Search found 5944 matches

by Corth
Wed Jun 08, 2011 2:46 am
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: DISCRIMINATION in the GUBBERMANT
Replies: 1
Views: 827

Re: DISCRIMINATION in the GUBBERMANT

I never realized that the redistribution of wealth is accomplished in part by who gets hired to work for the government. Interesting.
by Corth
Tue Jun 07, 2011 5:31 pm
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: Imperialist Democrats Threaten Libya - NO BLOOD FOR OIL!
Replies: 91
Views: 12483

Re: Imperialist Democrats Threaten Libya - NO BLOOD FOR OIL!

It was a PR stunt to try and focus attention away from the popular dissent against the regime and towards something the Arabs universally agree upon - the destruction of Israel.
by Corth
Tue Jun 07, 2011 4:18 am
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: Imperialist Democrats Threaten Libya - NO BLOOD FOR OIL!
Replies: 91
Views: 12483

Re: Imperialist Democrats Threaten Libya - NO BLOOD FOR OIL!

France probably dislikes Libya because Libya tends to do a lot of business with the Italians. It's one of the reasons that they defended Saddam Hussein so vigorously - French corporations were making a killing on the so-called 'oil for food' program. Likewise, it's why the Russians defend the Irania...
by Corth
Tue Jun 07, 2011 4:14 am
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: The "22,000" tears visa blunder
Replies: 4
Views: 4557

Re: The "22,000" tears visa blunder

Reminds me of when I took the bar exam. They had a scoring blunder and several people who passed ended up being told they failed, and vice versa (I wasn't affected). Not quite the same as being told you cannot immigrate to the US, but still, it was a kick in the pants for some. I look forward to the...
by Corth
Tue Jun 07, 2011 4:10 am
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: the debt ceiling vote, does anyone else think this is epic?
Replies: 83
Views: 29647

Re: the debt ceiling vote, does anyone else think this is ep

Sarvis, Recognizing that some people are so destitute that they cannot and do not afford even some of the most basic luxuries of modern living, for the vast majority of the people in the US it is a good idea to proceed under the assumption that SS will not provide them with sufficient retirement inc...
by Corth
Mon Jun 06, 2011 3:45 pm
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: the debt ceiling vote, does anyone else think this is epic?
Replies: 83
Views: 29647

Re: the debt ceiling vote, does anyone else think this is ep

It's just a basic understanding that SS likely will not be sufficient to provide a decent retirement income. Certainly there are people who don't really have a choice in the matter. But to the extent that this recognition can provide some meaningful guidance then it's worth noting. Maybe you buy a u...
by Corth
Mon Jun 06, 2011 1:07 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Maxler's Compewters
Replies: 4
Views: 5714

Re: Maxler's Compewters

Canadian viagra school girls in your neighborhood lose weight.
by Corth
Mon Jun 06, 2011 1:05 am
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: the debt ceiling vote, does anyone else think this is epic?
Replies: 83
Views: 29647

Re: the debt ceiling vote, does anyone else think this is ep

Teflor Lyorian wrote:Personally, I plan on making social security the icing on the cake of retirement. People that are relying upon it seriously made some poor decisions earlier in life.


Agree mightily.
by Corth
Mon Jun 06, 2011 1:04 am
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: Imperialist Democrats Threaten Libya - NO BLOOD FOR OIL!
Replies: 91
Views: 12483

Re: Imperialist Democrats Threaten Libya - NO BLOOD FOR OIL!

GWB had to justify his invasion of Iraq on existence of WMD - and has taken quite a bit of flack when he wasn't able to produce any post-invasion. I guess nowadays, given this so-called 'duty to protect', all you need to say is that the leader of target country is about to kill civillians. Not very ...
by Corth
Sun Jun 05, 2011 4:22 am
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: Imperialist Democrats Threaten Libya - NO BLOOD FOR OIL!
Replies: 91
Views: 12483

Re: Imperialist Democrats Threaten Libya - NO BLOOD FOR OIL!

The revolution against the Shah in Iran started out as a push for 'liberty' and ended up with an Islamic dictatorship that has been a thorn in our side for 30 years. Libya under Qudaffi was a stable country, as was Egypt under Mubarak. In recent years Qudaffi has renounced terrorism, dismantled his ...
by Corth
Fri Jun 03, 2011 8:53 pm
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: Interesting article - bone marrow baby 20 years later
Replies: 1
Views: 720

Interesting article - bone marrow baby 20 years later

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/43265160/ns/today-good_news/ I remember when this was happening some 20 years ago. A 16 year old girl needed a bone marrow transplant, and in the absence of a suitable donor the parents conceived a baby hoping that it would be a match. Despite low odds, the baby was a p...
by Corth
Fri Jun 03, 2011 8:27 pm
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: Imperialist Democrats Threaten Libya - NO BLOOD FOR OIL!
Replies: 91
Views: 12483

Re: Imperialist Democrats Threaten Libya - NO BLOOD FOR OIL!

Sarvis, Whether the war in Iraq was warranted or not is certainly up for debate. Personally (like Ragorn) I was in favor of it at the time, and in retrospect think it was the wrong decision. But I don't think that it can be said that GWB failed to get Congressional approval for the conflict. Granted...
by Corth
Fri Jun 03, 2011 7:38 pm
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: Imperialist Democrats Threaten Libya - NO BLOOD FOR OIL!
Replies: 91
Views: 12483

Re: Imperialist Democrats Threaten Libya - NO BLOOD FOR OIL!

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/jun/3/bipartisan-congress-rebuffs-obama-libya-mission/ Seems like broad bipartisan discontent with Obama's handling of the Constitutional issues surrounding his commitment of US military in the Libya conflict. About half the Congressional democrats voted in f...
by Corth
Fri Jun 03, 2011 3:02 pm
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: the debt ceiling vote, does anyone else think this is epic?
Replies: 83
Views: 29647

Re: the debt ceiling vote, does anyone else think this is ep

Right - I understand that. Tim Pawlenty I believe had an interesting suggestion on that subject. Essentially pass legislation that creates priorities for US spending when there is insufficient money. First the bondholders (to avoid a default), second the military, etc.
by Corth
Fri Jun 03, 2011 5:30 am
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: the debt ceiling vote, does anyone else think this is epic?
Replies: 83
Views: 29647

Re: the debt ceiling vote, does anyone else think this is ep

Well, I dont know about cash reserves... But there are certainly vast amounts of assets at the government's disposal. Real estate, gold at fort knox, strategic oil reserves, millitary equipment, etc.
by Corth
Thu Jun 02, 2011 7:23 pm
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: the debt ceiling vote, does anyone else think this is epic?
Replies: 83
Views: 29647

Re: the debt ceiling vote, does anyone else think this is ep

http://www.businessinsider.com/moodys-w ... ing-2011-6

What this demonstrates is even the mere fact that the debt ceiling topic is up for debate is potentially damaging.
by Corth
Thu Jun 02, 2011 4:04 pm
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: the debt ceiling vote, does anyone else think this is epic?
Replies: 83
Views: 29647

Re: the debt ceiling vote, does anyone else think this is ep

As an aside - Obama as Senator voted to not increase the debt ceiling - which I'm sure he now regrets.
by Corth
Wed Jun 01, 2011 6:42 pm
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: the debt ceiling vote, does anyone else think this is epic?
Replies: 83
Views: 29647

Re: the debt ceiling vote, does anyone else think this is ep

That is beside the point. We do not elect politicians to vote according to poll results. Granted, that often happens - but if the will of the mob is dispositive then why even have debates? Just have a national polling service. The fact of the matter is that Joe Six Pack does not understand the ramif...
by Corth
Wed Jun 01, 2011 6:40 pm
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: 2-6 years for binding and gagging your GF's kids, 6 felonies
Replies: 31
Views: 7632

Re: 2-6 years for binding and gagging your GF's kids, 6 felo

It's a pretty narrow category of crimes: those which are done negligently or recklessly. Generally speaking, criminal laws have intent (mens rea) requirements. This narrow category is the exception to the rule. Moreover, with a crime like 'attempted murder', which our basketball fan was charged with...
by Corth
Wed Jun 01, 2011 5:05 pm
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: the debt ceiling vote, does anyone else think this is epic?
Replies: 83
Views: 29647

Re: the debt ceiling vote, does anyone else think this is ep

What do you do? You argue fiscal policy during a budget vote when it is appropriate to do so. You don't play chicken with a potential catastrophic result for the country.
by Corth
Wed Jun 01, 2011 4:48 pm
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: 2-6 years for binding and gagging your GF's kids, 6 felonies
Replies: 31
Views: 7632

Re: 2-6 years for binding and gagging your GF's kids, 6 felo

The reason why intent isn't everything: http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/Seattle-bus-shooter-to-police-I-wasn-t-even-1402917.php Bad example. He fired a gun at bus full of people (without intent of actually hitting anyone). He was properly charged with reckless endangerment and unlawful gun p...
by Corth
Wed Jun 01, 2011 4:44 pm
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: the debt ceiling vote, does anyone else think this is epic?
Replies: 83
Views: 29647

Re: the debt ceiling vote, does anyone else think this is ep

It's absolutely insane that the debt ceiling is subject to politicization. It would be an utter catastrophe if the US defaulted on it's debt. Failing to raise the debt ceiling simply isn't an option - and even talking about not raising it can be damaging if investors start to think that in fact they...
by Corth
Wed Jun 01, 2011 2:25 pm
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: 2-6 years for binding and gagging your GF's kids, 6 felonies
Replies: 31
Views: 7632

Re: 2-6 years for binding and gagging your GF's kids, 6 felo

The reason why intent isn't everything: http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/Seattle-bus-shooter-to-police-I-wasn-t-even-1402917.php Bad example. He fired a gun at bus full of people (without intent of actually hitting anyone). He was properly charged with reckless endangerment and unlawful gun p...
by Corth
Tue May 31, 2011 3:18 pm
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: 2-6 years for binding and gagging your GF's kids, 6 felonies
Replies: 31
Views: 7632

Re: 2-6 years for binding and gagging your GF's kids, 6 felo

...however, is 6 years for a stupid mistake that had no actual real harmful effect rational? I'm assuming a lot of things, that he's not a scum bag with a history, that the kids were not actually harmed psychologically. I think the fallacy with that particular part is intent, not outcome. I've neve...
by Corth
Thu May 26, 2011 6:44 pm
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: Justices Order California to Reduce Prison Population
Replies: 16
Views: 3795

Re: Justices Order California to Reduce Prison Population

Makes me think some of you nutsacks with 15 level 50 chars are really Chinese prison guards.
by Corth
Thu May 26, 2011 6:42 pm
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: 2-6 years for binding and gagging your GF's kids, 6 felonies
Replies: 31
Views: 7632

Re: 2-6 years for binding and gagging your GF's kids, 6 felo

It seems kind of excessive to me as well. It was a pretty dumb idea - but certainly it doesn't sound like his intent was to kill the kids or kidnap them, and that was what he was charged with. He was trying to watch a basketball game so he tied them up. I've had momentary urges to do the same thing ...
by Corth
Tue May 24, 2011 6:42 pm
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: Long commutes increase risk of divorce by 40%
Replies: 5
Views: 1891

Long commutes increase risk of divorce by 40%

http://www.thelocal.se/33966/20110524/# Not surprised to see this. I find it amazing how long people are willing to commute to work. An hour each way doesn't even raise eyebrows anymore. The way I see it, you are essentially working a second part time job with that kind of commute. Besides the addit...
by Corth
Tue May 24, 2011 5:23 pm
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: Justices Order California to Reduce Prison Population
Replies: 16
Views: 3795

Re: Justices Order California to Reduce Prison Population

Some constitutional hurdles in stripping people of citizenship and extraditing them to the highest bidder. But I have to say that in theory I think it's an excellent idea. :)
by Corth
Tue May 24, 2011 5:21 pm
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: Refusing Medicaid Children
Replies: 8
Views: 1581

Re: Refusing Medicaid Children

There is plenty of money to be made administrating dental care to children under Medicaid.

http://www.nieman.harvard.edu/reportsit ... ?id=100963

Of course, a good part of that money is paid by the bureaucrats to corrupt dentists for unnecessary procedures.
by Corth
Wed May 18, 2011 2:51 am
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: Is the rape allegation for IMF head a political attack?
Replies: 4
Views: 1747

Re: Is the rape allegation for IMF head a political attack?

Enormous sense of entitlement. This guy thought a lowly hotel maid was just his for the taking. Amazing. People might complain about the criminal justice system in the US but relatively speaking it's pretty egalitarian. In France the elites are better protected. I wonder if it's dawned on this guy y...
by Corth
Tue May 17, 2011 9:15 pm
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: A partisan take on Obamacare
Replies: 2
Views: 1350

Re: A partisan take on Obamacare

Well I can't really give you a legal analysis because I don't know anything about this particular case and the governing statutes and caselaw. I can say that at a gut level it is very clear to me that the judges often put their personal beliefs ahead of the law, perhaps unconsciously. As a lawyer, i...
by Corth
Mon May 16, 2011 5:30 pm
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: Imperialist Democrats Threaten Libya - NO BLOOD FOR OIL!
Replies: 91
Views: 12483

Re: Imperialist Democrats Threaten Libya - NO BLOOD FOR OIL!

Qadaffi is a threat to oil production. He became unable to manage the population. In the absence of the air strikes he was controlling them quite well. With vicious efficiency. Everyone acknowledges that the rebels would have been crushed but for intervention from the international community. Only ...
by Corth
Sun May 15, 2011 10:38 pm
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: Imperialist Democrats Threaten Libya - NO BLOOD FOR OIL!
Replies: 91
Views: 12483

Re: Imperialist Democrats Threaten Libya - NO BLOOD FOR OIL!

That would make sense if Qadaffi somehow was a threat to oil production. If anything his relationships with foreign oil companies have been relatively stable. If they let him crush the rebels the oil would have flowed just as nicely as it did in the past. I don't think we can use the oil excuse ther...
by Corth
Thu May 12, 2011 4:56 pm
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: Damn Bush and Gas Prices
Replies: 42
Views: 8451

Re: Damn Bush and Gas Prices

Not exactly. The future contract doesn't imply that the oil is currently in existence. The basic purpose of it is a hedge for producers so they can lock in current prices for their future production. It allows them to stabilize their expected revenue over time.
by Corth
Thu May 12, 2011 1:22 pm
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: Damn Bush and Gas Prices
Replies: 42
Views: 8451

Re: Damn Bush and Gas Prices

Teflor, I think I see what you are getting at. In anticipation of higher prices in the future, gasoline distributors place their orders earlier, thus increasing current demand for one of the products of the oil refinery, gasoline. Thus refineries are forced to ramp up production, and they bid up the...
by Corth
Thu May 12, 2011 1:15 pm
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: Damn Bush and Gas Prices
Replies: 42
Views: 8451

Re: Damn Bush and Gas Prices

No Sarvis, it's not tied up. The contract requires delivery on a certain date.
by Corth
Thu May 12, 2011 4:23 am
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: Oh those special interests.
Replies: 127
Views: 20384

Re: Oh those special interests.

They get paid 100k plus to flirt with half naked chicks on a beach.........

I shouldn't have gone to college.
by Corth
Thu May 12, 2011 4:01 am
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: Damn Bush and Gas Prices
Replies: 42
Views: 8451

Re: Damn Bush and Gas Prices

I don't think half of that really means anything, and the other half is completely made up...
by Corth
Wed May 11, 2011 9:59 pm
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: Damn Bush and Gas Prices
Replies: 42
Views: 8451

Re: Damn Bush and Gas Prices

I usually don't agree much with liberal economist Paul Krugman, but he makes my argument a lot more concisely and eloquently than I ever could:

http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/0 ... nce-again/
by Corth
Wed May 11, 2011 9:49 pm
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: Damn Bush and Gas Prices
Replies: 42
Views: 8451

Re: Damn Bush and Gas Prices

Sarvis,

A commodity future contract is not like a stock. It says that you have a claim on X amount of oil, to be delivered at Y location on Z date. You can't hold onto it until it goes up. If you hold onto it until the delivery date then be prepared to take possession of a shitload of black stuff.
by Corth
Wed May 11, 2011 9:48 pm
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: Damn Bush and Gas Prices
Replies: 42
Views: 8451

Re: Damn Bush and Gas Prices

The best counter argument to my position can be found here: http://seekingalpha.com/article/84739-the-effects-of-oil-speculation Money quote: Since oil speculation can affect the shape of the forward curve, it can also affect today’s oil supply (by the argument above) and, therefore, today’s oil spo...
by Corth
Wed May 11, 2011 9:37 pm
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: Damn Bush and Gas Prices
Replies: 42
Views: 8451

Re: Damn Bush and Gas Prices

No Sarvis. They have to sell their contracts to the oil refineries so the NOW price is determined by the interaction of supply held by speculators, and importantly, demand of oil refineries. Every one of those contracts must be unloaded - they are all on the market - so ultimately the oil refineries...
by Corth
Wed May 11, 2011 8:25 pm
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: Damn Bush and Gas Prices
Replies: 42
Views: 8451

Re: Damn Bush and Gas Prices

Kiryan ,Teflor, I understand how speculation increases the FUTURE price of oil. Future contracts are traded in the market and reflect the anticipated price that it will cost for delivery of X amount of oil at Y location on Z date. But ultimately, all those speculators have to sell their contracts to...
by Corth
Tue May 10, 2011 8:33 pm
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: Damn Bush and Gas Prices
Replies: 42
Views: 8451

Re: Damn Bush and Gas Prices

We had a long thread on that very topic a few years ago. Try as I might, I cannot understand the mechanics of how speculation increases the spot price of oil. I would like to understand it but nobody has yet been able to explain it to me. My basic issue is that the consumers of oil are oil refinerie...
by Corth
Tue May 10, 2011 2:04 am
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: Criticism of the OBL raid?
Replies: 20
Views: 5172

Re: Criticism of the OBL raid?

Too dangerous - otherwise it would be a no brainer. Can't really decide what is worse.. a Muslim nuke or a North Korean one.
by Corth
Mon May 09, 2011 9:08 pm
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: Damn Bush and Gas Prices
Replies: 42
Views: 8451

Re: Damn Bush and Gas Prices

Supply has likely been decreasing a little bit (see articles on 'peak oil'), while demand has steadily increased over the past century or so.

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