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Amen to that!
Richard
You and your dad are in my prayers.
Richard
I was out of town Wednesday, but glad you passed through. Yes, we are jumping and I'm excited. I serve on the revitalization board for the old town area. We're doing some great things and people are beginning to return to the down town area. BTW, that large Honda dealership is the largest on the east coast. We're pretty proud of that fact. You were only eight blocks from our home when you drove by Exit 20. We're in the historic district on the main route to the down town area.
Richard
I can respect how people view the UN. I disagree But see where you are coming from.
Of those 70s billboards there have been loads of people who have wanted us out of the UN from the moment we started it.
They still do a bunch of good work that you don't hear about but I do think that something I read years ago, and have to make up numbers but you'll get the point.
The idea is if you wanted to give a hungry person food how you'd do it most efficiently. It went something like this:
Buy the groceries and hand them to the hungry person. $10
Give money through a church for their hunger program. $10.75
Give to legitimate feed the hungry charity. $15.
Let the federal government handle it. $40
For the UN you could probably add at least another $20.
And yet more of the world's population is starving than not. I don't know the answer to it. Billionaires give big money and it doesn't make a dent. We still have large pockets of it right here in our own country. It shames us all. I know that some of it is very few people follow the teaching of if you have two cloaks give one to the man who has none.
My brother said this - I can't fix the world but I can make my corner of the world better and I can make it better. Great advice. I know some people here, maybe most, actually follow that idea.
Sitting around talking about cars seems like living the dream to me.
Watching reality shows makes you a sick puppy.
Oh look, my new operating system actually puts the emotorcons in the right place!
life is indeed good.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
"Oh look, my new operating system actually puts the emotorcons in the right place! life is indeed good"
OF, you just had an epiphany! Nothing like the old "epiphany" to arouse excitement in our hearts and souls!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
lol, but as we know, those are pleasant things to do, but aren't the keys to happiness. Maybe the key is "reality TV"! Who knows?
Michael, you and Mike and many of us are at the stage of life where we thought we could be pretty carefree, but, we have parents to worry about. Life has it's great moments, all with crisis and stress along the way. Hopefully the good things outweigh the negatives.
Wish you the best for your fathers surgery.
Glad you see it that way. There isn't enough sales stories to keep us going, but the other topics are what keep us glued together between car buying. We are a unique group..
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Mike, better than what? I'm 59 and semi retired, so my wife and I rarely go out on Saturday nights. Why would we when the weeknights are usually less crowded? BTW, my wife was nodding off watching a movie by 8:30 last night. So what? We get up around 5:00 am and that's close to our "normal" bed time anyway.
2025 Toyota Crown Signia Hybrid, 2022 Ram 2500 Laramie 6.4 Hemi, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata PRHT
Mike, count your blessings, it could be worse. My wife is planning to retire at the end of September but I am not sure I will retire any time soon, perhaps in the next six years.
Meanwhile, for those into nature and hiking, here is a beautiful video on hiking the trails in Dominica. I had heard of the island but did not realize it has arguably the best hiking trails in the Caribbean. Watching the slightly "older" couple in the video gave me the confidence to go on a nature safari so I have booked a flight for June. The trek to the boiling lake and the Carib territory are high on my list.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRz_Hw5Cg_A
At 43 minutes the video is a bit long but perhaps more interesting than some of the reality shows.
Enjoy!
There are some very knowledgeable people around here who discuss environmental issues as well as the cost of oil etc......far more knowledgeable than me. This email I received could be of interest to you. Just to set it up, as you probably know the Canadian Tar Sands is a great source for oil (Vast deposits of bitumen - over 350 billion cubic metres (2.2 trillion barrels) of oil in place - exist in the Canadian provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan. If only 30% of this oil could be extracted, it could supply the entire needs of North America for over 100 years), the plan is to build the Keystone XL Pipeline from the Alberta Tar Sands to the refineries in Texas. Your current government is holding up the pipeline for envionmental reasons (even though it is probably a lot safer than using railroads)?
This is the email I got.....let me know what you think.
This adds a little 'dimension' to the topic like "the Rest of the Story".
Kind of tarnishes the 'environmental' platform!
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad owns all of the rail lines in the US connecting to western Canada and they haul 80%+ of the crude from Canada to the midwest and Texas or charge other Short Line railroads a fee to use their tracks.
BNSF charges $30 per barrel to haul the oil where the Keystone would cost $10 by the State Departments own estimates.
BNSF is owned by Berkshire Hathaway whose chairman is Warren Buffet.
In the last2 election cycles Buffet gave extensively to democrat causes and candidates including $40K+ to Obama in 2012. He also bundled and hosted numerous fundraisers for Obama.
Buffet could stand to lose $2B+ a year if the pipeline goes in and he makes the same amount every year it's delayed.
Does this email sound true?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
"Buffet could stand to lose $2B+ a year if the pipeline goes in and he makes the same amount every year it's delayed.
Does this email sound true?"
Of course it's true. Buffet's holdings transport Canadian oil from Canada to the Gulf Coast. If the pipeline goes in, it will cost Berkshire Hathaway billions.
There is no question that the only holdup of the XL pipeline is Obama himself since the Stare Dept. have clearance to the pipeline. All it needs is his signature. Fat chance of that ever happening since Obamas rich friend - Buffet - is his money source for political gains.
Yes, it is true - and no one can do anything about it!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
"Does this email sound true?"
Oh yes, it's true. Buffet is a smart cookie who supported a move by the government to raise taxes on "rich" people like himself. He neglected to mention that almost all of his income is from dividends and capital gains not salary so the tax increase would not affect him much. The "rich" guy making a $250,000 salary would get slammed but not Buffet.
Buffet is in a long line of crony capitalists giving support to the current administration in return for various quid pro quos. Included on this list are Jeff Immelt from GE and some sleazy business man from California who offered the Democratic Party $100 million to kill the XL pipeline.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Looks like I'm not the only one frustrated by lack of info on the new Mustang:
http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2014/04/20/ford-shows-a-new-mustang-but-holds-back-the-detail.aspx
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
The interior pic in that article shows what is wrong with so many manufacturers interior designs lately. It is supposed to be a "white" interior. It is not. It is a black interior with a few splashes of white tossed in. But it is in no way the white interiors we had in the '60s and '70s, and certainly not the kind of interior that the Mustang had 50 years ago. Back then a white interior was white just about everywhere except for the carpets and the dashboard/steering wheel (and not always with the latter, as there were indeed white steering wheels). GM and others would often do a color-coordinated white interior. I had one of these on my '77 LeMans - the car was painted medium blue metallic, so the carpets, dash and steering wheel were blue and everything else was white. More commonly, those items were black with everything else - the headliner, door panels and seats - white. That new Mustang interior color combo is just ugly.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
Are you ordering yours in Wimbledon White or Kona Blue?
Also, I am surprised Ford would only make 1964 of this model. Why not make and sell 100000 of them? Making it a very limited edition just gives the dealers and collectors a chance to make a killing, but doesn't help the bottom line as much as it could.
Thanks to you and Mike for your comments regarding Keystone XL - appreciate your thoughts.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Yes. Forbes indicated as much. Buffet gives lip service to other transportion but doesn't really acknowledge his role in garnering lots of profits from the delayed pipeline.
For once, I wish the MSM would analyze these people's motives the way they did Oliver North's and the Bushs' while in the White House. Instead anyone who donates to the adminstration is considered a wonderful, honorable human being: Buffer, Soros, Steyer, each has no greedy bone in their body. They are just doing good for the people--the little guys.
And as our gas prices gradually go up each year, the adminstration just smiles and tells their factious groups how much they care for the goals of each of the groups, in this case global warming/cooling, and are saving their world by not allowing that awful pipeline to carry oil to the Gulf Coast for shipping.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
We've had this conversation before. Building the Keystone pipeline will not do anything to reduce our dependency of foreign oil or reduce gasoline prices. The heavy tar sands oil is not the best choice for refining into gasoline - it's good for distillates, plastics and diesel - which would be exported. The gasoline yielded from tar sands oil nets out more expensive than the sweet crude that is typically refined into gas.
Further, the Canadian government has opposed an new pipeline across the Rockies due to environmental reasons. But there is an existing pipeline already there and the owners of that pipeline are willing to upgrade to carry this oil. But of course Trans Canada won't make any money off of that so they continue to push for their own pipeline. Why should the US bear the potential environmental issues while a Canadian company earns the profits?
As for Berkshire Hathaway, of course Buffet would oppose Keystone - just like Trans Canada won't make any money off of the existing pipeline, BK won't make any money off of Keystone XL.
It sounds very true. Driver, it seems that you are well informed, and that email pretty much sums the situation up. The only thing holding up the pipeline is politics and a very corrupt administration. Even a lot of democrats and democratic politicians agree with that assessment.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
I agree with you, robr2, but only in the short-run. In the long-run, it would be advantageous for the US to bring in the Canadian oil rich tar sands oil. Let me explain why:
*You mentioned that the Canadian oil we would import with the XL Pipeline is only good for distillates, plastics, etc. It would also be used for pharmaceuticals as well. We export plastics and other distillates which would reduce our balance of trade deficits in the long-run. As sweet crude becomes more and more scarce, we would have an almost endless supply of the "less-than-preferred" oil to refine into gasoline, if necessary.
*The pipeline would create thousands of jobs in the 2-4 years it would take to complete the pipeline. More jobs - more income taxes paid - reduced deficits (assuming increases in revenues would be used to reduce the debt).
*It would provide an incentive for the refineries to update their facilities and even build newer facilities to handle the increased volumes of oil to be refined.
Robr2, IMHO, I am more worried about our fragile economy in the short-run than I am about environmental concerns. Again, IMHO, in the short-run, it "could" be a boon to our economy in that we could export these non-gasoline products to developing nations as well as developed nations who need the plastics, pharmaceuticals, etc.
No, it will not mean increased gasoline availability for quite some time and it certainly will not reduce the price of gasoline. But as we move to a "greener energy" economy, this will provide needed back-up of oil reserves should that be needed.
I am not an environmentalist, per se! But I am concerned about our planet and do feel that we need to explore and use non-fossil fuels as much as possible over the next 100 years. Until then, we must have reserves of fossil fuels until we can achieve a complete fossil-fuel-free energy economy.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
AN INTERESTING CONVERSATION WITH A MAN WHO OWNS A NEW EQUUS
Dad and I were at the mall this morning taking our daily "constitutional" exercise walk. As we left Nordstroms to get to the car in their parking garage, a man and his wife pull up next to us in a stunning 2014 Black Equus. They got out of their car and I approached them to admire their quite luxurious and stunning new vehicle.
I asked him how he liked his Equus. His response was anything but positive. He said it drove quite well, had plenty of power, but that the build quality was not something he expected - he said he has had the car to the service department over a dozen times with squeaks, rattles, power seat that stopped working, outside mirror that stopped working, poor quality interior materials like cracked wood veneer that needed to be replaced 3 times until they were able to get close to a match for the wood in other parts of the dashboard and console, to name a few. He said he paid $58,000+ for the car and regrets his decision to buy it - it just isn't a quality built car, according to him.
He let me sit in the front seat and I looked over the dashboard, electronics, etc., and it looked great. When I told him it looked great, he reminded me that looks can be deceiving.
I asked him what prompted him to buy the Equus over a loaded E Class or a Jaguar or a BMW. He said when he test drove the car, it was fantastic - but when he bought it, that's when the problems started.
This is just one owner's opinion of his Equus, and obviously you can't judge a new vehicle by just one owner's experiences. I wonder what the general consensus is out there regarding this car?
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
First, thank you IMID, oldfarmer, and houdini for your comments. The email made sense, but it was difficult to verify.
It is easy to find pros and cons for tar sands oil. The Canadian government doesn't have a problem shipping the oil to the West Coast and then sending it on to China. The B.C. provincial government will probably want a fee, and there may be native opposition, but that is still an alternative. But, the nice thing for the US is you would have a friendly country supplying you with oil and you won't be a hostage to hostile countries you have become reliant on.
btw, tar sands oil can be easily made into diesel fuel. And, though it costs more it is always better to have alternative sources than to rely on one "not very reliable or friendly" source.
The latest findings show tar sans oil will have minimal affect on air quality. With all the trail derailments lately it seems trains are a crude (excuse the pun) way to transport a product like oil.
In Canada, oil shipments by rail have increased 28,000 per cent since 2009. There have been 4 major spills in the last year. Overall, pipelines are cheaper, and probably safer.
As to shipping the tar sand oil directly to China, that is an option, but isn't it better to have this alternative source for oil, and the economic benefits of refining it?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
As an update to my original post, I went on Edmunds "reviews" by consumers, and there were quite a few negative comments about the same things this guy referred to.
I went on other sites and saw the same kinds of comments from other owners and editors. Customer Service complaints, parts availability complaints, poor quality of interior materials, etc.
So, it would seem that there are quite a few negatives being expressed. I look at it this way - the Equus is fairly new (only a couple of years in production) and I would think there are many things that need to be addressed by the manufacturer. I would think in a couple of years, if not sooner, the Equus will go up a bit in price, but the quality of the car will improve substantially.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
You guys amaze me with your knowledge...not being patronizing. I have learned a lot from this site over the years, and it seems more and more every day.
You can argue this issue both ways, and there is logic to both arguements, but, Mike, I think you nailed it.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Interesting! It sounds like there could be some real flaws that don't show up until you have owned the car for awhile. It could also be, that, some people like to complain so they can buy another car...my friend with the Maserati complains about his cars so he can trade them in. He owned the Fiat for almost a year, then said it wasn't safe so he traded it in for a Genesis -that's now his winter car for when he can't drive the Maserati.
I googled "Reviews Hyundai Equus" and all the reviews were quite positive though the car may not satisfy Euro die hards. One review summed it up quite accurately;
But at times the effects feels like you’ve bought a luxury car in bulk format, and you’ll forever be explaining what it is (and how much you paid for it).That doesn't happen in a Mercedes, Audi, Lexus or Jaguar
Michael, Mr S or Kirstie - please note:
BTW I tried to look up Edmunds for a review first...and was sent to the site which lets you compare prices, but I couldn't find the reviews. I know it's there but I really don't want to spend the time looking.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I always said, to be successful in a business, you have to be able to solve problems. The successful guy, will be the one who can find solutions. This is a good story to share with students or someone starting a business:
A farmer died leaving his 17 horses to his three sons.
When his sons opened up the Will it read:
My eldest son should get 1/2 (half) of total horses;
My middle son should be given 1/3rd (one-third) of the total horses;
My youngest son should be given 1/9th (one-ninth) of the total horses.
As it's impossible to divide 17 into half or 17 by 3 or 17 by 9, the three sons started to fight with each other.
So, they decided to go to a farmer friend who they considered quite smart, to see if he could work it out for them.
The farmer friend read the Will patiently, after giving due thought, he brought one of his own horses over and added it to the 17. That increased the total to 18 horses.
Now, he divided the horses according to their fathers Will.
Half of 18 = 9. So he gave the eldest son 9 horses.
1/3rd of 18 = 6. So he gave the middle son 6 horses.
1/9th of 18 = 2. So he gave the youngest son 2 horses.
Now add up how many horses they have:
Eldest son 9
Middle son 6
Youngest son 2
TOTAL IS 17
Now this leaves one horse over, so the farmer friend takes his horse back to his farm.
Problem Solved!
Moral:
The attitude of negotiation and problem solving is to find the 18th horse i.e. the common ground. Once a person is able to find the 18th horse the issue is resolved. It is difficult at times. However, to reach a solution, the first step is to believe that there is a solution. If we think that there is no solution, we won't be able to reach any!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
But I have never read anything but glowing over-the-top reviews of the Equus on any car site or in any car magazine. Makes you wonder, doesn't it? Hyundai always seems to get a free pass on anything they make from the auto journos. Curiouser and curiouser.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
That's what I found too. But, those are first impressions, this guy has lived with his Equus for awhile. Like I say too, some people like to make the faults worse than they are, they either want an excuse to buy a new car or they are complainers...though this guys complaints sound real. The Hyundai people are probably working really hard to get these cars up to scratch. Ford has had to stall new car launches for the Explorer and new Fusion because they didn't want cars going out the door with problems.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
"Are you ordering yours in..."
Even though ford isn't listing any prices yet I bet you see those all scooped up by collectors with +$10k ADMs. I'm not going to pay that kind of money for a car that sits in the garage for the next 40 years.
Interesting thought though, the only option is to get auto or manual transmission. Now conventional wisdom says every one of them will be ordered standard shift but what if you were the only one to buy that limited edition with automatic. One out of 1964 is rare but if it was the only one of it's kind might it not be worth a lot more 40 years from now.
Might be like having the only 1983 Corvette.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
But, it may be the odd ball Mustang that no one wants. Your investment could be worth a lot less because most people buying this kind of car are going to want a manual. I thought you weren't a gambler!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Dad and I ate at the Italian restaurant this evening as we usually do on Sundays. But they did something very unusual and was wondering if this is special or widespread in other Italian restaurants.
As an "unmenued" appetizer, they brought out a huge platter filled with:
*huge chunks of whole Parmesan cheese
*piles of thinly sliced prosciutto
*loads of feta cheese
*mozzarella cheese sticks with marinara sauce
*bread sticks smothered in garlic and oil
*black and green Greek and Italian olives in olive oil
They served this at every table at NO CHARGE to the diners! I've never experienced anything like that before. It was absolutely unexpected and welcomed, as well. I asked the manager why they did this. He explained that it was something they are trying out for a few months to determine if it was something the diners enjoyed and appreciated. I voted to continue the appetizer platter at no charge - delicious and surprising at the same time.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
@oldfarmer50
Someone stopped by my house today with a Bullitt Mustang. Really low mileage and looked brand new. It's all the Mustang I would ever need.
A lot of the previous anniversary models were only badge and tape packages.
I wouldn't have needed to order a meal after that!
Makes no sense for them to do this!
I wish someone would stop at my house with a car like that.
Looks like this 50th anniversary Stang will have some extra chrome as well as every option available.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I wonder how many people knew back in 1964 that the new mustang was pretty much a re-skinned ford falcon.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
"I wouldn't have needed to order a meal after that!
Makes no sense for them to do this!"
They brought the platter out "after" dinner was ordered. I can tell you that both Dad and I not only didn't order dessert - we both took doggie bags home with us!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
All good points but one other piece I forgot to mention. Currently, Canadian tar sands oil already comes to the United States and is refined in the mid west primarily into diesel. Because the amount of oil being sent is creating a glut in that area, it keeps prices for diesel low for farmers. By moving that oil to the Gulf Coast for refining and export, it will increase food prices as farmers now pay more for diesel.
There's no one correct answer. My opinion is that we should try and do everything we can to lessen our dependency on fossil fuels. Keystone XL only serves to increase our dependency on fossil fuels and industries related to it.
"All good points but one other piece I forgot to mention. Currently, Canadian tar sands oil already comes to the United States and is refined in the mid west primarily into diesel. "
When you state that there is no one correct answer, you make a good point. However, consider this:
The POTUS has refused to sign the Bill that would allow the XL Pipeline to be built. His administration has cleared all obstacles to building the pipeline and the States involved have approved it through lands with the least impact on the environment. Thus, it is just the POTUS standing in the way of construction, not the Congress, not the States, and not even his own administration. Thus, he stands alone in blocking the pipeline.
He has no legal rationale for refusing its construction "except" his own preference and the preferences of the environmentalists. He refuses to abide by a consensus of his own countrymen and his own State Department.
If he was truly representing the majority of the country who favor its construction, he would sign the Bill. But he would rather stand with the minority and his own personal beliefs. Not a proper way to lead a country that was created by rule of the majority.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Ironically, the part of the Keystone that has opened between OK and the Gulf is one of the reasons our US gas prices are rising as oil and fuel are being diverted for export at higher prices
than here. There are definitely differing opinions about it's completion and it's affect. I'd say the only thing for sure are some short term construction job opportunities. I think anything else is speculation. Profits will determine how the oil is used, not American consumers or politicians.
If we want to lower food prices, stop putting ethanol produced from corn into gas tanks instead of other fuels. The ethanol consuming the corn raises the cost of food for the animals for food. The ethanol also uses more energy to produce than it saves in gasoline.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
I think I can sum up this whole hyper environmentalism thing in one phrase that we all understand. It is like throwing the baby out with the bath water.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
There are alternatives to coal...mainly gas, windpower, water etc. Not too many alternatives for gasoline. Electric cars are not an option yet. In the meantime...you have to use what you have available. And you need a backup supply so the country won't be held up by events we can't control.
Sounds like a red herring...a bit of a stretch. May even be true, but that doesn't mean a whole lot in the big scheme of things.
The more oil available from friendly sources....delivered the safest way possible is the best solution.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
"I think I can sum up this whole hyper environmentalism thing in one phrase that we all understand. It is like throwing the baby out with the bath water."
Houdini - I don't understand the context of your comment above. I guess I'm just too dense! Could you please elaborate a bit more regarding what you mean? I would appreciate it. Thanks.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
"However, to reach a solution, the first step is to believe that there is a solution. If we think that there is no solution, we won't be able to reach any!"
That nails it, driver. The old saying "I won't believe it until I see it" has it exactly wrong. You need to believe in something before you can see it. The incandescent light bulb wasn't possible according to everyone but Edison. He belied in it, in the same way Henry Ford believed a V8 engine was possible.
I'm with isell on those appetizers, I'd bring my entire meal back home in a doggy bag.
imid and I disagree on a lot of things (though I value his friendship both in here and his privately emailed concerns on my health greatly), but corn ethanol is not one of those things. It is a classic boondoggle and both parties are up to their ears in it.
For every Buffett or Soros voting their enormously large pocketbooks let us be honest. For every name you can come up with like that there's another on the other side. I have no idea if it evens out but the game is played by both sides.
oldfarmer - I distinctly remember GWB saying he was the decider. All Obama is doing is invoke that privilege. And, no majority opinion does not rule. That would be a democracy. We're a republic. That part of it is working just fine, just not to your liking this time. Ive spent loads of time simmering with the shoe on the other foot. I wouldn't worry about it. Things swing back and forth - except corn ethanol which goes on forever much to our detriment.
"For every Buffett or Soros voting their enormously large pocketbooks let us be honest. For every name you can come up with like that there's another on the other side. I have no idea if it evens out but the game is played by both sides."
What you say, fezo, is true. Both sides play the same game - through the Buffets and Sorros's of the world and the Kochs and Adelman's of the world. The game is constantly being played - it changes every 4-12 years, depending on who controls the power in the government.
This game is much like a "Matrix" (the movie) - who and what and when is not controlled by the people, but rather by the bureaucrats who have been in their positions for decades. They are the machines we created and they have accumulated such power and control that it is truly impossible to take back that power which constitutionally belongs to the people.
Sure we have elections - but those we vote into office usurp power from the people to benefit the growing bureaucracy. Like in the movie "The Matrix", the bureaucracy has created its own self-perpetuating existence, fooling the people into believing they have the control and the power granted to them by the constitution - but the power lies in the hands of the bureaucrats, not the people, not by their elected representatives, and not by the military.
You are correct, fezo, that we no longer live in a democracy. We've been fooled into believing we have a democracy, but when bureaucrats in the IRS can single out right wing organizations for denying C4 status, we realize quickly where the power is. When the Department of Justice bureaucrats can release thousands of guns and ammunition for sale to the Mexican Cartels under the Fast & Furious program, we know where the power is. When the bureaucrats in the CIA claim Sadam Hussein has weapons of mass destruction, we go to war in Iraq. When the bureaucrats in the CIA wittingly rewrite talking points to put the blame for the attacks in Bengazi on some obscure film-maker, we are lied to by the White House and the State Dept, When the congress passes a law to provide health care to the uninsured and we are promised it will not affect those who want to keep their doctor and health plan, the bureaucrats and POTUS lie to the American People. When the bureaucrats in the NSA tell us that they are not collecting data on US citizens from their cell phones, home phones, internet surfing, etc ., we find out we have been lied to.
My point is simple - the government has gotten so big that it has become uncontrollable as the Senate and House oversight committees have found out. The bureaucracy is out of control and has taken liberties with our "liberties" to the point that we are closer to a Socialistic government than we are to a Democratic government. The government controls the people now.
I rest my case!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
It would be difficult for the President who wants part of his legacy to be the environment to approve a pipeline that is anything but environmentally prudent. Then again, there are those who believe that he will approve the pipeline but only after the mid term elections.
As fezo said, GWB declared himself the decider on many issues - the current President is just using the same privilege.
As noted, our government isn't about representing the majority. It's about doing what's needed to ensure reelection and staying in office.
98% of all wealth is controlled by 2% of the people. 98% of the votes are controlled by the other 98% of the people. I'vevalways thought you have to look at the person, not the platform, as candidates will say, and do anything to get (re)elected. It's their heart and concience that drives them afterwards.
Mike, that is an old saying dating back to the 1500's. It refers to the law of unintended consequences. It means while trying to do something to improve things you actually make things worse. "Throwing out the baby with the bath water" is saying you want to get rid of the dirty bath water so badly that without thinking things through carefully you just throw it out with the baby still in it.
That is how I view radical environmentalists. No one really knows if humans are causing our climate to change, or if they are, are the changes substantial and are they all bad. But they are ready to commit trillions of dollars right now and might make things worse.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Can I quote you on that one? I like that line...
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Good point GG. But, if the 2% don't have an incentive to invest and create jobs then the 98% aren't going to do very well.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I knew we'd agree on something someday!!! LOL
As to the ethanol, I knew from the beginning that the cost in terms of energy used was more than energy saved by mixing it in with the gasoline. Add to that the ferocious cost of food increases due to higher cost to the growers of cattle and so on, it's added greatly to that undiscovered (by the government statistics folks at least) inflation we've had for several years at the stores.
The ethanol is just more of follow-the-money politics across both parties.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,