Warren/Castro in 2016? Some Thoughts on the Democratic Convention
The Democratic National Convention took place last week. Even though I was near political overload, I watched with great pride for those I support and very much enjoyed what I saw and heard.
As you are probably all aware, the Democratic National Convention took place last week. I spent many hours watching and I walked away feeling inspired and even more certain that I am on the right team.
Not only were the speakers top notch, but the entire production was impressive. The guest line-up, camera shots, staging – it was all put together remarkably well.
But of course, it was the speeches which really blew the whole thing out of the confetti-littered water. So I wanted to share a few random thoughts on the event.
He’s Baaaaack
If you haven’t yet taken the time to listen to President Bill Clinton’s speech, I highly suggest you do so. He was convincingly on point and conveyed the necessary facts to make a truly informed decision. His delivery was nostalgic and brilliant. Here are a few of the points he made which resonated with me the most:
When times are tough, constant conflict may be good politics, but in the real world, cooperation works better. After all, nobody’s right all the time, and a broken clock is right twice a day.
I mean, seriously. It sucks that we even need to go over this. But Washington has apparently turned into one big political sandbox – complete with bullies, pouting and tantrums. It has been the GOP position from the beginning of President Obama’s presidency to focus on nothing more than getting him out of office. And their actions demonstrate just that. Compromise is a must. Conversation is crucial. Cooperation is imperative.
We simply can’t afford to double-down on trickle-down.
Republicans have been trying to convince us of this economic unicorn known as Trickle Down for decades. It has proven not to work time and time again, yet they are tethered to this theory in the middle of a hurricane and they are holding on for dear life.
When water is dumped from above, those at the top get drenched (especially when they hold the buckets) and those at the bottom barely catch a few drops. But a fountain, spouting from the middle, dampens everyone equally. The middle class is what will save this country and what needs to be saved the most. It’s time for the GOP to put trickle down to sleep, hold a funeral and bury that crappola idea forever.
I realize Clinton wasn’t perfect. NAFTA, the repeal of Glass-Steagall and the implementation of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell were some definite "tsks" in my book. But name one president who, in hindsight, did not make mistakes. You can’t. There aren’t any. All-in-all, I think he was a terrific leader. And I am very proud that my very first ballot ever was a vote for him.
Elizabeth Warren 2016!!
Wow. She is just one fabulously insightful, intelligent and well-spoken woman. Warren is currently running for Senate in Massachusetts. Her appearance was certainly one of the most impressive during this year’s convention.
No, Governor Romney, corporations are not people. People have hearts, they have kids, they get jobs, they get sick, they cry, they dance. They live, they love, and they die. And that matters. That matters because we don’t run this country for corporations, we run it for people.
Well, that pretty much sums it up. Citizens United is by far one of the most dangerous and corruption-worthy moves by our government since the Iraq war. It officially brought a legality to the destructive path we could all see coming for a long time – our country, our values, our politics, our laws - all under the thumb of the almighty dollar.
Make that Warren/Castro 2016!!
The Mayor of San Antonio, Texas, was introduced to the American public during the event. And boy, what an introduction he made!! There is no doubt he will be a national figure sooner than later. I would even wager in favor of a future presidential run possibility.
Castro had many thoughtful points to make and his entire speech should certainly be viewed by all. One comment that really stuck with me was the following:
I don't think Gov. Romney meant any harm. I think he's a good guy. He just has no idea how good he's had it.
I think a common thread in much of a dialogue over those three days contained a defense of Romney as a person, while making it clear he is far out of touch with the average American citizen. Whenever he speaks, it is so glaringly obvious that he just doesn’t get it. Ask my parents for start up money for my business? Seriously? They struggled to pay the bills for many years, let alone send me to college or start me off in a business. I understand he grew up much differently, but doesn’t he have a TV or any conduit to the outside world?
While the convention was entertaining and enlightening, I doubt it makes much of a difference at the polls. I mean, let’s face it, they were all preaching to the choir. I cannot imagine there were too many GOP supporters whom were turned by that viewing experience and vice versa. And people who are undecided between such vastly different candidates probably do not bother to watch things like this anyway. Oh, well, I enjoyed it nonetheless.
James R Hoffa
2:17 pm on Sunday, September 9, 2012
NAFTA, the repeal of Glass-Steagall and giving favored trading nation status to China, all Clinton policies, are all what directly led to our current economic/employment condition! But keep trying to convince yourself that it was Bush's wars and tax cuts that are responsible. While Bush's policies were directly responsible for driving up the deficit, they did little to directly effect our current economic/employment condition. We can thank slick Willy for that!
What's worse is that after nearly four years in power, Obama hasn't done anything to correct or remedy Clinton's blunders.
If corporations are not people, then government is not people either, right? After all, government is one giant municipal corporation.
One thing that Hoffa didn't hear a lot of at the DNC convention were specific initiatives that the party leaders would implement to improve our situation. Instead, it was just a bunch of lofty rhetoric. Kind of like the Walker / Barrett debates in the recall. Doesn't it concern you that your party has no specifics on paper to offer as to how they will go about accomplishing their platform?
James R Hoffa
2:18 pm on Sunday, September 9, 2012
The only specific thing that Obama has to offer is to raise everyone's taxes by allowing the Bush tax cuts to sunset on December 31 of this year. He also wants to more than double the cap gains and corp tax rates. We're already uncompetitive as far as our business tax rates go, as compared to the rest of the world. What would these tax hikes mean to manufacturing in this country?
Finally, I'd love to see a Warren/anybody ticket in 2016, as that would pretty much effectively guarantee a Democratic loss that year ;-)
Heather Asiyanbi
3:02 pm on Sunday, September 9, 2012
@Hoffa - I don't normally watch Saturday Night Live (I'm too old to stay up that late and I don't get most of the humor) but I did see a video where the actors each portrayed a president from Carter to GW along with the regular who takes on the Obama impersonation. Anyway, I thought it rather on-target when each of the "presidents" owned up to policies they backed that led to the melt-down, ending when "Obama" said all the deregulation, trade agreements, etc. of the past 30 years brought on the recession and laid a load of crap at his feet.
That's the whole truth - every president, administration, and Congress for the last 30 years did something or undid something that culminated in the Great Recession.
Heather Rayne Geyer
3:14 pm on Sunday, September 9, 2012
Was it this one? http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/f5a57185bd/funny-or-die-s-presidential-reunion
I thought this was great.
James R Hoffa
3:31 pm on Sunday, September 9, 2012
@Heather A and HRG -
I'll have to check out that video, as it's true!
But another thing that's true is that after nearly four years, Obama hasn't done much to remedy anything. His financial/banking regulations, Dodd/Frank, really don't do anything to regulate the Wall Street banks, instead of undoing unfair trade agreements, he signed three more, and despite ending the one war and drawing down the other, he's still spending on the credit card like a mad man!
Clearly, Obama isn't the right savior. Believe me, Hoffa isn't saying that Romney is necessarily the right savior either - only that he'd do less damage than another four years of Obama!
James R Hoffa
3:53 pm on Sunday, September 9, 2012
@HRG -
That was somewhat funny - thanks!
I guess I still don't understand how banks or credit card companies ripped people off though. The terms are printed in blank and white where the consumer is able to read them before choosing to accept them.
If anyone is being ripped off in this country, it's the honest people who make good on their promises and always pay their debts without any government assistance, no matter the sacrifices they have to make in order to do so, and always pay their taxes.
James R Hoffa
3:32 pm on Sunday, September 9, 2012
Let's compare tax plans:
Obama wants to:
Raise the marginal income tax rates by more than 20% across the board by allowing the Bush tax cuts to sunset on December 31 of this year. That means that starting next year, your federal income tax rate will go up by over 20%.
Raise the short term cap gains/dividends/interest tax rate to 45%, and raise the long term rate from 15% to 39.6%.
Nearly double the corporate income tax rate, despite the fact that we already have the highest corporate income tax rate in the industrialized world.
Romney wants to:
Cut the marginal income tax rates by 20% across the board and make the Bush tax cuts permanent for everybody. And eliminate the loopholes, exemptions, and deductions used by high-income earners. Thus if Romney wins, after your fed income taxes go up thanks to Obama, Romney will lower them again right away.
Eliminate the cap gains/dividends/interest tax for everyone with an AGI of less than $200k/yr, and set a universal rate of 15% for those with an AGI of more than $200k/yr.
Get rid of the federal death/estate tax.
Lower the corporate income tax rate to make us competitive with the rest of the word and level the playing field by eliminating corporate loopholes, subsidies, and welfare.
So, which tax plan is more favorable to the prosperity of everyone in your honest opinion?
Rees Roberts
4:27 pm on Sunday, September 9, 2012
After watching both the republican and Democratic conventions I have to conclude the Democrats certainly had more energy, passion and truth to it. It was so obvious to anyone that the republicans lacked any specifics regarding their so called plans they claim the Democrats are responsible for.
I still need to watch the debates. That will certainly be telling. I can't wait to see Biden and Ryan butt heads. Not that Obama vs Romney won't be educational. Obama can think on his feet while Romney still feels stiff to me. Not long to wait now.
HRG, good article and funny video. I understood it all.
JRH, time again to spin your one track response. I predict it will be sooner rather than later. (grin) He has to. He can't stop himself. I love it when he takes command of a thread. Several times the number of posts anyone else does. GO General. Command your troops. (grin)
James R Hoffa
4:40 pm on Sunday, September 9, 2012
@Rees -
Thanks for the civil and kind words!
Rees Roberts
5:47 pm on Sunday, September 9, 2012
whoa, you can dish it out but you can't take a little ribbing? Didn't you see the (grins)?
James R Hoffa
6:03 pm on Sunday, September 9, 2012
Oh, don't worry, Hoffa can take it ;-)
mau
3:54 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
I have to say I couldn't stomach watching the convention other than Clint Eastwood's performance.
Looking forward to a good laugh watching Biden debate Ryan.
I have to agree that Romney does not appear to be a comfortable giving a speech. But having a golden tongue does not indicate a good leader.
Dennis
11:56 am on Monday, September 10, 2012
Well, if we look at the Chicago Teacher's Union goals we can see what the next 4 years will bring if Obama remains in office. I think they want an 18% raise of the next 4 years to bring their final retirement pay up so they can retire in Florida with all the other 50 year old retired teachers.
oak creek resident
5:27 pm on Monday, September 10, 2012
Exactly right. Chicago is the end-result of Obama's liberal style of management and control.
Thousands of overpaid incompetent low IQ union thug teachers wanting MORE MORE MORE.
Stormy Weather
9:45 am on Tuesday, September 11, 2012
@ Heather G - Regarding the wonderful "He’s Baaaaack" President Clinton... You forgot to write about his private war on women! Here's a partial list for you...
Juanita Broaddrick (AR)- rape
Eileen Wellstone (Oxford) – rape
Elizabeth Ward Gracen – rape – quid pro quo, post incident intimidation
Regina Hopper Blakely – “forced himself on her, biting, bruising her”
Kathleen Willey (WH) – sexual assault, intimidations, threats
Sandra Allen James (DC) – sexual assault
22 Year Old 1972 (Yale) – sexual assault
Kathy Bradshaw (AK) – sexual assault
Cristy Zercher – unwelcomed sexual advance, intimidations
Paula Jones (AR) – unwelcomed sexual advance, exposure, bordering on sexual assault
Carolyn Moffet -unwelcomed sexual advance, exposure, bordering on sexual assault
1974 student at University of Arkansas – unwelcomed physical contact
1978-1980 – seven complaints per Arkansas state troopers
Monica Lewinsky – quid pro quo, post incident character assault
Gennifer Flowers – quid pro quo, post incident character assault
Dolly Kyle Browning – post incident character assault
Sally Perdue – post incident threats
Betty Dalton – rebuffed his advances, married to one of his supporters
Denise Reeder – apologetic note scanned
Marsha Scott – claimed an affair
Connie Hamzy – claimed sex
Bobbie Ann Williams – claimed paid sex, paternity
Marilyn Jo Jenkins – rumored
Susan Coleman – rumored (suicide 7.5 months pregnant)
James R Hoffa
12:32 pm on Tuesday, September 11, 2012
It's funny how the media and left made such a big deal out of Herman Cain's accusers while he was running in the GOP primary, and even funnier how those accusers only came to light when Cain reached the top of the polls in that race, while constantly giving Clinton a free pass during their coverage of the convention.
Yeah, there's definitely no liberal media bias, is there???
mau
3:50 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
And then there was President John F. Kennedy.
Stormy Weather
9:55 am on Tuesday, September 11, 2012
@ Robert - Yes, lots of truth coming from a President who said this, "I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky". I believe that the infamous blue dress proved that Clinton is a natural born liar! So considering that there is enough proof that Clinton was known for assaulting women, should the DNC and people like you and Heather just ignore what he has done?
Rees Roberts
11:51 am on Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Would someone from the right please tell me why trickle down economics isn't working right now? It was said in prior elections that if you elect a republican then the tax system they favor (no tax cuts for the rich) will support the economy and employment will improve because it will just trickle down.
The stock market is at it's highest in years, corporate profits are high and still we have high unemployment. Where is that republican promise when we need it?
And Stormy Weather, please site your source for that information about Clinton. It is totally bogus without that.
People, this isn't sustainable. Even my own questions in this post is an example of how easy it is to get caught up in this. It gets nothing accomplished. It does nothing to create consensus. What we are doing is coming down to hating our neighbors. Is that how you talk to them? Do you even know your neighbors?
It's high time we look at ourselves and start thinking of better ways to REALLY talk to each other. Down the road what do you see by continuing this type of banter? Does it get better or worse? What do you want for your community anyway? In the end all we really have is our own community. Let's start by respecting each other.
James R Hoffa
12:41 pm on Tuesday, September 11, 2012
@Rees -
Hoffa believes that NO ONE, no matter how rich or poor, should ever have to pay more than 35% of their combined yearly income in combined taxes to the federal, state, and local levels of government.
We need to expand the base, so that EVERYONE is paying into the system that all benefit from. Half of the country should not be allowed to have a zero income tax liability - that's absurd and grossly unfair.
Here's Hoffa's proposed federal tax code:
Federal Sales Tax (applicable to ALL transactions): 1.85%
Federal Income Tax (applicable to all gross income and eliminates income adjustment - deductions, exemptions, itemized write-offs, loop holes, eit credits, etc., except in limited circumstances as is necessary to facilitate fairness):
$0 - $75,000 - 8%
$75k - $150k - 10.5%
$150k - $225k - 13%
$225k+ - 15%
Federal Cap Gains Tax (short & long term, bracket neutral): 18%
Federal Corp Profit Tax Non-Manufacturing (offset only by legitimate losses for up to 3 years carried forward): 18%
Federal Corp Profit Tax Manufacturing (offset only by legitimate losses for up to 3 years carried forward): 15%
FICA and FUTA Taxes: reform to opt-in programs and set rates accordingly.
All other federal taxes, with the exception of the federal excise taxes on petro fuels, alcohol, and tobacco products and trade tariffs/taxes with unfair trading nations, will be eliminated.
So Rees, what do you think is a fair federal tax code?
Rees Roberts
1:14 pm on Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Hoffa, I would be happy to answer your question about what I think is a fair tax but please answer mine first. I asked above "Down the road what do you see by continuing this type of banter? Does it get better or worse? What do you want for your community anyway?"
These questions, if answered, would go a long way to understanding what people's goals were. It would provide insight into what is important.
We can go back and forth on political things but other than the banter that, you must admit, does get nasty at times, it doesn't let you know anything about the people you talk to, at least not the stuff that matters. For instance, I have no idea if you are married, have children, how old they are, how old you are and what you do for a living. I have no idea what you feel is important beyond politics or if you enjoy traveling. All that information creates community. It lets people know who you are in a good way instead of potential threatening ways.
For me, I'm retired. I'm 65 and just got on Medicare. For the first time I now can see the doctors I want to see. I worked at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Abbott labs and then retired. Prior, I worked at WTMJ Radio and TV for 10 years and then the chief engineer of WRJN radio here in Racine for 10 years. I am married and for 34 years.
So, what is your story? Anyone can reply.
James R Hoffa
2:16 pm on Tuesday, September 11, 2012
@Rees -
OK, let's see - as you already know, my real name isn't Hoffa. I'm 33 and have been working since I was 8 at either my family's neighbor's farm or in my family's restaurant, which I'm now a part owner of and assist in managing. I also previously worked in HS and college radio in the fields of production, on air talent, engineering, and ran my own independent mobile DJ service together with my college roommate and sister. I also used to repair and resell used consumer electronics on the side. I attended college at UW-Whitewater and law school at Thomas M Cooley in Lansing, MI, accepting no student loans or government assistance of any kind. I have a B.B.A., J.D., and LL.M. In between college and law school, I did social work in Racine County for a couple years. I practiced law for 3 years after passing the bar with a small firm. I was also able to buy a house with a substantial down payment due to living frugally, spending wisely, saving up, and investing properly. Currently I provide legal research and opinion services to the federal court system on an independent contractor basis. I am not married, but was previously engaged - she broke my heart. I do look forward to meeting the right girl and marrying and starting a family of my own in the near future. I do have a cat. I enjoy collecting, driving, and showing obscure automobiles. Travel is fun, when it's affordable. I also enjoy film and music.
Rees Roberts
8:32 pm on Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Hoffa, thanks for the update. It helps to have that perspective about your fellow man.
Now I am no tax genius. And I have no idea what the consequences, if any, there would be of following your tax suggestions but they look reasonable to me. I personally believe the tax code has become way too complicated for the typical person to follow. It shouldn't be a requirement to have to have the resources of a CPA to do your taxes. People do all the time but you have to admit the tax code is pretty intimidating.
How did you arrive at these specific suggestions? I would think you have done your share of thinking about this subject. Sometime we should chat on the phone.
Cheers
GearHead
8:45 pm on Tuesday, September 11, 2012
@Rees, maybe you, me and Hoffa could get together for a brewski, eh?
Rees Roberts
9:13 pm on Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Yikes, two against one? Nope. LOL well maybe. Hope Hoffa calls me. Best time, by the way is after 10am.
GearHead
1:50 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
@ Rees: Awe, c'mon, you know I'm a harmless lovable little fuzzball. We've met, but I haven't met Hoffa yet! Besides, you know you just need a little more justification to come over to the dark side. Dive in! (the water is just fine!)
Stormy Weather
3:38 pm on Tuesday, September 11, 2012
@ Robert - Here is a long read for you http://www.alamo-girl.com/0262.htm
And here is an interview on Dateline from 1999 with Juanita broaddrick http://www.therightscoop.com/bill-clintons-war-on-women-1999-juanita-broaddrick-interview-with-dateline-nbc/
Rees Roberts
9:16 pm on Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Good grief. Do people honestly think this helps anything? How, in this atmosphere do we solve anything? Or is that the motive? God help us.
Stormy Weather
11:05 pm on Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Robert - No, I don't think it helps, but hopefully it will open people's eyes to the kind of man Clinton really is. Quite honestly I don't know how the DNC can claim there is a War on Women, and then put Clinton on stage??? Robert, you seem like a reasonable man... Have you seen the movie, (2016, Obama's America)? You should go see it, and then come back and give us your honest perspective. I would really like to know what you think.
Rees Roberts
12:11 am on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Just to clarify, name is Rees. Not Robert. My last name is Roberts.
Anywho..........
I haven't seen that movie. But like so much of todays media it is so slanted that it is almost impossible to know truth from fiction these days. The national scene is terrible. What I see that is needed is that we as local communities come together to separate truth from fiction for what "WE" need locally. We can get wrapped up in so much BS on the national and even the regional scene that we loose what is important locally.
There is so much hurt going on all around us. But I truly feel we can make a real difference if we think locally. Start to bring ideas that would solve local problems instead of bitching about national ones. You and I can't solve those. But we can solve local ones.
It is so darned easy to get caught up in this back and forth of the current political scene but does it do anything positive for us locally? I don't know exactly where you are located. Patch spreads these things around the state so we can't always know who we are talking to. I live in Racine (actually, Mt. Pleasant, WI) and I know that there are forces coming down the pike which would seriously be helped if we but start to talk to each other in ways that create positive outcomes instead of dividing us.
What do you think?
Rees Roberts
12:24 am on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Stormy,
I'm going to ask you to do me a favor. To do something painful. First, can we agree that Obama was the person who ordered Bin Laden's death? I hope so. But I was so struck by a video I just saw I wanted to share it with you.
This is about Cognitive dissonance...if you believe that person X is terrible and awful, your brain cannot accept that X did anything positive.
Yes, this is from a really left oriented site: MSNBC but still, they are merely talking about a poll. It is truly amazing.
Take a look at this shocker:
http://video.msnbc.msn.com/the-rachel-maddow-show/48980316#48980316
What do you think Stormy:
GearHead
2:04 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Rees, do you remember the 8 years of cognitive dissonance going on from the same pmsnbc clowns during the Bush admin? Short memory, eh?
mau
4:10 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
@Rees, you are calling for civility with the comments and people in general in the community.
I found the video troubling that this spokesperson had such a smile on her face when talking about the assassination. Like it was some joke to be used for entertainment.
So why do we have a situation in this country where the voters are overjoyed and proud that a President of the United States carried out the assassination of a foreign leader (Bin Laden) and was also involved in the assassination of another foreign leader (Gaddafi). How more uncivil can people get.
Stormy Weather
11:12 am on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Rees - Yes, that is quite painful for you to ask me to watch Rachel! :) Actually, I do put her on, along with Schultz, Sharpton, Mathews. I listen to them as long as I can, but turn them off when I start throwing things at the tv (just kidding).
I would need more info on this poll, because:
#1: Why would such a stupid question be asked?
#2: How many people did the survey & how educated were the people?
#3: Did people consider the survey a joke?
I have a lot of conservative friends, and not a single one would say that Romney played a part in Bin Laden's death. My take on this, is that some liberal wanted to portray Republicans as stupid - Hence an idiotic question. But that's just my take on it. I would have to do more research on it.
btw... I'm also from the Racine area, and I'm actively involved in our school district. I hate the direction that our school district is heading, and I firmly believe that it is so top heavy that our teachers and students pay the ultimate price.
mau
4:14 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
I have a few very radical left leaning friends who are staunchly anti-war, pro-abortion, anti-death penalty, and are cheering that Obama assassinated Bin Laden. No matter what they can't see a contradiction in their all consuming love for this president.
Stormy Weather
11:17 am on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Rees - Here's my challenge to you... I will rent or watch any movie that you recommend if you go see "2016 - Obama's America". I will keep an open mind, if you keep an open mind. Maybe, Hoffa & GrearHead can see the movie with you, and then you 3 guys can have a "brewski" while discussing it! :)
Stormy Weather
11:25 am on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Oops! I meant "GearHead" Sorry for the typo!
Rees Roberts
11:42 am on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Geez, Stormy you drive a hard bargain. LOL I will take a peek at Netflix to see if it is available there for streaming. Once the iPhone 5 event in San Fran is over I will see if it is available. I too will watch as much as I can before throwing up too. hehe As for Hoffa and GearHead, they are on their own but I "might" meet with them. But I am not one of those people who frequent bars. Maybe if I knew where Hoffa's eatery was located I could maybe take a ride there instead. It would be safer being in a public crowd than being alone with conservatives. hahahahahahaha
Stormy Weather
12:12 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Well that's pretty funny about being safer in a crowd! I'm sure Hoffa would appreciate the humor!!! Anyway, I think the only way that you will be able to see the movie, is to head to the theater. Yes, you will probably be in a dark room with a lot of conservatives, but you will probably be safe unless you wear a "Union Solidarity" shirt. That might be dangerous! :) All kidding aside... I have heard that some people have clapped after the movie, but when I saw it in Kenosha a couple weeks ago, the audience was quiet for a long time after the movie ended. Usually at the movies that I've been to, people seem to get up right away. This time people sat and were very quiet... It was interesting.
mau
4:16 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
I checked, it's not available on Netflix or YouTube and isn't on sale anywhere, not even Amazon. It will be online free by the end of the year or on dvd.
Rees Roberts
11:49 am on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Well well. Stormy, Netflix does not have it available for streaming. Do you own it?
GearHead
2:00 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
@ Rees: it is still actively in first run, so no dvd yet. Spend the six bucks (oops $5 cuz you're a senior :P ) and go see it in Kenosha. I'd buy you the popcorn but I've already seen it!
GearHead
2:44 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Well, well well. It is doing so well it is now being screened in Racine. No excuses, Rees. BTW, did you ever go see one of those Micheal Moore "documentaries?" Talk about cognitive dissonance! Or do we just call it fiction and propaganda?
Rees Roberts
3:23 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
So where is it playing?
GearHead
3:35 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Renaissance/Sturtevant and Tinseltown Kenosha. Do you need me to tell you the times too? Here's a link:
http://www.google.com/search?q=2016+obama's+america+showtimes&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&client=safari
Stormy Weather
4:16 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Rees - I really hope you will go see 2016, and I mean that. I would like to get an honest opinion of what you think. I will even watch a whole hour of Sharpton, Shultz or Maddow! You can pick!
Rees Roberts
5:06 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Stormy/GearHead
You guys have been quite easy on me. None of the tough guy stuff. But did you guys read what I said earlier? I totally get that you want me to see this movie. But what does that accomplish? My point earlier was that we need to get together "locally" and solve problems. You remember that point? We, us, can't solve the mess in Washington. Do you agree with that point? But we can accomplish stuff locally. Is that reasonable?
The point of me asking you to see the MSNBC gig was to point out just how stubborn we all get. People get so stuck in one pattern of thinking. If person X was a bad boy always a bad boy. I obviously lean toward the left and you guys toward the right. But to gain any traction to solve anything we have to get out that mud trap. So, in a way, I am saying that it just might not be productive to just see this movie and then argue the points in person because it deals with issues we aren't in any position to solve anyway.
I would rather spend time talking about real problems we have locally and see if we somehow can find ways of solving those.
What say you. Now don't get all bent up now. Go easy on me.
GearHead
10:22 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
So you're too cheap to see the movie, right? :)
Rees Roberts
10:54 pm on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Now Gearhead, you're just trying to click my buttons. You want me to be sucked into an argument which neither you or I will solve. That is what I wrote, that is what I had hoped you would read and understand. You know very well that neither of us can solve the gridlock in Washington. So tell me what on earth do you think are the benefits of seeing a movie about which neither of us can solve problems no matter which party you side with? If all you want to do is argue then I will bow out of this wonderful relationship. But if you want to get together to discuss local issues then I would meet with you in a heartbeat.
So go click on my buttons or agree to discuss things which impact solutions locally. What's it gonna be? And gee, where did Hoffa disappear to?
Stormy Weather
12:36 am on Thursday, September 13, 2012
Rees - If things keep heading in the terrible direction that they are heading, we won't need to worry about local issues. You really have nothing to lose, except a few bucks. Seriously... Go see the movie, and then please give us your honest opinion on the film.
Rees Roberts
1:13 am on Thursday, September 13, 2012
mau
Do you think I should go? Would you go?
mau
2:19 pm on Thursday, September 13, 2012
I've seen a lot of similar documentaries which are very informative and do point out a lot that the mainstream media tends to ignore. Not having seen this one myself I can't say whether it would sway your thinking to the conservative point of view or do the opposite. Some can tend to be "chicken little". Because I have seen so many such movies I will wait until it is available online or in dvd. I do believe that another 4 years of Obama will do as much if not more damage to our society, than the 2nd term of Clinton.
A film you might be interested in and is available streaming on Netflix is Media Malpractice. I think you should also watch the Frontline special The Warning (unless you have already) http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/warning/etc/synopsis.html. You might see that the democrats were instrumental in this whole mess we are in. Not that the republicans haven't had a hand in it.
Rees Roberts
6:36 am on Thursday, September 13, 2012
Stormy - I guess I don't see it that way. You appear to be giving up on the ship before it even has a chance to make it back to port. See, I see the solution to our problems is that of divide and conquer. We can't fix it from the top to the bottom but we sure could work on things from the bottom on up. We have a heck of a lot more control over smaller pieces of the puzzle than to try to bite off the whole cow at once.
But we must recognize that we have that option as a community. We must be willing to come together and work on smaller pieces. To, first of all, get to know your neighbors and to help in the neighborhood when people need help. That is doable. That would be step one. Then we can start to branch out from there further from the neighborhood to a sub division etc. But to kill the idea before it has a chance? Nope.
Stormy, I know you already could help locally. You already have the intellect. But you just need to let go of what has been gnawing many of us by focusing on national issues which are impossible to deal with.
Let's localize. Let's get our own communities activated, starting with our own neighborhood. Our own block we live on. I'm doing it. I know my neighbors. Heck, let's just reach out to know more of our neighbors. What could be the harm?
mau
3:07 pm on Friday, September 14, 2012
If you ignore what is going on at the national and international level, be ready to be blind sided when you look up.
Stormy Weather
2:09 pm on Thursday, September 13, 2012
Rees - I'm already involved at the local level, but what you don't understand is that there is too much waste from the local level all they way up. Did you know that RUSD spent $100K + on sending groups to SEWAC at Alverno college? There were at least 100 RUSD employees that went thru the SEWAC program and they were trained on Jay McTighe's book, "Understanding by Design." So then did RUSD use those trained teachers to train other teachers? No, instead they paid Jay McTighe to come in and speak to all secondary personal on August 31st. So, I would love for "Someone" to explain why they paid to train personal on his book, and then turned around and paid Jay McTighe to come in to the school district. Are the tax payers pockets a bottomless pit?
Rees Roberts
10:06 pm on Thursday, September 13, 2012
Stormy:
I would totally agree with your assessment regarding this improper use of our tax money. Those who were paid to be trained should have been used as a "train the trainer". It's done all the time. So, we see eye to eye on this lack of common sense use of resources. Thanks for sharing this. I wish more of this would come to light in the media.
Stormy Weather
2:13 pm on Thursday, September 13, 2012
Rees... I see that you have no intention of educating yourself on other peoples opinions. I offered up a fair bargain, but you won't even taken 2 hours out of your day to watch a movie.
And btw... Localizing is good, and I think many conservatives have let the ball slip for many years. This is why there are so many liberals on our school boards.
Rees Roberts
10:09 pm on Thursday, September 13, 2012
Stormy, you don't have all the facts.
First, did you know I am disabled? Do you know that I need help going to a movie? So, there are reasons. When I go to the movies I go with my wife and she simply would never go to a movie like this.
Sorry I didn't comment sooner, been a busy day today here at home.
Stormy Weather
10:44 pm on Thursday, September 13, 2012
Rees - Yes, being disabled would make it difficult, so I understand that. My mother was disabled, and I spent years working with handicapped children, so I understand how difficult it can be to do the simplest of things. I guess you will have to wait to see 2016. I hope you won't regret your decision to vote for Obama.
Rees Roberts
11:43 pm on Thursday, September 13, 2012
Stormy:
I am quite sure that no matter which party is victorious the same issues will plague us. The issue of Peak Oil is the biggest one which no one is even talking about. If you do a bit of research you will easily see that most, if not all, the cheap oil has already been consumed. That leaves the stuff that is very expensive to get to. I'm not saying we don't have oil to use but rather it will cost us in our wallets. And if there is but one country which does not like us and decide to go crazy and deprive us of petroleum we will get a shock alert. It is our lack of preparation which will ultimately hurt. And, as I said just 30 seconds ago, no one is even talking about this. Start writing your book now because you will certainly have a bunch to write about sooner or later about this.
Locally, we could do much to help transition to this new world.
mau
3:21 pm on Friday, September 14, 2012
I agree with you on the oil situation but it goes well beyond this.
Our steel industry is devastated, buildings closed and equipment sold to foreign investors. The same is true of electric generating (power plant) equipment that does not depend on computer technology. We may be building our military equipment but where are the parts coming from to build it. How many of our fighter planes and tanks are being built by foreign countries with components from China. Bringing it back to your point, what happens when our "allies" turn against us.
And then we have a society who can no longer fend for themselves. Almost everything is now computer related and needs electricity to use. Our electric grid system is tied together and run by computer. Shut down the power grid and the US comes to a stop. What reaction will there be when you can't use your i-phone or get onto Facebook.
Another thing is we have lost the knowledge and skills to do just about everything. People don't even cook for themselves. If they can't open a bag and heat it in the microwave, they are lost. Grow your own food, forget it. Change the oil on your car, forget it. Use a land-line, forget it. Take care of your kids, forget it (I have my career).
What happens when China slams the door on us.
Rees Roberts
3:59 pm on Friday, September 14, 2012
Mau:
Your points are square on target. But that is why I founded Transition Towns Wisconsin, Inc. a non-profit tax exempt corporation to provide funding to Transition initiatives around the state of Wisconsin. If you go to Transition web sites you will see real solutions to the issues you so well spoke about. The solutions are locally based. We call the education of skills "re-skilling." We will need to learn the skills our grand-fathers knew. This is going on now. Permaculture, is the art of working with nature to grow plants and food the way nature does. It is truly an amazing thing to behold. But, we need to get the word out, which is difficult when traditional media hasn't a clue about these problems. It will take time, generations. And there will be painful periods for maybe decades. But, eventually, there will be life worth living that actually can be better than the rat race we live now. Young people will need to learn new skills not taught in schools. Society will have to accept a no growth economy. We simply have lived in the bubble of the best time in human history. But that bubble is destined to pop. I just hope we have time to warn for it's always better to be warned than taken by surprise. Only then can we prepare.