Re: Saving Haiti
I get so sick and tired of the second guessing of the conspiracy junkies. For all the time, blood, and selflessenergy the US and all the volenteers GIVE. Not to mention the $$. FUCK EM. Maybe we should just pull out. Let Chavez run the show. EGC
My reponse
Unless it could be proven that the US caused the earthquake intentionally, which some will say happened by use of the HAARP system or drilling for oil and mining, "conspiracy" would be after the fact and apply to taking advantage of the situation. I am sure to some extent there are factions taking advantage of the situation.
I also understand your anger. The idea of an ulterior motive amongst the good will and desire to help taints the honorable effort. However, just the remark "let Chavez run the show" indicates there is always political\national\capitalistic jockeying going on, and you are aware of it by virtue of your own words.
My intent is not to discount the honest efforts and good will of the American people, or the rest of the world, but rather to say, "These accusations are being made, we might want to watch and see if they play out to be true in the future."
You don't really think that our country would take advantage of a natural disaster to grab oil deposits the size of Saudi Arabia's, do you? C'mon man, we don't know the whole truth, but knowing the truth sure makes it easier to find the lies. It's nice to piss you off, shows you're still kicking, but don't be mad. I tried to broach this topic as gently as possible.
Did you read the article by Mr. Engdahl ? It was sent to me by a true "conspiracy junkie". In his defense, other than being well read, educated, and intelligent, he knows he's been lied to by the government so now he always looks deeper. By the way, Anderson Cooper's lead off story last night was "Stealing Haiti". My CJ sent this story to me last week, I've got to spend more time at home or let AC catch up.
Thanks for the FUCK EM
Showing posts with label Oil. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Oil. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Quarterly Terrorist Scare
Watching CNN today, all the news is about terrorism. It must be time for our (the US) Quarterly terrorism scare. Everything is terrorism. "Al-Qaeda" is spoken over and over. Airport security tightens up so everyone is inconvenienced and is aware. The end result ; between the media and the government spin, the populace is terrorized.
Doesn't anybody else think it's curious that these wizards of destruction, "Al Qaeda", can't even blow themselves up a good portion of the time, yet are still given credit for dropping two 110 story skyscrapers perfectly in their own footprints.......with airplanes? C'mon Man!
The whole sham is beginning to really bother me. When I hear these "terrorism" reports I realize the general populace of the United States now lives in a make believe world, in a lie, where we are the "good guys", righteously pursuing "bad guys", everywhere in the real world they might hide. A story line manifested from the dropping of the WTC on 9/11, and the beginning of the endless war. The problem is ....C'mon Man!
Our troops traipse all over the world searching for the elusive evil do-er "Al-Qaeda".. In their wake we occupy countries and build permanent outposts, set up western style governments with Pro-western leaders, and, of course, train their armies to defend them . We make special deals on natural resources and transporting, etc. We dictate to the indigenous people how it will be and what their cut is. C'mon Man, Imperialism is what it's called.
If it is "all good" then why does it have to be based on a lie? Enforced with an Army? And how long does the lie go on? Like the wars, endlessly? Will we lie our way into Yemen and Somalia next?
The tragedy is: For almost a decade our country's Foreign policy, Military actions, Patiotism, and Fortune has all been based and exploited on a lie,....that those planes brought down the WTC, that it is necessary for America to attack others to prevent being attacked.
The other tragedy; The American people refuse , yes refuse, to look at the facts. There is overwhelming hard evidence available that those towers were blown, yet the majority of Americans have not seen it. Won't look. Refuse to believe. Refuse to see the truth. So as a nation of sheep we live a lie.
I can hardly stand to think of the ten year anniversary of 9/11. As a country, our ten year goal should be bringing the true perpetrators of 9/11 to justice , not continuing to propagate the lie. The first step; realize the Towers were blown, imploded by explosives. Once you realize there is no way possible those planes brought down the buildings, Revelation. Yet...
The wars go on. They're expanded. The next necesary battleground is identified. There is a terrorist attack originating from that area. An army is moved because a Nigerian boy is caught with explosives in his underwear and the media spin it. And the beat goes on. C'mon Man , the kid couldn't blow his balls off!
Just once, take yourself to the base of any BIG building thirty stories or taller and look up and ask yourself the obvious, "If a plane flew into this building, would the building turn to dust and fall into it's own footprint?" Hell no it wouldn't, and the WTC didn't either. Those Towers were Blown.
Just do it and see!
Doesn't anybody else think it's curious that these wizards of destruction, "Al Qaeda", can't even blow themselves up a good portion of the time, yet are still given credit for dropping two 110 story skyscrapers perfectly in their own footprints.......with airplanes? C'mon Man!
The whole sham is beginning to really bother me. When I hear these "terrorism" reports I realize the general populace of the United States now lives in a make believe world, in a lie, where we are the "good guys", righteously pursuing "bad guys", everywhere in the real world they might hide. A story line manifested from the dropping of the WTC on 9/11, and the beginning of the endless war. The problem is ....C'mon Man!
Our troops traipse all over the world searching for the elusive evil do-er "Al-Qaeda".. In their wake we occupy countries and build permanent outposts, set up western style governments with Pro-western leaders, and, of course, train their armies to defend them . We make special deals on natural resources and transporting, etc. We dictate to the indigenous people how it will be and what their cut is. C'mon Man, Imperialism is what it's called.
If it is "all good" then why does it have to be based on a lie? Enforced with an Army? And how long does the lie go on? Like the wars, endlessly? Will we lie our way into Yemen and Somalia next?
The tragedy is: For almost a decade our country's Foreign policy, Military actions, Patiotism, and Fortune has all been based and exploited on a lie,....that those planes brought down the WTC, that it is necessary for America to attack others to prevent being attacked.
The other tragedy; The American people refuse , yes refuse, to look at the facts. There is overwhelming hard evidence available that those towers were blown, yet the majority of Americans have not seen it. Won't look. Refuse to believe. Refuse to see the truth. So as a nation of sheep we live a lie.
I can hardly stand to think of the ten year anniversary of 9/11. As a country, our ten year goal should be bringing the true perpetrators of 9/11 to justice , not continuing to propagate the lie. The first step; realize the Towers were blown, imploded by explosives. Once you realize there is no way possible those planes brought down the buildings, Revelation. Yet...
The wars go on. They're expanded. The next necesary battleground is identified. There is a terrorist attack originating from that area. An army is moved because a Nigerian boy is caught with explosives in his underwear and the media spin it. And the beat goes on. C'mon Man , the kid couldn't blow his balls off!
Just once, take yourself to the base of any BIG building thirty stories or taller and look up and ask yourself the obvious, "If a plane flew into this building, would the building turn to dust and fall into it's own footprint?" Hell no it wouldn't, and the WTC didn't either. Those Towers were Blown.
Just do it and see!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
The War Tax
I am totally outraged. Start the Revolution.
Remember way back when folk singers would refuse to pay the portion of their taxes that were spent on war? Well we can call Joan Baez and tell her it's time to rebel; The Obama administration is proposing a " War tax" to finance the war in Afghanistan . Won't that make it easy to know what taxes NOT to pay? How about the next trillion to ... " finish the job ".
What are you getting for your Trillion dollars, America ? Is " finishing the job", whatever that line of crap means regarding Afghanistan, more important than America's infrastructure, health care, or securing our own border with Mexico ?
Another trillion dollars and a war tax for Afghanistan, while America's currency, property, and standard of living all decline in value and quality? Is Obama crazy, or are we stupid enough to allow it? What are you getting for your trillion dollars America..........reamed!
I expressed my view on this " finish the job" line of crap previously, (Here's the Deal, 02AUG09)
if the Obama administration continues the same Imperialistic policies of the Bush administration, which I might remind you are based on lies and a Zeitgeist, then he is just another puppet, and one puppet is the same as another, no better.
Thirty thousand more troops in Afghanistan ,.... for what? Finish the Job.
What job? Catch Osama? ...............No, the job is to clear the TAPI * pipeline route. Nobody's looking for Osama. Money wants to start the project in 2010.
TIME TO SCREAM NO ! SCREAM BECAUSE THE BASTARDS CONTINUE TO REFUSE TO LISTEN TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE !
LET OBAMA KNOW -----MORE TROOPS EQUAL ONE TERM ----BRING THE TROOPS NOW !
*The Trans-Afghanistan Pipeline (TAP or TAPI) is a proposed natural gas pipeline being developed by the Asian Development Bank. The pipeline will transport Caspian Sea natural gas from Turkmenistan through Afghanistan into Pakistan and then to India. Proponents of the project see it as a modern continuation of the Silk Road. The Afghan government is expected to receive 8% of the project's revenue.
PS KNOW WHY THE ADMINISTRATION CAN'T TELL YOU THEIR "CLEAR CUT PLAN" FOR AFGHANISTAN ? BECAUSE THEY CAN'T BE HONEST AND THERE IS NO ACCEPTABLE LIE FOR THEIR ACTIONS . THEY WANT TO BUILD A PIPELINE. FORGET THE BULLSHIT ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS, THE AMERICAN WAR MACHINE RUNS FOR MONEY. PERIOD. NOBODY IS WEARING A WHITE COWBOY HAT ON THIS TRIP
Remember way back when folk singers would refuse to pay the portion of their taxes that were spent on war? Well we can call Joan Baez and tell her it's time to rebel; The Obama administration is proposing a " War tax" to finance the war in Afghanistan . Won't that make it easy to know what taxes NOT to pay? How about the next trillion to ... " finish the job ".
What are you getting for your Trillion dollars, America ? Is " finishing the job", whatever that line of crap means regarding Afghanistan, more important than America's infrastructure, health care, or securing our own border with Mexico ?
Another trillion dollars and a war tax for Afghanistan, while America's currency, property, and standard of living all decline in value and quality? Is Obama crazy, or are we stupid enough to allow it? What are you getting for your trillion dollars America..........reamed!
I expressed my view on this " finish the job" line of crap previously, (Here's the Deal, 02AUG09)
if the Obama administration continues the same Imperialistic policies of the Bush administration, which I might remind you are based on lies and a Zeitgeist, then he is just another puppet, and one puppet is the same as another, no better.
Thirty thousand more troops in Afghanistan ,.... for what? Finish the Job.
What job? Catch Osama? ...............No, the job is to clear the TAPI * pipeline route. Nobody's looking for Osama. Money wants to start the project in 2010.
TIME TO SCREAM NO ! SCREAM BECAUSE THE BASTARDS CONTINUE TO REFUSE TO LISTEN TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE !
LET OBAMA KNOW -----MORE TROOPS EQUAL ONE TERM ----BRING THE TROOPS NOW !
*The Trans-Afghanistan Pipeline (TAP or TAPI) is a proposed natural gas pipeline being developed by the Asian Development Bank. The pipeline will transport Caspian Sea natural gas from Turkmenistan through Afghanistan into Pakistan and then to India. Proponents of the project see it as a modern continuation of the Silk Road. The Afghan government is expected to receive 8% of the project's revenue.
PS KNOW WHY THE ADMINISTRATION CAN'T TELL YOU THEIR "CLEAR CUT PLAN" FOR AFGHANISTAN ? BECAUSE THEY CAN'T BE HONEST AND THERE IS NO ACCEPTABLE LIE FOR THEIR ACTIONS . THEY WANT TO BUILD A PIPELINE. FORGET THE BULLSHIT ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS, THE AMERICAN WAR MACHINE RUNS FOR MONEY. PERIOD. NOBODY IS WEARING A WHITE COWBOY HAT ON THIS TRIP
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
The Bush Six
Watching the O'Reilly factor tonight, I got the distinct impression that this O'Reilly guy was trying extremely hard to convince me that Spain is wrong in indicting "The Bush Six". O'reilly was over the top, going as far as threatening Spain about "the American response" to such action. O'Reilly was indignant about Spain pursuing violations of international law forbidding torture against the Bush Six. I applaud the Spaniards. IF the Bush Six did not break international law they have nothing to fear. Justice is Justice.On the other hand, Law is Law, and if others in the world cry foul and point the finger at America, they cannot be wrong simply because we are America, it is International Law that must be the deciding factor, and we must avoid that arrogance of which Americans are so often accused. Thus, it is a shame that the Spaniards are doing America's dirtywork.
Here's the Bradline though, and here is the real danger to those whom are pulling O'reillys strings, for he obviously is somebody's puppet ; If a real investigation of the Bush administration were to be made, it could reveal far reaching criminal action back to, and before, 9\11. ( Of course , I am of the belief that it takes so much preparation to implode a 105 story building that flying a plane into the side of the structure could not possibly drop it perfectly in it' s own footprint,........ Turning all it's concrete to dust......Twice on the same day. )
Remember Watergate, one thing led to another , someone got a sniff of the true story, and the rest is History. That is the danger to Bush and Cheney and the Empire of this indictment. And that is why we're being told to reject Spain's accusations of crimes against high level Bush administration officials. It might lead to something bigger. Like the guillotine. I encourage Spain to help US keep our government accountable. America should be doing everything she can to prevent another hijacking of the peoples money and will , like that suffered during the Bush years.
Which brings us to The Obama Administration increasing the number of troops in Afghanistan. Time to stop the witch hunt and bring the troops home. Heroin is cheaper than a six pack of beer in the Northeast US. Capiscete ?
Ain't no Afghani ever done nothing to me, and if American oil companies need a pipeline to India, let India secure the route. American borders need to be secured first and foremost, and there are pirates in Africa, but chasing ghosts in the mountains bordering Pakistan and Afghanistan ?
C'mon . it is absolute bullshit these wars have drug on for years at the expense of the common man, and for the profit of the elite. Do they not fit into the definition of Privatizing profits and Scializing losses.? And One way to stop the bullshit is for America to be held accountable for her actions .
Again, I applaud Spain, and challenge the Obama administration to drop the " let's look forward " bullshit, and prosecute the criminals of the Bush era, whomever they may be, torturers or bankers.
Unfortunately....the criminals of the Bush era just work for another frontman now. Can We Believe things have changed? Hell no, they just change the label on the can of bullshit.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Hang Mrs Madoff too
Back in early February I wrote an E about Victims gathering to protest in front of homes of bankers they felt were responsible for the predatory loans leaving them homeless. Paupers, shaking the gates of the castle at the servant's quarters, never realizing Lord Banker lived in the great hall further behind the gates where he was never aware of their presence.
I quote from that E
" Remember this desperate day, The victims are forecasting an attitude and frustration that is going to explode nationwide."
" Predatory Bankers better hide now. It would appear when the guillotines are dragged out their heads will be the first to roll."
Add AIG executives to the list next. At least that's what the current threats that AIG executives are receiving would indicate. The ones allowed on TV call for death to them....and their families.....for several generations. After reading a few of the air-able threats on TV, the newscasters will then give a short discourse on how the threats are over the line and reason must be restored. Three newscasters, three discourses.
The Irony is; As we're told that these death threats are unreasonable, We watch totally unreasonble acts that will help bankrupt us all, be rewarded with bonuses. Or, A guy steals 50 billion and awaits his court date in a multi-million dollar Penthouse. That's reasonable? His family, in the same business, and his wife, both, want to keep their fortune .That's reasonable? No wonder there is a Mob mentality brewing.
What a crock. If this was China these clowns would be swinging. Mrs. Madoff too. I might agree. I think that hanging is a much better deterrant to white collar crime than a bailout, or bonus, for that matter. How unfair that we can't waterboard Madoff until every hidden nickel is recovered, and then watch the floor pulled out from under his feet with a noose around his neck. Good thing he didn't have any of my money. Where is all this leading? The final result of the Endless Crisis will be the American people holding the paper on a country so far in debt it enslaves them. While the people who put us there have taken the money and left for more desirable diggs, where they await their bonuses.
Anyway , what really pisses me off are the newscasters. Newscasters are Employees told what to say. Then, once the talking head is loaded, We're told What to think. How to act. How to be reasonable. I think it's time for some unreasonableness to go with the unreasonable mess. I think it's time to decide not to be gentlemen. Not to be civilized. Not to go along as we're told.
If righteous indignation leads to a call for heads, so be it , but don't try and tell us how to act because people should be angry enough for a revolution. People should be outraged, and defiant about being reasonable! All those reasonable bastards in Washington , maybe that's the problem.
Remember, these are the same people that sold you Weapons of Mass Destruction, and Keep your Money in the market and ride it out (to nothingness), and now, they're telling us it's a great time to buy into the market for the long run. Didn't a whole bunch of long run people just lose everything?
Which brings me to the last scam of the day, 4000 additional "military advisers" to Afghanistan. Sounds more like Viet Nam everyday. The American people should feel totally betrayed the way Obama has fallen right in step with the bullshit in Afghanistan. We need to secure our own southern border, yet we pursue securing the Pakistani-Afghan border? Totally Unreasonable. Obama is chasing Osama Oil profits.
Bring all the troops home now.
I quote from that E
" Remember this desperate day, The victims are forecasting an attitude and frustration that is going to explode nationwide."
" Predatory Bankers better hide now. It would appear when the guillotines are dragged out their heads will be the first to roll."
Add AIG executives to the list next. At least that's what the current threats that AIG executives are receiving would indicate. The ones allowed on TV call for death to them....and their families.....for several generations. After reading a few of the air-able threats on TV, the newscasters will then give a short discourse on how the threats are over the line and reason must be restored. Three newscasters, three discourses.
The Irony is; As we're told that these death threats are unreasonable, We watch totally unreasonble acts that will help bankrupt us all, be rewarded with bonuses. Or, A guy steals 50 billion and awaits his court date in a multi-million dollar Penthouse. That's reasonable? His family, in the same business, and his wife, both, want to keep their fortune .That's reasonable? No wonder there is a Mob mentality brewing.
What a crock. If this was China these clowns would be swinging. Mrs. Madoff too. I might agree. I think that hanging is a much better deterrant to white collar crime than a bailout, or bonus, for that matter. How unfair that we can't waterboard Madoff until every hidden nickel is recovered, and then watch the floor pulled out from under his feet with a noose around his neck. Good thing he didn't have any of my money. Where is all this leading? The final result of the Endless Crisis will be the American people holding the paper on a country so far in debt it enslaves them. While the people who put us there have taken the money and left for more desirable diggs, where they await their bonuses.
Anyway , what really pisses me off are the newscasters. Newscasters are Employees told what to say. Then, once the talking head is loaded, We're told What to think. How to act. How to be reasonable. I think it's time for some unreasonableness to go with the unreasonable mess. I think it's time to decide not to be gentlemen. Not to be civilized. Not to go along as we're told.
If righteous indignation leads to a call for heads, so be it , but don't try and tell us how to act because people should be angry enough for a revolution. People should be outraged, and defiant about being reasonable! All those reasonable bastards in Washington , maybe that's the problem.
Remember, these are the same people that sold you Weapons of Mass Destruction, and Keep your Money in the market and ride it out (to nothingness), and now, they're telling us it's a great time to buy into the market for the long run. Didn't a whole bunch of long run people just lose everything?
Which brings me to the last scam of the day, 4000 additional "military advisers" to Afghanistan. Sounds more like Viet Nam everyday. The American people should feel totally betrayed the way Obama has fallen right in step with the bullshit in Afghanistan. We need to secure our own southern border, yet we pursue securing the Pakistani-Afghan border? Totally Unreasonable. Obama is chasing Osama Oil profits.
Bring all the troops home now.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Taken for Another Ride
As another 17,000 American troops prepare to leave for Afghanistan, I think the new president should look past his own ego and remember how he won, not just that he won. He promised to bring the troops home! Not continue the same ride down 'oil interests' avenue in southern Afghanistan. Do the American people have any influence at all?
To act like it is anything else (ie. chasing Osama, the War on Terror, human rights concerns) is pure smoke and mirrors. It is a war of occupation for oil profits. The pipeline route is through the south. The problems are in the south. The opium is there, too. Remember a year ago?
"I see the the U.S. Army has built a base at 8000 ft in the mountains between Afghanistan and Pakistan. It's a well fortified castle with helicopter pads, big guns etc. A command center high in the mountains for the war on terrorism.
This reminds me of the boot camp mentality, "If we're going to fight them, lets do it at their house; burn their land; kill their women and children." This is all good and fine I guess and I agree. But is this border patrol really necessary when I can't afford it? If we elect not to defend the Afghanistan border might there be enough money to defend America's borders? And dare I say it? Isn't it enough to keep our southern borders open and get The Cut there, rather then control the poppy fields?" (The News 08Dec07)
President Obama is supposed to be the guy who was ending these imperialistic adventures that are wasting American blood and bankrupting the country.
President Obama, loved and viewed by the world as a President who would stop American aggression, is sending another 17,000 troops into a country the US has already occupied for seven years. A country in which 82% of the people don't want US present. Troops could stay another 5 years. What the hell did we have an election for? Who the hell does he think he's kidding? We didn't need those bases in the first place. Now we need more troops? It is out and out oil policy.
President Obama should understand that first and foremost the American people were dissatisfied with the Bush administration because of the wars. So, first and foremost, the troops should return home. Unfortunately, we need to save ourselves. Not the world or UnoCal. I'm much more afraid of what's coming across the Mexican border than terrorists on Afghanistan's.
Crassly speaking, with satellite and spy technology being what it is, we could probably bomb most threats to the US in Afghanistan. What are we guarding with bases? Pipeline routes?
I remember when the Russians went into Afghanistan. They were us, and we are them. Kind of a 'Magical Mystery Tour', huh? In other words, 'same old bullshit, same old rock and roll'.
I would bet the nickel in the mountain I live on that American families who have a member in harms way would rather have them home saving their own country instead of defending oil dreams.
There is no excuse (NONE!) to prolong these wars in the Middle East.
Bring the troops Home now.
To act like it is anything else (ie. chasing Osama, the War on Terror, human rights concerns) is pure smoke and mirrors. It is a war of occupation for oil profits. The pipeline route is through the south. The problems are in the south. The opium is there, too. Remember a year ago?
"I see the the U.S. Army has built a base at 8000 ft in the mountains between Afghanistan and Pakistan. It's a well fortified castle with helicopter pads, big guns etc. A command center high in the mountains for the war on terrorism.
This reminds me of the boot camp mentality, "If we're going to fight them, lets do it at their house; burn their land; kill their women and children." This is all good and fine I guess and I agree. But is this border patrol really necessary when I can't afford it? If we elect not to defend the Afghanistan border might there be enough money to defend America's borders? And dare I say it? Isn't it enough to keep our southern borders open and get The Cut there, rather then control the poppy fields?" (The News 08Dec07)
President Obama is supposed to be the guy who was ending these imperialistic adventures that are wasting American blood and bankrupting the country.
President Obama, loved and viewed by the world as a President who would stop American aggression, is sending another 17,000 troops into a country the US has already occupied for seven years. A country in which 82% of the people don't want US present. Troops could stay another 5 years. What the hell did we have an election for? Who the hell does he think he's kidding? We didn't need those bases in the first place. Now we need more troops? It is out and out oil policy.
President Obama should understand that first and foremost the American people were dissatisfied with the Bush administration because of the wars. So, first and foremost, the troops should return home. Unfortunately, we need to save ourselves. Not the world or UnoCal. I'm much more afraid of what's coming across the Mexican border than terrorists on Afghanistan's.
Crassly speaking, with satellite and spy technology being what it is, we could probably bomb most threats to the US in Afghanistan. What are we guarding with bases? Pipeline routes?
I remember when the Russians went into Afghanistan. They were us, and we are them. Kind of a 'Magical Mystery Tour', huh? In other words, 'same old bullshit, same old rock and roll'.
I would bet the nickel in the mountain I live on that American families who have a member in harms way would rather have them home saving their own country instead of defending oil dreams.
There is no excuse (NONE!) to prolong these wars in the Middle East.
Bring the troops Home now.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Tales of Doom
I've been at the shack for 7 days now. I know there are people out there who would love to be alone in the mountains of southern Oregon for a week, but for me, well, I actually jogged two miles today on my mountain road, worked on the house, and now am writing this post to occupy myself. Maybe I should put this place on Craig's List as a $1500 a week mountain hideaway rental. One week rented a month would be cool. That would be enough I could be gone to the city to spend money.
Anyway, don't be a sucker, let your Congress Rep know, nothings going to save us; give the money to the Chinese and forget the bailout.
Hey, we owe it to them. I know how it feels. I want my money too. Now. And hell no, no more credit till I'm paid.
"COFFEE WARS, that's the first factor I want to consider. Not that Starbucks and Dunkin-Donuts will determine our national economy and save the housing market, but they are great indicators of the times. See, I don't think that improving a latte' , or customer service, is going to save Starbucks. As times get harder it is my bet that the extravagance of $3.50 cups of coffee will be one of the first luxuries to give way to reality: Look for coffee shops, cafe mochas, and Cappuccinos to disappear quicker than equity in a Las Vegas home."
(Coffee Wars, Property Prices, and Nothing Left to Lose 26Feb08)
It's a year later and the news has only gotten worse. I read an article this week written in 2004 by Mark S.. Watson, 'The oncoming economic depression.' Mr. Watson had foresight. I found the article interesting because it was exactly four years old. If Mr Watson is correct, and he seemed to be accurate back in 2004, don't look for things to improve for a long time. In a small, small, small world, America's big standard of living is going to shrink a little.
Remember the rich have no borders and don't care about the non-rich. You have money or you don't. Believe that, and this: money can live anywhere and cares not about nationality or allegiances. Former President Bush is developing a compound in Paraguay, isn't he? Of course that might be to avoid prosecution, or worse, but after what has happened in this country the last eight years, does anyone really think he gave a damn about the average American? And the strings that strung him damn sure didn't care about America.
Starbucks is closing another three hundred stores today. That 's what this letter is about. They were my measure a year ago and, unfortunately, they are my measure today and the first sentence of this paragraph says it all.
Welcome to the future. You'll be forced to live in a house that's not worth what you owe on it, as it's value decreases. Fuel prices and insurance will force you to mass transit where you'll be forced to meet people you don't want to meet, private transit will be restricted to the upper classes, and worst of all, you'll have to brew your own coffee because Starbucks will only be affordable to the wealthy.
Enjoy them while you still can...
Anyway, don't be a sucker, let your Congress Rep know, nothings going to save us; give the money to the Chinese and forget the bailout.
Hey, we owe it to them. I know how it feels. I want my money too. Now. And hell no, no more credit till I'm paid.
"COFFEE WARS, that's the first factor I want to consider. Not that Starbucks and Dunkin-Donuts will determine our national economy and save the housing market, but they are great indicators of the times. See, I don't think that improving a latte' , or customer service, is going to save Starbucks. As times get harder it is my bet that the extravagance of $3.50 cups of coffee will be one of the first luxuries to give way to reality: Look for coffee shops, cafe mochas, and Cappuccinos to disappear quicker than equity in a Las Vegas home."
(Coffee Wars, Property Prices, and Nothing Left to Lose 26Feb08)
It's a year later and the news has only gotten worse. I read an article this week written in 2004 by Mark S.. Watson, 'The oncoming economic depression.' Mr. Watson had foresight. I found the article interesting because it was exactly four years old. If Mr Watson is correct, and he seemed to be accurate back in 2004, don't look for things to improve for a long time. In a small, small, small world, America's big standard of living is going to shrink a little.
Remember the rich have no borders and don't care about the non-rich. You have money or you don't. Believe that, and this: money can live anywhere and cares not about nationality or allegiances. Former President Bush is developing a compound in Paraguay, isn't he? Of course that might be to avoid prosecution, or worse, but after what has happened in this country the last eight years, does anyone really think he gave a damn about the average American? And the strings that strung him damn sure didn't care about America.
Starbucks is closing another three hundred stores today. That 's what this letter is about. They were my measure a year ago and, unfortunately, they are my measure today and the first sentence of this paragraph says it all.
Welcome to the future. You'll be forced to live in a house that's not worth what you owe on it, as it's value decreases. Fuel prices and insurance will force you to mass transit where you'll be forced to meet people you don't want to meet, private transit will be restricted to the upper classes, and worst of all, you'll have to brew your own coffee because Starbucks will only be affordable to the wealthy.
Enjoy them while you still can...
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Sarah Palin's Inacessability
After Sarah Palin's nomination, a McCain spokesperson, one Tucker So and So, was pressed about Gov. Palin's Qualifications by CNN's Campbell So and So. The spokesperson for McCain could hardly sidestep the question of her not meeting McCain's own declared prerequisites for a Vice Presidential candidate; being qualified to be president. He continually avoided answers, and spoke 'off' the topic of the question. Afterward, the McCain camp was offended, claiming Campbell went over the line. She did not. She was patient, considerate, and in the end, probably as exasperated as I was with Tucker talking out of both sides of his mouth, but never at the question. Campbell was still very polite. McCain canceled an interview later that night on Larry King over the interview. Why? Despite what they say, I believe it was what the Campbell interview revealed; the McCain camp cannot answer questions directed at the campaign's hypocrisy, and Sarah Palin's inexperience The McCain camp has not allowed Reporters access to Sarah Palin since her nomination. I've seen speeches and grandstanding, but no 'Straight' talk in any open forum since Sarah arrived. It seems she really is no Hillary Clinton, and so the McCain camp can't let her roam freely among the reporters lest the lipsticked Pitbull bite herself. Sarah Palin is being investigated for abuse of her office. The accusation is that Palin couldn't control her emotions, and used her office to fire a man for not firing her brother-in-law. ...Right, just the person that I want on the nuclear trigger. She and John McCain exaggerate and lie about her accomplishments. She is bought and sold OIL. Sarah Palin will be a great leader if you want to play 'Holy War', and 'The rich get richer', and 'In God's Name', and take another step towards backpedaling into the middle ages. Evangelicals worry me. They're the religious extremists of America, but isn't extremism the same all over?
Do you really want a False Front a heartbeat away from the presidency? An individual so raw she has to be primed before she can Meet the press?
Now there is really only one question... Is anybody listening?
Do you really want a False Front a heartbeat away from the presidency? An individual so raw she has to be primed before she can Meet the press?
Now there is really only one question... Is anybody listening?
Friday, August 29, 2008
Hillary Dissenters, Mount Up?
I thought the first consideration for picking a Vice President was the qualification, 'would they be ready to step into the Presidency in the event...' John McCain's first prerequisite in choosing his running mate seems to have been, "How can I steal those Hillary dissenters?" In June Sarah told Glenn Beck she wouldn't take the job. But who is this First Term Governor from Alaska? What makes her qualified to be President?
Well, for starters, she's an OIL advocate. A pro-driller. All about tapping Alaska's OIL reserves. Arnold seems better qualified than Gov. whoever she is. Talk about a 'judgment call'. All that bullshit from McCain about how Obama would lose a war to win an election, but McCain would pick a total unknown, unqualified running mate just to steal those fem-nazi votes who won't give up on Hillary. The McCain Camp is showing early (as the Republicans have been accused) to be willing to do anything to win.
Would you vote for Gov. Whoever she is for President? Talk about destroying all the 'experience' lectures McCain has been feeding people. This woman has two terms as mayor of a town of 7,000, and two years as governor. She's already the subject of an ethics investigation. Does America want to take the chance she would become President with her experience? And how about the judgement call choosing her?
Well, for starters, she's an OIL advocate. A pro-driller. All about tapping Alaska's OIL reserves. Arnold seems better qualified than Gov. whoever she is. Talk about a 'judgment call'. All that bullshit from McCain about how Obama would lose a war to win an election, but McCain would pick a total unknown, unqualified running mate just to steal those fem-nazi votes who won't give up on Hillary. The McCain Camp is showing early (as the Republicans have been accused) to be willing to do anything to win.
Would you vote for Gov. Whoever she is for President? Talk about destroying all the 'experience' lectures McCain has been feeding people. This woman has two terms as mayor of a town of 7,000, and two years as governor. She's already the subject of an ethics investigation. Does America want to take the chance she would become President with her experience? And how about the judgement call choosing her?
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Oil in Value
"It only carries a million barrels a day, but it replaced the old one that ran through Russia. And it was built because the OIL consortium wanted it in friendlier countries, ie. Not Russia. But damn, don't these 'pipelines' seem to attract trouble like arteries in a knife fight?" (According to Russia, 13AUG08)
I was thinking about that pipeline in Georgia, then I started thinking about what the OIL is valued at: 1000000 barrels a day valued at $120 a barrel) is $120 million a day and multiplied by seven is equal to $840 million a week or $3.36 billion a month or about $40 billion a year. I'm sure the BP OIL consortium that built the new pipeline is about to take a big loss. They might as well have stayed in Russia and used the old pipeline.
Watching today's news, I realize there are several countries piping OIL through that line. Grabbing Georgia will give control of that OIL to Russia. Did Georgia have weapons of mass destruction? Make sure to kill the Al Qaeda. Russia would not be so bold if our military wasn't strung to the point it is. And how much more willing are the American people to fight for yet another countries Freedom? Again.
They are talking about re-arming Georgia, as soon as the cease fire is for real. Why would Russia want a cease fire then? The Irony; all this talk of Russia's 'Conduct in the 21st Century' by our leaders and yet, what about the conduct of the Bush administration in the 21st century. The Hypocrisy. The crowning result of the Bush years; The re-ignition of the Cold War and the realization of Armageddon...
Our boy Bush, who looked Putin in the eye and saw a soul as black as his own. Birds of a feather... everybody better wake up. You lead by example, and by example... Putin is wrong too.
War, Torture, Greed, Lies, Profits, Control, ZEITGEIST!
It's on your Tv every day.
I was thinking about that pipeline in Georgia, then I started thinking about what the OIL is valued at: 1000000 barrels a day valued at $120 a barrel) is $120 million a day and multiplied by seven is equal to $840 million a week or $3.36 billion a month or about $40 billion a year. I'm sure the BP OIL consortium that built the new pipeline is about to take a big loss. They might as well have stayed in Russia and used the old pipeline.
Watching today's news, I realize there are several countries piping OIL through that line. Grabbing Georgia will give control of that OIL to Russia. Did Georgia have weapons of mass destruction? Make sure to kill the Al Qaeda. Russia would not be so bold if our military wasn't strung to the point it is. And how much more willing are the American people to fight for yet another countries Freedom? Again.
They are talking about re-arming Georgia, as soon as the cease fire is for real. Why would Russia want a cease fire then? The Irony; all this talk of Russia's 'Conduct in the 21st Century' by our leaders and yet, what about the conduct of the Bush administration in the 21st century. The Hypocrisy. The crowning result of the Bush years; The re-ignition of the Cold War and the realization of Armageddon...
Our boy Bush, who looked Putin in the eye and saw a soul as black as his own. Birds of a feather... everybody better wake up. You lead by example, and by example... Putin is wrong too.
War, Torture, Greed, Lies, Profits, Control, ZEITGEIST!
It's on your Tv every day.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
According to Russia
According to Russia, the border war going on between Russia and Georgia was initiated by Georgia, which is no surprise when it comes to the blame game. However. there's the further accusation that 'the West' (meaning the US) gave the green light to Georgia to initiate the fracas; something about unlimited support if they got it on. A surprise?
Think about it; MONEY supplies both sides of a war... MONEY in Russia is MONEY. Draw a border. Pick a fight . Make a profit. And the Shock? Hasn't the US been invading and attacking sovereign foreign countries now for eight years? What Shock? According to some experts and a large amount of 'factual' evidence is really that we simply took a swipe at ourselves to get a war going: The War on Terror. Our administration uses 'foreign terror' to create enough fear to fight back at the shadows, while the evidence and the true intention of it's action are as plain as day, but IGNORED.
Back to Georgia, where there's pipeline that connects the Azerbaijani Oil and Gas from Caspian Sea to the West. Surprise! An OIL and GAS pipeline. It only carries a million barrels a day, but it replaced the old one that ran through Russia. And it was built because the OIL consortium wanted it in friendlier countries, ie. Not Russia. But damn, don't these 'pipelines' seem to attract trouble like arteries in a knife fight? I mean, it seems like everywhere there's OIL that needs a pipeline built to it or where the pipelines exist, then there's trouble. Is it the pipeline that causes the trouble, the fight for the OIL that goes through it, or the representation of foreign powers and foreign exploitation that inevitably make these pipelines targets for rebels? Back to the surprise.
Georgia wasn't voted into NATO. And so MONEY knew this War was coming. Russia could not sit idly by and watch the US gobble up oil producing countries and pipeline routes in the 'War on Terror' in Russia's 'Near Abroad', and not get back in the Imperialism game too. You lead by example. Actions are louder than words. Russian national security demands that Russia not have a problem neighbor armed with western weapons (supplied by US and Israel, according to the Russian Diplomat on CNN). And why does it sound so familiar?
We've played all these games before. We've played all these games before. ZEITGEIST. ZEITGEIST. ZEITGEIST Someones making money on both sides of that war. You can bet on it. The 1%.
There's a reason Georgia wasn't voted into the NATO alliance recently; MONEY didn't want things to get out of control and wind up with a real war between nuclear powers. No cos, like the 'War on Terror', or Vietnam, or any shitty little proxy war, in Georgia MONEY is being made by The 1%. ZEITGEIST. Does the Cookie fit the Cut? MONEY is nation-less. MONEY'S Allegiance is to itself. Borders make good Wars, Profits, Control. The Cold War is being replaced by The OIL Wars; Formerly called 'The War on Terror', or 'The Terrorize Yourself 'Til You Terrorize Someone Else Wars', or 'The 1% Wars'.
There is little difference between our invasions of the Middle East, and Russia's invasion of Georgia. Russia doesn't bother with concealing their true intent. They don't need to attack themselves to attack others. As long as the US is 'policing' the world (at least the OIL producing world) then how can Russia be condemned for a little 'policing' on their own border? It's their border (fuck, we let Mexican Bush Cartels wage war on our border). According to the Russians, the US is supplying arms to Georgia and encouraging trouble.
Doesn't it seem like in all these strategic OIL related places where Western OIL rubs elbows with the corrupt democracy, trouble starts... When you consider what has been done in the world by the US over the last eight years in the name of any excuse available, while the real reason is simply greed, how can the current US Administration lecture Russia?
Does the Cookie fit the Cut?
Think about it; MONEY supplies both sides of a war... MONEY in Russia is MONEY. Draw a border. Pick a fight . Make a profit. And the Shock? Hasn't the US been invading and attacking sovereign foreign countries now for eight years? What Shock? According to some experts and a large amount of 'factual' evidence is really that we simply took a swipe at ourselves to get a war going: The War on Terror. Our administration uses 'foreign terror' to create enough fear to fight back at the shadows, while the evidence and the true intention of it's action are as plain as day, but IGNORED.
Back to Georgia, where there's pipeline that connects the Azerbaijani Oil and Gas from Caspian Sea to the West. Surprise! An OIL and GAS pipeline. It only carries a million barrels a day, but it replaced the old one that ran through Russia. And it was built because the OIL consortium wanted it in friendlier countries, ie. Not Russia. But damn, don't these 'pipelines' seem to attract trouble like arteries in a knife fight? I mean, it seems like everywhere there's OIL that needs a pipeline built to it or where the pipelines exist, then there's trouble. Is it the pipeline that causes the trouble, the fight for the OIL that goes through it, or the representation of foreign powers and foreign exploitation that inevitably make these pipelines targets for rebels? Back to the surprise.
Georgia wasn't voted into NATO. And so MONEY knew this War was coming. Russia could not sit idly by and watch the US gobble up oil producing countries and pipeline routes in the 'War on Terror' in Russia's 'Near Abroad', and not get back in the Imperialism game too. You lead by example. Actions are louder than words. Russian national security demands that Russia not have a problem neighbor armed with western weapons (supplied by US and Israel, according to the Russian Diplomat on CNN). And why does it sound so familiar?
We've played all these games before. We've played all these games before. ZEITGEIST. ZEITGEIST. ZEITGEIST Someones making money on both sides of that war. You can bet on it. The 1%.
There's a reason Georgia wasn't voted into the NATO alliance recently; MONEY didn't want things to get out of control and wind up with a real war between nuclear powers. No cos, like the 'War on Terror', or Vietnam, or any shitty little proxy war, in Georgia MONEY is being made by The 1%. ZEITGEIST. Does the Cookie fit the Cut? MONEY is nation-less. MONEY'S Allegiance is to itself. Borders make good Wars, Profits, Control. The Cold War is being replaced by The OIL Wars; Formerly called 'The War on Terror', or 'The Terrorize Yourself 'Til You Terrorize Someone Else Wars', or 'The 1% Wars'.
There is little difference between our invasions of the Middle East, and Russia's invasion of Georgia. Russia doesn't bother with concealing their true intent. They don't need to attack themselves to attack others. As long as the US is 'policing' the world (at least the OIL producing world) then how can Russia be condemned for a little 'policing' on their own border? It's their border (fuck, we let Mexican Bush Cartels wage war on our border). According to the Russians, the US is supplying arms to Georgia and encouraging trouble.
Doesn't it seem like in all these strategic OIL related places where Western OIL rubs elbows with the corrupt democracy, trouble starts... When you consider what has been done in the world by the US over the last eight years in the name of any excuse available, while the real reason is simply greed, how can the current US Administration lecture Russia?
Does the Cookie fit the Cut?
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
American Terror
Have you seen…
Zeitgeist?
9/11 revisited?
The God delusion?
The Sun of God?
The Shack is twenty months old now. In that twenty months I have had the time, and in some aspects was forced, to examine myself, life, death, etc. It has not all been pleasant.
In admitting my own mistakes to myself, and reconciling to the idea you can never go back, that the first fifty years are gone, I was forced to shed old lies and accept new truths. Partially due to this process of growing up (something I had neglected to do in my first fifty years of living, and still have trouble with), I came to the realization that instead of becoming more conservative in my thought as I grow older, holding on to what I know, I am becoming more open minded. More willing to consider ideas that don't mirror my own. Instead of just calling bullshit, I'll look, read, consider before I call bullshit now.
I was more rigid in my parameters of tolerance in thought at twenty-five then I am at fifty-two, I was more ignorant at twenty-five.
Easier for me to change than others, I imagine. I was raised without religion, had no real expectations to live up to, lived day to day, hand to mouth most of my life, and believe strongly in nothing. I witnessed life in the drug culture for twenty years too, so obviously I had some mental adjustments to make. My convictions are few, but my patriotism is strong.
My family has been in this country since the late 1600's. I spent six years in the Army. So, we’ve established that the USA is my country, and I am a charter member patriot.
In the last eight years this country has been hijacked for the private interests of the ultra rich. It is a great country and my home. Unfortunately, it’s being driven not by the will of the people, but by the greed of a few. Elitists who think, despite what the masses want, that they know best. And what is best usually includes a large profit for them. That is not Democracy, but a facade of oligarchy.
Watch 9/11 re-visited.
Watch Zeitgeist.
I'm convinced The US government are the terrorists.
Take the war in Iraq. The American people were willing to stop Saddam Hussein from having WMD. But occupation? Here it is years later and our leaders are giving us every reason in the world to continue their policies, i.e.: Al Qaeda in Iraq, Iraqi Independence, The War on Terror… it's like a Star Trek series where in the Universe’s infinity the dangers are never ending.
Now that Iraq has it's new puppet Government, the problem is now in Afghanistan, coincidently along the pipeline route. And the War on Terror continues. Except, IT'S ALL BULLSHIT.
We are the terrorists.
We have taken Russia's place in Afghanistan, the same place we denounced them for taking from 1979-1989. The Taliban are the same as they were then, except now they're the bad guys fighting the good foreign invader? I'll say it again, we don't need permanent fortresses along that pipeline to search and destroy Al Qaeda (The news 08DEC07).
Watch Zeitgeist, America is being fed a line. The American Army is fighting so Profits can be made on a pipeline to supply INDIA. I don't give a fuck about Indian Markets. Do you?
And the elitists don't give a rat’s ass about a country, or people, or the average man. Money lives where life is best, so money doesn't care if a few hundred thousand people die, if countries are ravaged, if the poor starve, etc. Money won't be in the neighbourhood, just profits. The fact that it is a country other than America doesn't make it right (The Aliens 12JUL08). Even if they are American companies, or the American Army, exploitation is exploitation and imperialism is imperialism.
Enter my neighbor, a local schoolteacher and resident of Southern Oregon since the 70's. An intellectual. I think he can't resist opening minds and eyes, but he has successfully changed my outlook on some things by simply saying, “Hey, watch this.”
Those four titles above are great food for thought. Especially Zeitgeist and 9/11 Revisited. You can Google all four.... Zeitgeist has no picture the first two minutes, just words from the Dahli monk.
Now, most American’s live comfortably, myself included, but what am I willing to allow my country to do in order to make this the best place in the world to live? At the very least I want to know the truth.
I honestly cannot look at people who think those planes brought the WTC down without feelings of disgust for their ignorance.
I always felt these religious fanatics (Jihadists, Christian warriors etc) were brainwashed fools, but after Zeitgeist and the God Delusion I realize that I was a fool too. I am ashamed of my own ignorance and lack of education (part of the remorse for having screwed around for twenty years in the drug culture).
People here in the State of Jefferson question everything. Oregon is the most atheist state in the union. Fewest Catholics and Baptists. Independent Voters. This is Ron Paul country (probably due to his platform to repeal the income tax (there is a lot of non-taxable income in this area)). It is fertile soil for alternative lifestyles and ways of thinking, good and bad. Who knows what my mental makeup will be after a few more months?
Zeitgeist?
9/11 revisited?
The God delusion?
The Sun of God?
The Shack is twenty months old now. In that twenty months I have had the time, and in some aspects was forced, to examine myself, life, death, etc. It has not all been pleasant.
In admitting my own mistakes to myself, and reconciling to the idea you can never go back, that the first fifty years are gone, I was forced to shed old lies and accept new truths. Partially due to this process of growing up (something I had neglected to do in my first fifty years of living, and still have trouble with), I came to the realization that instead of becoming more conservative in my thought as I grow older, holding on to what I know, I am becoming more open minded. More willing to consider ideas that don't mirror my own. Instead of just calling bullshit, I'll look, read, consider before I call bullshit now.
I was more rigid in my parameters of tolerance in thought at twenty-five then I am at fifty-two, I was more ignorant at twenty-five.
Easier for me to change than others, I imagine. I was raised without religion, had no real expectations to live up to, lived day to day, hand to mouth most of my life, and believe strongly in nothing. I witnessed life in the drug culture for twenty years too, so obviously I had some mental adjustments to make. My convictions are few, but my patriotism is strong.
My family has been in this country since the late 1600's. I spent six years in the Army. So, we’ve established that the USA is my country, and I am a charter member patriot.
In the last eight years this country has been hijacked for the private interests of the ultra rich. It is a great country and my home. Unfortunately, it’s being driven not by the will of the people, but by the greed of a few. Elitists who think, despite what the masses want, that they know best. And what is best usually includes a large profit for them. That is not Democracy, but a facade of oligarchy.
Watch 9/11 re-visited.
Watch Zeitgeist.
I'm convinced The US government are the terrorists.
Take the war in Iraq. The American people were willing to stop Saddam Hussein from having WMD. But occupation? Here it is years later and our leaders are giving us every reason in the world to continue their policies, i.e.: Al Qaeda in Iraq, Iraqi Independence, The War on Terror… it's like a Star Trek series where in the Universe’s infinity the dangers are never ending.
Now that Iraq has it's new puppet Government, the problem is now in Afghanistan, coincidently along the pipeline route. And the War on Terror continues. Except, IT'S ALL BULLSHIT.
We are the terrorists.
We have taken Russia's place in Afghanistan, the same place we denounced them for taking from 1979-1989. The Taliban are the same as they were then, except now they're the bad guys fighting the good foreign invader? I'll say it again, we don't need permanent fortresses along that pipeline to search and destroy Al Qaeda (The news 08DEC07).
Watch Zeitgeist, America is being fed a line. The American Army is fighting so Profits can be made on a pipeline to supply INDIA. I don't give a fuck about Indian Markets. Do you?
And the elitists don't give a rat’s ass about a country, or people, or the average man. Money lives where life is best, so money doesn't care if a few hundred thousand people die, if countries are ravaged, if the poor starve, etc. Money won't be in the neighbourhood, just profits. The fact that it is a country other than America doesn't make it right (The Aliens 12JUL08). Even if they are American companies, or the American Army, exploitation is exploitation and imperialism is imperialism.
Enter my neighbor, a local schoolteacher and resident of Southern Oregon since the 70's. An intellectual. I think he can't resist opening minds and eyes, but he has successfully changed my outlook on some things by simply saying, “Hey, watch this.”
Those four titles above are great food for thought. Especially Zeitgeist and 9/11 Revisited. You can Google all four.... Zeitgeist has no picture the first two minutes, just words from the Dahli monk.
Now, most American’s live comfortably, myself included, but what am I willing to allow my country to do in order to make this the best place in the world to live? At the very least I want to know the truth.
I honestly cannot look at people who think those planes brought the WTC down without feelings of disgust for their ignorance.
I always felt these religious fanatics (Jihadists, Christian warriors etc) were brainwashed fools, but after Zeitgeist and the God Delusion I realize that I was a fool too. I am ashamed of my own ignorance and lack of education (part of the remorse for having screwed around for twenty years in the drug culture).
People here in the State of Jefferson question everything. Oregon is the most atheist state in the union. Fewest Catholics and Baptists. Independent Voters. This is Ron Paul country (probably due to his platform to repeal the income tax (there is a lot of non-taxable income in this area)). It is fertile soil for alternative lifestyles and ways of thinking, good and bad. Who knows what my mental makeup will be after a few more months?
Saturday, July 12, 2008
The Aliens
The Aliens came to earth last night and spoke with me and they told me their plan.
They said, "We need the water".
I said, "What?"
They said, "The water, we need it, the water on the earth... It's ours, ya' know, and we need it back."
I said, "Yours?"
"Oh yeah," the alien said, "it's ours from eons ago. A long, long time ago the science department wanted to see what would happen if we put out the fire on the surface of a trashball, and just let it burn down inside til it was coal. Somebody thought it would collapse and disappear... make it easier to navigate space... so we dragged a huge ice cube here and slammed it into this trashball after successfully setting it on fire. It worked; the surface of the trashball was extinguished and the core was burning as planned but the planet was developing some form of bacteria that had evolved to the point that it was sending objects into space and the Supreme Board couldn't have that, so they ordered the return of the water to our world, and to start the experiment again closer to home where we can keep a closer eye on things... and spray."
"But what about Earth?"
"The trashball? Normal procedure; it will be dragged slowly into the big incinerator at the center, a few balls in front of it. Initially, they were going to slap the place with a comet, like the first time they tried to stop a fungus, but the scientists said without the water the growth would stop... so they're not going to send a rock."
"But there's life here," I said.
"Tell that to the guys that want the water," the alien said. "I hear OILPS ain't got water for their pools... you know how OILPS are! Without water for their pools they got nothing fo sit beside and drink. They got no place to tan, ya know... they need that water. Without it the OILPSROCK wouldn't be the haven it is."
"But do they need it to survive?" I asked.
"Oh, hell no," the alien said. "They just like the way it looks, but they have eminent domain over this trashball. When the place goes up in steam don't worry, we're just heating the it up so we can suck off the moisture."
They said, "We need the water".
I said, "What?"
They said, "The water, we need it, the water on the earth... It's ours, ya' know, and we need it back."
I said, "Yours?"
"Oh yeah," the alien said, "it's ours from eons ago. A long, long time ago the science department wanted to see what would happen if we put out the fire on the surface of a trashball, and just let it burn down inside til it was coal. Somebody thought it would collapse and disappear... make it easier to navigate space... so we dragged a huge ice cube here and slammed it into this trashball after successfully setting it on fire. It worked; the surface of the trashball was extinguished and the core was burning as planned but the planet was developing some form of bacteria that had evolved to the point that it was sending objects into space and the Supreme Board couldn't have that, so they ordered the return of the water to our world, and to start the experiment again closer to home where we can keep a closer eye on things... and spray."
"But what about Earth?"
"The trashball? Normal procedure; it will be dragged slowly into the big incinerator at the center, a few balls in front of it. Initially, they were going to slap the place with a comet, like the first time they tried to stop a fungus, but the scientists said without the water the growth would stop... so they're not going to send a rock."
"But there's life here," I said.
"Tell that to the guys that want the water," the alien said. "I hear OILPS ain't got water for their pools... you know how OILPS are! Without water for their pools they got nothing fo sit beside and drink. They got no place to tan, ya know... they need that water. Without it the OILPSROCK wouldn't be the haven it is."
"But do they need it to survive?" I asked.
"Oh, hell no," the alien said. "They just like the way it looks, but they have eminent domain over this trashball. When the place goes up in steam don't worry, we're just heating the it up so we can suck off the moisture."
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Starbucks are Closing
What up?
More bad news on the American economic front today. The place is falling apart. 35 years too late, there is no answer now, and the infuriating part is these were the same problems that faced the country in the Seventies. Only, now China will use any oil that we don't and, in the world of supply and demand, we have a lot less control.
It's like reducing fossil fuel emission: it doesn't matter what America does now because those developing countries thirsty for oil, industrialization, and modernization are not going to save the world at the expense of their own economies. America didn't and won't now.
Hell, America is practicing politics of imperialism and making wars over future supplies. Another reason the economy is falling apart. And here's what I'll look for in the future; can we change and will the 1% and OIL let us?
Will the American people allow Big Oil to dictate our Bankruptcy? In effect, milking the country dry by influencing policy to keep us dependant on fossil fuels till the atmosphere is ruined and we are slaves to our debt? Well, what the hell do the American people think has been done since the Carter Administration? And worse, the Bush Administration has lied to us, robbed us, and Shoved Big Oil Policy down our throat. When the cry for President Bush to be tried for treason and war crimes is raised, I’ll give a hearty “aye!”
Oh well, as I stated in February about Starbucks (Coffee Wars, Property Prices, and Nothing Left to Lose 26Feb08), that's the first factor I want to consider. Not that Starbucks and Dunkin-Donuts will determine our national economy and save the housing market, but they are great indicators of the times. See, I don't think that improving a latte or customer service, is going to save Starbucks. As times get harder it is my bet that the extravagance of $3.50 cups of coffee will be one of the first luxuries to give way to reality. Look for coffee shops, cafe mochas, and cappuccinos to disappear quicker than equity in a Las Vegas home (this might be a good time to invest in a personal home Mr. Coffee machine).
Starbucks announced they're closing 600 stores today.
My point: The world is changing, the common American is not as rich and, worse yet, has most likely already lost the wealth they had. The boom is over and the Piper has his hand out. Coffees are out, but look for an increase in Liquor consumption. Times are getting harder and unnecessary expenditures will be first to cease. Closing coffee shops are indicative of this. As the economy goes, Starbucks goes.
Six months ago things were a lot better in America. The stock market has lost 2.1 trillion dollars in the first six months of 2008. A barrel of crude is up about 40% since the beginning of the year, the dollar has lost about a third of its value and if you could afford to go out for coffee (obviously I can't) there's at least 600 fewer places to go.
Hope the world finds all of you more affluent than I, at least.
More bad news on the American economic front today. The place is falling apart. 35 years too late, there is no answer now, and the infuriating part is these were the same problems that faced the country in the Seventies. Only, now China will use any oil that we don't and, in the world of supply and demand, we have a lot less control.
It's like reducing fossil fuel emission: it doesn't matter what America does now because those developing countries thirsty for oil, industrialization, and modernization are not going to save the world at the expense of their own economies. America didn't and won't now.
Hell, America is practicing politics of imperialism and making wars over future supplies. Another reason the economy is falling apart. And here's what I'll look for in the future; can we change and will the 1% and OIL let us?
Will the American people allow Big Oil to dictate our Bankruptcy? In effect, milking the country dry by influencing policy to keep us dependant on fossil fuels till the atmosphere is ruined and we are slaves to our debt? Well, what the hell do the American people think has been done since the Carter Administration? And worse, the Bush Administration has lied to us, robbed us, and Shoved Big Oil Policy down our throat. When the cry for President Bush to be tried for treason and war crimes is raised, I’ll give a hearty “aye!”
Oh well, as I stated in February about Starbucks (Coffee Wars, Property Prices, and Nothing Left to Lose 26Feb08), that's the first factor I want to consider. Not that Starbucks and Dunkin-Donuts will determine our national economy and save the housing market, but they are great indicators of the times. See, I don't think that improving a latte or customer service, is going to save Starbucks. As times get harder it is my bet that the extravagance of $3.50 cups of coffee will be one of the first luxuries to give way to reality. Look for coffee shops, cafe mochas, and cappuccinos to disappear quicker than equity in a Las Vegas home (this might be a good time to invest in a personal home Mr. Coffee machine).
Starbucks announced they're closing 600 stores today.
My point: The world is changing, the common American is not as rich and, worse yet, has most likely already lost the wealth they had. The boom is over and the Piper has his hand out. Coffees are out, but look for an increase in Liquor consumption. Times are getting harder and unnecessary expenditures will be first to cease. Closing coffee shops are indicative of this. As the economy goes, Starbucks goes.
Six months ago things were a lot better in America. The stock market has lost 2.1 trillion dollars in the first six months of 2008. A barrel of crude is up about 40% since the beginning of the year, the dollar has lost about a third of its value and if you could afford to go out for coffee (obviously I can't) there's at least 600 fewer places to go.
Hope the world finds all of you more affluent than I, at least.
Friday, June 20, 2008
The Truth
Yup,
I have pecked almost fifty articles from my perch in the mountains of southern Oregon, now. By the measure of the response I have gotten from them, I guess most of them weren't worth responding to. People are busy. They agree with me silently, I know.
Occasionally, I get a response and it's all good; There's a million Samuel Clemens these days. Bloggers; how does one distinguish oneself where there are those that are more talented? Original thought is a lot of hard work. It normally takes research, ideas, travel ...and patience.
I'm recapping news today, but some interesting stories about Iraq's oilfields and production being locked into future contracts with US oil companies. And there is the Truth of the War with Iraq. Not weapons of mass destruction. Not Iraqi democracy. Not Al Qaeda, Iran or the Axis of Evil.
Oil, goddamn oil that's ruining the atmosphere, bankrupting the country, and will destroy the world, as we know it. Its warmer and wetter and the tornado season is all year long. Rainfall records and flooding levels are being shattered worldwide.
There's been a lot of talk about Jimmy Carter and the Seventies lately on the national news. I was comparing the situation to President Carter's tenure and the upheaval in the Seventies in article I wrote in January (Change We Can Believe In 10JAN08 and Educate Educate Educate! 21JAN08 ) It probably wasn't original thought then, but it's good to have the national media catching up with me. Normally it doesn't take them six months to steal my ideas.
The Carter Administration was neutralized by OIL in the Seventies, The Obama administration could very well be neutralized in the future.
The big question now is, will Obama play ball?
Alternative energy is the answer. And the American way of life will have to change. But will OIL let us?
It is the Bush Administration that concerns me. Never in my lifetime have I felt so deceived by the government. This whole escapade in the Middle East was an orchestrated collection of terror, lies, manipulation, greed and profiteering for OIL.
The war on Iraq was a manipulated act of imperialism for OIL. A shameful act of aggression and profiteering. US oil company profiteering.
Do you know it cost about $1.00 US to pump a barrel of crude oil out of the ground?
How quickly the President-Elect removes our troops from Iraq, and how aggressively he pursues alternative energy, will indicate how much he's working for every Americans future, or conversely, how long he'll continue policies that should have changed forty years ago. Will he sell out?
And the answer is not to throw all regard to the wind and let the bastards do what ever they like in the pursuit of oil, the answer is KICK the habit because the price of a gallon of gas will never come down.
I have pecked almost fifty articles from my perch in the mountains of southern Oregon, now. By the measure of the response I have gotten from them, I guess most of them weren't worth responding to. People are busy. They agree with me silently, I know.
Occasionally, I get a response and it's all good; There's a million Samuel Clemens these days. Bloggers; how does one distinguish oneself where there are those that are more talented? Original thought is a lot of hard work. It normally takes research, ideas, travel ...and patience.
I'm recapping news today, but some interesting stories about Iraq's oilfields and production being locked into future contracts with US oil companies. And there is the Truth of the War with Iraq. Not weapons of mass destruction. Not Iraqi democracy. Not Al Qaeda, Iran or the Axis of Evil.
Oil, goddamn oil that's ruining the atmosphere, bankrupting the country, and will destroy the world, as we know it. Its warmer and wetter and the tornado season is all year long. Rainfall records and flooding levels are being shattered worldwide.
There's been a lot of talk about Jimmy Carter and the Seventies lately on the national news. I was comparing the situation to President Carter's tenure and the upheaval in the Seventies in article I wrote in January (Change We Can Believe In 10JAN08 and Educate Educate Educate! 21JAN08 ) It probably wasn't original thought then, but it's good to have the national media catching up with me. Normally it doesn't take them six months to steal my ideas.
The Carter Administration was neutralized by OIL in the Seventies, The Obama administration could very well be neutralized in the future.
The big question now is, will Obama play ball?
Alternative energy is the answer. And the American way of life will have to change. But will OIL let us?
It is the Bush Administration that concerns me. Never in my lifetime have I felt so deceived by the government. This whole escapade in the Middle East was an orchestrated collection of terror, lies, manipulation, greed and profiteering for OIL.
The war on Iraq was a manipulated act of imperialism for OIL. A shameful act of aggression and profiteering. US oil company profiteering.
Do you know it cost about $1.00 US to pump a barrel of crude oil out of the ground?
How quickly the President-Elect removes our troops from Iraq, and how aggressively he pursues alternative energy, will indicate how much he's working for every Americans future, or conversely, how long he'll continue policies that should have changed forty years ago. Will he sell out?
And the answer is not to throw all regard to the wind and let the bastards do what ever they like in the pursuit of oil, the answer is KICK the habit because the price of a gallon of gas will never come down.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Now It Is Our Time
It is now Your Time Gentlemen.
It is your duty and responsibility to the American People to speak out from Experience, Memory, and Knowledge; Those who were alive in the seventies, Who Remember the Protests, The Administrations Lies, the Bullshit, and especially those who served as proud Americans and saw the cost, first hand, of at the expense of the 1%. Those who were shelled, while Shell oil transports sat in the harbor within range of the enemy's weapons, but were immune to attack because Shell paid the Vietnamese not to do so. It is your duty to remind America of the guile of her politicians. (One of many stories the country should be reminded of...)
And why now? Because there are many other similarities between the seventies and the present, that those who were there should remember. The reason we were in Vietnam?
To stop the ‘spread’ of communism? And today’s fear? The ‘spread’ of nuclear weapons. And who is using that ‘spread’ word and continuing to propagate fear of ‘Weapons of Mass Destruction’ and ‘Al Qaeda in Iraq’ and ‘Axis of Terror’ etc?
Our GOOD OL' BOY: John McCain for no change. This jerk wants to recycle the mistakes of the Seventies; probably thinks our memories are completely up in smoke!
Another similarity to the Seventies? Recession. Inflation. Skyrocketing oil prices (Vietnam wasn't helping. Iraq isn't helping).
And the Commander of all US forces in the Pacific? John McCain's Father. 1968.
A Position very Close to the top, I would imagine. A man whom would know the truth, have to be a team player and, maybe, get a cut of the Profit? Or maybe have his wife get a cut? We questioned the whole damn war, so why shouldn't I now question the integrity of the Admiral, and his successor? The Vietnam war was an imperialistic military action for a Profit. So is Iraq. Like father like Son. Let's remember and end it now!
John McCain is showing the signs of a man who will do anything to win.
How Senator McCain can stand and state that Senator Obama has no right to question his action in regards to our veteran affairs because Senator Obama is not a veteran is outrageous. It is exactly the kind of arrogance and attitude that makes Senator John McCain a dangerous candidate, and a pompous asshole.
I spent six years in the Army, and my family spent three hundred years before that conquering, and defending this country, so that everyone (including Senator Obama) can give their opinion and question the Powers that be! I am American; would the Senator ever question my right to question him by virtue of his position?
Additionally, Senator McCain is willing to continue the current policies that waste billions of dollars a day, yet votes against a bill for veterans benefits that cost less per year than a days worth of folly in Iraq? That is not a veteran's actions. Those are the actions of The Profiteer. The Senators actions belie his words, and he is not a veteran that this veteran would trusts.
And I'm a super-American-voice; my family are North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountain Hillbilly charter members.
It is your duty and responsibility to the American People to speak out from Experience, Memory, and Knowledge; Those who were alive in the seventies, Who Remember the Protests, The Administrations Lies, the Bullshit, and especially those who served as proud Americans and saw the cost, first hand, of at the expense of the 1%. Those who were shelled, while Shell oil transports sat in the harbor within range of the enemy's weapons, but were immune to attack because Shell paid the Vietnamese not to do so. It is your duty to remind America of the guile of her politicians. (One of many stories the country should be reminded of...)
And why now? Because there are many other similarities between the seventies and the present, that those who were there should remember. The reason we were in Vietnam?
To stop the ‘spread’ of communism? And today’s fear? The ‘spread’ of nuclear weapons. And who is using that ‘spread’ word and continuing to propagate fear of ‘Weapons of Mass Destruction’ and ‘Al Qaeda in Iraq’ and ‘Axis of Terror’ etc?
Our GOOD OL' BOY: John McCain for no change. This jerk wants to recycle the mistakes of the Seventies; probably thinks our memories are completely up in smoke!
Another similarity to the Seventies? Recession. Inflation. Skyrocketing oil prices (Vietnam wasn't helping. Iraq isn't helping).
And the Commander of all US forces in the Pacific? John McCain's Father. 1968.
A Position very Close to the top, I would imagine. A man whom would know the truth, have to be a team player and, maybe, get a cut of the Profit? Or maybe have his wife get a cut? We questioned the whole damn war, so why shouldn't I now question the integrity of the Admiral, and his successor? The Vietnam war was an imperialistic military action for a Profit. So is Iraq. Like father like Son. Let's remember and end it now!
John McCain is showing the signs of a man who will do anything to win.
How Senator McCain can stand and state that Senator Obama has no right to question his action in regards to our veteran affairs because Senator Obama is not a veteran is outrageous. It is exactly the kind of arrogance and attitude that makes Senator John McCain a dangerous candidate, and a pompous asshole.
I spent six years in the Army, and my family spent three hundred years before that conquering, and defending this country, so that everyone (including Senator Obama) can give their opinion and question the Powers that be! I am American; would the Senator ever question my right to question him by virtue of his position?
Additionally, Senator McCain is willing to continue the current policies that waste billions of dollars a day, yet votes against a bill for veterans benefits that cost less per year than a days worth of folly in Iraq? That is not a veteran's actions. Those are the actions of The Profiteer. The Senators actions belie his words, and he is not a veteran that this veteran would trusts.
And I'm a super-American-voice; my family are North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountain Hillbilly charter members.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
$150 a Barrel of Oil
Another doomsday report from southern Oregon, but first... BE HAPPY. Spend your stimulus check.. no better not. When it makes no difference to the economy at all, you might find it depressing to think of the billions the American people have been swindled, while your cut was a mere few hundred dollars.
Yes, I've been watching the news today. Some of it is almost humorous, if not tragic. Ford Excusions, Chevy Suburbans, BIG trucks, SUVs, all of those $40 - 60k vehicles aren't worth 30% of their original cost less than two years after they're purchased. People trying to trade them in due to the gas crisis (again, circa 1976) are finding they have no re-sale value due to the cost of gas. What? You don't have $240 to fill the tank on your 3\4 ton that gets ten miles to the gallon? No matter, it'll still look good with those 22" rims. Hey... and if the asphalt gets so hot your tires stick to the pavement and two wheel drives can't move, you got four wheel drive, just no gas!
I mean, what the hell did you expect? People out there living in $500 a month apartments, driving SUVs with $600 a month payments, plus insurance (maybe) and gas too. Then there's the homeowner who refinanced and bought that car. Now he's upside down in his house. Then he tries to cut expenses, dump the gas hog, and what happens? He's upside down in the SUV, or already lost $20-30k.
Uh-oh, it's the spiral effect and it's snowballing.
I'm poor, so we must keep in mind my views are from one who views gas prices as devastating to people on fixed and lower incomes.
However, why would anybody want to buy a new car today? Motor home? Hell, at this point anything that burns gas is a bad investment. Soon fuel costs for private transportation will become prohibitive. Which brings us to $150 a barrel oil prices. It was only two months ago that oil hit a previously un-thought of $100 a barrel. At that time gas was over $3 a gallon.
Today it's at $130+ a barrel, and at the current rates of increase it should be $150 by the end of June. As I stated before (All Things Being Equal 05 MAY 08), the price of gas will be $5.25 a gallon by the end of summer and, unfortunately, everything else is going to be 35% more expensive too.
Now here's the back breaker; while everything else becomes more expensive (and the dollar loses value), your house, which is your hedge against inflation, loses value too! Coming and going, Baby, coming and going.
Anyway, don't get me wrong, I'm not worried. Misery loves company and I'm lonely as hell, and I've already downscaled. It ain't all bad. There are unprecedented opportunities in the decline, also. One only need know where to look. I'm looking to the garden.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
McCain for No Change
People,
I'm a troubled soul and my teeth don't fit properly, but I still don't work my jaw around as much as Senator John McCain. Every time I see the Senator, he seems exasperated with the ignorance that questions him. If we were all enlightened then, of course, we would agree with him. Meanwhile, isn't it bothersome, all these questions? He reminds me of old men I bothered as a kid.
Admiral Grandpa and Admiral Pa never faced this type of scrutiny. Admirals give orders, make choices, mold worlds. Nobody questioned the admirals.The military is authoritarian. John McCain is a military man. Can you see where I'm going with this? I'm just getting started, too.
I got shit to say about Senator McCain. First thing, it would be best to leave 'wives' out of the campaign. A word of the wise to the McCain campaign.
Secondly, I don't want anyone who suffered at the hands of captors as long as Senator McCain did as President.
I respect the Senator, however, he failed his mission, was captured, was unable to escape, and has to be scarred, deeply, from the experience. I don't want little voices in the night, or the necessity to exert his 'power' (free at last from the cage) running the country.
I've said it before, too. If they'll do anything to get elected, don't elect them. And the tactics. I saw the original debate where Obama said he would 'talk' with our adversaries. First Hillary, and now McCain, distort that statement way out of proportion. Dirty tactics. McCain should recognize someone's got to lose, and take the high road. Win or lose, 2 to 1 he's dead in eight years, regardless. A vote for McCain is a vote for no change.
VOTE for ISOLATIONISM and IMPERIALISM.
VOTE for ISOLATIONISM and IMPERIALISM.
First we disband all international companies. Afterward, we cancel all debt owed to foreign countries and freeze all monies in American banks. As part of our new Isolationist Government, we will allow no money to leave the country, keep all monies in the country, and seize all foreign assets. There will be no imports and no exports. If we need it and don't have it, we'll initialize the Imperialistic half of the new Government. conquer and exploit. Kick their ass, make 'em a state, give 'em a fair cut.
The American way. Don't question me; my forefathers fought, kicked ass, and created states from the country's inception: the American way!
Everybody feel better politically about your choices now?
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Grand Theft Auto 4
Coinciding with oil reaching another record high of $123 a barrel today, the new video game 'Grand Theft Auto 4' generates $500 million in sales in it's first 1/2 week. That's half a BILLION in three and a half days in video game sales.
At the same time Myamar loses 100 thousand plus people in a cyclone (hurricane), and a good portion of Asia's rice crop is destroyed or threatened, unfotunately and coincidently, the week after experts predict world food shortages. Yet there is still $500,000,000 paid for this one new video game in 3 and a 1/2 days worth of sales. I underline this point because I wonder what the total game sales will in a week, month, year?
Now, I'm no Reverend Wright, and I won't claim to know anything about the divine plan, or how God really thinks. I'm not even going to claim there is a GOD, but supposing there is... then what the hell would you guess the Almighty is going to think upon her appraisal of the current state of affairs: "Things can't be that damn bad" or "How bad can it get"? Might depend on how many shares of Microsoft God owns.
Half a billion in retail sales has to be good for the stimulus package. Let me do a little research on that game and see if the money is going to China....
And just back from Google... Xbox is Microsoft. There you are; the rich get richer. And using theological criteria of appraisal for logic, God has to own a piece of Microsoft, otherwise no way in hell they could have that kind of success. Anyway, if the world falls apart, Americans don't think they care. They're stealing cars on the computer, and getting life's lessons from the perverted wisdom of Wall Street, graphic designers and the thrills of cyberspace.
What are life's lessons? I would guess for every life they are different. In America, where the vast majority of the now living population did not experience the Great Depression, where Baby Boomers have lived their entire lives in what, for the most part, was the expanding economy of the richest nation on earth, the lessons of life already learned may not apply to the world of the future. A world with a shrinking economy and the comforts and luxuries of yesteryear gone.
In a shrinking world, new lessons of life may be necessary to learn and, for Americans, it won't be easy. A world where property depreciates and today's pleasures can't be paid for with tommorrow's equity. How the hell are Americans going to pay for all those $35K SUVs, and put gas into them all $5 a gallon, if we can't refinance our homes every 3 to 5 years? That's why SUV sales are down in the billions and my Jeep has 235 thousand miles. Lessons learned.
A world where people go hungry. Everybody I know that has ever 'starved', afterward they could never be rich enough. Being hungry for food to sustain life, survive, must leave a long and lasting impression/fear. Today's native born Americans, for the most part, have never known real hunger. And the mass production of food depends on fuel and petrol chemicals and the weather. Absurd, Americans hungry! Not in our lifetimes. Hopefully.
Furthermore, in America (in our lifetimes) opportunity has always been available. Why save, just go make more money. Buy it on credit, pay for it with future money. Future money may not be available in the future. Opportunity may disappear. If you can't afford it now, forget it. Learn the value of a dollar and save. Damn, am I talking to the past, or what? I'm talking to the future, too. Too bad I can't afford to save. Anyway, I just thought the juxtaposition of current world conditions and video sales might explain why I think when the Almighty shows up she might be a little bitchy. Half a billion dollars. I wish I could afford that game and see what I'm missing.
At the same time Myamar loses 100 thousand plus people in a cyclone (hurricane), and a good portion of Asia's rice crop is destroyed or threatened, unfotunately and coincidently, the week after experts predict world food shortages. Yet there is still $500,000,000 paid for this one new video game in 3 and a 1/2 days worth of sales. I underline this point because I wonder what the total game sales will in a week, month, year?
Now, I'm no Reverend Wright, and I won't claim to know anything about the divine plan, or how God really thinks. I'm not even going to claim there is a GOD, but supposing there is... then what the hell would you guess the Almighty is going to think upon her appraisal of the current state of affairs: "Things can't be that damn bad" or "How bad can it get"? Might depend on how many shares of Microsoft God owns.
Half a billion in retail sales has to be good for the stimulus package. Let me do a little research on that game and see if the money is going to China....
And just back from Google... Xbox is Microsoft. There you are; the rich get richer. And using theological criteria of appraisal for logic, God has to own a piece of Microsoft, otherwise no way in hell they could have that kind of success. Anyway, if the world falls apart, Americans don't think they care. They're stealing cars on the computer, and getting life's lessons from the perverted wisdom of Wall Street, graphic designers and the thrills of cyberspace.
What are life's lessons? I would guess for every life they are different. In America, where the vast majority of the now living population did not experience the Great Depression, where Baby Boomers have lived their entire lives in what, for the most part, was the expanding economy of the richest nation on earth, the lessons of life already learned may not apply to the world of the future. A world with a shrinking economy and the comforts and luxuries of yesteryear gone.
In a shrinking world, new lessons of life may be necessary to learn and, for Americans, it won't be easy. A world where property depreciates and today's pleasures can't be paid for with tommorrow's equity. How the hell are Americans going to pay for all those $35K SUVs, and put gas into them all $5 a gallon, if we can't refinance our homes every 3 to 5 years? That's why SUV sales are down in the billions and my Jeep has 235 thousand miles. Lessons learned.
A world where people go hungry. Everybody I know that has ever 'starved', afterward they could never be rich enough. Being hungry for food to sustain life, survive, must leave a long and lasting impression/fear. Today's native born Americans, for the most part, have never known real hunger. And the mass production of food depends on fuel and petrol chemicals and the weather. Absurd, Americans hungry! Not in our lifetimes. Hopefully.
Furthermore, in America (in our lifetimes) opportunity has always been available. Why save, just go make more money. Buy it on credit, pay for it with future money. Future money may not be available in the future. Opportunity may disappear. If you can't afford it now, forget it. Learn the value of a dollar and save. Damn, am I talking to the past, or what? I'm talking to the future, too. Too bad I can't afford to save. Anyway, I just thought the juxtaposition of current world conditions and video sales might explain why I think when the Almighty shows up she might be a little bitchy. Half a billion dollars. I wish I could afford that game and see what I'm missing.
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