[Spraynard Kruger]

Originally Posted by quixotic59

We have substituted the word "socialism" for "humanity" and "charity"

Oh how my cynical, worn-out, hardened heart wishes to believe that.

Now if we as humanity could give of ourselves until those power mongers no longer have any work to do, then we would have something to really celebrate.

Powerful words though, quixotic59. You've been on a tear lately.

[Daddys///M3]

Originally Posted by tazz

You ain't seen nothing yet.

Just imagine what will happen if a republican gets into office of prez in 2012 with a repub senate and house.

We will be lucky if there is a minimum wage at all.

And the fat cats will reward themselves with big bonuses at their martini board meetings.

With all due respect, have the Democrats not been giving the so called fat cats taxpayer money to reward themselves the big bonuses via bailouts? Obviously GWB started it all with his theory of abandoning free market principles to save the free market but the Obama administration and his Democratic supermajority simply pushed more of the same. This is not a R vs D issue. To treat it as such simply helps perpetuate the divide that many are arguing is the problem in the first place.

[unf0rgiven6262]

Originally Posted by Daddys///M3

This is not a R vs D issue. To treat it as such simply helps perpetuate the divide that many are arguing is the problem in the first place.

Precisely. Every time I see people ranting about republicans vs. democrats I can't help but sigh. If anything, that whole debate is just another distraction to the real issues. In fact, it's always the go-to distraction in the event that something else isn't going on. No natural disaster- get them to endlessly rant about republicans and democrats. Government is going broke- get them to pick sides and blame the other side. We fragment everything into tidy little compartments and we end up with ten million different ways to pass the buck.

[quixotic59]

Originally Posted by Spraynard Kruger

Oh how my cynical, worn-out, hardened heart wishes to believe that.

Now if we as humanity could give of ourselves until those power mongers no longer have any work to do, then we would have something to really celebrate.

Powerful words though, quixotic59. You've been on a tear lately.

I'm glad you appreciate what I have to say, but I also want to apologize to all if I have become a bit preachy. I never intend to foist my perspective on others. I think it goes with the territory of being a teacher for so many years. You always have a need to explain and get others to think.

The wife and I have talked about the fact that our jobs and where we live has resulted in a somewhat skewed way of looking at things. Having, for the first time in our lives, spent a significant bit of time in Las Vegas and the California (be nice!!) these past two years has really opened our eyes. For me, the folks here on the forum have added another dimension of depth to my new found perspective.

There is a majestic beauty out west that we do not have here in the east. Also, for many socioeconomic reasons, the people are, frankly, somewhat refreshing. Yes, even the Californians!!

There is a hardness here in NYC that has become tiresome. Conversely, there is a more relaxed environment we find in the west that allows us to remember what really matters. I guess it breeds a nostalgia for the "good old days" when life was simpler.

All I know is that when I stand at the scenic overlook in Red Rock Canyon, off 159, just north of the scenic loop, all this stuff seems so unimportant. For a few moments I can almost forget what year it is and imagine I got there riding a horse. (OK, maybe not in the middle of July if possible).

[MadManofBethesda]

Originally Posted by airics

Egypt.. then Libya.. anyone think gas will be $4 by April??

Originally Posted by las vegas drunk

Yes, I predicted that back in October (on record) on this thread and wound up getting laughed at. As of today, oil has gone up nearly $6. I see over $4 a gallon gas this year.

Originally Posted by las vegas drunk

It was Mad Man who laughed at me.

You're hallucinating again. I laughed at your prediction that the price of a barrel of oil would double (to about $160) in 8 months. Here, let me refresh your memory:

Originally Posted by las vegas drunk

I will only concur with you since I would not post it myself. Word is oil is going to double within the next 8 months, so moving far away from your job is quite foolish anymore.

Originally Posted by MadManofBethesda

lol

[Spraynard Kruger]

Originally Posted by quixotic59

I'm glad you appreciate what I have to say, but I also want to apologize to all if I have become a bit preachy. I never intend to foist my perspective on others. I think it goes with the territory of being a teacher for so many years. You always have a need to explain and get others to think.

The wife and I have talked about the fact that our jobs and where we live has resulted in a somewhat skewed way of looking at things. Having, for the first time in our lives, spent a significant bit of time in Las Vegas and the California (be nice!!) these past two years has really opened our eyes. For me, the folks here on the forum have added another dimension of depth to my new found perspective.

There is a majestic beauty out west that we do not have here in the east. Also, for many socioeconomic reasons, the people are, frankly, somewhat refreshing. Yes, even the Californians!!

There is a hardness here in NYC that has become tiresome. Conversely, there is a more relaxed environment we find in the west that allows us to remember what really matters. I guess it breeds a nostalgia for the "good old days" when life was simpler.

All I know is that when I stand at the scenic overlook in Red Rock Canyon, off 159, just north of the scenic loop, all this stuff seems so unimportant. For a few moments I can almost forget what year it is and imagine I got there riding a horse. (OK, maybe not in the middle of July if possible).

No worries. I really see eye to eye with your point of view. Thoughts expressed here can be cathartic so you can go about your day. Its nice to know a few people listen every now and then.

[PinkString]

Originally Posted by airics

actually pink, it seems as if you are the one that is having some issues about the discussion... thank you.. no one else is bantering..

Thanks so much for "helping" turn the chat thread into the political doom and gloom thread. Yes, I DO have a problem with it. But at least I have other places to go besides here.

[PinkString]

Oh gee, i forgot I could have just used the ignore feature.

[MediocreButArrogant]

Originally Posted by airics

Egypt.. then Libya.. anyone think gas will be $4 by April??

Already here in some places. I saw self-service premium for $4.13 in Studio City, CA yesterday, though something like $3.89 was more typical. I think you'll see regular for over $4 in most of CA possibly as soon as March. Cue Escalade owners whining about gas prices on TV in 3...2...1

[tom_c]

Originally Posted by PinkString

Some of you that are into conspiracy theories..do you ever get tired of it? It seems so depressing thinking the end of the world is coming around every corner. Why can't you just enjoy the life you have and try to make the best of it. An asteroid could fall from the sky and wipe out our planet in an instant. There will be nothing we can do about it. Why not just relax and have fun?

I'm not sure which of the Wesley Brothers (founders of the Methodist church) it was in this old saw.

The gentleman in question was working in his garden when a man asked him "If you knew Christ was coming today and the world was to end today what would you do?"

"Keep working in my garden" was the reply.