JScott's Comments (914)

“I know.... it's a shame. A perfect example of how our trust issues (and lack of honesty) have affected the economy. Another perfect example of why I didn't trust anybody on the train. But you're right, it would have been good to mention the coming of turnstiles in the piece”

“Yeah, no wilderness left. Have you driven more than half an hour outside of any city in this nation? All buildings and people right?”

“The planet is doing it already. Changes in precipitation '- quite likely due to climate change - have caused resource conflicts and starvation in Northern Kenya, Darfur and other places. The tragedy is that the people affected by these disasters are least responsible for them. And if climate change accelerates, no amounts of troops will be able to contain the tensions and failed states such resource conflicts will produce.

It seems to me we don't need to count on doomsday strategies when much easier solutions are available. We could scale up California's successful energy efficiency program across the nation. We could increase the fuel efficiency of US cars to Chinese levels. We could learn from European public transport models. We could raise gas taxes to a level that internalizes the external costs of driving, and reduce income taxes correspondingly. And we can all reduce our wasteful consumption.

Sure, such low-hanging fruits alone won't do the trick. But we shouldn't let the seriousness of the problem stop us from taking the steps we can take today.”

“So since 1986 we have not found new sources of energy? How in the world can you say we used up more than we could produce? This is beyond insanity.”

“I think this one applies to all facets of public life. If your conversation is more important than the one you need to have with me, thats ok, but please get off your phone before you expect me to interact with you. It is just rude whether it is in a convencience store, grocery store, restaurant, conference with your child's teacher, etc.”

“It is worse. Not only do they lack creativity and ideas, they possess the nasty habit and trait of not asking, but "taking" things that don't belong to them when they are in need.

This case is worse given Christie is a lawyer, trained to know what he did yet holds an ethical standard low enough to decide here to just "take" what he wants without asking and getting approval.

People need to thank Christie for showing his ethical low water mark before people get to the voting booth. Does NJ need such a leader?”

“Samrt idea! Any news on how that's working out?”

“We have the expertise but we squander our resources in Afghanistand, Iraq and over 800 military basis around the world, plus all the military hardware that goes along with it. Add to that payment on interest of our national debt which is approaching the amount we spend on the military and you get the idea why we can't have what Dutch have.”

“Private insurance actually does just fine in Japan. They "co-exist" with Japan's national health system. No, they don't get to operate with impunity, and they do NOT rape, pillage, and plunder the national treasure there...

They provide added coverage for the "luxury" items national health doesn't cover. One example:

Let's say you need a dental crown. National health covers 100% for metal and plastic crowns. You want the best ceramic crown? They pay a portion of that... but you have to cover the difference. Comes out to about $200~ 300 for one out of pocket. You can buy insurance that will cover those "extras"..­.

The private companies also provide travel insurance, medical insurance while you're traveling.­.. it's a big business!

They also offer plans that are more tailored to specific needs. You see, you don't HAVE to enroll in the national system. You can buy private insurance instead. But there IS a mandate. Everyone must be enrolled in an insurance plan. It costs everyone less in the end. The system works.....

And believe me, the plans available privately are pretty darned good over there. Comprehensive coverage, at quite reasonable prices.

So yes, I KNOW a "public plan" properly implemented would go a long way toward increasing quality and reducing cost....”

“They work because they work under strict regulation -- same thing in France. The insurance cabal simply doesn't want competition, which is why it's screaming about the PO. Imagine the screaming if they are heavily regulated and not make a profit!! We should only be so lucky. T.R. Reid's new book is good way to learn how the systems in other countries work and how private insurers work in these countries. The CEOs do not make millions and millions, it's been taken out of their DNA.”

“Both public and private coexist in both Canada and the UK. The private doesn't have to provide the basic services what you purchase is a private room, better patient nurse ratios, better food, and expensive medication that the national plan doesn't cover. Even then it is cheaper than in hte US.”

“Yes, See Germany and Switzerland. Both superior and more effcient than we.”

“The fact is that the US is losing over 2.2 million acres of farmland and greenspace a year to development for single family homes and shopping centers. The coastal regions are the worst.

1200 sq. miles of open permeable land lost in the Chesapeake Watershed alone. Paved over for houses. Run off from lawns, roads, roofs, etc is the leading cause of pollution in Chesapeake Bay, not farms (most of the farms are gone). Despite all their efforts to curb pollution, it keeps increasing.

Turn your angst toward the real problem, developers and the people that buy their homes.

Where do you suggest food be produced?”

“And coastal regions are wilderness areas?”

“When the population reaches a certain point.

The only logical solution to end the taking of a life for food is Solent Green.”