(no subject)

[vicarz]

I don't hate politics - I hate that people yell at each other, call names, and refuse to review data when discussing politics. It seems in politics people turn off their brains. These same people read, hold jobs, keep open minds about multiple characters on Hero, BSG, or House, do their own taxes, and plan their retirement. Somehow that all goes out the window as they base their vote on the slant of someone's jaw line and how that makes their tummy feel, and then grip onto any pre-printed "argument" without verifying it's source, accuracy, or even internally consistent logic (that alone wipes out most wack-jobs).

I love the way McCain has treated Obama with respect, and vice versa. Until yesterday I was proud that in Arlington, there were tons of Obama signs next to McCain signs. That changed yesterday when all the Obama signs were torn down and McCain signs filled Washington Blvd (but don't blame the candidate for the few wackos that do campaign work).

I heard one quote from McCain on the TV this AM - that he and Obama don't disagree on spending or other issues with the economy (I disagree, but...) That the key difference was that McCain is for lower taxes and Obama is for higher taxes.

Ok. I'M ALL FOR HIGHER TAXES. Yeah, that's right, in my bracket I'm all about the higher taxes. Why? Because my country is spending money. So everything the US buys today is being done with borrowed money and accumulating interest. So we might as well either stop spending so much or pay the damn bills when they come due. I do it at home, and my taxes should be just as responsible. I. Hate. Debt.

Speaking of: Chrysler asks for 10 gazillion dollars because it turns out building SUVs while the "Japanese companies" built economy cars was a bad idea. Answer = no. Taxpayers should not be paying for private companies - we already voted with our dollars.

Comments

[samaritan1975.livejournal.com]

You know, for me, it's not even just about the debt. I'm for taxes if I believe that they'd be put to use into programs that promote the social good. I know that many, many of these programs need reform, but I can see nothing wrong with ensuring that basic human needs are provided for on the dime of citizens across the nation.

Of course, reducing our dependence on foreign investment's a big plus, too.

[vicar.livejournal.com]

Sorry - my edit (car manuf loan) came too late - seems we both hit the same vein at the same time! I'm with you there - where the money goes is a big deal to me. I don't have kids, but think every dollar spent on schools is a good idea. I acknowledge the need for a military, but question foreign policy. I also find it funny how free we are with weapons but then won't give condoms to Africa. We'll always disagree on what dollars are important, i.e. the environment, but no matter what we do it's hard to argue for doing it with borrowed funds.

As a guy w/o kids I should love mortgaging the future of other people's children, but I have this stupid morality that keeps me in check. Sigh.

[samaritan1975.livejournal.com]

Well, you know, politicians w/o kids in the military have been toying with the lives of *other* people's kids in the military, so.... oh, I see what you did there! ;)

Also? I want to kick Chrysler in its peepee.

[doc-quixote.livejournal.com]

With modern medicine, you're (probably) going to live long enough to discover that the 'other people' (whose children's future has been mortgaged) include your parents.

[vicar.livejournal.com]

In many cases that will be true, but not mine (good point, ymmv)

[justaputz.livejournal.com]

I am rather depressed about our national debt. At least with Obama in office I think condoms will get spread around a little more. I think he will also improve our image around the world, Mccain would be 4 more years of Bush or worse to everyone outside of our country.

[vicar.livejournal.com]

Well unless the 2 internet-saavy skinheads manage to succeed in their plan to drive at him real fast and shoot him from their car while wearing white tuxedos and top hats...

McCain has a history of being for responsible spending, but...

[doc-quixote.livejournal.com]

After all these years of claims that the Invisible Hand Of The Market will provide all necessary regulation, I'm all for _letting_ the Invisible Hand administer the Regulatory B***hslap that the Feds are currently trying so hard to prevent. (Yeah, it'll utterly obliterate about half the Fortune 500, but let's face it, it's self-inflicted.)

[vicar.livejournal.com]

Hate to be simple, but agreed. Have you giggled at the "shocked" former-hero Greenspan?

[samaritan1975.livejournal.com]

I never believe in laissez-faire. It assumes a level of ethics, moderation, and accountability that the market does not provide.

And yeah. Greenspan. "I was wrong, but not really."

[greatevil.livejournal.com]

Well what happens to the U.S.A if all the Fortune 500's go under? Do we just become a wholly owned subsidiary of whoever can get the $$ together to buy up the scraps or do we start to look more like our Mexican neighbors?

(I am not for the current bull shit about the car companies but keeping banks open and such seems needed if not wanted)

[vicar.livejournal.com]

That reasoning is why if we do anything, insuring the banks seems the more reasonable course. Fuck the companies, but keep the fundamentals in place.