Outback - If you read Hartmann's info page, he states that he does not have time to respond to the e-mails he gets and I have to believe it is the same with this blog. Also, it says on his daily blog that it is submitted by Louise Hartmann. Does this mean she writes it? As far as using the responses on his blog to think up what he will write or Louise will write, I made a lengthy comment a few months ago and his blog the next day sounded like the comments I had made. Perhaps it was just a coincidence and he was going to write on the same idea. K.W. I commented on this earlier or I misunderstood your question. Yes, time for bed for me, the flu is still hanging on! ugh! Also, I think at times we just enjoy wrestling verbally. Sometimes there are several comments and then sometime there are seventy!
I would like to add that you guys are all very entertaining. I wish you enjoyed yourselves as much as I enjoy your conversing. Do you not think we help refine each others thoughts? Please keep it coming.
Outback ~ IMHO I'd have to say, yes. I don't think that it is intentional; but, in effect they are a mirror of the top stories that float Thom's way through the "mainstream" media that he--as a journalist--is forced to address.
Palindromeday and I kidded around once about how if you could measure the thought patterns in a mouse when it confronts a hungry cat and then project those patterns into people you would have the ultimate weapon. In a way, I believe the rhetoric from the "mainstream" media machine is attempting to do this very thing to the masses. That it, when it spreads these stories of hopelessness and loss of rights It has the effect of paralyzing people with fear. The peoples fear does for the machine what the Government does not have the resources to do on their own. Psychological warfare. Thom is only a pawn in the game.
I too agree it would be nice to get some direct feedback. As far as me being Hartmann, it would really be hard for him to take on the characteristics I have. Mean vs. Good
As far as your comments about different languages the other day, my point was; the reason I mentioned the different languages, is that those were the languages of the countries who tried to defeat our nation in time of war and if they had won, those were the languages we would be speaking as a defeated country (JAPANESE AND GERMANY). As far as speaking Russian, I was referring to the language we would be speaking if they had actually won the Cold War. I guess I will have to explain what I mean in every comment; I must lack clarity in my words.
DAnnemarc - I guess I am just antagonistic by nature.
D'AnneMarc - Ken's either already gone to bed or he's midway through a genuine tome. I still want an answer to my question. Are all of these Hartmann posts just rhetorical?
Paranoia is such a fun party game. It goes really great with procrastination. You don't get anything done; and yet, feel like you're doing something all at the same time!
Seriously folks! Worrying about the government spying on how much money you have isn't going to help you out of the situation of having no money to spy on. I hate to sound repetitive but please allow me to repeat myself. We need to focus on Campaign Finance Reform before we tackle anything else. Anything else is a waste of time, resources, and energy. Let the Plutocrats do whatever they want and worry about fixing it when we regain control of the Government.
It's that simple! Do you agree with that Ken Ware?
Get People, NOT PUPPETS running this country. Lets face it, the two Political Parties are bought and paid for through the Corporate Puppeteers. Corporate Pavlov throws a couple coins and both Party's go ape shit doing what ever it takes to appease for the Puppeteers to throw down some coins again. You can't run the country like a prison when you have the inmates running it.
Until you get the money out of politics money will dictate what policies are best for the corporate coffers, not the people. OF, BY and FOR the corporations. Come on now, 1% owning more than 153 Million others combined, that is one hell of a ratio to make up, the have's vs the have nots, and money buying elections to keep the steam roller running at top speed.
Nachos - The reason I mentioned the different languages, is that those were the languages of the countries who tried to defeat our nation in time of war and if they had won, those were the languages we would be speaking as a defeated country. As far as speaking Russian, I was referring to the language we would be speaking if they had actually won the Cold War. I guess I will have to explain what I mean in every comment.
Outback Wrote: "I propose that we, collectively, demand at least a token comment from Mr H from time to time! What say you, peasants? "
That reminds me of another notion I've tossed around Outback, namely, this "peasant" wonders if Mr. H doesn't already toss in a token comment from time to time. We don't know the true identity of any of us; except of course ourselves. Who is to say Thom isn't here right now masquerading as say Ken Ware, Palindromedary, Outback, or anyone else. Ever consider that possibility? He might even be DAnneMarc! Booo!
Well Ken, If nobody is paying attention then it's reasonable to ask why we bother (other than to entertain ourselves). Consider the format though; three or four times a week "someone" posits a position under the Thom Hartmann banner. We all jump on board and spill our guts. Often this results in some pretty heavy interplay between the participants. This happens in a near vacuum, as far as I can tell, with regard to the Hartmann camp.
My question is this: If Mr. Hartmann (or his designee) is not willing to engage us in the topic of the day, then why are we wasting our time? I mean, Thom takes calls on his program, right? If he is seriously interested in feedback from us denizens of the blogosphere, then he should sure as hell show up occasionally to directly engage in some level of dialog. Otherwise it just feels, at least to me, like I'm simply being bated.
That's the big problem, the "banksters" are employee's of the "thing", the corporate entity that is equal to humans but not. You can't put the "thing" into jail, that is the whole key to this manic world. Pierce the "Corporate" vail and making the "people" behind the "thing" responsible? They've made it like it's like putting the "gun" in jail for murder, "it" did it. Makes no sense/cents does it, but that is why the "heads" of corporations have reaped and raped all economies without the slightest worry of consequences like people do. What's a trillion to them, continue or start another war to keep the faucet open, the money flowing, no problem. Get a bail out, sure, start the printing presses, etc. Shut or "fine" the banks, the banksters open a different branch, start anew, they are free to roam at will and do repeat performances. Or as they said in the article, just write it off as business as usual, the cost of doing business or cost of being caught, a small price to pay.
"Go to Jail, No Bail", we got to get our country back, the corporate loopholes in everything from stealing money to not having to pay tax on it, they've got every palm greased to such a degree that THEY ARE THE JAILERS, we are their prisoners.
Ken Ware ~ Where have you been all night. You wait for me to start yawning to chime in. Fine!
I really don't know why you insist on trashing poor me. Especially here. If you reread what I said about this topic you will find that I said basically the same thing you just said. We do agree more often then you think!
Outback ~ I like the cut of your jib. If anyone missed Outback's comments here is the juiciest part:
"Anyone ever wonder what these little nuggets Thom throws out really mean? They certainly stir up a lot of visceral reaction! I'm wondering if this blog is part of some kind of petri dish to help focus his upcoming topics. Or steer the tone and thrust of his editorial stance. He's mysteriously absent from all of our dialog, confrontations and machinations. I propose that we, collectively, demand at least a token comment from Mr H from time to time! What say you, peasants? "
Outback I must admit that the same thought has occurred to me several times. Sometimes I feel like I'm on a seesaw. One day President Obama is a hero, the next he's evil incarnate. I wish Thom would make up his mind--I'm getting sea sick!
Outback - If you read Hartmann's info page, he states that he does not have time to respond to the e-mails he gets and I have to believe it is the same with this blog. Also, it says on his daily blog that it is submitted by Louise Hartmann. Does this mean she writes it? As far as using the responses on his blog to think up what he will write or Louise will write, I made a lengthy comment a few months ago and his blog the next day sounded like the comments I had made Perhaps it was just a coincidence and he was going to write on the same idea. K.W.
Oh Well! Can't keep my eyes open any more. Tomorrow I have to go through my couches and chairs and make sure there's no "loose change" I didn't report to the IRS that the Inspector Gadgets of the ever expanding Federal Bureaucracy might find before I do.
Look on the bright side everyone--at least we finally got a cool Pope. Pope Francis! I really like this guy--so far. I'm also a huge fan of Saint Francis of Assisi. That was another one of the few genuine Saints that I admire and respect with all my heart. It appears, so does the new Pope! What a difference! I say that his appointment is a very benevolent omen indeed. He has my full blessing!
As far as today's topic is concerned, all this paranoia is making me very sleepy. Good Night everyone! Dream hopeful dreams! Remember, tomorrow will dawn a better day! (Couldn't be much worse!)
After reading the comments this evening I find it ironic that just a few days ago when I commented that Mr. Obama cannot be trusted to keep his word to us and that he is part of the system that will use Sequestration as a tool to implement Austerity, all I got back were comments from CLM and others about how negative I was and was ranting on and people like DAnneMarc stated that he preferred to only look at the positive aspects of our society and basically I was verbally trashed for stating the obvious about the present Administration working against the best interest of the American people and it was time for a change. Now today Hartmann and his well respected friend Pat were stating that Obama cannot be trusted and he is in it for his own personal legacy, which is what I have been writing for months and everyone is right on with their comments. The only word that comes to mind at this point without commenting any further is "hypocrites", after reading the negativity about what DAM has commented today. But like I said before, I could care less what anyone says on this blog and my only concern is stating what I think. As far as privacy, HELL the credit reporting agencies along with your credit card ratings from all creditors can be bought for about $25 by anyone wanting to check your past and present credit history. If you lease a home they require to know how much your earn, how well you pay your debts and where you have lived for the last 20 years and you guys get upset over Obama stating it is okay for security reasons to check up on you! Hey, DAnneMarc, where have you been for the last 40 years if you think this is new? Oh that’s right you’re just a kid! As far as the cost goes I am sure the credit reporting agencies like TRW and several others will work with the government for pennies on the dollars for giving up your credit info and where you have lived! Also, people like Nachos mentioned I did not have the balls to answer his question on why we were in Vietnam, well Nachos I did reply the next day if you’re still around to read it, but like I stated before, most people try to talk the talk, but do not have the brass to walk the walk. Just a favorite comment from Full Metal Jacket, a movie that had a pretty good handle on what happened over there in the Tet Offensive where we decimated the Viet Cong. This has nothing to do with today’s blog, just wanted to clear the air on the bad mouthing I got a few days ago. K.W.
ABSOLUTELY NOT! This is one of the worst ideas for government agencies, to gather worthless data that can not be analysed in sufficient detail on a timescale that would be worth anything. It would (or should) be struck dow as unconstitutional if it is law passed by Congress and, in my opinion, violates the basic righhts to privacy. If the president issues such a directive without it being coinfirmed by law it should result in immediate impeachment!
I'm kind of interested in Thom's love/hate relationship with Obama. This time, Barry is a villain. Other times according to Thom, Obama is on "our side". Anyone ever wonder what these little nuggets Thom throws out really mean? They certainly stir up a lot of visceral reaction! I'm wondering if this blog is part of some kind of petri dish to help focus his upcoming topics. Or steer the tone and thrust of his editorial stance. He's mysteriously absent from all of our dialog, confrontations and machinations. I propose that we, collectively, demand at least a token comment from Mr H from time to time! What say you, peasants?
2950-10K Wrote ~ "DAnneMarc: Thanks, I now know what a Palindromedary is!"
Your welcome!
Now that we all know what a Palindromedary is, does anyone know where Palindromedary is? He's been MIA for some time now! I hope he's alright.
Quite odd. Government intrusions on citizen's privacy is just the sort of topic he loves to nibble on. Shame he's missing out! I hope someone put a plug on the drain of his tub.
Shame I can't save him a plate of this tasty topic to go with some catnip. Oh well! More for me.
playarocadave ~ Agreed! However, I don't know if I feel the same way about property tax.
I get quite a bang for my buck where I live. The tax covers essential services that I could never afford on my own. My bill includes maintenance of our sewer, street, retaining wall, aqueduct, street drain and all fences and trees surrounding them. The trees are huge and it would cost me a fortune to maintain them year round. I love the trees! The tax also pays for police, fire and animal control services. All very essential services in my area. Most important of all it helps supplement the school system, preventing both juvenile delinquency and uneducated teens hanging out in front of my house during the day.
I agree it sucks that property tax is a mandatory tax; but, quite frankly, I'd much rather pay it than give up--or pay out of my own pocket--for all the above.
Totally agree, if they want you, they get you. How about the gps on your computer and cell phone, I understand that you possibly can't even turn those "off", you have to pull the battery. Your IPS, everything is out there to be "taken" for either advertising or a "tag".
As he mentioned above, try to "hide" anything personal that you don't want known to ANYONE and you could go to jail for non disclosure. Try to get "facts" straight and it's "National Security". Give an inch they'll take a mile and the mile is nearly up.
Now we'll have "Drone" security, that air space above your home? Yours? Not even your home, stop paying the taxes that never keep being "paid up" and you'll lose that too.
In the hands of the government. The Libertarians hate this idea. So if not in the hands of the government, in the hands of "WHO," and why should we trust "WHO" more than DEMOCRACY? Too often "WHO" turns out to be guys like David Koch. Does anybody really think guys like him are a better choice than elected representatives for carrying out the will of the people?
How low can we go? When the few solvent labor unions left in the country are those for Prison Guards and Federal Spy's. If you belong to a union that delivers mail, drives trucks, or controls air traffic you are considered a non-essential nuisance; but, if you guard prisoners or spy on citizens you are a vital resource. That says a lot about how twisted and perverted our priorities are in this sick nation. I wonder how lower our priorities can drop before the bottom falls out?
There's a lot of waste out there. A lot of stupid jobs that produce nothing except a pay check. All the real jobs are gone. I feel really sorry for people who get paid to telemarket or hold signs on the side of the road. Lets face it, the CIA, FBI, DEA, and DHS are all huge wastes of money. They employ nitwits who like to think they are "Secret Agents" like James Bond; but, are really overpaid snitches and snoops. If they worked for any private organization their work would be considered illegal. I wonder what the collective budget of these agency's are? Oh, wait! Don't tell me! I just ate!
DAnneMarc: Thanks, I now know what a Palindromedary is! By the way, it must be pretty depressing looking at the financial records of 99% of the population. Think of the poor bastard spy that gets stuck with that job. Boy did he screw up somewhere!
Outback - If you read Hartmann's info page, he states that he does not have time to respond to the e-mails he gets and I have to believe it is the same with this blog. Also, it says on his daily blog that it is submitted by Louise Hartmann. Does this mean she writes it? As far as using the responses on his blog to think up what he will write or Louise will write, I made a lengthy comment a few months ago and his blog the next day sounded like the comments I had made. Perhaps it was just a coincidence and he was going to write on the same idea. K.W. I commented on this earlier or I misunderstood your question. Yes, time for bed for me, the flu is still hanging on! ugh! Also, I think at times we just enjoy wrestling verbally. Sometimes there are several comments and then sometime there are seventy!
I would like to add that you guys are all very entertaining. I wish you enjoyed yourselves as much as I enjoy your conversing. Do you not think we help refine each others thoughts? Please keep it coming.
Outback ~ IMHO I'd have to say, yes. I don't think that it is intentional; but, in effect they are a mirror of the top stories that float Thom's way through the "mainstream" media that he--as a journalist--is forced to address.
Palindromeday and I kidded around once about how if you could measure the thought patterns in a mouse when it confronts a hungry cat and then project those patterns into people you would have the ultimate weapon. In a way, I believe the rhetoric from the "mainstream" media machine is attempting to do this very thing to the masses. That it, when it spreads these stories of hopelessness and loss of rights It has the effect of paralyzing people with fear. The peoples fear does for the machine what the Government does not have the resources to do on their own. Psychological warfare. Thom is only a pawn in the game.
I hope that answers your question?
I too agree it would be nice to get some direct feedback. As far as me being Hartmann, it would really be hard for him to take on the characteristics I have. Mean vs. Good
As far as your comments about different languages the other day, my point was; the reason I mentioned the different languages, is that those were the languages of the countries who tried to defeat our nation in time of war and if they had won, those were the languages we would be speaking as a defeated country (JAPANESE AND GERMANY). As far as speaking Russian, I was referring to the language we would be speaking if they had actually won the Cold War. I guess I will have to explain what I mean in every comment; I must lack clarity in my words.
DAnnemarc - I guess I am just antagonistic by nature.
D'AnneMarc - Ken's either already gone to bed or he's midway through a genuine tome. I still want an answer to my question. Are all of these Hartmann posts just rhetorical?
Paranoia is such a fun party game. It goes really great with procrastination. You don't get anything done; and yet, feel like you're doing something all at the same time!
Seriously folks! Worrying about the government spying on how much money you have isn't going to help you out of the situation of having no money to spy on. I hate to sound repetitive but please allow me to repeat myself. We need to focus on Campaign Finance Reform before we tackle anything else. Anything else is a waste of time, resources, and energy. Let the Plutocrats do whatever they want and worry about fixing it when we regain control of the Government.
It's that simple! Do you agree with that Ken Ware?
Get People, NOT PUPPETS running this country. Lets face it, the two Political Parties are bought and paid for through the Corporate Puppeteers. Corporate Pavlov throws a couple coins and both Party's go ape shit doing what ever it takes to appease for the Puppeteers to throw down some coins again. You can't run the country like a prison when you have the inmates running it.
Until you get the money out of politics money will dictate what policies are best for the corporate coffers, not the people. OF, BY and FOR the corporations. Come on now, 1% owning more than 153 Million others combined, that is one hell of a ratio to make up, the have's vs the have nots, and money buying elections to keep the steam roller running at top speed.
Nachos - The reason I mentioned the different languages, is that those were the languages of the countries who tried to defeat our nation in time of war and if they had won, those were the languages we would be speaking as a defeated country. As far as speaking Russian, I was referring to the language we would be speaking if they had actually won the Cold War. I guess I will have to explain what I mean in every comment.
You're scaring the shit out of me, D'AnneMarc ... : I'm paranoid enough as it is ;-)
Outback Wrote: "I propose that we, collectively, demand at least a token comment from Mr H from time to time! What say you, peasants? "
That reminds me of another notion I've tossed around Outback, namely, this "peasant" wonders if Mr. H doesn't already toss in a token comment from time to time. We don't know the true identity of any of us; except of course ourselves. Who is to say Thom isn't here right now masquerading as say Ken Ware, Palindromedary, Outback, or anyone else. Ever consider that possibility? He might even be DAnneMarc! Booo!
What say you, peasants?
Well Ken, If nobody is paying attention then it's reasonable to ask why we bother (other than to entertain ourselves). Consider the format though; three or four times a week "someone" posits a position under the Thom Hartmann banner. We all jump on board and spill our guts. Often this results in some pretty heavy interplay between the participants. This happens in a near vacuum, as far as I can tell, with regard to the Hartmann camp.
My question is this: If Mr. Hartmann (or his designee) is not willing to engage us in the topic of the day, then why are we wasting our time? I mean, Thom takes calls on his program, right? If he is seriously interested in feedback from us denizens of the blogosphere, then he should sure as hell show up occasionally to directly engage in some level of dialog. Otherwise it just feels, at least to me, like I'm simply being bated.
That's the big problem, the "banksters" are employee's of the "thing", the corporate entity that is equal to humans but not. You can't put the "thing" into jail, that is the whole key to this manic world. Pierce the "Corporate" vail and making the "people" behind the "thing" responsible? They've made it like it's like putting the "gun" in jail for murder, "it" did it. Makes no sense/cents does it, but that is why the "heads" of corporations have reaped and raped all economies without the slightest worry of consequences like people do. What's a trillion to them, continue or start another war to keep the faucet open, the money flowing, no problem. Get a bail out, sure, start the printing presses, etc. Shut or "fine" the banks, the banksters open a different branch, start anew, they are free to roam at will and do repeat performances. Or as they said in the article, just write it off as business as usual, the cost of doing business or cost of being caught, a small price to pay.
"Go to Jail, No Bail", we got to get our country back, the corporate loopholes in everything from stealing money to not having to pay tax on it, they've got every palm greased to such a degree that THEY ARE THE JAILERS, we are their prisoners.
Ken Ware ~ Where have you been all night. You wait for me to start yawning to chime in. Fine!
I really don't know why you insist on trashing poor me. Especially here. If you reread what I said about this topic you will find that I said basically the same thing you just said. We do agree more often then you think!
Outback ~ I like the cut of your jib. If anyone missed Outback's comments here is the juiciest part:
"Anyone ever wonder what these little nuggets Thom throws out really mean? They certainly stir up a lot of visceral reaction! I'm wondering if this blog is part of some kind of petri dish to help focus his upcoming topics. Or steer the tone and thrust of his editorial stance. He's mysteriously absent from all of our dialog, confrontations and machinations. I propose that we, collectively, demand at least a token comment from Mr H from time to time! What say you, peasants? "
Outback I must admit that the same thought has occurred to me several times. Sometimes I feel like I'm on a seesaw. One day President Obama is a hero, the next he's evil incarnate. I wish Thom would make up his mind--I'm getting sea sick!
Outback - If you read Hartmann's info page, he states that he does not have time to respond to the e-mails he gets and I have to believe it is the same with this blog. Also, it says on his daily blog that it is submitted by Louise Hartmann. Does this mean she writes it? As far as using the responses on his blog to think up what he will write or Louise will write, I made a lengthy comment a few months ago and his blog the next day sounded like the comments I had made Perhaps it was just a coincidence and he was going to write on the same idea. K.W.
Oh Well! Can't keep my eyes open any more. Tomorrow I have to go through my couches and chairs and make sure there's no "loose change" I didn't report to the IRS that the Inspector Gadgets of the ever expanding Federal Bureaucracy might find before I do.
Look on the bright side everyone--at least we finally got a cool Pope. Pope Francis! I really like this guy--so far. I'm also a huge fan of Saint Francis of Assisi. That was another one of the few genuine Saints that I admire and respect with all my heart. It appears, so does the new Pope! What a difference! I say that his appointment is a very benevolent omen indeed. He has my full blessing!
As far as today's topic is concerned, all this paranoia is making me very sleepy. Good Night everyone! Dream hopeful dreams! Remember, tomorrow will dawn a better day! (Couldn't be much worse!)
After reading the comments this evening I find it ironic that just a few days ago when I commented that Mr. Obama cannot be trusted to keep his word to us and that he is part of the system that will use Sequestration as a tool to implement Austerity, all I got back were comments from CLM and others about how negative I was and was ranting on and people like DAnneMarc stated that he preferred to only look at the positive aspects of our society and basically I was verbally trashed for stating the obvious about the present Administration working against the best interest of the American people and it was time for a change. Now today Hartmann and his well respected friend Pat were stating that Obama cannot be trusted and he is in it for his own personal legacy, which is what I have been writing for months and everyone is right on with their comments. The only word that comes to mind at this point without commenting any further is "hypocrites", after reading the negativity about what DAM has commented today. But like I said before, I could care less what anyone says on this blog and my only concern is stating what I think. As far as privacy, HELL the credit reporting agencies along with your credit card ratings from all creditors can be bought for about $25 by anyone wanting to check your past and present credit history. If you lease a home they require to know how much your earn, how well you pay your debts and where you have lived for the last 20 years and you guys get upset over Obama stating it is okay for security reasons to check up on you! Hey, DAnneMarc, where have you been for the last 40 years if you think this is new? Oh that’s right you’re just a kid! As far as the cost goes I am sure the credit reporting agencies like TRW and several others will work with the government for pennies on the dollars for giving up your credit info and where you have lived! Also, people like Nachos mentioned I did not have the balls to answer his question on why we were in Vietnam, well Nachos I did reply the next day if you’re still around to read it, but like I stated before, most people try to talk the talk, but do not have the brass to walk the walk. Just a favorite comment from Full Metal Jacket, a movie that had a pretty good handle on what happened over there in the Tet Offensive where we decimated the Viet Cong. This has nothing to do with today’s blog, just wanted to clear the air on the bad mouthing I got a few days ago. K.W.
ABSOLUTELY NOT! This is one of the worst ideas for government agencies, to gather worthless data that can not be analysed in sufficient detail on a timescale that would be worth anything. It would (or should) be struck dow as unconstitutional if it is law passed by Congress and, in my opinion, violates the basic righhts to privacy. If the president issues such a directive without it being coinfirmed by law it should result in immediate impeachment!
I'm kind of interested in Thom's love/hate relationship with Obama. This time, Barry is a villain. Other times according to Thom, Obama is on "our side". Anyone ever wonder what these little nuggets Thom throws out really mean? They certainly stir up a lot of visceral reaction! I'm wondering if this blog is part of some kind of petri dish to help focus his upcoming topics. Or steer the tone and thrust of his editorial stance. He's mysteriously absent from all of our dialog, confrontations and machinations. I propose that we, collectively, demand at least a token comment from Mr H from time to time! What say you, peasants?
2950-10K Wrote ~ "DAnneMarc: Thanks, I now know what a Palindromedary is!"
Your welcome!
Now that we all know what a Palindromedary is, does anyone know where Palindromedary is? He's been MIA for some time now! I hope he's alright.
Quite odd. Government intrusions on citizen's privacy is just the sort of topic he loves to nibble on. Shame he's missing out! I hope someone put a plug on the drain of his tub.
Shame I can't save him a plate of this tasty topic to go with some catnip. Oh well! More for me.
playarocadave ~ Agreed! However, I don't know if I feel the same way about property tax.
I get quite a bang for my buck where I live. The tax covers essential services that I could never afford on my own. My bill includes maintenance of our sewer, street, retaining wall, aqueduct, street drain and all fences and trees surrounding them. The trees are huge and it would cost me a fortune to maintain them year round. I love the trees! The tax also pays for police, fire and animal control services. All very essential services in my area. Most important of all it helps supplement the school system, preventing both juvenile delinquency and uneducated teens hanging out in front of my house during the day.
I agree it sucks that property tax is a mandatory tax; but, quite frankly, I'd much rather pay it than give up--or pay out of my own pocket--for all the above.
Totally agree, if they want you, they get you. How about the gps on your computer and cell phone, I understand that you possibly can't even turn those "off", you have to pull the battery. Your IPS, everything is out there to be "taken" for either advertising or a "tag".
As he mentioned above, try to "hide" anything personal that you don't want known to ANYONE and you could go to jail for non disclosure. Try to get "facts" straight and it's "National Security". Give an inch they'll take a mile and the mile is nearly up.
Now we'll have "Drone" security, that air space above your home? Yours? Not even your home, stop paying the taxes that never keep being "paid up" and you'll lose that too.
In the hands of the government. The Libertarians hate this idea. So if not in the hands of the government, in the hands of "WHO," and why should we trust "WHO" more than DEMOCRACY? Too often "WHO" turns out to be guys like David Koch. Does anybody really think guys like him are a better choice than elected representatives for carrying out the will of the people?
How low can we go? When the few solvent labor unions left in the country are those for Prison Guards and Federal Spy's. If you belong to a union that delivers mail, drives trucks, or controls air traffic you are considered a non-essential nuisance; but, if you guard prisoners or spy on citizens you are a vital resource. That says a lot about how twisted and perverted our priorities are in this sick nation. I wonder how lower our priorities can drop before the bottom falls out?
There's a lot of waste out there. A lot of stupid jobs that produce nothing except a pay check. All the real jobs are gone. I feel really sorry for people who get paid to telemarket or hold signs on the side of the road. Lets face it, the CIA, FBI, DEA, and DHS are all huge wastes of money. They employ nitwits who like to think they are "Secret Agents" like James Bond; but, are really overpaid snitches and snoops. If they worked for any private organization their work would be considered illegal. I wonder what the collective budget of these agency's are? Oh, wait! Don't tell me! I just ate!
DAnneMarc: Thanks, I now know what a Palindromedary is! By the way, it must be pretty depressing looking at the financial records of 99% of the population. Think of the poor bastard spy that gets stuck with that job. Boy did he screw up somewhere!