Back Talk Me

Newt?!

2012-01-25T14:02:00.000-08:00

I would've taken Bachmann! The conservative Christians sure have a massive problem now. Vote for a man who really believes in family as per his actions (Obama) ,or a man with 3 wives.

Chinese Imports vs California Manufacturing Sector

2011-11-07T12:26:00.000-08:00

A previous post describing the need for individuals to change their buying behavior was popular with readers. Essentially it said if we want to usher in change it's not going to be by storming Wall Street or joining OWS, but by our own votes, the votes we make with our dollars and common sense.

Well here's some more food for thought to back up what I was saying before about the rise in imports from foreign countries. (My example used China, there are others, but China is the largest and the issue with them doesn't just merely stem from too much importing, but also that importing means they hold even more US debt, which leaves us in a growing problem of financial powerloss.)

If you do'nt believe me when I had the Chinese imports to China in (kg), then take a look at correlating data from a similar time period (2000-2010) on the wages in the the manufacturing sector.

The drop is around 30% in ten years. Can we afford another 30% in another ten years? I understand we diversify, but there's a huge drop in those employed by the manufacturing sector. IN a time when jobs are at a premium and we're struggling to employ 1 out of every 10 eligible workers, well we gotta find ways to increase local production. We have the human capital but not the policy to employ our own.

Again, all stemming back from the desire for cheap goods and of course, higher profits. We all have apart in this.

Again thanks to the group at CC Legal, San Diego Bankruptcy Attorney providing us with the stats.

Don't Blame China, Blame you - Consumption

2011-10-31T15:14:00.000-07:00

You can blame Regan economics for letting loose the reigns that protected American jobs from shipping overseas. You see, the push for cheaper goods means the most expensive elements needs to be eliminated, that of course is labor costs. Wages are the single highest expense for any company (usually).

So the likes of Walmart or Target, or heck any big box retailer, is to pay their grunts minimum wage, reduces costs all around (hey, let's face it, many are masters at efficient production/delivery), and of course, import goods from overseas (it's way cheaper you see.)

At the end of the year, greedy executives will reap the rewards of million dollar profits with million dollar bonuses. forget the notion that this greed is unbridled and will never filter down to peasants, no, we've got a bigger problem.

The problem is ourselves. Stop blaming executives. Yes, we know, they make way too much money. But aren't they living the dream we're all pursuing? MORE MORE MORE? When is MORE enough? probably never unless you have some serious morals/upbringing.

I digress.

We all feel we're entitled to more and now we're jealous of those who have way too much (I think we're also pissed they exploit so much too....just saying.) BUT, it's our own demand for certain things that's fueling the problem. We all want nice things, we all want more money, and we all want to consume more. However, that cosumption needs to come at a better price.

we all want more but want to pay less.

that's the problem. our consumer attitude demands that goods be created elsewhere. american jobs are directly correlated to the demand for low cost goods. The need to remain competitive outweighs the long term consequences of job loss.

America's population doesn't grow by 20% each year, not even 10%. Yet, we import more and more each year from foreign countries, namely China.

Take a look at this graph for imports to California from China since 1997:

Each year other than the debacle in 2009 saw an increase between 10-20% year over year. That's a LOT of stuff coming in, and it's not slowing down.

So the answer to the problem of jobs and income? Well part of it is you, and what you demand, and the expectations you have to pay. Sure, regulations may help, but you need to demand for it first.

Can you handle it? Or do you insist on your cheap Disney junk and Jersey Shore shirts, or *fill in blank here*?

CCLegalgroup, a group of San Diego Bankruptcy Lawyers provided us with the stats, thanks.

How not to start a movement

2011-10-31T15:00:00.000-07:00

don't flounder around making a mess and randomly demanding stupid items that make you look like a fool.

the occupy movement is not in fact a movement.... ok maybe it is, anything that can mobilize people around the country (and world) is a movement. but a movement also doesn't die right when it starts, and certainly has some element that's recognizable.

occupywall street does not have said items. in fact, it's hard to tell what they're about. Now, I'ma ll for reform, certainly, but I also know two things.

a) reform is hard because politicians who ultimately have the biggest role to play have the most to lose. they're largely funded by the same people OWS pickets against.
b) in order to change the politician you need to vote them out, but again, see above, all the money comes from people who want a particular viewpoint support and they'll get what they want, plus nobody poor votes (over generalization but you get the idea.)

The economy is so complex that joe plumber from arkansas walking up to washington to fight for his rights and entitlements is clueless how to impact the process.

stop being idiots, if you want change then start at the grassroots level and start educating people to make different choices. those choices probably mean changing consumer behvaior from everything ranging from goods to tv shows.

on the flip side if you're on the movement team, then actually have a centralized voice, some demands, anything! mobilize people towards single vision or goals. if everyone has their own agenda nothing gets done.

at the end of the day ows is going to cost taxpayers money, which is fine, if it accomplishes something it sets out to do. right now they don't know waht that is.

in my mind ows will fail. in this form at least.

but the next form that continues to build upon the disparity that's constantly growing, well that might stick....and that could break this whole thing loose.

as for now, wall street execs are laughing all the way to the bank.

Bachmann Says HUrricane God's way to send msg

2011-08-31T14:40:00.000-07:00

Somebody gonna get hurt real bad. That's what God says every time Republicans need a reason to explain a natural disaster. Forge tthe fact the wind was blowing really hard, it was God specifically sending a message to Democrats to get their act together.Is that the President you want/ Someone so stupid they'll blame God for natural disasters and make light of the DEATHS that occurred as a result for the sake of political gain. We really need someone who makes light of natural disasters?What's worse, if these people believe in a God who bludgeons his own people just to get their attention, then I'm literally shaking in my boots for what other vengeful things are coming down the pipe. Funy though, God doesn't seem to bothered by the richest of the rich who are benefiting off of Republican policies to continue reducing regulations in, oh let's just say, the financial sector. Yea, God's cool with that, but blowing apart poor people on the East Coast, no problem.Get real. I'm fine with believing in God, but don't be trying to run a campaign based on the fact you can or cannot hear God's voice telling you he's about to kill fellow Americans because the right right=wing policy didn't pass. Fail.

Republican Fail

2011-08-08T14:59:00.000-07:00

In all facets of economic wrangling be it State or Federal, the Republicans have held their constituents hostage. They want to hold out crippling everyone but the most wealthy just so they can what they want.

How does it work? Who votes for these people? It sucks the very same people getting screwed by terrible policies are the same numnuts who dont 'vote. Will it change? Maybe slowly, but ultimately the Republicans will likely win the next election and continue to destroy anybody middle class and under. So let's say 80% of America.....

Beautiful Space Photos Using Simple Camera

2011-07-15T09:22:00.001-07:00

Check out these stunning time lapsed photos from an amateur photographer from Australia.

http://www.redbubble.com/people/alexch

Japan on Nuclear Power

2011-07-05T09:05:00.000-07:00

As Germany aims to remove all nuclear power plants in a decade or so, Japan can't rule it out.

I don't blame them, they can't generate power in mayn ways on an island so small and so full of people, and more importantly, so few in natural resources.

So is that it then? Back to nuclear and crossing the fingers till the next disaster?

Well for some reason nobody is paying attention to the technology of thorium plants. Maybe it's the nuclear lobby?

Check out what this ex-NASA employee has to say:

Econometrics and the Death Penalty

2011-05-23T14:33:00.000-07:00

Relevance?

Quite a bit.

Any economist will tell you that polls and stats are irrelevant.

Like the 'fact' that 5 out of every 10 stats are made up including this one.

Truth be told any data set can be manipulated to deliver support for any conclusion. You have your opinion then you massage a data set to reveal the results you want. It's not dishonest, it's just possible.

This paper puts into question the methods of derving support, among other things, for the death penalty. Of particular interest in this paper is the WSJ 2007 article that correlated data with death penalties and # of lives saved.

http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1816542

Follow the Evidence!

2011-05-16T14:08:00.000-07:00

It bemuses me how politicians will only do what's convenient rather than what's supported by evidence.

I guess I should be surprised. Nor should the electorate when something stupid goes down.

take Canada for instance. Their crime rate has decreased around 15% in the past ten years. http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2010/07/20/14765636.html

The response from the newly elected Conservative government (think mini-republicans)?

Increase spending for new prisons. The prison budget increases 20%. As well, Canada being 10% the size of America population wise, they will go ahead and purchase new F35 fighter jets. Spending that is a low estimate of the actual cost. The cash could pay down about 15% of the Canadian debt........http://www.canadians.org/campaignblog/?p=7820

Talk about a problem with priorities.

Not that we're any better.

White Republicans to Get more Republican

2011-04-22T11:27:00.000-07:00

As if it's possible! But the trends with demographics in the country point to an increase cultural diversity. Some findings pointing to non-white typically voting with a slant to the Dems, and existing Republicans going further right.

However, young Republicans don't seem to be going with their older counterparts. young white voters are more Democratic.

Let's see how this shapes up in 2012.

So left you're wrong

2011-04-12T11:34:00.000-07:00

A demonstration that American politics consists of two parties that are slight left of center and slightly right of center and little to the extremes came amidst some comments from South American leaders who sit way on the other side of the spectrum (the left side).

http://www.examiner.com/law-enforcement-in-national/obama-blasted-by-latin-america-s-leftist-leaders

Hugo isn't so happy with the Obama administration, hoping for a bit better.

I guess you can't win.

But then again, I doubt you should listen much to what Chavez has to say.

Credit Card Scam

2011-03-31T10:14:00.000-07:00

If you've every tried to start a business then you know that in order to accept credit cards you take a hit of between 2-4% that goes directly to the merchant (VISA or MASTERCARD).

Why?

Because they want 12 billion in profits a year.

And if they have their way, legislators will let die a bill that will prevent the ridiculous fee.

That's 12 billion back to consumers BTW (or 12 billion in the pockets of businesses).

Regardless, unscrupulous and unreasonable charges from banks have brought them billions. They don't want to give it up for no other reason than greed. Pathetic.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2011/mar/30/banking-creditcards

Snyder in Mich Stealing from Poor giving to rich?

2011-03-22T09:35:00.000-07:00

Monsanto runs the government?!?!?!

I understand fiscal conservatism, but why do Republicans insist on destroying Michigan?

Snyder is doing what any fiscal conservative would do with a budget shortfall--increase taxes thus increasing spending.

OK, So who will be facing cuts?

Seniors and low income.

1.8 billion

Who gets the money? The budget shortfall? No, big corporations with big taxes.

Yes, Republicans should be VERY proud that we continue the spiral of fattening the wealthiest among us........

So, I also get cutting back on salaries, government workers, etc. But if we pull funding from local officials only to replace them with appointed Republican Snyder cronies... Uh oh.

Anywho, would to hear from the other side too.

And not the 'Republican' side, I think Democrat or Republican both have been selling out.

Incredible BMX Race

2011-03-22T07:31:00.001-07:00

in Chile'

VCA 2010 RACE RUN from changoman on Vimeo.

Unions are Communists in Disguise

2011-03-12T14:00:00.000-08:00

What?

Please, stick around for a conversation, unlike the Democrats who high-tailed it out of Wisconsin. But please, don't be an idiot and liken unions to communists.

You're unfortunately an uneducated fool if you do.

In the case of Madison its the public-sector unions in the spotlight. Maybe we need more private sector unions to help out the wage gap. Do CEOs really deserve 100s of billions in bonuses every year? It's a rock and hard place dilemma in Madison cause it seems that there is a conflict of interest in public-sector unions fighting against the tax payers and voters by trying to effectively overturn the election results in Wisconsin.

I'm not naive to assume the Unions are simply defending the workers well being and their livelihood, there's always a bigger picture. But it had nothing to with patriotism or communism.

Follow this closely, it might start something in the US that will make us all better off, wel lmaybe not the top 1000 wealthiest, but they can go live their days in Cuba if they think this country is ripping them off.

Anyways, I gotta head off and pick somethings up at Wal-Mart. after all, they do have the cheapest prices, post the biggest profits, have the largest bonuses, and pay their workers the least. I like (not.)

Pray for Japan

2011-03-12T07:30:00.000-08:00

The devastation is unimaginable. Keep them in your prayers. And don't send them socks....

We aint broke

2011-03-06T13:59:00.000-08:00

Wouldn't mind seeing evidence for his claims about the top 400.

I do agree, however, that it' sightly clear there is a huge wage disparity in this country....

Opposing Freedoms

2011-02-02T14:23:00.000-08:00

Someone recently asked me why the political left oppressed freedoms?

I sorta sat stunned, but only for a second. You can certainly post here how the political left is a step away from communism (that's fear mongering and not conducive to any form of intellectual dialogue).

But for the rest of us, here are a few ways the conservative RIGHT makes WRONG when it comes to freedoms.

They bar freedoms from: equal rights movments, muslims, gays, immigrants (AZ), marijuana (that one is a bit sketch), marriage, abortion, medicare, and heck, if your'e poor, then capitalism too !

(Ok the last one was tongue in cheek.)

Obamacare Legit?

2011-01-23T14:25:00.000-08:00

Forget the fact we pay the most for healthcare than any other developed nation (maybe not the most, but it's among the highest), and that includes those with universal healthcare.

I want to know how we'll pay for healthcare (we can't do it now) when the majority of the population needs it (baby boomers anybody?)

I'm scared cause it's my taxes that will have to go to those old farts who put me into a mountain of eternal deb.t

But one more thing, the COST of medicare.

Would you chose to have medicare for all for the same price, or pay more for health that's available only to some?

I know it' snot that simple, but there's something to be said about the money we spend and the lack of services we receive. It's a huge deal.

Under new management

2010-12-28T08:30:00.000-08:00

Back at er with the latest whistleblowing swear filled rants on anybody and everybody. Nobody is safe, not even the Obamaites or Clin-tonites. Calling out the 'liberal media' for what it is: liberally dishing out junky media.

I swear future posts will be far wittier.

Sucks to be Poor and in Michigan

2009-10-01T14:33:00.000-07:00

Michigan residents experienced a 6.2 percent decrease in median income in the course of one year, from 2008 to 2009, while Illinois has suffered a 24 percent increase in poverty in the past decade. More than 36 percent of Detroit’s population officially lives in poverty.

http://www.wsws.org/articles/2010/sep2010/cens-s29.shtml

Well that does suck, but how have we wound up witha system that celebrates the wealth of a few? Yes, chase the American dream, but that dream has stymied the working classs to the point they've been reduced to inactive rubble. 20% of Ameircans now account 50% of the wealth.

Something is amiss.

or maybe we should all try harder to be rich and exploitive.

Bush To Veto Kids Health Insurance

2007-07-16T08:25:00.000-07:00

Compassionate Conservatism
While spending $10 billion a month on his ~~war of choice in~~ occupation of Iraq, Pretzeldunce Smirky O'Fucktard has threatened veto any reauthorization of the kids health insurance program that goes beyond an increase of $5 billion over five years, the cost of two weeks in Iraq because it's socialized medicine, or some bullshit like that.
Wow.
Too bad Pelosi has insisted, "Bush isn't worth impeaching." You have to wonder what kind of garbage that Rove has on her.

The Majority of Foreign Fighters Are.....Saudi

2007-07-15T08:29:00.000-07:00

The Liberal Media
Fox "News" kind of let THIS ONE slip under their radar........

Although Bush administration officials have frequently lashed out at Syria and Iran, accusing it of helping insurgents and militias here, the largest number of foreign fighters and suicide bombers in Iraq come from a third neighbor, Saudi Arabia, according to a senior U.S. military officer and Iraqi lawmakers.About 45% of all foreign militants targeting U.S. troops and Iraqi civilians and security forces are from Saudi Arabia; 15% are from Syria and Lebanon; and 10% are from North Africa, according to official U.S. military figures made available to The Times by the senior officer. Nearly half of the 135 foreigners in U.S. detention facilities in Iraq are Saudis, he said.

Weren't hijackers from who hit the towers almost all SAUDI ? Those Iranian and al Qaeda "terrorists" must run faster than Saudis. Are we as stupid as the "liberal media" thinks?

Supportin' the tr...

2007-07-15T08:27:00.000-07:00

Bush may make ~~warmongering neocons~~ Petraeus his fall guy. From ThinkProgress:

[Preznit Honor an' Accountabilitude] has mentioned Gen. David Petraeus “at least 150 times this year in his speeches, interviews and news conferences.” But some in the military worry that “the general is being set up by the Bush administration as a scapegoat if conditions in Iraq fail to improve. ‘The danger is that Petraeus will now be painted as failing to live up to expectations and become the fall guy for the administration,’ one retired four-star officer said.”

"Not muh fault -- damn generals on th' ground..."
*****

Republicans Hope for Terror Attack

2007-07-14T09:42:00.000-07:00

The Sky Is Falling!
Officials worry of summer terror attack' reads an Associated Press headline today as Americans are served up their weekly dose of fearmongering. The latest shit your pants ooga booga fear factor episode comes from ABC's Brian Ross:

Senior U.S. intelligence officials tell ABC News new intelligence suggests a small al Qaeda cell is on its way to the United States, or may already be here.
But, according to the White House, there is no credible evidence of an imminent threat. (although Skeletor's belly feels funny)

A more accurate headline would be officials don't worry about another attack, they crave one - to save their fucked up foreign policy and attempt to improve approval ratings that are now at tricky dicky levels. It's a bit scary that the newest Republicocksucker talking point is all about how people will all see the wisdom of the Cheney Regime when the next terrorist attack comes.
They yearn for that terrorist attack they need to save their Party like David Vitter lusts for kinky sex with prostitutes.

We're fightin' them there so we can be scared shitless here. If there's one thing Republicans are good at it's fear.

Advanced Republican Obstructionism

2007-07-13T08:30:00.000-07:00

Filibusters Are Bad Only When Dems Do It
Republicunts are fucking evil and obstructionists to the core, as if you haven't realized it. But it's much, much worse than most people realize. From Hilzoy :

Remember the Congressional Ethics Reform package, for instance? It passed both houses of Congress by substantial majorities: 96-2 in the Senate, and 396-22 in the House. And yet, strange to say, the Republicans are refusing to let it go to conference, where both houses agree on a uniform final version of the bill to enact.

Party over country or the voice of WE THE PEOPLE, the Republicunt party is representing their corporate masters, and of course, themselves. But it gets better...

And now, for their latest trick, they have decided to filibuster all legislation on Iraq, including of the amendments to the Defense Appropriations Bill.The vote on cloture for this amendment, which would have allowed a straight vote to occur, was 56-41. All the Democrats, Bernie Sanders, and seven Republicans voted for cloture; the rest of the Republicans plus Joe Lieberman voted against.

If you need any more reasons to drink heavily, or just plain get pissed off at the way we have become a fascist country, read the entire post at Osbidian Wings . Arrrggghhhh!!

al Qeada in Iraq Threatens Iran

2007-07-12T08:34:00.000-07:00

Bbbbut Chimpy Said They Were Butt Buddies
In an inconvenient truth that calls bullshit on the bald faced lies by the Cheney Menstruation and its brain-dead 26 percenters of a link between Iran and Al Qaeda, the leader of an Al Qaeda affiliated group inside Iraq is fixin' to Jihad against . . . Iran, if they don’t stop supporting the Shiites inside Iraq.
The response from the Reich-Wingnuts and the "liberal media?" Crickets.....

Bush's Political Comeback

2007-07-12T08:33:00.000-07:00

Any Second Now....

Poised for an astonishingly amazing rebound from septic tank levels of approval, Chimpy McCrustwad's "hand will be bolstered" by the revelation that al Qaeda has regained enough strength to behead all of our kids, kill the food on our families, prevent obgyn's from practicing their love, destroy our malls and convert all of us to Islam, according to ~~al Jazeera~~ the A.P.
Oh, and Skeltor's belly is tingling...... See Olbermann's comment a couple of posts down.

Keepin' us more safer

2007-07-10T08:36:00.000-07:00

If by "safer" you mean "ignore science and medicine but mention Bush three times on every page." Like so many things this WH has done, this is unbelievable. It would be funny if it weren't so fucking disturbing. This was our nation's surgeon general, not some paltry little hack spokes-tool:

Former Surgeon General Richard Carmona told a Congressional panel Tuesday that top Bush administration officials repeatedly tried to weaken or suppress important public health reports because of political considerations.

The administration, Dr. Carmona said, would not allow him to speak or issue reports about stem cells, emergency contraception, sex education, or prison, mental and global health issues. Top officials delayed for years and tried to “water down” a landmark report on secondhand smoke, he said. Released last year, the report concluded that even brief exposure to cigarette smoke could cause immediate harm.

Dr. Carmona said he was ordered to mention President Bush three times on every page of his speeches. He also said he was asked to make speeches to support Republican political candidates and to attend political briefings.

Politics above public health. Fucking assholes.

Did James Brown, and Look How Far That Got Him

2007-02-27T10:35:00.000-08:00

Castro calls Chavez radio show: 'I feel good'

Chavez has a radio show? Do they get Air America in Venezuela?

Donations and Validity

2007-02-25T10:37:00.000-08:00

A story about rising donations to universities in 2006.

Give a kid in Africa basic necessities, or send some cash to your university? Which is it going to be. Universities need to compete harder for donatinos these days, but they still have a number of benefactors. Makes sense to help out with the discovery of new medical advances, a bit tougher to support the liberal arts and their seemingly mindless exploits....

Philosophy Imitates Seinfeld

2007-02-21T10:36:00.000-08:00

John Stuart Mill on higher and lower pleasures: "many [people], in all ages, have broken down in an ineffectual attempt to combine both."

George Costanza: "Food and sex, those are my two passions. It's only natural to combine them."

Under the poverty line, kinda

2007-02-16T10:38:00.000-08:00

I never miss a chance to snark at Europe, but this seems numerically illiterate:

One in six Europeans is living below national poverty thresholds, with children particularly vulnerable, according to the results of an official study.

The facts are clear, 16 percent of Europeans remain at risk of poverty and 10 percent live in jobless households," he said of the data which will be formally presented to EU leaders at a summit in Brussels next month.

Wow- that sounds bad, right? Except that poverty is defined as "60 percent of their country's median income" in Europe, and not an absolute figure. Using this sliding measuring stick almost guarantees that there will always be a significant population of Europeans "under the poverty level."

If we compared income to US levels how many really fall below?