Frustration

A poll shows that the American public is more and more frustrated by the tone of our politics. According to a July 2012 survey, 78 percent of Americans say they’re “frustrated” with our politics; 74 percent think that the tone of political campaigns has “gotten more negative” over past election cycles. They say that the American discourse is “mostly uncivil and disrespectful” by a 56 to 37 percent margin.

 
The problem with politics is most of it is filtered through the heavily biased and unfair media. If the news what strictly about what the candidates actually said or did, there might be more interest. People would have to pay attention and make up their own minds about the issues, instead of being fed constant leftist pablum.

U.S.A. and China in Diplomatic Dispute

In today’s news was a story that China is concerned that the U.S. is trying to make diplomatic alliances with its surrounding neighbors. Apparently there wasn’t a serious car wreck to talk about instead.

Like it or not we’re comfortably in bed it China, no matter what the politicians from both countries say. And I’m not talking about the U.S. debt China holds. That isn’t a problem. If China decided to cash in its bonds the Fed would just print money from thin air to buy them.

Chinese made consumer products are a different matter. If it wasn’t for Chinese made products, most everything we buy in this country would cost more – a lot more. If Chinese made products are banned or heavily taxed, our 3 year recession would turn into a deep depression as people discovered their money was buying 25 or 50% few goods than before.

In return, we are keeping the Chinese economy humming. They’re having a bad year in 2012 and only expect to grow at 7.6%. The good economy in China keeps the unrest that is bubbling under the surface from boiling over. Thus the government keeps itself in power.

Everyone wins!!

All the arguments about tiny island  ownership, fishing rights, and diplomatic alliances are basically b.s. made up by diplomats to make their jobs seem worthwhile.

How to Pay for Free Health Insurance for Everyone

Only the dumbest among us believe the politicians saying they can add 20-30 million people to the health care roles with no cost to anyone but the evil rich. But in fact there is no such thing as a free lunch as history has shown us time after time.

The politicians will not impose a straight income tax hike to pay for the free health care. That’s far too honest. Instead they will impose fees, penalties, mandates, and a hundred additional ways to extract money from everyone, including the lower 50% who pay no income tax now.

They are hoping the media will help them cover up what they do, and they are probably correct. And the bottom 50% is probably too stupid to realize what has been done to them.

It will be like the proverbial death from a thousand cuts.

Running of the Bulls, 2012

Six people were injured during the first day of the running of the bulls in Pamplona, Spain. Every year dozens of runners get hurt during the 2 and a half minute run. Occasionally someone even gets killed. Yesterday a 73 year old man was running with the bulls and got gored. The rest of the injuries were much less serious. The bulls run every morning for a week.

I was lucky enough to visit Pamplona during the San Fermin festival a few years ago, and while I didn’t run with the bulls, I was an enthusiastic spectator. The whole town was dressed in white with red neckerchiefs in honor of San Fermin, the patron saint of the city.

There were large drinking clubs that paraded around the town during the day holding large hand made banners identifying themselves. I didn’t make a scientific count, but it seems like the U.K. was over represented in the clubs. I suspect it was members of these clubs who stayed out all night drinking and ran with the bulls early the next morning.

The running ended in the city bull ring where some of the runners taunted the bulls and showed their bravery by touching the bulls’ horns or grabbing their tails. After a while the bulls were put into pens around the ring. Later in the day the lucky bulls were let into the bull ring one at a time where they are slaughtered by bull fighters.

I applaud Spain for allowing this dangerous celebration to continue. It must be the only country in the world where such a celebration might be allowed. Every other country has become far to sissified and politically correct. In America our government protects us from Coca-Cola and Twinkies. Spaniards must be laughing themselves silly at out silliness. We have police forces devoted to looking for evidence of pets being under-fed.

Spain can’t manage its own finances, but it certainly can throw a party.

China Cuts Growth Forecast to 7.6%

China‘s banks cut interest rates because their economic growth was downgrade to 7.6% for this year. In Europe most countries are hoping for 0% growth and the U.S. would be happy with 2%. What’s the difference between China and the west?

I’m not economist, but from what I can see, it’s the size and scope of government spending, taxation, and regulations.

In the long run 7.6% economic growth will help the people much more than anything the government can do.

Happy White Independence Day – Chris Rock.

Today Chris Rock wished America “Happy White Independence Day.” Did he say it to get some attention for his flagging career, or did he mean it? It really doesn’t matter.

There seems to be a lot of  very successful black and white entertainers who, like Chris Rock, have turned against the country and system that allowed their success. Some TV psychologist should analyze this. It would make an interesting, though worthless, 30 minute show.

The worst part about these idiots is that most of them are stupid. Instead of being for the success this country allowed them, grateful they are resentful. Well Chris, if you hate America, go to Haiti. I’m sure you could duplicate your success there.

Jolly Old England

America is great, but it is quickly turning into Europe.  The last time I was in England it was depressing. In Worcester the center of town was filled with second hand stores. The only “real” store was a “One Pound” store that was owned by a foreigner, I think Pakistani, and he was looking to sell it.

The people were somehow depressing. They went about their business almost like zombies. Even when they spoke or smiled something was missing. It was a depressing place.

This is what you get when government controls everything.

Mandate, Tax or Penalty?

The Supreme Court has ruled the Obamacare mandate is a tax. Now the Democrats are calling it a penalty.

In the space of a few days its gone from a mandate to a tax to a penalty. Before it’s over it will be called a refund. The politicians, media, lawyers, pundits, and courts have a way of muddying the waters. 

It’s up to Romney and the rest of the Republicans to keep the argument sharply focused that it’s a huge new tax. So far they haven’t been doing a good job.