The Economy; how do you feel about it?

[Jeff 232]

Not sensitive, just have to keep it professional. Otherwise, some might think me a hypocrite if I break the rules we make sure everyone else observes.:irritated

Rod!~

btw, beth does the investment stuff, I scan the tabloids such as the post to get my info.:dunno:

Me I watch MSNBC & FOX, because they are both just so fair & balanced

Come on now we know your the sensitive one and Beth is hardcore LOL

[RPetry 564]

Jeff kind of writes:

I cracking myself up LOL

You are a friggin' hoot. You are under the weather and sick? You must be a handful when healthy.

I keep a file of interesting quotes. Use them as "signature" lines on some of my email addresses. One of my favorites is:

Throwing half FULL beers away, thats alcohol abuse. Shame on you.

-- J. LeCours

Now thats funny. Copied it into the file as soon as I saw your post a while back here on TGS.

I can't get serious today, but consider this. Most of us have more in our garages today than the average American had in total posssssions 3 generations ago. We are not bad off. Are material goods progress? I would argue "not really", but most would scream a resounding 'YES!'

Think about American history and world change. Some sharp minds contend, and I agree, that we are living through another revolution, call it the "digital" revolution. Just as our predecessors had economic dislocation during last century's Industrial Revolution, some in American society today are similarly caught adrift in changing tides.

I think manufacturing should flow to 2nd and 3rd world countries. Its inevitable. It gives other poorer nations a leg up, and the Western world must move on into the unstoppable future. Today and tomorrows jobs and economic well being in the US is/will be based on knowledge and information flow and control. Technology is king, and will be for quite sometime. 1000's of US based companies are now in technological pursuits, from engineering, boutique specialty steel fabricators, home builders, pharmaceuticals, financial services, software and computer industires, telecommunications, service businesses,the list goes on and on. This is the future.

Education will be the key. I'm not sure that many Americans consiously think this way, but in their gut they know it. The big push on better education is more strident than ever. Not here to advocate "No Child Left Behind" legislation, but the overall policy is sound. If this society fails to get better and smarter, then the U.S. will fall behind and that 11% average return on DJIA equities will be the good old days.

Judy and I have no children so in one sense I could care less if this country goes to hell in a handbasket. But I don't think it will happen, at least for another few generations. My wife is an adminstrator of an 800+ elementary school, grades K through 3rd. I attend a few functions a year and get to see what these little peanuts are all about. They are articulate, bright, smart as a whip, and talented. Way above my generation at the same age.

So go ahead and wail away at Washington, jobs, Republicans, Democrats, Iran, Iraq, McDonald's, Walmart, the near East, the far East, immigrants, the economy, NAFTA, fundametalists, Islamic terrorists, health care, gay rights, violent video games, and all the other current media talking points.

I think the future is bright. Wish I could live long enough to see it.

[Beth n Rod 1,279]

How about, you cyrogenically freeze yourself and when they thaw you out in the future you can have your wish? oh, don't forget to take a can of rs with ya too. You can be a blast from the past.

Back on topic though, Your posts sound like an extreme conservative (by definition) in denial of anything wrong with the state of affairs. Many (who do not read these boards) may not share in your optimism.

I for one do not feel optimistic about things because the focus is on the wrong ones.

I just read an article in the post about a delegate who is part of the general assembly debating on global warming and the death penalty and this guy wants to derail the whole focus to outlaw fake testicle parts being displayed on ball hitches. It expands into hauling dead animals in which if their body parts show they can get a fine for that too.

I mean, it is just ridiculous the amount of energy put into nonsense and the avoidance of the more pressing issues that has me casting the perspectives I have.

btw Jeff, what's your position on a beer once it gets hot?

Rod!~

[Jeff 232]

btw Jeff, what's your position on a beer once it gets hot?

Rod!~

I'm a rich loving the economy american, I dont drink warm beer, I throw the last inch out, but usually its done before it gets warm. Althou I dont drink like I used to. Im going out this weekend with the wife and I'm drinking some beers and a couple Royal Flushes. I wonder if it will mix good with with the cough medicine. It will be like the old days......OH The Colors LOL

[Scott Stone 604]

You are ALWAY going to have idiot law makers that are so intent on making their own little point that they are going to ignore the Elephant in the room. We have soem classics in Arizona, like the woman that wanted to strike down what we call Prop 300, which is basically denying non life saving services to illegal immigrants. The reason she wanted to strike down this referendum that passed 70%-30% with legal aliens voting in the high 90% range? Because she felt the people of Arizona did not understand it. She is also the nitwit that wanted to Have Sean Hannity arrested for illegal entry because he put one foot across the three strand barb wire fence to show how easy it was to cross the border illegally, problem was the fence was inside our border, and not on the border.

There is are a lot of bad things happening. Americans,(In my opinion) are getting lazier. They are wanting a huge expansion in their rights without any expansion in their responsibilities, and few want ot go out and do physical labor anymore. It is really a classic scenario that I do not see the Government being able to legislate against.

[RPetry 564]

Rod,

How about, you cyrogenically freeze yourself and when they thaw you out in the future you can have your wish? oh, don't forget to take a can of rs with ya too. You can be a blast from the past.

Nah, already have my ultimate demise covered. Ashes will be hauled up to the caldera of an active volcano and thrown in. Still working out the details of what volcano and who's going to provide the transportation.

[Jeff 232]

Alright I have to admit, I just can't keep lying, I am part of a vast right wing conspiracy

I try to spew the ridiculous left wing views to agitate my republican base, to get them going & voting for the only true Patriotic Americans "Republicans"

Sincerely,

**** Chenney

P.S. Keep up the good work guys and we'll keep the Whitehouse and get back the House & Senate. Some of these damn americans shouldnt even be allowed to vote, most of them dont know anything and contribute even less. Don't woory I'm going to get GW to pardon Scotter before he leaves office. He's a true American hero

I'm still cracking myself up, I have to take care of the pharmaceutical companies, they got some good s**t. Next time I wont go hunting when I'm high, the old ******* was a Friend for years and he wouldnt even share his percocets. I got them when he went down, I taught that B**ch.. He's lucky i didnt do a Saddam on him

I feel so much better now that I'm not lying anymore. Subpoena this Pelosi, make my day

God Bless America.................... but not the ones that vote against us

Yours Truly

**** the VP

[RPetry 564]

Rod,

Maybe I see where the fundamental difference is between us. You write:

Your posts sound like an extreme conservative (by definition) in denial of anything wrong with the state of affairs.

My perspective here, and in the other thread, is long term. The only time I addressed current affairs, was a one liner in my post at the head of this thread.

There are problems, real measurable issues.

About the shortest time period I addressed was the current fad "ills" of this decade. The examples I used pointed out either downright frauds of the past or how the world managed to solve the ills current in that time period.

Of course there are problems. We're a species called homo sapiens, stumbling through high octane evolultionary change.

Let me try this another way. From a historical perspective, lets say a time period of 100 yrs. or more, is there any real argument that Americans, society, economics, mankind, nations, the complete human world, is progressing? And at an accelerating rate?

One small example of 50 some years. I was born and lived through the Cold War. "Bomb drills" in elementary school, a real, immediate threat of annihilation from nuclear weapons. This threat eventually cooled off, but it was not until maybe the late '70's that it became less of a pressing issue.

Sure there are nuclear weapons still around. Immediate concerns are possible N. Korea and Iranian development. But the overall problem is nowhere near what it was, and has in fits and starts gotten better over my lifetime. I call this progress.

Will the nuclear threat be erased in my lifetime? No. But in another 100 yrs.? Probably. I call this progress.

Is global warming a current problem? Sure it could be. Is human activity responsible? Probably, at least in part. Are we going to cook ourselves to death? Of course not. If we cause the problem, we can fix the problem. Of that there is no doubt. In the next 20 yrs.? Partially. Before causing mass extinction of life? Yes.

Pick any subject you like on a worldwide scale. Agriculture, war, human disease, education, governence, standard of living, even opportunity. I assert that mankind is progressing, and further, progressing at an accelerating rate.

This is what I mean by historical sense and perspective. In my mind, the future, and I mean the future way past my lifetime, will, compared to today, be grand and glorious.

[Jeff 232]

Rod,

One small example of 50 some years. I was born and lived through the Cold War. "Bomb drills" in elementary school, a real, immediate threat of annihilation from nuclear weapons. This threat eventually cooled off, but it was not until maybe the late '70's that it became less of a pressing issue.

WOW YOUR OLD LOL

[RPetry 564]

WOW YOUR OLD LOL

Yeah, the world was young then. Everything was new under the sun.

Wish you youngun's would quit worrying and gnashing your teeth over every little thing. Leads to a sour dispostion, ulcers, heart disease, misery, and an untimely death. Maybe over 2000 yrs. old, but the statement still rings true.

No human thing is of serious importance.

-- Plato

Much more fun to indulge in questionable behavior. Drink, smoke, gamble, chase women, etc. while you're young. Builds character and internal fortitude.

[Beth n Rod 1,279]

Yes, humankind is progressing at an accelerated rate and this rate is out of it's control. Changes are quick and as history has shown our inability to cope with them will lead to some very big problems. Humankind has always demonstrated laxness in restraint and a predilection towards indulgence. Humankind has been fortunate to listen to the many who spoke out against our world leaders stupidity. But now, that voice is being squelched. Government is making it harder to make public our opinions and protest it's actions.

Dubya himself has said that anyone who is against his plan is against the country. He is claiming heracy of anyone who disagrees. How long before our freedoms are taken completely away and our glorious country is converted into a dictatorship? That is where it is heading currently. He has even entertained the notion of creating an act that would in the time of war put off any elections and keep the current elected in office indefinitely.

Here is acceleration out of control.

I went through those drills too and was scared because I didn't know what was going on. That passed but I learned then that humankind does not value life as it should, instead life is used as a leverage to bend humankinds will with the threat of annihilation.

Now that the threat has subsided, do you think it will go away? No, the big guys are just building stronger bunkers so they can have at it again. Back then, neither side had prepared a protection, now they have.

Here comes Korea and China and Iran. Guess who is king of the hill now and who it is they want to knock off? Does anyone else see the cross hairs over our country?

I am glad you are able to have such strong optimism about the future. But you are not in the seat calling the shots. Such complacency is foreign to me and will never be accepted. Some who read may start to label us respectively as optimist and pessimist and pick a side. I look at myself as a person who is not docile and not willing to let my welfare be entrusted to those who are so willing to deny my it based upon their agenda.

I take action in the now and not wait until it becomes a problem in the future. I never have been much of a wait and see person because I am not conducting my life if I am doing that, I would be allowing external influences to take hold and I have no control at that point and someone else would be conducting my life...like a slave or a sheep.

Jeff, I should have met you in high school...who knows the trouble we would have gotten into.

Rod!~

[Jeff 232]

Yeah, the world was young then. Everything was new under the sun.

Wish you youngun's would quit worrying and gnashing your teeth over every little thing. Leads to a sour dispostion, ulcers, heart disease, misery, and an untimely death. Maybe over 2000 yrs. old, but the statement still rings true.

Much more fun to indulge in questionable behavior. Drink, smoke, gamble, chase women, etc. while you're young. Builds character and internal fortitude.

Did all that!

I'm old too 45 and still a little crazy

I really do enjoy life to pretty much the fullest, I just have some worries, my biggest is all the jobs leaving our country I do think its going to hurt us someday BAD, but with that said Life is good, NO GREAT, really GREAT:lgsideway

I just get to vent on these BB's I enjoy the discussions and that back & forth with everybody. You need some place to vent & have fun, I just choose TGS, lucky you guys

[RPetry 564]

Rod,

This is not an argument. We are different, simple as that.

Philosophy, worldview, outlook, attitude, whatever you want to call it. No one is right or wrong. Be thankful its that way, it would be a boring existence without differences. Would hate to live in a pack of clones.

But don't mistake my philosophy with day to day life. I do not live in a monestary. Worries, concerns, sadness, politics, poor health, finacial hardships, etc. are the fabric of anyones life. But so are joys, relationships, fun, friends, work, play, reading, learning, feeding the birds, smoking and drinking too much, driving fast cars, laughing, fishing. Self indulgent? Maybe, but so what? About the only sure thing I think I know about life is that the Golden Rule is not a bad guide. A life lived to the best of ones' ability under that precept is a good, worthy life, and in the end may be all that matters.

Jeff,

Did all that! I'm old too 45 and still a little crazy

Yeah, I'm soon to be 54 and try not to act my age. Getting harder though. Someday maybe we can trade stories away from public view. Probably have a dozen or so that would make Hunter Thompson, rest his soul, proud!

Glad to see you are not a Villary fan. Saw this posted on another thread here and am very surprised at the content on the web site. It seems to be the personal blog/website of the editor of "The Progressive Review". Sounds pretty liberal, being a pinko socialist and all, ever hear of it? (insert smilie here)

A FEW OF HLLLARY CLINTON'S GREATEST HITS

[Beth n Rod 1,279]

Rick,

Agreed and understood.

Rod!~

[Jeff 232]

Rod,

This is not an argument. We are different, simple as that.

Philosophy, worldview, outlook, attitude, whatever you want to call it. No one is right or wrong. Be thankful its that way, it would be a boring existence without differences. Would hate to live in a pack of clones.

But don't mistake my philosophy with day to day life. I do not live in a monestary. Worries, concerns, sadness, politics, poor health, finacial hardships, etc. are the fabric of anyones life. But so are joys, relationships, fun, friends, work, play, reading, learning, feeding the birds, smoking and drinking too much, driving fast cars, laughing, fishing. Self indulgent? Maybe, but so what? About the only sure thing I think I know about life is that the Golden Rule is not a bad guide. A life lived to the best of ones' ability under that precept is a good, worthy life, and in the end may be all that matters.

Jeff,

Yeah, I'm soon to be 54 and try not to act my age. Getting harder though. Someday maybe we can trade stories away from public view. Probably have a dozen or so that would make Hunter Thompson, rest his soul, proud!

Glad to see you are not a Villary fan. Saw this posted on another thread here and am very surprised at the content on the web site. It seems to be the personal blog/website of the editor of "The Progressive Review". Sounds pretty liberal, being a pinko socialist and all, ever hear of it? (insert smilie here)

A FEW OF HLLLARY CLINTON'S GREATEST HITS

I like Hillary about as much as Bush......Hillary Bush yuck LOL

I dont think either one of them are good for our country now or in the future. I think someone else could of handled terrorism, economy, bin laden, world view, homeland security and other things better than Bush. But then again we could of been worse off (maybe).

Hillary as prez would be a mess Im pretty sure

Hope we have some good choices and who ever wins in 2008 I hope he's a great prez now, not later

Stories I got, what a crazy and for the most part a fun life I've had, Don't know if I'll make it to Heaven, probably not, but Ive been there a few times already. LIFE IS GOOD

JL

[Scott Stone 604]

Those cross hairs are because our country is so great. Remember back in High School? No one was jealous of the ugly chick, the poor kid or the Chess captain. Everyone always wanted to knock off the big guy, and often if he was also really nice, it just made people more angry. Talk about a no win situation. Now in the world there is not another country to compare to the US. That being the case, everyone wants to knock us off.

[James 625]

Rick, I thought you would have a Tomb Stone that is a Urinal so we could stop and pay our respect after a few Hinnies !! LOL

[RPetry 564]

Ha! Diamond Jim, that is one terrific idea! Its *amn near brilliant. I love to visit good cemeteries. We have one of the best not too far from here in Trenton, NJ. Bangor, Me. has a real good one.

Seen some unique, oddball tombstones but a urinal in granite would be a true piece of art. Going to be expensive though, Beth's ACR marketing class should help on that end. Then you have to find a graveyard with a sense of humor. That may be difficult, but nothing worthwhile is easy.

Still sold on the ashes in the volcano number (being a trained geologist and all), but guess they could be divided up. Must consult with my wife on this potential change of plans.

Look at the inspiration provided by TGS. What a fine website! Thanks!

[Beth n Rod 1,279]

:lol:

I can just see it now... :sick:

Rod!~

[RPetry 564]

Jim's really created a fine idea. Maybe take it one step further. I have visited a lot of graveyards. Seriously. I'm not kidding. I like them.

One of the problems is there is never anywhere to pee. Think about it. Aside from the administration area on the perimeter, has anyone ever encountered public restrooms inside of a cemetery? So you create a monument that not only makes a strong, humorous statement, but also serves the public benefit. A working, urinal mausoleum! A dual purpose piece of used, active sculpture! Even more brilliant!

This is going to get expensive though. Windsor WoodCare may have to just bite the bullet and start washing houses. But with an idea like Jim's, no sacrifice is too great. Gotta' start working on this....

[Beth n Rod 1,279]

What would be even funnier would be a retaliating one! Complete with voice feedback.

Rod!~

[Beth n Rod 1,279]

Just looked at the post today and noticed djia took a nose dive and dropped 400 points. Chinese market triggers and lagged trading from yesterday contributed to the drop. Some may say it is inconsequential since the djia is up 10,000points since black monday in '87. I say it is indicative of how fragile the market is.

Funny, it is estimated with this drop that the U.S. shares market value has had $600billion erased in a matter of hours.

How does this affect you?

Rod!~

[RPetry 564]

Rod asks:

djia took a nose dive and dropped 400 points..... How does this affect you?

Timing could not be better. I hope the markets drop like a rock for the next 5 -6 weeks. Roth IRA contribution time is near, you wiil get more equity for your yearly tax break buck.

Unless you are a trader caught on the wrong side, long using margin, need liquid capital fast, or just another weak hand that has no faith in the future and no stomach for investing, this means nothing.

Would not suggest selling bonds or other vehicles at the moment and throw it into the stock markets, those opportunities come around when the averages tank 20% or more. When the blood is running in the streets. When every pundit wails about the coming next great depression. When Ma and Pa Kettle finally throw in the towel and liquidate. Thats when you get aggressive on the long side for the long term.

For the average Joe, stock market money should be long term money, a minimum horizon of 10 years. Retirement money, not rent money. Thats what's known as investing, as opposed to trading or speculation.

Anyone with that time frame who gets upset or concerned over a quick dip in prices has no business being in the equities markets or understanding of investing. Savings bonds would be a more appropriate vehicle.

[larryh 65]

Rod,

You do not stand alone. Many of my personal friends are educators {College Professors, High School Teachers and Administrators} they agree with you. I do not become involved in discussions of a political nature. I have found over the years that this type of discussion is seldom productive. No matter what point you are trying to make you can find something that has been published that will support your side of the discussion. Often by the same source.

[Chappy 138]

dont put too much stock in daily happenings of the DOW. look at it over time, notice a trend?

the DOW continues to rise. In fact over the last year its gone up almost 2500 points, a 400 pt correction isnt a disaster