The push-me-pull-you economy
President Obama is honouring Labor Day, when most working men and women stop their labours and have a BBQ with the family, by trying to create new opportunities for labour. Not that he can have much realistic expectation of getting the $50bn he wants spent on road, rail and airports through Congress.
If it's unlikely before the mid-term elections in November, it's even less likely afterwards when the Democrats may have lost control of both houses. I must admit that statement is a little ludicrous: Obama doesn't exactly have political control now of the fractious and greedy lot, but the Democrats do at least have an arithmetical advantage.
So his announcements this week are all about positioning, and appealing to working class men in particular. His message in the next two months, and more importantly the next two years, will be: The Republicans robbed us of recovery.
With not only Britain and much of Europe, but individual states in the US making deep cuts, he sometimes seems like the last Keynesian standing. Like the creature in Dr Dolittle the US faces both ways at the same time - a push-me-pull-you economy where the federal government tries to stimulate by spending and many individual States make deep cuts to balance their budgets.
I am off to California to see how this works in practice. Not quite sure when the piece will be broadcast, either the end of this week when Obama gives a news conference, or early next. But I hope to file snippets for this blog as I go.
I’m Mark Mardell, the BBC's North America editor. These are my reflections on American politics, some thoughts on being a Brit living in the USA, and who knows what else? My 
~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~04~RS~)
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While the "checks and balances" are often touted as an advantage to the American political system, they've become rather tiresome of late. Laws take forever to pass and once they finally do, the next party in power undoes all of them again.
China, having an authoritarian government, does not have this issue and that's why they have such unstoppable momentum. I'm not saying we should emulate the Chinese, but it would be much better if things could be sped up significantly.
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individual states in the US making deep cuts
To be fair, they are nearly all constrained to do so legally: I'm sure some of them would be Keynsians if they had the chance.
And, of course, it's Britain and Europe, not Obama, that's got their economics wrong.
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Judging by the tenor of President Obama's Labor Day speech in Milwaukee it is obvious that he is now in full mid term campaign mode. The theme of his speech and the energy he used to deliver it were clearly designed to energize a demoralized Democratic base. However, I doubt any Republicans would be moved by it, and I doubt it will impress many Independents. I am afraid it is too little too late.
Republicans have the momentum and have managed to convince the American people that our economic problems, including the high rate of unemployment, are due to President Obama's policies and that the only way we can all sing Happy Days Are Here Again is by replacing Democrats with Republicans.
Democrats still have a few political strongholds and have a few good candidates running, but they are going to take a whipping in November.
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Isn't this just going to play right into the hands of his opponents? The Republicans will point to this $50bn and say Obama is wasting even more of taxpayers' money.
I'm not suggesting he should make policy decisions based on how the opposition are going to react, but this announcement makes it seem like he's already conceded defeat on the economy.
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Mark wrote:
"... Not that he can have much realistic expectation of getting the $50bn he wants spent on road, rail and airports through Congress."
"If it's unlikely before the mid-term elections in November, it's even less likely afterwards when the Democrats may have lost control of both houses."
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On the first part, the irony is so bitter: that is the kind of thing the stimulus money should have been used for all along, namely building assets in America that would have been of long term value to the economy.
... and still there is no abatement of the flow of American dollars and jobs to China.
On the second part, this is one of the baffling things about American politics.
The Junior Bush administration was an unmitigated catastrophe for America - in terms of unemployment, public spending, public debt, American standing and influence in the world. It left a financial disaster for the next guys to solve. The worst US government since Buchanan.
A reasonable person might have thought that the Republicans would have been reduced to a tiny rump in Congress, and would be out of power for a generation.
But, notwithstanding, they hardly lost any seats in the House, and retained enough seats in the Senate to obstruct 24/7.
Under really, really difficult circumstances - the worst in 70 years - the Obama administration has hardly set a foot wrong on major economic policy issues, has prevented the banking system from collapsing, has made very significant steps to wind down America's money-pit in Iraq, and has re-stabilized America's diplomatic relations around the World.
Throughout that time, although they nominally "control" both houses, the Democrats have been unable effectively to advance their legislative program in the face of Republican obstructionism.
In the last string I asked which of the alternative candidates for the Presidency in 2008, of either party, would have done a better job than President Obama has done.
Still haven't heard anyone else's name suggested.
Yet, unbelievably, people are prepared to vote for the Republicans in the November mid-term elections to such an extent that the Democrats may lose "control" of both houses to the Republicans.
No, there are times when I just do not understand American politics at all.
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I wish my indivdiual state (Mass) were making cuts but as usual they are counting on us all to vote Democrat.
When you are in CA, it might be interesting if the non public workers is satisfied with the State being bankruped by the giveways to special interest groups.
2010 could see the end of the Pelosi dictatorship and by by Barbara Boxer.
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3. SaintDominick:
"Republicans have the momentum and have managed to convince the American people that our economic problems, including the high rate of unemployment, are due to President Obama's policies and that the only way we can all sing Happy Days Are Here Again is by replacing Democrats with Republicans"
*************
You are kidding, right? You do realize that this is exactly what Obama did and continues to do to republicans almost every time he makes a public comment?
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5. Interestedforeigner:
The democrats would have been successful at what, exactly, had it not been for republican obstructionism?
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Ref 4, Estesark
"I'm not suggesting he should make policy decisions based on how the opposition are going to react, but this announcement makes it seem like he's already conceded defeat on the economy."
Republicans called the proposed infrastructure improvement legislation another spending spree within minutes of President Obama delivering the speech. Not a surprise.
What I got out of his speech, in addition to the typical political rally rhetoric, was an acknowledgment that the economy is still in dire straits and that a desperately needed modernization of our infrastructure would not only be in our best interest as a nation, but that it would help reduce unemployment. The latter was obvious when he said that construction workers have been the most affected by our economic problems and then talked about investment in infrastructure.
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Ref 6, Magic
I read somewhere that Barbara Boxer did very well during her debate with Carly "Made in China" Fiorina...
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Ref 5, InterestedForeigner
"Throughout that time, although they nominally "control" both houses, the Democrats have been unable effectively to advance their legislative program in the face of Republican obstructionism."
In all fairness, the main reason for the legislative problems we had the last 19 months was Democratic defections rather than Republican obstructionism, which was predictable and not surprising.
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Ref 7, Andrea
Although it is fair to say that our economic problems are due to policies put in place by Republican and Democratic administrations during the last several decades, there is little doubt that our problems were aggravated, and that the near collapse of our economy was accelerated, by President Bush's irresponsible tax cuts, out of control spending and borrowing.
President Obama has, indeed, increased spending since he took office, but there is a difference between spending to fend off a second Great Depression and spending to put money in the pockets of political benefactors and finance crusades. The former was unavoidable, the latter was by choice.
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ref #10
SaintDominick wrote:
Ref 6, Magic
I read somewhere that Barbara Boxer did very well during her debate with Carly "Made in China" Fiorina...
_________________
Do you have the source?
I am surprised that Fiorina has not put out a video showing Boxers lack of respect to General Petraius at a congressional hearing.
I think you would agree that the General is more popular than almost any politician.
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It's an election year and what day could be more fitting than Labor Day for Obama to announce a $50 billion (payoff? reward? incentive? take your pick) to those stalwart supporters of the Democrat Party, the construction unions.
I suppose we should be grateful that unlike the bailout of the financial industry the ordinary American may actually enjoy some benefit from this spending.
Pay close attention in California, Mark. You'll see what happens when the political process allows people to vote for goodies without requiring them to find the revenue to pay for them at the same time.
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The Push Me Pull You was a miraculous creature that saved Dr. Dolittle's economy in a time of dire trouble
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niKkURpdzIQ
But its not a good allegory for this proposal. US has failing infrastructure and people need work - seems like a gimme. Fed govt and state govts need to trim budgets, but of useless fat - not infrastructure improvement projects.
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The GOP has become the party of no, of non-inclusion, for rich people and big business. People in the US are hurting from this economy and since the party in power has not reduced unemployment they are turning to the "other" party. The middle class will not be helped by voting Republican this election, it will only hurt us more.
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Ref 13, Magic
"I think you would agree that the General is more popular than almost any politician."
Yes he is, but Barbara Boxer was not disrespectful to him. Our senators are not supposed to engage in a lovefest when a popular figure is being questioned about spending or military strategy, their job is to ask insightful questions to get the facts.
Like I said in my earlier post about the Boxer/Fiorina debate "I read it somewhere", unfortunately I can not remembers where but I am almost positive it was on the Internet. Perhaps a blogger from California would be able to expand and produce a better synopsis of what transpired.
Do you perchance support Fiorina's decision to move several HP operations, and jobs, to China and India when she was the CEO of that company?
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14. At 10:55pm on 06 Sep 2010, Scott0962 wrote:
It's an election year and what day could be more fitting than Labor Day for Obama to announce a $50 billion (payoff? reward? incentive? take your pick) to those stalwart supporters of the Democrat Party, the construction unions.
I suppose we should be grateful that unlike the bailout of the financial industry the ordinary American may actually enjoy some benefit from this spending."
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Don't ordinary Americans use banks? Is everyone now putting their money in their mattreses?
Are people being paid in Whampum and whales teeth?
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Pay close attention in California, Mark. You'll see what happens when the political process allows people to vote for goodies without requiring them to find the revenue to pay for them at the same time.
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Well there is not much pay when there is no financial industry, no car industry and no construction industry.
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13. At 10:54pm on 06 Sep 2010, MagicKirin wrote:
ref #10
SaintDominick wrote:
Ref 6, Magic
I read somewhere that Barbara Boxer did very well during her debate with Carly "Made in China" Fiorina...
_________________
Do you have the source?
I am surprised that Fiorina has not put out a video showing Boxers lack of respect to General Petraius at a congressional hearing.
I think you would agree that the General is more popular than almost any politician.
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Whacky do so is Jennifer Aniston and Beyonce. But they are not politicians either.
But yes isn't it awful when these women do not know their place.
You really would be happier in China, lots of respect and deference there.
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ref #17
Yes he is, but Barbara Boxer was not disrespectful to him. Our senators are not supposed to engage in a lovefest when a popular figure is being questioned about spending or military strategy, their job is to ask insightful questions to get the facts.
_________________
She insisted he call her Senator instead of Mamm to demonstrate her importance during a Senate testimony.
It was petty and Boxer has always been that.
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Ref 20, Magic
It may actually be the opposite to what you suggest. Members of our military address civilian interlocutors as Sir and Ma'am as a sign of respect and deference. When Barbara Boxer asked General Patreaus to address her as Senator Boxer she put herself at the same level as him from a professional perspective. In other words, no need to be deferential. You are grabbing straws in your efforts to demonize Democrats...
Again, how do you feel about Fiorina moving business and jobs overseas?
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Well Mark you have me laughing. THe push me pull me is a great depiction of the two major politcal party elitists of the US. I look at the two heads feeding, and umm where do they , well relieve themselves, so they must be full of, well. Absurd, I love it. As for Obama, well the Alinsky creed is understandable.
"The strategy of forcing political change through orchestrated crisis. The "Cloward-Piven Strategy" seeks to hasten the fall of capitalism by overloading the government bureaucracy with a flood of impossible demands, thus pushing society into crisis and economic collapse."
Hillary, Obama, all are avid followers of Saul and his communist ideals of radicalism. They are dripping in it. I will be glad when both are gone from the politcal scene. Consigned to the dustbin of history. Well the Democrats have been pulling it so far, now the people can push the voting levers with there selected votes, before they pull the big lever to place them. Great visual on your part, Mark.
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Obama's proposal seems like something he pulled out of a box of ideas from the last century.
I'm sure democrats will find ways to explain how this will lead us into this century -- by car or railroad.
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5. Interestedforeigner:
"In the last string I asked which of the alternative candidates for the Presidency in 2008, of either party, would have done a better job than President Obama has done."
**************
Depends on the which actions we're talking about. During the financial meltdown, I was happy that Obama had won instead of McCain. Obama surrounded himself with insiders who understood how to shore things up. They knew the system. He did not.
Later, I had some minor doubts. McCain would have probably watched over taxpayer funds a little more. After all his years in office, he would have foreseen that taxpayers would eventually become angry about the money they spent on the bailout. Wall Street got the rewards. We got stuck with the risks. We needed our own investment banker in that deal.
Obama truly lost me on health care. As a former management consultant, I listened to his promises about "his" plan with increasing skepticism. (What plan was he creating?) He was, to put it bluntly, full of it. I was done listening to him after he promised "improved outcomes and reduced costs". A first year consultant wouldn't have gotten away with making those promises. That's when I realized he was a lightweight.
After health care legislation was passed, I found myself missing McCain. He's no genius but he has a better sense of Americans, IMO. He would be better at rallying the troops and would inspire more confidence. That's only because Obama appears clueless and prone to spending. Like a one trick pony.
It's not saying much, then, that McCain would be my preference. It's simply that Obama's proven to be a real disappointment.
As for 2012, I'm waiting and checking out the field. It would be very difficult for me to support an inexperienced junior senator after Obama.
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re. #18. At 11:56pm on 06 Sep 2010, Simon21 wrote:
14. At 10:55pm on 06 Sep 2010, Scott0962 wrote:
It's an election year and what day could be more fitting than Labor Day for Obama to announce a $50 billion (payoff? reward? incentive? take your pick) to those stalwart supporters of the Democrat Party, the construction unions.
I suppose we should be grateful that unlike the bailout of the financial industry the ordinary American may actually enjoy some benefit from this spending."
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Don't ordinary Americans use banks? Is everyone now putting their money in their mattreses?
Are people being paid in Whampum and whales teeth?
----------------------
You're implying that the banking industry would have totally collapsed without the bailout. Individual banks would have failed to be sure and in a capitalist system businesses run so poorly deserve to fail. Banks are useful though and the industry as a whole would have survived, chastened and perhaps even having learned a lesson other than "do whatever you can get away with and whine to to Congress when the chickens come home to roost".
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Ref 21, SaintDominick,
"It may actually be the opposite to what you suggest. Members of our military address civilian interlocutors as Sir and Ma'am as a sign of respect and deference."
Somehow, I doubt that the requirement to call her senator was a friendly suggestion. Calling someone by their full title is generally an increase in formality. I could see the senator being upset at the general, or feeling that "ma'am" was patronizing for some reason, but not that she was saying "Now, friend, no need to call me ma'am - please, just call me senator".
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MM:
"...the fractious and greedy lot..."-- you really are acclimating.
I hope your California trip allows a moment for Jerry Brown. Win or lose, witness of spine and dignity can sometimes keep us going in spite of the greedy lot.
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24. At 03:34am on 07 Sep 2010, AndreaNY wrote:
"Obama truly lost me on health care. As a former management consultant, I listened to his promises about "his" plan with increasing skepticism. (What plan was he creating?) He was, to put it bluntly, full of it. I was done listening to him after he promised "improved outcomes and reduced costs". A first year consultant wouldn't have gotten away with making those promises. That's when I realized he was a lightweight."
____________
"Improved outcomes reduced costs" in health care are pretty much exactly what virtually every other western nation with a public, single payer health care system has achieved.
It is beyond my understanding why Americans are convinced that they can't run a public system as efficiently as any other democracy. Why every single elected Republican representative in the House or Senate (except one) thinks Americans should continue to spend 40% more than they need to on health care, for worse overall results, is also difficult to fathom.
In this country any elected representative who campaigned against, or voted in the legislature against, public health care wouldn't be able to win enough votes at the next election to retain their deposit.
Yet in America, the Republicans, who opposed any advance in health care, who oppose any measure that might rein in the cost of health care, and who refused to propose any reasonable alternative, expect to regain control of the House and Senate in November.
It's incomprehensible.
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I don't recall you supporting single payer health care at the time.
I also don't recall when you wrote about Senator Obama other than critically, before or after the election.
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IF:
"It is beyond my understanding why Americans are convinced that they can't run a public system as efficiently as any other democracy."
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"US ad revenue expected to rise to $170 billion...rising 3.6% annually between 2010 and 2015...banking and healthcare categories would be key drivers..."
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/television/news/e3i190b1d465625a16d9a6d001a9ae4c21d
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More than two TRILLION dollars are needed to rebuild American infrastracture (particularly, roads, bridges and power grids), so 50 billion will hardly make a dent; even AFTER this November election.
And extending R&D tax brakes is unlikely to increase Mr. Obama's popularity (now at roughly 50%) since current and potential small and medium businesmen and many other potential voters (particularly all important independents) know that they were first proposed by Mr. Obama's much maligned predecessor.
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IF wrote [Obama] "has made very significant steps to wind down America's money-pit in Iraq".
May I ask how?
Since financial and logistical aid to Iraq will remain unchanged, and an upkeep of U.S. troops costs roughly the same whether they are based abroad or on American soil.
[yes, an ammo will still have to be expended during mandatory training and a fuel during mandatory heli and fix-wing flights.]
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"China, having an authoritarian government, does not have this issue and that's why they have such unstoppable momentum."
Beijng's ineptness in dealing with natural and man-made disasters as well as with catastrophic environmetal polution, let alone with massive corruption in China (often involving high rank CPA officials) clearly demonstrates that ruling by fiat, even when one has a huge enforcement apparatus at one's disposal - is hardly more effective than a sloppy and cumbersome democratic process.
[Collapse of the Soviet centrally imposed and controlled economy would be another case in point]
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Promoters of public sector (incl. healthcare system) in the U.S. could do worse than look to EUSSR, where more and more Brussels' subjects, including euroenthusiasts have been grudgingly admitting that the welfare state model many of them have been so accustomed to and hooked on, cannot be sustained, let alone financed through taxes any longer.
With even France and Germany cutting perks and increasing retirement age
despite massive public protests.
[I'll skip an issue of countries like Greece, Ireland, Portugal and Spain facing bankruptcy, and of a growing anti-immigrant sentiment and policies in many a Old Europe's country.]
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33. At 08:02am on 07 Sep 2010, powermeerkat wrote:
"Promoters of public sector (incl. healthcare system) in the U.S. could do worse than look to EUSSR, where more and more Brussels' subjects, including euroenthusiasts have been grudgingly admitting that the welfare state model many of them have been so accustomed to and hooked on, cannot be sustained, let alone financed through taxes any longer."
Bottom line - our healthcare costs about half of that in the US.
[I'll skip an issue of countries like --- a growing anti-immigrant sentiment and policies in many a Old Europe's country.]
Hmmm. "Anti-immigrant sentiment". Ground Zero Mosque anyone ?
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ref #21
SaintDominick wrote:
Ref 20, Magic
It may actually be the opposite to what you suggest. Members of our military address civilian interlocutors as Sir and Ma'am as a sign of respect and deference. When Barbara Boxer asked General Patreaus to address her as Senator Boxer she put herself at the same level as him from a professional perspective. In other words, no need to be deferential. You are grabbing straws in your efforts to demonize Democrats...
Again, how do you feel about Fiorina moving business and jobs overseas?
___________________
If you watch the whole exchange you can see Boxer is in the wrong ,because she goes on to lecture how she has earned her position.
Boxer has an atagonistic nature and has been a major obstructionist in many ways.
I don't need to demonize her, she is quite unpopular around the country.
Regarding Fioriuna moving HP jobs out of the country, i don't like it but from the research she tried to limit them.
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# 22 AmericanGrizzly wrote:
"As for Obama, well the Alinsky creed is understandable.
"The strategy of forcing political change through orchestrated crisis. The "Cloward-Piven Strategy" seeks to hasten the fall of capitalism by overloading the government bureaucracy with a flood of impossible demands, thus pushing society into crisis and economic collapse."
Hillary, Obama, all are avid followers of Saul and his communist ideals of radicalism. They are dripping in it. I will be glad when both are gone from the politcal scene."
Obama & HRC are communists plotting the downfall of capitalism.
Riiiiight.
Three words.
Tin
Foil.
Hat.
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Regarding infastructure improvements I wonder if Obama would encourage a free and open bid process.
What that means is no special payout to the unions.
If we are going to spend money on this, i want thte company who can do the best job. In my experience that is seldom one that has uniion workers.
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# 34. At 09:34am on 07 Sep 2010, The Toothbrush Man wrote:
"Hmmm. "Anti-immigrant sentiment". Ground Zero Mosque anyone ?"
Toothbrush, I feel that it may be a tad over-simplistic to put the hysteria over the mosque in NYC - and indeed others - purely down to "Anti-immigrant sentiment".
Given that many of the millions of Muslims in the US have been living there for years, and no doubt many are second if not third generation...
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I'm not sure how 'euro' or 'welfare state' the supposed left of the US health care debate really was, in that it sought to allow citizens the option of purchasing health care from a government source, such as medicare, as opposed to private insurance companies.
The administrative expenses of medicare are just under 3%, while the private sector averages roughly 18%. The private sector also spends large sums on sales, advertising, and dividend payments to investors, which contribute to high priced premiums beyond the reach of many, as they're forced to cover expenses which aren't actually health care related.
I regret the current 'compromise' has the government assisting financially with the purchase of this unnecessarily costly private form of insurance. It seems we're publicly subsidizing private profits with little systemic cost control, very much like the pharmaceutical 'reform' under Bush. I don't think this is an approach we will be able to sustain for a long period. I do suspect it's politically possible at the moment because of the tens of billions of dollars the industry pumps into the media which we rely on to keep us informed on these issues and public figures.
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38. At 09:41am on 07 Sep 2010, John_From_Dublin wrote:
"Toothbrush, I feel that it may be a tad over-simplistic to put the hysteria over the mosque in NYC - and indeed others - purely down to "Anti-immigrant sentiment"."
You are quite correct. I have confused immigrants with religion. However, although I am being a tad over-simplistic, so are many of the opponents to the Ground Zero Mosque - who are also seem to make the same confusion and yet are unprepared to recognise the error.
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# 40. At 10:09am on 07 Sep 2010, The Toothbrush Man wrote:
"You are quite correct. I have confused immigrants with religion. However, although I am being a tad over-simplistic, so are many of the opponents to the Ground Zero Mosque - who are also seem to make the same confusion and yet are unprepared to recognise the error."
I fear I must once again disagree.
To say that many of the opponents of the mosque are being 'a tad over-simplistic' seems to me to be a gross understatement ;-)
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bashing Obama comes with job description as most powerful person in world and mtv pop star and a nicer prez than last... but some of his own people (black not necessarily democrats) say he looks mixed and not following (black) agenda, or even is following a similar aganda to last (dodgy lame duck) prez
http://rastafaritimes.com/rasnews/viewnews.cgi?newsid1239587891,55813,.shtml
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37. At 09:38am on 07 Sep 2010, MagicKirin wrote:
Regarding infastructure improvements I wonder if Obama would encourage a free and open bid process.
What that means is no special payout to the unions.
If we are going to spend money on this, i want thte company who can do the best job. In my experience that is seldom one that has uniion workers.
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Yes well we know from your comments about Ecuador and its neo-slavery ranches etc what conditions for workers you would like to see.
Ones in which they have as few human rights as possible - and where the payment of living wages is an open question.
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35. At 09:36am on 07 Sep 2010, MagicKirin wrote:
ref #21
SaintDominick wrote:
Ref 20, Magic
It may actually be the opposite to what you suggest. Members of our military address civilian interlocutors as Sir and Ma'am as a sign of respect and deference. When Barbara Boxer asked General Patreaus to address her as Senator Boxer she put herself at the same level as him from a professional perspective. In other words, no need to be deferential. You are grabbing straws in your efforts to demonize Democrats...
Again, how do you feel about Fiorina moving business and jobs overseas?
___________________
If you watch the whole exchange you can see Boxer is in the wrong ,because she goes on to lecture how she has earned her position.
Boxer has an atagonistic nature and has been a major obstructionist in many ways.
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Yes so unlike the way a nice woman should beahve. Aggresive, how outrageous of her.
Of course your right-wing heroes are models of decorum.
One of them was on British radio the other day comparing Obama to Hitler because he was "pragmatic" (apparently Hitler was "pragmatic" too).
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I don't need to demonize her, she is quite unpopular around the country.
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In your eyes but you ar enot the country.
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Regarding Fioriuna moving HP jobs out of the country, i don't like it but from the research she tried to limit them.
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But these jobs go to China where they imprison and s--- union activists - surely something you approve of?
No consistency here, as usual.
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31. At 07:25am on 07 Sep 2010, powermeerkat wrote:
IF wrote [Obama] "has made very significant steps to wind down America's money-pit in Iraq".
May I ask how?
Since financial and logistical aid to Iraq will remain unchanged, and an upkeep of U.S. troops costs roughly the same whether they are based abroad or on American soil."
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Opps! Pass the Atlas :)
Iraq is in the Middle East, not Ohio
For "roughly" read nothing like.
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[yes, an ammo will still have to be expended during mandatory training and a fuel during mandatory heli and fix-wing flights.]
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But hardly the same eh.
That's the problem with the US right, it is generally incapable of making an even vaguely sensible arguemnt.
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32. At 07:45am on 07 Sep 2010, powermeerkat wrote:
"China, having an authoritarian government, does not have this issue and that's why they have such unstoppable momentum."
Beijng's ineptness in dealing with natural and man-made disasters as well as with catastrophic environmetal polution, let alone with massive corruption in China (often involving high rank CPA officials) clearly demonstrates that ruling by fiat, even when one has a huge enforcement apparatus at one's disposal - is hardly more effective than a sloppy and cumbersome democratic process."
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But slightly more effective is worth trillions.
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[Collapse of the Soviet centrally imposed and controlled economy would be another case in point]
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Save for the slight fact that patriotic US companies did not fall over themselves to set up and invest in Soviet Russia.
US companies are voting with their feet are they not?
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ref #43 and 44
Well sorry as I am paying the bill for infastructure, I want an open bid process. And if that means unions have to tighten their belts to win the job, so be it.
I don't recall talking about unions in Ecuador, I do recall talking about union pressure stopping a free trade agreement with Columbia and how Venezuela and Bolivia steal private property.
As far as Chienses laborpractices workers abused wether they are union or non union.
As far as this country the thugs are on the union side. Proud to have walked through a picket line last week.
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Ref 38, John
"Given that many of the millions of Muslims in the US have been living there for years, and no doubt many are second if not third generation..."
Most American Muslims were, indeed, born in the USA. Unfortunately for them their American roots, which for some may be several generations, are not enough to exempt them from discrimination and expressions of hate.
I wonder how they feel about the "Koran Burning Day" in a Florida church? Obviously, things like this are isolated incidents that are not representative of how most Americans feel, but after hearing prominent people claim that our God is better than theirs and hearing the explanation given by a highly respected religious leader for the earthquake in Haiti you have to wonder what is going on.
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Ref 37, Magic
"Regarding infastructure improvements I wonder if Obama would encourage a free and open bid process."
The Federal government contract bidding process is well documented and available for anyone who cares to review it.
RFPs are issued, bids are reviewed and awarded based on demonstrable expertise, cost and adherence to requirements. The government does not discriminate against companies that have or do not have union workers in their payroll. Obviously, there are exceptions such as the sole source contract process and other less known contract arrangements, but those are not the norm.
May I remind you, once again, that when you criticize union workers you are criticizing fellow Americans? My experience after years of working with union and professional workers is that there are good and bad workers on both sides.
There aspects of organized labor that I do not like, including the emphasis on seniority which often leads to below average employees moving up the ranks because of tenure while more deserving union workers are precluded from moving up the ladder, but overall there is little difference between union and non-union workers, other than the fact that union workers perform non-exempt work and professionals are exempt.
In fact, from a management perspective it is easier to manage union workers than professionals (except for labor negotiations and grievances). The only thing I had to do was to follow the bargaining unit agreement regarding salary, pay raises, promotions and benefits when dealing with union workers. Things were a lot more complicated with salaried employees. Performance reviews often have a lot of subjectivity, the need to keep professionals happy to limit attrition is a major headache, and complaints about salary increases and promotions among professionals are not uncommon.
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Ref 30, powermeerkat
"More than two TRILLION dollars are needed to rebuild American infrastracture (particularly, roads, bridges and power grids), so 50 billion will hardly make a dent; even AFTER this November election."
I agree. I suspect the $50B figure was proposed because of all the claims of out of control spending, but considering the dismal state of our infrastructure that figure is groslly inadequate.
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ref #49
49. At 1:45pm on 07 Sep 2010, SaintDominick wrote:
Ref 37, Magic
"Regarding infastructure improvements I wonder if Obama would encourage a free and open bid process."
The Federal government contract bidding process is well documented and available for anyone who cares to review it.
RFPs are issued, bids are reviewed and awarded based on demonstrable expertise, cost and adherence to requirements. The government does not discriminate against companies that have or do not have union workers in their payroll. Obviously, there are exceptions such as the sole source contract process and other less known contract arrangements, but those are not the norm.
(No I have been involved in GSA RFP they get around it with special considerations etc. You have to threaten FOIA to get answers, also the States administer road work in a lot of cases and they use PLAs)
May I remind you, once again, that when you criticize union workers you are criticizing fellow Americans? My experience after years of working with union and professional workers is that there are good and bad workers on both sides.
(I am criticizing the union mentality)
There aspects of organized labor that I do not like, including the emphasis on seniority which often leads to below average employees moving up the ranks because of tenure while more deserving union workers are precluded from moving up the ladder, but overall there is little difference between union and non-union workers, other than the fact that union workers perform non-exempt work and professionals are exempt.
(How about the protection a union worker especially teachers get about being fired for poor job performance?)
In fact, from a management perspective it is easier to manage union workers than professionals (except for labor negotiations and grievances). The only thing I had to do was to follow the bargaining unit agreement regarding salary, pay raises, promotions and benefits when dealing with union workers. Things were a lot more complicated with salaried employees. Performance reviews often have a lot of subjectivity, the need to keep professionals happy to limit attrition is a major headache, and complaints about salary increases and promotions among professionals are not uncommon.
(I've found the oppsite Union contracts cost more to the business man and they protect incomptence. It should be up to Wal Mart a great company wether there are unions there.)
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Dr. Doolittle, where have you gone?
We need someone to help us haggle with the animals in our 3-ring circus!
I never liked haggling.
It seems so terribly insincere.
Why should I ask for the moon if I actually want something less?
Why should I ask for a mars landing if I actually want a space station?
Yet, alas, for some folks that's how the game is played.
And, our president is in the circus, regardless of whether the elephants play fair.
BTW: Our Transportation and Energy Infrastructures are really showing their age. They've got wrinkles, grey hairs and are proving to becoming a bit of a burden for our cities and states. Poor old infrastructures. I'd love to see 'em spruced up a bit.
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Just a few months ago we where talking/typing about power grids. The power going out. The need to update and replace power lines and the grid it self.The roads are falling apart and many bridges have been closed do to repair or lack of money to fix them..There are some who want to play this as a politics issue (Fox,CNN,MSNBC and sooner or later BCC)
The things America once took for granted schools,roads,power,and rail have been in need ,are in, of repair.$50 billion will not fix all but it is a start.
California is nothing Mr.mardell should come to Michigan. Rent a car and drive from Detroit to Chicago via Flint ( and get a chilli dog in Downtown ) , Lansing ( stop by the Peanut Shop in the Downtown ) and Grand Rapids.
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Ref 51, Magic
"(How about the protection a union worker especially teachers get about being fired for poor job performance?)"
Unions make more difficult for management to discipline members, but it is not impossible. I fired many union workers because of sub-standard performance or policy infractions, all you have to do is document everything and follow the disciplinary process.
"(I've found the oppsite Union contracts cost more to the business man and they protect incomptence. It should be up to Wal Mart a great company wether there are unions there.)"
The remuneratikon given to union governments is based strictly on what the market bears. If union workers demand higher salaries, management reduces benefits to offset the cost. If they want better benefits they must agree to reduced pay increases, etc. There are other tactics used by management to remain competitive and profitable, such as reducing overhead costs. A common example of the latter is to outsource payroll and benefit administration to companies that do that kind of work for a fee.
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@ shookster21 (#1):
"While the "checks and balances" are often touted as an advantage to the American political system, they've become rather tiresome of late."
A friend of mine lives by the mantra the 'government gridlock is good' because it prevents folks from having too much power.
-- I see his point, but I think there are some serious flaws in his logic.
For example - how is anyone supposed to get anything useful and productive done when folks will block your every move merely because you're on the wrong team?
Aren't we all supposed to be on the same team when you get down to things like... oh... improving our country and making it a great place for the future generations of folks who live here? Really?
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31. At 07:25am on 07 Sep 2010, powermeerkat wrote:
"Since financial and logistical aid to Iraq will remain unchanged, and an upkeep of U.S. troops costs roughly the same whether they are based abroad or on American soil."
____________
Well, if that's the case, then why doesn't the US deploy a million troops to Iraq, and another million to Afghanistan, and really do the job well, once and for all? After all, if it isn't going to cost any more than if they stayed home ...
And while they're at it, how about sending another million troops to straighten out the government of Iran and its nuclear program; and another million troops to tidy up Syria; and still another million troops to put the boot to the government of North Korea?
And then, in the afternoon, they can send another million troops to work on regime change in Saudi Arabia, and another million to work on Regime change in Pakistan, and another million to work on regime change in Egypt.
And, then the next day, we can lend a million troops to Marcus, and he can give, say, France a lesson in attitude adjustment ...
Sure, that's the great lesson of history: fighting wars doesn't cost any more than training troops at home, and, given the high levels of US unemployment, there are lots of potential recruits.
Because, after all, everybody knows that fighting wars is not expensive at all.
What is the origin of this "Tin Foil Hat" reference?
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re. #34. At 09:34am on 07 Sep 2010, The Toothbrush Man wrote:
33. At 08:02am on 07 Sep 2010, powermeerkat wrote:
"Promoters of public sector (incl. healthcare system) in the U.S. could do worse than look to EUSSR, where more and more Brussels' subjects, including euroenthusiasts have been grudgingly admitting that the welfare state model many of them have been so accustomed to and hooked on, cannot be sustained, let alone financed through taxes any longer."
Bottom line - our healthcare costs about half of that in the US.
-----------------------
By what I've read on the BBC about Europe's health care systems it seems you get what you pay for. The day will come when the EU nations will have to foot the full bill for their own defense without American assistance and the EU's taxpayers will discover they will have to make choices between the level of welfare state and the degree of security they can afford.
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ref #54
SaintDominick wrote:
Ref 51, Magic
"(How about the protection a union worker especially teachers get about being fired for poor job performance?)"
Unions make more difficult for management to discipline members, but it is not impossible. I fired many union workers because of sub-standard performance or policy infractions, all you have to do is document everything and follow the disciplinary process.
"(I've found the oppsite Union contracts cost more to the business man and they protect incomptence. It should be up to Wal Mart a great company wether there are unions there.)"
The remuneratikon given to union governments is based strictly on what the market bears. If union workers demand higher salaries, management reduces benefits to offset the cost. If they want better benefits they must agree to reduced pay increases, etc. There are other tactics used by management to remain competitive and profitable, such as reducing overhead costs. A common example of the latter is to outsource payroll and benefit administration to companies that do that kind of work for a fee.
(How about this examples, only 20% of the construction industry workers are union based. Yet many state and local demand union workers. Why and how does that benefit the economy or the tax payer.)
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" Hmmm. "Anti-immigrant sentiment". Ground Zero Mosque anyone ?
"
Nope. Anti-Turkish sentiments in Germany where neo-Nazi sentiments are on a rise (particularly in the former DDR) and anti-Roma policies implemented in France and Italy.
Nice try, but no cigar. :)
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powermeerkat wrote:
"Since financial and logistical aid to Iraq will remain unchanged, and an upkeep of U.S. troops costs roughly the same whether they are based abroad or on American soil."
____________
IF replied:: Well, if that's the case, then why doesn't the US deploy a million troops to Iraq, and another million to Afghanistan, and really do the job well, once and for all? After all, if it isn't going to cost any more than if they stayed home ...
Why don't you address that question to our Commander-in-Chief?
Since he's a procrastinator of a century as far as military decisions are concerned?
You know the one who still cannot admit that the the 'surge' ordered by his much maligned predecessor actually worked?
P.S. Please, do not repeat amateurish nonsense about a massive U.S. military invasion of Iran being necessary.
I've explained more than once that it would not be required to destroy ayatollahs' uranium enrichment centers in Busher, Ishfahan, Natanz, Qum and other places. And that presence of American ground troops in the area would only hamper a successful aerial strikes on those nuclear facilities.
For which, however, you may have to wait until 2013.
For obvious reasons.
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20. At 00:14am on 07 Sep 2010, MagicKirin wrote:
ref #17
"Yes he is, but Barbara Boxer was not disrespectful to him. Our senators are not supposed to engage in a lovefest when a popular figure is being questioned about spending or military strategy, their job is to ask insightful questions to get the facts."
_________________
"She insisted he call her Senator instead of Mamm to demonstrate her importance during a Senate testimony.
It was petty and Boxer has always been that."
Actually it was Brigadier General Michael Walsh, of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who was testifying on the Louisiana coastal restoration process in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, not General Patraeus. However I do agree it did seem a little bit petty of Senator Boxer, but hardly rated the cacophony created by the media.
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IF asks: What is the origin of this "Tin Foil Hat" reference?
That's a headgear some lumberjacks wear, I hear, to protect themselves from falling trees and windmill blades, and, much more importantly, from American NSA reading their priceless thoughts.
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@ SaintDominick (#48):
"Most American Muslims were, indeed, born in the USA. Unfortunately for them their American roots, which for some may be several generations, are not enough to exempt them from discrimination and expressions of hate.
I wonder how they feel about the "Koran Burning Day" in a Florida church."
Oddly enough, I have strange visions in my head of 'Angry Fundamentalist Christians' walking into Islamic neighborhoods trying to find religious bookstores where they can by Korans to burn:
'Excuse me sir, but have you any Korans for sale?'
'Of course! Would you like a copy in Arabic or would you like an English translation for personal study?'
'Er... well, I guess I'd like a cheap version as I... um... I'm not sure I'll be owning it for very long...'
'Well, all of our copies are sacred texts, therefore they are all hard-bound and of highest quality print. That will be $39.95, sir. While you are here, would you like a copy of Spenser's work "The Complete Infidel's Guide to the Koran" for only $19.95?'
'Ah... um... well... Really? Well... sure... I guess... you really have that?'
'Of course, sir. We truly strive towards a better common understanding of our history and traditions.'
'Oh. Well... that seems kinda' reasonable. Ya' know, that's a really nice hat your wearing, could I pick up one of those for my nephew?'
The world is a funny place, and all the men and women are merely players.
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Stimulus funds were processed through the State governments, i.e., nothing but saving state government jobs was the result. No need to blame the President, look at your own state and see what happened to the money to create jobs...it saved state and local government jobs, that is all.
Bankers stole the heart of the economy and are still running the show. The Republicans continue to block and threaten any banking reform that might prevent another collapse in the future and any taxes to assess the banks some penalty for what they have done. Always funny how the Tea Party folks are used by banking and big business to vote against their own self interest.
Would certainly like to see the Republican do something other than complain. They have not proposed a thing, just rhetoric and jingles...empty heads with dead ideas. After the Bush/Cheney gang made sure the investors in the banks were taken care of they could get out of town and leave the real problems for everyone else.
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Ref 60, powermeerkat
"Why don't you address that question to our Commander-in-Chief?"
Wouldn't it be more appropiate to ask his predecessor? W was the one that took his eye off the ball and engaged in a distraction that allowed Al Qaeda to regroup and OBL to run about freely. In contrast, Obama escalated the conflict in Afghanistan by increasing US troops levels from 30,000 to 130,000.
The point that IF made, however, had nothing to do with who was responsible for escalating violence in the Persian Gulf region, but a direct response to an insinuation that troop increases do not necessarily increase military spending.
Significant changes in troop levels do increase cost because of logistics, increased security requirements, and the cost of replacing spent materiel. A sizable portion of the $1T spent in Iraq and Afghanistan went to US companies engaged in "rebuilding", many of them operating under sole source contracts. Well, since the $1T was not spent in improving the quality of life of the American people or our infrastructure I guess that's OK.
Regarding the fact that we will continue to spend a considerable amount of money until the bulk of our troops in Iraq are withdrawn next Summer are you suggesting they should be pulled out now?
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With my brother in law a Head Master at a public (private)school near London I get a chance to visit from time to time its a beautiful place,steeped in history.
The boys are very privileged to be taught there,nearly all go on to University & from there to all walks of life.One young man just a short
time ago a boy there,chose A career in the military.Andrew trained to be
an officer in the Duke of Lancaster regiment. Before leaving on his first
tour of duty in Afghanistan he called to see his old head master & asked
about tips re combat,knowing Clive had won the Military Cross in the Falklands.Clive told him you may be the young officer in charge but the back bone of all regiments in the British Army is your Sargent,listen to him & learn.That was 18 months ago,Andrew that young officer now an old hand him self kept in touch with his Head master & school,to the delight of all.
Andrew died on Sunday from wounds revived whilst fighting in Helmand..
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Ref 63, Philly-Mom
My wife and I had an interesting experience a few minutes ago when we decided to go to a little BBQ place close to our house for lunch. When the news about the "Qu'ran burning day" came up on a big screen TV in the restaurant one of three guys in the table next to us commented "Well, it is about time someone did something about people that burn American flags", a second guy added "It is just a book anyway".
Obviously, the distinction and significance of burning or otherwise desecrating a national Vs a religious symbol is of little consequence to those who don't know the difference between an Arab and a Muslim, or who think Africa is a country.
The climate of xenophobia and intolerance that has been carefully crafted by people more interested in personal and/or political gain than the need to promote unity and civility may very easily get out of hand and may have serious consequences both at home and abroad.
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Ref 58, Magic
"(How about this examples, only 20% of the construction industry workers are union based. Yet many state and local demand union workers. Why and how does that benefit the economy or the tax payer.)"
I don't know what is happening in Massachussetts, but in Florida our State and Local governments award contracts to whomever submits the best bid, regardless of whether the bidder has or does not have union workers in its payroll.
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IF asks: 'What is the origin of this "Tin Foil Hat" reference?'
powermeerkat wrote: "That's a headgear some lumberjacks wear, I hear, to protect themselves from falling trees and windmill blades, and, much more importantly, from American NSA reading their priceless thoughts."
__________________
Ah yes... I'm not too sure about the lumberjack etymology, as I had believed them to wear more flamboyantly fabulous garb, unrelated to advanced media technology.
Nonetheless, the use of Foil Hats to protect one's secret thoughts from being picked up by the NSA, by spy satellite or by unwanted intergalactic aliens has been scientifically proven an ironic fallacy, as the foil actually serves to amplify the electro-neurological thought waves of humans and, perhaps, Irish Centaurs.
Not to worry, folks -- you can always up-cycle your hats into popcorn poppers.
Besides, the popcorn will become useful as we watch the sinister and ubiquitous international power conspiracy unfold, as heinous foreign socialist doctrines take over the free world by paving our roads, fixing our wiring and offering cheap healthcare.
Popcorn anyone?
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Ref 64, Ghost
"Always funny how the Tea Party folks are used by banking and big business to vote against their own self interest."
You are right, one of the most fascinating aspects of what is happening is to see people that barely make enough money to pay their rent and put food on the table ranting about Obama's decision to allow taxes to go back to the rate that existed in the Clinton era for people making over $250K a year (the top 1% of our population), those that complain about the "leftist agenda" that influenced financial reform and prevents banks from paying us 2% on our savings while charging us 20% on credit card balances, those that condemn making healthcare coverage available to all Americans because that is a form of socialism, while they collect Social Security checks and use MEDICARE, those that suddenly reject government intrusion after enthusiastically endorsing the "Patriots" Act and blaming the government when something goes wrong, and those that claim attacks against religion while calling for the burning of certain religious books.
Consistency is, clearly, not one of our greatest attributes.
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69. Philly Mom
The thing is, my question to PMK was rhetorical, and followed from the context of my commentary.
Here is an a helpful link on the subject of tin foil hats.
The part I like the best is that if the tin foil hat is made improperly, not only does it not function properly as a Faraday cage, not only does it fail significantly to attenuate RF signals, but rather it may instead function, in effect, as a wave guide that focuses the E-M flux of a diffuse field signal.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tin_foil_hat
There is also a cultural thing going on. The other day, in the context of one of the Colonel-bashi's postings, I tried to point out that humour does not necessarily translate well from one culture to another. Satire is not always effective in blog postings. Rhetoric, absurdist exaggeration, sarcasm and irony are all easily misconstrued.
The PMK response to my earlier posting on possible expansions in overseas troop deployments seems to be a case in point.
In any event, I was waiting for the UKW posting to come up, supposing that it might be a witty and ironic rejoinder on the tin foil hat issue.
Sadly, it was not.
Your heart can only go out to the young man's parents.
UK, do you ever feel inclined to be a guest lecturer for a term at a school like that ?
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Some U.S. citizens may remember the Comprehensive Employment Training Act of 1973 (CETA) which was to serve as a way of directing low income workers and long-term unemployed workers into jobs by giving them the opportunity to learn new skills while earning wages. Especially those new skills that were needed in new and developing markets to replace jobs no longer required because of technological advances.
CETA was a very successful, Federal government program in the mid-1970's when the national economy was in a very deep recession. Funds were distributed to the States. They were often used to update infrastructure. Funds also went to non-profit museums, libraries, and other institutions. President Gerald Ford used this program with great results during his administration. CETA put people back to work while improving infrastructure. Many townhalls and local fire department structures dating back to the 19th century and completely inadequate for current needs were replaced by new facilities offering better service to the communties.
Those who remember the 1974 recession will recall double-figure unemployment and inflation. People who had jobs were not spending because of the fear they might lose their jobs and join the growing ranks of the unemployed. The CETA program eased their fears of joblessness as productive jobs grew out of the CETA program. CETA jobs lasted from 12 to 24 months. The employed began spending once again. The newly employed CETA workers now had money to spend. The economy recovered. More income taxes began to flow back to the treasury, as well as sales taxes and other fees began flowing back into State treasuries.
The CETA program was signed into law by President Richard Nixon and later administered by Gerald Ford. Both men were Republicans.
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@ SaintDominick (#67):
Please say it isn't so. Are we really like cattle to be corralled so easily en masse?
Folks really oughta consider that skittish herds are likely to stampede... which ain't good for anyone - especially the cowboys.
Although, as an Eagles fan, I'd have no problem with the NFL Cowboys being summarily crushed. Now, if only we could keep our neighborhood skirmishes on the football fields and off of the public paranoia circuits. Alas.
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Ref 72, Publius
CETA was a highly successful government program that allowed thousands of Americans to acquire new skills and kept many out of the unemployed ranks. The Highway projects sponsored by the Eisenhower administration also created thousands of jobs and gave us a tool that allowed our economy to prosper for decades to follow. Along the same lines, FDRs jobs programs kept tens of thousands of Americans away from the soup lines.
There are many examples that demonstrate the value of government assistance during troubled times or when private industry is reluctant to invest in projects that do not offer a good return on investment. Unfortunately, we tend to ignore those examples and listen instead to the facile solutions that are proposed before each election and are forgotten the day after.
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Ref 64 ghostofsichuan
"Always funny how the Tea Party folks are used by banking and big business to vote against their own self interest."
What I find more interesting is that, at least in Michigan, there was no increase in voter turn-out at the polls during the most recent Primary elections. I watched the local 'Tea Party' web sites for endorsements of candidates, found only 3 sites which were making any reference at all to the upcoming Primary elections. Another 2 sites (local 'Tea Party' chapters) started and run by candidates running for office did endorse themselves. Interesting that they were incumbent Republican officeholders.
Not much of a movement, on the ground. Much more is made of it on the 'air'(media attention).
I still keep hearing from those who state they are members of the 'Tea Party', or are in "support" of the 'Tea Party', that they have never been involved in politics before now. Most have never voted.
I expected some kind of up-surge in Primary Election voter participation because the 'Tea Party' keeps saying they are going to take back the nation. The news media keeps talking about the great swelling of grassroot voters going to throw out the entrenched politicians.
I conclude that the great majority of the 'Tea Party' and their supporters are people who like to stand in the way and voice strong, ill-informed opinions; but will not participate at the polls. Their voting records may well support my conclusion. Perhaps they should change their name to the "Do Nothing But Grump And Complain" party. Most I have spoke with on the subject of government have little, if any, idea of how our system of government actually works. How are they going to save the country?
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Ref 73, Philly-Mom
The little incident I mentioned in post Nr. 67 may not seem like a big deal, but I am afraid it is. The number of people that are stirring the pot behind the scenes may be small, but judging by what I see and hear their message is resonating and if we are not careful things can really get out of control.
The fact that hot button issues such as illegal immigration, religion, abortion, stem cell, gay marriage and class warfare have emerged in recent weeks is neither surprising nor unprecedented. That happens before every election and will continue to happen in the future. What is different is the level of uncertainty, anxiety and fear that exists today in the USA.
People are afraid of losing their jobs, they have lost confidence in government, and they blame whomever they think may be remotely responsible for what is happening or unable to wave a magic wand and make our problems go away, preferably without us having to make any sacrifices.
The severity of the Qu'ran Burning Day issue was highlighted earlier today when a number of religious leaders held a press conference in Washington condemning it and warning everyone of the dangers of religious intolerance. It remains to be seen whether or not people pay attention to their advice or press on with their destructive agenda of hate.
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Ref 74 SaintDominick-
"The Highway projects sponsored by the Eisenhower administration also created thousands of jobs and gave us a tool that allowed our economy to prosper for decades to follow."
I just recently used the "Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways" to move from Detroit to Wyoming. I have traveled the "Blue Highways" (the old federal highway system once marked on Rand McNally maps in the color blue) across and around our nation on many pleasure trips. I would hate to have had to drive a heavily loaded Uhaul truck towing a trailer carrying my personal vehicle over 1,600 miles of those highways. I thanked former President Eisenhower and the Congress who passed the Act creating the Interstate Highway System more than once as I traveled over the prairies and plains to Wyoming. I-80 was getting much needed repair thanks to the funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (an Obama stimulus plan).
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75. At 7:41pm on 07 Sep 2010, publiusdetroit
Or maybe the "Tea Party" is what it has always seemed like: a convenient, contrived vehicle for Republicans who want to complain about everything the Obama administration does, without having to be reminded of, or take responsibility for, the fact that they were the same ones who put Junior Bush in office and brought the US to the brink of catastrophe.
And now, of course, they have the gall to believe they should be put in charge again in November, as if they haven't done enough damage already.
Astroturf, from start to finish.
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The takes here on the Tea Party are funny but not as funny as the Telegraph's take on the BBC's:
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/janetdaley/100052632/the-bbc-completely-fails-to-understand-the-tea-party-movement/
I have confidence that Tea Party members are neither as stupid nor as self-defeating as people would like to believe they are. They are simply a strange species that will remain incomprehensible to democrats. Democrats may just have to wait until the next election to gain some clarity.
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70. SaintDominick:
Ref 64, Ghost
"Always funny how the Tea Party folks are used by banking and big business to vote against their own self interest."
You are right, one of the most fascinating aspects of what is happening is to see people that barely make enough money to pay their rent and put food on the table ranting about Obama's decision to allow taxes to go back to the rate that existed in the Clinton era for people making over $250K a year (the top 1% of our population), those that complain about the "leftist agenda" that influenced financial reform and prevents banks from paying us 2% on our savings while charging us 20% on credit card balances, those that condemn making healthcare coverage available to all Americans because that is a form of socialism, while they collect Social Security checks and use MEDICARE, those that suddenly reject government intrusion after enthusiastically endorsing the "Patriots" Act and blaming the government when something goes wrong, and those that claim attacks against religion while calling for the burning of certain religious books.
****************
The argument about Tea Party members being illogical or hypocritical because they favor tax cuts while holding their medicare cards is pretty weak.
The same Americans who rail against tax cuts spend millions to get their sharp accountants to reduce their tax liabilities. There are very few noble Americans willing to put their money where their mouths are around April 15. The few who do are the exception and certainly not the rule.
Likewise, there are many Americans who support tax increases while paying none themselves.
Shall we dismiss all their opinions?
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23. At 02:24am on 07 Sep 2010, AndreaNY wrote:
“Obama's proposal seems like something he pulled out of a box of ideas from the last century.”
As compared to the GOP/FOX/TEA Party, who want to put religion into government? Blue laws anyone? Some of them even believe a woman should obey the Bible and dutifully accept her husband’s lead as he is God’s vicar in the family. {Comment AndreaNY?]
As compared to the GOP/FOX/TEA Party, who want to get the government out of business [which would make me happy only if business’ money could be kept from corrupting the political process], so business can do what it does best, like screw the workers and consumers for their selfish profit?
As opposed to the GOP/FOX/TEA Party, who want to minimize regulation and privatize, which would be turning the clock back to the Gilded Age of the second half of the 19th Century? If Obama tried to follow TR and bust some of these monopolies we have, like insurance, you’d be calling him a socialist or Communist. Oops, he is, and you are.
I think you are accusing the wrong party of raiding that 19th Century box of ideas, probably Reagan's fault as he was born then.
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Last week I had an opportunity to speak with a woman from Michigan's Unemployment Insurance Agency. She was very happy to speak with me since my business with her was of a pleasant nature and our conversation was not the least stressful.
The woman expressed to me that she was worried what was going to happen in the very near future when many thousands of unemployed workers would be exhausting their emergency unemployment benefits. A very large number of them come this November. I have heard them called the "99er's" because they have, or will have, exhausted 99 weeks of unemployment compensation without being able to find new employment.
Available jobs in Michigan are few, in relation to unemployment. I myself had applied for a job requiring a specific skill-set, experience, and educational background. There were 250 qualified applicants for that single position. I made it to the final 7 before being culled from the herd, even with a very strong background directly related to the qualifications required. The job paid around $13,000 a year. There were applicants with MBAs in the final group.
The woman feared that without the meager financial support from unemployment benefits, and without any prospect of finding a job, people would begin taking matters into their own hands in ways that would be very detrimental to society. I have the same expectations.
Can this fractured, economically struggling nation survive the civil disobedience that may well erupt as the hopelessly unemployed take out their frustration in desparate actions to survive? Will Congress enact a CETA-type jobs program to bring more job opportunities to the long-term unemployed before they become terribly desparate and take to the streets with a will to take from the 'rich' to feed their growing hunger?
Pop more popcorn, Philly-Mom. (I state with a wink and a nod) Quite a show coming soon to theaters all across our nation.
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24. At 03:34am on 07 Sep 2010, AndreaNY wrote RE 5. Interestedforeigner:
“During the financial meltdown, I was happy that Obama had won instead of McCain. Obama surrounded himself with insiders who understood how to shore things up.”
I sort of agree with that, but some people are unhappy with those advisors [including you in some cases?].
“Wall Street got the rewards. We got stuck with the risks. We needed our own investment banker in that deal.”
And you really think McCain would have done better. You would trust the judgement of an octogenarian who picked an airhead as his running mate?
“Obama truly lost me on health care. As a former management consultant, I listened to his promises about "his" plan with increasing skepticism.”
I could say the same thing. I don’t blame Obama for it, though, I blame the selfish and short-sighted Democrat and Republican toadies of big insurance and big pharma who combined to wreck the bill.
“That's only because Obama appears clueless and prone to spending. Like a one trick pony.”
When in a hole do you give up and stop digging awaiting help to come, or do you keep digging with a plan of escape? I think President Obama is short on money and resources and superman is not coming to the rescue. He is doing the only thing he can, for which I give him some credit.
I do think he should have taken off the gloves and given the Blue Dog Democrats and GOP obstructionists more of a fight.
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REf 79 AndreaNY-
"I have confidence that Tea Party members are neither as stupid nor as self-defeating as people would like to believe they are."
So where were all the new 'Tea Party' voters during the Primary elections? They certainly were not walking into the polling places in Michigan (and I suspect most other States from initial investigations of voter turn-out). Not able to find their polling place in their local precinct? Or unable to read the voting instructions on the ballot?
Friends who have been working at polling places for many years have told me they saw the same old faces showing up to vote in the Primary elections in their precincts. (Average turn-out less than 16% of registered voters in any given precinct) No new faces. No new voters. Even in Macomb County, Michigan where there has been very 'active' 'Tea Party' groups.
How are the 'Tea Parties' going to change the status quo in Congress if they don't vote?
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28. At 05:12am on 07 Sep 2010, Interestedforeigner wrote:
24. At 03:34am on 07 Sep 2010, AndreaNY wrote:
"Obama truly lost me on health care. As a former management consultant, I listened to his promises about "his" plan with increasing skepticism. (What plan was he creating?) He was, to put it bluntly, full of it. I was done listening to him after he promised "improved outcomes and reduced costs". A first year consultant wouldn't have gotten away with making those promises. That's when I realized he was a lightweight."
____________
"Improved outcomes reduced costs" in health care are pretty much exactly what virtually every other western nation with a public, single payer health care system has achieved.
It is beyond my understanding why Americans are convinced that they can't run a public system as efficiently as any other democracy. Why every single elected Republican representative in the House or Senate (except one) thinks Americans should continue to spend 40% more than they need to on health care, for worse overall results, is also difficult to fathom.
In this country any elected representative who campaigned against, or voted in the legislature against, public health care wouldn't be able to win enough votes at the next election to retain their deposit.
Yet in America, the Republicans, who opposed any advance in health care, who oppose any measure that might rein in the cost of health care, and who refused to propose any reasonable alternative, expect to regain control of the House and Senate in November.
It's incomprehensible.
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I don't recall you supporting single payer health care at the time.
I also don't recall when you wrote about Senator Obama other than critically, before or after the election.
**********
Obama's a lightweight, and I knew that during the campaign. When he won, I figured it's always good for the other party to take over for a while to balance things out. (No running screaming to Canada for me.)
When things got very bad and it looked like the entire financial system would implode, I was comfortable with how he handled things (except for the taxpayers getting gouged part).
Then came all his ridiculous claims about health care, and I realized that one couldn't really believe what he said. He was a serial over-promiser.
As for your incomprehension, it's perfectly understandable since you cannot comprehend how people might not support single payer, you believe republicans don't support "any advance in health care" and you cannot see the differences between a country as large as the US and smaller nations. If you thought of our states as countries, you'd be more likely to comprehend.
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81. JMM :
"As compared to the GOP/FOX/TEA Party, who want to put religion into government?"
************
A little sensitive about criticism of Obama are we?
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67. SaintDominick:
"My wife and I had an interesting experience a few minutes ago when we decided to go to a little BBQ place close to our house for lunch. When the news about the "Qu'ran burning day" came up on a big screen TV in the restaurant one of three guys in the table next to us commented "Well, it is about time someone did something about people that burn American flags", a second guy added "It is just a book anyway"."
****************
I often have "interesting experiences" like this when I spend time with people from the Bronx and Queens. They are angry that the government doesn't do more for them. They like their government to be generous and preferably fast with the money. They don't like to be told "no", and they don't like to wait. New York is full of "interesting" people like those you met. They're often on the news, shouting about the government's not doing enough.
They don't belong to any specially named group. They're just democrats.
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41. At 11:14am on 07 Sep 2010, John_From_Dublin wrote RE # 40. At 10:09am on 07 Sep 2010, The Toothbrush Man:
“I fear I must once again disagree.
To say that many of the opponents of the mosque are being 'a tad over-simplistic' seems to me to be a gross understatement ;-)”
I changed my position on this issue, and you could say a bit to the right. I remain steadfast in protecting the Constitution, but the proponents of the Islamic Center are talking out of both sides of their mouths.
They claim that the center is to promote understanding, but insisting on placing it where a very large number of Americans don’t want it is hardly promoting understanding.
Muslims are always protesting about fancied insults to their faith. Is this supposed to be a revenge insult to the West or the US? Or is it an example of one-way Islamic notions of tolerance and respect.
Before you accuse me of anything, I lived and worked in the Middle East for a decade in Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. I have also visited other Muslim countries. I have seen Muslim disrespect for non-Muslims up close and personal.
If they want respect they have to return it, and insisting on the Islamic Center in that location is not returning respect, rather the opposite. They have as much right to build it there as Nazis have to parade about in their uniforms, but not to expect that brotherly love will result therefrom.
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63. At 4:34pm on 07 Sep 2010, Philly-Mom
I refuse to write or speak Textese, so, in my opinion this post was very humorous:)
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71. At 6:47pm on 07 Sep 2010, Interestedforeigner wrote:
UK, do you ever feel inclined to be a guest lecturer for a term at a school like that ?
Give a lecture,Hmmm.
I could tell them of whats its like to run a business with no formal business training.
Of what it feels like to owe so much money that I could have lost my home 10 times over.
To have very nia 40 full time staff who I cared for,who did not work for me,but with me.
Getting their wages each week was so important & such a struggle.
The absolute joy being bought out by a multi National with no staff redundancy,including pay increase & time employed was my start not the new company.
But leaving school at 15 with no qualifications,in academia`s eyes I would be ok to clean the windows.
The Lectures at that school have more degrees than a thermometer.
BTW.Thank you for thinking I would be capable of giving a lecture.
PS.At the end of year carol concert,there is a short sherry party for a selected few.
I love the concert but struggle some what,with the party.
Rubbing shoulders with academia I feel on the back foot & the they
can be very English if you know what I mean.But this year I got talking to a Father of one of the boys a German chap,his name was Stauffenberg.
He was the grand son of that brave German officer Von Stauffenberg,
who placed the bomb near Hitler,we talked & talked & I actually made him
laugh,"Clive the head",to give him his Welsh title,said after that,I am booked for next year.
Thing is,I hate sherry...
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ref #87
AndreaNY wrote:
67. SaintDominick:
"My wife and I had an interesting experience a few minutes ago when we decided to go to a little BBQ place close to our house for lunch. When the news about the "Qu'ran burning day" came up on a big screen TV in the restaurant one of three guys in the table next to us commented "Well, it is about time someone did something about people that burn American flags", a second guy added "It is just a book anyway"."
______________
No excuse for the Koran burning planned. Among it gives amunition to those who claim opposition to the cultural center are all Islamic phobes. But is interesting that those protesting in the moslem world have no problem burning symbols that mean a lot to others.
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re. #5. At 9:42pm on 06 Sep 2010, Interestedforeigner wrote:
"In the last string I asked which of the alternative candidates for the Presidency in 2008, of either party, would have done a better job than President Obama has done.
Still haven't heard anyone else's name suggested.
Yet, unbelievably, people are prepared to vote for the Republicans in the November mid-term elections to such an extent that the Democrats may lose "control" of both houses to the Republicans.
No, there are times when I just do not understand American politics at all."
------------
Truth be told most Americans don't understand our politics either and probably even fewer have like the system. Still, better the devil you know and all that.
If no one has suggested alternative candidates to Obama it may be because 1) he's not up for election yet and 2) there aren't many politicians who excite people enough (in a good way). We have another year to go before the next presidential election campaign begins, who wants to spend the energy talking about it until then?
If you need a name to chew on though I'll give you one: former Secretary of State Condaleeza Rice. There's no doubt she has the brains and she already has more experience in the executive branch and foreign policy than Obama had when he took office. That she's black and a woman, and an attractive one at that, would lend impetus to her campaign and might even break the Democrat's long standing lock on the black vote. Her nomination would force Obama to defend his record and policies on their merits instead of letting his allies in the media insinuate that his critics are racists. It would make for some interesting debates.
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re. #a83. At 9:03pm on 07 Sep 2010, JMM wrote:
"And you really think McCain would have done better. You would trust the judgement of an octogenarian who picked an airhead as his running mate?"
As opposed to a young man who picked an airhead as his running mate? Face it, Joe Biden is better known for putting his foot in his mouth from time to time than for his political acumen.
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re. #83. At 9:03pm on 07 Sep 2010, JMM wrote:
"When in a hole do you give up and stop digging awaiting help to come, or do you keep digging with a plan of escape? "
It depends. If you're too big to fail you wait for Obama to fill the hole with money so you can step out without getting your hands dirty. The rest of us have to keep digging and hope we can dig a path out.
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Does anyone else suspect that "Koran Burning Day" has more to do with promoting the pastor's small church and increasing the size of his congrgation thereby improving his income level than it does with any sense of moral outrage over the Koran?
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ref #92
Scott0962 wrote:
re. #5. At 9:42pm on 06 Sep 2010, Interestedforeigner wrote:
"In the last string I asked which of the alternative candidates for the Presidency in 2008, of either party, would have done a better job than President Obama has done.
Still haven't heard anyone else's name suggested.
Yet, unbelievably, people are prepared to vote for the Republicans in the November mid-term elections to such an extent that the Democrats may lose "control" of both houses to the Republicans.
_____________
In answer to your first question:
For the Dems: Hillary or Dodd(corrupt as he is)
For the Rep McCain Romney Guilianni and Huckabee
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92. Scott0962:
"If you need a name to chew on though I'll give you one: former Secretary of State Condaleeza Rice. There's no doubt she has the brains and she already has more experience in the executive branch and foreign policy than Obama had when he took office. That she's black and a woman, and an attractive one at that, would lend impetus to her campaign and might even break the Democrat's long standing lock on the black vote. "
******************
As much as I like Condi Rice, I don't think this will ever happen. Race and gender are nothing when you're a conservative. That her mother used to force the shops where they bought her clothes to let her use their try-on rooms, which were closed to blacks, won't matter either.
That she's accomplished academically (skipped a grade, graduated early, etc.) also matters little when you're a conservative. Plus, she's not really a politician and is forever tainted by he-who-must-not-be-named.
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Philly Mom wrote:
Although, as an Eagles fan, I'd have no problem with the NFL Cowboys being summarily crushed. Now, if only we could keep our neighborhood skirmishes on the football fields and off of the public paranoia circuits. Alas.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Eagles have crushed the Cowboys one too many times the last several years- it's on like Donkey Kong!!! (course' no McNabb this year- let's hope Romo like fine wine gets better with age!) Skin's are going to be much better this year with McNabb and Shanahan- I am so surprised that they did not keep McNabb- one of the first great black QB's and oh- so accurate with oh-so long of a throw...
Go Cowboys!!! Intercept, sack and take down the Eagles!!! ;)
Go Bengals!!! Love your orange and black stripes- the coolest of all!
Da Bears!!! (my fave of all, of course'- I grew up with the 84's Bears as my dad's heroes- well Bears, Bob Dylan and Dale Earnhardt- Nascar)
Can't wait for football season- am so super over amped!!!~!
(k', no more exclamations, just am really looking forward to the positivity and excitement of American football, which brings a glow to many faces)
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92. Scott0962:
"If you need a name to chew on though I'll give you one: former Secretary of State Condaleeza Rice. There's no doubt she has the brains and she already has more experience in the executive branch and foreign policy than Obama had when he took office. That she's black and a woman, and an attractive one at that, would lend impetus to her campaign and might even break the Democrat's long standing lock on the black vote. "
******************
As much as I like Condi Rice, I don't think this will ever happen. Race and gender are nothing when you're a conservative. If anything, the invective is worse. That her mother used to force the shops where they bought her clothes to let her use their try-on rooms, which were closed to blacks, won't matter either. She never really mentioned her civil rights days. (Her parents told her that her race shouldn't matter. She could succeed.)
That she's accomplished academically (skipped a grade, graduated early, etc.) also matters little when you're a conservative. Plus, she's not really a politician and is forever tainted by he-who-must-not-be-named.
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It would hurt me to hear of people burning Bibles or almost any books, religious or not, for the matter (love, love, love books- each one is a creation!), which is why although I am against the building of Ground Zero Mosque, I still cannot support the Quran/Koran book burning...
I am so tired of talking about Muslims, wish we could talk about Hindus or Buddhas or the Banglideshis and citars...but this Megamosque overlooking Ground Zero will go on for months and months...feels like eternity! Its insanity. Thank you dear God for American football!!! :)
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#51 MK
"(How about the protection a union worker especially teachers get about being fired for poor job performance?)"
He has a point.
Imagine if you were one of the teachers who was responsible for teaching someone who had been through the American educational system and was still barely literate.
Of course, it might not be entirely the teachers' fault...
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97. At 00:02am on 08 Sep 2010, AndreaNY wrote:
"Plus, she's not really a politician and is forever tainted by he-who-must-not-be-named."
__________
Voldemort?
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92. At 11:13pm on 07 Sep 2010, Scott0962 wrote:
"If you need a name to chew on though I'll give you one: former Secretary of State Condaleeza Rice."
____________
Yes, in an administration that was very short on genuine talent, I have a fair amount of respect for her. Smart. Hard working. Decent. Was proud to serve her country.
Yes, I have a good deal of respect for her.
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90. At 10:13pm on 07 Sep 2010, ukwales wrote:
BTW.Thank you for thinking I would be capable of giving a lecture.
PS.At the end of year carol concert,there is a short sherry party for a selected few.
___________
There is a public school that serves as the backdrop for a fair bit of the book "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" by John LeCarre.
I have always thought that it would be pure pleasure to teach a course in history, or maybe even English literature, or economics, or algebra, or physics, at some kind of school like that. Something to do in my crotchety retirement ...
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And now, may all Tin Foil Hat wearers agree to withhold further comments until results of this November elections are in?
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104. At 02:00am on 08 Sep 2010, Interestedforeigner
I thought you may like to wander around the school.This place is a head start for those fortunate enough to go there.We all want the very best
for our kids & if you can afford it why not.Children in the state system
today go to a school called a Comprehensive which can vary in quality from totally equal to the very best private schools,to unfortunately some which are not.This Comprehensive system has done away with the stigma of the old Grammer/Secondary modern.Back then you took an exam at 11 & were
streamed,the bright to Grammer school & all the rest to the Secondary
modern,which was quite frankly a dumping ground.The Secondary modern was
my path,I did not go through school I went under it.The world of work was best for me,enabling me to retire at 46.
Much to the total bemusement of those academics at that sherry party who
inquire,and what do you do?..
http://www.oratory.co.uk/
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106. At 1:23pm on 08 Sep 2010, ukwales wrote:
I thought you may like to wander around the school.This place is a head start for those fortunate enough to go there.We all want the very best
for our kids & if you can afford it why not. ...
Much to the total bemusement of those academics at that sherry party who
inquire,and what do you do?..
____________
Thanks for that. Quite interesting.
As for what you do, I should have thought it would be easy for you: You are a political commentator with a background in business ...
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107. At 2:20pm on 08 Sep 2010, Interestedforeigner .
Thanks for that kind description,just to finish off re school,I found this event amusing & will tell it as it was told me by the Head him self.
It is the Head Master`s choice to show around the school all new possible
applicants.With the ethos Catholic,some arrive from main land Europe. (Hence the Stauffenberg connection)
This particular day a Mother & son arrived from Belgium.After doing the rounds it is tradition for lunch to be taken in the Head Masters study.
On the way to the study,Clive asked the lad what did he think of things & would he like to come on board.The boy was honest,& said he liked his school in Belgium and all his friends were there.Mother was adamant that
she wanted a traditional British public (private) school education for
him,if he was accepted.Clive sensing this rising tension,thought it best
to take lunch in the dinning hall rather than the formal atmosphere of
his study.
On arriving at the hall they were met by a sight unprecedented in the schools long history.The sixth form boys now in high jinx after taking
the last of their exams & about to leave for the summer holidays,started
a massive food fight with the younger boys.The master in charge was totally unable to stop it,Mother was standing there in open mouth horror
saying she had never seen anything like it in her life,the young lad
was wide eyed in amazement then pleading with mother he wanted to come
after all.
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sorry I hit the post early,the upshot was the sixth form boarders were sent home about 2 days early in disgrace.The Belgium lad started in the new term...
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108 & 109 UKW.
Now that really is funny.
There'll always be an England ....
... even if it turns out to be Porky's-on-Avon.
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108. ukwales:
Great story. Early dismissal. Not too bad a consequence.
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110. At 8:20pm on 08 Sep 2010, Interestedforeigner.
I have known Clive since I courted his sister Sally, back in 1968 she 16 me
18 we as still married.He was 12 & I have watched his career down the years.Getting in to Cambridge from Milford Haven via Christ collage Brecon was just the start.After gaining a degree in Arabic,he then joined the Royal Marines as a young officer.Next stop Falklands,he won the Military Cross helping take Two sisters ridge.This event had a profound effect on him,he said to me "half inch brownings cracking over your head like a whip tends to concentrate your mind some what"he became Christian on the battle field.After the Military Cross he was told you are now on the fast track toward the upper echelons of the Military.He left!.Next
he went into training as a Anglican Priest gaining a second degree from
Oxford in Theology.Serving in this capacity near Birmingham for a while.
Now he is to be found in the said school as Head master.On the net you can get all kinds of wing nuts & odd bods,now & again,just now & again,
we get to read about the genuine article.Posts 108&109 can be retold
with confidence
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Funny story, UK.
Props to your brother-in-law for having a good sense of humor (or humour as the English spell and say)
That is neat that you still call it courting. Now it is called dating. But courting is a neat word.
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Good evening Lucyj,I love the way we use the same language, but with differentness.You guys use new terms & we use old, then the opposite can occur.The term, "the Fall" as the on set of winter,was used over here long ago,but not any more,for us its Autumn. Also the origins of sayings I find interesting, ie, "At loggerheads", means to argue or disagree,this came from colonial times.Travelers in winter at taverns used to drink molasses & rum heated by a hot poker dipped into the drink,to warm them selves up.This could make one quite drunk,& if a fight broke out you would reach for the first thing to hand,that poker was called a loggerhead.Lucyj, I better stop now in case I find this subject more interesting than the poor lass
who has to read this...
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Lol. I never knew that was what 'at loggerheads meant'- I mean I knew it meant to disagree, but not the hot poker bit. I think it is really neat how you guys have a our, while we have a or- I guess we dropped the u when we (well, our ancestors) came over. Which is funny when you think about it because our ancestors were mostly of mixed European descent, which means they did not all speak the same languages.
In my family, on my father's side it is Irish and English, while my mother's side is German, English and Scottish...so it is crazy to imagine them all meeting in olden day America (they all traveled to and lived in Illinois- although their grandchildren are spread out all across the country now) with the different languages to now amounting to today the modern American accent.
My job entails working with people from their 30's to their 90's- just yesterday I worked with a 96 yr old woman who was born in 1914. Amazing the stories such people tell and they were as wild as we are now in many ways. I love especially hearing about the 30's and 40's. Talking can distract from the exercises and so on, which helps relax and calm people, as well, and it makes them feel good and happy to talk about their youth. Anyway, I have learnt much from the older people.
I call it Fall myself. Autumn second. Spring, Summer and Autumn also are popular girls' name in America. I have friends of each.
I love watching American movies most, but I watch British/Canadian/Austrailian movies the second most because I love hearing the accents, the mannerisms, the language, even though I don't always understand the jokes and so on. Americans, British, Canadians and Austrailians are great lovers of humor/humour...
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