Originally posted by GrimisThe problem with deregulation is that they fucked deregulation up; the state was at the time regulated how much they could charge to the consumer...Yeah because government controlled prices solve everything, just like they stopped inflation in the 70's.
No, the problem with your argument is is that what is being regulated is important. A one size fits all economic policy is what gets us into trouble. Making schools accountable will not make stupid people into scholars. Whereas making commercially traded companies accountable prevents investors from investing in companies that are not making money. Inelastic commodities, like electicity which cannot be stored and which require infrastructure sized to peak demand do not do well in a market based economy, which is subject to price manipulation when suppliers withhold supplies to drive up prices. Unlike computer components which more closely follow the standard economic model of supply and demand. That is why places like LA county which have municipally owned and operated utilities have cheap power and places like San Diego which have privately owned and operated power companies pay top dollar.
(edited by CRZ on 6.8.03 0120)
It has been proven that the power companys weren't doing anything wrong, and that it was simple price ceilings that caused this. When the goverment set up price ceilings that meant that the companies can't provide enough power, because they can't make a profit, therefore--why should they make enough energy when it will shaft them? Also, electricity in general is inelastic, but choosing your company for electricity is elastic, big difference there from what you stated socalgail.
(edited by Scott Summets on 7.8.03 0509) Rorschach: "None of you understand. I'm not locked up in here with you. You're locked up in here with me."
Originally posted by GodkingKindly explain how tax cut after tax cut specifically targeted at the wealthy *does* resolve the situation, then, without resorting to the Laffer Curve, which has been proven unworkable outside of theory. Also explain how the United States is going to recover from its current nigh-unending deficit without raising taxes on the wealthy, as taxes on the wealthy (the group which benefits the most when a recession ends) are what got the US out of deficit and into budget surpluses in the mid-90s.
Frankly that's impossible because the Laffer Curve works. Just looked what happened to Russia when their economy took off(as much as the Russian economy can) when they went to a 13% flat tax from the Soviet era tax structure. A lot of money went to the government because illicit money and black market transactions came back into the open because there was no tax rate to worry about.
Incidentally, the tax cuts are not just for the wealthy. And Clinton's draconian tax increases did not save the economy in the 90's: it was the bubble that did it.
"A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves largess from the public treasury.” -- Sir Alex Fraser Tytler
Gee, look what I started here... Sorry about that, I really am.
For the record, my main point has been: Legal or not, I don't see how it's *fair* that such a relatively small group of people - about 4% of those who voted in the California Gubernatorial Election in 2002, can override the 48% or so who voted for Davis in the election. Again, I'm not a Californian, so I really don't care what that state does, but it just doesn't seem right to me, and I think if these people didn't want Davis to be their governer, they should've gotten their lazy asses to the polls last November. Damn near everything they're complaining about happened before then.
That said, I don't see how Schwartzenegger's going to get any of his party's support. I mean, if the march to war in Iraq taught us anything, it's that there's nothing the "right" hates more than "stupid Hollywood celebrities acting like anyone gives a fuck about their political opinions". Right? Or does that only apply to Alec Baldwin, Susan Sarandon and Jeneane Garafalo? Or was that just a big load of hot air because it was easier than arguing with anything they said?
"So, we've got Uday and Qusay. Now, how about the eapons-way of ass-may estruction-day?" ---The Onion, What Do You Think?, 7.30.03
Originally posted by OlFuzzyBastard I mean, if the march to war in Iraq taught us anything, it's that there's nothing the "right" hates more than "stupid Hollywood celebrities acting like anyone gives a fuck about their political opinions". Right? Or does that only apply to Alec Baldwin, Susan Sarandon and Jeneane Garafalo? Or was that just a big load of hot air because it was easier than arguing with anything they said?
I think you are comparing apples and oranges. From the leftist celebrities we heard a lot of the "War is Bad, Bush is Bad, no war, not in my name, blahblahblah" nonsense. I didn't hear any of them come up with any solutions. Most of the leftist peacenik noise I heard was along the lines of "i don't know the answer, but war is not the answer either. oh, and bush = hitler". With future Governor Schwarzenegger you have someone who says "Our state is in the crapper, and I've got answers. Vote for me and I'll fix things". Arnold is not preaching to hear the sound of his own voice. He's running a campaign for office. The leftist peaceniks weren't running anything but their own mouths. He's going to be making great sacrifices in his career and personal life if he wins the election. The leftists crying NIMN in their infomercials and full page newspaper ads weren't sacrificing anything. Arnold is actually going to WORK to make California better, if he's elected. Go Arnold! Terminate the state's problems!
'But if one is struck by me only a little, that is far different, the stroke is a sharp thing and suddenly lays him lifeless, and that man's wife goes with cheeks torn in lamentation, and his children are fatherless, while he, staining the soil with his red blood, rots away, and there are more birds than women swarming about him.' Diomedes, The Iliad of Homer
Originally posted by The ThrillAnd Grimis: now that Schwarzenegger's in, does your Terminator avatar return? Or do we get this?)
Done and Done.
Originally posted by OlFuzzyBastardThat said, I don't see how Schwartzenegger's going to get any of his party's support. I mean, if the march to war in Iraq taught us anything, it's that there's nothing the "right" hates more than "stupid Hollywood celebrities acting like anyone gives a fuck about their political opinions". Right? Or does that only apply to Alec Baldwin, Susan Sarandon and Jeneane Garafalo? Or was that just a big load of hot air because it was easier than arguing with anything they said?
You specifically said "stupid Hollywood celberities." Thus the GOP should be good to go assuming they don't bash him for not being conservative enough.
EDIT: And it looks like Bustamante changed his mind.
(edited by Grimis on 7.8.03 0915) "A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves largess from the public treasury.” -- Sir Alex Fraser Tytler
Originally posted by OlFuzzyBastardOne more question: How many newspapers do you think reported the Schwartzenegger story with the headline "Total Recall"?
I google news serached and got 20 in the past 12 hours...
"A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves largess from the public treasury.” -- Sir Alex Fraser Tytler
Originally posted by OlFuzzyBastardOne more question: How many newspapers do you think reported the Schwartzenegger story with the headline "Total Recall"?
I've seen a few that have The Running Man as well.
Originally posted by OlFuzzyBastardGee, look what I started here... Sorry about that, I really am.
For the record, my main point has been: Legal or not, I don't see how it's *fair* that such a relatively small group of people - about 4% of those who voted in the California Gubernatorial Election in 2002, can override the 48% or so who voted for Davis in the election. Again, I'm not a Californian, so I really don't care what that state does, but it just doesn't seem right to me, and I think if these people didn't want Davis to be their governer, they should've gotten their lazy asses to the polls last November. Damn near everything they're complaining about happened before then.
That said, I don't see how Schwartzenegger's going to get any of his party's support. I mean, if the march to war in Iraq taught us anything, it's that there's nothing the "right" hates more than "stupid Hollywood celebrities acting like anyone gives a fuck about their political opinions". Right? Or does that only apply to Alec Baldwin, Susan Sarandon and Jeneane Garafalo? Or was that just a big load of hot air because it was easier than arguing with anything they said?
To be fair, the 4% doesn't override the 48%, Davis is not kicked out yet, this only gets a vote. If the people want to keep Davis, all they have to do is get their lazy asses to the polls in October and vote 'no' to the recall.
And I think there still a pretty good shot that Davis doesn't get kicked out anyway.
Everything that is wrong in this world can be blamed on Freddie Prinze Jr.
I lived under the rule of Jesse Ventura for years. I voted for him in '98 and it was certainly an interesting time with him in office. He'd constantly get into arguments with reporters for spinning stories against him and even clashed with protesters. Being the imposing figure that he is, people cowered in fear of "The Body."
Arnold does have the advantage of an actual political party to back him up, whereas Ventura had a 3rd party backing that made it much harder for him to get things done in our insignificant State congress. With his fiscally moderate, socially liberal politics, and his harsh words for Gray Davis, consider the Democrats TERMINATED.
In the great tradition of Ronald Reagan, I hope Schwarzenegger wins this election. I hope California does the right thing and elects this great man, so that he, too, can clear the way for other celebrities to take political office.
Originally posted by OlFuzzyBastardOne more question: How many newspapers do you think reported the Schwartzenegger story with the headline "Total Recall"?
I've seen a few that have The Running Man as well.
Richard Dawson for Governor would actually be a good idea. Now, onto some of the 'interesting' candidates.
Arnold: I still can't get it out of my mind that he is tied by marriage to the Kennedy family. That provokes way to much paranoia to want him in power.
Gary Coleman: Well, at least it would give him a job. If elected, would Todd Bridges become Drug Czar of California? And, would Mr. Drummond become Treasurer? Or Mrs. Garrett become state nutritionist?
Arianna Huffington: Dear God, I thought they had put her to sleep. The most annoying woman in America, I'd rather vote for Ralph Nader than her.
Larry Flynt: Well, at least he's not Arianna Huffington.
Angelique (or whatever the hell the strippers name is): She could solve the budget crisis by doing lap dances and private dances for the state coffers.
The main problem with Arnold in the race is it means Riordan is out, which could hurt the GOP's chances of stealing (in terms of unexpectedly winning) California in '04.
Cubs, White Sox and Red Sox fans unite. Its time to overthrow the German Government and re-install our beloved Kaiser. Remember, Kaiser ='s World Series victories.
Originally posted by OlFuzzyBastardOne more question: How many newspapers do you think reported the Schwartzenegger story with the headline "Total Recall"?
Us TV schmucks are all over that. Some headlines/cutlines I've seen on the Arnold story:
"Conan the Republican" "The Running Man" "Total Recall" "NoCal Recall" (Northern California, a.k.a. the state capital of Sacramento...think about it.) "The Governator"
But my question: will the runner-up in the recall election get the lieutenant gov. spot that just opened up? And if Gary Coleman gets that, while Ah-nuld wins...do we call it "Twins 2K3?"
Help me.
Star wipe, and...we're out. Thrillin' ain't easy. . . THE THRILL ACW-NWA Wisconsin Home Video Technical Director...& A2NWO 4 Life!
Originally posted by OlFuzzyBastardOne more question: How many newspapers do you think reported the Schwartzenegger story with the headline "Total Recall"?
The Wall Street Journal went with 'Schwarzenegger Seeks End of Davis's Days' for their headline.
EDIT: And, the article's first line started: 'Actor Arnold Schwarzenegger's surprise candidacy to terminate California Gov. Gray Davis in October's historic recall election seriously threatens Mr. Davis...'
Mary Carey, a self-described pornographic movie star, gets a signature from Tommy Boyd on her petition to run for governor of California, on the steps of Los Angeles City Hall, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2003. Carey, 22, who has appeared in adult films, is seeking to join others on the special recall election ballot on Oct. 7, that will decide if Gov. Gray Davis (news - web sites) keeps his job, or who would replace him if he doesn't. Her campaign slogan is, 'We've had Brown, we've tried Gray, now it's time for some blonde.' (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)
Originally posted by The Thrill< will the runner-up in the recall election get the lieutenant gov. spot that just opened up?
no, because Bustamante didn't resign(as far as I know)
"A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves largess from the public treasury.” -- Sir Alex Fraser Tytler
Mary Carey, a self-described pornographic movie star, gets a signature from Tommy Boyd on her petition to run for governor of California, on the steps of Los Angeles City Hall, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2003. Carey, 22, who has appeared in adult films, is seeking to join others on the special recall election ballot on Oct. 7, that will decide if Gov. Gray Davis (news - web sites) keeps his job, or who would replace him if he doesn't. Her campaign slogan is, 'We've had Brown, we've tried Gray, now it's time for some blonde.' (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)
Well, there's some competition for you, Chris! How many signatures do you have so far?
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