When Commies and the Free Market Collide

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So it's a national security issue when a communist country wants to buy an oil company? Is it not a little too late to think about foreign ownership of the United States?

Just wait until Europe starts opening factories in the United States. When they look at us as we look at the third world, will we then be the third world? And what about the fourth or the fifth?

When you reason this whole thing out, though, it really begins to make sense - what China looks to do, that is. The fear of China's economic warfare is real. There is no need for debate about it.

What we need to debate is our long-term economic health as a Nation in the global economy. If you can visualize the world in about fifty years: China has the world's largest economy with per capita income at a modest $10,000 in today's dollars. Europe's per capita has been stably growing at about 2.5% each year for 75 years, and has twice doubled.

Where do you think the US economy ranks at that point?

I do not have an answer, because there is no plan for that, other than to make sure social security isn't around any more.

"Welcome to Dick Cheney's America!" -Principal Skinner

What???!!! I haven't even read the story yet, but I've written my Senator:

House Backs Ban On Flag Burning - New York Times

Dearest Senator Smith,

I am one of your constituents. And I have an opinion I think needs your attention.

Today's top national news headline has got to be wrong. I just read, not more than five minutes ago, that the House has voted to amend The Constitution.

Although I am sure this is a political stunt for commercials during the coming mid-term election, I am compelled to contact you to make sure you understand that this type of political stunt is not patriotic.

Patriotism is the ache I feel in my heart when the bigots turn their hate into law. Patriotism is the yearning in my soul for my conscience to be free of the burden of murders committed in the name of We, the People.

Patriotism is the sorrow I know when a murderer walks free so that the innocent may, too. Patriotism is respecting my neighbor's rights beginning where mine end. Patriotism is the anger we feel when our rights are violated.

A Patriot is proud of the United States for doing what is right when no other nation will. A true Patriot, even the politicians, will not let this type of foolishness anywhere near our blessed Constitution.

Senator Smith, I urge you, from the bottom of my red, white and blue heart, do not vote for this bill.

The Ponies are Going Home Winners or Big Winners

KRT Wire | 06/22/2005 | Only one ending remains for Pistons: Win it

I read what others have been writing about the Pistons, if only to see them counted out time and time again. Once in a while, they're recognized for the talents, skills and abilities they've displayed on their way to the perch upon which they currently sit.

This series is in their hands. Al Michaels already had stats ready for comparing the Spurs to other NBA 'dynasties' and often predicted, as opposed to called, the game in progress last night. Hubie sounded so happy to rub the Pistons' eventual victory in Al's face for the larger portion of the second half, as Al continued calling plays such as, "the Pistons lead, soon to be three after this free throw,' and such similar nonsense.

At the end, Detroit won convincingly by 9. And has led most of the way since the second game finished, oh so long ago now. Tuesday's win was given to San Antonio by Rasheed. Else last night could have ended the series.

They can win this.

Wacko Jacko Acquittal Stuns!

One Strange Case

Michael needs help. Maybe prison is not the place for him to get it, however, he is not free from sin in this situation. I do not argue that the mother does not share in the blame - everything about this situation ist ganz foule! The whole thing stinks!

I'm as permissive as the next guy. But that doesn't mean I'm not allowed to be judgmental. My judgement about the Jackson freak and his cabal is that they all know what's going on and Michael deserved a guilty verdict.

oh jay simpson. robert blake. phil specter. the artist formerly known as the king of pop.

It aches to know that he, too, is able to cheat justice because of his obscene wealth. I suppose, though, that karmic justice has has already found him and chewed his nose off.

Riding this pony 'till it drops! Pistons on their way to friendly ground

Spurs Know They Have Work to Do


Down two games. The Pistons have some work to do, too: winning four ball games, including one on the road.

Roscoe comes out tomorrow night, itching for a win. Feeling comfortable on their home floor could spark shooting over fifty percent off the home bench.

Go Pistons.

And I've Been Watching Some Basketball

With the lack of a hockey season, I've rediscovered that basketball can be interesting. But this year's playoffs ahve something the league has been missing for some years: good players!

I was disappointed for Nash - after watching him play his heart out, it was tough to see the Suns lose. But I must say I am happy for Coach Brown and the Pistons. I like their chances in the Finals. It was no suprise that an injured Dwane Wade and a bunch of other guys came up shart against such a complete team.

I can't remember the last time I saw such a complete team in professional sports, wait, I can remember, it was in February. The Patriots are they same type of team, with the same type of coach. And what's more, they champs are the champs until they get beat, and I'm going with the champs.

I like Detroit to win their second title, in six games. (I've picked 11 winners of 14 so far in the pool at work.) My losers have been Chicago, Phoenix and Sacramento.

I picked against Washington for reasons of history. I picked against Seattle because I just do not like Seattle. And Phoenix because I do not like any team from Tex-ASS. I almost just forfeited my pick in the Houston - San Antonio series, just on the principle that I can't pick a team from Tex-ASS.

Why Detroit? Three reasons: 1) they are a real team; 2) they're still the champs, and you can't go against the champs; and 3) I hate every team from Tex-ASS.

Maybe Dean Should Start His Own Party

Because he's the only person showing spine lately who is not a Republican. Leaders do not always care if anyone's following. Sometimes, a leader needs to lead in a direction that is not popular with the idiots. But, if a leader is true to the core values of the population, sooner or later, everyone will end up following that leader.

Remember the primaries? Dean was the one out there speaking his mind. Even those of us who generally hate all major political parties began listening and in the end, the rest of the Democrats were barking Dean's lines, as if they thought of them.

A good leader knows that the right direction is the right direction, all the time. Not just when it's convenient. I have no respect for any politician who allows the neo-nazi agenda of the far right to advance unchecked. Kerry, Edwards, Clinton, Lieberman, all of them are making me sick to my stomach. If any of them knew what was good for our Nation, all of them would be backing Howie up.

Maybe Dean should revive the Populist Party and let the losers hang themselves out to dry. Next primary, when it comes time to answer the question of what you did to fight the corruption of the Bush Administration, Edward's answer, "Not all of them were corrupt," will not win him any love with anyone except his new friends on the far right.