patrick.net

Honest Abe says

... the concept of opportunity. The one thing that made America great in the first place.

Apparently making hedge-fund chiefs and Paris Hilton pay a 41% top marginal tax rate will destroy opportunity.

Or will it drive all the talent to the Caribbean? Or maybe "hurting the rich never helped the poor"? Or is it "Adoption not abortion"? Or "It's your money"? Or "Gun control means using both hands"? Or "Ignorance is Blix"? Or "Sound science"? Or "job-killing regulations"? Or "death tax"? Or "noun, verb,terror"? Or "job creators"?

Help me out, because I forget: Which index card of focus-group tested Frank Luntz slogans are you reading from?

The function of propaganda does not lie in the scientific training of the individual, but in calling the masses' attention to certain facts, processes, necessities, etc., whose significance is thus for the first time placed within their field of vision.

The whole art consists in doing this so skillfully that everyone will be convinced that the fact is real, the process necessary, the necessity correct, etc...its effect for the most part must be aimed at the emotions and only to a very limited degree at the so-called intellect....

The art of propaganda lies in understanding the emotional ideas of the great masses and finding, through a psychologically correct form, the way to the attention and thence to the heart of the broad masses. The fact that our bright boys do not understand this merely shows how mentally lazy and conceited they are.

Once we understand how necessary it is for propaganda to be adjusted to the broad mass, the following rule results:

It is a mistake to make propaganda many-sided, like scientific instruction, for instance.

The receptivity of the great masses is very limited, their intelligence is small, but their power of forgetting is enormous. In consequence of these facts, all effective propaganda must be limited to a very few points and must harp on these in slogans until the last member of the public understands what you want him to understand by your slogan.

- Adolf Hitler

MershedPerturders says

Have you worked with any of these millenial kids lately? they are all compulsive liars. hypercompetitive. get paid any way possible. lying is not a problem. We're in the last phases because it's not before long the whole system just collapses in on itself.

There's some truth to that, but it is likely more driven by self-preservation than bad character ;)

mell says

MershedPerturders says

Have you worked with any of these millenial kids lately? they are all compulsive liars. hypercompetitive. get paid any way possible. lying is not a problem. We're in the last phases because it's not before long the whole system just collapses in on itself.

There's some truth to that, but it is likely more driven by self-preservation than bad character ;)

well they reached adulthood during a period of massive corruption. They simply dont understand how to collaborate on things, even though you'll see them use this language of 'cooperation' and 'teamwork' compulsively. this survival strategy is working for them because people assume young people are not so corrupt. I thought my generation(x) was bad, these people are just beyond redemption.

Millennials are all alike: they sit around all day, making sweeping generalizations about other generations. They're entitled, too, they think they should get the success us older people deserve.

Nothing is as good as it was when we were younger. The world is going completely to shit.

HydroCabron says

The world is going completely to shit.

why are we not doing anything about this?

are we looking forward to having a short brutal life of poverty?

not sure why everyone is talking about this problem in the abstract, like it's not going to effect them.

HydroCabron says

Nothing is as good as it was when we were younger. The world is going completely to shit.

"The world order is broken. The young do not respect elders anymore. Surely the end of times is near."

Clay tablet, Anonymous Chaldean, 6th century BC.

MershedPerturders says

only in California can a landlord be a socialist.

I've been surrounded by it my whole life. They will claim that conservatives are one-sided idiots but will never once devote an hour to listening to Rush, Beck, Fox or--heaven forbid--actually picking up a book written by someone they *might* disagree with.

Personally, I enjoy reading different viewpoints, and regularly do so in order to form my opinion. To each their own.

CMY, waiting for the big earthquake + tsunami here. There's no hope for California.

CMY says

MershedPerturders says

only in California can a landlord be a socialist.

I've been surrounded by it my whole life. They will claim that conservatives are one-sided idiots but will never once devote an hour to listening to Rush, Beck, Fox or--heaven forbid--actually picking up a book written by someone they *might* disagree with.

Personally, I enjoy reading different viewpoints, and regularly do so in order to form my opinion. To each their own.

I dont think really either conservatives or liberals really model our economics accurately. Most capital allocation models and even marxism were based on the industrial society. Neither one really delivers something acceptable. Marxism seems to ignore innovation while capitalism seems to think slavery is perfectly acceptable.

We've lost sight of what civilization is really all about.

HydroCabron says

It is a mistake to make propaganda many-sided, like scientific instruction, for instance.

The receptivity of the great masses is very limited, their intelligence is small, but their power of forgetting is enormous. In consequence of these facts, all effective propaganda must be limited to a very few points and must harp on these in slogans until the last member of the public understands what you want him to understand by your slogan.

- Adolf Hitler

That there is tautology no doubt learned to him by Woodrow Wilson and his nephew Fast Eddy Bernays.

Conservative ideology isn't exactly hidden away. We're awash in it: from the pious lectures on the simple virtues of white supremacy at family gatherings, to the water-cooler recitation of Fox talking points by bosses and co-workers. And then there's the usual endearing little libertarian at the office, so eager to tell us he's the first libertarian ever!

How do so many non-conservatives know so many details of the Vince Foster murder, the Benghazi betrayal, and the (gasp!) Travel Office Firings? Because it was rubbed in our faces day after day. If Rush spoke of the evil sale of the Lincoln bedroom (not when Bush did it, though), we heard of it that very morning from helpful angry conservatarian coworkers.

And as for the existence of open-minded conservatives, I'd draw your attention to the superabundance of Internet blatherers using the term "Keynesian" every day in such a manner as to leave no doubt that they have never read a two-paragraph synopsis of Keynes' theories.

"You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong."

holy crap that's some Grade-A BS right there.

And a prime example of:

http://bestofwikipedia.tumblr.com/post/169193535/thought-terminating-cliche

of course, it's also what Rush and the rest of conservative "Talk" Radio vend all day every day . . .

Bill,

it's just obscene how biased our system is towards the elites. All anyone wants to do is just pipe on about it on internet forums. All the jackasses we see as politicians or cultural leaders(celebrities) are just bought out by the wealthy. Theyre the bankers employees. They even pay people to get on internet forums to disrupt the conversations.

But something has changed in this country's "character". back then when the import-export balance tipped against us, Nixon-a republican- imposed an import tax to benefit us and stem the tide.

Now the balance of trade is in the hundreds of billions against us and all the folks-dems and repubs- talk about more free trade, more/less welfare, gay marriage, etc. There is not a single serious debate on economic policy/solutions or even acknowledging we are in terrible conditions. I guess printing an endless supply of money has become our defacto solution to anything.

freak80 says

Sure, there are societies that exist w/o government. They are usually called "failed states." Examples include places like Haiti and Somalia. Is that your vision of a better America?

this is what I always tell the brilliant Libertarians: go move to Colombia, or even Russia- because that is exactly what you are asking for.

MershedPerturders says

freak80 says

Sure, there are societies that exist w/o government. They are usually called "failed states." Examples include places like Haiti and Somalia. Is that your vision of a better America?

this is what I always tell the brilliant Libertarians: go move to Colombia, or even Russia- because that is exactly what you are asking for.

What is the problem with living in Russia?

mell says

MershedPerturders says

freak80 says

Sure, there are societies that exist w/o government. They are usually called "failed states." Examples include places like Haiti and Somalia. Is that your vision of a better America?

this is what I always tell the brilliant Libertarians: go move to Colombia, or even Russia- because that is exactly what you are asking for.

What is the problem with living in Russia?

why dont you go live there and find out?

MershedPerturders says

mell says

MershedPerturders says

freak80 says

Sure, there are societies that exist w/o government. They are usually called "failed states." Examples include places like Haiti and Somalia. Is that your vision of a better America?

this is what I always tell the brilliant Libertarians: go move to Colombia, or even Russia- because that is exactly what you are asking for.

What is the problem with living in Russia?

why dont you go live there and find out?

I would if I could break with my family and job ties easily. But I have friends who lived in the US, Europe and Russia and they don't think it's worse over there at all, same for friends who live in the neighboring states. In fact, from what I have gathered they have more personal freedom on many levels, good medical care etc. Not sure what's not to like, maybe you have made some bad experiences traveling in russia?

mell says

In fact, from what I have gathered they have more personal freedom on many
levels, good medical care etc.

Some of their "freedoms" is ability to smoke in public wherever they want without regard for everyone else; in a sense their "freedom" is at exprense of others.

dublin hillz says

mell says

In fact, from what I have gathered they have more personal freedom on many

levels, good medical care etc.

Some of their "freedoms" is ability to smoke in public wherever they want without regard for everyone else; in a sense their "freedom" is at exprense of others.

Sure, I am not trying to paint a pretty picture by any means, but I think a lot of people in the US are just talking stereotypes which may have been somewhat accurate during the cold war era, but now they are completely outdated. It's a bit similar to the "socialism" theme in Europe.

mell says

I would if I could break with my family and job ties easily. But I have friends who lived in the US, Europe and Russia and they don't think it's worse over there at all, same for friends who live in the neighboring states. In fact, from what I have gathered they have more personal freedom on many levels, good medical care etc. Not sure what's not to like, maybe you have made some bad experiences traveling in russia?

the fact that you're lumping Europe and Russia together shows you know virtually nothing about it.

I've lived in worked in Europe for years. The system is 'better' for those working in it now, but I dont have a positive outlook for the future.

Russia is a severely corrupt plutocracy run by remnants of the KGB. Young women leave there in droves trying to escape a life of prostitution.

you don't know what you're talking about.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/JsUH8llvTZo

MershedPerturders says

I've lived in worked in Europe for years.

How does this make you an expert in Russian affairs? I grew up In Europe.

MershedPerturders says

Russia is a severely corrupt plutocracy run by remnants of the KGB.

That's what a lot of people say about the US.

In any case, I bet you that by 2020 to 2030 at the latest people will regret not having invested in Russia. as it will flourish (as mot of the east will catch up or overtake the west). I am not so sure about the western countries.

MershedPerturders says

That's a bit ironic considering what a lucrative (illegal & prescription) drug market the US is.

mell says

How does this make you an expert in Russian affairs? I grew up In Europe.

what part?

MershedPerturders says

mell says

How does this make you an expert in Russian affairs? I grew up In Europe.

what part?

western but within hours (by car) of the east. I have traveled to the former "east-block" but not russia. btw. I agree that during the cold war their economy was inferior and is still suffering after-effects and that the west has been the "golden" opportunity for some russian women, no doubt, however what I am saying is that this has been changing rather rapidly and I am making the prediction that Russia will fully catch up within the next 10 years. I have no political stake either way and like the diversity different countries of the world have to offer. Btw the Ukraine I think is considering joining the EU, which is remarkable, not necessarily good or bad for them, but it shows how close the east and (some parts of) the west have grown. Given the dependency on Russian energy I think some European countries may shift further towards Russia and the US and its staunchest allies (UK) may become more isolated if Putin continues to play his hand well.

so, Germany? Poland?

sounds like youre a slav or maybe ethnic Russian. Russia is nothing like Europe. I've dated Russian women and they dont give up their russian identity easily and tend to talk the way you're talking.

MershedPerturders says

so, Germany? Poland?

sounds like youre a slav or maybe ethnic Russian. Russia is nothing like Europe. I've dated Russian women and they dont give up their russian identity easily and tend to talk the way you're talking.

Germany. I have friends within western Europe who refuse to visit the US citing similar reasons. I have debated them and still think that's no reason not to visit a friend, but everything that was revealed recently about the NSA spying hasn't helped me here ;) Some have visited and where dismayed about the out-of-control level of homelessness, a few actually liked it, after all the bay area has lots to offer, but nobody decided to live or work here. In fact. one friend on the fence picked Beijing instead (crazy but maybe a sign of times to come?).

I can't imagine why a German would want to live in the US, being that most Germans aren't wealthy enough to even afford a basic life here. The wealth disparity is practically non-existent in Germany and this makes thing much different. I was living/working in Lower Saxony and later Hamburg, but traveled all over Germany, Switz, Western Europe, France, etc. I speak a little German and French. I also traveled to all the ex-communist states and spent quite some time there.

The Berliners are still very pro-communist even though they don't like to admit it, especially Berliner women. The city is a dirty crap hole though. Im still not convinced you've spent much time in Russia. are you ethnic Deutsch?

Honest Abe,
If you are looking for "..any type of rational dialog," you've come to the wrong place. You might be expecting too much out of this crew. This is
The #1, Right, Left,Middle trolling site.

Larry the Cable Guy: "I don't care who ya are, that's funny right there"

MershedPerturders says

can't imagine why a German would want to live in the US, being that most Germans aren't wealthy enough to even afford a basic life here.

Well, those who move to the US for work obviously make good money. Then there are quite a few who became wealthy enough and want to retire in the warm desert, not sure why, but you see quite a few in AZ. Also, the dollar used to be crushingly strong, something akin to 2.50 deutschmark, so the US used to be super expensive. If you count the Euro as roughly 1.50 deutschmarks and take into account that one euro is now at 1.35 USD, you can see how much the dollar has weakened under the Fed and QE, and these days the bay area is packed with European, esp. German tourists. So affordability has increased by a lot. But unless you work in tech or any other field where the US has exciting prospects the incentive to move over is not that great. Yes, ethnic German and southern european. I already mentioned I haven't spent any time in russia, but in other parts of eastern Europe. I have close friends though in Russia. I would like to move to the east as I am sort of "satiated" with the west, but it's not that easy with family here.

indigenous, how close are you to retirement?

MershedPerturders says

indigenous, how close are you to retirement?

Not for awhile. Why?

indigenous says

MershedPerturders says

indigenous, how close are you to retirement?

Not for awhile. Why?

what's 'a while'?

mell says

In any case, I bet you that by 2020 to 2030 at the latest people will regret not having invested in Russia.

Lol. If you want to give Putin and former KGB folks your money, go right ahead.

freak80 says

mell says

In any case, I bet you that by 2020 to 2030 at the latest people will regret not having invested in Russia.

Lol. If you want to give Putin and former KGB folks your money, go right ahead.

It's not as easy to invest in foreign assets, mine are mainly tied to US and Europe. Without going into Putin's history and political background, I think he is outsmarting most western leaders (that doesn't make him good or bad) by a lot and is being heavily underestimated.

From Wikipedia:

Under the presidency of Vladimir Putin Russia's economy saw the nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) double, climbing from 22nd to 11th largest in the world. The economy made real gains of an average 7% per year ( 1999: 6.5%, 2000: 10%, 2001: 5.7%, 2002: 4.9%, 2003: 7.3%, 2004: 7.2%, 2005: 6.4%, 2006: 8.2%, 2007: 8.5%, 2008: 5.2% ), making it the 6th largest economy in the world in GDP(PPP). In 2007, Russia's GDP exceeded that of 1990, meaning it has overcome the devastating consequences of the recession in the 1990s.[37]
During Putin's eight years in office, the industry grew by 75%, investments increased by 125%,[37] and agricultural production and construction increased as well. Real incomes more than doubled and the average salary increased eightfold from $80 to $640.[38][39][40] The volume of consumer credit between 2000–2006 increased 45 times,[41][42] and during that same time period, the middle class grew from 8 million to 55 million, an increase of 7 times. The number of people living below the poverty line also decreased from 30% in 2000 to 14% in 2008.[37][43][44]

Putin may be out now and there seems to be a slight recent slowdown amid continued inflationary forces, but I'd still call this a heck of an economic track record (as compared to dubya and obummer).

freak80 says

mell says

In any case, I bet you that by 2020 to 2030 at the latest people will regret not having invested in Russia.

Lol. If you want to give Putin and former KGB folks your money, go right ahead.

they just want to spitefully give air to Putin and friends knowing they pose a real challenge to the US. gives them a sense of satisfaction. What they miss however is that Russia is right next door, ready to roll in on their perfect little European paradises and the only thing that was keeping them from doing so was US power. We'll see how much they like a weak US very soon.

mell, you have absolutely no idea what you're talking about. Russia is owned by uberillionaires who make money from international crime and natural gas. The average russian wants out of there desperately. I know this from experience I used to sleep with a Russian girl every single night.

you might think it's fun to promote Ameirca's long time rival because you hate America so much, but what you don't see is what will happen to Europe in a situation where Russia is strong. Basically, we go back to worrying about our own problems, and while Europeans are arguing over who has the best pastries, Russia is going to dominate you completely. They weren't too far away what was it 20 years ago? Bet you just loved the GDR didn't you?

I don't hate any country, I like a lot about the US - e.g. Ron Paul ;) - why else would I have moved here? Take a look at this:

http://www.gfmag.com/tools/global-database/economic-data/11944-wealth-distribution-income-inequality.html#axzz2fObfAiwe

and find the income/wealth inequality values for the US and Russia, they are very similar, except for that they have been moving in opposite directions. What you are saying about Russia has changed. I have not encountered the "I want out" mentality amongst the Russians I know (male or female). For sure the US has been the promised land for many throughout the decades to escape and make it through hard work (or marriage) and it still has a lot of appeal, but times have changed and continue to do so while we are fighting the stupid "Republican" vs "Democrat" fight from our armchairs. I have worked with quite a few bright Indian HW/SW engineers and more and more have gone back to India and founded their own companies where they claim an able, talented entrepreneurial mind can have a better lifestyle than over here. Repeating over and over again that Russia (or India for that matter) are shit-holes does nothing to impede the economic decline of the US vs its counterparts.