Ayn, Neal and the world around me...

[TupennyConan]

Damn my new sig banner is sweet.

[dover]

Small pockets of isolated groups are more susceptible to natural events, disasters and interludes of outside forces than larger more established groups. Thus they are harder to control and guide towards a probable outcome. They may find it difficult to value properly or react to an improper pricing of a sector or multiple like anyone else; but are less able to correct. A short train can react quickly, but once the engine goes over the cliff, there is not the mass to prevent the rest of the cars from following.

 

I do know that right now there is a massive experiment taking place. It is running in real time, it has been going for years and years and the results are beginning to show.

 

It was started to determine the outcome of controlled prosperity, bridled Liberty, early retirement and a generous benefit package from cradle to grave. The engineers wanted to see what would happen when excessive exuberance was met with restricted capital flow as a long term investment in the State. What would fail first or what would succeed to prolong speculation of an over priced commodity.

 

And in an odd occurrence, the experiment was in fact infused with momentum from your Germany which was running under different parameters and was not supposed to interact on the financial level that was thrust upon it by an irrational belief in a moral standard that did not hold water.

 

It will not matter; it simply is prolonging the outcome.

 

[TupennyConan]

My Germany? That sounds like FUELMAN's way of talking.

 

 

[TupennyConan]

The metaphorical language reduces the clarity of your meaning. I understand that you’re attempting to avoid politics but my query didn’t necessitate a political reply insofar as American politics are concerned, at the very least. My interest was in a comparison of Ireland to Germany. I have no expertise or special knowledge about either country’s current economic state of affairs. My London remark was my being conspiratorially goofy through innuendo. This is the Boards, you know. I am obliged to dumb it down to pre-K.

 

Small pockets of isolated groups are more susceptible to natural events, disasters and interludes of outside forces than larger more established groups. Thus they are harder to control and guide towards a probable outcome. They may find it difficult to value properly or react to an improper pricing of a sector or multiple like anyone else; but are less able to correct. A short train can react quickly, but once the engine goes over the cliff, there is not the mass to prevent the rest of the cars from following.

 

I think you're talking about economies of scale on the national level & comparing Ireland & Germany's scale to the US'. That is an interesting observation but I’d rather leave the US out of the mix; if you don't object.

 

I do know that right now there is a massive experiment taking place. It is running in real time, it has been going for years and years and the results are beginning to show.

 

Yes. For Ireland, the outcome is poor. For Germany, it is better.

 

It was started to determine the outcome of controlled prosperity, bridled Liberty, early retirement and a generous benefit package from cradle to grave. The engineers wanted to see what would happen when excessive exuberance was met with restricted capital flow as a long term investment in the State. What would fail first or what would succeed to prolong speculation of an over priced commodity.

 

I think you're talking about the states of the present EU. I don't know if you mean Ireland. I don't know if you're referencing East German history.

 

And in an odd occurrence, the experiment was in fact infused with momentum from your Germany which was running under different parameters and was not supposed to interact on the financial level that was thrust upon it by an irrational belief in a moral standard that did not hold water.

 

I don't quite follow your meaning here. What different parameters? I think I understand what was thrust upon Germany (the bailout responsibility), by whom (other EU member states), & what the irrational belief in a moral standard means -- I think you mean the greater socialism of the other member EU states.

 

It will not matter; it simply is prolonging the outcome.

 

What outcome do you predict?

[dover]

My Germany? That sounds like FUELMAN's way of talking.

 

 

 

Never, only in reference to the querry you posed. As in, your German [example of a economic power house]. The one with a 1.5% GDP for 2011. Not as in Your beloved country of Germany.

 

Now do I get to go on a rant for being called a synonym for FUELMAN?

 

Nah.

 

[dover]

 

Small pockets of isolated groups are more susceptible to natural events, disasters and interludes of outside forces than larger more established groups. Thus they are harder to control and guide towards a probable outcome. They may find it difficult to value properly or react to an improper pricing of a sector or multiple like anyone else; but are less able to correct. A short train can react quickly, but once the engine goes over the cliff, there is not the mass to prevent the rest of the cars from following.

 

I think you're talking about economies of scale on the national level & comparing Ireland & Germany's scale to the US'. That is an interesting observation but I’d rather leave the US out of the mix; if you don't object.

 

Ireland expanded too fast, grew too fast and had no real time to gather the neccesary backing for the eventual crash. Backing in this case is a build up of equity with which to cushion the ups and downs of the economy, not even considering a bailout by other countries. But, Ireland is small, it is much less resilient to the ebb and flow of a larger population such as Germany. We can keep the US out of the mix, but the fact is there are 50 states and they are all small economies and they all have their own internal reactions and issues. Not every area is destitute and unemployed. Not all of America is out of work. Some cities, some states are fairing better than others.

 

I do know that right now there is a massive experiment taking place. It is running in real time, it has been going for years and years and the results are beginning to show.

 

Yes. For Ireland, the outcome is poor. For Germany, it is better.

 

And for China with 1 billion + consumers just within its borders, it is far more able to weather the storm.

 

It was started to determine the outcome of controlled prosperity, bridled Liberty, early retirement and a generous benefit package from cradle to grave. The engineers wanted to see what would happen when excessive exuberance was met with restricted capital flow as a long term investment in the State. What would fail first or what would succeed to prolong speculation of an over priced commodity.

 

I think you're talking about the states of the present EU. I don't know if you mean Ireland. I don't know if you're referencing East German history.

 

Greece

 

And in an odd occurrence, the experiment was in fact infused with momentum from your Germany which was running under different parameters and was not supposed to interact on the financial level that was thrust upon it by an irrational belief in a moral standard that did not hold water.

 

I don't quite follow your meaning here. What different parameters? I think I understand what was thrust upon Germany (the bailout responsibility), by whom (other EU member states), & what the irrational belief in a moral standard means -- I think you mean the greater socialism of the other member EU states.

 

Germans were paying for what they were spending far more than Greece. They were better trying to manage their financials and live within their means. And yet, not having lived the high on the hog life, they will now be asked to bailout those that did live in an irrational exuberence. They do this because they feel it is their moral duty. But, my children want chocolate cake for dinner; should I entertain their whims? Or teach and give them what they need to grow up and be strong?

 

It will not matter; it simply is prolonging the outcome.

 

What outcome do you predict?

 

We will all become more equal but there will be far less Liberty and prosperity.

When the leaves change in the fall, there is a multitude of reds and oranges and yellows; hues on top of those. There is beauty in the differences. If they were all gray, they would be equal.

 

 

[TupennyConan]

My Germany? That sounds like FUELMAN's way of talking.

 

 

 

Never, only in reference to the querry you posed. As in, your German [example of a economic power house]. The one with a 1.5% GDP for 2011. Not as in Your beloved country of Germany.

 

Now do I get to go on a rant for being called a synonym for FUELMAN?

 

Nah.

 

The Water Cooler will recall FUELMAN's attempt to portray me as a fascist rightwinger enamored of Germany. His effort was driven purely by blind & shallow partisan politics.

 

Sounding like FUELMAN or being accused of sounding like FUELMAN is, indeed, an ugly thing, friend Dover. My apologies.

 

Feel free to as needed.

[dover]

My Germany? That sounds like FUELMAN's way of talking.

 

 

 

Never, only in reference to the querry you posed. As in, your German [example of a economic power house]. The one with a 1.5% GDP for 2011. Not as in Your beloved country of Germany.

 

Now do I get to go on a rant for being called a synonym for FUELMAN?

 

Nah.

 

The Water Cooler will recall FUELMAN's attempt to portray me as a fascist rightwinger enamored of Germany. His effort was driven purely by blind & shallow partisan politics.

 

Sounding like FUELMAN or being accused of sounding like FUELMAN is, indeed, an ugly thing, friend Dover. My apologies.

 

Feel free to as needed.

 

Rant, rant rant.

 

Okay, all done.

 

How about this?

 

[TupennyConan]

Back on subject, Germany's taxation levels have been high; but, its use of those monies has been temperate & the citizenry's expectations have been realistic.

 

Is Ireland an example of poor regulation? We often discuss too much or too little in the way of regulation. How about wise vs unwise regulation? Can a nation have too much wise regulation? Probably not.

 

[TupennyConan]

Do you like Adams' cartooning?

 

[dover]

Back on subject, Germany's taxation levels have been high; but, its use of those monies has been temperate & the citizenry's expectations have been realistic.

 

Is Ireland an example of poor regulation? We often discuss too much or too little in the way of regulation. How about wise vs unwise regulation? Can a nation have too much wise regulation? Probably not.

 

Regulations come into focus as personal accountability is swept aside. An over abundance of rules and laws leaves an under abundance of common sense, individual responsibility and thoughts of rights to property that do not exist.

 

There is a mix of regulations to lawful accountability that is good to meet. Men are not angels; they do need law.

 

Ireland met the evils of cheap money, and could not adjust quick enough; just not big enough to handle it.

 

We do have regular growth and depression cycles here in the USA on a routine basis. We are usually able to adjust and move forward. This last one was exacerbated by policy both past, present and future.

 

 

[dover]

Do you like Adams' cartooning?

 

 

It is okay, it is interesting how he can readily adapt his style to meet the subject and criteria. His Ben Casey stuff (mid 60's) is fantastic, detailed and wonderful. He is clearly altering his style to meet this comic media.

 

And it is on the list.

 

Thanks to Dale Roberts. If I can find his kudos thread I'll post.

[dover]

Tuesday, November 08, 2011

 

A panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia

 

"The right to be free from federal regulation is not absolute and yields to the imperative that Congress be free to forge national solutions to national problems," Judge Laurence Silberman

 

The door closes a little more removing more natural light and allowing the shadows to grow in the corners.

 

----------------

 

 

The Federalist No. 51

 

The Structure of the Government Must Furnish the Proper Checks and Balances Between the Different Departments

 

Wednesday, February 6, 1788

 

 

If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself.

 

What was once a bright and momentous step into a promising and prosperous future is now fading from the weight of legislated fairness, forced protections and restraints on Liberty.

 

--------

 

This was waiting in my inbox today, could not have been more fitting.

 

"Were we directed from Washington when to sow, and when to reap, we should soon want bread." --Thomas Jefferson, Autobiography, 1821

 

 

[dover]

 

Semper fi...

 

Happy Birthday to the United States Marine Corps

 

November 10, 1775.

 

During the Continental Congress, John Adams drafted the resolution to create two battalions of Marines. They would be used as landing forces for the recently formed Continental Navy.

 

God Bless the Marines, God Bless their families, God Bless their life, their pain and their loss.

 

God Bless America.

 

 

[dover]

Happy Veterans Day!!!

 

 

Today I will buy, fill and stuff stockings for a friend that will then forward them to Marines who will not be so lucky to be home for Christmas. I will help to provide some small token of love and admiration in what ever part of the world they are so that I can better enjoy my Liberty.

 

 

 

Life.....

 

Nothing is greater,

 

Liberty....

 

Brings meaning to Life, brings freedom to the soul and enriches the individual.

 

Happiness....

 

That which we all seek, that which fear seeks to take, that which we must defend.

 

God Bless the Veterans; the defenders of our Freedom.

 

[dover]

November 11, 1918

 

World War I ends

 

9 million dead.

 

21 million wounded.

 

 

a letter of sample:

 

"There was a war, a great war, and now it is over. Men fought to kill, to maim, to destroy. Some return home, others remain behind forever on the fields of their greatest sacrifice. The rewards of the dead are the lasting honors of martyrs for humanity: the reward of the living is the peaceful conscience of one who plays the game of life and plays it square."

 

26 year old Lieutenant Lewis Plush of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF)

 

 

 

[TupennyConan]

Comics are, in many ways, a uniquely American contribution to world culture. Superman, Batman, Spider-Man – folk heroes representing some of the very best of Americana.

 

The future of the comic book industry in print is in doubt. Consensus has formed around the conclusion that it shan’t survive the digital age.

 

I propose federal bailout legislation to save our beloved floppy industry. Save it at least for now – short term feels good. Feels good NOW – yum!

 

I’m willing to inject as much borrowed Chinese cash as needed to get the job done. This debt burden is on government, not business. Taxpayers aren’t government. They’re just taxpayers & government is just government. It’s over there; we’re over here; & I have no clue how to find China.

 

Government isn’t business & isn’t intended to make a profit. Debt therefore is of no concern, no matter how much of it we incur (just don’t tell that to our creditor nations or our moral obligations).

 

TARP THE FLOPPY TODAY!

 

[dover]

Why didn't we bailout the VCR manufactures? Or the horse and buggy whip makers? Or the Oil companies in the 70's? Or the stoes in my town that closed thanks to WalMart? The citizens chose. The consumer chose. The market chose.

 

 

Every grant to one business is a levy on another. Every business is a citizen; we cannot in sound mind pick one over another especially when no rights were infringed or removed. Every time an occasion comes to save, there is an incurred risk of conflict of interest, favoritism towards one group of voting citizen over another and mismanagement of intent.

 

It should always be the resolve of all legislation to not put one group ahead of another; no one should succeed on the backs and detriment of another group.

 

Protect the borders.

 

Uphold the Constitution and craft laws that are to be applied to all equally.

 

Enforce the written law.

 

Never, under any duress or graft of power or promised vote, put the majority at odds with the minority. Never impede one group to benefit another.

 

[TupennyConan]

Tampa to Macon on I-75, break-off & head toward Helen through Gainesville, GA. Stay in Helen @ the Helendorf Hotel on the Chattahoochee. Visit Betty’s Grocery for some wine, cheese, beer, to drink along the riverside. Maybe go up to Black Rock Mountain. Head east to Dillard, GA. Breakfast at the Dillard House. North to Highlands, NC for shopping. To Brevard, Sliding Rock, & if in season the Pisgah Inn (2nd Floor for the mountain view), Pisgah Mountains, & the Parkway. To Asheville, see Thomas Wolfe’s home. Shopping downtown; enjoy the finest in Southern arts communities; be a hippie for a day. Stay at the Grove Park Inn. Visit the Biltmore for happy hour, etc. Skip the Parkway north & take the interstate instead through Hickory & then up to Boone, Blowing Rock (train rides), Sugar Mountain, Beech Mountain -- skiing. Done.

[dover]

 

This is how the global economy works. Through market based forces, competition and the only way blessed by Liberty to spread the wealth around; the inevitable has begun to happen.

 

A funny thing happens when we send $500 plus billion a year to China; its called inflation, standard of living and cost of goods sold. They all go up. Then the economic tides turn to the next cheapest place to produce.

 

As I have said many times, once they realize they do not have to eat dirt, do not have to live on the floor, as they grab for the "American" dream eventually they will attain it. Then we can work to continue building ours. It is a beautiful world economic cycle and it works just fine when and if we let it.

 

When they will no longer work for $1 a day, the tide will turn and we as the greatest free market in the world should be ready to take advantage: if we dare.

 

http://www.bcg.com/media/PressReleaseDetails.aspx?id=tcm:12-75973

 

 

CHICAGO, May 5, 2011—Within the next five years, the United States is expected to experience a manufacturing renaissance as the wage gap with China shrinks and certain U.S. states become some of the cheapest locations for manufacturing in the developed world, according to a new analysis by The Boston Consulting Group (BCG).

 

With Chinese wages rising at about 17 percent per year and the value of the yuan continuing to increase, the gap between U.S. and Chinese wages is narrowing rapidly. Meanwhile, flexible work rules and a host of government incentives are making many states—including Mississippi, South Carolina, and Alabama—increasingly competitive as low-cost bases for supplying the U.S. market.

 

“All over China, wages are climbing at 15 to 20 percent a year because of the supply-and-demand imbalance for skilled labor,” said Harold L. Sirkin, a BCG senior partner. “We expect net labor costs for manufacturing in China and the U.S. to converge by around 2015. As a result of the changing economics, you’re going to see a lot more products ‘Made in the USA’ in the next five years.”

 

 

a new Boston [Consulting Group report] that says, by 2015, South Carolina and Alabama will be cheaper than the Chinese coastal provinces to manufacturing.