tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5426974.post5380712388062749806..comments2023-05-22T07:37:51.514-07:00Comments on The Concrete Donkey: I can't imagine why McCain is trying to cancel the VP debatesErichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09819378102315534002noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5426974.post-10012467966166683072008-09-28T09:02:00.000-07:002008-09-28T09:02:00.000-07:00You're right, it did start with subprime mortgages...You're right, it did start with subprime mortgages, but the currents troubles also stem from devices like credit default swaps. They are basically insurance against defaults on loans, yet they were not sold as insurance, nor were they sold by insurance companies, nor were they regulated at all.<BR/><BR/>We weathered the subprime crisis (which was and is still a major crisis) because at least the Erichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09819378102315534002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5426974.post-11138604645680549732008-09-27T12:30:00.000-07:002008-09-27T12:30:00.000-07:00my point is how do we know it wasn't government re...my point is how do we know it wasn't government regulation demanding the free markets lower mortgage standards so that lower income people could get houses. It is obvious sub prime mortagages are to blame. Mortage companies didn't start the sub prime spree. It was government demanding it. <BR/><BR/>Then greed made it worse.<BR/><BR/>I am ok with you making the assumption that the free markets Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5426974.post-55585014867930347462008-09-27T11:41:00.000-07:002008-09-27T11:41:00.000-07:00How do we know what doesn't work? I can't believe ...How do we know what doesn't work? I can't believe you would even ask that question.<BR/><BR/>With all the bailouts, I think we can safely say that letting the financial world regulate itself doesn't work. Would socialism work better? No.<BR/><BR/>What I mean by ideology is a belief that the world should adhere to a system because it works. You said yourself there are pros and cons to each Erichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09819378102315534002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5426974.post-7251057571048780122008-09-27T10:11:00.000-07:002008-09-27T10:11:00.000-07:00"holding fast to an ideology that doesn't work."Do..."holding fast to an ideology that doesn't work."<BR/><BR/>Do we truly know what works and doesn't work? I think if we are going to be fair it is all theory.<BR/><BR/>Theory that turns into spin.<BR/><BR/>I think there are pro and cons to each sides idealogy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5426974.post-45417152898310255932008-09-27T08:23:00.000-07:002008-09-27T08:23:00.000-07:00That's why I believe the only hope for our democra...That's why I believe the only hope for our democracy is true campaign finance reform, something McCain once worked very hard to make a reality, though now that he needs really big checks, it doesn't seem to be on his radar.<BR/><BR/>I don't know which is worse, though: being beholden to your donors, or holding fast to an ideology that doesn't work. Both of these cause politicians to make bad Erichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09819378102315534002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5426974.post-77095552341596420112008-09-27T00:44:00.000-07:002008-09-27T00:44:00.000-07:00No I agree with you... Regulation is fine if it st...No I agree with you... Regulation is fine if it sticks to safety of the american public. Using regulation for other reasons is abuse of power and seems to happen way too often. <BR/><BR/>In this case both sides used mortage regulation to push agenda based policy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5426974.post-12549309519546198682008-09-26T20:57:00.000-07:002008-09-26T20:57:00.000-07:00So, are you saying that, because we can't find a p...So, are you saying that, because we can't find a perfect regulator, that we should have none.<BR/><BR/>Again, I think you are using deductive reasoning. You are beginning from the premise that government is bad. I disagree. Government is as bad as the principles and laws it follows. We have had enlightened governments in the past, but with the legalized bribery we call lobbying, I agree with you Erichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09819378102315534002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5426974.post-31944525539928261292008-09-26T16:30:00.000-07:002008-09-26T16:30:00.000-07:00No such thing my friend! SEC and the Fed heads ar...No such thing my friend! SEC and the Fed heads are all apointed by the president and confirmed by congress. They also have ties to wealthy people. FDA and drug companies come to mind as an example.<BR/><BR/>I would love to think there is true independent regulation available. When you are dealing with humans and sin and greed, I don't see how that is possible. The governement takes the power andAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5426974.post-2934245571464401262008-09-26T15:45:00.000-07:002008-09-26T15:45:00.000-07:00I totally agree that the Democrats and the Republi...I totally agree that the Democrats and the Republicans both answer to their wealthy donors, so I'm sure Clinton had as much to do with this as Bush.<BR/><BR/>But the fact is that independent (and I stress INDEPENDENT) regulation could have curbed this. That's what the SEC and the Fed are supposed to do. Free markets do not correct themselves. I don't see what other conclusion we can come to. MoreErichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09819378102315534002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5426974.post-20109710814393875722008-09-26T10:34:00.000-07:002008-09-26T10:34:00.000-07:00Maybe the wrong thread but I know eric you and I ...Maybe the wrong thread but I know eric you and I disagree on the free market. All I keep hearing is the free market failed and we need more government oversight. This is coming from both parties. Check out these things pushed by both bush and clinton. This in combination with pure greed is the reason for this. <BR/><BR/>From 2004<BR/><BR/>"President Bush's weekend campaign promise that he will Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5426974.post-31434555803858001622008-09-25T23:34:00.000-07:002008-09-25T23:34:00.000-07:00I would vote for a democrat. He or she would almos...I would vote for a democrat. He or she would almost have to be socially conservative though. I couldn't vote for a pro choice guy. People vote for many different reason and that one always gets me fired up. I saw the rick warren interview. There are many pro life dems, I just don't know if they would ever get elected.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5426974.post-27062605073137347552008-09-25T19:32:00.000-07:002008-09-25T19:32:00.000-07:00Jim,I appreciate the fact that you are not a 100% ...Jim,<BR/><BR/>I appreciate the fact that you are not a 100% Republican like so many ditto heads out there. I, too, pride myself on having voted in every election since 1988, and only voting for one Democrat the entire time (I'll admit, it was Dukakis--I was 18!!!!) In fact, I voted FOR McCain in the 2000 primary.<BR/><BR/>Would you not ever consider voting for a Democrat? It worries me that we Erichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09819378102315534002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5426974.post-41478714311647751402008-09-25T18:25:00.000-07:002008-09-25T18:25:00.000-07:00Ha, that's rich! I bet you have a great story to t...Ha, that's rich! I bet you have a great story to tell behind those four hours of pasture pool with a former VP.The McGuffinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16058154425116248048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5426974.post-74198316935382510092008-09-25T15:18:00.000-07:002008-09-25T15:18:00.000-07:00"How many Mulligans did DQ take?"One off the first..."How many Mulligans did DQ take?"<BR/><BR/>One off the first tee <BR/><BR/>because and I quote,<BR/><BR/>" I didn't get a chance to hit any range balls"<BR/><BR/>I still use that excuse today when I play.<BR/><BR/>fasinoAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5426974.post-77462410095087582992008-09-25T14:53:00.000-07:002008-09-25T14:53:00.000-07:00I don't know if they all blow. Some might just suc...I don't know if they all blow. Some might just suck.<BR/><BR/>We have three choices come November. Vote (R)...vote (D)...or stay home and watch Family Guy. One party will win, if you believe in the phrase "lesser of two evils" that's your right. Obama might not have the experience of some former past candidates, but he has the integrity, spirit and knowledge that is sorely needed right now. <BR/>The McGuffinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16058154425116248048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5426974.post-30723072534748145442008-09-25T14:01:00.000-07:002008-09-25T14:01:00.000-07:00Mcguffin,Can you honestly say Obama has the experi...Mcguffin,<BR/><BR/>Can you honestly say Obama has the experience though? He is just better at covering it up. More polished as one would say.<BR/><BR/>It just sucks... they all blow. <BR/><BR/>I played golf with Dan Quayle in Fort Wayne back in the day. <BR/><BR/>FasinoAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5426974.post-59979959260850029292008-09-25T13:25:00.000-07:002008-09-25T13:25:00.000-07:00This issue of Palin's total lack of understanding ...This issue of Palin's total lack of understanding and experience isn't partisan. She could be an (R), a (D), a communist, a socialist or whatever and she'd still be dangerous to this country.<BR/><BR/>Fasino, please do vote. Vote for the party that wants to take us "forward into the future...not past to the back"...as Dan Quayle once said.The McGuffinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16058154425116248048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5426974.post-47924357070384012892008-09-25T12:59:00.000-07:002008-09-25T12:59:00.000-07:00Not that it matters to anyone here but since I am ...Not that it matters to anyone here but since I am the only conservative that reads this blog(which I enjoy).... If the VP debates do not happen.... I will not vote.<BR/>-FasinoAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5426974.post-88224660870492134892008-09-25T12:26:00.000-07:002008-09-25T12:26:00.000-07:00Sharon Osbourne, in 2 1/2 short minutes, sums it a...Sharon Osbourne, in 2 1/2 short minutes, sums it all up...<BR/><BR/>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_fmvbDvN5YThe McGuffinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16058154425116248048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5426974.post-18441358354076218862008-09-25T08:09:00.000-07:002008-09-25T08:09:00.000-07:00Couric for vice-president!! Sarah Palin does not k...Couric for vice-president!! Sarah Palin does not know what she is talking about and I am more afraid than I have ever been that this stupid electorate will vote that pig in.<BR/>KAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5426974.post-83603682135772322472008-09-25T00:40:00.000-07:002008-09-25T00:40:00.000-07:00I'm gonna puke."I'll try and find some examples an...I'm gonna puke.<BR/><BR/>"I'll try and find some examples and bring 'em to ya?"<BR/><BR/>This candidate is completely and wholeheartedly out of her realm. Katie Couric is 10x more qualified to be VP.<BR/><BR/>Once again. I'm gonna puke.The McGuffinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16058154425116248048noreply@blogger.com