"President Obama asks what ideas can people come up with to create new jobs. People WE talked to say they think the bailout is enough to get them through the recession."
Didn't have much choice hearing that, my parents put the news on every day. I paraphrased a bit in the first sentence.
What do you all think? Did the bailout help? Did I even hear that right, do you think? Or has this topic been beaten to death yet and i missed it?
The bailout has been extremely helpful, provided you are a corporate officer at Goldman Sachs.
:crankey:
I asked my mom why she watches that crap on tv, and she's like "Because it's good to know what's going on in the world. Where do you get YOUR news?" I'm like, "The internets," and she's like "It's the same news, it's not like it's any different."
:facepalm:
:facepalm:
I can't figure out if these "job summits" and "health care summits" are what they're cracked up to be or not. My husband and I have been part of Obama's "grassroots" thinktanks in the last year or so, and from what I can see, it's a buncha liberal eliteTM hanging out, drinking tea, and bitching about how fucked up everything is. I didn't notice that that shit I contributed nor the thoughts my husband gave out were incoroporated in a meaningful way in the current administration--let alone what the rest of the grassroots sessions came up with.
Obama's peeps seem to like to make the grassroots feel they are "involved" and getting shit done. I get email after email from Obama's camp asking me to hold dinner meetings and sessions in my home or attend those of others' to give two shits and pass them around like candy at Christmas. My problem with that is the input is disproportionate to the output. Health care has petered out, and what had been shaping up looked like a distant shadow of what the grassroots had called for. Reform? My ass.
So I don't know--I like the idea of the thinktanks settling on how to turn this jobless recovery into one that scales the unemployment rate back down to what it was 5 years ago. But is it realistic that their suggestions will be taken, implemented and do some actual good? I don't have blind faith in this shit so I don't really believe it's as cherry as it sounds. Though I appreciate the gesture, sometimes it feels like a patronizing pat on the head.
So what is a think tank, then? What do they do?
They obviously get tanked, then they try to think.
Quote from: Mistress Freeky on December 04, 2009, 04:36:07 AM
So what is a think tank, then? What do they do?
Shoot the shit, sit around, talking about how to "make things better." The one I was attending sat there and looked at data and papers on that data, discussing what the underlying problems are. And ways they can possibly be fixed.
The Children's Initiative is a non-profit organization I now consult with on the Report Card Committee--they come out with a book of stats and recommendations for various issues like poverty, truancy, drugs and dui's, etc. for San Diego County. I'd rather spend time with The Children's Initiative because they don't have a specific government entity or political party edge they are reporting to--they report to EVERYONE and ANYONE who wants their book. It's pretty awesome, actually, and those of us on the panel are pretty diversified and bring a different set of expertise to the table. Doctors, nurses, lawyers, businesspeople, CEO's, teachers, PTA, etc.
Anyway, the thinktanks usually have a few issues or goals they determine will be their focus and "think" about them--with data and suggestions, usually. The Obamite ones, though...they were headed up by the Democrats and those who put Obama on the slate and kept him there. The stakes they set, I don't know, I just don't like being agendized that way.
At least with The Children's Initiative, I feel like what I'm doing is non-partisan.
The bailout did exactly what it was meant to do - transfer vast amounts of wealth from the Treasury to private pockets. Loans to small businesses and would be house-buyers are down, employment is down, hours are down, wages are down, but stock prices are BOOMING.
You probably did hear right - the media are pretty oblivious to anything that happens outside the D.C. Village, except when it comes to local outlets. We have the same deal here with London, though to be fair, 25% of the country's population can be found in the greater city area.
Looting the proceeds of empire is what sent the Roman Republic into a political tailspin, too. Only this time, it's the financial sector that is wrapped around the government like some kind of giant, vampiric squid, sucking that sweet green out as quickly as it can. And it will probably keep doing so until the great financial centres of the world resemble the Baghdad Green Zone...while everywhere outside looks more like, well, the rest of Baghdad. Financial recessions have a bad habit of creating a backlash in the guise of fundamentalism...and it just so happens to be a theory that Mr Hopey is the AntiChrist (and a Muslim).
I hear the US Military is "hiring".
:x
Quote from: Jenne on December 04, 2009, 05:43:13 AM
Quote from: Mistress Freeky on December 04, 2009, 04:36:07 AM
So what is a think tank, then? What do they do?
Shoot the shit, sit around, talking about how to "make things better." The one I was attending sat there and looked at data and papers on that data, discussing what the underlying problems are. And ways they can possibly be fixed.
The Children's Initiative is a non-profit organization I now consult with on the Report Card Committee--they come out with a book of stats and recommendations for various issues like poverty, truancy, drugs and dui's, etc. for San Diego County. I'd rather spend time with The Children's Initiative because they don't have a specific government entity or political party edge they are reporting to--they report to EVERYONE and ANYONE who wants their book. It's pretty awesome, actually, and those of us on the panel are pretty diversified and bring a different set of expertise to the table. Doctors, nurses, lawyers, businesspeople, CEO's, teachers, PTA, etc.
Anyway, the thinktanks usually have a few issues or goals they determine will be their focus and "think" about them--with data and suggestions, usually. The Obamite ones, though...they were headed up by the Democrats and those who put Obama on the slate and kept him there. The stakes they set, I don't know, I just don't like being agendized that way.
At least with The Children's Initiative, I feel like what I'm doing is non-partisan.
Think tanks, at least with the Children's Initiative one, sounds like something good then.
Quote from: Cain on December 04, 2009, 09:38:14 AM
The bailout did exactly what it was meant to do - transfer vast amounts of wealth from the Treasury to private pockets. Loans to small businesses and would be house-buyers are down, employment is down, hours are down, wages are down, but stock prices are BOOMING.
You probably did hear right - the media are pretty oblivious to anything that happens outside the D.C. Village, except when it comes to local outlets. We have the same deal here with London, though to be fair, 25% of the country's population can be found in the greater city area.
Looting the proceeds of empire is what sent the Roman Republic into a political tailspin, too. Only this time, it's the financial sector that is wrapped around the government like some kind of giant, vampiric squid, sucking that sweet green out as quickly as it can. And it will probably keep doing so until the great financial centres of the world resemble the Baghdad Green Zone...while everywhere outside looks more like, well, the rest of Baghdad. Financial recessions have a bad habit of creating a backlash in the guise of fundamentalism...and it just so happens to be a theory that Mr Hopey is the AntiChrist (and a Muslim).
:/ I don't think I'll ever understand politics for as long as I live. At least, why people keep letting politics happen.
why are there less jobs?
people are spending less.
is this a problem?
only for those that have no job.
Lets not call it less jobs but a reduced amount of work.
why make some people work hard and some work not at all?
why not make everybody work less?
PART TIME MOTHERFUCKERS.
or am i being stupid now.
I wouldn't say stocks are booming. Stocks are holding "steady"--they lose some, gain some. I think the media's done a fair job of reporting on the jobless recovery part, too, as well as the fact that things on Wall Street don't seem to be matching up to things on Main Street. The fact the DOW's gained anything in the face of a continuing downward spiral in this recession has been hammered quite a bit in the mass media (the usual circuits, not just the unusually less dense ones).
What's not figuring hard enough in this is the fact that AIG and G-S are going to get away with so much fucked up behavior, and the scapegoating of Geithner didn't work at all. So Congress can boo-hoo away at him, but he's keeping his job, apparently.
Quote from: Mistress Freeky on December 04, 2009, 04:20:37 PM
At least with The Children's Initiative, I feel like what I'm doing is non-partisan.
P.T. Barnum, we hardly knew ya.
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 04, 2009, 06:47:15 PM
Quote from: Jenne on December 04, 2009, 04:20:37 PM
At least with The Children's Initiative, I feel like what I'm doing is non-partisan.
P.T. Barnum, we hardly knew ya.
It's actually great data (I fxed the quotes for you) and a great organization. They removed themselves from the long arm of the government years ago. I see their level of "power" as I do the P-16 Councils. Though the P-16's are more on track with the government, they're still run and mobilized by a diverse group of individuals, not government mandated pencil-pushers.
It's volunteer, The Children's Initiaive. I don't get paid to sit on it.
Not just at the moment, no. But I remember a couple of months ago, when they did get a lot better, lots of people crowing about recovery and green shoots and shit, as if stock prices have anything to do with the economic circumstance most people live with.
Also as far as I can see, the media soft-sell unemployment, by mentioning the figures then going on to mention how the stock market is doing (again, notice there is a real disconnect between the two, as economic spheres).
Geither, Summers and Bernanke are going to all get away with it. Forever and ever and ever (until the economy collapses and becomes more profitable to break down and sell the Treasury offices than accept US dollars). Because Congressional Dems are spineless fools, Senatorial Dems are evil fucks and the Republicans think Jesus will provide, once the Accursed Kenyan (aka That One) is banished from Office and The Lord gets around to bestowing the mantle of Reagan on a new, GOP President.
Quote from: Jenne on December 04, 2009, 06:53:20 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 04, 2009, 06:47:15 PM
Quote from: Jenne on December 04, 2009, 04:20:37 PM
At least with The Children's Initiative, I feel like what I'm doing is non-partisan.
P.T. Barnum, we hardly knew ya.
It's actually great data (I fxed the quotes for you) and a great organization. They removed themselves from the long arm of the government years ago. I see their level of "power" as I do the P-16 Councils. Though the P-16's are more on track with the government, they're still run and mobilized by a diverse group of individuals, not government mandated pencil-pushers.
It's volunteer, The Children's Initiaive. I don't get paid to sit on it.
Yeah, but think tanks in general tend to be agenda-drivers. I'm thinking the CATO Institute, et al.
Quote from: Cain on December 04, 2009, 06:53:52 PM
Not just at the moment, no. But I remember a couple of months ago, when they did get a lot better, lots of people crowing about recovery and green shoots and shit, as if stock prices have anything to do with the economic circumstance most people live with.
And even that won't last. Big Darkness, come soon. Thinking February or March, judging from the housing market.
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 04, 2009, 06:56:03 PM
Quote from: Jenne on December 04, 2009, 06:53:20 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 04, 2009, 06:47:15 PM
Quote from: Jenne on December 04, 2009, 04:20:37 PM
At least with The Children's Initiative, I feel like what I'm doing is non-partisan.
P.T. Barnum, we hardly knew ya.
It's actually great data (I fxed the quotes for you) and a great organization. They removed themselves from the long arm of the government years ago. I see their level of "power" as I do the P-16 Councils. Though the P-16's are more on track with the government, they're still run and mobilized by a diverse group of individuals, not government mandated pencil-pushers.
It's volunteer, The Children's Initiaive. I don't get paid to sit on it.
Yeah, but think tanks in general tend to be agenda-drivers. I'm thinking the CATO Institute, et al.
That could happen, but I don't foresee it at this point in time. It's putting out suggestions, but they are driven to REDUCING illiteracy, REDUCING poverty, REDUCING teen DUI's. Etc. I could show you the raw data and the actual book if you want. But it's not agendized.
I gave up the Obamite shit because of that factor. I wouldn't hop into bed with another one, PTA mandate or not, and spend my time with it if I felt it had "purposes."
Quote from: Jenne on December 04, 2009, 06:59:11 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 04, 2009, 06:56:03 PM
Quote from: Jenne on December 04, 2009, 06:53:20 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 04, 2009, 06:47:15 PM
Quote from: Jenne on December 04, 2009, 04:20:37 PM
At least with The Children's Initiative, I feel like what I'm doing is non-partisan.
P.T. Barnum, we hardly knew ya.
It's actually great data (I fxed the quotes for you) and a great organization. They removed themselves from the long arm of the government years ago. I see their level of "power" as I do the P-16 Councils. Though the P-16's are more on track with the government, they're still run and mobilized by a diverse group of individuals, not government mandated pencil-pushers.
It's volunteer, The Children's Initiaive. I don't get paid to sit on it.
Yeah, but think tanks in general tend to be agenda-drivers. I'm thinking the CATO Institute, et al.
That could happen, but I don't foresee it at this point in time. It's putting out suggestions, but they are driven to REDUCING illiteracy, REDUCING poverty, REDUCING teen DUI's. Etc. I could show you the raw data and the actual book if you want. But it's not agendized.
I gave up the Obamite shit because of that factor. I wouldn't hop into bed with another one, PTA mandate or not, and spend my time with it if I felt it had "purposes."
I'm not talking about that particular think tank, Jenne. One good apple won't make a bushel basket of slime turn back into Macintoshes.
Quote from: Cain on December 04, 2009, 06:53:52 PM
Not just at the moment, no. But I remember a couple of months ago, when they did get a lot better, lots of people crowing about recovery and green shoots and shit, as if stock prices have anything to do with the economic circumstance most people live with.
Also as far as I can see, the media soft-sell unemployment, by mentioning the figures then going on to mention how the stock market is doing (again, notice there is a real disconnect between the two, as economic spheres).
Geither, Summers and Bernanke are going to all get away with it. Forever and ever and ever (until the economy collapses and becomes more profitable to break down and sell the Treasury offices than accept US dollars). Because Congressional Dems are spineless fools, Senatorial Dems are evil fucks and the Republicans think Jesus will provide, once the Accursed Kenyan (aka That One) is banished from Office and The Lord gets around to bestowing the mantle of Reagan on a new, GOP President.
Yeah, initially, there was a spirit of (probably driven by the White House): "Oh Look! The DOW's recovering! We're SAVED!" But now it's double-figured unemployment here, and skyrocketing abandoned mortgages there, and ooh, Main Street knows about the disconnect with Wall Street, so why can't AIG and G-S cut it out with the ballooned bonuses?
And yeah, they do report "we're coming out of the recession!" but then they herald "nope! wait for it in 2010!" So it's really a two-headed hydra at this point.
I totally agree with the summation you gave on Geithner et al., they are the monsters built by the Congress, period.
Quote from: Jenne on December 04, 2009, 07:03:36 PM
Quote from: Cain on December 04, 2009, 06:53:52 PM
Not just at the moment, no. But I remember a couple of months ago, when they did get a lot better, lots of people crowing about recovery and green shoots and shit, as if stock prices have anything to do with the economic circumstance most people live with.
Also as far as I can see, the media soft-sell unemployment, by mentioning the figures then going on to mention how the stock market is doing (again, notice there is a real disconnect between the two, as economic spheres).
Geither, Summers and Bernanke are going to all get away with it. Forever and ever and ever (until the economy collapses and becomes more profitable to break down and sell the Treasury offices than accept US dollars). Because Congressional Dems are spineless fools, Senatorial Dems are evil fucks and the Republicans think Jesus will provide, once the Accursed Kenyan (aka That One) is banished from Office and The Lord gets around to bestowing the mantle of Reagan on a new, GOP President.
Yeah, initially, there was a spirit of (probably driven by the White House): "Oh Look! The DOW's recovering! We're SAVED!" But now it's double-figured unemployment here, and skyrocketing abandoned mortgages there, and ooh, Main Street knows about the disconnect with Wall Street, so why can't AIG and G-S cut it out with the ballooned bonuses?
And yeah, they do report "we're coming out of the recession!" but then they herald "nope! wait for it in 2010!" So it's really a two-headed hydra at this point.
I totally agree with the summation you gave on Geithner et al., they are the monsters built by the Congress, period.
You seem to have corrupted values, Jenne.
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 04, 2009, 07:00:50 PM
Quote from: Jenne on December 04, 2009, 06:59:11 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 04, 2009, 06:56:03 PM
Quote from: Jenne on December 04, 2009, 06:53:20 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 04, 2009, 06:47:15 PM
Quote from: Jenne on December 04, 2009, 04:20:37 PM
At least with The Children's Initiative, I feel like what I'm doing is non-partisan.
P.T. Barnum, we hardly knew ya.
It's actually great data (I fxed the quotes for you) and a great organization. They removed themselves from the long arm of the government years ago. I see their level of "power" as I do the P-16 Councils. Though the P-16's are more on track with the government, they're still run and mobilized by a diverse group of individuals, not government mandated pencil-pushers.
It's volunteer, The Children's Initiaive. I don't get paid to sit on it.
Yeah, but think tanks in general tend to be agenda-drivers. I'm thinking the CATO Institute, et al.
That could happen, but I don't foresee it at this point in time. It's putting out suggestions, but they are driven to REDUCING illiteracy, REDUCING poverty, REDUCING teen DUI's. Etc. I could show you the raw data and the actual book if you want. But it's not agendized.
I gave up the Obamite shit because of that factor. I wouldn't hop into bed with another one, PTA mandate or not, and spend my time with it if I felt it had "purposes."
I'm not talking about that particular think tank, Jenne. One good apple won't make a bushel basket of slime turn back into Macintoshes.
No, you're right, but I like feeling like I'm not wasting my time there, either. And I am agendized, personally, because I keep hounding the people at TCI to keep adding "parent involvement" and power to the parent. That's literally most of my suggestions for them--"add in parent partnership with the community and the school"--the disconnect is what I'm trying to fix in my own little way.
Anyway.
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 04, 2009, 07:04:23 PM
You seem to have corrupted values, Jenne.
I do, don't I. For shame. *hangs head*
Quote from: Jenne on December 04, 2009, 07:05:23 PM
No, you're right, but I like feeling like I'm not wasting my time there, either. And I am agendized, personally, because I keep hounding the people at TCI to keep adding "parent involvement" and power to the parent. That's literally most of my suggestions for them--"add in parent partnership with the community and the school"--the disconnect is what I'm trying to fix in my own little way.
Anyway.
Here is a teaspoon. There is the ocean. Get busy, the tide's against you.
Quote from: Jenne on December 04, 2009, 07:06:04 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 04, 2009, 07:04:23 PM
You seem to have corrupted values, Jenne.
I do, don't I. For shame. *hangs head*
They make a pill for that.
Side effects may include jingoism, apathy, bigotry, poop-flinging, greed, herd mentality, short-sightedness, and rectal implosion. Ask your "presriber" if America™ is right for you.
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 04, 2009, 07:06:56 PM
Quote from: Jenne on December 04, 2009, 07:05:23 PM
No, you're right, but I like feeling like I'm not wasting my time there, either. And I am agendized, personally, because I keep hounding the people at TCI to keep adding "parent involvement" and power to the parent. That's literally most of my suggestions for them--"add in parent partnership with the community and the school"--the disconnect is what I'm trying to fix in my own little way.
Anyway.
Here is a teaspoon. There is the ocean. Get busy, the tide's against you.
:lulz: Perhaps. But I like to feel I'm simply in a wading pool. Leave me my little delusions, it helps the demons stay at bay.
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 04, 2009, 07:08:50 PM
Quote from: Jenne on December 04, 2009, 07:06:04 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 04, 2009, 07:04:23 PM
You seem to have corrupted values, Jenne.
I do, don't I. For shame. *hangs head*
They make a pill for that.
Side effects may include jingoism, apathy, bigotry, poop-flinging, greed, herd mentality, short-sightedness, and rectal implosion. Ask your "presriber" if America™ is right for you.
Aack. ...and IMPLOSION? Is that where the flinging comes from?
Quote from: Jenne on December 04, 2009, 07:09:56 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 04, 2009, 07:08:50 PM
Quote from: Jenne on December 04, 2009, 07:06:04 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 04, 2009, 07:04:23 PM
You seem to have corrupted values, Jenne.
I do, don't I. For shame. *hangs head*
They make a pill for that.
Side effects may include jingoism, apathy, bigotry, poop-flinging, greed, herd mentality, short-sightedness, and rectal implosion. Ask your "presriber" if America™ is right for you.
Aack. ...and IMPLOSION? Is that where the flinging comes from?
No, that comes from being a primate. Only when our particular species flings poop, we usually fling it with a couple of grains of gunpowder. Or these neat silly sticks we call "tasers".
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 04, 2009, 07:11:48 PM
No, that comes from being a primate. Only when our particular species flings poop, we usually fling it with a couple of grains of gunpowder. Or these neat silly sticks we call "tasers".
Ah yes, the almighty taser. The billyclub of the 21st century. :(
Quote from: Jenne on December 04, 2009, 07:13:27 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 04, 2009, 07:11:48 PM
No, that comes from being a primate. Only when our particular species flings poop, we usually fling it with a couple of grains of gunpowder. Or these neat silly sticks we call "tasers".
Ah yes, the almighty taser. The billyclub of the 21st century. :(
No. A billyclub is an inch-thick piece of hickory, and you club people between the neck and shoulder. It breaks their collarbone and does all sorts of horrible damage to connective tissues, etc...So you don't hit people with it unless you really have to.
A taser? Why not? It makes 10 year old little Jimmy fall down, and it makes grandpa dance like he was a young man again. Ho ho! Welcome to the post-American century.
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 04, 2009, 07:19:25 PM
Quote from: Jenne on December 04, 2009, 07:13:27 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 04, 2009, 07:11:48 PM
No, that comes from being a primate. Only when our particular species flings poop, we usually fling it with a couple of grains of gunpowder. Or these neat silly sticks we call "tasers".
Ah yes, the almighty taser. The billyclub of the 21st century. :(
No. A billyclub is an inch-thick piece of hickory, and you club people between the neck and shoulder. It breaks their collarbone and does all sorts of horrible damage to connective tissues, etc...So you don't hit people with it unless you really have to.
A taser? Why not? It makes 10 year old little Jimmy fall down, and it makes grandpa dance like he was a young man again. Ho ho! Welcome to the post-American century.
I have a feeling billyclubs have not been used so heroically in the past. Just an inkling.
Quote from: Jenne on December 04, 2009, 07:28:40 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 04, 2009, 07:19:25 PM
Quote from: Jenne on December 04, 2009, 07:13:27 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 04, 2009, 07:11:48 PM
No, that comes from being a primate. Only when our particular species flings poop, we usually fling it with a couple of grains of gunpowder. Or these neat silly sticks we call "tasers".
Ah yes, the almighty taser. The billyclub of the 21st century. :(
No. A billyclub is an inch-thick piece of hickory, and you club people between the neck and shoulder. It breaks their collarbone and does all sorts of horrible damage to connective tissues, etc...So you don't hit people with it unless you really have to.
A taser? Why not? It makes 10 year old little Jimmy fall down, and it makes grandpa dance like he was a young man again. Ho ho! Welcome to the post-American century.
I have a feeling billyclubs have not been used so heroically in the past. Just an inkling.
Sure they have. That's the fastest way to take someone down with one. Never aim for the head, always the top of the shoulder. Does more damage, takes out a limb. The head is all or nothing, know what I mean?
And some cops just LOVED the nightstick, though they are usually in the minority. But why NOT taser someone? I mean, no broken bones, right? So even cops that would usually employ some restraint will tase the fuck out of you, because it's easier than working through the situation.
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 04, 2009, 07:31:46 PM
Sure they have. That's the fastest way to take someone down with one. Never aim for the head, always the top of the shoulder. Does more damage, takes out a limb. The head is all or nothing, know what I mean?
And some cops just LOVED the nightstick, though they are usually in the minority. But why NOT taser someone? I mean, no broken bones, right? So even cops that would usually employ some restraint will tase the fuck out of you, because it's easier than working through the situation.
I guess they get away with it because it's "beter than a gun" to the average monkey mindset. The fact it's a carte blanche for abuse of power that gets abused all too often gets missed, apparently.
Quote from: Regret on December 04, 2009, 05:10:03 PM
why are there less jobs?
people are spending less.
is this a problem?
only for those that have no job.
Lets not call it less jobs but a reduced amount of work.
why make some people work hard and some work not at all?
why not make everybody work less?
PART TIME MOTHERFUCKERS.
or am i being stupid now.
that's kind of what we did with the "arbeidstijdverkorting" in the 80s, when we sort of decided a typical 40 hours workweek actually lasts only 36 hours.
Quote from: Regret on December 04, 2009, 05:10:03 PM
why are there less jobs?
people are spending less.
is this a problem?
only for those that have no job.
Lets not call it less jobs but a reduced amount of work.
why make some people work hard and some work not at all?
why not make everybody work less?
PART TIME MOTHERFUCKERS.
or am i being stupid now.
Part Time jobs = No benefits = BAD NEWS FOR LESS MONEY. Especially for people who have dependents, like small childeren.
I brought up the actions of Bernanke, Geitnher, Summers and Greenspan in another forum and was smacked in the face by something called Keynesian Economics. I have no idea who this Keynes guy is or why I am being face smacked by anything that has to do with him, but I don't see how his economics can be called upon to counter the fact that the apostles of de-regulation did alot to run us into the ground and they are not going to be called to the carpet about it. In fact, the first three have been promoted and Dubya gave the nations highest civilian honor to the old fart.
meh, I wonder why I bother to care at all. I no longer feel there is any cure for what has been allowed to happen aside from complete collapse. Don't try to understand politics beyond the fact that its primary gist is that of a pirate, "Take what ya can, give nothin back."
John Maynard Keynes was a British economist. He advocated, among other things, to increase deficit spending during a recession, in order to get the country out of it (by stimulating demand).
Which is all well and good. It might've even worked in the short term, though there are long term trends working against this. However, giving money to banks, who then hoard it and refuse to give out loans, isn't exactly what Keynes advocated. In fact, it is kind of the opposite, since if you are wanting to increase demand, you should really be giving money to people who have the least, usually because there are a lot more of them and because most of the time they can only afford to buy necessities anyway.
The really frustrating thing is bailing out the banks was the right move, generally. Letting the banks collapse would've likely led to riots and mass violence, as the impact made it's way through the global system. However, it should've been followed up with breaking up the banks, a new international regulatory system, the firing of those most responsible for economic crisis and an even bigger dose of spending on jobs and benefits. None of which have happened, and are never going to happen.
I feel the need to post this in this thread.
http://www.markstechnologynews.com/2008/10/thor-shield-taser-proof-vests.html (http://www.markstechnologynews.com/2008/10/thor-shield-taser-proof-vests.html)
QuoteThe patented lining is simply a conductive material with low resistance. It's works on the principle that current will tend to follow the path of least resistance, flowing through the fabric to complete the circuit. There must be some kind of material already out there with these properties. Any ideas?
I've also been researching DIY taser proof vests/sweatshirts. I love science.