Speak Out: The Agony of the Liberals

Replies (45)

• Its simple. Liberalism is rooted in socialism and socialism doesn't work. Never has; never will.

  -- Posted by voyager on Tue, Jun 22, 2010, at 8:12 AM

• indeed

  -- Posted by Skeptic1 on Tue, Jun 22, 2010, at 9:25 AM

• And what exactly does it take to just start the economy? Just curious on your opinion since you seem to have the answer.

  -- Posted by almighty on Tue, Jun 22, 2010, at 9:58 AM

• btw , has electing a muslim POTUS been a benefit to any of us in the USA ?

  -- Posted by *Rick* on Tue, Jun 22, 2010, at 10:46 AM

  Rick,

  Are you prepared for the fallout from that question? ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺

  -- Posted by Have_Wheels_Will_Travel on Tue, Jun 22, 2010, at 10:54 AM

• sigh... when will people realize that it is a tough balancing act between "socialism" and capitalism that maximizes the economy.

  -- Posted by futile_rant on Tue, Jun 22, 2010, at 11:00 AM

• sigh... when will people realize that it is a tough balancing act between "socialism" and capitalism that maximizes the economy.

  -- Posted by futile_rant on Tue, Jun 22, 2010, at 11:00 AM

  Must have too much socialism going right now then, because Capitalism certainly isn't thriving and the economy is anything but 'maximized'.

  -- Posted by Have_Wheels_Will_Travel on Tue, Jun 22, 2010, at 11:06 AM

• But Rick, he claims to be a Christian convert, or so he told us while running for office. For a long time his backers would get all upset if you even mentioned you thought he was a Muslim.

  I also could care less about his religion if his interests were for America. It is his agenda that concerns me, is it Pro America or Pro Muslim?

  -- Posted by Have_Wheels_Will_Travel on Tue, Jun 22, 2010, at 11:34 AM

• Rick,

  Totally agree, it was just that I was concerned that some, like Theorist, might want to take that knife you were speaking of on another thread and make you the 'Piece de Resistance'. ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺

  -- Posted by Have_Wheels_Will_Travel on Tue, Jun 22, 2010, at 11:49 AM

• How exactly? Please be specific. "Allowing private enterprise to correct the economy" is not a policy; it's a one-liner talking point.

  -- Posted by Spaniard on Tue, Jun 22, 2010, at 11:59 AM

  Oh quit. Sheesh.

  -- Posted by blogbudsman on Tue, Jun 22, 2010, at 12:39 PM

• Have wheels, no to much capitalism was a big driver into this recession. lack of bank regulation catapaulted us this deep.

  Go look at Canada's economy they weathered the global storm better than most and it is mainly attributed to its highly regulated banking system.

  -- Posted by futile_rant on Tue, Jun 22, 2010, at 12:45 PM

• All right, Ike, read ATLAS SHRUGGED by Ayn Rand. This book was written 53 years ago and predicts and describes what has happened and why. It names the solution.

  Of course, Ike, it requires the ability to read, think and reason. The question is are you intelligent enough to be up to the task.

  -- Posted by voyager on Tue, Jun 22, 2010, at 12:58 PM

• futile,

  Government and their stupid program of forcing the banks to lend money to people in the home loan industry who were not credit worthy is what precipitated this mess. And more socialism Obama style has not done one thing to steady the ship.

  -- Posted by Have_Wheels_Will_Travel on Tue, Jun 22, 2010, at 1:04 PM

• Go look at Canada's economy they weathered the global storm better than most and it is mainly attributed to its highly regulated banking system.

  -- Posted by futile_rant on Tue, Jun 22, 2010, at 12:45 PM

  That's a strawman argument. Our banks are highly regulated. In fact, many of our local regional banks are still strong due to their more conservative practices.

  It's not lack of regulation - it's a concerted lack of enforcement. Heavy handed elected officials that berated and infringed upon the regulation process. And lawsuits filed by ACORN type groups against national banks that resisted making home loans to folks that could never repay them.

  Heck, many of the politicians who aided and abetted the situation put themselves in place to profit the most from it.

  And don't forget that Canada benefits greatly from our system. They should not be happy with the direction we're headed. They will suffer along side us - you and me, you see.

  -- Posted by blogbudsman on Tue, Jun 22, 2010, at 1:13 PM

• Happy Man: Welcome to Hollywood! What's your dream? Everybody comes here; this is Hollywood, land of dreams. Some dreams come true, some don't; but keep on dreamin' - this is Hollywood. Always time to dream, so keep on dreamin'.

  -- Posted by blogbudsman on Tue, Jun 22, 2010, at 1:20 PM

• Caddy,

  Maybe you need to get off the streets you speak of and get a job.

  -- Posted by Have_Wheels_Will_Travel on Tue, Jun 22, 2010, at 1:20 PM

• Cadillac, You may want to branch out a little farther than those two streets, or better yet talk to people that know it's best not to play in the street.

  -- Posted by Old John on Tue, Jun 22, 2010, at 1:26 PM

• Do you have documentation for this claim?

  -- Posted by Spaniard on Tue, Jun 22, 2010, at 1:20 PM

  Spaniard, I sense you're a pretty sharp guy. It's fairly common knowledge supported by easily accessed common reading that ACORN lobbied or otherwise confronted a House Banking subcommittee considering changes to the Community Reinvestment Act, a law that allows groups like ACORN to force banks into making high-risk loans to low-credit customers.

  The CRA's ostensible purpose is to prevent banks from discriminating against minorities. But the subcommittee was worried that charges of discrimination had become an excuse for lowering credit standards. And that lawsuits were filed against Wells Fargo and others back in the mid-90's that continued up through modern day with Maxine Waters and Barney Frank haranguing regulators to keep them at bay from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

  The 'deregulation' argument has never held water - just another loud noise to divert attention from real tough issues that will challenge our recovery for generations. But you already know that now don't you.

  -- Posted by blogbudsman on Tue, Jun 22, 2010, at 1:47 PM

• Theorist,

  I believe I understand you perfectly... that is the part that concerns me. Know a guy just like you, never did anything in his life but teach in a small school and he has the answer for all of the World's Social Ills.

  -- Posted by Have_Wheels_Will_Travel on Tue, Jun 22, 2010, at 1:52 PM

• What is most alarming, Theorist, is you are so frequently wrong but are so convinced you are right.

  -- Posted by voyager on Tue, Jun 22, 2010, at 2:36 PM

• How could you possibly know I am ever wrong when I am always right and you are always wrong. Untangle that.

  -- Posted by voyager on Tue, Jun 22, 2010, at 3:02 PM

• I've come to the conclusion that arguing politics is like arguing religion. We argue so much about who's right even though no one really knows but claims they do and shuts down any outside thought because only their way the right way.

  No one ever wins those arguments.

  -- Posted by almighty on Tue, Jun 22, 2010, at 3:11 PM

• Try again, almighty, You did't untangle it either.

  -- Posted by voyager on Tue, Jun 22, 2010, at 3:16 PM

• Wheels dear...

  I don't have all the answers, and I for one realize I don't...

  The part about me which I assume is really bothering you is when I point out where your thinking is falling short...

  You don't like it because I may, just may be right and that scares the heck out of you...

  -- Posted by Theorist on Tue, Jun 22, 2010, at 2:31 PM

  Theorist,

  Boy you could've fooled me there on the gun issue... so far as having all of the answers.

  Me scared of you, surely you jest. When my thinking follows the majority of the people in this country, there is the possibility I may be right and your cockia mannia ideas are off a few bubbles from level.

  So try not to ASSIME too much regarding me Theorist.

  -- Posted by Have_Wheels_Will_Travel on Tue, Jun 22, 2010, at 3:45 PM

• Wasn't trying to untangle it voyager.

  -- Posted by almighty on Tue, Jun 22, 2010, at 4:00 PM

• So try not to ASSIME too much regarding me Theorist.

  -- Posted by Have_Wheels_Will_Travel on Tue, Jun 22, 2010, at 3:45 PM

  Except the fact that you're a horrible speller.

  -- Posted by riregrist on Tue, Jun 22, 2010, at 4:11 PM

• riregrist,

  Most timnes it is my typing, but the point is, I try to get my point accross. If my spelling is disturbing your tranquility, skip my posts.

  -- Posted by Have_Wheels_Will_Travel on Tue, Jun 22, 2010, at 4:23 PM

• See riregrist, I did it again, I hit the m and the n in times.

  -- Posted by Have_Wheels_Will_Travel on Tue, Jun 22, 2010, at 4:28 PM

• "Allowing private enterprise to correct the economy. If left alone, that is exactly what would happen." My choice for top comment of the day ... so far!

  Or perhaps it's this one: "Government and their stupid program of forcing the banks to lend money to people in the home loan industry who were not credit worthy is what precipitated this mess." Did anyone but myself see what would probably happen (and did) when this came into being?

  Or ... "... lawsuits filed by ACORN type groups against national banks that resisted making home loans to folks that could never repay them."

  Or even "... shuts down any outside thought because only their way the right way."

  Silliest comment of the day: "Except the fact that you're a horrible speller." Look at the keyboard ... is the U right next to the I? Ah well ... 'Except the fact that you're a horrible typist' would still have rated as Silliest.

  Cadillac ... you paid attention to the 'respect' comment! "... President Obama's presidency." Good for you! 'commonsense' would be proud! ~laughing~

  Was that from "Pretty Woman," blogbuds? I liked that at the end ... keep on dreamin' ...

  Spaniard ... You certainly do a lot of 'documentation requesting' ... Are you an attorney? ~grinning~ Anyway ... you bet! There's an inordinate amount of information on ACORN's activities in this area. If you have a dozen or so hours ... it's all on-line. Shoot, I see WHY has helped you out there. ~grinning~

  -- Posted by gurusmom on Tue, Jun 22, 2010, at 5:35 PM

• 'Except the fact that you're a horrible typist'

  Mom.

  Guilty as charged.

  -- Posted by Have_Wheels_Will_Travel on Tue, Jun 22, 2010, at 6:26 PM

• Spaniard,

  Politics is a philosophy, as is religion, so it is based on belief.

  -- Posted by non-biasedphilosopher on Tue, Jun 22, 2010, at 7:33 PM

• Non-biased, If politics and religion are based on a particular belief, bias may have to be considered since philosophy is one's personal sheet anchor in logic.

  Spaniard, faith is simply trusting what one is promised. That seldom comes into play within a political arguement. A political arguement with someone that ignors the lessons of history is one you can't win.

  -- Posted by Old John on Tue, Jun 22, 2010, at 8:22 PM

• The thing is, if you want private enterprise to fix the economy, that means we have to wait. And it sounds like some of you are getting impatient.

  -- Posted by almighty on Tue, Jun 22, 2010, at 9:19 PM

• Thank you ,why not! You have had the most positive and MATURE statement in the whole responses in speak out. Others want to make it about their own petty arguments with each other. Get over it boys.

  -- Posted by agape on Tue, Jun 22, 2010, at 9:44 PM

• That 'terrible speller' phrase kept popping in and out my mind this evening. Thinking about my beloved grandmothers ... both of whom had an 8th grade education (I think it might have been about the equivalent of many high school graduates today) ... but were two of the wisest, most common-sense people I have ever known.

  Gee, WHY ... the first AC we ever had was when we moved to St. Charles and rented an apartment ... about 20 years ago. I still hate having AC ... since that means I'm cold in the winter AND cold in the summer when inside! Not to mention I surely do hate the high electric bills ...

  I so admire people like you and your employees, my sons who work out in the blistering heat, my two husbands who did, etc. ... and even women like myself who used to live on farms, canned and baked when it must have been 100-degrees or more in our kitchens ... and then hung laundry on the line when the temperatures were below freezing. ... You know what I mean? Those examples of the 'tough American' concept ... unlike people such as your SIL.

  Y'all should be here ... just took a batch of churros out of the oven ...

  -- Posted by gurusmom on Tue, Jun 22, 2010, at 11:14 PM

• Oh you naughty boy, Wheels. Two c's in across. The horror of it all. As bad as the day the Ivory soap bar sank at Proctor and Gamble

  -- Posted by voyager on Tue, Jun 22, 2010, at 11:20 PM

• Is Ivory soap still produced? We used to shave it to use for dish and laundry detergent. You know, back in the Good Old Days?

  -- Posted by gurusmom on Wed, Jun 23, 2010, at 1:45 AM

• Ivory soap was also good for carving into various shapes and then playing with it. Of course, that was back in the day when air conditioning was rare and definitely not a right.

  -- Posted by Knoblickian on Wed, Jun 23, 2010, at 10:03 AM

• Since I have no strong feelings about liberals/progressives, just a helpful hint. I no longer use Explorer, but rather Firefox which has an automatic spell checker for posts; similar to Word.

  Of course IE Spell check will work, but it has to be done separately.

  -- Posted by Red_Rhino on Wed, Jun 23, 2010, at 10:14 AM

• I use Ami Pro and keep it loaded. It has a spell checker. Now if I would only take the time and run a post through it prior to posting. Impatience is a terrible thing.

  -- Posted by voyager on Wed, Jun 23, 2010, at 10:34 AM

• Maki, the salvation army started donating airconditioners this year. Seniors are at the top of the line. Thought that was cool. ☻

  -- Posted by Turnip on Wed, Jun 23, 2010, at 1:32 PM

• Hey, Knob ... I'd forgotten that about Ivory! Carved into little ducks (well, similar to ducks because my carving skills are rotten) the toddlers actually looked forward to their baths!

  From 'Agony of the Liberals' to Theorist being cool to ACORN to spelling to air conditioning to Ivory Soap to internet programs ... I get a kick out of how all these forum threads seem to evolve!

  -- Posted by gurusmom on Wed, Jun 23, 2010, at 6:24 PM

• Hate to say it, but I have a pop-up spell check that has a little icon show up beside the Your comments: box where you type in whatever it is you want to say. Too lazy or forgetful... or both maybe to use it.

  I will try to do better, I promise.

  -- Posted by Have_Wheels_Will_Travel on Wed, Jun 23, 2010, at 6:54 PM

• We could never use Ivory soap in those days. Kirks Hardwater Soap was a big seller where I grew up.

  Voyager, I had a usefull little icon with Class net that showed up to indicate a new e-mail. What I use now doesn't and I guess if I had a spell check I would forget to use that too.

  I heard today that folks elgible can get a new A/C every three years. Took my folks 37 years to afford A/C. Also, I'm just wondering, what did they do with the fans we gave last year, as every year we hear folks are in desperate need for donated fans. Heck I gave away some nice coats for kids last winter. I guess those will all be outgrown by this year. I wore my older brothers' coats untill I was a teenager and they were all out of the house. I think that was the time I went to a barber, the year I got my own coat!

  -- Posted by Old John on Wed, Jun 23, 2010, at 8:41 PM

• Wonder if some of the recepients of gratis A/Cs will complain about somebody not picking up the tab for the utilities bill to power the A/C?

  -- Posted by voyager on Wed, Jun 23, 2010, at 8:55 PM

• Enjoy your stories, Old J.!

  In high school, the coat I had was my uncle's Navy pea coat ... was I ever proud of that! It didn't 'go' very well with my Sunday dress, though. Remember those Sundays, with the women in their dresses and hats (as well as girdles or those strappy garter belts which held our nylon stockings up) ... and the men in their suits and sometimes wearing hats?

  The fans probably went to seniors ... they're about the only people who are tough enough to do without things like AC. ☺

  Every now and then I think that every person in the country should have to live as many of us in the Good Old Days did ... for just maybe one month. Might give some of them a little more ... I dunno, perspective on things?

  -- Posted by gurusmom on Wed, Jun 23, 2010, at 10:06 PM