tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221405275974541103.comments2023-10-15T11:24:38.417-04:00The U.S. ParliamentJacobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14563739841535780915noreply@blogger.comBlogger274125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221405275974541103.post-33010763470163277302012-11-08T02:08:50.936-05:002012-11-08T02:08:50.936-05:00I think the current system is mostly right. The pr...I think the current system is mostly right. The problem is that it actually needs to be followed and enforced. For example, every issue that is not mentioned in the US Constitution should be left to the States. If Southern States want to ban same sex marriage, and New England States want to become more European, I see no problem with that. The purpose of having federalism, is to allow different peoples to live their own ways. This is the most important thing that needs to happen. Now, I must agree with 2 things you mentioned. 1st, is that the president has far too much power. But according to the constitution (which MUST be more strictly followed), the president is not the head of State and he is only the Commander in Chief when the Congress declares war. In stead, the USA is a confederacy, and each Governor is their respective head of State. Its not like the Founding Fathers didn't know the English Language. They are called States for a good reason (but I think the name "governor" should be changed to something that actually reflects their roles as Head of State). So my whole issue, is that a LOT less should be happening on the federal level including all the warmongering and spending. But, what does happen at the federal level, I believe should be reformed. In reconciling the federal nature of the USA (which from Jefferson to shortly before Lincoln was understood to mean Confederacy)with the will of the people; I make a counter proposal - one that is more likely to gain support and in my view be more effective. Let the House Members be elected by a single body politic (no districts, no counties etc) and be turned into a Parliament with proportional representation. You are more in favor than I am of having more democracy. I want a republic that is democratic. So I don't understand why you would impose an 8% rule? If a KKK party rises to power and has 6% of the vote, does it really matter? Surely you don't think they will actually change anything! The Senate should then go back to having its members appointed by the State Legislatures. Its a lot easier for the people to control their own State legislatures than it is for them to change anything at the Federal Level. What happens in the Senate, should reflect States Rights. The House of Representatives Parliament would elect the Prime Minister.I'm not quite sure what his role would be, but maybe it would have the jurisdiction over domestic affairs, while the President was largely concerned with foreign affairs (and Congress would have to declare War for ANY military involvement). The president would still be elected by the Electoral College, but I think Smaller States should have more representation in the EC.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221405275974541103.post-25146822241954461692012-01-10T15:36:44.162-05:002012-01-10T15:36:44.162-05:00To get PR in the USA, you first have to eliminate ...To get PR in the USA, you first have to eliminate the two-party duopoly that will forever fight it. So you need Score Voting or Approval Voting as an intermediate step, most likely.<br /><br />http://asitoughttobe.com/2010/07/18/score-voting/<br /><br />If you're into economics, you might appreciate Bayesian Regret.<br /><br />http://ScoreVoting.net/BayRegsFig.htmlAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221405275974541103.post-350291694607068072011-12-25T17:29:28.354-05:002011-12-25T17:29:28.354-05:00Hello Jacob,
Admirable mind-opening task!
By th...Hello Jacob, <br /><br />Admirable mind-opening task!<br /><br />By the way. Mainstream media, which is another strategic asset owned by the oligocracy, just using 2 basic tools: self-censorship & glamorization of the wealthy, can easily control the political behavior of the laboring majority, making millions of blue & white collar workers believe they are living in a 'democracy' and not in a system of pure neo-slavery. <br /><br />In a system of neo-slavery, instead of having one specific master, the slave has thousands or more masters at the same time. Thus, it does not matter what the neo-slave does for a living, he/she is always doing unconditionally what the masters-at-once dictate in exchange of a slave-support -called 'wage'- proportionally lesser than what the single master -in classical slavery- invested in feeding, clothing, housing, training, medicines, entertainment, ending care, burial, etc. <br /><br />Today's slaves (or neo-slaves) are allowed to quit and change jobs any time wanted, but the essence of slavery remains, it never changes: the laborer, in order to survive, serves the masters unconditionally for a meager investment or 'wage' (the benefit & advance of neo-slavery) barely enough to eat, dress, have roof for some months and transport himself/herself, but never enough to take care in full of his/her steady home, health, insurances, credits, education & training, sane entertainment, savings, retirement, funeral service, and so forth. <br /><br />In conclusion, being constantly bombarded by mainstream media with the false notion -or systematic dellusion- that they are living in the biggest democracy of the world* (and not in the biggest oligocracy ever known in history, where the 3 branches of the state power are nothing but 3 bodies of big foremen at the full service of the owners of the international monopolies & the 99% of the social wealth), *makes the citizens of any contemporary so called 'domocracy' behave historically like a new race of political 'castrati.'<br /><br />Keep up the mind-opening work, Jacob, there is so much to do. We need today many more like you everywhere, till the goal of humanist freedom is achieved on our beloved planet! <br /><br />FabioFabiohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05115301124295542507noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221405275974541103.post-7350687623582418732011-09-18T11:46:36.985-04:002011-09-18T11:46:36.985-04:00excellent article. But I need more writtenexcellent article. But I need more writtenAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221405275974541103.post-32476562642361166562011-03-12T10:19:43.484-05:002011-03-12T10:19:43.484-05:00The Founding Fathers established a brilliant syste...The Founding Fathers established a brilliant system. "US Parliament" fools lust after a bogus delusional alleged utopia only the blind would want, one that could never be created, much less survive, denying human nature as it does, as the Founders knew painfully well from their lack of the denial of man's wickedness needing God as their savior, overwhelmingly present today. The Biblically and historically illiterate running our country will destroy it, as they warned, knowing Christians to be indispensable for leadership.russedavhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00670180429306867443noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221405275974541103.post-63828469316474703352011-01-12T03:20:13.230-05:002011-01-12T03:20:13.230-05:00Il semble que vous soyez un expert dans ce domaine...Il semble que vous soyez un expert dans ce domaine, vos remarques sont tres interessantes, merci.<br /><br />- DanielAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221405275974541103.post-68135361562826425802010-11-09T04:35:24.257-05:002010-11-09T04:35:24.257-05:00It is a deed data that at in unison level in rhyth...It is a deed data that at in unison level in rhythm or another all but all entrepreneurs need a bank vocation allow, either to start up the enthusiasm, dissipate it, or to bridge troubling times when the consumer turns fickle. 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A bank affair advance is the basic conduit object of starting up an business and gets a risk off to a reliable start, however it is a inadequate pharmaceutical for existing economic problems.It is high better to come into the possession of mavin admonition on how to traffic with your economic problems. The foremost liking that a able business debt consultant intent lack to know is the genus of loans and monetary obligations make up the entire situation. If you demand unsecured debts, strikingly a bank trade lend, there is quite a scintilla the adviser can do to make things easier pro you to restore your business owing, continue constant your hazardous undertaking and flush with improve your merit rating. Anybody colloid that may be proposed is affair responsible consolidation, which consolidates all of the economic obligations into an individual account that requires just lone affordable payment per month. This has been worked outdoors nearby the counselor together with all of the creditors who be undergoing agreed to undergo a reduced payment that is based upon a lowered enrol rate. If the economic obligation is more problematical and either represents a substantial amount, or has ripen into delinquent, the counsellor may recommend business debt settlement. This form of economic relief is aimed exclusively at unsecured loans such as a bank profession advance and task debt settling can be effected in a couple of days. With either remedy the honesty rating will launch to uplift barely immediately. When creditors regard that a official business straitened reorganization program is being worked free, the area have faith rating reflects their approval. Anyhow, it is evermore best to undertake help before any real reparation is done and to intercept a restorative before it is actually required. With the advice of a beneficent obligation indebtedness advisor, any plunge can strengthen on smell without delightful out additional bank obligation loans.Check these links to learn.<br />more: [url=http://www.pozyczkanadowod.org/]kredyt na dowód[/url]Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221405275974541103.post-51785803533078148872010-06-12T17:45:41.057-04:002010-06-12T17:45:41.057-04:00When infrastructure project is finished the job is...When infrastructure project is finished the job is gone, however that makes it seem as if there are only a few fixes needed. America has ignored vast sections of its infrastructure for decades. There is enough work just fixing the existing parts (bridges, roads, railways, schools, public buildings) to last for a least a decade. Then you add new stuff as high tech rail and energy generation, it could go on for decades.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221405275974541103.post-87741788153141003032010-06-05T00:09:34.992-04:002010-06-05T00:09:34.992-04:00Hi
Very nice and intrestingss story.Hi <br />Very nice and intrestingss story.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221405275974541103.post-12648903092904888932010-04-11T19:21:16.133-04:002010-04-11T19:21:16.133-04:00hello
just signed up and wanted to say hello wh...hello <br /><br /><br />just signed up and wanted to say hello while I read through the posts<br /><br /><br />hopefully this is just what im looking for looks like i have a lot to read.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221405275974541103.post-17451776901500476472009-12-14T16:35:18.515-05:002009-12-14T16:35:18.515-05:00Hi !.
might , probably curious to know how one can...Hi !.<br />might , probably curious to know how one can make real money . <br />There is no initial capital needed You may begin to receive yields with as small sum of money as 20-100 dollars. <br /><br />AimTrust is what you thought of all the time<br />AimTrust represents an offshore structure with advanced asset management technologies in production and delivery of pipes for oil and gas. <br /><br />Its head office is in Panama with offices everywhere: In USA, Canada, Cyprus.<br />Do you want to become really rich in short time? <br />That`s your chance That`s what you desire!<br /><br />I`m happy and lucky, I started to take up income with the help of this company, <br />and I invite you to do the same. If it gets down to choose a proper partner who uses your funds in a right way - that`s it!.<br />I take now up to 2G every day, and what I started with was a funny sum of 500 bucks! <br />It`s easy to get involved , just click this link http://nifodomiw.1accesshost.com/ebefova.html<br /> and lucky you`re! Let`s take our chance together to feel the smell of real moneyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221405275974541103.post-40469435868609805572009-12-06T14:28:07.307-05:002009-12-06T14:28:07.307-05:00The winner takes all mentality is hurting a lot of...The winner takes all mentality is hurting a lot of countries - not just the US.Chanellehttp://www.flattenstomachnow.com/how-to-get-a-flat-stomach/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221405275974541103.post-55213622122465314102009-11-25T04:52:15.406-05:002009-11-25T04:52:15.406-05:00Jacob,
Here's an excellent Op-Ed on the same...Jacob, <br /><br />Here's an excellent Op-Ed on the same topic as this blog post:<br /><br />http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/25/opinion/25iht-edreich.html?_r=1&ref=global<br /><br />It describes the current situation quite well I think.<br /><br />Marcus - SwedenAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221405275974541103.post-14032878243196564072009-11-19T16:38:29.197-05:002009-11-19T16:38:29.197-05:00It was certainly interesting for me to read that b...It was certainly interesting for me to read that blog. Thanks for it. I like such themes and everything that is connected to this matter. I definitely want to read a bit more on that blog soon.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221405275974541103.post-37384294514099289242009-11-19T01:42:38.677-05:002009-11-19T01:42:38.677-05:00It was very interesting for me to read this post. ...It was very interesting for me to read this post. Thanks for it. I like such topics and everything connected to them. I definitely want to read more soon.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221405275974541103.post-33529084403961408862009-11-17T19:11:47.388-05:002009-11-17T19:11:47.388-05:00this was very interesting to read-- i'm actual...this was very interesting to read-- i'm actually in the process of writing a bill for congress (mock congress) in which I am advocating for increased protectionism to give jobs to americans and save/help certain industries. I would love any input you might have!!Jakehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04294365038658867160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221405275974541103.post-14243130900522393452009-11-12T16:19:53.977-05:002009-11-12T16:19:53.977-05:00I agree with Marcus. Infrastructure jobs can have ...I agree with Marcus. Infrastructure jobs can have some benefits immediately, but when the project is finished, the job is gone. <br /><br />The expression "boom and bust" is much more than an expression; in the U.S. it's actually a kind of economic order. Traditionally, after a recession (or bust) the country has actually relied on the re-inflating of a bubble to create jobs (boom). This also requires vast amounts of speculation, often with borrowed money. even though people are doing that now, I don't think that it will work this time, because the underlying fundamental problems are too great.<br /><br />In countries that don't rely on bubbles to create jobs, at least not internally, such as Germany, you will often see a "jobless recovery", where companies hunker down and make themselves more competitive. In that way, when hiring does come back, it is a real recovery.<br /><br />On the other hand, a jobless recovery during a time of desperate attempts to re-inflate a bubble must be seen as much worse. The temporary quick fix, the shortcut, does not work, even though it is normally easy to make it work.Jacobhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14563739841535780915noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221405275974541103.post-25844563420652860532009-11-12T04:58:45.166-05:002009-11-12T04:58:45.166-05:00Anon: "what of the U.S. workers who have alre...Anon: "what of the U.S. workers who have already completed school and can't afford to go back? What are they going to do and how will they acquire these high-level skills?"<br /><br />They probably won't. Some might partake in some job training programs but most need to find new employment at their skill level.<br /><br />Infrastructure projects could create lots of jobs but probably not enough, and they are costly and Federal money is earmarked for other stuff it seems. Still it's a possibility with some potential.<br /> <br />To put a real dent in todays US unemployments figures would take... I don't know. I just can't see it happening in the short-medium term future.<br /><br />Marcus - SwedenAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221405275974541103.post-41737843489076418762009-11-08T16:59:06.768-05:002009-11-08T16:59:06.768-05:00Marcus:
You make a very good point, but what of t...Marcus:<br /><br />You make a very good point, but what of the U.S. workers who have already completed school and can't afford to go back? What are they going to do and how will they acquire these high-level skills?<br /><br />To the author:<br />I'd like you to do a post or explain to me why the argument that "jobs as a lagging indicator" will not apply to this recession. i.e. A lot of people are sitting it out on their unemployment checks thinking that jobs will come back, but I don't see how or even where. Why don't they get what is fundamentally happening.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221405275974541103.post-90918564548739534982009-10-20T04:47:26.999-04:002009-10-20T04:47:26.999-04:00The only way for the west to keep our economies ro...The only way for the west to keep our economies rollin' and our stadard of life at its present levels or even improving is to keep climbing the value ladder. That's it. There are no short cuts.<br /><br />We will never again be able to assemble low tech products and turn a profit. Asia outperforms us due to vast numbers of hard working low-paid factory workers. We can't go back and, honestly, we don't want to either. How many do you know who could stomach working their ass off at an assembly line for 60 hours per week?<br /><br />We must push our products ever more complicated and complex so that raw man-power means little in their production. Education is fundamental here. And investment in research and in base sciences.<br /><br />The level of sophistication needed is approaching where we find the automobile as it stands today. China does not yet have international successful brands, but they're on the way. Europe and Japan can still compete, for now, because they continued up the value ladder with increasingly sophisticated products. The US did not, and cannot compete internationally as a consequence.<br /><br />Of course China is frantically climbing the value ladder also, in manufacturing, and India too - in IT-services. But this is one of the few edges we still have in the west, superior infrastructure being another, and we need to keep it. And we need to not take it for granted.<br /><br />Marcus - SwedenAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221405275974541103.post-72415604002910098912009-10-19T17:18:33.092-04:002009-10-19T17:18:33.092-04:00The discussion on Saudi Arabia is interesting. How...The discussion on Saudi Arabia is interesting. How good friends are they really to the U.S.? Needless to say, the cultural differences are... vast.<br /><br />Perhaps they would be best described using a popular tweenie-term: "frenemy". Do they like Obama? Probably not. I hear people aren't too keen on black people in Saudi Arabia.<br /><br />Recent reports show that Saudi Arabia has lost 65% of their pre-crisis income:<br /> http://www.gulfbase.com/site/interface/SpecialReport/NSCSA_07052009.pdf<br /><br />As far as I'm concerned, the financial Armageddon already happened to them. <br /><br />If I were them, I wouldn't be afraid to try something new...Jacobhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14563739841535780915noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221405275974541103.post-58870840134741154332009-10-17T12:02:23.057-04:002009-10-17T12:02:23.057-04:00I don't think it's out of the realm of pos...I don't think it's out of the realm of possibility that China and/or Russia would be more than happy to replace the US with their own long standing agreement(s) to protect the Saudi regime from any military threats. They are not currently involved in two military campaigns and have the resources to protect the Saudi's. <br /><br />Both appear to be financially solvent as far as I know, and both have substantial armed forces as well as a shared economic ideology. Both have incorporated hues of Capitalism into their Communistic and Socialistic systems producing great wealth. <br /><br />I am aware that China would have to walk a fine line as it is a holder of much of the US debt, so therein lies the twist for them. If this 1.3 billion person energy guzzling economy offers itself up to the Saudi's, it may offset their losses in terms of US debt. Unlike the US, China doesn't appear to be going green, just the opposite. That would appeal to the Saudi's. <br /><br />Our system was doing fine until the faith and trust in it was shattered by banks with avarice and greed which now calls into question the validity of any ideas they may have on the world stage. <br /><br />I see the future basket currency including the dollar...as the unwanted stepchild.Smartmartinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03943565513880712001noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221405275974541103.post-43754667045043189672009-10-16T08:46:07.490-04:002009-10-16T08:46:07.490-04:00I wouldn't bet too much against displacement o...I wouldn't bet too much against displacement of the dollar as the petro reserve. It hasn't just been the Iraqis prior to the invasion who have chattered about changing their petro reserve currency. I seem to remember rumors and innuendo in the '90s about it, as well as even after September 11. I'll see if I can find legit links.<br /><br />I laughed when I read your reference to the cocaine high, Jacob. It was particularly fitting since the party drug of choice among Wall Streeters in the '80s was cocaine. I don't think WS has ever come down, really.<br /><br />In reference to Krugman, he does make some legitimate points--but seems to do so in a vaccuum, or at the very least from a position with blinders on. There hasn't been a healthy manufacturing sector in the States for decades in terms of exports, and I think the fact that we really have nothing in terms of economic strategies, goals, plans, etc., is what came to the forefront over the past two years.<br /><br />LauraAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221405275974541103.post-13809338966170140172009-10-16T05:37:30.527-04:002009-10-16T05:37:30.527-04:00As I see it the question whether the Dollar can re...As I see it the question whether the Dollar can remain as the world's reserve currence cannot be separated from whether the Dollar's role as "petro-dollar" remains.<br /><br />There is a long standing agreement between the US and Saudi Arabia that the US will protect the Saudi regime from any military threats and Saudi will sell their oil in Dollars and in Dollars only. And further, Saudi will push for OPEC to do the same, and Saudi is THE OPEC-heavyweight, the one member with any significant swing capacity.<br /><br />Iraq once announced that they'd sell oil in Euros. Shortly after Iraq was invaded. Now, I'm not saying that the invasion was a direct result of Iraq's decision to trade in Euros, but what is significant is that the decision was immediately reversed after Saddam was toppled. <br /><br />It is THAT important. If it was announced that a currency-basket (or any competing currency for that matter, but a currency-basket is more likely) was to replace the Dollar as payment for oil, then there would be no reason to maintain the Dollar as the world's reserve currency and the Dollar's value would plummet over night.<br /><br />But how likely it is that this might happen? No idea.<br /><br />Marcus - SwedenAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2221405275974541103.post-11725481200568399872009-10-15T12:17:06.339-04:002009-10-15T12:17:06.339-04:00I think the most likely scenario would be that ins...I think the most likely scenario would be that instead of just one currency, a basket of currencies will be used. The Euro would certainly be important in that basket, as would the Japanese Yen and the Chinese Yuan. <br /><br />The basket of currencies would be handled by an international authority, such as the World Bank. In other words, the price of a barrel of oil would be denominated in this world bank reserve currency. So, a barrel would cost maybe 50 "World Bank Dollars".<br /><br />Such a currency basket would likely increase integration and homogenization in terms of economic policies, which is another reason the U.S. is against this. The U.S. wants to keep the casino economy, which would be very difficult to do if the current situation changes.Jacobhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14563739841535780915noreply@blogger.com