When it comes to quick remedies for colds, many people insist that a glass of brandy or a hot toddy whiskey with hot water and lemon juice is just what the doctor ordered. Works for me!
Its not difficult to see how mild inebriation might have the potential to relieve cold and flu symptoms, but so far no study has shown that alcohol has the ability to kill germs in the bloodstream or stop a cold in its tracks. And while alcohol may provide temporary relief, it can prolong symptoms by increasing dehydration. It may not cure me but it certainly makes me forget about the aches and pains.
Nonetheless, two large studies have found that although moderate drinking will not cure colds, it can help keep them at bay. One, by researchers at Carnegie Mellon in 1993, looked at 391 adults and found that resistance to colds increased with moderate drinking, except in smokers. I only smoke if I'm on fire.
Then, in 2002, researchers in Spain followed 4,300 healthy adults, examining their habits and susceptibility to colds. The study, in The American Journal of Epidemiology, found no relationship between the incidence of colds and consumption of beer, spirits, Vitamin C or zinc. But drinking 8 to 14 glasses of wine per week, particularly red wine, was linked to as much as a 60 percent reduction in the risk of developing a cold. The scientists suspected this had something to do with the antioxidant properties of wine. More proof that booze is good for us. MMMMM, wine!
THE BOTTOM LINE Or the bottom of the bottle,
Alcohol will not help cure a cold, though moderate consumption may reduce susceptibility. So party on, people!!
By ANAHAD OCONNOR
Posted by: Deacon Blues ||
12/18/2007 16:04 ||
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#1
I have found this to be true in my own studies. People have called me crazy but it does work for me. I *assume* I simply sleep deeper when a bit loaded and deep sleep helps fight off the cold more than the booze damages my defenses.
They also say when you are happy all sorts of good things happen in your body. I'm a happy drunk. I'd be curious to see the effects on a fighting-type drunk.
#2
Works against venomous snake bites too (middle of the road, like rattlesnake, not sure about heavier caliber venom). 1/4 liter of 40 proof, on one take.
Oh, and there's one more little contributing factor that I'm sure the author conveniently forgot because his fellow hybrid-driving methanol-advocating lefty journalists at one time thought it was a pretty good idea until the reality hit the fan:
The Methanol Effect.
I wonder how many people this craze will end up killing or making their lives all that much more miserable until genetic engineering comes up with a fuel-producing bacteria that saves the day.
#6
"World wheat stores declined 11 percent this year, to the lowest level since 1980."
So things are as bad as 1980! The horror!
"To make matters worse, high oil prices have doubled shipping costs in the past year"
Has the average price for ship fuel doubled in the past year? My heating oil and gasoline costs haven't.
"what's most important to us is that it's a long-term trend"
Based on 40 percent last year and 9 the year before. Yeah, that's long term.
" 'unusual weather events,' linked to climate change - such as droughts, floods and storms"
Kinda makes ya long for those good ole dust bowl days, dudn't it.
We need to give the U.N. a gift -- I'm thinking a huge statue of a hysterical lady for the main entrance. "Give us your doomsayers, your idiots, your huddled asses, yearning to bray.
Seriously, they're letting ZimBob and Dear Leader run wild while their people starve -- and it's our fault? Our genetically-engineered corn is acceptable to us but they won't buy it -- and it's our fault? They're not willing to thwart Iran's military ambitions -- and oil prices are our fault? They want to give China and India a pass on greenhouse gases -- and their delusions of man-made climate change will be our fault?
I'm going to hop in my car and go get a steak before the Democrats forever surrender us to this looney-tunes world government.
#7
Zimbob alone probably accounts for a huge part of the problem. You can't turn Africa's breadbasket into a basketcase without really screwing up the numbers.
Perhaps Global Warming will increase the amount of arable land so we can get out of this. Perhaps Global Warming will raise the sea-level and put the Arabian Penninsula underwater. Only Global Warming can save us. All hail global warming!
#9
We will trade you one barrel of Middle east oil for one bushel of corn. The production costs are similar.
Posted by: ed ||
12/18/2007 13:14 Comments ||
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#10
We're always doomed. The only thing that changes is why.
When seems to change regularly too.
Posted by: Redneck Jim ||
12/18/2007 14:20 Comments ||
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#11
I'm going to hop in my car and go get a steak before the Democrats forever surrender us to this looney-tunes world government.
Second the motion, Outback sounds good.
Seriously, they don't realise that "Making everyone "Equal", doesn't mean raising the poverty stricken, it means a huge fall in all people's standrds of living, (Except the poverty stricken South Africans living in mud huts)
Useless Nothing indeed.
Posted by: Redneck Jim ||
12/18/2007 14:35 Comments ||
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#12
look for an "Adjustment" next year when the population falls in Zimbobwe from starvation, and the figures (Food/people) agree again.
Posted by: Redneck Jim ||
12/18/2007 15:09 Comments ||
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#13
Redneck Jim, you are partially right but Zimbabwae's neighbors also depend on Zimb-food. They may not die as they have other sources and less crazy leaders so the numbers will still be off-kilter.
#14
SCIENCEDAILY > 37 NATIONS FACE FOOD CRISES. Ironically, the major causes for same as indic in the article and as as per the UNO, e.g. CORN-BASED ALTERN/BIO FUELS, are THOSE AGENDUMS/
ISSUES FAVORED BY THE ENVIRON MOVEMENT - you know, the Meat-centric, anti-Veggie/Vegan, Fascist profit-manic Big Corporations, Global Capitalist Profiteers, etc.???
#15
Food stocks down? I guess I should sell my ADM and Conagra, huh?
Posted by: no mo uro ||
12/18/2007 19:25 Comments ||
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#16
A friend of mine owns a large share of a group of grain elevators throughout the midwest. They're always full, because the US produces more grain than we can use OR export. We have about a three-year supply of wheat and a two-year supply of corn in elevators, just waiting to rot. We produce more of just about everything than we can use, with the surplus being pushed on welfare recipients, foreign nations, and anybody else we can sell or give it to. Yet two-thirds of US farmland is not in production. The Useless Nitwits know this, but they've got to have some way to "shame the Americans" into forking over more money so "people will like us". It's better to be feared than to be treated with contempt. Two-thirds of the world treats us with contempt. They need to learn to either treat us as equals, or to fear us. They choice is theirs.
Posted by: Old Patriot ||
12/18/2007 20:40 Comments ||
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#17
CHIN MIL FORUM Poster's GLOBAL WARMING THEORY > US, other World Govts realize from SOHO, etal. satellites that SOLAR ACTIVITY will plunge northern latitudes into ice ages and render same uninhabitable - simul, ice ages will likely push arable farmlands further south + destabilize major northern Latitude nations including both USA + Russia-China. REGIONAL-GLOBAL WARS INCLUDING MUTUALLY DESTRUCTIVE NUKE WAR MAY OCCUR AS NATIONS + ETHNIC GROUPS DESPERATELY FIGHT FOR EXISTENCE + RELEVANCE. WARMING > Poster argues and believes that US-World Govts are covertly planning, colluding, and preparing their nations for a certain future time when the present World Order + Human Civilization will face major or catastrophic disruptions/changes of epic scale, to include prepping alternative scenarios where Milyuhns = Scores/Hundreds of Milyuhns may have to be wilfully suddenly sacrificed = allowed to die as due to the future OWG-NWO's inability to feed and support everyone vv ice ages + earth changes.
*SCIENCE DAILY > FISH ARE SWIMMING NORTH AS OCEANS WARM.
#19
Joe, please learn how to post links, willya? It is not a rocket science, see that link button on the comment box? If your browser does not support it, then copy and paste from the selection under it. Place the actual link between' ' and you can type anything relevant before
Not that I have something against your writting style, but I code from don't-see to don't-see, so I am fatigued and pferer something resembling Human.
Thousands of African National Congress activists lined up in the rain Tuesday morning to elect a new leader: either incumbent President Thabo Mbeki or the man he fired in 2005 because of alleged corruption, former deputy president Jacob Zuma. Each candidate's supporters sang and danced their way to the polls. Zuma's supporters also heckled members of Mbeki's cabinet as they passed by, blocking the way of Defense Minister Mosiuoa Lekota and prompting Finance Minister Trevor Manuel to use his umbrella as a shield as he pressed his way through the crowd.
Both sides expressed confidence that they would win a majority of votes from the 3,900 delegates, though Zuma's support has been far more vociferous and visible during the conference's first three days here on the outskirts of the northern city of Polokwane.
Posted by: Fred ||
12/18/2007 10:47 ||
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Elect Jacob Zuma and you'll not have to worry about voting again.
Robert Mugabe over the weekend ordered the suspension of Attorney General Sobusa Gula-Ndebele, pending investigations into charges he abused his office.
Last month police arrested Gula-Ndebele after he met fugitive businessman James Mushore and allegedly promised him immunity from prosecution. Mushore, a former deputy-managing director of the National Merchant Bank, faces charges of externalising foreign currency and fled to the United Kingdom in 2004. He was arrested in October after returning to Zimbabwe.
Behind the scenes however is fierce infighting within the ruling Zanu PF party. Its alleged that Gula-Ndebele is aligned to the Zanu PF faction of retired General Solomon Mujuru and that this group wants Mugabe to step down from power. It's further alleged Mushore is a supporter of that faction and Gula-Ndebele was trying to grant immunity to him on that basis. A three-man tribunal led by Justice Chinembiri Bhunu will now investigate the matter and decide if the Attorney General should be fired. Justice Samuel Kudya and Harare lawyer Llyod Mhishi complete the panel.
The Attorney General has had repeated clashes with Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa over control of his department. Chinamasa is said to have been furious that the AG allowed former prosecutor Levison Chikafu to pursue him, for interfering with witnesses in a case involving Minister Didymus Mutasa. When Chikafu was cleared of trumped-up corruption charges Gula-Ndebele lifted the suspension, only for Chinamasa to intervene and block the move. Meanwhile Mutambara MDC Secretary General Welshman Ncube is representing Gula-Ndebele in the latest case.
Posted by: Fred ||
12/18/2007 00:00 ||
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Sounds to me more like Bob didn't get his cut from the "business" Mushore and the AG were in.
#2
Seems to me that perhaps the dincontent level is rising from the 'peon' level and gaining some traction. Might be that something good will come from this, even if (when) the AG goes down.
#3
Robert Mugabe over the weekend ordered the suspension of Attorney General Sobusa Gula-Ndebele, pending investigations into charges he abused his office.
Copying Perv is NOT going to get you out of this mess, (Different strokes and all that)
Seems to me he's trying to shift blame, but NOT actualy DO anythng about fixing the problems.
Posted by: Redneck Jim ||
12/18/2007 14:26 Comments ||
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Link worth a visit for the hopeful hero's salute from the AP photographer and the Herald's photo editor...
After suffering a defeat on proposed constitutional reforms, President Hugo Chávez's administration will face a new battle: the growing denouncements made by chavistas about official corruption in Venezuela.
Many officials and activists who support Chávez on many levels have made statements against corruption and inefficiencies in the administration, which they consider ''rampant,'' and they are demanding measures to deal with this phenomenon.
#4
Welcome to the communist party. It is like the mob. All the bosses get a cut with the size of the cut depending on their rank. The regular people get diddly/squat.
#5
As Instapundit pointed out a while ago, when tyrants fall, they tend to fall suddenly, and fast.
Posted by: Mike ||
12/18/2007 10:24 Comments ||
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#6
Anon2u:
Yes, King John; son of Henry II and brother of Richard the Lionhearted. He was confiscating properties right and left, and spent half of his reign in a snit over one thing or another. His barons rebelled, and made him sign the Magna Carta to protect property rights and legal due process.
See the book, "Magna Carta", by an author with the unfortunate name of William Swindler. It ought to be lurking in the lower stacks of your local library. It's written for middle schoolers, is clear and concise and ought to be required reading in every high school.
Also, for your literary pleasure, from Ogden Nash.
"The Lamprey"
Lampreys are hagfish. There. I've said it.
I know of just one item to their credit.
The early English had good cause to love them:
Wicked King John died of a surfeit of them.
#7
Oogo now wants to crack open Simon Bolivars crypt and find out what really killed him (the evil empire) cause that TB deal is so lame.
I'm serious.
Posted by: Thomas Woof ||
12/18/2007 15:03 Comments ||
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#8
It didn't help poor King John that his dashing older brother kept getting taken captive while Crusading, and needing to be ransomed. Or that his mama made it clear to everyone she liked Richard best.
Zapatista rebel leader Marcos warned of possible coming war in Mexico's impoverished southern state of Chiapas, and announced his departure from public life. "War like fear also has a smell, and now its fetid odor is starting to permeate our land," Marcos told a meeting of social groups here, 14 years after he launched a violent peasant uprising.
Marcos said the "supposedly leftist" local and state administrations in Chiapas were to blame for rising tensions, and that the Democratic Revolution Party-dominated Chiapas government was intent on destroying the autonomous communities the Zapatistas have helped set up.
He said his Zapatista Army of National Liberation for two years has been trying to set itself up as a political movement in all Mexico, but that it was ready once again to stand alone and defend itself from attack. Wearing his traditional black ski mask, Marcos announced he would disappear from public "for some time."
The Zapatista movement rose up in arms in the Chiapas on January 1, 1994, launching an insurrection that left 150 people dead before a ceasefire was declared 12 days later. Years of talks between the Zapatistas and the government have resulted in increased benefits for indigenous Maya people in the region, though poverty remains endemic.
Posted by: Fred ||
12/18/2007 00:00 ||
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Zapatista rebel leader Marcos warned of possible coming war in Mexico's impoverished southern state of Chiapas
What the 'leader' was saying is that Mexico City has failed to move enough of us fast enough to Phoenix, Chicago, LA, Denver, etc [you get the picture].
#2
Chiapas is a tragedy, and I fear there is no way around it. It has some of the most fertile farmland in Mexico, farmland that Mexico needs to feed its people, but it is being farmed with Mayan-era technology.
The Indians who lived there suffer the rare and terrible fate of being obsolete in the modern world. Machines are alien to their way of thinking and just do not compute to them. Trying to teach them about machines does not work.
Literally, to survive as a people, small children would have to be taken away from their parents to be educated. What their parents could teach them is no enough to survive in the world today, and the culture of their parents is damned to destruction.
But this has not happened. So inevitably, one way or another, the land will be taken away from them, and they will either be dispersed or die.
#3
Mexico needs an Enema. Marcos is a Marxis tool but he has some real legit issues and a bit of social unrest might be what the Mexican Oligarchs need to start making the necessary changes.
Perhaps the US should arm Marcos & company and provide air support if Mexico doesn't seal the border and start acting like an ally again rather than trying to have it both ways.
#4
TOPIX > MEXICAN BORDER WAR ESCALATING. Mexi troops meeting armed/militant local Mexi resistance at US-Mexi border; + STRATEGYPAGE > SHAPING THE BATTLEFIED. US-Mexi effort versus [Gulf]Cartels in anti-Cartel/Drug War.
Ailing Cuban leader Fidel Castro said in a letter read on television that he would not cling to office or obstruct the rise of a new generation of leaders. "My basic duty is not to cling to office, nor even more so to obstruct the rise of people much younger, but to pass on experiences and ideas whose modest value arises from the exceptional era in which I lived," said Castro, 81, who stepped aside from Cuba's presidency "temporarily" more than 16 months ago after undergoing surgery.
He lies about his age. He's actually 806 years old. He was in power from 1959 until last year -- but he won't "cling to power."
Posted by: Fred ||
12/18/2007 00:00 ||
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Castro says he won't cling to office
I don't think there's enough Downy in Cuba to remove that cling or Febreze to remove the smell.
Think he's issuing this statement to see who rises to the occasion? The old boy still has at least one good purge left in him.
Posted by: Dar ||
12/18/2007 12:16 Comments ||
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#6
"My basic duty is not to cling to office, nor even more so to obstruct the rise of people much younger, but to pass on experiences and ideas whose modest value arises from the exceptional era in which I lived..."
Probably trying out various lines for focus groups to gather data on for Shrillary's next campaing screech. Sounds pretty Clinton-esque to me.
Russian president Vladimir Putin said Monday he will take on the role of prime minister if the man he is backing to be president when he steps down wins elections scheduled for next year.
"If citizens of Russia support Dmitry Medvedev and elect him for president, I will be ready to head the government," he told the congress of his United Russia party.
Medvedev, Putin's choice as successor, was officially confirmed as the presidential candidate of the United Russia party, it was announced on state television Monday.
In a secret ballot of party members, a total of 478 delegates endorsed Medvedev with only 1 voting against, according to the Russian news agency Interfax.
Monday's announcement of Medvedev's confirmation was seen as a formality after Russia's incumbent leader threw his weight behind Medvedev, endorsing him as the party's presidential candidate last week.
Medvedev, who is also chairman of the state energy giant Gazprom, returned the favor 24 hours later when he asked Putin to serve as prime minister if he is elected leader.
Posted by: ed ||
12/18/2007 13:06 ||
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JPOST > RUSSIA MAKES A MOVE TOWARDS GREATER DEMOCRATICIZATION; + KOMMERSANT > Putin-Medvedev maneuvering = Russ Governance based on the FRENCH [Paris] MODEL??? IOW, DO WE BLAME BONAPARTE, SEGOLENE or SARKOZY???
#4
ION Russia, KOMMERSANT > RUSSIA FIRST OUTPACED CHINA AS EMERGING ECONOMY. Russia's "first time" - moves from 140th place to 66th as per GOLDMAN-SACHS; + RUSSIA WILL NOT BUILDUP UP ARMAMENTS IN EASTERN EUROPE, i.e. the Russ portion only of Eastern Euope, sub-i.e. KALININGRAD enclave near POLAND.
RIAN > THE VERBA, KAKTUS, KROT, and the FLY. Summary of Russ own Cold War histoire of ABM-BMD [pre-USGMD]. Article - Russ need not fear nor should fear US GMD in Czech-Poland becuz Russ ABM-BMD Systems are very capable.
NEWSDAILY > SERBIAN RADICAL WANTS RUSSIAN MILITARY BASE. Inside SERBIA alongside already existing US base to help keep peace in Balkans, reduce Superpower tensions.
BIGNEWSNETWORK/TOPIX/REDDIT > RUSSIA THREATENS TO ATTACK, DESTROY US MISSLE DEFENSE BASES IN EUROPE.
#5
CZECHS > claim to have no fear or worries about a Russ attack on US GMD bases in their country. Are asking WHY should Russ be worried about US GMD radars looking into Russ from Czech when Russ is already closely watching Czech from Russ.
IOW, RUSS FEARS OF US GMD, AT LEAST IN CZECH, IS HYPOCRITICAL AS FAR AS CZECHS ARE CONCERNED.
Posted by: ed ||
12/18/2007 14:57 ||
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#1
Germany has absolutely no moral authority to order anyone to do anything. In fact, it probably will never have moral authority to conduct anything again. You will never rule again.
#2
In this case I support Bush's preemption policy. Cut the Germans off.
Posted by: ed ||
12/18/2007 15:16 Comments ||
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#3
All those US-spec Bimmers and Benzes . . . it'd be a shame if you couldn't sell 'em here anymore.
Posted by: Mike ||
12/18/2007 15:30 Comments ||
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#4
The Social Democrats are calling for sanctions on energy-intensive U.S. export products if the Bush administration continues to obstruct international agreements on climate protection, the party's leading environmental expert said Tuesday.
Damn, why couldn't you guys do this fifty or forty years ago? Would have save us a lot of money and resources rather than being the suckers we were in providing the defense of Western Europe. Think of all that Soviet style environmental legacy you could be dealing with now, instead of playing stupid pseudo morality games.
#9
"pressuring the Bush administration to ratify the Kyoto Protocol"
They've all bashed Bush so long that they've forgotten that even Al Gore as president of the Senate could not get the Senate anywhere close to ratification. And 2008 is not the year either.
If they were sincerely worried about climate change, wouldn't they stop using energy-intensive products from anywhere on the globe?
#10
Bush should call them out. The Kyoto protocols were written after the worst pollutions in East Germany were cleaned up with baselines that included East German numbers so Germany had the easiest task to make their goals. It was a cheat from the start and I still don't think they are making their numbers.
#11
Bush should have a meeting with the Japanese in the city of Kyoto and sign a protocol to fight giant monsters. Then when anyone makes stupid claims like the Germans here he can mock them for not taking the giant monster threat seriously and not signing Kyoto Protocol '08.
#15
How about sanctions of Social-Democrats instead.
China and India will never sign on why should we.
I already don't knowingly buy German products. The German media has a program of hate against the US and the German people can't get enough of it. I will not reward them with my money. They can freeze in the dark I am not going to.
A group of Senate Democrats has begun quietly exploring ways to replace the venerable Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.) as chairman of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, believing hes no longer physically up to the job, according to Democratic senators and leadership aides familiar with the discussions. Two reactions:
1. It's about damned time!
2. But, but, I thought he was the "conscience of the Senate"? That's what you said during the Clinton impeachment!
. . . there is broad discontent among committee members over the way Byrd has run the panel this year and the resulting problems in completing work on the fiscal 2008 spending bills, leading some members to privately push for Byrds replacement as chairman.
His physical condition has been slowly deteriorating for years, and he cannot walk now without the assistance of aides. Byrd has difficultly running committee hearings, and he relies heavily on staffers for guidance. Him and about 80 or 90 other Senators.
Still, he can deliver one of his legendary floor speeches on the sanctity of the Constitution and the importance of Congress in the operation of the U.S. government, even if he often repeats himself over and again.
No Democratic senators or leadership aides would speak publicly about the situation, preferring to comment only anonymously. Sen. Byrds experience and respect for the Senate speak for themselves. He has no peer, said [Majority Leader Harry] Reids spokesman, Jim Manley. They smile in your face
All the time they wanna take your place
The back-stabbers (back-stabbers!)
Posted by: Mike ||
12/18/2007 09:55 ||
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Still, he can deliver one of his legendary floor speeches on the sanctity of the Constitution and the importance of Congress in the operation of the U.S. government, even if he often repeats himself over and again.
A friend of mine who works on the Hill sez that he despises Byrd but would miss his annual stemwinder welcoming Spring.
#3
I think the Senate Democrats will compromise to placate the Exalted Cyclops. He'll give up the chairmanship, they'll agree to rename West Virginia Robert Byrd...
#5
Byrd's dog speech was a higlight of the Congressional Year. They should break it out when they want to increase the funding for Alzheimers research.
#7
tu: I think the Senate Democrats will compromise to placate the Exalted Cyclops. He'll give up the chairmanship, they'll agree to rename West Virginia Robert Byrd...
How about Byrdland? Byrdinia? Byrdsylvania? Byrdanny?
#8
Term limits please. And make it retroactive to 50 years ago. Frigging senators and congressmen each think they are the pope, entitled to die in office.
Posted by: ed ||
12/18/2007 13:19 Comments ||
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#9
Don't sully a great nightclub and a great song (Birdland) by linking them to ol' Kleagle Byrd.
#10
Tell you what, I'm going to the Casin0,(Damned robot nannyism) if I win I get to keep it, if I lose you pay it, Deal?
Posted by: Redneck Jim ||
12/18/2007 15:06 Comments ||
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#11
tu, I think the Senate Democrats will compromise to placate the Exalted Cyclops. He'll give up the chairmanship, they'll agree to rename West Virginia Robert Byrd...
Emily, Don't sully a great nightclub and a great song (Birdland) by linking them to ol' Kleagle Byrd.
ol Byrd Tyrd, Chappaquiddick Ted, Hellary, Shumer, Babs Boxer, ETC. all members of the the Senate, what a group eh, we're all Doomed LOL! gawd wot a group..
RUDY Giuliani is no oil painting, nor is John McCain. Fred Thompson may have cracked it in Hollywood, but he's hardly leading man material.
Barack Obama has those ears to contend with, while every time Joe Biden opens his mouth it's like watching an old episode of Mr Ed. Even pretty boy John Edwards is starting to show signs of wear.
But according to the US's leading radio shock jock, Rush Limbaugh, it all matters little for the male presidential candidates, because when men age they look "more authoritative, accomplished and distinguished".
What does matter, says Limbaugh, is that Hillary Clinton, who turned 60 in October, is starting to wrinkle.
So on Monday, on a radio show with an audience of 14.5 million, Limbaugh asked this question about the former first lady's presidential prospects: "Will Americans want to watch a woman get older before their eyes on a daily basis?"
The inspiration for this misogynistic king hit, one that says much about the kind of attention Senator Clinton can expect if she eventually becomes the Democratic nominee, was an unflattering photograph of her taken on the campaign trail in freezing New Hampshire at the weekend.
The image was featured prominently on the home page of the Drudge Report website under the heading, "The Toll of the Campaign", and Limbaugh - whose past commentaries on Senator Clinton's campaign have included references to her "testicle lock box" - seized on its popular cultural significance.
"I want you to understand that I'm talking about the evolution of American culture here, and not so much Mrs Clinton," Limbaugh told his audience.
"It could be anybody, and it's really not very complicated. Americans are addicted to physical perfection, thanks to Hollywood and thanks to television.
"We know it because we see it. We see everybody and their uncle in gyms. We see people starving themselves. We see people taking every miracle fad drug there is to lose weight. We see guys trying to get six-pack abs.
"We have women starving themselves trying to get into size zero and size one clothes - makeovers, facials, plastic surgery, everybody in the world does Botox.
"As you know, the haughty John Kerry Botoxed his wrinkles out during the (2004) campaign.
"There is this thing in this country that, as you age - and this is particularly, you know, women are hardest hit on this, and particularly in Hollywood - America loses interest in you, and we know this is true because we constantly hear from ageing actresses, who lament that they can't get decent roles any more."
Limbaugh, who manages to keep a career in radio courtesy of an Australian-made Cochlear ear implant, says any cursory look at the presidents elected before and after television is evidence of the importance of appearance in a society obsessed by appearance.
"Look at presidents that we elected prior to TV, and presidents we elected after TV, and you will notice a huge difference," he said. "Do you think a bloated president could win? We had plenty of fat-guy presidents. Do you think one could get elected today? There's not a prayer! There isn't a prayer.
"Remember when people said, 'The way to tell if (Al) Gore's really going to run is if he starts losing weight?' It's just what it is, folks. It's just what it is. Perfection, the appearance of perfection and good health, all of that ties into the perception of mental acuity, stamina, being able to hold up to the job."
Senator Clinton says she understands the strong emotions her candidacy evokes, given the history of 220 years of presidential elections and 43 male presidents, but she dismisses gender as a motivation.
"I'm not running because I'm a woman," she said in a recent interview. "I'm running because I think I'm the best qualified person."
#1
Running for, and being, President does seem to really age people. Look at any photo of W taken in 2000 compared to today. Look at a 200 photo of Bill Clinton compared to 1992. For that matter, look at any circa 1980 photo of Jimmy Carter compared with circa 1976.
Posted by: Mike ||
12/18/2007 9:41 Comments ||
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#2
The late Queen Mum and Maggie Thatcher didn't look like runway models either, but they had more character [and integrity] in their little finger than Hillary in total that more than well made up for 'looks'.
Seriously though, if a woman is strong and has class, age brings dignity to the table and isn't a liability. Hillary has none of the above so just falls into the fugly category.
#12
I would rather watch HIllary age than Obama. Not that I want either but my gut says Hillary would be hawkish to prove a woman can be tough, Obama on the other hand seems naively pacifistic.
#14
The Hillary campaign is so good at keeping the truly negative stuff out of the headlines while keeping the focus on Hillary with meaninless stuff like this.
We are talking about Hillary but we are not talking about her corruption, her constant flip-flops, her lack of political achievements or her failed policies. This woman is a nightmare. Her appearance is so far down the list of concerns that this must be considered good press by her handlers.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The House voted Monday to bestow the Congressional Gold Medal, Congress' highest civilian honor, on Myanmar pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The Senate must also approve the legislation.
Supporters of the legislation, which passed 400-0, made clear the award was meant to send a message to the military leaders in Myanmar, or Burma, who have suppressed political freedoms in that Asian country the past two decades. By honoring Suu Kyi, said Rep. Joseph Crowley, D-N.Y., ``we will continue to pressure the junta to release her and bring freedom and democracy to the people of Burma.''
Suu Kyi, 62, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991, has been detained for 12 of the past 18 years. Her National League for Democracy party won elections in 1990 but the military junta refused to cede power, placing her under house arrest.
In October, over Chinese objections, President Bush attended ceremonies in the Capitol to award the gold medal to the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual and human rights leader who lives in exile because of his opposition to the Chinese government's policies in Tibet. Other non-American recipients include former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Pope John Paul II, South African political leader Nelson Mandela and Mother Teresa.
George Washington received the first Gold Medal, which originally was given to military heroes but was later expanded to include scientists, explorers, artists, athletes, humanitarians and others with notable achievements and contributions. More than 300 individuals and groups have received the award.
Posted by: Steve White ||
12/18/2007 00:00 ||
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New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, trying to warm up an image some voters perceive as cold, starts a drive Monday to showcase her personal side with testimonials from friends, associates and constituents she has helped. The online and in-person campaign, complete with a website called TheHillaryIKnow.com, comes a day after Clinton won a key endorsement from The Des Moines Register and her chief rival in the Democratic nomination race, Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, was endorsed by The Boston Globe.
The rush of endorsements comes as candidates angle for advantage in Iowa's Jan. 3 caucuses and New Hampshire's Jan. 8 primary. Weighing in on Iowa's tight three-way Democratic battle for first place, the Register called Clinton "best prepared to confront the enormous challenges the nation faces."
Posted by: Fred ||
12/18/2007 00:00 ||
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#2
Will the following friends of Hillary (FOH) please pick up the white courtesty phone: Anyone from the Lippo Group, Mack McLarty, Yah Lin "Charlie" Trie, Ng Lap Seng, Jane Dewi Tahir, John Huang, Robert Redford, Augie Busch IV, Vince Foster, Charlie Meissner, James McDougal, former White House intern Mary Caitrin Mahoney, C. Victor Raiser II, former DNC Political Director Paul Tully, Ed Willey, Hershell Friday, Clinton Security Team member Jerry Parks, John Wilson,wife of Arkansas State Trooper, Ms. Kathy Ferguson,Arkanasa State Trooper Bill Shelton, "Leaping" Gandy Baugh, Dr. Don Rogers,Stan Huggins, Flo Martin, Suz Coleman (no longer pregnant),poor motorist Paula Grober, Paul Wilcher, clumbsy balcony walker Jon Parnell Walker, Ron Brown, Barb Wise, Greg Collins, and on.... and on.
#5
Remember Hill, never ever make a pack with the Devil trading your soul only for the 'opportunity' of a shot at the White House. John Kerry made the same mistake. Faustian bargains have a bitch of a payback.
#11
showcase her personal side with testimonials from friends, associates and constituents she has helped.
Hmmm wonder if Sandy Berger will part of this cavalcade? Maybe he will give a little chit-chat on how his friend is going to help him get back his Security Clearance.
Fla. - In a speech aimed at recharging his presidential campaign, Rudy Giuliani on Saturday returned to the issue that made him a front-runner for most of the year: his image as a leader and the memory of Sept. 11, 2001.
In a half hour speech that aimed to be Reaganesque in its optimism, Giuliani rolled out his new slogan - "Tested. Ready. Now." He also delivered what amounted to the campaign announcement speech that he never made. Yet he also sought to invoke the emotional images of the devastating terrorist attack of six years ago on New York City when he was mayor there, as he spoke of having seen the ability of "our generation" to overcome terrorism and other difficult problems. "I saw it on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001," he said as he neared the end of his speech. "There were points on that day, that morning too, where I wondered, I wondered whether we had the strength to deal with this, the worst attack in our history, unprecedented, horrific."
He continued, "But, immediately, I saw the courage and strength of our citizens and first responders. When I saw the picture of the firefighters who put the flag up at ground zero, just like the Marines at Iwo Jima many years before, it looked just the same."
Giuliani's return to that image - though one step removed from touting his own well-known performance that day - could be a recognition that just running on his record as a conservative mayor in a liberal city may not be enough. The drain in Giuliani's poll numbers, from an average support of about 30 percent of Republican voters to about 23 percent now, has come as the war in Iraq has calmed some, the threat of Iran eased and his campaigning on Sept. 11 ended. "When the subject matter shifted away from security and foreign affairs, Giuliani's numbers began to dip a bit," said Susan MacManus, an expert on Florida politics at the University of South Florida.
The speech was delivered in the state Giuliani is counting on to give him a boost ahead of his GOP rivals on Feb. 5, when more than 20 states will hold primaries and caucuses. Giuliani is trailing badly in Iowa, which holds its caucus Jan. 3, and dueling for second in several polls in New Hampshire, which votes Jan. 8, and is in a tight race in South Carolina, which holds its primary Jan. 19. Florida is voting Jan. 29, and Giuliani has made the state a prime focus, visiting frequently.
Posted by: Fred ||
12/18/2007 00:00 ||
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Gov. John S. Corzine signed into law Monday a measure that abolishes the death penalty, making New Jersey the first state in more than four decades to reject capital punishment.
Have they passed a law yet that sez murder victims don't have to stay dead?
The bill, approved last week by the state's Assembly and Senate, replaces the death sentence with life in prison without parole.
That's not so different from being dead and in the grave without possibility of parole. Except that when you're dead the governor can't change his mind and commute your sentence. And they don't have to feed you.
The measure spares eight men on the state's death row. On Sunday, Corzine signed orders commuting the sentences of those eight to life in prison without parole. Among the eight spared is Jesse Timmendequas, a sex offender who murdered 7-year-old Megan Kanka in 1994. The case inspired Megan's Law, which requires law enforcement agencies to notify the public about convicted sex offenders living in their communities.
This article starring:
John S. Corzine
Posted by: Fred ||
12/18/2007 00:00 ||
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#1
By giving the thugs and sociopaths of society the monopoly on death [as in your home, neighborhood, streets, businesses, schools, etc], the real power in NJ rests in their hands. It was just the other day, there was an article about how in the metroplex across from NYC, the local police can't get witnesses to testify because of intimidation by the criminal elements who are practically taking over the neighborhoods. You read this and you know why.
#2
Glad to see that the East coast has kooks equally as daffy as the Left coast. Result will be the same. Several hundred on death row, not at $60K/yr, but $80+K because these folks tend to have severe medical issues as they pass from middle age to elderly. And, many areas of LA and Richmond where cops don't even patrol. No wonder locals are intimidated. Did anyone notice that Gov. Ahlnald has declared a fiscal budget crises again this year? Corzine will be there soon. When whack jobs are in charge, bad things happen.
#3
I'm an advocate for the death penalty. Obviously for 1st Degree murderers but I could also see extinguishing kiddie pedophilers, the criminally insane and even some drug dealers depending on the case. Yes, I know the death penalty may not do much for preventing capitol crimes but I'm a big fan of how it handles potential recidivism.
#4
A death sentence has shown remarkable ability to alter people's behavior. Why do people lock themselves in every night? Why do people worry about where their children are at when the sun goes down? Why are there certain parts of your city where you'll not venture? Your behavior has been modified by a potential death penalty invoked quickly, swiftly, without everlasting appeal. All society has done is move the penalty from the destructive predatory sectors of society and put it upon the constructive contributory members of society all in the name of 'perfect' justice. There is no perfect. All we've done is swap one potential injustice for another real injustice.
#6
Corzine said he was moved by passionate views on both sides, but believes eliminating capital punishment "best captures our state's highest values and reflects our best efforts to search for true justice."
Yeah, that's the first think that comes to mind when I think of New Jersey...
Plans by India to realign its electrified border fencing with neighbouring Pakistan in order to curb smuggling have been welcomed by thousands of local farmers, who argue that the move will "liberate" over 4,000 acres of their fertile land.
For over two decades access to these lands in northern Punjab - an area divided between the two nuclear rivals at independence 60 years ago - has been strictly regulated by the paramilitary Border Security Force (BSF) manning the Indian frontier. Their stance has caused local farmers immense hardship.
Security officials said ironing out wrinkles in the 462km (287 miles) long fence, located between 50m and several kilometres from the international border - would benefit hundreds of Punjabi farmers.
Continued on Page 49
Posted by: john frum ||
12/18/2007 14:29 ||
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#1
So a fence between a Muslim nation and a non-Muslim nation stopped conflict along its length? They haven't put a fence in Kashmir and fighting continues there?
What is this fence thing, I think more should be built.
Turn out the lights on traditional incandescent bulbs.
A little-noticed provision of the energy bill, which is expected to become law, phases out the 125-year-old bulb in the next four to 12 years in favor of a new generation of energy-efficient lights that will cost consumers more but return their investment in a few months.
The new devices include current products such as compact fluorescents and halogens, as well as emerging products such as light-emitting diodes and energy-saving incandescent bulbs.
"This will get us in line with the rest of the advanced industrial world in moving toward more efficient lighting," says Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., chairman of the Senate energy committee and author of the Senate measure requiring the tougher standards.
The energy bill passed the Senate last week and is expected to clear the House this week. President Bush has said he will sign it.
Under the measure, all light bulbs must use 25% to 30% less energy than today's products by 2012 to 2014. The phase-in will start with 100-watt bulbs in January 2012 and end with 40-watt bulbs in January 2014. By 2020, bulbs must be 70% more efficient.
Compact fluorescent bulbs already meet the 70% efficiency standard. A compact fluorescent costs about $2, vs. about 50 cents for an incandescent.
While an incandescent lasts about seven months, a fluorescent burns six times longer. It also saves about $5 a year in electricity costs, paying for itself in as little as four months, says Steve Nadel, head of the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE).
Other bulbs are emerging. Home Depot (HD) has started selling a $5 Philips halogen that's 30% more efficient than incandescents. Its advantage: It doesn't emit the yellowish tints that can characterizes fluorescents, and it can easily be used with a dimmer.
General Electric (GE) says it'll develop an incandescent that's 30% stingier than today's bulbs by 2010. Earl Jones, a GE senior counsel, says it likely will cost more than current bulbs but less than a fluorescent.
Also in the pipeline: light-emitting diodes that cost much more but last about 12 years.
The new rules will save consumers $40 billion in energy and other costs from 2012 to 2030, avoid construction of 14 coal-fired power plants, and cut global-warming emissions by at least 51 million tons of carbon annually, ACEEE says.
"This is one of the most significant policies in terms of reducing electric demand and addressing global warming," says Lowell Ungar of the Alliance to Save Energy.
A version of the bill the House passed last summer would have exempted bulbs with odd shapes, such as globular lights on make-up mirrors. That could have led small makers to market such bulbs as cheaper options. The new measure largely closes such loopholes by exempting, for example, only larger globular bulbs, which don't fit in most lamps.
#1
Lest we fergit, GLOBAL ANALYSIS > THE SOVIETIZATION OF AMERICA. Post-Cold War, in the name of War = GWOT + National Security + Defense of Liberty/Freedom.
#2
save consumers $40 billion in energy and other costs from 2012 to 2030, avoid construction of 14 coal-fired power plants
How much in the way of petroleum products would be saved? Not having to build new power plants, with commensurate improvements in the power lines and such, is good, too. In a similar vein, my energy company asked us to accept some sort of thingy that would turn off the air conditioner for a minute or two every hour during high energy draw periods in the summer.
#3
Not that I'm against saving energy, mind you. But the pushers of compact fluorescent bulbs haven't come up with a good recycling plan for them when they burn out - and they do burn out - I don't believe the life statistics since I've used them for the last 5 years and know their durability first-hand. The recycling problem is that they contain a small amount of mercury. Normal disposal of regular fluorescent tubes requires purchasing a box at a price (ca. $50) from a hazardous waste hauler which can hold maybe a dozen or so tubes. When the CF bulb pushers discover this problem, it'll be about 2 years into the program. Mark my words.
#5
WTF, I totally agree with you on both counts: I started using these bulbs two years ago, and have a basket full of burnt-out ones. They don't go into the trash because of the mercury.
This is definite proof that senators are so estranged from the common experience of the people: if they had to pay for and install their own light bulbs, they'd know this stuff is shit.
#8
A friend elsewhere has suggested that we are doing this because tungsten is too valuable to be used for light bulbs any more. The US supply is too small, and the Chinese don't want to export it, because they want it for their stuff.
H/T Powerline -- Now the Express News has sent Bensman to Nicaragua and Bensmam has come away with a journalistic bombshell regarding Iran's move into Nicaragua. Bensman's story is "Iran making move into Nicaragua." Is anyone paying attention?
MONKEY POINT, Nicaragua The second military helicopter in as many days hovered over the jungle and then landed to a most unwelcome reception from several dozen angry Rama Indian and Creole villagers.
Rupert Allen Clear Duncan, a leader of some 400 Creole who live along the shoreline, confronted the foreigners dressed in suits and military uniforms that day in March and demanded to know the purpose of their aerial trespasses. "This is our land; we have always lived here, and you don't have our permission to be here," Duncan spat, when refused the courtesy of an explanation.
#3
Thank you, JosephM. I'm sure it won't have been in vain, in the end. If we've got people in key bits of Africa working against the jihadis, I'm sure we've got someone in that part of the world, too.
Iranian police have closed down 24 Internet cafes and other coffee shops in as many hours, as part of a broad crackdown on "immoral" behavior in the Islamic state, official media said Sunday. The action in Tehran province was the latest move in a campaign against practices deemed incompatible with Islamic values, including women not adhering to strict dress codes and barber shops offering men Western hair styles. "Using immoral computer games, storing obscene photos...and the presence of women wearing improper hijab were among the reasons why they have been closed down," said Nader Sarkari, a provincial police commander.
Posted by: Fred ||
12/18/2007 00:00 ||
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#1
Compare wid NEWSMAX > ARNAUD DE BORCHGRAVE - DUBAI:IRAN'S HONG KONG. Un-annexed Special Economic Zone.
The government is promising $45 trillion more than it can deliver on Social Security, Medicare and other benefit programs. $45T by when? Will it be paid down, or continue to grow?
That is the gap between the promises the government has made in benefits and the projected revenue stream for these programs over the next 75 years, the Bush administration estimated Monday.
The $45.1 trillion shortfall has increased by nearly $1 trillion in just one year, according to the administration's "Financial Report of the United States Government" for 2006. And, it's up 67.8 percent in just the past four years. In 2003, the shortfall between promised benefits and revenue sources over a 75-year period was put at $26.9 trillion.
The shortfall includes Social Security and Medicare in addition to Railroad Retirement and the Black Lung program. I wonder if we're going to see a marked decrease over the next few years in the Dems reminding everyone that it was them that invented Social Security.
When the gap in funding social insurance programs is added to other government commitments, the total shortfall as of Sept. 30 represented $53 trillion, up more than $2 trillion in just a year, the report said. Osama and Zawahiri are so proud of you. Of course they're pretty upset that they went to all the trouble of starting WW III when all they would have had to do was wait another few months for you to take yourselves out. Oh well. Same end result.
"Our government has paid a lot to try to buy your vote made a whole lot of promises in the long-term that it cannot possibly keep," Comptroller General David M. Walker, the head of the Government Accountability Office, said Monday.
Members of Congress said the increase in the unfunded liability for Social Security and Medicare underscored the critical urgency to do something in light of the looming retirement in coming years of 78 million baby boomers. Not bad for a bunch of guys who need a bench vice to do their testicular cancer checks.
"The longer we delay action on the issue of entitlement reform, the more difficult the solution will become," said Sen. Judd Gregg, the top Republican on the Senate Budget Committee. Thanks for the tip, genius.
Rep. Jim Cooper, D-Tenn., said the new report emphasized the need to enact legislation he is supporting that would create a bipartisan commission to make recommendations on overhauling benefit programs and then submit those recommendations to an up-or-down vote in Congress. It'll cost you about $1.5T/year to yak about it. Maybe you could get free catering to the lunch meetings because it's fairly important and might be worth the money.
"If we don't take action now, it threatens to destroy our social safety net and ruin our economic prosperity," Cooper said in a statement. Didn't W say something like that about four years ago? Perhaps these idiots think the people have forgotten already. That only cost them $6T to figure that out. It only took me about two seconds to figure it out at the time. I guess I should be King. I'd say "Off with their heads!", but it wouldn't make any difference because they aren't using them anyway.
The new report said that the federal budget deficit would have been 69 percent higher than the $162.8 billion reported two months ago if the government had used the same accounting methods as private companies. Under the accrual method of accounting, the deficit would have totaled $275.5 billion for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30. That's OK, at $1.5T/year, the $162B over two months figure is actually smaller making it the lesser of your worries. Oh, nevermind. I can guess right now which problem will sieze your focus.
Under the accrual method of accounting, expenses are recorded when they are incurred rather than when they are paid. That raises the costs for liabilities such as pensions and health insurance. The new report was released by the Treasury Department and the president's Office of Management and Budget.
The $275.5 billion deficit under the accrual method of accounting was still down by 38.7 percent from the deficit under this accounting method the previous year, when it totaled $449.5 billion.
The deficit on a cash-flow basis of $162.8 billion represented the lowest imbalance in five years. The administration noted the decline in the deficit under both measurements.
"The 2.6 trillion in record-breaking revenues that flowed into the Treasury this year reflect a healthy economy," Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said in a statement accompanying the new report. Yeah. Don't tell the Dems, though. Waste of time. You would do better to tell them "Method A results in more revenues and therefore more pork than Method B." Just make sure you don't tell them that Method A is the result of lower taxes and they choose properly. Note that I did not say spend properly.
But officials warned that something must be done to address the significant shortfall in the government's largest benefit programs for Social Security and Medicare. You act like you just discovered something that nobody knows about.
"Reducing the deficit in the short-term will put us in a better position for dealing with the longer-term entitlement issue, which can only be characterized as an oncoming fiscal train wreck," said OMB Director Jim Nussle. I would never have guessed.
Congress ordered the government a decade ago to start issuing annual reports using the accrual method of accounting in an effort to show the finances in a way that was comparable with the private sector. The law of averages says they'll end making the right decision now and then. Too bad it has to be by mistake.
As it has for every report, the GAO, Congress' auditing arm, said it could not sign off on the books because of problems at various agencies, most notably the Defense Department. Besides, they'll be dead when it starts to be a real problem, anyway. Screw the children, it'll give them something to do when they grow up.
#5
No one bitched louder than me re SS. I was certain my wife and I'd never recover what we put in if/when we retired.
I now receive survivor benefits for my minor kids due to my wife's passing. It's a pile of $$. I can easily make ends meet without it.
Now, just like my great-grandparents and my grandparents, I will get far more than I put in.
Do my kids deserve the benefit? Well, legally they are entitled to it. But deserve it - I don't know about that. I don't like the feel of it but I take the $$. Interesting - I don't bitch anymore.
I'm feel dirty - but I still take the benefit. Look up hypocrite definition #2 in Webster's - you'll find me.
#6
My elderly mother raised us on her own after dad left and never paid child support. She worked hard at any job she could get and they didn't offer any benefits, even paying cash without putting into SS. She has arthritis from overuse and other stress related illnesses. She also raised a few grandchildren to keep them out of the system and she is not alone, as millions of grandparents are raising kids today. Politicians turning granny out into the streets isn't very popular and I'd hate to see what they would do to the billionaires who bellyache about paying their fair share.
#7
This is why populist suggestions to abolish the IRS or institute a flat tax is catching on and ending the billions paid to the UN and other foreign aid that seems to end up financing terrorism would also be the place to start budget cutting rather than entitlement programs.
#8
I'd hate to see what they would do to the billionaires who bellyache about paying their fair share.
Right Danielle. Here's the data from 2005
Income - Percentage of the total Tax Paid
Top 1% - 39.38%
Top 5% - 59.67%
Top 10% - 70.30%
Top 25% - 85.99%
Top 50% - 96.93%
Bottom 50% - 3.07%
http://www.ntu.org/main/page.php?PageID=6
Those generating the top incomes are the ones who are carrying everyone else on entitlement gravy train. While its fun to point out individual cases of 'shirking' obligations, the truth is that the bulk of our national personal tax income is carried by a very few in the total population. Instead of demonizing these people, you'd better be trying to figure out how to make more. That's because everyone else wants someone else to pay for their 'entitlement'.
A democracy only lasts till the people figure out they can vote themselves money.
#9
I'm feel dirty - but I still take the benefit. Look up hypocrite definition #2 in Webster's - you'll find me.
GORT, I don't mind donating a bit to help you regain your balance after a difficult time. But feel free to take your guilt and donate to some of the funds for the troops, perhaps in your beloved wife's name. Me, I don't mind paying a bit more than my fair share in taxes, given that it's going to support my parents and in-laws in their old age, and Broadhead6, Besoeker and almost enough others in ways I consider critically important. Not to mention those of you who sacrificed your health and comfort to keep us all safe in the past. As for the pork, there always was and always will be that; the question is how to keep it from overly parasiting what's needful, and given the currently reducing deficit, I'm not going to worry overmuch.
#11
The government is promising $45 trillion more than it can deliver on Social Security, Medicare and other benefit programs.
So?
They'll do what they've always done, print more money, and lie.(Of course)
Posted by: Redneck Jim ||
12/18/2007 15:00 Comments ||
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#12
Procopius2k, your data is for Federal Income Tax. That doesn't fund the entitlements, which come from Social Security taxes and Medicare/Medicaid taxes.
But I wish more people were aware of the data you referenced. Note that, in contradiction to common knowledge and the harping of the MSM and other lib elites, the lower 50%'s share of the income tax burden is nearly 25% lower in 2005 than in 1999.
It won't be long before the majority of the voters pay no income tax whatsoever.
Now we hear calls for the 'rich' to assume an increased share of the entitlements. In other words, make the entitlements progressive, also.
#13
Social security taxes are the largest tax 70% of Americans pay. All workers pay 15.3% (including the employer portion) on the first $100,000 or so. Once that is figured in, those in the $80-100K pay a larger percentage of their income than the highest income tax brackets. Especially when considering property taxes and long term capital gains taxes (15%) that make up much of the income of the rich.
Posted by: ed ||
12/18/2007 15:33 Comments ||
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12/16 -- Alan Greenspan said that the government should provide taxpayer's money direct financial assistance to F(*#&%d borrowers homedebtorsowners who signed on loans they didn't have a remote chance of paying off are threatened by foreclosure in the worsening insolvency credit crisis.
Its far less damaging to the economy to create a short-term fiscal problem, which we would, than to try to fix the prices of homes or interest rates. Alan's idea of a short-term fiscal problem is one which ends before the heat-death of the universe
I dont know if it would work, he said, but it would certainly help people." I don't think it would work, but it would definitely take money out of my pocket. Greenspan is losing his mind.
#2
IRIN > MORE DOLLARS SPENT ON HAIR CONDITIONER THAN ON GLOBAL WARMING. US$162.0 Milyuhn given to UNO by wealthy dev nations for assistance to Least Dev Countries [LDC's] as per Global Warming, but of which only US$10.0Milyuhn has been effectively dispensed so far.
HAIR CONDITIONER? IOW, iff its NOT the Sun, its ANY AND ALL WIMIN/WOMEN = FEMMES FATALES THAT ARE PER SE RESPONSIBLE FOR WARMING??? *You always knew since childhood there was something inherently evil about MAX FACTOR + CURLING IRONS, etal. didn't you Moriarty!?
#3
SPACEWAR > STUDY: URBAN SPRAWL CONTINUES TO GOBBLE UP MORE LAND. Mega- and Hypertropoliseseseseseseses ..........@Cities.
And now you know, AGAIN, why Cold War Suburbia + Subprime Housing Mortage "Crisis" [suburban private home homeownership] isn't a crisis.
#4
Well. Mr Greenspan, if you and your successor had set the rates at numbers which reflected the true cost of loaning money (which we are discovering now), we wouldn't be in this sorry mess. That would have ameliorated things on the loaners' end, both from the supply side - less questionable loans given in the first place - and in terms of fewer defaults.
One the borrowers end it's no different. It isn't my responsibility to make sure that every problem that another person faces has a rosy ending. Government guaranteed outcome egalitarianism is the enemy's core meme, not America's (at least the real America's). And I'm reasonably certain that the bulk of the people defaulting wouldn't dream of returning the favor of bailout if it were someone else in a different flavor of need.
Gene Burns once famously said that freedom is meaningless unless it includes the freedom to fail. That applies remarkably well to this whole issue.
Posted by: no mo uro ||
12/18/2007 6:03 Comments ||
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#5
Resurrect the Bank of the United States. We'll no longer 'bailout' financial institutions that 'manage' themselves into such positions, rather we'll absorb them into the Bank leaving the paper holders with what they deserve instead of the people of the county left holding the proverbial bag. Then see how many institutions seek such remedies.
#6
Too many folks taking on mortgages they knew they'd be barely able to cover. I have little sympathy for that. I'd bet in a lot of cases the homeowners involved also had satellite t.v., air conditioning, multiple cars, cell phones, etc. People that can't modify their own behaviors shouldn't expect the rest of us to pay for it. The American dream is "earned" not "deserved".
#8
It wasn't even necessary to lie to get a mortgage, though. When me & the Tsar got one last year, we got all the formalities over with in the same amount of time as the average coffee break.
I wish I was kidding. But we had a lot of documentation (tax returns, bank statements, etc.), and we weren't asked to provide any of it. All they wanted to document was how much our down payment was, and where it was coming from. That was it. I thought for sure the fact that the Tsar wasn't at least a green card holder might cause a little bit of a problem, but....nope. Sign right here, please.
And before we even made our first payment, the HELOC junk mail started piling up, telling us we needed to access our "excess equity". (WTF?)
Meanwhile....one of our neighbors treated their house like an ATM after watching too much HGTV. I sure hope that newly renovated kitchen helps them short-sell their house....
#9
Swamp Blondie, the bank had access to your credit report, and thus to all your account information, which no doubt was checked while y'all were sipping your coffee... or when you made the appointment. They knew how much money you had, how much you owed, and whether y'all paid your bills on time. They probably know more about your finances than you and the Tsar do.
#10
True, tw, they had access to our credit scores. But there are serious errors on many credit reports. I had a creditor that refused to admit that I paid them off no matter how much documentation I provided until recently. (I still have no idea why all of a sudden they decided to tell the truth earlier this year, but there you go.)
There were plenty of people using other people's credit reports to get loans, too. We were never asked to provide any identification through the whole process to prove that we really were Mr & Mrs Tsar. We were never asked for our driver's licenses, or in the Tsar's case, passport or alien ID. For all they knew, it could have been some other couple with crap credit pretending to be us.
The Tsar had to provide more proof to get a driver's license than he did to get a mortgage. That's just wacked.
#11
I'd bet in a lot of cases the homeowners involved also had satellite t.v.
A couple of talking points:
1-Technical debate clarification here: What makes the subprime "no money down" borrower a "homeowner" in the first place.
2- the new standard for the poverty line is "Basic Cable Only"
3- The rev. Jackson has now declared that those subprime loans made in areas Jackson used to describe as "red lined neighborhoods" now make this a race issue... wait no, since Koreans and Hispanics got better loan terms, that means someone (read Countrywide, Wells Fargo) needs to pay reparations... to Jesse.
A multi-volume chronology and reference guide set detailing three years of the Mexican Drug War between 2010 and 2012.
Rantburg.com and borderlandbeat.com correspondent and author Chris Covert presents his first non-fiction work detailing
the drug and gang related violence in Mexico.
Chris gives us Mexican press dispatches of drug and gang war violence
over three years, presented in a multi volume set intended to chronicle the death, violence and mayhem which has
dominated Mexico for six years.
Rantburg was assembled from recycled algorithms in the United States of America. No
trees were destroyed in the production of this weblog. We did hurt some, though. Sorry.
Robert Mugabe over the weekend ordered the suspension of Attorney General Sobusa Gula-Ndebele, pending investigations into charges he abused his office.
Ailing Cuban leader Fidel Castro said in a letter read on television that he would not cling to office or obstruct the rise of a new generation of leaders. "My basic duty is not to cling to office, nor even more so to obstruct the rise of people much younger, but to pass on experiences and ideas whose modest value arises from the exceptional era in which I lived," said Castro, 81, who stepped aside from Cuba's presidency "temporarily" more than 16 months ago after undergoing surgery. 
New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, trying to warm up an image some voters perceive as cold, starts a drive Monday to showcase her personal side with testimonials from friends, associates and constituents she has helped. The online and in-person campaign, complete with a website called TheHillaryIKnow.com, comes a day after Clinton won a key endorsement from The Des Moines Register and her chief rival in the Democratic nomination race, Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, was endorsed by The Boston Globe.
Fla. - In a speech aimed at recharging his presidential campaign, Rudy Giuliani on Saturday returned to the issue that made him a front-runner for most of the year: his image as a leader and the memory of Sept. 11, 2001.
