| |
| New blog |
« View previous topic :: View next topic » |
| Author |
Message
|
| superinvestor |
 Posted: Tue Sep 23, 2008 8:10 am Post subject: New blog |
 |
|
Investing Sr. Associate
|
Hi folks!
Haven't been here for long, I'm not sure if any of you even remember me, but I just popped by to say, that I've started a new project, that means I opened a blog (analyzing business and political events).
It would be really cool, if you lot would take a look at it, and let me know what to improve, etc.
The address is www.theglobalanalyst.com
Oh, and just as a sidenote, I've finally started investing myself, I'm taking an interest in the renewable energy sector.
Nice to see you again,
Superinvestor |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
| eamoses |
| Posted: Tue Sep 23, 2008 1:39 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Investing Manager
|
Ok at first I thought this was something else, but I was wrong... This a very subtle ad for Obama-- well played. The beginning sort of threw me off.
Here is something to counter that:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG4fe9GlWS8
As an OIF veteran, who has lost friends for the cause- I support the message in this video. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
| frusnak |
| Posted: Tue Sep 23, 2008 2:10 pm Post subject: Re: New blog |
|
|
CFO
|
| superinvestor wrote: | Hi folks!
Haven't been here for long, I'm not sure if any of you even remember me, but I just popped by to say, that I've started a new project, that means I opened a blog (analyzing business and political events).
It would be really cool, if you lot would take a look at it, and let me know what to improve, etc.
The address is www.theglobalanalyst.com
Oh, and just as a sidenote, I've finally started investing myself, I'm taking an interest in the renewable energy sector.
Nice to see you again,
Superinvestor |
As far as I can determin...this type of self promotion isn't allowed with out paying some E$'s
I may be wrong but I sure as he%% ain't right!    |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
| superinvestor |
| Posted: Wed Sep 24, 2008 6:26 am Post subject: |
|
|
Investing Sr. Associate
|
| eamoses wrote: | Ok at first I thought this was something else, but I was wrong... This a very subtle ad for Obama-- well played. The beginning sort of threw me off.
Here is something to counter that:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG4fe9GlWS8
As an OIF veteran, who has lost friends for the cause- I support the message in this video. |
Actually, it's not. It's more like that's what the first post came out as, I never meant to lead a promo campaign for Obama, and am not planning on doing it in the long run.
And the whole post was not meant to be an for my blog. I was just asking for help on the overall look of the blog, etc.
Actually, after posting this on the forum, I briefly thought about returning to Einvesting, but I'm probably going to have to abandon that now. It's not what it used to be, it used to be a friendly and helpful place, one you look forward to coming to. Unfortunately, this seems not to be the case anymore. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
| prs1065 |
| Posted: Wed Sep 24, 2008 11:25 am Post subject: |
|
|
Investing Manager
|
| this is not a place for obama fans. the place there in is the local food stamp line because they dont want to work. they think the government owes them. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
| eamoses |
| Posted: Wed Sep 24, 2008 12:59 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Investing Manager
|
actually this place is still friendly for everyone... so not trying to run you off. the recent news with the stock market has just put some of us in not so chipper moods...  |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
| superinvestor |
| Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2008 8:48 am Post subject: |
|
|
Investing Sr. Associate
|
| eamoses wrote: | | actually this place is still friendly for everyone... so not trying to run you off. the recent news with the stock market has just put some of us in not so chipper moods... |
OK, that's good to hear, anyways, the blog has changed anyways in the mean while. I never did mean to start advertising Obama, it just that, I always write about what is important, what is relevant, what really matters.
Probably going to be focusing on economics in the nearest future anyways.
| Quote: | | this is not a place for obama fans. the place there in is the local food stamp line because they dont want to work. they think the government owes them. |
Piss off. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
| eamoses |
| Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2008 4:16 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Investing Manager
|
well that really wasn't bad... i have to agreed on the end of your first article, though the one person who is always asking me for money has finally broken down and just says, " I need booze."
i do agreed that we don't need four more years of Bush politics, but we don't need any of the stuff that i read about from the ACORN website. that organization is straight socialism, they literally don't that illegal immigration is wrong, or that working hard makes you deserve a little bit more. they believe that capital gains should be the same as income tax, which will kill the benefits of investing long term. if you read over their platform you should feel a strange feeling in the pit of your stomach, something along the lines of those from Mein Kampf... They truly want to take over the country and change everything, including the right to bear arms.
personally i grew up in a democrat family, things were never really too bad, but my outlook on life was different. we were basically lower middle class, my dad worked hard, but never really stepped up to separate himself, he wasn't a lazy man, but just didn't see that he needed to do more. he didn't put back a lot into his retirement, now he has had to come to terms that things are harder than they should be. though hard to say, it is his fault, not the governments. when the hurricane Katrina hit, his home was wiped out, he did not have flood insurance and lost almost everything- he had to depend on FEMA and his retirement to get himself back on his feet. he is just now really starting to recover from that, and depleted his retirement in doing so...
in my case i was affected by the same hurricane, i as well did not have flood insurance, though my losses were considerably less, i decided to leave the city. since then i have moved to texas, far from hurricane areas, i was back on my feet in no time- i did not need any assistance from FEMA or anyone, i just went back to work- yeah it's taken a few years to replace things that were lost, but hey, no since rushing- they took time to get and makes since to take time to replace.
personally i am a republican by choice, mainly from my time spent in the army, there you learn quickly democrats hate the military- they cut spending on better equipment, shutdown bases, reduce pay, and troop numbers. i feel that reductions made during clinton's time in office lead to the idea that we were a target ripe for the picking, Bush had not had time to do anything before we were attacked.
i will agree that the Bush administration has not done the best job of handling domestic affairs here in the country, but i would have to ask you to consider the fact: things would most likely be far worse now had Gore or Kerry been elected. we could be currently being attacked by our enemies in the middle east, but we are not.
back to our current situation, most of this was actually caused by congress and the house. they made the impetus for the banks to give low standard loans to those who could not afford them. once this started everyone wanted on board, the whole bandwagon idea.
the war is improving- and yes it is still a war, my sister is there now, and believe me things are better than when i was there, but it isn't a peacekeeping mission. most of the enemies we face there are foreign fighters from syria, iran, saudi, jordan, ethiopia, sudan, and even russia... russia you say, yeah as a matter of fact i also remember something about serbs or kosovians involved. this campaign has become our chance to bring the fight to our enemies on one battleground, and i believe with the changes i have seen that we are winning.
i have actually been disappointed with both sides during every debate i have watched, and that is a lot of them... neither really has a good idea of what is happening- but I must say that Obama is totally lacking any idea on how the military works, at least McCain understands that part... not that he really knows what is going on.
at this very time in the world n korea is setting themselves up for a big move, as is iran, and russia... i believe that it is possible that a new axis of evil is forming, and it will involve these powers... though like the axis of 1939-45, they are all ego maniacs. i could not see them working together to any great effect.
sorry for such a long random rate, but these are some of the things that have been going through my mind as of late. i can honestly say that in the next few months our whole world will be changed forever, regardless of who wins the election. so hold on to your seats and thanks for sticking around. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
| eamoses |
| Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2008 4:18 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Investing Manager
|
| are you really from estonia? i had the chance to meet a few soldiers from there back when i was in iraq... you never really hear about that anywhere, but thanks to your guys for helping out. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
| superinvestor |
| Posted: Sun Sep 28, 2008 1:02 am Post subject: |
|
|
Investing Sr. Associate
|
| Quote: | | i do agreed that we don't need four more years of Bush politics, but we don't need any of the stuff that i read about from the ACORN website. that organization is straight socialism, they literally don't that illegal immigration is wrong, or that working hard makes you deserve a little bit more. they believe that capital gains should be the same as income tax, which will kill the benefits of investing long term. if you read over their platform you should feel a strange feeling in the pit of your stomach, something along the lines of those from Mein Kampf... They truly want to take over the country and change everything, including the right to bear arms. |
Do you mean ACORN as in "Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now"?
What have they got to do with the Obama campaign? I'd suggest reading wikipedia for campaign platforms.
Anyways, taking away the right to bear arms would need a change in the constitution as you no doubt know.
Actually, when talking about the democrats and the republicans, one needs to keep in mind that even the democrats are much more rightist than most of the rightist parties in Europe.
Also, the basic disagreement has probably got something to do with the basic attitude to life, one which differs greatly btw the Europeans and the Americans - work to live vs. live to work.
What I mean by that is that yes, you earn more wages, but the europeans work less, enjoy 3 weeks of paid vacation every year, everyone has health insurance, paid maternity leave (6 months in Estonia), etc.
| Quote: | | personally i am a republican by choice, mainly from my time spent in the army, there you learn quickly democrats hate the military |
I doubt they hate it, it's just that they see the US defense budget as it is - half of the whole world's. And reading this keep in mind, that the EU economy is bigger than the US.
| Quote: | i will agree that the Bush administration has not done the best job of handling domestic affairs here in the country, but i would have to ask you to consider the fact: things would most likely be far worse now had Gore or Kerry been elected. we could be currently being attacked by our enemies in the middle east, but we are not.
|
Well, hmm, I wouldn't say anything good about Gore, a really controversial guy (though still better than Bush), but the point is that perhaps if one of them was elected, you wouldn't have so many enemies?
I'll also post a quote by Ron Paul, I guy I usually really don't like:
| Quote: | "Timothy McVeigh was a terrorist.
Did we declare war after that?" |
Oh, and yes, I really am from Estonia. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
 |
| eamoses |
| Posted: Sun Sep 28, 2008 6:24 am Post subject: |
|
|
Investing Manager
|
| superinvestor wrote: | | Quote: | | i do agreed that we don't need four more years of Bush politics, but we don't need any of the stuff that i read about from the ACORN website. that organization is straight socialism, they literally don't that illegal immigration is wrong, or that working hard makes you deserve a little bit more. they believe that capital gains should be the same as income tax, which will kill the benefits of investing long term. if you read over their platform you should feel a strange feeling in the pit of your stomach, something along the lines of those from Mein Kampf... They truly want to take over the country and change everything, including the right to bear arms. |
Do you mean ACORN as in "Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now"?
What have they got to do with the Obama campaign? I'd suggest reading wikipedia for campaign platforms.
Anyways, taking away the right to bear arms would need a change in the constitution as you no doubt know.
Actually, when talking about the democrats and the republicans, one needs to keep in mind that even the democrats are much more rightist than most of the rightist parties in Europe.
Also, the basic disagreement has probably got something to do with the basic attitude to life, one which differs greatly btw the Europeans and the Americans - work to live vs. live to work.
What I mean by that is that yes, you earn more wages, but the europeans work less, enjoy 3 weeks of paid vacation every year, everyone has health insurance, paid maternity leave (6 months in Estonia), etc.
| Quote: | | personally i am a republican by choice, mainly from my time spent in the army, there you learn quickly democrats hate the military |
I doubt they hate it, it's just that they see the US defense budget as it is - half of the whole world's. And reading this keep in mind, that the EU economy is bigger than the US.
| Quote: | i will agree that the Bush administration has not done the best job of handling domestic affairs here in the country, but i would have to ask you to consider the fact: things would most likely be far worse now had Gore or Kerry been elected. we could be currently being attacked by our enemies in the middle east, but we are not.
|
Well, hmm, I wouldn't say anything good about Gore, a really controversial guy (though still better than Bush), but the point is that perhaps if one of them was elected, you wouldn't have so many enemies?
I'll also post a quote by Ron Paul, I guy I usually really don't like:
| Quote: | "Timothy McVeigh was a terrorist.
Did we declare war after that?" |
Oh, and yes, I really am from Estonia. |
Ok, now this has become really fun. I noticed to today that ACORN has taken certain things off of their website. They removed their "People's Platform", though I can find it somewhere else. This platform goes over plans to get rid of capital gains taxes, and use an income tax instead. This would kill investing. Second, they believe in controlling private business profits, which goes against everything capitalism stands for. You mention that ACORN has nothing to do with Obama which is wrong. He worked as a community organizer and attorney for them. With Obama as President and a majority of Democrats in the House, Congress, and the Supreme court they could enforce any change they wish into the Constitution and nothing short of a revolution could stop it. Actually since they temporary had taken down their website I had to use wikipedia for info, there I learned about their illegal voting activities, something I had not seen mentioned on their own website. These activities helped Obama beat out the incumbent in Chicago, by getting her disqualified, though ACORN supporters actually supplied the false votes. Obama made the push to have the votes checked, why because he knew that his cronies in ACORN had tampered with them. But, I'm not trying to bash Obama, personally I feel that he is a better choice for the Democrat party than Gore, Clinton, or Kerry... and don't even think about Edwards. I do not have any racial motives, personally I have thought that Colin Powell or Condelezza Rice, would of been excellent candidates for the office. As to me being from Louisiana, I have been a support of Bobby Jindal, the republican who finally won the right to govern the state. My only big problem with Obama is how whenever something comes up he plays the denial play. He says that he didn't know about the actions of William Ayers, or the words of Rev. Wright. He says that the illegal actions of ACORN, is not the ACORN his knows. I mentioned earlier about my father in New Orleans, it is a well known fact that ACORN is taking over large areas of communities that were damaged by the hurricane. They are pressuring people to sell their homes. Areas that have usually had decent home values are being bought up and will be turned into lower value areas. You may consider this a good thing, but then look at my father. He has spent his life savings to buy and fix up a home, that should be worth a decent amount, a chance to make a return on his investment. With the changes to the community that ACORN is making, this house will be worth far less. This is happening all over down there, on my last trip the signs were everywhere.
I do believe that some reforms need to be made, but not to the extremes that groups like ACORN would like to have.
As for work, I worked hard to be where I am. I work 40 hours a week, I have health insurance, paid sick days, and three weeks of paid vacation, and every major holiday as a paid day off. If someone wants these things they only have to work to get them. If you don't have these at your job, find another job. We are Americans here, we work hard to have a better life. We don't sit back and expect the better life to be given to us. If we did we would still be given our money to the fat cats in England.
As to Ron Paul, please don't even bring him up... he is not a real conservative or republican- he is a libertarian, not sure if your familiar to them, but many have beliefs that border on insanity, while others take some ideas from the Republican party. Most seem to be Right-wing extremist... His followers are rather determined, and actually quite frightening. Timothy McVeigh was a terrorist, and we did declare war. He was arrested, tried, and executed. What else would we have done?
Personally I feel that we probably shouldn't of attacked Iraq, but as mentioned back then. There was evidence that seemed to show that weapons of mass destruction were there. Saddam himself would not allow us to inspect, because by us proving he didn't he would of sealed his fate to Iran. Also, coming from a soldier who was there- myself, the ingredients for these weapons are there, the catch 22 is that they were not mixed or prepared for use. The smoking gun would be completed mixtures or weapons loaded with it. But believe me, the chemical are there- we even had a run in with some that were accidentally mixed together and burned by some Iraqis there. The result was something akin to mustard gas, and several of our troops had to go to the hospital, but it turned out after an intensive investigation by international forces that the whole incident was an accident.
The current policy in Iraq should be to pull back to the borders and defend the country from the real threat, foreign fighters. I have high hopes for the people of Iraq, many I met were glad that we were there for them. It is the untold story of the war, but the majority of people there are strong and determined to rebuild their country and they are depending on our help. This was told to me from the people themselves, adult and child alike. I will include a few pics for you...
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b331/bio_bob82/everettpics021.jpg
and
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b331/bio_bob82/everettpics028.jpg
As to the fact about enemies, well I have to agree with you there. But if you roll over and give everyone what they want, then you are the only one that suffers.
Most of our current economical problems stem from a lack of personal discipline.
Also, as to our large defense budget... think about it, when the world has needed us, this has been the reason. We have the ability to influence the powers of the world for the better. When someone thinks he can just walk over his neighbor, he has to think, will America come to their aid. Personally I feel that we should maintain a strong military. Remember T. Roosevelt, " Walk softly and carry a big stick." If not for us then the face of Europe and Asia would be different than it is now. Another point, even though the EU is loosly united, they are still separate, we are around the same size, but one nation... not several different countries. We require more for our size. When the next major power in Europe decides to conquer the world, it will be us again to come to the rescue. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
| superinvestor |
| Posted: Sun Sep 28, 2008 9:43 am Post subject: |
|
|
Investing Sr. Associate
|
Ok, that was a long one, but hey, that's when it starts to get interesting.
Yeah, ACORN does have a very debatable agenda, but I personally think, that having some ties with them comes nothing short of having strong ties with the Bush administration.
| Quote: | | a majority of Democrats in the House, Congress, and the Supreme court they could enforce any change they wish into the Constitution and nothing short of a revolution could stop it. |
I personally think that if someone would try and meddle with the weapon-bearing rights of Americans, that's what WOULD happen. Though yeah, having a say when not satisfied with a change is probably more of an European thing...
| Quote: | | My only big problem with Obama is how whenever something comes up he plays the denial play. |
But isn't that what every single major party presidential candidate has always done and always will do. I'm not trying to claim that Obama is a perfect candidate, he most certainly is not, but nevertheless, he is the most promising candidate in years.
| Quote: | | As for work, I worked hard to be where I am. I work 40 hours a week, I have health insurance, paid sick days, and three weeks of paid vacation, and every major holiday as a paid day off. If someone wants these things they only have to work to get them. If you don't have these at your job, find another job. |
But you see, that is the point! These things shouldn't be a privilege, if you work as a waiter, you still have the full right of taking a vacation, one that is paid.
| Quote: | | As to Ron Paul, please don't even bring him up... he is not a real conservative or republican- he is a libertarian, not sure if your familiar to them, but many have beliefs that border on insanity |
Yes, I know that, is pretty much anarcho-capitalism they are trying to change us to, and that is scary.
| Quote: | | There was evidence that seemed to show that weapons of mass destruction were there. |
May I see them? Today, a lot of people have actually admitted, that there were no evidence. Last July, Australia finally admitted officially that they went to Iraq for oil and will be pulling their troops out.
| Quote: | After the invasion, the U.S.-led Iraq Survey Group concluded that Iraq had ended its WMD programs in 1991 and had no active programs at the time of the invasion...
Also: Although some degraded remnants of misplaced or abandoned chemical and biological weapons from before 1991 were found, they were not the weapons for which the coalition invaded. |
| Quote: | | I have high hopes for the people of Iraq, many I met were glad that we were there for them. |
Some people were happy when the Soviet Union occupied Estonia. That does not matter
| Quote: | | A strong majority of Iraqis want U.S.-led military forces to immediately withdraw from the country, saying their swift departure would make Iraq more secure and decrease sectarian violence, according to new polls by the State Department and independent researchers. |
That was a random article from Washington Post, actually one published in the end of 2006, but it was the first one I found in a hurry.
The point is, that the humanitarian conditions in Iraq have seriously worsened in the years since 2003.
| Quote: | | Also, as to our large defense budget... think about it, when the world has needed us, this has been the reason. |
Not always, sometimes it has been just America needing to hold on to critical positions (the Panama channel, also removing a democratically elected president from office in Chile and putting in charge general Pinochet, a right-wing dictator, who's time in office resulted in the death of thousands).
But I do have to acknowledge the effort the US has spent on protecting Europe.
| Quote: | | When the next major power in Europe decides to conquer the world, it will be us again to come to the rescue. |
Do you seriously believe there is even a slight possibility for that to happen? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
| eamoses |
| Posted: Sun Sep 28, 2008 11:36 am Post subject: |
|
|
Investing Manager
|
More on the debate...
| Quote: | But you see, that is the point! These things shouldn't be a privilege, if you work as a waiter, you still have the full right of taking a vacation, one that is paid.
|
Though I wish I could agree totally with this certain facts make it difficult. It is very uncommon for anyone in the service industry to make enough overhead to cover the costs of things like that for their employees. Also, to be a waiter takes minimal effort/training. Some people do enjoy the work, but it is certainly not a career choice. Most only take jobs like that while in school or in between other jobs. Personally there might need to be a plan for people to invest in their vacations. I have the option of buying additional days of vacation from my employer, at a slightly discounted rate.
| Quote: | Quote:
As to Ron Paul, please don't even bring him up... he is not a real conservative or republican- he is a libertarian, not sure if your familiar to them, but many have beliefs that border on insanity
Yes, I know that, is pretty much anarcho-capitalism they are trying to change us to, and that is scary.
|
I'm glad we agree here.
| Quote: | Quote:
There was evidence that seemed to show that weapons of mass destruction were there.
May I see them? Today, a lot of people have actually admitted, that there were no evidence. Last July, Australia finally admitted officially that they went to Iraq for oil and will be pulling their troops out.
|
Though I honestly do not know much about Australia's motives there, according to our sources there was enough information for our Congress to agree to go to war. I did you the word "seemed", I'm not trying to claim that they were right- they just thought they were.
| Quote: | Quote:
After the invasion, the U.S.-led Iraq Survey Group concluded that Iraq had ended its WMD programs in 1991 and had no active programs at the time of the invasion...
Also: Although some degraded remnants of misplaced or abandoned chemical and biological weapons from before 1991 were found, they were not the weapons for which the coalition invaded.
|
Where is this source from? I agree that they may not of had an active WMD program, but misplaced or abandoned- I think not. I have from my own experience seen one of the warehouses that stored these chemicals located right off of the main highway into the city. This facility was active and currently being used by the Public Works Deptment in the city of Baghdad. Though it is safe to say it would of taken a while to prepare weapons with them. These chemicals are still are dangerous in their own right, and should of been destroyed, not just locked up in a facility with no security and only chain fences and simple locks.
| Quote: | | Some people were happy when the Soviet Union occupied Estonia. That does not matter |
Well, that saying is true with anything. Even after the American Revolution there were British supporters that wished to still be controlled by England. Another thing, are you really comparing the US helping the new Iraqi government to a Soviet occupation- that is truly a stretch there.
| Quote: | Quote:
A strong majority of Iraqis want U.S.-led military forces to immediately withdraw from the country, saying their swift departure would make Iraq more secure and decrease sectarian violence, according to new polls by the State Department and independent researchers.
That was a random article from Washington Post, actually one published in the end of 2006, but it was the first one I found in a hurry.
The point is, that the humanitarian conditions in Iraq have seriously worsened in the years since 2003.
|
Though I'm sure things are not perfect, they are much better now than they were a few years back. Our main missions there were to assist with security at the power plant, recruiting police officers, and training of the new Iraqi army. During this time we had a separate unit that dealt with rebuilding schools and hospitals, took food and medicine to the people, and even wrote out checks for any property damages that happened.
We also provide a lot of jobs to the local population there. Jobs ranging from simple labor to working with us as interpreters. I actually have several funny stories involving the Iraqis I worked with.
Another point the world doesn't seem to notice, the country was already in a horrible state before we ever got there. We are not the ones who designed a city without a proper sewer system- one that just flows out of the house and onto the street. We did not run power lines only feet off the ground in a web from house to house. Since we have been there we have finished many projects that Saddam had planned to work on in the years before the first Gulf War. After that war he had ceased to even care about these projects, many of these became some of our big goals to complete.
| Quote: | Not always, sometimes it has been just America needing to hold on to critical positions (the Panama channel, also removing a democratically elected president from office in Chile and putting in charge general Pinochet, a right-wing dictator, who's time in office resulted in the death of thousands).
But I do have to acknowledge the effort the US has spent on protecting Europe.
|
I am very surprised to see you mentioned the Panama canal... We leased that piece of land before WW2 happened- and only in recent years did it finally go back to the country, who have since sold it to China. We built that as a non-military action. The canal provided a quicker route for anyone traveling from the Atlantic to the Pacific and is considered a great world achievement, as is the Suez Canal. Now with the advent of air travel it is of less importance, but still a big benefit to the shipping industry. Also, without it we could of easily lost the war in the Pacific, thus leading to Japan controlling much of the eastern world- including Australia, India, and with help from Russia- possibly even Russia.
Now I'm not going to say that at times we have not made bad decisions, but on the whole we do more good than harm. Don't forget that our Navy patrols the oceans of the world, protecting all nations. Piracy is still a major around the world- and we play a major part in fighting it. You probably don't ever hear about that though.
Check out this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piracy_in_Somalia
There are many more cases like these around the world.
| Quote: | Quote:
When the next major power in Europe decides to conquer the world, it will be us again to come to the rescue.
Do you seriously believe there is even a slight possibility for that to happen?
|
With the current issues with Russia and Georgia I am very surprised to here this response. They could very easy choose to do so. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
| superinvestor |
| Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2008 3:58 am Post subject: |
|
|
Investing Sr. Associate
|
| Quote: | | Though I wish I could agree totally with this certain facts make it difficult. It is very uncommon for anyone in the service industry to make enough overhead to cover the costs of things like that for their employees. |
But they actually do cover it. For example in Estonia, if I earn 14 000.-(about 1 400$, the average wage, of course you won't be able to make that much as a waiter), 21% in income tax, which leaves me with 11 060.-
Additionally, the employee has to pay 33% in social taxes and a 2% unemployment tax.
These additional taxes include my retirement fund (2% of my monthly wages from the employee + 4% from the state) and also my health insurance, plus a list of other things.
I think I'm pretty safe in saying that pretty much all businesses make enough money to cope with that.
Being a waiter is probably still a bad example, as there are a lot of seasonal and also unofficial workers in that sector.
| Quote: | | according to our sources there was enough information for our Congress to agree to go to war. |
We've probably hit a principal disagreement on when is war justified.
| Quote: | | Where is this source from? |
Wikipedia on the second Iraq war.
| Quote: | | These chemicals are still are dangerous in their own right, and should of been destroyed, not just locked up in a facility with no security and only chain fences and simple locks. |
Did you know that in Russia, nuclear materials are kept like that. I could probably organize a theft myself, if I felt the need.
I think things have been improving for a couple of years though.
| Quote: | | Even after the American Revolution there were British supporters that wished to still be controlled by England. |
Actually, according to the sources I've read, America was divided pretty much into two, so it wasn't as popular of a rebellion as one would like to think.
| Quote: | | Another thing, are you really comparing the US helping the new Iraqi government to a Soviet occupation- that is truly a stretch there. |
No, that was just an example to show that phrases like some people think an adding a couple of photographs of happy Iraqis is worth next to nothing.
About the humanitarian conditions in Iraq - as mentioned above, the situation has worsened considerably since 2003.
There are about 2.8 million internally displaced Iraqis, 2 millions have fled Iraq. And, keep in mind, in a country of less than 30 million.
I'm not saying that the conditions will not improve eventually, but you can see that the Iraqis really have no reason to love you or what you've done.
| Quote: | | I am very surprised to see you mentioned the Panama canal |
I was talking about the US invasion of Panama. At the time, Panama was lead by Manuel Noriega, a dictator, also a known drug trafficker.
Elections were held which gave victory to Guillermo Endara.
Noriega declared the elections void and wanted to hold on to power.
President Bush called on Noriega to respect the will of Panamanians which he of course ignored.
After that the Panamanian defense force turned it's back on Noriega and offered to hand him over to the USA, an offer that was refused.
Eventually, an invasion was launched after allegations that a US serviceman in a base in Panama had been shot and another beaten altogether with his wife.
It ended with 300-4 000 dead civilians. This was, however, one of the few US invasions that the local community actually strongly approved of.
| Quote: | | Now I'm not going to say that at times we have not made bad decisions, but on the whole we do more good than harm. Don't forget that our Navy patrols the oceans of the world, protecting all nations. Piracy is still a major around the world- and we play a major part in fighting it. You probably don't ever hear about that though. |
Actually I hear quite a lot of it.
Combined task force 150 is the international unit that deals with pirates in Somalia.
Countries presently contributing to CTF-150 include Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Pakistan, the United Kingdom and the United States.
| Quote: | | With the current issues with Russia and Georgia I am very surprised to here this response. They could very easy choose to do so. |
I'm very surprised to hear this response. As a European I'd say that this shows about your opinion and knowledge on Europe. C'mon man, that will not happen.
PS!
Something new in the blog as well, trying to keep things controversial  |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
| eamoses |
| Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2008 2:32 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Investing Manager
|
| Quote: | Quote:
Though I wish I could agree totally with this certain facts make it difficult. It is very uncommon for anyone in the service industry to make enough overhead to cover the costs of things like that for their employees.
But they actually do cover it. For example in Estonia, if I earn 14 000.-(about 1 400$, the average wage, of course you won't be able to make that much as a waiter), 21% in income tax, which leaves me with 11 060.-
Additionally, the employee has to pay 33% in social taxes and a 2% unemployment tax.
These additional taxes include my retirement fund (2% of my monthly wages from the employee + 4% from the state) and also my health insurance, plus a list of other things.
I think I'm pretty safe in saying that pretty much all businesses make enough money to cope with that.
Being a waiter is probably still a bad example, as there are a lot of seasonal and also unofficial workers in that sector.
|
Ok, I'm not really too sure about where you are going with that. In our country taxes go to the government- social security goes to the government, and a small amount usually 2% to 5% goes into 401k plans. Health insurance costs are usually a combination of employer and employee paying for them. Some businesses are unable to provide health or vacation because there is not enough overhead to support this. This usually only applies to non-skilled, part-time work. Just about any full-time employee enjoys health care, vacation, and sick days. I'm not sure about Estonia, but here in America there is a growing number of people who do not want to work, and expect a hand out. I'm not even talking about those who work a low paying job- if that was just the case, I would be more willing to help them. My problem is the ones who take government money, blow it on drugs, booze, and other vices, then expect someone to take care of them when they get sick or can't pay their rent, or even buy gas.
| Quote: | Quote:
according to our sources there was enough information for our Congress to agree to go to war.
We've probably hit a principal disagreement on when is war justified.
|
I'm not really trying to justify the war, just trying to make it clear it is not all "the Bush administration" to blame. You must remember that this is in the time after the attacks of 9/11. Saddam was evil, was he a threat to us- probably not. Did he torture, kill, and exploit his people? Yes. Saddam's role-model was Stalin. He tried to mimic him in every way. Any Iraqi will tell you that they are glad Saddam is gone. Now, to be honest things could of been better. The Iraqis thought we were going to provide more support than happened. After the initial push in, our forces pulled back, expecting the people to rejoice and enjoy their liberation. Instead the people went wild, we were not prepared for the total anarchy that followed and were not equipped to deal with it. Same happened in the city of New Orleans right after Katrina. Without authority the populace began looting and pillaging. That is something that happens in a war.
| Quote: | About the humanitarian conditions in Iraq - as mentioned above, the situation has worsened considerably since 2003.
There are about 2.8 million internally displaced Iraqis, 2 millions have fled Iraq. And, keep in mind, in a country of less than 30 million.
I'm not saying that the conditions will not improve eventually, but you can see that the Iraqis really have no reason to love you or what you've done.
|
I have pulled up a very recent article from the BBC March, 2008 that basically says the same thing. But a few key points are missing here. Most of these same conditions existed from the time right after Saddam invaded Kuwait. Remember the fact that Saddam abused the Oil for Food program. The city of Baghdad has never had a really good infrastructure, at least not since the Baath party took over. Also, large numbers of people were fleeing Iraq long before we ever went in. Others are displaced by their own internal fighting. This has nothing to do with us. The only reason you didn't hear much about it before is because the Sunnis maintained control over the Shite population, they murdered and tortured them by the thousands. This does not even bring in the Bedouin or Kird groups, who knows how many of them have suffered and died.
It is really up to the Iraqi people to take control of their own country. We can only help them rebuild or create infrastructure. Large amounts of money and aid pour into the country from around the world, most from the US. If the people do not take advantage and improve themselves that is not our fault. Our main goal is to defend the people from their enemies as they rebuild their country. Remember the fact that Iraq is a country surrounded by those who would be more than happy to take it over.
Also, a lot of people refer to the war with Iraq as a war for oil. If that was the case then we should be getting the most oil, since we have paid with the most money and lives- but, we only have minimal contracts with them for that. Other places like Europe, Australia, and others secured most of the contracts.
I don't think we are wanting the Iraqis to love us. But, most Iraqis are glad that Saddam was deposed. As I said before, I will take the word of the people I talked to, over that of any left-wing news organizations.
Also, I hope that things in Iraq improve so we can get out of that country. This war as cost us a lot in many ways, and I doubt we will ever see a benefit from it. It would be nice to have another ally in the Middle East, but if not then at least they are now free to make their own decision.
You might want to read this new article, this is from September this year. Though I find the wall that was built a little disturbing, but it seems like it is helping.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7615795.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7584962.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7592171.stm
As to the part about Panama, here is the story:
| Quote: | from OnWar.com
On December 15, 1989, Noriega sought and was given by the legislature the title of chief executive officer of the government. The Noriega-led assembly declared that a state of war with the United States existed. The next day Panamanian soldiers killed an unarmed U.S. Marine officer dressed in civilian clothes.
Retaliation by the United States was quick and decisive. On December 17, U.S. President George Bush ordered troops to Panama, with the subsequently announced aims of seizing Noriega to face drug charges in the United States, protecting American lives and property, and restoring Panamanian liberties. The initial attack took place in darkness on the morning of December 20 and was focused primarily on Noriega's headquarters in Panama City. U.S. forces quickly overcame most organized resistance, but in the following days numerous Panamanian soldiers and civilians looted shops in Panama City and Colón, and some 2,000 U.S. reinforcements were flown in to help establish order. The number of Panamanians killed in the operation was estimated at 200-300 combatants (soldiers and paramilitaries) and some 300 civilians; 23 U.S. soldiers also were killed. Hundreds from both nations were wounded.
On the first day of the invasion, Endara and his two vice presidents were sworn in to head the government of Panama. Noriega took refuge in the Vatican nunciature (embassy) in Panama, until he surrendered to U.S. authorities on January 3, 1990, and was then transported to Miami, Florida. There he stood trial, was convicted on a host of charges, and was sentenced to a U.S. prison. In Panama and also France, Noriega was charged with various crimes, including murder, but no enduring efforts were made to have him extradited.
|
Notice that Noriega had declared war with us, and not the other way around.
| Quote: | I'm very surprised to hear this response. As a European I'd say that this shows about your opinion and knowledge on Europe. C'mon man, that will not happen.
|
Actually I hold a fairly high opinion of Europe for the most part. Ireland and Germany are two of my most favorite places. In my travels there I have also been to Hungary and Romania. The people in Romania were pretty easy to get along with, and quite funny... though most of the old men were dirty minded and vocal about it. The women in Hungary were not that friendly, but I wasn't there very long, so my opinion is from a short experience there.
Personally I would hope that Russia would not do that, or as in your newest blog, Austria either.
| Quote: | Quote:
Where is this source from?
Wikipedia on the second Iraq war.
|
I use wikipedia a lot myself, but just remember they are not guaranteed to be factual. They do try to keep things fair and prevent overtly false entries, but can not make any promises- since it is peer edited.
| Quote: | Quote:
These chemicals are still are dangerous in their own right, and should of been destroyed, not just locked up in a facility with no security and only chain fences and simple locks.
Did you know that in Russia, nuclear materials are kept like that. I could probably organize a theft myself, if I felt the need.
I think things have been improving for a couple of years though.
|
The key point here is that the components for these weapons were still there, we were just not able to prove he had the intention to use them any time soon. I doubt Saddam really expected us to attack him though. I still believe weapons like those were more to deter Iran. We all know how well Russia manages their nuclear material.
Now as a new area to explore... What are your thoughts concerning Pakistan? As a nuclear power they have earned quite a bit of respect around the world, yet they are allowed terrorist groups to reside in their country. What do you think will actually happen concerning them and the upcoming elections? Do you think Obama would really invade to get the terrorists there, or is this all talk to make him sound stronger on foreign policy? What would McCain do? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
  |
Goto page 1, 2, 3 Next |
Page 1 of 3 |
| |
stock market game on the web. At eInvesting you compete for monthly cash prizes while you interact, make virtual dollars, purchase items, and trade in the realistic stock market simulator. We make investing FUN!
