Jay Bookman

By Truthman

November 3, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

Jay, you know I love ya, but you have to agree that the mud-slingers on this blog are just products of their environment!

When their role models are Ann Coulter, Sean Hannity, Bill-O the Clown and Rush, who speak in hateful, poisonous tongues, how far do you expect the apple to fall from the tree?

Now, for equal time, I DO admit that our side villifies the other, but the difference is WE ARE CORRECT. We err on the side of all men, not just rich and well-connected!

By Citizen of the World

November 3, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

Thank you, Jay.

Some people may discover powers of persuasion they never knew they had now that they can’t resort to name-calling and ad hominem attacks.

By Steve

November 3, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

Why is there such an “us” vs “them” mentality in our country right now?

We’re all Americans. We all want to be safe, secure, prosperous, happy.

Why not give the Dems a chance to turn things around? The Republicans have had their years in Congress 1995-2006 and the Presidency 2000-2008.

We should share ideas. Some things that each party offers are good ideas, some are bad from both parties.

By swolf

November 3, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

Thank you, Jay.

By BDAtlanta

November 3, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

Can we still get raunchy on Wooten’s blog? Does he even read people’s posts? I’ll step over there and call his mama some names to see if he’s watching…be back soon…

Just kidding.

I need to cleanse my system of the politics after tomorrow. A few days of rest will allow me to renew my class warfare crusade with gusto!

By Joey

November 3, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

Jay; This sudden interest that you are showing in courtesy comes awfully late to the show. Thus is seems insincere.

By that I do not mean that you will not delete personal attacks. I mean that you agree that terms like moron, stupid, &&^%$#, ^#@(&!, etc. are suitable terms when used to describe Republicans, or Conservatives or other non-liberals.

By Dave

November 3, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

The problem with the “us” vs. “them” issue is that “you” (meaning Democrats) want to be happy and prosperous at “our” (meaning Republican) expense. We work just as hard as you (and in many cases longer hours and just plain harder) to earn what we do, and we resent your trying to take it from us by using your governmental force.

Be happy and prosperous on your own.

There are some great and dramatic ideas that should be tried, but the biggest obstacles are the Democrats in Congress. The FairTax should be tried for a minimum of 5 years without any attempts to modify it so that businesses and consumers can see how well it would work in person. But each and every time time a GOP candidate gets behind it, the Democrats attack him or her with favoring a 23% tax increase (which is a flat-out lie). Let’s face it - the current tax code isn’t working, past attempts to increase taxes didn’t work (yet the Dems keep advocating this failed policy). Why do they suddenly think doing something that failed the last time will work differently this time? Isn’t one of the definitions of insanity doing the same thing over and over an expecting different results?

What’s the harm in scrapping the tax code in it’s entirety for a minimum of 5 years and trying something else that has never been tried in the U.S. before?

But at least let’s get off the “We all want the same thing” mantra. Until you want it on your own, and not from us, there will always be an “us” vs. “them” mentality.

By Dusty

November 3, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

Dear Jay,

GOP girls are made of sugar and spice and everything nice. And the guys are top of the line.

BUT

Lib lads are made of sticks and stones and try to break bones. And the gals would make anyone groan.

By Joey

November 3, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

Dusty (10:50): Very good. And no mean spirit there.

By Truthman

November 3, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

As always, the Republican argument comes down to money and them keeping as much as they can.

Jesus threw the money changers out of the Temple…remember that!

Also, you may want to reread the Sermon on the Mount and the Beatitudes, esp. if you claim to be christian!

By BDAtlanta

November 3, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

Dave at 10:48,

I don’t want to take your money. What I want to do is stop the funneling of my (and other middle, upper-middle, lower-middle, and lower classes) money to the bank accounts of the already wealthy.

This has been going on since the early 1970’s. To deny that it has happened is to deny all the reaserch that suggests the gap between rich and poor is widening.

I don’t have time to address all the methods the rich (and their Congressional tool - the Republicans) use to funnel money out of our bank accounts into theirs but I will get into some of them at later times.

For example, burgeoning CEO pay at the same time pensions are being deleted (sometimes they disappear in a wisp of smoke) and folks are being moved into less secure 401ks. By the way, don’t worry about Obama reaching into your 401k, that’s not the Democrat way. The party of Labor Unions and such isn’t looking to steal from the working classes.

By getalife

November 3, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

In the spirit of hope for unity, lets all think “country first”, be “real Americans” and fully support our new President to show true patriotism.

Right Dusty?

By Tom

November 3, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

Thanks. There are extremes from both sides and unfortunately they both hold on to a very narrow veiw point of life. Perhaps they could remember: “One Nation Under God, With Liberty and Justice For All”.

By Bosch

November 3, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

Dave,

Seriously, why do you think that you work harder or longer hours than anyone else who is left leaning?

“Be happy and prosperous on your own”

Why don’t you tell that the CEOs who are asking for our tax money to pay for their greed, or is that somehow okay with you?

You can keep on believing that somehow you and your ilk are far more superior in the work ethic category, but that’s a load of bullsh!t and it’s that kind of attitude that has made us more divided as a nation and very quick to blame others instead of working for real solutions.

Even the GOP Vice President candidate says she loves being in “Pro-American” places. That is a horrifying thing to say or to believe - that only the people who think like her are Pro-American. WE all know what she meant by that. Do you remember Joe McCarthy at all? Have you ever read about him?

Grow up.

By Truthman

November 3, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

Tom, I prefer the original Pledge: “One Nation, with liberty and justice for all.”

I didn’t fall for the “Red Scare” in the ’50s, and I’m not falling for the “Muslim Scare” of the ’00s!!

By BDAtlanta

November 3, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

What the Libs are saying about wealth is that for the last 40 years the wealthy have siphonned off so much money from the middle and poorer classes that its time for the wealthy to pay a little of that back into the national coffers so we can fix potholes and bridges and provide some 21st century healthcare to the citizens.

Oh, you don’t believe the rich has been siphoning off money from the lower classes? Ok, let’s look at the big picture. The rich have been getting richer the last 40 years. Can we agree on that? Add that to the fact that there are now more millionaires and billionaires than ever before. Can we agree on that?

Where did all that money come from? Is someone printing up $50 and $100 bills and I missed the email? Sure, I’m simplifying here to the n-th degree. But that is the gyst of what it has been like.

By Mr Snarky

November 3, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

What is it mom said? Oh yeah, “If you can’t say something snarky, don’t say anything at all.” Snarky doesn’t equal nasty, BTW.

By tcoach

November 3, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

I keep hearing people say that CEO’s are getting our tax money. How? I know the bailout plan was given to some ceos. But was it not liberals and democrates who blasted the rep. who did not vote for the bailout the 1st time through. I thought I even saw some on this blog doing it.

2nd point: Are they really stealing your tax dollars? The top 10% pays over 70% of the taxes; while the bottom 50% pay less than 3% of taxes collectd. Therefore did the ceos not pay for atleast 70% of the bailout for themselves.
While the Obama plan wants to give a bailout to the group who would be funding less than 3% of the money used.
That is the main difference is that the “rich” paid for their own bailout while Obama ask them to pay for the bailout of non-contributors.

By RealityKing

November 3, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

Stop the personal attacks? What?? After years of MSM attacks on the president, the economy, half the countries ideology.., and of course Sarah Palin!!??

Oh let me guess, this is the lastest order sent down from the new liberal high priest, and tomorrow, if he wins, the MSM demonics will be demanding that we all now gather around the kool-aid stand, hold hands and sing kumbaya together while guzzling the goo.., as if all is now well. We must adhere to the new order! The past is to be forgotten “for the good of the country”. Otherwise…, banded from all partisipation.

Obviously they aren’t teaching the meaning of the word hypocrisy in journalism school. Ooops.., is a statement of fact also a personal attack in the new order??

By tcoach

November 3, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

BDAtlanta, I may be wrong but could it be that in that same time frame more entitlement ideology also came into the political atmosphere. Thus causing the gap, because some waited for others to take care of them, while others did not buy into that ideology and worked and prospered.
However a lot of the millionaires were made from the dot com boost in the Clinton era.

By citizen

November 3, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

Political campaigns depend on contributions to function. If the two parties didn’t create this ‘us against them’ illusion, contributions would not come in. The United States, a creditor nation since World War I, had by 1986 become the world’s largest debtor nation due to Reagan economical ‘trickle down’ policy. Since then, there has been a widening gap between the wealthy and the workers making minimum wage. I am a conservative but not a true Republican; this election cycle has been an enlightening period for me. I now think more like a blue-dog Democrat.

By Truthman

November 3, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

And it was Mort Saul who ended his shows by asking “Is there anyone out there I’ve failed to offend tonight?”

By Citizen of the World

November 3, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

If we’re going to do bad partisan poetry, per Dusty’s post at 10:50, I’d like to try:

There once was a maverick named John Who rejected all things neocon Til Rove said, no, no Far right you must go Now losing’s the side John is on

By RealityKing

November 3, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

As a hiring manager.., I would like to thank the MSM for their shameless personal attacks on Sarah Palin. Now, when interviewing women I don’t like or want, I need only write down charm, carisma and ability to inspire as valid reasons for hiring a man over a woman. After all.., my definition of these now takes presidence of any type of former experience.

Wow! What an execuse!! Thanks guys..

By Mr Snarky

November 3, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this

Of course Sarah Palin! How could we forget her? We love her. She helped push so many independent voters to the Obama camp that we owe her and McCain a debt of gratitude.

By Michael H. Smith

November 3, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this

The “us verses them” mentality is propagated perpetually by the very nature of politics in this country. Because there is no real “Centrist Populists Party” that represents the forgotten concept which might actually yet exist, un-resurrected, that says it should be “us for us” rather than “us against us”, which is the current reality of “us verses them”. The Neo-lib Democrats want to spread the wealth, under socialism. The Neo-con Republicans want to pool the wealth, under monopolism. Where have you gone Teddy Roosevelt, Americans long for your sense of fair play and a square deal? Americans for Americans first and foremost, oh what a truly dastardly thought, someone is sure to call it isolationists or at the very least nativists?

By Truthman

November 3, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

As a practicing journalist, I would like to say the MSM is not…it’s slanted toward toward the conservative agenda, and, except for MSNBC and Air America, has very few liberal voices.

By Dave

November 3, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

BDAtlanta, please get your facts straight.

Over half the people working for a wage in America pay less than 3% of the taxes collected. That is a fact. So how is it that the wealthy (who pay over 80% of the taxes collected) are funneling YOUR money into THEIR bank accounts?

The rich get richer, BD, because they keep doing the things that made them rich in the first place; hard work, dedication, the guts to take a calculated risk every now and again, and smarts.

And Bosch, a far greater percentage of small business owners are Republicans, not Democrats. That is a fact. Small business owners don’t work 9-5, don’t clock in or out, and can’t collect unemployment if their business fails. They have a vested interest in putting in as many hours as is needed to make that business work. In short, they work harder than most other Americans, and they create about 85-90% of all new jobs in this country.

I do have a problem with CEO’s of big companies looking for tax bailouts for their mismanagement, and I didn’t support the recent bailout of those firms (that a majority of Democrats in the house and senate voted for both times). If I am a shareholder in those companies, I vote to not re-appoint the executive boards that hired the CEO. If I am a customer of those firms, I no longer do business with them. If I bank with them, I put my money in more responsible banks. I also let them know that I am doing these actions and why, in hopes that they will listen. If I don’t like what my elected representatives do, I do not vote for them, regardless of which party I support in principle.

I don’t just sit around and cry “pity, pity poor old me” and try to take from someone else that which I did not earn by voting for a government that is all too willing to do just that.

By David

November 3, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

Wow - I’m glad to see this come down. It’s a great prelude to tomorrow night’s results.

By Greg Mendel

November 3, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

“The problem with the “us” vs. “them” issue is that “you” (meaning Democrats) want to be happy and prosperous at “our” (meaning Republican) expense. We work just as hard as you (and in many cases longer hours and just plain harder) to earn what we do, and we resent your trying to take it from us by using your governmental force.”

I’m sure you believe that, Dave. But, you have no proof that Republicans work “in many cases longer hours and just plain harder.” This is an example of a groundless, subjective opinion being offered as a fact and a philosophy.

I’m a Democrat, and I don’t want to be happy and prosperous at “your” expense. I’ve earned my own money all my life, never asking for “yours.”

In fact, my “happiness and prosperity” has taken some big hits from “your” party. The party that took a surplus and turned it into the biggest debt in history. The party that has happily put my children and grandchildren on a path to national bankruptcy.

On 9/11, the whole world — including Iran — gave its sympathy to our nation, and “your” party worked long and hard to trash that goodwill — to turn our country into an international pariah.

Your hard-working Republicans have ruined a nation. Your party ruined its reputation in the world, subverted its constitution, substituted superstition for science, wrecked its army, despoiled its environment, turned its citizens against each other for political gain, sent its jobs overseas, and created a social enviroment so hostile and poisonous that I can’t recognize it anymore.

Where is your party’s patriotism, Dave? The party that brands anyone who disagrees with its policies a traitor. Republicans can accuse Democrats of hating America without shame. Well, which party has done a job on American freedoms that even Osama bin Laden couldn’t? Which party used the tragedy of 9/11 for political gain, as an excuse for a needless war? Yours, Dave.

Yes, “your” side has worked long and hard. It’s going to take BOTH sides to get us out of the cesspit your party has dug for us. Maybe you and your hardworking friends can spare a minute to help. Or just quit digging.

By Mr Snarky

November 3, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

There once was a governor named Sarah, who didn’t have a thing to wear-a, the stock market was crashing, but Palin looked smashing, to bad voters didn’t seem to care-a

By Bosch

November 3, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

Dave,

Tell, me - who is it that does sit around and whine “poor pitiful me with their hand out to the government” all the time?

And until you provide data showing that there are more Republican business owners than Democrat SBO, we’ll all assume you are blowing smoke. Fact? Prove it.

And, what the hell does that have to do with the price of tea in China or this election anyway?

You people just make sh!t up at some feeble attempt to satisfy your own fears and twisted notions of reality.

By Tom

November 3, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

Truthman, the 1954 update is still there. There are many names for the Creator, and we are supposed to be the nation of religious freedom, so I hope the words weren’t added to limit the individual’s right of choice to worship their own beliefs. I also like that word “indivisible”, so I voted for the candidate that says; “We are not a Red America, or a Blue America, We are THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”.

By GOPs got to go

November 3, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this

Is it still OK to call Bush and Palin garden shed tools?

“And” Corporal “self” rightous?

By Truthman

November 3, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

Mr. Snarky…Oh yes, we care! And our righteous wrath will be felt from sea to shining sea tomorrow.

Beware the liberal M-1 Tank rolling across My America!!

By Truthman

November 3, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

PALIN PRANKED BY CANADIAN SHOCK JOCK - BELEIVES SHE IS TALKING TO FRENCH PRESIDENT NICHOLAS SARKOZY.

Note how the DJ sounds like Pepe LePew!!

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/politics/2008/11/03/shock.jocks.prank.palin.cnn

Too funny!!

By Mr Snarky

November 3, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

Truthman…I hate to have to spell this out, but the point was that Palin looks good but the voters went against her anyway. Thanks and have a nice day. (Jay, notice that I’m being extra polite)

By Greg Mendel

November 3, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

Dear noah:

You take the Ark, we’ll take the Flood.

— the Animals

By Chris

November 3, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

Why is it that Republicans beleive they are the only ones who work?

By "The Corporal"

November 3, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

To et al

Since Midori and I no longer converse, would someone please make sure he/she gets this latest admonition from Jay…………….

By Truthman

November 3, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

Where did Noah keep the fish?

Why isn’t the world compeltely overrun with fish!!!

By PinkoNeoConLibertarian

November 3, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

Heck Jay, I have my own method. As soon as I see anyone resorting to name calling I automatically skip to the next post, ignoring the obviously intellectually challenged among us.

Spelling and grammar mistakes happen to us all. Having to call someone a name because you just can’t think of anything other than insults to bolster your case are a waste of my time to read. Kind of like the people who just scream the same message louder and louder with each repetition, thinking that surely if they yell loud enough the world will agree with them.

p.s. does this mean I have to change my blog name?

By Mr Snarky

November 3, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

I know Obama won’t lock up our right wing nut friends, or restrict their speech. This is despite comments like those above by Noah which make the prospect in many ways appealing.

By "The Corporal"

November 3, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

To Truthman

I am quite familiar with the passages you mentioned. What are your thoughts on this one ………….

Luke 22:36 “He (Jesus) said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.”

Note: This admonition was given at a time when the Jews were under Roman law and were forbidden to carry weapons due to numerous assaults on Roman officials by the Zealots.

By Alarmist Barbie

November 3, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

The Socialist is coming!!! A college education may become more affordable!

We’ll all be SKILLED!!!!!

By "The Corporal"

November 3, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

To GOPs Got to Go

I must really get to you if you hate me so much. That’s good to know.

By Midori

November 3, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

Corporal,

Garbage in, garbage out.

I see you’re still pushing that bogus coal story.

you don’t have to talk to me. actually, I prefer it. From the stuff you post, we have nothing in common and nothing to say to each other.

but I will continue to comment on the garbage you post. especially when it is untrue and loaded with slanderous allegations towards my fellow democrats.

now go home and get your shine box.

By RealityKing

November 3, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

We are going to need a pre-defined list of neo-liberal no-no’s Jay. I mean.., considering the fact that you and the MSM has trampled all over traditional editorial rules of decency, ideological driven columnistic hate now seems like the norm doesn’t it.

Unless of course, McCain wins.

By GOPs got to go

November 3, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

Corporal I do not hate anyone. I just get really sick and tired of your holier than thou crapola. Go bloweth your horn somemore

By GodHatesTrash

November 3, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

By GodHatesTrash

November 3, 2008 7:07 AM | Link to this

By GodHatesTrash November 2, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this

Unbelievably, Bookman pulled down around a dozen of my posts from Friday night, yesterday, and banned me for the day.

I consistently provide some of the best writing on this blog (not that that’s saying much), instead he prefers the never-ending monotonous garbage, chum, empty threats and swill from the misanthropes and paranoids. He never challenges them, he never ridicules them, he just let’s their vile lies and slanders stand unchallenged.

Well, Bookman, face it, you’re no Ralph McGill. But you’re on track to be another Jim Wooten. Good for you!

So I’ll leave you for your regular clientele for awhile.

I urge other progressive decent people to do the same.

Without us, this blog is just another hate site.

By Truthman

November 3, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

RealtyKing:

English class 101 - plural vs. singular.

In your post at 2:14 today you wrote,” you and the MSM has…”

Now, since “you and the MSM” refers to more than on entity, the correct word to use is “have,” as in “you and the MSM have…”

Please make a note of it.

-Truthman (the original)

By Truthman

November 3, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this

Obviously, Realtyking is journalistically challenged.

He does not know the meaning of “Opinion piece,” or “Editorial page.”

If you don’t like the AJC editorial page, subscribe the the Clayton News-Daily or the Augusta Chronicle. Everybody who works there writes just like Wooten…you’ll feel right at home.

By RealityKing

November 3, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

Rasmussen Reports Poll: McCain Narrows Gap in Battleground States

Why hasn’t Obama been able to close this deal? What would have been different if we had objective observers in our MSM? Who will we blame when the obviousness of the oversell becomes appranent to those that continue to suffer the most?? Sad..

By "The Corporal"

November 3, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

Jay

Midori continues to throw out personal abuse rather than reasoned debate. I am officially requesting that he be censored.

To GOPs Got to Go

But you prove my point. Instead of reasoned debate you choose vitriol.

To Truthman

Did you see my 1:29 post ?

By Truthman

November 3, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

RealtyKing: Other than we who have to read your anguished English, who is “suffering the most?”

Remember, polls only call people who have land lines. Many of us, particularly young voters, only have cellphones.

Be prepared for a big dose of “Reality” tomorrow night, RealtyKing!

By Truthman

November 3, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

Corp…no, I was rearranging my sock drawer!

By Truthman

November 3, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

OK, I read it. I don’t understand what I’m supposed to do with a sword since there hasn’t been a shot fired in anger on American soil since the white man tried to wipe out all the people who were here before we were?

No one is denying me anything. But, they are trying to tell me what I can and can’t do (abortion laws, drug wars, warrantless wiretapping, locking people up for years without due process…all the great accomplishments of Dick Cheney and his fascist cronies!).

By "The Corporal"

November 3, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

To Truthman

I assume then you do not wish to debate this issue of biblical passages that you raised.

By tcoach

November 3, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

Truthman, I think some of you forget that there are young people like me who will be voting for McCain, just like most of my friends. None of us have land line phones either. Guess it only is a viable argument if it helps you though right.

By Truthman

November 3, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

tcoach: No, not at all.

However, as will be borne out tomorrow, the youth of America will overwhelmingly vote for Barack Hussein Obama.

You will, of course, support and defend your new commander-in-chief, won’t you?

I certainly will!

By Truthman

November 3, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

tcoach: No, not at all.

However, as will be borne out tomorrow, the youth of America will overwhelmingly vote for Barack Hussein Obama.

You will, of course, support and defend your new commander-in-chief, won’t you?

I certainly will!

By tcoach

November 3, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

I will be critical of every move my commander-in-chief makes.

They are all snakes have you not paid attention to the last couple of years. I know it makes you sleep better at night but it has not all been republicans fault.

Where you you asking that about Bush though? Oh that is right you only support your candidtae and expect everyone else to support yours.

By Truthman

November 3, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

Works for Rush, Sean and Bill-O the clown!

By AF

November 3, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

I have a challenge for bloggers who want to talk tax policy. Be willing to step outside of rhetoric and do a little research. Just a little. Get some facts to feed your brain, inform your opinion, and persuade others to your point of view.

I’ll start. Below is information from economists at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Go to their web-site, or some other website that has economic data. The opinions are mine. The data is theirs, or others, but I will tell you where I got it.

All tax policy redistributes wealth. Here is the effect of the tax policy started by Reagan, accelerated by Bush, and that McCain wants to continue. 1) Since 2002, income growth of the top 1 percent is 42% (there is no missing decimal point in that figure); 66% of income growth went to the top 10%. (CBPP) 2) “Not since 1928, the eve of the Great Depression, had the top 1 percent claimed such a large share of the country’s income.” (CBPP) [These first two items are based on IRS tax records through 2006] 3) “Though productivity grew by around 20 percent from 2000 to 2007, the real income of middle-class, working-age households has actually fallen $2,000, down 3 percent.” (NY Times, Op Ed column by Rubin and Bernstein, 11/2/08). Keep up this concentration of income and wealth, reduce income to the middle class, and there will not be a middle class left - the capitalism model will implode.

Capitalism is not a panacea for societies ills - it is an economic system that assumes each person acts in his own self interest. As we can see in both the statistics above and in the current financial meltdown, markets do not self regulate and ultimately, greed overcomes common sense. (Remember, Greenspan was surprised that fear of risk did not override greed.)

How are market abuses mitigated and managed? You won’t like the answer – governments and labor unions. It takes government regulation to limit natural capitalist market abuses and government tax policy to balance against the over accumulation of wealth and keep the market functioning. Unions brought 8 hour work days, paid vacations, labor safety, pensions, health insurance, etc.

Both government and union intervention are now in bad repute. We run from the very idea that the government should regulate or that labor unions should return to the power they once had. I think both the government and unions introduced needed change for their time but didn’t recognize or respond when times changed. Government policy switched from stimulating demand (1950s, 1960s, 1970s) to “supply side” economics (1980s, 1990s, 2000s). Each policy worked for a while, but when carried to the limit of the policy, created economic havoc.

Why does this matter now? Because I think supply side economics has run its course and it is time for a change. “Trickle down” economics has stopped trickling, if it ever did. Tax cuts “for small business” stimulate job growth in low wage jobs. Tax revenues lost in reduced tax rates of the wealthy are not made up by increased tax revenues from low wage jobs. Our national debt grows, our middle class shrinks.

McCain wants to continue current supply side economic policy. Obama wants to go back to something closer to the stimulating demand model. Is there a new one out there?

By Copyleft

November 3, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

Speaking of class and respect: Obama’s grandmother has just passed away.

And it didn’t take long for FreeRepublic, LGF, and the rest of the Hannity-Savage-Medved crowd to start speculating on the “convenient timing” of this as a last-minute electoral ploy.

Real classy, losers.

By tHOMAS

November 12, 2008 6:10 AM | Link to this

Mr. Bookman: Thank you for your need to end negativity in these blogs. To whom it may concern: Do you think Obama is going to make everything better for you? Do you think he will make it worse? He is just a man; just a human being. And he can only do so much. If you want racism to end, if you wast sexism, war, and all violence to end—-or if you want to perpetuate those things … If you think the white man is the problem, or terrorists, or the black man or hispanics or asians or jews or muslims, atheists, romantics, rationalists… If you think abortion is the problem or the Constitution, or taxes, some political party, or some ideology… Whatever and whomever you think is the problem… I am asking you to look within, examine your own hearts, minds, souls, consciences. I am asking you to open your hearts and your minds. For you are your own worst enemy. No one on this planet is so perfect as to be above others and free to jude, free to “judge righteousness” or free to punish people for being not just like yourselves. Open your hearts, open your minds and allow Love to guide you. Forgive, reconcille, dedicate or re-dedicate yourselves —— and allow Love to guide you. You will find answers that will surprise you, edify you, and make you happier. Open your hearts and minds and allow the Love in your own souls to guide you. The key is Love and to open your hearts and minds to Love.