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Detroit's Unemployment Rate Is Nearly 50%, According to the <i>Detroit News</i>

Detroit's Unemployment Rate Is Nearly 50%, According to the Detroit News

Commented Dec 17, 2009 at 04:10:12 in Business

“i think you're right. Government and corporations have merged. We need to remove corporate control from government.

The way to do that is probably through government regulation, which you might interpret as redistribution of wealth or welfare away from Wall Street and toward main street. That may be what we need right now when corporations have so much power and money over everyone else.

We are maybe confusing what we mean by "government," what it is as opposed to what we would like it to ideally be. It may be the robber baron because it is controlled by Wall Street. If we remove that factor it would be more representative of all the people and serve our interests as it should. If that means redistributing the wealth in the short term then so be it. That's exactly why we have a government, to do those kinds of things for the sake of society as a whole.”
Detroit's Unemployment Rate Is Nearly 50%, According to the <i>Detroit News</i>

Detroit's Unemployment Rate Is Nearly 50%, According to the Detroit News

Commented Dec 17, 2009 at 01:15:26 in Business

“Nationalism, which is what you refer to, is very limited thinking in the information age of a global economy. We don't live in a vacuum between two oceans. There are no "Americans" except in the minds of obsolete nationalists. In the information age "we've got" the world and more importantly it's got us.

Yes I was blunt for effect. Nothing personal. But I feel this kind of sedentary thinking is a disease and requires a rude awakening.”
Detroit's Unemployment Rate Is Nearly 50%, According to the <i>Detroit News</i>

Detroit's Unemployment Rate Is Nearly 50%, According to the Detroit News

Commented Dec 17, 2009 at 01:06:57 in Business

“It's not hate. It's reality. A third world country is a third world country is America. Face the facts. You want to live in a third world country? You think because it's called "America" that makes it a great nation?

If you want respect you have to earn it. If you want to keep it you have to maintain it. America is hereby disqualified as a respectable nation. Ask anyone in any other country in the world.

Do you also believe the earth is flat and that the sun revolves around it?”
Detroit's Unemployment Rate Is Nearly 50%, According to the <i>Detroit News</i>

Detroit's Unemployment Rate Is Nearly 50%, According to the Detroit News

Commented Dec 17, 2009 at 01:00:22 in Business

“OK. U.S "capitalism" has failed. We are a corporate welfare state, not capitalists in the correct definition.

It's not taxes that are the problem. Quite the opposite. It's lack of regulation and government programs. No healthcare. No higher education. Out of control tuition hikes. In other humanitarian first world countries these things are piad for and services of the governments, Japan, France, Germany, Spain, England, you name it.

You can't keep sticking you head in the sand and say America is fundamentally great. That's a fantasy. An illusion. A lie. America sucks. That's the long and short of it. It's needs a serious revolution and since that won't happen, unless we see Palin (as a national nemesis to bring us together) or maybe Ventura (to kick ass) elected.

Taxpayers will continue to fund Wall Street without some very serious reform, aka revolution. This is no longer a democracy, no longer capitalism, no longer a free first world country.

Perhaps, if we're lucky, China or the EU will foreclose on America and throw out the government.”

Bladernr1001 replied on Dec 17, 2009 at 01:47:20

“to continue my post....

You see the powerful as corporate interests. Actually the powerful are those in government. I marvel at how you people worship government as they are stealing us blind by devaluing the currency, finding new and creative ways to raise our taxes, and squandering the money on things that will only get them re-elected...whether it s good for society or not. Government is the ultimate robber baron.”

Bladernr1001 replied on Dec 17, 2009 at 01:46:36

“We are a welfare state period. We take wealth from those who earned it and hand to those who did not. That is not capitialism....that is socialism....and that is what has failed us. We need to trend back towards a more pure capitialism and smaller less intrusive government. I am not some kind of anarchist....I think government has many votal roles to play but I think governemnt as it stands now has way overplayed its hand.

We almost are in agreement on what is happening in a way but I think when you anaylize what happened here you tend to put the cart before the horse. What I mean by this is that you surmise (as do many on this site) that corporations sought to control government first. What actually happened is that government sought to control corps. In an attempt to influence the decsions of government...only then did corps learn how to "grease the skids" as it were. They had to when they realized that a powerful government could put them out of business with the stroke of a pen. We managed to accomplish this with no changes to the constitution.”
Detroit's Unemployment Rate Is Nearly 50%, According to the <i>Detroit News</i>

Detroit's Unemployment Rate Is Nearly 50%, According to the Detroit News

Commented Dec 16, 2009 at 23:10:14 in Business

“So are dead people”
Detroit's Unemployment Rate Is Nearly 50%, According to the <i>Detroit News</i>

Detroit's Unemployment Rate Is Nearly 50%, According to the Detroit News

Commented Dec 16, 2009 at 23:09:40 in Business

“I say go with Festivus”

MDHutchinson replied on Dec 16, 2009 at 23:20:25

“Now that's the spirit! When things get bad and all hope is lost, just remember that we've still got Seinfeld...we've still got Seinfeld.”
Detroit's Unemployment Rate Is Nearly 50%, According to the <i>Detroit News</i>

Detroit's Unemployment Rate Is Nearly 50%, According to the Detroit News

Commented Dec 16, 2009 at 23:08:22 in Business

“Of course it is. This is America.”
Detroit's Unemployment Rate Is Nearly 50%, According to the <i>Detroit News</i>

Detroit's Unemployment Rate Is Nearly 50%, According to the Detroit News

Commented Dec 16, 2009 at 23:06:11 in Business

“it's not a matter of left or right, nor of Democrats or Republicans. It's a matter of failed capitalism turned into corporate socialized welfare, which cannot sustain the masses and which will itself fail without them.

This country is done.”

Bladernr1001 replied on Dec 17, 2009 at 00:27:24

“Sir...capitalism did not fail. What failed was too much government. High taxes, over reaching regs were factors here. When you make the cost of doing business too high the businessmen/entreprenuers go elsewhere or do not start anything in the first place. Unemployment results.

I definately agree with you on one point however. No business should be lavished with any tax payer money. Capitalism works because of its dynanism. Business models that fall behind or cease to work soon fall by the wayside and others take their place. Because this is sometimes a painful process government has interfered with this. The problem is that this interference often causes an even worse outcomes as we are seeing now.

I should point out (as I often do on this site) that there is nothing in the consitution granting government the power to transfer public monies to private businesses or individuals. While we have used twisted logic to justify this practice, we have been digging our own grave because we simply do not take into account the many unintended consequences that inevitably result from this practice.”

MDHutchinson replied on Dec 16, 2009 at 23:12:46

“Expatriate! I'm gonna give it a few more years and if nothing changes, I'll be right there with ya.”
Detroit's Unemployment Rate Is Nearly 50%, According to the <i>Detroit News</i>

Detroit's Unemployment Rate Is Nearly 50%, According to the Detroit News

Commented Dec 16, 2009 at 23:01:53 in Business

“it's the best we've got? Ever heard of Europe? How about Asia? Australia? Looks like even freakin' Cuba is better than Detroit.

Go back to your couch and watch TV. Don't try to think.”

thinklib replied on Dec 16, 2009 at 23:11:36

“And you wonder why conservatives say liberals hate America.”

MDHutchinson replied on Dec 16, 2009 at 23:10:16

“I believe "we've got" was referring to Americans, not the human race, in which case your comment was slightly out of line.”
Breakthrough: Health Care Talks Advance In Senate

Breakthrough: Health Care Talks Advance In Senate

Commented Dec 08, 2009 at 22:37:25 in Politics

“0 would be good”

bridge to somewhere replied on Dec 08, 2009 at 22:41:16

“Agreed. Any industry that aims to profit from pain and suffering is just another form of s!avery... Single payer medicare-based system is all we need. Let 3% overhead replace the 30% corporate-imposed unregulated "tax" on health care.”

Andrea Castillo replied on Dec 08, 2009 at 22:39:15

“Oh dear - I wonder how that would compromise the abortion debate?”
Breakthrough: Health Care Talks Advance In Senate

Breakthrough: Health Care Talks Advance In Senate

Commented Dec 08, 2009 at 22:30:24 in Politics

“It will be less than private insurance. The plan is only for those without employer programs. It must be administered by non-profit insurance companies. It will be regulated by the OPM, the same office that offers Congress it's plans (correct me if I'm wrong).

Ultimately it's just a crumb offered to the masses from those who sit on high behind the beltway controlled by Wall Street. Take your crumbs and run along back to your mouse hole and STFU (rhetorically speaking).

They'll do anything to avoid the ultimate solution: single payer for all, which would put the insurance industry out of business. You see we need to keep the government insurance industry jobs program going for an industry that does nothing for Americans except deny healthacre resulting in the deaths of 45,000 a year in third world America.”
Breakthrough: Health Care Talks Advance In Senate

Breakthrough: Health Care Talks Advance In Senate

Commented Dec 08, 2009 at 22:21:42 in Politics

“They won't let you down, until after... bend over.”
Breakthrough: Health Care Talks Advance In Senate

Breakthrough: Health Care Talks Advance In Senate

Commented Dec 08, 2009 at 22:18:44 in Politics

“yup”
Russell Wiseman, Tennessee Mayor, Assails 'Muslim President' For Pre-Empting 'Peanuts'

Russell Wiseman, Tennessee Mayor, Assails 'Muslim President' For Pre-Empting 'Peanuts'

Commented Dec 05, 2009 at 03:07:20 in Politics

“Isn't it more a proper pronoun like President, which is capitalized when you refer to "the" President. But it's not capitalized when you refer to "any" president. So when you read "Jesus Christ" its similar to "President Obama."

Oh wait, can I say Obama and Christ in the same sentence? Maybe Tennessee should make a law about that.”

grandma58 replied on Dec 05, 2009 at 11:19:53

“As far as I know it is interchangeable with the words messiah and savior.”
Russell Wiseman, Tennessee Mayor, Assails 'Muslim President' For Pre-Empting 'Peanuts'

Russell Wiseman, Tennessee Mayor, Assails 'Muslim President' For Pre-Empting 'Peanuts'

Commented Dec 05, 2009 at 03:00:17 in Politics

“I just hope we see more right wings nuts like this come out for the 2010 and 2012 elections.”
Russell Wiseman, Tennessee Mayor, Assails 'Muslim President' For Pre-Empting 'Peanuts'

Russell Wiseman, Tennessee Mayor, Assails 'Muslim President' For Pre-Empting 'Peanuts'

Commented Dec 05, 2009 at 02:57:17 in Politics

“Racism is a disease and they don't have healthcare.”

Ankhorite replied on Dec 05, 2009 at 03:16:22

“Oh, Jon... fanning you for that one.”
Palin Booed By Book Tour Crowd

Palin Booed By Book Tour Crowd

Commented Nov 21, 2009 at 00:52:25 in Media

“Shouldn't you ask the AP this question?”
Sebelius: Women should get mammograms by age 40

Sebelius: Women should get mammograms by age 40

Commented Nov 19, 2009 at 03:49:33 in Living

“The Mammogram Media Blitz Tactic
http://lafilmonline.com/oitsf/?p=74

Dan Pfeiffer writes, “One of the hallmark tactics from opponents of health insurance reform has been to grab onto any convenient piece of information and twist it into some misguided attack on reform, no matter how unrelated it may actually be….. and Fox News obliges them with the headline ‘Critics See Health Care Rationing Behind New Mammography Recommendations.’” He says the media outlets feed on this kind of opportunistic “controversy.” Ya think?

Gee, how did the mainstream media miss this statement coming from the White House?

Pfeiffer continues that it’s ironic that the the right would spin this government agency recommendation as “health care rationing” that is part of the insurance reform movement. In fact health care reform proponents want to see increased preventative measures, as do most doctors.

One very basic problem with U.S. healthcare is that we have a policy of only providing free health care to people when they are in an emergency or at risk of death. By that time it’s often too late, especially in cancer cases.

On the other hand we should indeed keep watch that the health insurance industry doesn’t try to sneak in this kind of cut back on preventative services which would benefit them and which they could blame upon reformers with this kind of media spin.”
Pelosi To Dems: Time To Take A Stand On Public Option

Pelosi To Dems: Time To Take A Stand On Public Option

Commented Oct 21, 2009 at 14:31:18 in Politics

“Yes, and what happen to make that take place. Unrenlentelss civi disobedience. Riots in the streets.

But one thing I do believe is the the pen is mightier than the sword. Video ain't bad either. We can bring about change faster and better with a public outcry via the word and the image. One thing that stands in our way is the corporate propagandized media in this country. The media is a powerful force.

Case in point, Michael Moore. Sicko is probably one of the major factors than got us this far. We need more.

See my current feature film project, a documentary on healthcare: http://outinthestreetfilms.com
Pelosi To Dems: Time To Take A Stand On Public Option

Pelosi To Dems: Time To Take A Stand On Public Option

Commented Oct 21, 2009 at 14:23:11 in Politics

“Yes the public option is a compromise. But the danger is that it passes and what it amounts to is a few breadcrumbs, like no more pre-existing conditions; and likely it will be a new bailout for the insurance industry in the form of mandated policy holders. So what do we really get with this public option written mainly by insurance lobbyists, who spend $1.4 million a day on Congress?

Read the fine print in this 1000 page plus bill.

It ends up as little more than an appeasemnet to quell the public concern and momentum we now have. Then what? We sit back all fat and happy with our breadcrumbs? Will rates decrease? Will the abuses really be curbed?

For one, it won't even go into effect until five years from now. So by then, it will all have been forgotten and we'll be accustomed to the current system..

We cannnot be duped like tjhis. Do not stop the sit-ins and the rallies and the blogs and the public outcry. Demand immeadiate reparations for those who face death due to lack of health care or denials when they have it. Five years does not cut the mustard. Not for me and I think I can safely say, not for the doctors, health professionals and other activists whomake up the sleeping giant that has been awoken.

You ain't seen nothing yet.

National sit-in next Wednesday 10/28/09 http://mobilizeforhealthcare.org
Pelosi To Dems: Time To Take A Stand On Public Option

Pelosi To Dems: Time To Take A Stand On Public Option

Commented Oct 20, 2009 at 22:55:03 in Politics

“Earth to Pelosi: You may be pushing a public option but we the people will not rest until we see universal health care, despite your arrogant statement that it is "off the table". It's our table.

see http://current.com/items/91210625_l-a-arrests-single-payer-is-not-off-the-table.htm

iblogleft replied on Oct 20, 2009 at 23:10:29

“It took South Carolina 14 years to start integration of schools. Time.”

RightsGuy replied on Oct 20, 2009 at 23:03:20

“Only a single-payer approach to healthcare reform will END THE INHUMANITY OF OUR FAILED HEALTHCARE INSURANCE SYSTEM, WHERE PROFITS ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN PATIENTS’ HEALTH, AND WHERE PEOPLE DIE BECAUSE OF IT.

Single Payer Healthcare Reform bills are before Congress.

ASK your Representatives to:

• Support Rep. Weiner’s HR 676 single payer, Medicare for All amendment

• Retain Rep. Kucinich's state single-payer amendment

ASK your Senators to

• Vote yes on S. 703, the American Health Security Act”

rooks replied on Oct 20, 2009 at 23:02:52

“She is doing what she can. She is doing better than O.”

Mrs Norman replied on Oct 20, 2009 at 23:00:39

“One day at a time sweet Jesus... These things take time. If we get a good bill with a robust public option passed that just gives us more leverage in the future. This all or nothing thing that some Democrats are pushing is really starting to wear on my nerves.”
Aislin Bates: Colorado Toddler Denied Health Insurance For Being Underweight

Aislin Bates: Colorado Toddler Denied Health Insurance For Being Underweight

Commented Oct 20, 2009 at 19:13:41 in Business

“Which 1/6 of the economy is the health care industry? Because 1% of the population owns more wealth than 95%. So isn't that 1/6 of the economy in the 1% part of the population (your friends) on Wall Street and inside the beltway? The 95% can do just fine without the health insurance industry making money on their health care and medical debt.

So the argument that we can't have a universal health care system due to it being 1/6 of the economy is questionable. With universal health care we can eliminate medical debt, which is a big part of the problem, since it is the cause of most foreclosures. Yes that industry would be decimated. But it is a criminal industry that preys upon people holding them hostage for their health insurance premiums, denying care when they need it, and effectively murdering 122 people every day who die for lack of care. As public health nurse Maureen Cruise says, they would be jailed in any other country.

http://current.com/items/91233184_exactly-which-1-6-of-the-economy-is-affected-by-universal-healtcare.htm

fuelie replied on Oct 20, 2009 at 19:42:47

“This is why I consider the health insurance industry to be the one and only true Star Wars "DEATH STAR" in this country.

The old adage that human life is priceless is not true when it comes to the evil, greedy, unethical, and immoral health insurance companies. They actively place a price tag on every human life based upon their insane lust for money, the root of all evil that is destroying this country. These monopolistic, predatory firms must be destroyed before they destroy America, and their CEO's put away for life in prison for extortion and crimes against humanity.

Mutual funds and others holding millions of shares of these stocks should just dump them all at once, in a single day of trading. They will end up as penny stocks or forced into bankruptcy. If companies can withdraw advertising from Glen Beck or withdraw from the Chamber of Commerce, then shareholders can dump all their shares to protest the openly unethical, greedy, and absolutely evil health insurance companies

This is another reason why the Health Insurance Antitrust Enforcement Act must be passed to repeal the out-dated insurance industry antitrust exemption, and another reason why strong health reform will not exist without a strong public option.

See this link for more horrible stories and the 2nd link for salaries of health insurance executives.

healthcarevoices.org/news/articles/stories-behind-cwas-health-care-activists/

http://aishealth.com/ManagedCare/CompanyIntel/ExecComp.html

javaz replied on Oct 20, 2009 at 19:17:42

“Good post!
Thank you.”

Chace Haynes replied on Oct 20, 2009 at 19:16:17

“Great Post!cheers”
Homeless Evicted From California Tent City

Homeless Evicted From California Tent City

Commented Oct 20, 2009 at 19:11:41 in Business

sense oar sheep replied on Oct 20, 2009 at 19:26:54

“hardly a solution for homeless sanctuary”

Palemoon replied on Oct 20, 2009 at 19:18:33

“That's only part of the problem. The other problem is freeing up land in order to allow people to have homes for the first time in their lives. Or pricing existing homes at a more believable, rationale, credible price. Most homes nowdays aren't even worth 10% of what their claimed value is. We need the market to get back to reality. The typical home right now in America, say 1500 square foot, wouldn't even cost $5000 to build in both materials and labor I am willing to wager. The charlatans then request $125,000+ for the home on the market. Why?”
Cities Too Poor To Bury Dead

Cities Too Poor To Bury Dead

Commented Oct 02, 2009 at 02:31:47 in Business

“The health insurance companies should step up and do something innovative in this market sector. Since they're responsible for 45,000 American deaths every year they should take advantage of this byproduct. Capitalism works!”

stargazer13 replied on Oct 02, 2009 at 02:35:58

“great give them ideas why don,t you

now we will never be able to afford death !!”
Cities Too Poor To Bury Dead

Cities Too Poor To Bury Dead

Commented Oct 02, 2009 at 02:22:00 in Business

“America is going the way of the Roman Empire. Down.”

happycat replied on Oct 02, 2009 at 08:35:59

“I agree, Jon.”

Siebenstein replied on Oct 02, 2009 at 05:18:47

“The pace is nauseating”

stargazer13 replied on Oct 02, 2009 at 02:26:39

“It is the lead I tell you !!”
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