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Secondly, fear not, Dewey. Obama shall raise taxes. That was part of his platform. Just much more widely, I believe, than he led us to believe while campaigning. Curb spending/cut entitlements? Unlikely. Hold on... But, I hope to be completely wrong, as I note in point one up there...
I do plan, however, to earn much less money so that I can get much more of Tag's, hpowders, Lexusguy, clembo and blkhemi's!!! Thanks, guys!
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
There is so much at stake... the way I see it, failure is not an option.
So... I'm curious now... How dangerous are white cars in the Canadian snow?
TM
On the other hand, you could have continued to enjoy the Bush-era recession and only make $200,000 instead of the $350,000. And instead of being concerned about losing a sizeable chunk of income, go ahead and celebrate about the $3K in taxes you saved.
Or perhaps we should keep things as they've been and enjoy the fact that our retirement accounts are now only worth 65% of what they were.
Or, perhaps we should keep things the way they've been and enjoy that fact that our houses have declined in value, and many of our homes are not even worth the balance of the mortgage. Isn't that wonderful?
But some folks will do ANYTHING to save that 3% tax... afterall "tax" is a dirty word. Yes, some folks will actually embrace the housing declines, retirement account declines, and income declines, but they will be happy because even though their income and net value has shrunk, they are paying less taxes, and that's what matters most to them.
And those same folks are most happy when they don't have to do a damned thing to help those that are less fortunate, because to do so would be socialist or even Marxist. :sick:
Sorry, but for the 3% tax, I'll take the healthy job security, a substantial income, a growing retirement account, and a home that is accumulating solid equity, and I'll also feel good if I'm helping those that are less fortunate.
Those folks making under $250,000 represent 95% of our nation, and giving them a tax break will put more money into their hands to spend as consumers. That's not socialism... it's capitalism... it is the engine that runs our economy.
Unfortunately, that engine has run out of fuel, and there are still some folks that "just don't get it". They would rather fight anyone that should try to fix it... mostly because they can't see or believe that it's out of fuel in the first place... even though their own personal net value has shrunk.
And while they cry about taxing the wealthy and giving a tax break to the middle class, they wonder, "How did this happen?" :confuse:
TM
With GM looking for financial aid from the U.S. government you would think they would know when Election Day is. Not to mention, the possible merger with Chrysler was delayed until after Election Day so you would think GM would be looking forward to November 4th.
Instead, GM’s November 2008 calendar states that Wednesday, November 5th, meaning today, is Election Day.
Okay so someone at GM made an honest mistake and we’re just calling them out on it. Everyone makes mistakes - so do we.
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LOL.
TM
The next couple of years will be very busy for BMW as it launches a handful of new models including new versions of current top sellers and some models we’ve never seen before. The new X1, revealed in these latest spy shots and computer generated renderings, falls into the latter category, taking the carmaker into the compact SUV market currently dominated by the likes of the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.
This rendering shows the BMW designers will stick closely to the lines of the Concept X1 showcased at last month's Paris Motor Show.
This latest set of spy images, meanwhile, are the most revealing yet of the upcoming X1 - the latest prototypes shedding the heavy camo gear seen on previous test cars in favor of more revealing covering. We also get a chance to look inside the interior for the first time. The automatic transmission and predominant mph markings on the speedometer suggest this is likely a U.S. spec car being tested. As the renderings show, the X1 will also share a bit of the X6 crossover's updated styling, though avoids the awkward stance and front end of the larger vehicle.
The new X1’s running gear is based on the 1-series compact car but its ride height will be taller and BMW’s X-drive AWD system will also feature.
Engine options will range from a 145hp 1.8L four-cylinder petrol engine to a range topping 3L diesel. Transmissions will include a conventional six-speed manual as well an optional six-speed self shifter. Expect to see elements from the CS concept car make it onto the new X1 including an enlarged grille, wrap around headlights and an aggressive bumper.
Production is expected to top the 100,000 mark and will start at a BMW plant in Leipzig by the middle of next year. The X1 will be priced higher than the 1-series, likely starting close to the $30,000 mark. Much of the car’s components will also be shared with an upcoming SUV model from Mini to save on development costs, although the BMW model is expected to be significantly larger than the Mini.
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TM
They meant Thanksgiving:
Nov. 6 (Bloomberg) -- General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler LLC chief executive officers, who have urged the government to provide billions of dollars of aid, will meet with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi today in Washington, according to people familiar with the matter.
United Auto Workers President Ronald Gettelfinger is also scheduled to participate in the meeting with Pelosi, a California Democrat, the people said.
Lawmakers authorized $25 billion in loans in last year's energy bill to help the companies build fuel-efficient vehicles such as hybrids and electric vehicles. With credit tight, automakers and suppliers now want lawmakers to come up with the money for the program _ and expand the pool of money available to $50 billion over three years.
Now at least I'll know where my additional taxes will go: Banks and Cars. Too bad there are so few good cars coming out of the US these days.
Regards,
OW
I will try to be more careful next time.
I think I actually do better with the rum cake than without. :surprise:
TM
I must note, the 328i is not a happy camper at slow speeds in local traffic. It must be driven fast and hard. I've taken some hard, fast turns with it and its stability is astonishing!
For normal, boring driving around town, the Rabbit is preferable. Therefore, for local errands, such as when I need to replenish my insatiable thirst for rum, the Rabbit will be on call.
The wife is still taking driving lessons. I figure by the end of this year, she should be "free." Even more reason to hide my spare greenbacks in my old rum bottles.
The question is-where to hide the rum bottles? :surprise:
A lot more important than any of this is that you recover completely back to your normal self. All this car stuff takes a back seat to that.... way, way, back!
After 5 long days, I am fine. Just a bit too tired and admittedly "cranky"... but above all... grateful.
Thanks for your kindness.
TM
Relax and focus on all that beauty surrounding you.
When BO knocks on your door, "requesting" the first of four huge re-distribution checks, he expects you to answer the door!
LOL. That would be a good skit for SNL.
I can see it now... BO appoints himself head of the IRS, creates a new position as the nation's first self-appointed "tax-collector-in-chief", and travels door-to-door collecting money to redistribute the wealth.
TM
I also got a kick out of the George Bush guy on Jay Leno, whenever they did "Celebrity Jeopardy."
I admit, many folks are fed up with the Republicans and want change.
I just hope BO appoints a competent secretary of defense, because Joe Biden speaks the truth-Obama is seen as dovish by our enemies, and I fear he will be tested in a direct confrontation with Al Qaeda before the end of 2009.
One good thing about George Bush and it was a biggie-he prevented Al Qaeda from attacking us again. Change is one thing, but you can't have change without a country to change.
And where were all those government hand outs for Silcon Valley after the internet bubble burst a few years ago?
Did many information technology firms shut down or go bankrupt? Ofcourse they did and despite those bankruptcies USA has stronger and more profitable information technology firms than what existed during the bubble.
Creative destruction and creative innovation is the source of prosperity and not government handouts to firms that cant compete.
Toyota's shares are being battered today because of a bitter sales and earnings forecast. What is Toyota doing about it? The will introduce four unique hybrid Toyota and Lexus models during the year of 2009. You wont hear Toyota screaming for handouts since they do know how to reinvent themselves during economic booms and dooms.
OPEC crisis 1974 and the Big 3 are caught offguard. Oil prices and environmetalism today the Big 3 are caught offguard again. What have they learned? Any company that sells products that consumers dont want deserves to die. GM, Ford and Chrysler RIP and hopefully innovative US firms like Telsa will thrive and grow!
And how did Bush confront Al Queda? By going to Baghdad and spending over a trillion dollars in a country where Saddam Hussein was very effective in torturing and killing Iraqi Al Queda members. That IMO is a very indirect way of confronting Al Queda.
Obama/Biden wants to directly confront Al Queda in Afghanistan and Pakistan with more troops. That IMO is a far more direct way of confronting Al Queda especially since that is exactly where most of Al Queda is hiding.
Life is uncertain; fortunately, it is also hard to be defeated
I'm glad you are fine.
Regards,
Jose
Now all of a sudden the media is saying bailout first and make them competitive second.
Wow! :surprise:
Regards,
OW
His name was Saddam Hussein.
A true story.
His name was Saddam Hussein.
A true story.
The story continues...
Then one day he was dreaming that he can be the second coming of Hitler so he started killing the Kurds and ultimately invaded Kuwait.
A true story too...
Like the USA cared so much about the Kurds?
Cheney and Bush cared about one thing and one thing only: OIL.
Sounds like a criminal case to me, but that would require guts. I'm not holding my breath.
Cheney and Bush cared about one thing and one thing only: OIL
In this particular case the Germanium Man and the Titanium Man are no longer in disagreement.
Millions and millions have gotten killed in Congo by war criminals . There is massive genoicide going on in Sudan. Many African countries do have serial killing leaders who have been in power for years. Would Pres. George W spend over a trillion of dollars to militarily solve just one of these African problems. I dont think so.
When did Saddam Hussein kill and gas most of his Kurd victims? During the early 1980s when Saddam shook hands with his ally Mr.Rumsfeld himself.
I promise everyone this is my very last political post because this discussion can get even hotter than those Lexus vs. BMW discussions.
Very well put! I couldn't agree more.
Sounds like a criminal case to me, but that would require guts. I'm not holding my breath.
You won't get any argument from me on that, I was merely filling in for the unfinished "story".
I'm glad you're OK, I've been reading the board but have been too busy to post much of anything lately.
Then one day he was dreaming that he can be the second coming of Hitler
Really? and who was behind all that?
Hahaha. I do worry that as Hpowders suggested, Obama's first year will be little more than BAILOUT FEST '09!! Risky investments getting you down? Credit default swaps killing your bottom line? Bad credit? No credit? No problem! Just call 1-800-FED-CASH, and we (read: the taxpayers) will solve all your problems! Take as many risks as you want! Why not go to a spa? Buy as many banks as you can, because in order to qualify, you must be too big to fail.
I hope things don't turn out that way.
Unfortunately the money won't be going to "re-tooling" and "development of fuel efficient cars" either. It will go towards keeping Cerberus/Chrysler as well as GM and Ford solvent. Let me get this straight, the ego maniacal geniuses at Cerberus thought they could buy a perennially troubled automaker in the toughest market in the world, turn it around after Daimler had just finished blowing it up, and make a huge profit within a matter of years. Their investment failed (big surprise), and now I get to pay for their monumentally bad decisions. Great. How about the millions of dollars that Nardelli and Press are making to run Chrysler into the ground? Why not tax them, I don't know, 100%, as part of the auto bailout? Same goes for slick Rick, his golden parachute should go straight back into GM's bank account.
I have some bad news about that...
Now, the slicksters will no doubt get Obama to back a bailout.
Here is the simplified OW Approach:
Instead, why don't we(the Taxpayers) just divy up the $50B to each of the UAW members to buy out their severance? Fast way to downsize, help them get new work/fund training and force needed change extremely fast...at least we will know where the money goes instead of bleeding each day through a juggernaut of inefficient, mismanaged operations.
Let's see, I calculate the $50B would buy out 500,000 staff at $100K each. Small detail would need to be included: All Executive Management are FIRED!
Instant downsizing! See? it can be easy if you want it to be!
Bye, Bye, Miss American Pie!
Regards,
OW
New C.E.O. of GMFACE (General Manufacturer of Fine American Cars of Excellence)
When Germanium blends with Titanium in a 1:3 ratio at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for one hour and 47 minutes, one produces the precious alloy known as catharsisium.
Our president and "vice" invade a country based on a lie and thousands of people are killed or maimed for life. After the lie is revealed, they spin another lie.
Those guys weren't even pulled over!!! :surprise:
I've got a better one. In many states, if you're a convicted felon, you can't vote. However, Ted Stevens is a convicted felon and he gets to remain a US Senator (at least until he's thrown out), though he probably couldn't vote for himself. Those Alaskans are unbelievable.
Funny-now the incompetent sore losers of the McCain campaign, who engineered one of the worst campaigns in modern history, are creating stories, attempting to blame Palin for the humiliating loss. It never ends.
Is that too much to ask?
But, I'd especially love to see no speed limits on some of our interstate highways!!
TM
How goes the new ownership experience? I`l bet the bmw doesn`t take but about half to fill up in comparison the the Rabbit, when you got it new....The short in Toyota might be worthwhile to cover...My what a fine investor you are
Apparently, yes, if modern US history can be used as a guide. We have failed miserably on all of the above from our security being asleep on 9/11; innovative inertia after the 1973-74 energy crisis; over-regulation becoming even more over-regulated; spending billions on a criminal war, while we seem to have no money to assist those unfortunate folks at home who need expensive medicines, and must often choose between purchasing them or food; (no bail out for them!!); an urban public education system that has been an embarrassment for years and a tax system that is so complicated, 10 accountants can do your taxes and each of them will come up with a different amount that you owe or should be refunded.
So much needs to be done, and yet nothing happens.
Pardon me for being skeptical when I hear a candidate preaching "change." I wasn't exactly born that way.
I know the 328i will give me about 23 mpg on premium fuel; the Rabbit gives me 24-25 on regular.
I finally got the driver's seat to my liking and immediately put the settings in both memories.
Even the so-called investing greats can't time the market. Warren Buffet bought GS at $115 last month. GS is now priced around 34 bucks below that. This market is making almost everybody a bit more humble. :surprise:
Yeah, couldn't agree more :shades:
Pretty easy once you've cracked the code.
And with that, I think it's time to get back to smelling the roses and talking about cars.
I was out early this morning driving the 328i. Of the 4 BMWs I've had, this one definitely has the most stable, solid feel. Creates the illusion of driving an agile tank.
It's been interesting, however, and everyone without exception has shown valid points of view and noteworthy perspectives. But, as I recently posted, we all essentially want to see America become greater than she already is... and that's indicative that all of us on this board share a genuine patriotism and love for this awesome country. That is what makes our differences small and our similarities large.
And... we really do owe a thank you to the hosts that allowed these discussions to continue on this forum, after being told to take them to the political forum. So... thank you, Pat, and the rest of Edmunds working behind the scenes.
So, thanks gentleman for the tremendous civility and the humor as well.
Man, what is happening to the auto industry? I never thought it could be this serious. :surprise:
TM
BMW's global net profit dropped 63% in the third quarter, from 803 million euros to 298 million euros.
I will use the bailout money to buy out workers that can not be part of the new company so they will have enough funds to re-train, including supplier companies that are affected by the massive changes I propose. The U.A.W. would go away under my plan as well as guaranteed pension costs and health care for retired since B.O. will fix health care in the U.S. While I rebuild the Auto Industry and Chevy and Cadillac would emerge when the smoke cleared as the twin divisions.
I do not expect any bonus to be paid until every cent of the loans from the Government are paid and profits EXCEED the industry benchmarks.
Market share would drop as production is reduced to dry up all of the excess capacity in the new/used market. After 3 years, no old platforms would exist as they are know today. Minimum efficiency specifications for both divisions would be 20 MPG City fuel economy and average would be 35 MPG COMBINED target 2011.
Chevy
Corvette
Camaro
Malibu
Caravan
Jeep - 4 variants
Tahoe
WOW (my pet economy car beating Civic price and Economy)
Cadillac
Alpha (3-Series Fighter with Economy, Mid-Level and High Performance)
Alpha CUV - Eldorado is the name for the alpha's
CTS - Would be changed to Electra
SRX - Changed to Park Avenue
DTS - Changed to DeVille
Escalade
Regards,
OW
Coincidentally there is not a single German car among the top 20 list. It just proves to you that German cars attract people who are young in spirit. If I was a senior citizen I could not see myself in any of those autos on the top 20 lists. Not a single one. But then again never say never--who knows in a few decades that Cadillac DTS will look real desirable. :surprise:
TOP 20
Warren Buffett bought GS too early? Yup Warren Buffet is not perfect: Remember he's the same guy who recently bought a Cadillac DTS. :sick:
He is a VP in the GS fixed income department. He can't be hurting too much since he is financing his wife's home renovation project to the tune of around $500k.
:sick:
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Well, not the one that's upside down though.
TM