make the owners income too. If no one was there to pick & pack the worms no one would make any money. Some people accuse them of laziness or claim they don’t have enough ’skin in the game’. They’re told to get out there and start a business, it’s not that hard they’re told, but even the moo-moo’d clad women understand someone has to pick & pack the nite crawlers. The women are tired of wearing the same moo-moo all week, they want a different one for each day. They meet once a month to discuss this situation. They’ve decided to form a group and all ask for a raise at the same time.

 

[floriduramax1]

Just trying to have a little fun here, don’t be too viscous.
There is a guy that raises nite crawlers. He hires moo-moo clad women to pick those night crawlers and pack them in moss filled containers. The entrepreneur makes $1mil a year off the venture, he’s an excellent businessman. It’s steady work but the moo-moo clad women are only paid $10/hr, $12.50 if they are made head worm puller. The moo-moo’d women pay all the same taxes that anyone else does but at the end of the year they often have no income tax liability. The moo-moo clad women recognize that their hard work and that of the owner generates a lot of income, theirs + the owners. They feel they are indirectly paying more income tax than given credit for, after all they helped make the owners income too. If no one was there to pick & pack the worms no one would make any money. Some people accuse them of laziness or claim they don’t have enough ’skin in the game’. They’re told to get out there and start a business, it’s not that hard they’re told, but even the moo-moo’d clad women understand someone has to pick & pack the nite crawlers. The women are tired of wearing the same moo-moo all week, they want a different one for each day. They meet once a month to discuss this situation. They’ve decided to form a group and all ask for a raise at the same time.

In order to keep the price of the night crawlers affordable and keep the doors open, I think it's time to "unload" this group of women and get another group!

 

[rickyp52]

Just trying to have a little fun here, don’t be too viscous.
There is a guy that raises nite crawlers. He hires moo-moo clad women to pick those night crawlers and pack them in moss filled containers. The entrepreneur makes $1mil a year off the venture, he’s an excellent businessman. It’s steady work but the moo-moo clad women are only paid $10/hr, $12.50 if they are made head worm puller. The moo-moo’d women pay all the same taxes that anyone else does but at the end of the year they often have no income tax liability. The moo-moo clad women recognize that their hard work and that of the owner generates a lot of income, theirs + the owners. They feel they are indirectly paying more income tax than given credit for, after all they helped make the owners income too. If no one was there to pick & pack the worms no one would make any money. Some people accuse them of laziness or claim they don’t have enough ’skin in the game’. They’re told to get out there and start a business, it’s not that hard they’re told, but even the moo-moo’d clad women understand someone has to pick & pack the nite crawlers. The women are tired of wearing the same moo-moo all week, they want a different one for each day. They meet once a month to discuss this situation. They’ve decided to form a group and all ask for a raise at the same time.

You da man Woody. Couldn't have said it better myself. Ya see, floriduramax1 is ready to fire the whole bunch already, and find some different moo moo clad women willing to work for 9$ an hour, and 11.50$ an hour for the moo moo clad manager of the worm pickers. Like any good capitalist he would never miss an opportunity to increase his bottom line!

 

[Four Suns]

You da man Woody. Couldn't have said it better myself. Ya see, floriduramax1 is ready to fire the whole bunch already, and find some different moo moo clad women willing to work for 9$ an hour, and 11.50$ an hour for the moo moo clad manager of the worm pickers. Like any good capitalist he would never miss an opportunity to increase his bottom line!

Are you serious? Are you really SERIOUS?! Did you miss the memo on "free country" in school and also miss out on the career development lectures?

"Skill" is subject to supply-side economics just as much as "material" is. It doesn't take much skill to wear a moo-moo and pluck worms. If the moo-moo ladies don't like it, there are 4.2 billion more moo-moo ladies waiting in the wings. (I am assuming you know what supply-demand curves are... if not.. google it.. Corn muffin will point you to wikipedia). If you want bargening power in your job, your skill set and experience has to be in high demand. Oh... a little detail... that makes some people angry... generally more skill set requires HARD WORK and SACRIFICE and RISK.... i.e. go to college and get a Ph.D. in vascular biomedical near-infrared spectroscopy and you'll probably be paid more than plucking worms... as there are less Ph.D.'s capable of that than moo-moo ladies that need their next swig of vodka. As far as the owner goes? Not relevant. The moo-moo ladies should go start their own worm business if they so desire. They'll probably get preference in an SBA loan because they are women and wear moo-moos.

Get a grip dude... no one is holding you back from making more of your career than your bitter little voice sitting on your right shoulder which is obviously telling you to stay in your lounge chair and watch MSNBC and blame everyone else for your lack of self esteem.

Greece.. where all the world's problems disappear.

 

[rickyp52]

Are you serious? Are you really SERIOUS?! Did you miss the memo on "free country" in school and also miss out on the career development lectures?

"Skill" is subject to supply-side economics just as much as "material" is. It doesn't take much skill to wear a moo-moo and pluck worms. If the moo-moo ladies don't like it, there are 4.2 billion more moo-moo ladies waiting in the wings. (I am assuming you know what supply-demand curves are... if not.. google it.. Corn muffin will point you to wikipedia). If you want bargening power in your job, your skill set and experience has to be in high demand. Oh... a little detail... that makes some people angry... generally more skill set requires HARD WORK and SACRIFICE and RISK.... i.e. go to college and get a Ph.D. in vascular biomedical near-infrared spectroscopy and you'll probably be paid more than plucking worms... as there are less Ph.D.'s capable of that than moo-moo ladies that need their next swig of vodka. As far as the owner goes? Not relevant. The moo-moo ladies should go start their own worm business if they so desire. They'll probably get preference in an SBA loan because they are women and wear moo-moos.

Get a grip dude... no one is holding you back from making more of your career than your bitter little voice sitting on your right shoulder which is obviously telling you to stay in your lounge chair and watch MSNBC and blame everyone else for your lack of self esteem.

Greece.. where all the world's problems disappear.

Geesh, I was just trying to be funny.

 

[floriduramax1]

Typical lib. Where does it say I would cut wages? Typically, moo moo girl jobs would be beginner jobs such as Mc D's or grocery store baggers. As they outgrow the wages, their skills, hard work, good attitude and self esteem should move them away from being moo moo clad girls. Why is this a hard concept for you?

 

[floriduramax1]

Typical lib. Where does it say I would cut wages? Typically, moo moo girl jobs would be beginner jobs such as Mc D's or grocery store baggers. As they outgrow the wages, their skills, hard work, good attitude and self esteem should move them away from being moo moo clad girls. Why is this a hard concept for you?

Folks are only going to pay so much for worms...geesh!

 

[MonacoMike]

Are you serious? Are you really SERIOUS?! Did you miss the memo on "free country" in school and also miss out on the career development lectures?

"Skill" is subject to supply-side economics just as much as "material" is. It doesn't take much skill to wear a moo-moo and pluck worms. If the moo-moo ladies don't like it, there are 4.2 billion more moo-moo ladies waiting in the wings. (I am assuming you know what supply-demand curves are... if not.. google it.. Corn muffin will point you to wikipedia). If you want bargening power in your job, your skill set and experience has to be in high demand. Oh... a little detail... that makes some people angry... generally more skill set requires HARD WORK and SACRIFICE and RISK.... i.e. go to college and get a Ph.D. in vascular biomedical near-infrared spectroscopy and you'll probably be paid more than plucking worms... as there are less Ph.D.'s capable of that than moo-moo ladies that need their next swig of vodka. As far as the owner goes? Not relevant. The moo-moo ladies should go start their own worm business if they so desire. They'll probably get preference in an SBA loan because they are women and wear moo-moos.

Get a grip dude... no one is holding you back from making more of your career than your bitter little voice sitting on your right shoulder which is obviously telling you to stay in your lounge chair and watch MSNBC and blame everyone else for your lack of self esteem.

Greece.. where all the world's problems disappear.

:smt038:smt038:smt038:smt038:smt038:smt038:smt038:smt038:smt038:smt038:smt038:smt038

That's an even dozen. Gary, you had to get at least a C in entry econ to understand that. :thumbsup: