Posts Made By: Steve Hoff

Wow! this might help dispel the image of republicans as being "anti-science", or "incurious".

After all, most republicans just don't think the government should do everything.

Now, I am not kidding, I really don't know and don't understand. take the oil companies, they: produce (granted some people do not like the products that they produce), they employ people (tens of thousands of people, all of whom will spend money in the economy, AND pay taxes), most of whom make pretty good money, and they (the companies) pay taxes. Yet, other companies, make much, much more profit per item sold (Coke, MicroSoft for instance). so, why do people hate the oil companies so much?
Additionally, I do not know for sure, but my understanding of the pipeline deal was there was a pre-arranged "sweet-heart" deal that the previous governor had made with the industry, that Sara Palin, when she became governor renegotiated for a more favorable outcome for the state.
I normally do not pay attention to the State of Alaska, so, feel free to enlighten me....

well, that sure seems to be the strategy of the obamacons. I mean, if you insinuate that you do not agree with the messiah, then, well you are either dumb as a brick or you are a racist.

oh, you are so right, I also have "short stature" issues

I found this article (opinion piece) somewhat illuminating.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601039&sid=aSKSoiNbnQY0&refer=columnist_hassett

In the interest of fairness I thought I'd include some of the reference material from the "Hassett Opinion piece".
this next link comes from the old grey lady herself, I suggest special attention be made to the last four paragraphs on page 2.

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E06E3D6123BF932A2575AC0A9659C8B63&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=1

If for some reason the link doesn't work, look for the article in the Business section by Stephen Labaton September 11, 2003

I am philosophically opposed to the bailout. I think Jeff Miron puts a fairly succinct argument here
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/29/miron.bailout/index.html
He, and 166 of his fellow economist sent a letter to the congress last week articulating why they should not bail out. Hopefully, they will remember those arguments later today when they vote.
The one question that I have is: are we somehow "obligated" to pay/bail these guys out. because after all, our representatives (such as Barney Frank and others) basically encouraged the lax standards for loan approvals with a "wink-wink, nod-nod" that sure, we (the gov't has your back...go to vegas gamble, keep the winnings, call us if you get into trouble..?)

OK, help me understand. the republicans were bad because they spent too much money, and that was bad...so, we are going to fix things by having democrats spend MORE money on different things, right?

However, I am not quite sure that is it. For that to be true, then, they'd have to be dumb as snot. I don't think they are, I do think they are operating under a very different paradigm than what a lot of us are used to and expect.
For instance, this was clearly stated by Mr. Obama and his wife at at least two different times during the election/primaries. Once, during a debate, Senator Obama was asked about taxes: George Stephanopoulos stated that the historical record has shown that decreasing taxes increases government revenues through an expanded economy. When asked if he would still raise taxes in light of the historical record, the Senator replied that he would, when pressed further, he explained that it would be "fairer" to raise taxes on those already paying (those of you who are good with you tube can look up the video to corroborate my memory). The second, almost as stunning was a statement by Mrs. Obama, she said at a town hall type meeting (aside from the fact that America was a mean place), that "...some people are going to have get used to a smaller piece of pie, so that others can have a share of piece...." (again, you youtubers, you guys should be able to find this).
Granted, republicans in washington haven't always been the best stewards of our tax dollars, but most of them believe in "growing" the economy so that the pie is bigger so that others can therefore have a piece. But, I think these two examples show that the Obama's have a very different way of looking at things than at least 47% of us.
My rambling point is, I think they have a clue, it's just that there vision isn't the same as mine.

Wow!. Years ago, the company I worked for had an office in The Netherlands. I went there for 3-4 weeks to set up some new equipment and train staff. After a few days I commented to the manager that there seemed to be some "dead weight" hanging around. He replied, that he knew, but there wasn't anything he really could do about it. If I recall correctly, he told me that if he laid them off or fires anyone he has to pay ~90% of their salary for the next ~2years. ergo, it is almost futile to get rid of someone because at least they know a little of where things are, and the likely hood of the new hire being better is moderately slim. Basically, he describe The Netherlands as "a workers paradise, and a managers nightmare".