COLLECTIVE MADNESS


“Soft despotism is a term coined by Alexis de Tocqueville describing the state into which a country overrun by "a network of small complicated rules" might degrade. Soft despotism is different from despotism (also called 'hard despotism') in the sense that it is not obvious to the people."

Thursday, October 10, 2013

The good news is ?





41 comments:

  1. From what I've read, it looks like the State websites - Ky, NY, Ca, etal - have signed up somewhere around 200,000 people. This is kind of surprising, in that it was figured that very few people would want to "send a check" in Oct. for coverage that didn't start until Jan.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Budget numbers for 2013 are due out, today, at 2:00 Eastern. The CBO says they will show an approximate 640 Billion (4% of GDP) deficit.

      This is, obviously, a large improvement to the $1.4 Trillion Deficit (10.1% of GDP) from 2009 - Bush's last yr, Obama's first.

      It was estimated by the CBO, and others, that before the current idiocy, the deficit for this year (Oct 1, 2013 to Sept 30, 2014) would have come in around 2.3% of GDP, or basically, the long term average.

      Delete
    2. We read, just yesterday, that the Federal government needs to operate with surpluses, rufus.
      That Federal deficits of any size are the "Cause" of the economic woes.

      Granted the dimwit giving the advice admitted he was no economist.
      Turns out he was just another Low Information Voter ...
      "Glued" to FOX News.

      Delete
    3. Who in the world would believe "Anonymous" knew anything, about anything?

      When the capability to sign onto a computer network is the most basic of skills, the inability to do so,certainly does limit the level of credibility that can be accredited to the "source".

      A fellow that cannot log into a network, can't access a user account, couldn't even work the counter at Micky D's.

      Delete
  2. ObamaCare is so good people are fighting to be first to sign up!

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is the sort of behavior that will guarantee civil strife. The culprits should be arrested and punished severely. As to the murderers, they need killing.

    http://news.yahoo.com/palestinian-cars-vandalised-apparent-revenge-attack-083210485.html

    ReplyDelete
  4. Within two months, some objective organization(s) will again deflate the Feds rosy scenario. Try to recall when a work week needed to make a living wage was 40 hours. Only Congress and and the Executive would consider 30 hours sufficient. I cannot wait to see the numbers of employees whose hours have been cut to 30 to avoid the costs of the ACA.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I do remember when the work week was 48 hours.
      I do remember stories of
      "Dawn to Dusk"
      tolling in the fields, harvesting cotton, lettuce, avocados, etc.

      I, myself, have done a few "Can't see to Can't See" days.
      More than a few "All Nighters" to meet "deadlines"

      If there is less work, more people, "Something" has to "Give"

      Delete
  5. One of the more baffling messages in the current debate over the economy and “Obamacare” is the hue and cry over the trend in part-time employment. The fact is that since the end of the Great Recession, the trend in part-time employment has been down, not up. The black line in the chart below shows the share of part-time workers in the labor force. The light blue region shows the level of workers who are part-time due to economic reasons. The navy blue region show the level of workers who are part time due to “non-economic” reasons (health, child care responsibilities, etc.). The vertical bars denote recessions, from peak to trough.

    Obamacare isn't causing an increase in Part-time work - easy to understand chart

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We have a "labor surplus" in this country. Factories have move, en masse, overseas, the ones that are left are much more automated/robotized, and the housing sector is in the tank.

      This has empowered the fast food industry manage their labor usage in a way that they've always dreamed of - utilizing large numbers of part-time workers. It's great, if you're a McDonald's franchisee, to be able to bring in all the extra help you need for the rush hours, and then send them home during the slack periods.

      If you own 15 or 20 McDonalds this can add up to some serious bread by the end of the year.

      Delete
    2. This, obviously, applies to a lot of other businesses. Walmart comes to mind, but there are many, many others.

      Delete
    3. Rufus you really are a diddy bop. The solution is simple, if you have a labor surplus, you drive down the cost of labor and give status to 20,000,000 new workers and labor will become so cheap everyone will have a job. Get a grip. We have to satisfy the return on investment for the flash traders.

      Delete
    4. :)

      Yep, that's the way it's supposed to work. Everyone will have a job (but, no one will be able to afford the rent.)

      Delete
    5. Everything will be free, and everyone will work for free.

      Is not that what Karl was dreaming of?

      "I shall work in the morning, fish in the afternoon, go to the opera in the evening......"

      Can't recall his exact phasing,though.

      The man was mad, crazy......

      As millions of the 20th century dead can attest.

      Delete
    6. .

      Obamacare didn't create the huge spike in part-time work. The recession did that. However, it did contribute IMO and is currently an inhibitor in bringing the numbers down.

      The corporate profits and the huge buildup of cash we have seen over the past few years is mainly the result of cost cutting. Initially, the first thing cut was payroll and that reduction was the biggest factor in the cost cutting. Now, in the absence of another downturn, companies have cut labor about as deep as they can. However, until we start seeing normal growth companies will continue to try to cut costs. In this sense, Obamacare is an inhibitor in trying to reduce U6 and increasing the employment rate. While U6 now approaches pre-recessionary levels, the employment rate dropped to the lowest level since 1979 this year. The lack of jobs has caused many to drop out so they are lost from the unemployment figures. The non-participation doesn't just include retirees, normal and early. It includes young people. That's why the number of people in college is at the highest number ever. It is why we see record numbers of people going on disability. And it's the reason we see the welfare rolls climb.

      We won't be able to judge the real impact of Obamacare until we see some real growth in the economy.

      .

      Delete
  6. AP - Boehner to ask House for short-term debt ceiling increase.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Twenty-eight excellent charts giving a full-blown picture of employment history. As earlier stated by me and validated by the authors, government numbers are invariably adjusted after a few months, giving a much different view of reality.

    http://www.floatingpath.com/2013/09/06/u-s-employment-situation-august-2013/

    ReplyDelete
  8. Why there is yet hope for the country: colossal government incompetence.

    http://www.thefiscaltimes.com/Articles/2013/10/08/2-Billion-NSA-Spy-Center-Going-Flames

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. .

      The contractor that designed the flawed system—Pennsylvania-based Klingstubbins--said in a statement that it has "uncovered the issue" and is working on "implementing a permanent fix."

      Gee, that's the same thing Lockheed-Martin said about the F-35.

      .

      Delete
  9. October 10, 2013
    Croatan Indians Think Redskins Should Keep Their Name
    By Ann Kane


    President Obama said in an AP interview last Friday that "a sizable group" of Native American Indians don't like the name 'Redskins' for the Washington NFL football team.

    One tribe in North Carolina with about 1,200 members has something to say about Obama's marketing ploy to pressure a private enterprise to cave to a special interest's crusade.

    Some members of the Croatan Indians of Sampson County, that can trace their origins back to 1650, provided statements. When remarking on Obama's meddling with the Redskins' name, Randy Davis of Godwin said:

    Having spent years in DC and being a Croatan Indian, it sickens me to see President Obama weighing in on a team who gave me hope as a Native American in my youth. The President's time would be better spent asking NC Governor Pat McCrory why his office is currently ignoring the pleas for whistle blower protection from the Croatan Indians of Sampson County NC.

    Other Croatans offered their take on the president's comments. Trina Maynor made the suggestion to attach the Croatan name to the "Washington Redskins so they will be achieving what our county, state, and federal authorities have failed to do -- acknowledge us as real Indians that really do exist.


    Read more: http://www.americanthinker.com/2013/10/croatan_indians_think_redskins_should_keep_their_name.html#ixzz2hKbgJOYF

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. .

      If Indians are upset by team mascot names shouldn't they be boycotting the 'Cowboys'?

      .

      Delete
    2. Most of the Indians I know, Q, are cowboys.

      They would boycott "Andrew Jackson" games, if there were such a team.
      I've known a few of them that boycotted twenty dollar bills, because of Jackson' likeness being the face of it.

      Delete
    3. Betcha an Amero to a doughnut we wouldn't find a whole bunch of ...

      American Indians living in ....

      . . . . .Jacksonville . . . . . .

      Delete
    4. .

      Most of the Indians I know, Q, are cowboys.

      You need to get out more, rat. Try one of their casinos.

      .

      Delete
    5. I don't think so, Q.

      Those casinos, they're not managed by tribal members.

      Loo at who is running and profiting from those casinos,

      American Gaming Association

      Casinos & Equipment Manufacturers

      Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.
      Bally Technologies, Inc.
      Boyd Gaming Corporation
      Caesars Entertainment Group
      Churchill Downs, Inc.
      Gaming Partners International
      Gaughan South LLC dba South Point Hotel & Casino
      International Game Technology (IGT)
      Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc.
      JCM American Corporation
      Konami Gaming, Inc.
      Las Vegas Sands Corp.
      MGM Resorts International
      Multimedia Games, Inc.
      Navy Installations Command
      Penn National Gaming, Inc.
      Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc.
      Resorts World New York
      Rock Ohio Ventures LLC
      SHFL entertainment
      Spielo International USA, LLC
      WMS Gaming Inc.

      Financial Services


      Deutsche Bank Securities
      Goldman, Sachs & Co.
      Jefferies & Company, Inc.
      Morgan Stanley
      UBS Investment Bank

      Professional Services

      BMM North America, Inc.
      Cooper Levenson, Attorneys at Law
      Deloitte & Touche LLP
      Ernst & Young
      EWA CyberSolution
      Friedmutter Group Architectural Design Studios
      Gaming Laboratories International
      Grant J. Milleret, CPA
      KPMG LLP
      PricewaterhouseCoopers
      Ropes & Gray LLP
      Rush Street Gaming
      Steelman Partners
      Thalden Boyd Emery Architects

      Suppliers & Vendors

      Agilysys NV, LLC
      BAM Software and Services LLC
      CAMS, LLC
      Cashman Equipment Company
      iView Systems
      Joingo, LLC
      Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada
      STICS, Inc.
      Trans-Lux Corporation

      Pari-mutuel
      Sportech, PLC

      Associations, Publications & Unions

      Casino Association of Indiana
      Colorado Gaming Association
      East Coast Gaming Congress
      Illinois Casino Gaming Association
      Iowa Gaming Association
      L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at San Diego State University
      Louisiana Casino Association
      Mississippi Casino Operators Association
      Missouri Gaming Association
      Nevada Resort Association
      Regulatory Management Counselors
      Texas Gaming Association


      Not many Indians involved, Q, at the casinos.

      Delete
    6. There's a lot more Indians at the cattle and horse sales.
      At steer ropings and rodeos, then could ever be found in one of those reservation casinos.

      Delete
    7. The entire CdA Tribe and Nez Perce Tribe basically live at the Casinos out this way.

      They have a few buffalo, and breed a few Appalousas, but that's about it.

      They are generally broke again by the middle of the month.

      Delete
  10. This is good news -

    October 10, 2013
    Croatan Indians Think Redskins Should Keep Their Name
    By Ann Kane


    President Obama said in an AP interview last Friday that "a sizable group" of Native American Indians don't like the name 'Redskins' for the Washington NFL football team.

    One tribe in North Carolina with about 1,200 members has something to say about Obama's marketing ploy to pressure a private enterprise to cave to a special interest's crusade.

    Some members of the Croatan Indians of Sampson County, that can trace their origins back to 1650, provided statements. When remarking on Obama's meddling with the Redskins' name, Randy Davis of Godwin said:

    Having spent years in DC and being a Croatan Indian, it sickens me to see President Obama weighing in on a team who gave me hope as a Native American in my youth. The President's time would be better spent asking NC Governor Pat McCrory why his office is currently ignoring the pleas for whistle blower protection from the Croatan Indians of Sampson County NC.

    Other Croatans offered their take on the president's comments. Trina Maynor made the suggestion to attach the Croatan name to the "Washington Redskins so they will be achieving what our county, state, and federal authorities have failed to do -- acknowledge us as real Indians that really do exist.


    Read more: http://www.americanthinker.com/2013/10/croatan_indians_think_redskins_should_keep_their_name.html#ixzz2hKbgJOYF

    Makes me feel all better about being called a 'vandal'.

    Go Vandals!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Damn these computers, only a wizard can make them work correctly.

      Delete
    2. Any user, that would waste the time and effort to double post the same article, time and again, must have a learning disability.

      Lacking the basic, common courtesy required in a discussion amongst peers.
      He belittles himself, becoming a laughingstock amongst the other users.
      Which really is not "fair", we should not laugh at those with obvious mental limitations
      But it is so funny, even if it is in a sad way.

      Delete
    3. The user, never taking responsibility for his actions, always finds a way to shift the "cause" away from himself.
      Which is where the responsibility for the actions reside..
      .... not in an inanimate tool that is used by the fool

      Delete
    4. desert ratThu Oct 10, 11:11:00 AM EDT
      Any user, that would waste the time and effort to double post the same article, time and again, must have a learning disability.

      Same could be said about any user that would call Israel a "city-state". A Pirate Nation. And other assorted nonsensical anti-semtic rants.

      I thought you just were an anti-semitic narcissit, maybe as you suggest you are just retarded.

      That is the simply answer.

      You are retarded.

      Delete
    5. O sewer rat, you make me feel terrible about myself!

      You see the first post didn't have my little comment at the bottom which I wanted to include, and thought that I had not sent.

      Someone has said you are retarded, I'd add without humor, a real tell.

      A man without humor is as good as dead.

      A humorless retard, that's you.

      Delete
    6. O sewer rat, you make me feel terrible about myself!

      You see the first post didn't have my little comment at the bottom which I wanted to include, and thought that I had not sent.

      Someone has said you are retarded, I'd add without humor, a real tell.

      A man without humor is as good as dead.

      A humorless retard, that's you.

      Delete
    7. O sewer rat, you make me feel terrible about myself!

      You see the first post didn't have my little comment at the bottom which I wanted to include, and thought that I had not sent.

      Someone has said you are retarded, I'd add without humor, a real tell.

      A man without humor is as good as dead.

      A humorless retard, that's you.

      Delete
  11. If the United States is just a little bit "lucky" the Afghans will decide to follow Iraq's path ...

    The Tribal leaders will voe to not sign a Status of Forces type agreement, and the US will ...

    ............................."Leave No Man Behind"...............................

    in Afghanistan.

    KABUL, Afghanistan — Preparations are underway to secure a key meeting of Afghan tribal elders that will advise the nation's president on whether to sign a long-foundering security deal with the United States, an official said Thursday.

    President Hamid Karzai has called the meeting — known as Loya Jirga, or council of Afghan elders — for next month to discuss the state of the agreement after negotiations stumbled despite one year of talks. The U.S. wants a deal in October.

    Karzai has ruled out signing the U.S.-Afghan deal until disagreements over sovereignty issues are resolved, but it remains doubtful any agreement will have been reached in a month's time.

    If no deal is signed, the U.S. will keep no military forces in Afghanistan after 2014.

    Meawhile, security preparations were underway.

    "Work has started on the security issue of the Loya Jirga," said Ministry of Interior spokesman Sediq Sediqi.

    The Obama administration is still optimistic that a U.S.-Afghan agreement over the future role of American troops in the country can be finalized in the next few weeks, despite emotional outbursts from Karzai this week alleging that the U.S. and NATO inflicted suffering on the Afghan people and repeatedly violated its sovereignty.

    Read more here:
    http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/10/10/5235035/afghanistan-preparing-for-meeting.html?rh=1#storylink=cpy

    ReplyDelete

  12. 2 rabbis, 2 others accused of NJ kidnap plot to force man to give wife religious divorce

    By Associated Press,

    TRENTON, N.J. — Two rabbis and two other men are accused in an FBI sting carried out in New Jersey and New York of plotting to kidnap and beat a man to force him to grant a religious divorce.

    Rabbis Mendel Epstein and Martin Wolmark charged Jewish women and their families thousands of dollars to obtain religious divorces, known as “gets,” from recalcitrant husbands, the FBI said in a complaint released Thursday.

    Two undercover agents contacted Wolmark and Epstein in August about seeking a divorce. According to the complaint, Epstein spoke about forcing compliance through “tough guys” who use electric cattle prods and even place plastic bags over the heads of husbands.

    The FBI said the price was $50,000.

    The investigation took place in Ocean and Middlesex counties in New Jersey and Rockland County in New York.

    Several defendants were arrested overnight in raids in both states, including in Brooklyn, the FBI said. They were scheduled to appear in federal court in Trenton late Thursday.

    The two other defendants are Ariel Potash and a person identified as Yaakov. Their hometowns were not provided in the complaint.

    The undercover agents were a woman posing as a wife unable to get a divorce from her Orthodox Jewish husband, and her brother.

    They met with Epstein at his home in Ocean County in August, during which the rabbi spoke about “kidnapping, beating and torturing husbands in order to force a divorce,” the complaint said.

    “Basically what we are going to be doing is kidnapping a guy for a couple of hours and beating him up and torturing him and then getting him to give the get,” Epstein is quoted as saying during the conversation, which was videotaped.

    Under Jewish law, a husband must provide his wife with a document known as a “get” to get a divorce. If a husband refuses to grant one, a wife has the right to sue in rabbinical court.

    The court complaint said that a rabbinical court was held in Rockland County on Oct. 2 as part of the FBI sting, attended by all four defendants, during which the use of violence was authorized against the woman’s husband.

    When the woman asked Potash what his role was, he answered: “Whatever the rabbis tell me,” the complaint said.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. “When his life was ruined, his family killed, his farm destroyed, Job knelt down on the ground and yelled up to the heavens,
      "Why god? Why me?" and the thundering voice of God answered, There's just something about you that pisses me off.”

      Delete
  13. Richard Francis BurtonThu Oct 10, 12:07:00 PM EDT


    “The more I study religions the more I am convinced that man never worshiped anything but himself.”

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This is a really stupid quote but I'm eating breakfast and not in the mood to tell you why.

      Delete