Having different viewpoints is great if there is civil dialogue. Thom has persons on his show with different viewpoints. I find it okay as long as they do not filibuster the dialogue. I, personally, feel that some people really are clueless about the world around them. If you do not have a clue, you filibuster the conversation.

Thom and others,
I am wondering what you think of this idea. It is obvious that we will not have a middle class, or an economic recovery unless we can bring good jobs back to America. I had the thought that something like Roosevelt's NRA might be appropriate today. Corporations would be invited to join this voluntary "association", much like they join the Chamber of Horrors (er, Commerce) today. They would pledge to reduce offshoring, create jobs in America, and adhere to fair labor standards in their foreign operations, etc., etc. They would be rated or certified by the "administration" based on how well they did these things. Then a massive public relations campaign and the use of the "bully pulpit" could encourage American homes and businesses to support and invest in those companies that were investing in America.

I like this idea for a couple of reasons. First, it is voluntary and not government regulation. It leaves it to each corporation to figure out the best way to meet the goal of bringing work back to America. The governments role would be strictly informational--letting people know which corporations were serious about contributing to the American economy. Second, it gives We the People the means to do something about our economic situation through our purchasing and investment decisions--something more than endlessly writing our congressmen who seem to occupy another planet.

What do you think? Could it work?

Dday,

gosh, you don't have anything to apologize. My question was the cryptic comment.... but I am glad I asked it because I enjoyed your response.

"If President Obama won’t show progressives respect, then maybe we should give him reason to fear our disappointment. Our collective voices and will are more important ultimately than marching in lock step with our mouths shut like good little soldiers."

I have been defending President Obama at every turn but his speech and it's fervent call to war via 9/11 made my stomach turn because it sounded so much like George Bush. I feel blood on my hands here, and am not sure what to do as we don't have the strong anti-war support we had for Iraq.

But in a way I am comforted but the fact that many people I love and respect actually feel the escalation is a "good idea". A man I love very much wrote this to me...

"These bastards actually came down from the hills and cut off the arms of children that some of our military had inoculated for polio. These are religious fanatics who, if we do something similar to the awakening program in Iraq, and get the local tribal leaders to go after them, may be defeated. And lets not forget the drugs. Massive amounts of Opium and Marijuana grown there. Lots of money, for the few who have an idea of what the hell money is, to be made. Corruption is rampant. 18 months may not be enough." He went on to say that the Taliban must be controlled before can do anything to help with building infrastructure.

I can't seem to think of this. I only see women and children in the homes they work hard to build terrified by bombs. That's all I can think of and I feel only guilt. Why can't we use our military to stand guard while we help them build schools, libraries, roads and hospital? Why do bombs get the money instead of well-protected carpenters? I'm one of the liberals Mark is speaking about in his post. I don't understand war.

I understand your joke now. I am sorry that my cryptic question made you feel the need to apologize:-)

Well I'm listening to you Thom, I mean I'm watching everyone else, ...sort of.

o.0 ..........................................

THX everyone and especially for those WHO lyrics !

Exactly, I do not want to become a nutcase, but like a Lorax (lyrics set to Madonna's like a Virgin!)

When my fist clenches, crack it open
Before I use it and lose my cool
When I smile, tell me some bad news
Before I laugh and act like a fool
If I swallow anything evil
Put your finger down my throat
If I shiver, please give me a blanket
Keep me warm, let me wear your coat
No one knows what it’s like
To be the bad man
To be the sad man
Behind blue eyes

Thomas, tell us more tomorrow about this tribal movement - sounds fun!
Go forth and multiply!

NON SEQUITERS =P o_0

Dday,

"I can’t savage him/her over the “realities” which I disagree. I am not so downtrodden to set the bar so low. Our reach must always exceed our grasp."

What does this mean?

One movement we could do is a New Tribal Movement. Reinstate the tribal-democratic values that humans had since the beginning of TIME.

Zero, In Portland we had a little over one hundred people, I'm guessing. I was so glad to be there to speak to the activists. One of the male leaders from the radical socialist women spoke to me about the fact that capitalism is so at odds with what most women value that empowering women is still the key to change. I think he is talking about the "feminine" side of all of us, though, and that's why he is a leader in a group of "radical women socialists":-)

Our middle class evaporated so long ago it's scary.

WE have become a country where our primary jobs are at "McDonalds", along with being the people that will take over and answer the phone calls from around the world; to help people in the newly developed countries with their computer problems.

Move over India. We're taking over your "help desk jobs".

And whatever manufacturing jobs we Do Retain, our workers are going to get paid as if they were in China, which will own the "American" Companies.

Welcome to Free Trade folks.