Guard Dog

That's actually my biggest problem with the current election, the nomination of Trump by the GOP has served as a gigantic distraction from the real issue which is that the big players in the financial market are still doing the same things that led to the latest mess. All the talk of immigration, refugees, emails and the Trumpiness itself, permitted Clinton to not have to focus on the biggest issue of the time which is that the government dropped the ball in terms of getting the big banks under control. This is what you get when the opposition over the past 8 years is a mélange of idiot populism, nativism, racism and shouting Benghazi at regular intervals. While I can't argue with that the real fault lies with the party in power, not the opposition. The Democrats talk a good game when it comes to economic populism but aside from taxing individual income and after death assets at higher rates and determinedly spending the country into insolvency they are very corporatist. Clinton even more so than Obama & Trump.There is the wrong headed notion that companies that fail should be rescued. They should not be. Companies that fail are bought by other companies. Their assets divested or become multiple smaller companies. Rescuing them only rewards bad business practice. In 10 years GM will need to be saved again as an example. The beauty of capitalism is that it is self renewing. When left to it's own devices that is. Now you may wonder WHY the D's & R's have become corporatists. The reason is this: What is the REAL purpose of a government? It isn't governance. It's self perpetuation. A government is made up of people who rely on that government for their jobs and careers. The way to stay in that government is to get elected which requires money. Who has that? Big business. Not small business, they are barely getting by. Not individuals. Ask Gary Johnson or Jill Stein what it's like to run for office funded only by individual donations. But big business has money and will give it to the politicians that give them what they want. The people in government are every bit as vain, venal, and self interested as the big business types voters think they are being protected from. Most sell out right away. Some do it slowly. But they all do.

Being a history teacher I'd think Hurlshot would know it was WWII that saved the US from the depression. The New Deal, at BEST, eased conditions somewhat by putting people to work. And that de-regulation that caused the 2008 "Great Recession" was the Gramm-Leach-Biely act signed into law by one Bill Clinton.... whose wife will soon be President. Hooray for us. Oh, and by the way. The law that created the firewall between investment banking and savings banking, Glass-Stengal, that Clinton ended with his pen is supported by the past four LP candidates. There is the mistaken notion that Libertarianisim is the complete lack of regulation. It isn't.

You want him to explain how reducing the operating costs of businesses by reducing taxes and regulatory compliance costs helps businesses? Really? Or that that dogma is rooted in the founding principles of this country that "The government the governs best governs least"? I realize that is not how it's done elsewhere, but that used to be and SHOULD be how it is done here.

Apparently this election is causing Americans a lot of stress: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-10-13/it-s-official-this-election-is-driving-americans-nuts I cannot describe to you the comfort that comes from knowing that both candidates are terrible and you're sort of f----d either way. I'd imagine this is why men can laugh while standing on the gallows. I am certainly fond of throwing hyperbole around and using sarcasm to make points. But I tell you truly and straight out: I do not care which of these two idiots wins. Do I want the orange haired tyrant on the (sort of) Right or the pantsuit tyrant on the left? Do I want to sleep in a bed full of scorpions or a room full of Zika carrying mosquitoes. So f--k it. Let's all pour a glass of top shelf whiskey, whatever you prefer. I like fine bourbon myself. And then let's raise a toast to 2020. She can't come soon enought. Cheers!

Remember that Gary Johnson guy? The York Dispatch has endorsed him for President: http://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/opinion/2016/10/13/oped-vote-confidence-gary-johnson/92010024/ That makes eight, which is eight more than Trump last I checked. In other news Johnson announced who his two Supreme Court justices might have been: http://thelibertarianrepublic.com/johnson-top-scotus-picks/ Neither was known to me but after Googling them they both have some positives IMO.

Depressed is about right. I've thought we're doomed for quite some time, and now I'm almost certain. Pence didn't run in the primary, and if he did he'd still be the establishment candidate, thus would likely lose. That's what I meant when I said a corrupt system produces corrupt results. OK I kid with you a lot but in all seriousness I really wouldn't worry about it. Barack Obama worried me much more than Hillary Clinton does. Hillary is a machine politician. A liberal one to be sure, but she is still not going to go off the reservation to try to get something done. Obama is an ideologue. He's convinced he's right and he'e going to save us poor wretches from ourselves. The first two years of Obama's term terrified me because he had a Democrat controlled Congress and no right, freedom, or separation of power was safe. Then after 2010 the House went Republican and I relaxed a little. He's done some bad things since but his worst impulses are checked. If Clinton wins and the Congress stays Republican the general direction of the government will drift to the left but not so badly or irreversibly. Even if Hillary appoints a worse liberal than Merrick Garland (which seems likely) it will be a little while before that becomes an issue. I think the worst Supreme Court decision in my lifetime (or excepting Dred Scott maybe ever) was Kelo v. New London. A six justice liberal bloc would make travesties like that more likely but it took five years for Kelo to reach the supreme court. I worry most about DC v Heller & McDonald v Chicago being overturned. But Heller took six years and the other one nine. A lot can happen in that time. Justices Ginsburg, Bryer, and Thomas may not be on the Court to hear any cases working their way onto the Federal Docket now and we may well elect two more President's in that time. In short, a lot can happen. As for her administration I figure she will be a lot more like Nixon than Obama. Her agenda will be largely corporatist and the government will be somewhat meddlesome and heavy handed. Small business will likely suffer but not large ones that can afford to deal with heavy handed regulation. Big business can tolerate anything but instability. As for the rest as long as the Congress remains in opposition she will only be able to get things by trade off which means some things will pass and some won't. But unlike Obama she may be more willing to give the Republicans in Congress what they want to get things she wants. She will likely to be more willing to make deals with congress than Obama was. The worst possible outcome of this election is Clinton winning and have a Democrat controlled Congress. THEN is will be time to stockpile non perishable food, ammunition, and gold coins. (I'm only half kidding here) Now Trump may pull this thing off still. That is looking less and less likely but you never know. That of course will bring on a whole different set of problems. I suspect ultimately you will be no happier with a Trump administration than a Clinton one in the long run. But, like you, I did prefer his list of justices over who Clinton might pick.

I vaguely remember this. It was actually discussed in one of my classes in High School. It might be worth another look now, The guest list is definitely a "who's who" of the power elite of the 80's.

Disregard. It's BS. Volo was right. My fault for not googling before posting: http://www.snopes.com/tim-kaine-yells-at-his-daughter/

Yeah, I'll be honest ...you know what does bug me sometimes on these forums. Everytime I bring up another Trump horror story most members feel the need to then compare his latest disaster to Hilary Why is that ? Let me answer that with a question. Step back and think, why are u upset about the article of what Trump did but turn a blind eye to what Hillary is bringing with her. Her husband who was president did the same thing except he did it so much that the govt had to step in and make him lose his license to practice law/politics. There are articles from the victims themselves that Hillary intimidated and harassed them to not come forward. Your okay with Hillary but are outraged at Trumps actions.... Now think why. Don't go with it's not proven because both Trump and Hillary are equal standing as far of this because nothing's official and it's all hearsay from the victims. Why do u believe one victim over the other? Now I'll answer. Because u want Hillary to win and are overlooking and not getting the same disgust because ur piece of **** running for president u want to win. It's the same for people who are behind wanting the piece of **** Trump to win. So you when u bring up NOTHING but bad stuff about Trump and say good things about Hillary, people who are for Trump are feeling the same thing when they post something against Hillary that u overlook and don't take to heart like u would for Trump. That's where the election gotten to, both candidates are pieces of **** and when one try's not to look like what they are, the other side is quickly there to remind what a piece of **** they are if u get any crazy ideas lol. It's vice versa. We all lose with this election because most of the country is stuck in the more of **** and won't get out and wash it off. Please explain to me how on earth this is gonna impact the average American woman. Well since you asked and you unintentionally made a point that confirms you have absolutely no idea or understanding of what gender equality is or more importantly why the majority of women in the USA are offended by Trump Its not what Trump may do, its how he has spoken about women and how he has been very condescending about women on a number of levels. Thats the issue, its like if you were gay and Trump said " homosexuality is an aberration " you would be irritated and annoyed Here is my answer Bruce: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFwdvMQHmOI Thats funny .....you naughty GD It's meant to be funny, but it is also very true. When the power of the executive is out of control, does it matter the gender of the executive wielding that power? It does not.

Yeah, I'll be honest ...you know what does bug me sometimes on these forums. Everytime I bring up another Trump horror story most members feel the need to then compare his latest disaster to Hilary Why is that ? Let me answer that with a question. Step back and think, why are u upset about the article of what Trump did but turn a blind eye to what Hillary is bringing with her. Her husband who was president did the same thing except he did it so much that the govt had to step in and make him lose his license to practice law/politics. There are articles from the victims themselves that Hillary intimidated and harassed them to not come forward. Your okay with Hillary but are outraged at Trumps actions.... Now think why. Don't go with it's not proven because both Trump and Hillary are equal standing as far of this because nothing's official and it's all hearsay from the victims. Why do u believe one victim over the other? Now I'll answer. Because u want Hillary to win and are overlooking and not getting the same disgust because ur piece of **** running for president u want to win. It's the same for people who are behind wanting the piece of **** Trump to win. So you when u bring up NOTHING but bad stuff about Trump and say good things about Hillary, people who are for Trump are feeling the same thing when they post something against Hillary that u overlook and don't take to heart like u would for Trump. That's where the election gotten to, both candidates are pieces of **** and when one try's not to look like what they are, the other side is quickly there to remind what a piece of **** they are if u get any crazy ideas lol. It's vice versa. We all lose with this election because most of the country is stuck in the more of **** and won't get out and wash it off. Please explain to me how on earth this is gonna impact the average American woman. Well since you asked and you unintentionally made a point that confirms you have absolutely no idea or understanding of what gender equality is or more importantly why the majority of women in the USA are offended by Trump Its not what Trump may do, its how he has spoken about women and how he has been very condescending about women on a number of levels. Thats the issue, its like if you were gay and Trump said " homosexuality is an aberration " you would be irritated and annoyed Here is my answer Bruce: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFwdvMQHmOI

Every time WoD posts the word Hilzilla I hear that song in my head. Oh no, here is goes again: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyT6YF7GeBg

Yeah, I'll be honest ...you know what does bug me sometimes on these forums. Everytime I bring up another Trump horror story most members feel the need to then compare his latest disaster to Hilary Why is that ? They are not comparable, There are two different varieties of bad. Remember what I said about scorpions and the zika virus. They have nothing in common other than that they are bad. There is only on reason anyone with half a brain would have to vote FOR Hillary Clinton: stopping Donald Trump. There is only one reason anyone with half a brain would have to vote FOR Donald Trump: stopping Hillary Clinton. That's why that happens. You cannot make an positive argument on either of their merits. They are awful. Truly awful. If anyone have ever been inclined to vote 3rd Party, THIS IS THE YEAR. A vote for Johnson or Stein may pay dividends in 2020. A vote for Clinton or Trump is just choosing between scorpions and Zika. Our Presidential elections have been about the lesser of two evils for long time. I guess it was inevitable we'd get a choice where there is no "lesser".

You comparing the crash of the Brazilian economy to the current structures of the US economy? How are they similar if you dont mind sharing? It's not. The US economy is not tied to the price of oil.

Bruce you must be wondering why Hillary is not walking away with this thing? Trump is an arrogant know-nothing who treats women like objects. But that does not make Hillary any better. No matter what Trump does it does not change the fact that Hillary is sour, unlikable, and worst of all irredeemably dishonest. As you know I am no fan of Barack Obama. His politics are not mine. Ad he has said things that he knew were not true. But no more than any other politician. If he told me the stove was hot I won't need to touch it to believe him. If Hillary Clinton told me the stove was hot I'd need two sweeps with a laser thermometer and extensive first person testing before I'd believe her. Any normal, sane, career politician should be able to beat Trump as long as they have a pulse, can see lighting and hear thunder. Hillary is having a hard time of it and that says far more about her quality than his or the voters.

Yeah but in those days alcohol was likely involved.

I noticed no Fox News reporters were invited? Strange, that is the one news service everyone agrees is biased.

Not much left to say Bruce. Both Trump and Clinton are vile and repugnant human beings who should never be placed in charge of anything. And one of them will be the next President of the United States. My country. That I live in, love, have borne arms in the defense of. How could anyone NOT be depressed by that? I know you are a Clinton supporter, but in all seriousness you do realize by now she is not what anyone would call a good or respectable person. At best she's just not Donald Trump.

Good to have you back....but you know your true purpose is knee deep in this political swamp we call an election in the USA ...the hopelessness of the whole thing actually inspires us to dream of greatness Nope. I wash my hands of that. I've made my arguments. I've donated almost $1k to political campaigns. On November 8th I will cast my vote. And then it's done until 2018.

I've been fishing in Sand Island in Mississippi for the last five days. It was nice. I caught a 28" Wahoo on Sunday. I baked it in aluminum foil with fresh pineapple and sweet peppers under campfire coals and fried the rest with scrambled eggs the next day. It was a great trip. I didn't even turn on the radio the whole time I was out there and only tuned on my phone once. The world isn't such a bad place if you can just get away from the things that make it a bad place for a little while.

I've been on an election vacation for the last five days. And a real vacation too. Not much changed while I was away I see. But the good news is less than 30 days to go and 2016 will be in the books.... and the 2020 campaign will begin!

Man, lucky you've never worked for a large corporation It's easier to put up with when you're being paid to do it!

Of course it concerns me. It pisses me off. But you know the funny thing about letting skeletons out of the closet? If there were none in there it's not that big a deal. I notice how upset you are with Russian hackers interfering with the election (by exposing the Democrats interfering with the election) but you can't seem to gin up as much disgust over Hillary Clinton exposing actual state secrets through her "reckless" use of private e-mail. It also does not seem to bother you that the President told us all he did not know about it until the news media exposed it, but he did in fact e-mail her on it hundreds of times. Perhaps Zora is not the only on rooting for a "team" here, hmm?

Im not convinced, its not always clear with you. You always seem to dispute his sexism ....but thats fine at least now you can see its undeniable After this bombshell I am expecting more members to recognize his sexism. As they said on CNN we all have wives, sisters, daughters, mothers or maybe girlfriends....it should be uncompromising our criticism Personally I don't think any less of Trump after hearing his unguarded comments than I did before. If I had zero regard for him before I certainly can't have less now. Of course, nothing he said makes Hillary Clinton any more desirable as a President. And vice versa. Which really is the problem this year isn't it? No, you guys really have to stop comparing him to Clinton. Its a poor analogy, please dont let me get Enoch involved again as you know how he makes compelling and unwanted comments you cannot ignore. GD I'm watching you He has no moral fibre and is an embarrassment . Even Republicans are leaving him..I have to say Chaffetz makes a lot of sense. He seems like a nice guy and speaks fondly of his family. I like him But to say they are same .....its disingenuous and lacks validity? lets see what others think https://truthkings.com/congressmen-jason-chaffetz-pulls-trump-endorsement/# I didn't say they were the same. I didn't compare the two. What do scorpions and the zika virus have in common? Nothing except you don't want either of them around.

mmm.....you have raised another point unintentionally. I would have to have a degree of moderation on forums to reduce this type of criticism and recalcitrance....it spreads like contagion Of course this moderation would not be draconian but you guys have to learn to take responsibility for what we say Gee imagine that GD, a world where we just become aware words matter but the end result is peace and prosperity Or maybe I should stick to software sales ? I fail to see how the ruthless suppression of independent thought will lead to peace and prosperity. At best it leads to stagnation and worst, fear and tyranny. Peace and prosperity can't be created at gunpoint. I don't know if you have ever read 1984 but I have a feeling you might regard Oceania as a model state. It is an interesting dichotomy you are presenting here. You are someone who seems to genuinely care about human rights but if it were all up to you the most basic of those rights would be denied.

Im not convinced, its not always clear with you. You always seem to dispute his sexism ....but thats fine at least now you can see its undeniable After this bombshell I am expecting more members to recognize his sexism. As they said on CNN we all have wives, sisters, daughters, mothers or maybe girlfriends....it should be uncompromising our criticism Personally I don't think any less of Trump after hearing his unguarded comments than I did before. If I had zero regard for him before I certainly can't have less now. Of course, nothing he said makes Hillary Clinton any more desirable as a President. And vice versa. Which really is the problem this year isn't it?