Fiddling while America burns
Tuesday, November 23, 2010 - 5:36pm
Submitted by Terry Garlock
Submitted by Terry Garlock
Count me as a conservative pleased at the results of the recent election, but fully expecting to be disappointed by my own Republican Party.
How many struggles between Republicans and Democrats will be over foundation issues that really matter? Who will take up the cause of regaining control over a bloated and arrogant federal government that uses the fig leaf of the Commerce Clause to justify reaching into every crevice of our lives? Who will champion returning the federal government to the constraints of its enumerated powers in the constitution? Probably nobody.
Will anyone in Congress acknowledge they operate like hogs at a bottomless trough, that deficit spending should be unlawful with rare exceptions and that their deal-making and infighting should be on priorities and allocation of only the money we have and no more? I seriously doubt it.
While battling to repeal parts of Obamacare, will anyone try to repeal Medicare part D, the prescription drug program brought to life by President Bush, funded with money we do not have? Of course not; an existing entitlement lives forever.
For decades Congress has raided the Social Security surplus to feed their current spending habits and refused to upset voters by confronting the fiscal train wreck approaching the system, a disaster made worse by their theft. What are the chances Congress will suddenly develop the courage and responsibility to leave the surplus untouched and make the hard decisions required to keep Social Security viable? Somewhere between slim and none.
What about the current Congressional dustup over the egregious practice of earmarks? While some wrap themselves in the virtue of temporarily suspending the practice of carving out pork for a member’s pet projects, others argue the dollars involved are negligible compared to non-discretionary spending.
I think both sides miss the point. Congress needs to radically change its culture of trading favors and siphoning off money in ways that are excused because the dollars are small compared to the huge amounts passing through their fingers. When will they consider every dollar of our money precious, as we do? Let me know when hell freezes over.
Democrats and Republicans will squabble over Harry Reid’s Dream Act, a bill to provide in-state college tuition discounts to illegal aliens who either attend college or serve in our military. Meanwhile, do you think the U.S. will deport the 10 million or more illegals living in the U.S.? Do you think our border with Mexico will be secured? Do you think we will stop spending billions to supply health and education and other services to illegals? Do you believe either party will stop pandering to the Hispanic vote? Neither do I.
The whole world, it seems, has its hand out for American generosity. I wonder who will fight to end the annual gifts of billions in foreign aid, often to people who hate us. Who will dare to speak the truth that natural disasters are a part of life, and when they strike throughout the world, our presidents need to stop pledging American taxpayer money because we are broke? In my dreams.
I wonder if any of the hard decisions will ever be properly confronted in this age of television. Even for arguments over small, incremental spending cuts, the camera can always find victims to cry and politicians to make promises, especially with an important election looming, like 2012.
Republicans will push Democrats inch by inch away from fiscal calamity when they should be pushing by miles, and I fear the benefits will be marginal, like giving an aspirin to a cancer patient. We don’t need baby steps, we need revolutionary spending cuts.
Our ship of state is on a course to fiscal disaster, like the Titanic steadily steaming to the iceberg. Instead of changing course, I expect that Republicans and Democrats will spend their time arguing over the best way to rearrange the deck chairs to improve the view.
[Terry Garlock lives in Peachtree City. His email is tgarlock@mindspring.com.]
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Tue, 11/30/2010 - 8:07pm
#92
GP
Cute. What high school do you attend? LOL Let me know what newspaper employs her as a columnist. I guess I missed that.
Mon, 11/29/2010 - 8:10pm
#93
Mon, 11/29/2010 - 12:01pm
#94
Federal pay freeze.....
Well now, just how bad is the budget gap?
Sun, 11/28/2010 - 12:05pm
#95
Fiddling
is a poor description of what is really happening. Fiddling did not cost anything, what we are doing is like not having enough food to eat but instead of budgeting for food we are financing a new Cadillac! What we are doing is more like digging harder to get out of a hole! Spending money we don't have on programs that seem good and then raising taxes on people that are struggling to get by. Well Duh....Stop Spending Fools! Our country is being destroyed and I believe it is intentional. Look at what is happening in Europe, we are next. Let's just hope more people wake up, this poll seems to indicate we are: http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/other/direction_of_country-902.html What we need are people in Washington with honesty and intergrity that will tell us the truth, I just hope we make it to 2012. -GP
Sun, 11/28/2010 - 3:08pm
#96
David Stockman - Right or Wrong?
What are some thoughts?
Sun, 11/28/2010 - 9:31pm
#97
Cyclist, re: David Stockman
I have to say that I like the cut of his jib, but this is coming from a carbonunit whose only firm grasp of economic reality is that of a roadside vegetable stand; if it doesn't work there, then my understanding fails me. I do believe that we still have the Best Congress that money can buy.
Sun, 11/28/2010 - 9:41pm
#98
Stockman is....
selling a book. It's call publicity, better known as shoveling $h!#. -GP
Sun, 11/28/2010 - 3:32pm
#99
David Stockman
One of the experts I feel tells it like it is.
http://crooksandliars.com/susie-madrak/former-reagan-budget-director-dav...
http://www.businessinsider.com/david-stockman-us-is-in-race-to-the-fisca...
Sun, 11/28/2010 - 9:25pm
#100
Agree with this Stockman quote?
Stockman "Obama’s presidency is a profound disappointment. So far, he’s proven that when Republican’s start elective wars, Democrats can’t end them; when Republicans empty the Treasury, Democrats can’t replenish it; when Republicans put a middle-class destroying money printer at the head of the Fed, Democrats reappoint him; and when the Republicans unleash an orgy of dangerous speculation on Wall Street, Democrats pass a contentless, 2,300 page, enabling act which will do nothing to protect Main Street from another financial meltdown, even as it keeps K Street fully employed." Both the big spending D's and R's are the problem. Spending like a drunken sailor and then their ONLY solution? Raise taxes. How about someone telling us the truth? Cut spending, cut entitlements, raise taxes, work toward a balanced budget. Everything must be on the table to get our house in order, but first we must get all of the crooks out. -GP
Sun, 11/28/2010 - 10:18pm
#101
I agree with this. .
Everything must be on the table to get our house in order, but first we must get all of the crooks out.
Regardless of PARTY!
Sun, 11/28/2010 - 3:20pm
#102
Loose lips - Palin says that North Korea is our ally
From the Boston Herald:
Glen Beck corrected her.
But the damage was done, and by Thanksgiving a furious Palin took to Facebook to point out that she’s not the only one with verbal miscues.
“If you can’t remember hearing about them (from Pres. Obama), that’s because for the most part the media didn’t consider them ‘newsworthy,’ ” she wrote.
Hmm. Maybe Beck should have reminded her that no one likes a sore loser, either.
Verbal miscues may sink ships!
Sun, 11/28/2010 - 3:33pm
#103
Why Palin doesn't get a break
Sarah Palin's slip was a silly little minor one, but what's more telling is her response to it-- to try and deflect criticism by going on the attack.
Contrast that to Barack Obama's approach when he made his "57 states" mistake-- he acknowledged it and made a self-deprecating joke about it himself. No wonder he gets a pass and she doesn't. She's the one who stirs the pot.
This probably plays well with her followers but to people at large she repeatedly comes off as an angry crank who can't handle even the slightest criticism (not unlike certain Citizen bloggers here).
Tue, 11/30/2010 - 9:13pm
#104
CPB - Palin
I don't like the pitch of her voice and couldn't stand to listen to her for four years. Of course, I can't stand to listen to Mr. Obama either but for a different reason.
She's kind'a like Snoopy talk, wink, wink. God save us from this, please!
If the Republicans run her, Mr. Obama will win the next election. Instead of trying to pull her down the Dems should be sending signals that they are scared to death of her.
Wed, 12/01/2010 - 11:19am
#105
PTC Observer: Palin
Well most Media including FOX are doing all they can to have her be elected President due to her shallow verbal squeeks.
Also, the TEAS are certainly doing all they can to help her. The Libertarians are afraid to go either way.
The Old line republicans are using her to say the dumb, nasty stuff they don't want to say and then praise her go getem, gotcha!
Mrs. George Barbara Bush had it right: "I think she should stay in Alaska."
Sun, 11/28/2010 - 10:23pm
#106
A little self criticism bacon?
"This probably plays well with her followers but to people at large she repeatedly comes off as an angry crank who can't handle even the slightest criticism (not unlike certain Citizen bloggers here)."
My you are growing up.
Sun, 11/28/2010 - 3:26pm
#107
Palin....
who?
Sat, 11/27/2010 - 11:23am
#108
Ninja
Happy Thanksgiving to you!
Fri, 11/26/2010 - 8:56pm
#109
Three cents per year
Who will dare to speak the truth that natural disasters are a part of life, and when they strike throughout the world, our presidents need to stop pledging American taxpayer money because we are broke? In my dreams.
The United States spends 25 cents per citizen per year on that old debbil, Foreign Aid.
Of every foreign aid dollar, a scant 3 cents goes towards "humanitarian aid".
Let Terry Garlock whine about his three cents....America has bigger issues to deal with.
Fri, 11/26/2010 - 10:21pm
#110
Now Bacon...
...At twenty-five cents per citizen and assuming 300 million Americans, are you saying our total foreign aid is but $75 million?
Please relook your figures since I would expect such from Bonker$, Dollar, Chr$, and his other personalities. I expect better from you.
Sat, 11/27/2010 - 8:02am
#111
M. King
Oh Mike, I just wrote a comment that disparages such attention given to budget cutting which are less than 1% of the budget to start with. (Aid, earmarks, etc.)
These points of argument rather than where the real money is spent are strictly for one-sided party consumption.
I hope that comment won't be taken by you as personal, but as a comment about the whole attitude.
Fri, 11/26/2010 - 11:20pm
#112
You're correct, I'm mistaken
...At twenty-five cents per citizen and assuming 300 million Americans, are you saying our total foreign aid is but $75 million?
Please relook your figures since I would expect such from Bonker$, Dollar, Chr$, and his other personalities. I expect better from you.
My error, it's 25 cents per day not per year. I misread a convoluted statement here It's $92 per year, so humanitarian aid would be roughly $13 per person.
Unlike the sniveling coward observerofu (who continues to insist that food prices have gone up already 4% when I've proven his statement to be false), I have no trouble admitting errors of facts in my posts. But then, MY parents taught me to own up to my errors. I guess observerofu's parents had other priorities.
In any event, we're talking about less than 1% of the Federal budget.
Sat, 11/27/2010 - 6:53pm
#113
Sniveling Coward like me... What an articulate response
your vaulted secondary education is showing bacon. Is that the best you got?
Again you attempt to misdirect. Show me where I have said that food prices have ALREADY gone up 4%. I believe I have said and SHOWN where it is going (present tense)up. Reuters whom apparently is too right winged for you stated that food has already risen by 4% and you have as of yet not dis-proven that fact.
This is what I said:
"Inflation is already up past the 2% mark Benberyankme wanted." (MY STATEMENT)
"Have you been grocery shopping lately? Foods prices are already up 4-5% and rising."(Reuters Story)
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE62F3UC20100316
Now clearly linking to the Reuters story and their article clearly outlined the 4% mark I believe that infers my statement was both true and factual and an accurate reflection of the story.
Your claim was inflation has been (past tense) lowest since 97 and that is correct. I stated as much. However you left out info that clearly showed food prices has risen and is still rising through out the rest of this year and next.
Instead why don't you man up and realize you cherry picked info to back up your point of view and when I corrected you with facts you can't handle it.
Sun, 11/28/2010 - 6:57pm
#114
outdated, disproven predictions
Once again, here are the relevant sentences from YOUR March 2010 article:
U.S. food prices seen up 4-5 percent
... U.S. consumers can expect to pay 4 to 5 percent more for food by late this year than at the end of 2009 largely because of higher costs for such staples as beef, dairy, and pork, a Nebraska-based economist said....As a result, Lapp predicted food prices could be 4 to 5 percent higher by December versus a year earlier.
Those are food inflation PREDICTIONS from MARCH of this year. These outdated PREDICTIONS turned out to be untrue, food inflation has ranged between 0.5% and 1.5% for the year to date so far, according to BLS statistics which I supplied you earlier.
PREDICTIONS by definition are speculative in nature. For example, you could have predicted in March that the Atlanta Braves could go to the 2010 World Series. In November though, to continue to insist that the Braves might go to the 2010 World Series is not only UNTRUE, but RIDICULOUS, because historical events have proven otherwise.
I also notice that once again, you put a sentence that YOU wanted to be true in direct quotes (""Have you been grocery shopping lately? Foods prices are already up 4-5% and rising.") and then attributed it to someone else "(Reuters Story)".
That is a lie, and you are a liar.
Year-to-date food inflation is at near-historical lows, and no amount of fictitious quotes and out-of-date disproven predictions can change that underlying fact.
Edited to add:
Here's a more relevant recent prediction on food inflation from November 2010....and your buddy Bill Lapp is also quoted in there, and he's still all doom-and-gloom, btw.
A more relevant prediction:
Since many of the price increases have only recently been announced, the biggest impact won't hit until 2011. Indeed, a food inflation rate of only 1 percent to 1.5 percent is expected for all of 2010, said Ephraim Leibtag, an economist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That would be the lowest annual food inflation rate since 1992.
Sun, 11/28/2010 - 7:21pm
#115
Mystery food inflation and mysterious quotes
You know, I saw NotLindsey's post and immediately saw the same thing you did, but I thought "hell, I'm just going to let that huge distortion slide" but I kind of figured you would be all over it :)
Speaking of food, how about Al Gore admitting that ethanol is a total waste and turned out to be a lousy idea? Seems 'ol Al also mentioned how he wanted those primary votes from farmers so he didn't mind hyping the hell out of ethanol and agribusiness subsidies that are now 7bil just for corn-to-ethanol. FAIL.
Sun, 11/28/2010 - 11:20pm
#116
I suppose bacon you and Nuk don't count the USDA either
http://www.ers.usda.gov/Briefing/CPIFoodAndExpenditures/Data/cpiforecast...
I guess your vaunted Government stats are incorrect again. Oh wait these are Government Stats.
Bacon you claim the bls data refutes my info.
Do you recognize this?
"The index for all items less food and energy was unchanged in October, the third month in a row with no change. The indexes for shelter and medical care rose, but these increases were offset by
declines in an array of indexes including new vehicles, used cars and
trucks, apparel, recreation, and tobacco."
Note here that FOOD and ENERGY are EXEMPT from CPI stats. So again you were CHERRY PICKING THE INFORMATION.
So by using this as your evidence that Food prices ARE NOT increasing you are intentionally misrepresenting the data.
Again for you and Nuk here is the info you seem to leave out:
http://www.ers.usda.gov/briefing/cpifoodandexpenditures/consumerpriceind...
"Although inflation has been relatively weak for most of 2009 and 2010, higher food commodity and energy prices are now exerting pressure on wholesale and retail food prices. Hence, food inflation is predicted to accelerate during the final months of 2010 and the first half of 2011, leading to a forecast of 2 to 3 percent food price inflation in 2011."
This AGAIN from the USDA
Also you have to completely ignore the other data you oh so conveniently forget in the other thread on Soros. I thoroughly hashed and rehashed the issue with supporting data. Now if you and your sidekick Nuk want to go back over that I will be happy to do so.
Please explain why is it you are unable to defend your principles? You see you argue that food prices are not increasing. Please tell us why you think that to be true.
Nuk you have the Liberal down in Libertarian perfectly.
Please pay attention if possible you two to the 2011 prediction.
Seems like the USDA agrees that a 2-4% INCREASE IN FOOD PRICES are in our future.
As most predictions go these are likely to be under shot by a mile.
Now as to the Reuters story I was defending my position from another baseless attack by you and you continuous intentional act of misquoting me.
You know how I know I have won the argument? Your inability to debate without personal attacks.
You resort to school yard name calling and yet you question my educational levels.
btw- if you and your sidekick would have actually read the article it was NOT FOR MARCH prediction it was for "Later this year"
"U.S. consumers can expect to pay 4 to 5 percent more for food by late this year than at the end of 2009 largely because of higher costs for such staples as beef, dairy, and pork, a Nebraska-based economist said."
The USDA report backs that statement up as it also does mine.
You two are a class act the progressive and the pretending to be not progressive.
At least get the story correct. Maybe you two should swap emails that way you can coordinate the story's first.
Mon, 11/29/2010 - 9:21pm
#117
Price for the 12 days of Christmas up almost 11%
http://www.cbc.ca/money/story/2010/11/29/con-twelve-days.html
In the unlikely event that your Christmas list this year includes every item mentioned in The Twelve Days of Christmas, be prepared to pay nearly $100,000 US.
"While the price of the pear tree is unchanged from last year, the cost of a partridge is up 20 per cent to $12 US. (IStock)Trying to buy the 364 items repeated in all the song's verses — from 12 drummers drumming to a partridge in a pear tree — would cost $96,824, an increase of 10.8 per cent over last year, according to the annual Christmas price index compiled by PNC Wealth Management."
"The 27th annual holiday index has historically mirrored the national consumer price index, but not this year. The PNC Christmas price index grew 9.2 per cent from last year, compared to just a 1.1 per cent increase in the much broader CPI."
Mon, 11/29/2010 - 8:36am
#118
You won'/t listen.....
.......to what you don't want to hear!
I said last week that food and other highly variable costs weren't included in the inflation numbers, but imports are!
Food, oil, gas, etc., just show up things as really bad.
The government pays a lot of bills based upon the inflation index, so they want it as low as possible by leaving out the items with the most inflation! Social Security, Civil Service, military, for instance.
You MUST know that food had been severely higher all through the Bush administration and even in the first two years of the Obama administration.
The Presidents usually ignore inflation on everything except interest rates.
It wouldn't hurt to be logical and do research on such complicated things instead of using opinions!
Mon, 11/29/2010 - 9:10am
#119
CHR not the point
and yes you did say it as have I. Food and Energy is exempt from CPI. There are actually good reasons for doing so.
These points are great counter points to arguments already made but somehow seem unable to be argued.
The point is not that this administration over any other that has made prices soar. The point is Government in general with policies like using our food to make fuel at a negative cost.
Government as a whole has been and still is the issue.
Mon, 11/29/2010 - 7:53am
#120
Just stop, Observerofu
You always seem to mangle the meaning of the story in links that you post, or change the headlines to something sensationalistic. Let's review EXACTLY WHAT YOU POSTED:
=========
"Have you been grocery shopping lately? Foods prices are already up 4-5% and rising."(Reuters Story)
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE62F3UC20100316"
==========
The story DOES NOT SAY THAT. It PREDICTS that food prices MAY rise 4-5% by the end of the year. You state it as a fact and that's not a fact whatsoever. It's a prediction that has yet to be in any way accurate.
Next:
==========
"Now clearly linking to the Reuters story and their article clearly outlined the 4% mark I believe that infers my statement was both true and factual and an accurate reflection of the story."
==========
The story in no way says that food inflation presently is 4-5% as of today. The story was published in MARCH of this year.
There is "nothing left out." You state an opinion that food inflation is 4-5% RIGHT HERE AND NOW and cite a link that doesn't support your opinion whatsoever. That's typical of all the links you post.
I disagree with ChrisPBacon on about everything politically except when it comes to your posts and Glenn Beck garbage thinly disguised as some kind of bizarre libertarianism.
Tue, 11/30/2010 - 12:28pm
#121
NUK
Just curious, care to share what Glenn Beck said that you think is "garbage"? -GP
Tue, 11/30/2010 - 9:35pm
#122
Pseudo-Libertarian GP
Nuk said it himself he disagrees with everything bacon says in relation to politics BUT he said he also disagrees with every post I make. So logic dictates if I disagree with bacon over say big government and Nuk disagrees with me 100% of the time then ergo he agrees with bacon.
Can't have it both ways. His obvious disdain for Glenn also a Libertarian is another clue as to Nuk's true ideology.
Personally I don't care. I just think if you say you walk a certain path you should live up to that standard is all.
Tue, 11/30/2010 - 10:07pm
#123
Actually
Nuk said ABOUT everything, not everything.
Tue, 11/30/2010 - 10:17pm
#124
Correct and corrected
like I said I really don't care. I don't care what your ideology is. Just be civil about it and realize these are all opinions. An honest discussion is what is enjoyed. I happen to enjoy a good debate heated or otherwise, but at least show a little fairness and present other's opinions without the misquotes and intentional obfuscations.
Tue, 11/30/2010 - 10:21pm
#125
Misquotes?
I posted EXACTLY what you said in regards to food inflation, as well as EXACTLY what the Reuters' article said back in March.
I don't disagree with most of your opinions on government but I totally disagree with you fabricating headlines to stories as well as pointing to links that don't in any way back up what you are claiming they actually say.
Tue, 11/30/2010 - 10:49pm
#126
No Nuk you did not
I have never "fabricated a headline" that was a Bacon typical misquote and well yes a Lie. He called it that and you jumped on the bandwagon. I dare you to provide the evidence of your statement.
You did post the date but again you failed to argue the point. You just outright dismissed the USDA information which completely corroborated both my opinion and the Reuters article.
Be that as it may you do tend to make statements and then fail to clarify them when asked to. Tonight is a good example of that.
Just an opinion after all
Tue, 11/30/2010 - 9:45pm
#127
Beck a Libertarian????
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Tue, 11/30/2010 - 9:51pm
#128
Like you Nuk he claims he is
so I guess we have to accept that fact don't we.
Tue, 11/30/2010 - 10:16pm
#129
So does Neil Boortz
You know, the other entertainer that quickly adopts whatever trend he thinks will bring in the $$$ and ratings. Boortz in my lifetime has gone from being a very far-left liberal to far-right conservative to now "libertarian." If anyone thinks that the Fair Tax idea is in any way a libertarian idea, you don't know anything whatsoever about libertarianism. The stupid idea that a large majority of people get a government-issued check every month is so NOT libertarian that it makes my head spin when people actually think this won't be totally abused and would actually work. So dumb.
Beck's a media entertainer and knows how to cater to his audience that wants to hear how Obama is really a racist and progressives suck. That's where he makes his money. He's very interventionist in regards to foreign affairs, which firmly places in right along with the neo-cons. His comments on Jews/Soros/WW2 were beyond disgusting, but hey, That's Entertainment and that's what Beck is looking for.
Tue, 11/30/2010 - 10:23pm
#130
Don't know anything about boortz
I can only judge by what is done not said.
btw-incorrect Obama is not a racist he is however a anti-colonialist and progressives do suck. ;-)
What did Beck say that was disgusting? If you are quoting Media Matters then again you are simply wrong. They reported it as Beck blaming Soros for being a 16 year old turning in the Jews. That was not what Beck said, He just used SORO'S own words about how he enjoyed it. You really should get the all the facts not just from Bacon's sources.
Wed, 12/01/2010 - 5:50am
#131
Media Matters? What?
Here's what Soros said in his 60 Minutes interview:
http://message.snopes.com/showthread.php?t=43876
Now how Beck turned that into numerous segments on Soros being some kind of antichrist and sending Jews to death camps is typical from a loudmouth who looks for bogeymen everywhere and needs someone to demonize to appeal to his listening base.
According to all of Beck's ravings, George Soros is like the most evil and powerful man on the planet, which is a total JOKE. Soros' influence is so great that the Dems just got routed in the elections a few weeks ago and he and MoveOn are constantly whining about Obama not doing enough to further the progressive agenda. How is that some kind of "huge power" or "silent, secret government?"
Wed, 12/01/2010 - 8:49pm
#132
Nuk you are misinformed
but then again I am not surprised.
Take a few minutes and read just some of the info on Soros that I posted. If you still believe Soros is a great guy then so be it. You have a right to your opinion and I have the right to tell you that you are wrong.
btw-on Beck you should watch the show and actually listen to what was said instead of spitting out the Media Matters talking points. He did none of what you claim and I am still waiting on your clarification of just what Beck did to soros that was disgusting?
Tue, 11/30/2010 - 10:30pm
#133
Here this may help
"In a surprisingly overlooked interview with 60 Minutes‘ Steve Kroft, Soros denied guilt or second thoughts about his World War II activities.
From Levant again:
How does Soros feel about what he did as a teenager? Has it kept him up at night?
Steve Kroft of 60 Minutes asked him that. Was it difficult? “Not at all,” Soros answered.
“No feeling of guilt?” asked Kroft. “No,” said Soros. “There was no sense that I shouldn’t be there. If I wasn’t doing it, somebody else would be taking it away anyhow. Whether I was there or not. So I had no sense of guilt.”
http://www.sorosmonitor.com/absolutenm/templates/news.aspx?articleid=33&...
That was all Beck said about it. He actually said Soros had to do it to survive. He gave him an out. So what exactly did Beck say or do that was disgusting?
Mon, 11/29/2010 - 9:01am
#134
Nuk you infer to much
You do realize these postings all of them are OPINIONS right?
We all use news sources, well almost all of us, some use blogs to form that opinion. You seem to support bacon's position that Food inflation has not and will not occur.
Do you?
The story was prices to increase LATE THIS YEAR. Guess what it is late this year. It is almost December after all. According to the USDA prices have increased almost across the board.
Now since you came in late to the argument why don't you look at my thread on Soros and our debate on the subject a much more comprehensive argument is made there by myself and others.
Bacon tends to move to other threads after losing the debate and rehash the
argument again without all that sticky fact stuff.
Nuk this is not the first time that you interjected yourself for bacon without all the facts. Sort of like DM chastising me for being "denigrating" to bacon, but her selective outrage never falls on her left leaning colleagues.
You and bacon can argue against my opinion all day long. But to argue "ONE" point in an argument with multiple points is simply ridiculous. You nor bacon even argues the intended point of the comment. That Food prices have increased and is projected to go even higher. That was the intended point. But you two can only argue over the date of a story. This is where you have to use something called common sense something severely lacking in you two.
Argue the facts Nuk. Arguing an opinion is spitting into the wind. Not much is accomplished except moistening your own face. Bacon and you tend to get wrapped up in personalities and opinions. Why don't either of you actually put forward an opinion of your own or at least argue the point?
Bacon nor you have yet to explain much less defend your point? Do you even have one or where you just riding to his defense again?
Mon, 11/29/2010 - 11:21am
#135
Observerofu
Sort of like DM chastising me for being "denigrating" to bacon, but her selective outrage never falls on her left leaning colleagues.
You miss the point. When we personalize (and I include myself), we take away from a valid point that we're trying to make. Nuk has been here a long time, and makes cogent arguments based on his research and his opinion - usually without making denigrating remarks about the person he/she disagrees with. Try it. (Aren't too many 'left leaning' persons on this site.) LOL!
Mon, 11/29/2010 - 9:43pm
#136
DM I always do. Respect is earned
not just given. Bacon disrespects the posters here when he resorts to school yard name calling tactics and juvenile attempts at cyber bullying.
I will never attack someone for their opinion. However that being said if bacon wants to get dirty who am I to stop him.
I would like to see you offer the same advice to him though.
As far as Nuk goes, I know I am the outsider. Heck I don't even live in Georgia BUT residency does not take away from the strength of my arguments. Nuk seems to be a decent sort. I just question his stated politics is all.
I met David in 1971 in Colorado Springs and went to the first Libertarian National Convention in "72". So I can say I have been with the party since it began. I believe I know the tenets as well as anyone. Nuk "says" all the right things but there it is. Progressivism is the antithesis of the Libertarian philosophy.
The very nature of a progressive is an affront to any Libertarian. Nuk's continued defense of Bacon makes wonder is all.
Sort of like a stated devout Christian coming to the verbal defense of a Satanist.
Possible but not very likely.
Just my opinion.
Sun, 11/28/2010 - 10:42pm
#137
Food Price Outlook 2010
USDA press release from last week:
In 2010, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for all food is projected to increase 0.5 to 1.5 percent--the lowest annual food inflation rate since 1992. Food-at-home (grocery store) prices are also forecast to increase 0.5 to 1.5 percent, while food- away-from-home (restaurant) prices are forecast to increase 1 to 2 percent.
Your "prices increased 4 to 5 percent already" claim is demonstrably false.
The fact that you are not man enough to own up to your falsehood speaks volumes as to your lack of both character and honor.
Sun, 11/28/2010 - 8:46pm
#138
Food inflation
I don't think the government uses food as a factor in calculating inflation! That and many other things that vary a lot.
But I can tell you this:
Looking at one year of government figures for that kind of trend is useless.
If someone will simply look a a list of average foodstuff used for the year 2000, and then check it against the year 2010, you are going to find a helluva increase in costs to the consumer.
Those on fixed incomes, retires, etc., are really going to get screwed over the next ten years also.
Some of the consumables that we now buy which are made overseas can not compare to US produced goods, however.
Sun, 11/28/2010 - 9:05pm
#139
Tracked separetely
Food inflation is tracked separately now and has been since 1968. You are correct that the govt. no longer factors in food inflation into overall inflation indices.
HERE is the link to the BLS food inflation, broken down by component (eggs, cereal, pork, etc) for the past three years.
Mon, 11/29/2010 - 8:49am
#140
Yes, thank you
You won't find a comparison of item for item food prices that I suggested either!
I don't know why these people on here say there is no food inflation!
I paid a $1.25 a tomato at the vegetable market all summer! One could buy foreign "rubber" tomatoes at Kroger for a little less.
That would make good tomatoes worth about $55.00 a bushel!
Time to be a corporate farmer!
Sun, 11/28/2010 - 8:28pm
#141
"let that huge distortion slide"
I feel that when you let the Brownshirts here get away with errors of fact, you're just embiggening them.
I enjoy watching them squeal and say/do anything to avoid admitting their error. It's like watching an encylopedia of logical fallacy play out in real time, you get non-sequiturs, straw men, appeals to bandwagon, appeals to authority, moving the goalposts, and/or glittering generalities...often in the same post! The really funny thing, is that they think they're "winning" when they avoid taking responsibility for their errors!
I'm glad Al Gore finally owned up to the ethanol debacle. I've never been comfortable with that program, even if it did have well-intentioned goals in the beginning (securing midwestern Democratic votes, naturally!).
Sat, 11/27/2010 - 12:41pm
#142
Our foreign aid should be zero.
We are running a trillion dollar deficit this year. So we are going to borrow money from foreign entities so that we can give it to someone else? To further burden our descendants to give foreign aid is a sin. It makes no sense to me. We shouldn't be giving any money to anyone as a country. If you want to make private donations, go ahead. Third world countries don't do this and neither should we. We try to act like Santa Claus by giving out goodies, but the real reason we do it is to influence everything that goes on in the world. Well, this type of borrowing is about to destroy us as a country. I am an American and have no responsibility to take care of any other country. Washington was so right when he warned against foreign entanglements.
Sat, 11/27/2010 - 7:20pm
#143
To: Those who want the budget balanced NOW
About one trillion of cuts is needed.
The budget is about 3.62 trillion.
It is to be spent:
Military and past military 54%
Human resources 30%
General Govt.depts, transp. 16%
Total 100%
OK--whack away! only 28% overall cuts needed!
The loan interest is included proportionately.
Sat, 11/27/2010 - 7:35pm
#144
CHR$
The planned deficit for both FY 2010 and for the proposed FY 2011 budget equal the entire federal budget for FY 2006. We simply can't continue this. Now like I told you before, get in line and keep shuffling forward for your haircut. It will be "high and tight".
Sun, 11/28/2010 - 6:29pm
#145
cyclist
I am reminded of another tale somewhat like your insistence that we balance the budget now:
FOUR FRIENDS ONCE WERE DISCUSSING WHAT THEY WOULD LIKE THEIR SURVIVING FRIENDS TO DO WHEN ONE OF THEM DIED. MOST OF THE WISHES WERE RATHER COMMON FROM THE FIRST THREE FRIENDS, SUCH AS A DECENT FUNERAL, HELP HIS FAMILY, ETC.
HOWEVER, THE FOURTH FELLOW ASKED THE OTHER THREE TO PERFORM A RATHER UNUSUAL TASK FOR HIM. HE WANTED EACH OF THEM UPON VIEWING HIM AT THE FUNERAL TO PLACE AN ENVELOPE WITH 25,000 DOLLARS IN LEGAL TENDER IN HIS COFFIN AS THEY PASSED.
HE WAS SOMEWHAT AFRAID THAT HE MAY NEED THE MONEY WHERE HE WAS GOING.
WELL, THE HARWARE STORE OWNER WENT BY THE COFFIN AND PLACED HIS ENVELOPE; THE BANKER WENT BY THE COFFIN AND DID THE SAME.
THEN THE LAWYER WENT BY AND PLACED HIS ENVELOPE AND BENT OVER AND SAID GOODBYE TO HIS OLD FRIEND.
THE SURVIVORS AGREED TO HAVE DINNER THE FOLLOWING WEEK AND THE DISCUSSION OF THE FUNERAL CAME UP. THE HARDWARE GUY SAID HE HAD PUT THE 25,000 IN HIS ENVELOPE AS REQUESTED BUT HAD SOME DOUBTS AS TO WHETHER OR NOT IT WOULD EVER BE SPENT, SO HE SAID, "I GAVE HIM A BANK DRAFT THAT EXPIRES IN 60 DAYS IF NOT CASHED. HIS FRIEND THE BANKER SAID HE ENCLOSED SEVERAL TWO-YEAR OLD DEEDS TO HOMES HE HAD THAT HAD BEEN WORTH IN TOTAL ABOUT THE AMOUNT REQUESTED WHEN AND IF THEY SOLD.
THE LAWYER SAID "I KNEW YOU BASTARDS WOULDN'T HONOR HIS REQUEST SO I PICKED UP YOUR ENVELOPES AND LEFT A PERSONAL CHECK FOR $100,000 TO MORE THAN COVER ALL THREE OF US.
NOW I'M OUT A HUNDRED GRAND WHEN HE CASHES THAT CHECK, SO FORK OVER!"
Sun, 11/28/2010 - 8:29pm
#146
Dadgummit CHR$,
Do you have to shout?
So I'm curious, you're under the mindset that nothing should be done? Oh, I didn't mention "immediately" but what I did infer, rather clearly, that we cannot continue with revenue and expenditure "gaps" that we have seen. Now mind you that those numbers that I acknowledged are the "planned" deficit. The actual could be even greater.
BTW, what's your take on David Stockman and his analysis?
Sat, 11/27/2010 - 7:34pm
#147
CHRS
Do you have any information on the amount of fraud and corruption involved in the three areas you've listed? It seems to me that the move to cut the fraud would help out a lot. . . .and is being addressed in the media - but little action from the Congress.
Sun, 11/28/2010 - 8:48am
#148
DM
I couldn't guess at the amount of fraud and corruption!
We could just add up what we know about in Fayette County, get a percentage, and then use that number, I suppose!
You know-- Tennis Center in PTC; Lenox junction and Avenue; West Side in PTC; PTC Falcon Field costs; Amphitheater failure; County Judges; Sheriff's department; and investigate the amount of millionaires made in Fayette County since, say 1970?
I also think Fayette County has houses and commercial ventures on the tax books at at least 25% too much in order to collect more taxes. So do the local banks, for assets, of course.
I could go on but really it isn't as bad as surrounding counties.
As to corruption and waste finding and resolving a Trillion dollars----out of three trillion, good luck!
Sun, 11/28/2010 - 12:03pm
#149
CHRS
I feel that there is so much fraud and corruption right now in our country (and our churches) - that it will be very difficult to TRUST government or organizations that preach NON-GOVERNMENT and/or a RETURN TO GOD movement. I feel you're right - not as bad as surrounding counties - but is that good? It has been interesting watching the power play between the Mayors (Steele and Haddix). Sometimes I think that the small counties here in Georgia took a course called CHICAGO POLITICS MADE EASY. The main observation is that the men and women on the street are polite, welcoming. and exude Southern charm - makes living here a pleasure.
Sun, 11/28/2010 - 6:42pm
#150
dm
"There you go again," as Reagan said many, many times. This is a wonderful place to live because it has friendly people on the streets, but it is also full of un-Godly crooks from Chicago!
Then you speak of another "movement," I suppose like all of the other "movements" that the African-Americans have had over the many years!
And I do hope that our politicians DO NOT "preach" for us to return to a "movement" toward God.
That would tick Allah and Buddha off! Not to mention the Scientologists.
Tue, 11/30/2010 - 11:45am
#151
CHRS
but it is also full of un-Godly crooks from Chicago!
I didn't say that - you did. The movements that have benefitted me are : Women's sufferage; Women's right to work(Title IX) - and of course the Civil Rights movement. By the way Allah is another name for the one God. Miss your meds on the 28th?
Sun, 11/28/2010 - 12:57pm
#152
DM & Mayoral Power Play
Strongly disagree that it has been "interesting" to read about Haddix/Steele--my take is sad revelation of personalities that have little or no relation to service to their constituencies.
Sun, 11/28/2010 - 2:03pm
#153
AHG
I respect your view - I know very little about the politics here in Fayette County. If your observation is correct, it is indeed 'sad'.
Sat, 11/27/2010 - 2:04pm
#154
That would have bad results joker!
Israel and Egypt couldn't help defend the middle east without our defense help. We would have to put 60,000 troops in both places and build a base which they wouldn't let us do without aid!
I suppose we could let many more be starved and killed in Africa!
Taiwan keeps the Chinese busy with their aid money!
Pakistan without our help would already be gone! We can't supply our troops any other way!
I could go on!
You aren't thinking anyway---the total foreign aid is less than 1% of our budget.
I don't know what people from another country has to do with it being wrong to help them what we can! I saw nothing in the Bible about people from Africa not being treated decently---only Israel, I suppose.
You have to be a TEA sympathizer!
Sat, 11/27/2010 - 2:16pm
#155
CHR$ - Pakistan
Heck, if they don't control and contain those tribal leaders that country will unravel with or without our aid.
Sat, 11/27/2010 - 1:48pm
#156
The cost of Obama's outreach to the....
Muslim world is $6 Million. U.S. State Department documents show that the U.S. government is funding the construction of mosques around the world as part of that outreach program.
Mon, 11/29/2010 - 7:16am
#157
Anyone watching the WikiLeak story...
as it unfolds? Interesting stuff.
Tue, 11/30/2010 - 11:37am
#158
Wikileaks
Thank heavens the leaders of the world are not like fourth grade girls! Most are stating that the comments found in the 'leaks' will be ignored. Now about the 'leaks' about the 'banks'? Can the 'banks' survive the public scrutiny of these 'leaks' - whatever they turn out to be. As for Palin's pronouncement - she could get the leaks 'stopped' - no national leader can 'stop' the Swiss.
Mon, 11/29/2010 - 9:56pm
#159
Wikileaks-Yawn
Let's see:
1. Saudi Arabia funds Al-Qaeda
2. Russia is not a Democracy
3. China does not work for our best interest
4. Iran, North Korea and Venezuela are all governed by nut jobs
And the biggest YAWN of all?
Our Government has lied to us.
Mon, 11/29/2010 - 11:11am
#160
WIKILEAK
Glanced at the story in the AJC this morning. The intrigue reported here one sees on TV and in certain movies all the time. What does this do to US diplomacy? Just how far does the 'publics' right to know go? Will this endanger lives of American citizens and allies in other countries? It is interesting to watch this unfold - but is there anyone who thought this wasn't happening - with every governments diplomatic program? Who is benefiting from this disclosure?
Mon, 11/29/2010 - 11:27am
#161
Davids mom
Who is benefiting? At the end of the day if these disclosures paint a very bleak picture of the security in the Middle East then I would expect oil traders will benefit.
Mon, 11/29/2010 - 11:44am
#162
Cyclist
That requires deep thought on my part - thanks. Let me try to figure this out. . .just how and why they would benefit. I just don't know all of the ends and outs of foreign diplomacy. Interesting.
Mon, 11/29/2010 - 11:58am
#163
Davids mom
Oil futures are sensitive to this sort of thing. Now I see that Iran is saying that this whole "leak" is a US conspiracy to under mind their regime. Israel announced that the leakage vindicates what they have said all along about Iran.
Mon, 11/29/2010 - 12:29pm
#164
Thanks Cy
This is even better than a movie or TV series. It's scary that some of the characters are adults I consider unstable - and nuclear weapons are being 'discussed'. This is beyond politics - IMO. Thanks for the info. Buildup to serious talks or war?
Mon, 11/29/2010 - 8:20am
#165
cyclist: Wikileaks
I'm researching that now.
Nothing much out yet.
The BIG reason that the government of the USA is raising heck and threatening charges of treason is that this stuff is usually over classified and isn't released until 25 years or more.
It is often embarrassing to people still in office and they want to avoid that!
We will see if it is treason on whose part.
I didn't think the release of the Abeu Gahrab papers was treason! Stupidity and zealous overreaction by machos.
Sat, 11/27/2010 - 4:17pm
#166
Cyclist
Do you believe that the entire Muslim world is our enemy? Do you believe that we have no allies in the Middle East other than the Israelis? Many have often questioned the use of 'foreign aid' and if and how that money benefits the American people. Another discussion.
Sat, 11/27/2010 - 6:42pm
#167
Davids mom
Good questions.
Do you believe that the entire Muslim world is our enemy?
I believe those in the Muslim world that wish to do us harm can certainly be considered an enemy.
Do you believe that we have no allies in the Middle East other than the Israelis?
By definition, allies are people, groups, or nations that have joined together in an association for mutual benefit or to achieve some common purpose, whether or not explicit agreement has been worked out between them.
With that said, there are some governments/nations that a mutual benefit does exist. What comes to my mind is Saudi, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, UAE, and of course Isreal. The mutual benefit is, with the exception of Isreal, we love their oil and they all, including Isreal, love the good old US greenback and the technologies that can be bought with it.
The problem that this cyclist sees is that, with the exception of Isreal, every one of those countries are either an absolute or pseudo monarchy. And we all know how unstable some Middle East monarchies can be.(Remember Iran, Egypt, and Iraq '58?) Its no secret that there are some inhabitants of those Arab nations that are very dissatisfied with the relationship that their leaders have with the US.
I suspect that this civil dissatisfaction bridges topics from nationalism to religion. The other obvious thing is the very thorny Palestinian issue and our support of Isreal. That's not very popular.
Of course this is the view from a fat man that rides a bicycle so your mileage may vary.
Sat, 11/27/2010 - 6:48pm
#168
Cyclist
The fat man that rides a bicycle makes good sense. LOL
Sat, 11/27/2010 - 2:47pm
#169
Cyclist - I guess
that separation of church and state deal doesn't extend to foreign aid.
Sat, 11/27/2010 - 2:56pm
#170
PTC Observer - It sure...
appears so.
Sun, 11/28/2010 - 8:52pm
#171
Mosques and taxpayer dollars
I did a little digging on those Taxpayer-assisted Mosques. As far as I can tell, the United States has assisted renovating four mosques (one in Egypt, three in Tanzania) and helped finance a brand new one in Fallujah, Iraq. There may be more, I just couldn't find 'em.
I found that United States Ambassadors have a discretionary fund that allows them to contribute to local projects that preserve cultural antiquities and historic places. I've got a feeling that the Tanzanian ambassador got scammed: it seems the only "historic antiquities" in Tanzania were/are ancient mosques. One dated back to the 12th century. Two of them were arguably quote cultural landmarks unquote, as one mosque was the first place the Koran was translated into Swahili and another was the only surviving remnant of a destroyed Persian (Iranian) culture. These projects were sold to the ambassador as "tourist attractions", conveniently leaving out the fact that they could be used for worship services.
In any event, it shows some poor judgement by the ambassador, because United States funds have traditionally NEVER been used to fund non-Christian projects. Heck, until Dubya and his faith-based initiative, government money never went to ANY religious projects!
The project in Egypt restored a mosque that celebrated a Moslem poobah who kicked Christian crusaders out of Egypt. ouch. That place was a real rathole prior to restoration.
I couldn't find much info on the Fallujah mosque, except that it was some sort of project to establish a "liberal" branch of the Muslim faith in a notoriously extremist city.
I'm sure these projects were well-intentioned, but it was ultimately wrong for the United States to use taxpayer dollars on religious projects.
Mon, 11/29/2010 - 8:43am
#172
No Taxes for Christian Churches
Even Mr. Long's Church and Mr. Haggard's, and Mr. Hinn's, and Mr. Church's, and that "lady" on TV who preaches "feel good today" or something!
I'm not sure about Imam taxes! Or Scientologist leaders!
Hey, religion is free to exist, just not in our congressional rules and laws! Nancy can not pray against Boehner in congress for instance, I suppose FOR him would be OK.
Sun, 11/28/2010 - 10:58pm
#173
Park 51 Mosque ask for taxpayer funds
What happened to Church and State.
http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2010/11/22/2010-11-22_park51_develop...
Sat, 11/27/2010 - 7:56am
#174
Bacon
I think you misunderstand just what the problem is for right wing conservatives as to foreign aid, earmarks, food stamps, cheap rent, etc.
It is not the cost!
It is the principle! They fear socialism worse than a small pox plague! Except for the military--the biggest socialist group.
Nothing should be given to anyone that they didn't earn in a fashion which they approve! Including health Insurance except for military and retirees.
Now, there of course are exceptions which they do approve of:
Wars costs (2 Trillion so far for the 2 we have) good for macho.
Defense, war or no. They are paranoiac about that.
Federal pensions but only for military.
Large FBI, Police Forces, CIA, Marshals, Firemen, All conservative Supreme Court members, all conservative judges, TEA people, Palins, Limbaughs, Hannities, O'Reillies, American NAZIs etc.
Independents are terrible people, they are unreliable to always vote conservative. They actually vote both ways on different days!
Sat, 11/27/2010 - 12:19am
#175
You're mistaken Bacon
about a great many things centering on:
Life, Liberty, and Property
Fri, 11/26/2010 - 10:40pm
#176
A little fact check please
"The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday approved a $48.8 billion spending bill to bolster U.S. foreign policy and aid efforts, including to allies like Pakistan and Afghanistan."2009
http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/cats/foreign_commerce_aid.html
Fri, 11/26/2010 - 9:42pm
#177
Bacon: Garlock
Earmarks to bills amount to less than 1% of the budget, but they speak of that and foreign aid,and many other small outlays as if they would resolve the budget problems if dropped.
They know, at least the intelligent ones know, that most other cuts that could be made would require the states to pick them up to fund. They wouldn't vote for that either! It is "vote getting" talk to some dumber people.
The cuts would have to be made in Defense, Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, and state loans and grants. A few other necessities also.
Yet they won't specify cuts of any significance to those items.
More income must be generated by a better economy with jobs, and if necessary raise taxes.
Obama didn't lose the jobs nor ruin the economy, but he is trying to pose some remedies.
It is a 5-10 year task due to its depth. Neither President Obama nor the next group of republicans will get us back to 4-5% unemployment and a balanced budget, much less pay any of the debt.
Fri, 11/26/2010 - 9:57pm
#178
Not a the rate they are spending money they won't.
btw-How many jobs have been lost since 09?
Sat, 11/27/2010 - 7:38am
#179
Observerofu
What if I agreed with you, could you specify enough cuts and in what accounts to solve the problem. Little cuts like foreign aid, earmarks, and such amount to nothing! Loans to Georgia and other states, do count. Georgia owes 50 billion so far and want more. X 50 states is a bunch!
Think where the money really is, and tell me what you will cut.
Generalizations such as "rate of spending," "cut SS," are meaningless.
As to jobs lost since 09, the rate of unemployment is still 9.5-10.0%.
We were losing 800,000 per month then and now 4-500,000!
Understand that several million jobs per year are needed just for those turning 18 years of age--not counted before, nor until they go onto unemployment insurance---which won't be until they first get fired from a job!
You simply don't understand, or don't care, just how bad things were in 09 and still are! It is ignorance to blame the current government for our travesty--and even worse to cover-up for the previous one!
Fri, 11/26/2010 - 9:19pm
#180
Speaking of bigger issues
Obama got a fat lip today. Anyone know which lip that was? Ouch.
You've got to read more than Cynthia McKinney! -GP