In the 60-'s, you could not grow up without hearing the jingle "Don't cross the street in the middle of the block". Here is a revision as I cannot find an original. Here is another PSA with the same theme.
The concept was that the pedestrian had a responsibility to be sure THEY kept themselves safe.
Today people ASSUME that because there is a crosswalk or because there is a sign that says yield to pedestrians that they are absolved of any responsibility.
Combine this with people walking and driving with cell phones and is it no wonder pedestrian accidents are up?
Responsibility is a two way street (pun intended) . Too many people say "But I had the right of way..". To be responsible means more than believing you are right - it involves accepting that sometimes other people might be wrong.
ChrisZ
Sunday, November 10, 2019
Saturday, September 28, 2019
About that Ukraine Transcript
After reading the "Transcript" about President Trump's call to the Ukraine President, I have three thoughts:
1. That President Trump edited the transcript (which is admittedly not word for word) in order to satisfy his ego.
2. President Zelensky is the biggest suck up in history, or
3. President Zelensky, as a comedian, is having fun with our President.
My feeling it is between 1 and 2.
It would not surprise me that when we find (if we find) the original VR file of the conversation, we find that the Ukrainian President was a little less enthusiastic and also less sure of his answers.
Time will tell if I am right.
1. That President Trump edited the transcript (which is admittedly not word for word) in order to satisfy his ego.
2. President Zelensky is the biggest suck up in history, or
3. President Zelensky, as a comedian, is having fun with our President.
My feeling it is between 1 and 2.
It would not surprise me that when we find (if we find) the original VR file of the conversation, we find that the Ukrainian President was a little less enthusiastic and also less sure of his answers.
Time will tell if I am right.
Saturday, July 27, 2019
Trump is not a racist - he is a Troll
There has been a lot of speculation if Trump is a racist. I don't know for sure, but he is reveling in the coverage he is getting in the media. That is his goal, to get people stirred up on both sides so they don't deal with the real issues. They spend so much time talking about what he said that they do not see what he is doing - classical magician - misdirection.
According to Wikipedia:
In Internet slang, a troll is a person who starts quarrels or upsets people on the Internet to distract and sow discord by posting inflammatory and digressive,[1] extraneous, or off-topic messages in an online community (such as a newsgroup, forum, chat room, or blog) with the intent of provoking readers into displaying emotional responses[2] and normalizing tangential discussion,[3] whether for the troll's amusement or a specific gain.
Well Trump's Tweets certainly fit the description.
The question is, what do you do about it? I thought the best thing was to call him out, line by line and show the falsehoods. The problem is after over 10,000 false statements, there is too much time wasted making corrections.
So here is what I think the media should do - take a page out of Seinfeld, just say when quoting the President for example: He said "Yada, Yada, Yada." Because nothing he seems to say has any value whatsoever - so why give him attention? He is just like a toddler throwing a tantrum.
The most important rule - don't feed trolls!
According to Wikipedia:
In Internet slang, a troll is a person who starts quarrels or upsets people on the Internet to distract and sow discord by posting inflammatory and digressive,[1] extraneous, or off-topic messages in an online community (such as a newsgroup, forum, chat room, or blog) with the intent of provoking readers into displaying emotional responses[2] and normalizing tangential discussion,[3] whether for the troll's amusement or a specific gain.
Well Trump's Tweets certainly fit the description.
The question is, what do you do about it? I thought the best thing was to call him out, line by line and show the falsehoods. The problem is after over 10,000 false statements, there is too much time wasted making corrections.
So here is what I think the media should do - take a page out of Seinfeld, just say when quoting the President for example: He said "Yada, Yada, Yada." Because nothing he seems to say has any value whatsoever - so why give him attention? He is just like a toddler throwing a tantrum.
The most important rule - don't feed trolls!
Thursday, March 28, 2019
Won't get fooled again
Once again the American population has been fooled. The headlines following the release of the Muller report should have been. "Proven that Russia interferes in our election process by manipulating social media. President duped into thinking he has a mandate." but instead the headlines read "No Collusion". Order # 3015-2017 was titled "Appointment of Special Counsel to Investigate Russian Interference with the 2016 Presidential Election and Related Matters." Robert Mueller was charged to investigate that plus any links between the Russian government and any individuals associated with the campaign of President Donald Trump. Implicit in that is the President, but not explicit. Some people related to the president were convicted of crimes, mostly lying to investigators. But why would you lie if you did nothing wrong? I think that is the most puzzling question. Could the plot be so Machiavellian as to deliberately obstruct justice knowing that obstruction is hard to prove in the absence of a crime? I get a headache just thinking about it.
As I wrote over two years ago, I thought there was no direct conspiracy to collude, but there was a lot of jumping on the bandwagon of false statements, hyperbole and innuendo. There are many people who want their name cleared, but the only way to do that is to release the entire report. My belief is that will not happen soon without selective releases of information favorable to those chosen, or unfavorable to those not. I predict if this course is followed, then Robert Mueller will be called before Congress and then all h*ll will break loose - if he is allowed to talk. Remember there are still ongoing investigations that he was involved with and that may not allow him to speak freely. Hmmmm.
As many people are advising the President - it would be better to take your victory lap, hollow as it is, and then let it die down and go away. But like a scab, he will pick at it until it starts bleeding again. The American people have already gone back to reading about the Kardashians, Justin Beiber and their Facebook posts; which means in a year or so we will be back to the same place we were 4 years ago...
Sunday, January 13, 2019
Where have I heard this before?
Washington (CNN)President Donald Trump threatened Sunday to push the government into a shutdown ahead of the coming spending deadline in September if Congress does not fund his border wall and change the nation's immigration laws. CNN 7/29/2018
President Donald Trump said Wednesday that a government shutdown “could happen” and blamed Democrats for the looming threat, claiming “they want to have illegal immigrants pouring into the country, bringing with them crime."
NBC 12/6/2017
PHOENIX — President Trump on Tuesday threatened to shut down the government over border wall funding, said the North American Free Trade Agreement is likely to be terminated and signaled that he was prepared to pardon former Arizona sheriff Joe Arpaio, who is anathema to the Latino community. Washington Post 8/23/2017
Looming above Washington as Congress and the White House attempt to avert a funding shutdown in only five days’ time, Donald Trump’s central campaign promise to build a wall on the Mexican border threatens to bring the US government to a halt this week in a national display of dysfunction. The Guardian 4/23/2017
Okay - why did he not shut it down when he controlled both houses of Congress? Why did he wait until the Democrats controlled the House? Nah - could not be politics...
Sunday, December 23, 2018
How quickly they forget
Representative Mark Meadows is upset that the Democrats cannot even come up with 5 billion dollars for President Trump's "wall".
He says this is just a small number. Maybe he forgets the 1.5 TRILLION that the Republicans gave to the wealthy in the form of tax breaks.
Do you think if they had not squandered that money they may have been able to find the money for the wall?
He says this is just a small number. Maybe he forgets the 1.5 TRILLION that the Republicans gave to the wealthy in the form of tax breaks.
Do you think if they had not squandered that money they may have been able to find the money for the wall?
Saturday, December 22, 2018
Mis-Simplification
People who deny climate change often look to headlines for their ammunition:
THE PLANET NOW HAS MORE TREES THAN IT DID 35 YEARS AGO
The world is getting greener. Why does no one want to know?
Carbon Dioxide Fertilization Greening Earth, Study Finds
Conservative web site used this information to claim that we have nothing to fear from "climate change" and that getting warmer is good for our planet.
I call this mis-simplification of the information. They take a bit of information, out of context, present it with no backing data and draw a conclusion from it.
For example - the planet has more trees than it did 35 years ago. Okay - some questions:
1. Was there a reason why 35 years ago we had a dearth of trees?
2. Are the trees today equal to trees prior to 35 years ago.
3. What about 100 years ago?
4. If there are more trees - are they the same trees?
5. What does more trees mean exactly?
Even in the case of the second headline, the author of the article (A) admits that the author of the study (B) he cites, has told A to stop misquoting B!
So how do you identify mis-simplification?
1. The information comes from headlines, not a careful reading of the article
2. There information is too specific ("35 years")
3. The information is too logical - so obvious that it is hard to contradict.
Mis-simplification might is a major part of "fake news" and is being used to distract people from real issues and critical thinking.
How we convince people to recognize this? We have to them to question their own biases. That is a much more difficult problem.
THE PLANET NOW HAS MORE TREES THAN IT DID 35 YEARS AGO
The world is getting greener. Why does no one want to know?
Carbon Dioxide Fertilization Greening Earth, Study Finds
Conservative web site used this information to claim that we have nothing to fear from "climate change" and that getting warmer is good for our planet.
I call this mis-simplification of the information. They take a bit of information, out of context, present it with no backing data and draw a conclusion from it.
For example - the planet has more trees than it did 35 years ago. Okay - some questions:
1. Was there a reason why 35 years ago we had a dearth of trees?
2. Are the trees today equal to trees prior to 35 years ago.
3. What about 100 years ago?
4. If there are more trees - are they the same trees?
5. What does more trees mean exactly?
Even in the case of the second headline, the author of the article (A) admits that the author of the study (B) he cites, has told A to stop misquoting B!
So how do you identify mis-simplification?
1. The information comes from headlines, not a careful reading of the article
2. There information is too specific ("35 years")
3. The information is too logical - so obvious that it is hard to contradict.
Mis-simplification might is a major part of "fake news" and is being used to distract people from real issues and critical thinking.
How we convince people to recognize this? We have to them to question their own biases. That is a much more difficult problem.
Sunday, September 30, 2018
Supreme Agony
In watching the circus which is the hearings for Supreme Court Nominee Kavanaugh, the following thought struck me. For all those defending Judge Kavanaugh, with 100% certainty and how unfairly he is being treated, what about Bill Cosby? What about all the priests and bishops of the Catholic Church who were accused and convicted of abuse. What about the Hollywood producers and stars who ended up being guilty?
We are going through a period in time where past sins are being dug up and used against people. We have not yet drawn the line between what is fair and sensible and what is over the top. Certainly what was done as a teenager is different than something done as an adult. Certainly people can change and correct their faults. As a Catholic, redemption is the key part of our beliefs. However, redemption has a price. Honest admission of failings, expressing contrition, and leading a better life after. I get the feeling Judge Kavanaugh has done the last one, not sure about the first two.
We are going through a period in time where past sins are being dug up and used against people. We have not yet drawn the line between what is fair and sensible and what is over the top. Certainly what was done as a teenager is different than something done as an adult. Certainly people can change and correct their faults. As a Catholic, redemption is the key part of our beliefs. However, redemption has a price. Honest admission of failings, expressing contrition, and leading a better life after. I get the feeling Judge Kavanaugh has done the last one, not sure about the first two.
Saturday, September 08, 2018
How come come nobody thought of this?
There is much talk about who is the "anonymous" writer in the NYT op ed.
What about is this is a compilation of many people?
The "author" does say "we" so might that also mean that several people contributed to it?
That way all could say they did not write (the entire) it, and not implicate any one other person.
Hmmm.
UPDATE - 3 days after this someone else had the same thought - Steve Bannon -not sure I want to be in that company....
What about is this is a compilation of many people?
The "author" does say "we" so might that also mean that several people contributed to it?
That way all could say they did not write (the entire) it, and not implicate any one other person.
Hmmm.
UPDATE - 3 days after this someone else had the same thought - Steve Bannon -not sure I want to be in that company....
Saturday, September 01, 2018
Mark Twain and the new truth
It is alleged that Mark Twain said "A lie goes around the world before the truth even gets its pants on".
Whether he did or did not, he was credited with saying it.
Well I have come up with my own saying and hope to be a famous as he is.
"TRUTH FINDS ITS SEAT AT THE 50 YARD LINE."
Whether he did or did not, he was credited with saying it.
Well I have come up with my own saying and hope to be a famous as he is.
"TRUTH FINDS ITS SEAT AT THE 50 YARD LINE."
Sunday, February 04, 2018
The damage is done
Update 2/17/2018 - From what I have found out, Carter Page's surveillance started in October 2016. It was renewed 3 times for 3 months each so unless it was renewed unknown to us, the surveillance ended in October 2017. So if he was not currently under surveillance when the memo came out, they would claim that no unmasking took place. I still wonder if finding out anyone was under surveillance so close to the ending of the surveillance was damaging, but technically, it is not unmasking.
One thing that has not been addressed with the release of the "Carter Page" memo, is that in unmasking Carter Page as the person who was being surveilled, this ended any information that was forthcoming from the surveillance. Now, it might be that the information was already winding down, or that his identification was out there to the point that the information being gathered was not longer trustworthy; in fact could have been already been purposely misleading. The fact is, now that Carter Page has been "unmasked", no more information will be coming from this investigation.
One thing that has not been addressed with the release of the "Carter Page" memo, is that in unmasking Carter Page as the person who was being surveilled, this ended any information that was forthcoming from the surveillance. Now, it might be that the information was already winding down, or that his identification was out there to the point that the information being gathered was not longer trustworthy; in fact could have been already been purposely misleading. The fact is, now that Carter Page has been "unmasked", no more information will be coming from this investigation.
Saturday, January 06, 2018
One year down
Okay,
Here is my quick review of the President Trump's first year in office.
1. Supreme Court Nominee - Here the President really owes a debt of gratitude to Mitch McConnell. If McConnell did not take the risk of delaying the nomination of President Obama's nominee (remember Garland?), then there would be no nomination to make.
2. Economy - like it our not, 2017 was still President Obama's. The Dow came from almost nothing (6400 in 2009), to end up at 19,887 in 2017. It is just crossed 25000 as I write this, but my opinion is that it is overvalued and due for a correction. Will companies buy back stock keep it high? Tune in during 2018.
3. Jobs - for 2017, we see the same problem as the last 8 years - jobs that are created are either highly skilled or minimum wage and not enough workers to fill the first scenario. With the college bubble about to bust (a correction in tuition), I think companies should spend some of their saved tax money, not to invest in machinery, but to invest in training centers for the workers they need.
4. I do not see any problem with controlling immigration and protecting our borders. The "my way or the highway" attitude hurts more than helps. The Republicans know they need to turn many non-citizens into good taxpaying citizens, but after demonizing them for so long, how do they get to that point? DACA will be the first turning point.
5. Foreign Policy. The President has some good people who are being compromised by the 3am Tweets and other outbursts. Then you wonder how many good people are being forced to say things they don't want to. An example is Nikki Haley's "we are taking names" comments at the UN. If the administration does not have the courage of their convictions to take some criticism, you wonder if they are right. The "It is my ball and if you don't play by my rules I am going home" is a childish attitude.
And that is all I will comment on. Happy New Year
ChrisZ
Here is my quick review of the President Trump's first year in office.
1. Supreme Court Nominee - Here the President really owes a debt of gratitude to Mitch McConnell. If McConnell did not take the risk of delaying the nomination of President Obama's nominee (remember Garland?), then there would be no nomination to make.
2. Economy - like it our not, 2017 was still President Obama's. The Dow came from almost nothing (6400 in 2009), to end up at 19,887 in 2017. It is just crossed 25000 as I write this, but my opinion is that it is overvalued and due for a correction. Will companies buy back stock keep it high? Tune in during 2018.
3. Jobs - for 2017, we see the same problem as the last 8 years - jobs that are created are either highly skilled or minimum wage and not enough workers to fill the first scenario. With the college bubble about to bust (a correction in tuition), I think companies should spend some of their saved tax money, not to invest in machinery, but to invest in training centers for the workers they need.
4. I do not see any problem with controlling immigration and protecting our borders. The "my way or the highway" attitude hurts more than helps. The Republicans know they need to turn many non-citizens into good taxpaying citizens, but after demonizing them for so long, how do they get to that point? DACA will be the first turning point.
5. Foreign Policy. The President has some good people who are being compromised by the 3am Tweets and other outbursts. Then you wonder how many good people are being forced to say things they don't want to. An example is Nikki Haley's "we are taking names" comments at the UN. If the administration does not have the courage of their convictions to take some criticism, you wonder if they are right. The "It is my ball and if you don't play by my rules I am going home" is a childish attitude.
And that is all I will comment on. Happy New Year
ChrisZ
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
All over but he shouting
After living through this play twice before, I seem to know how it ends.
At first there are a lot of happy people who have maybe $20.00 more dollars in their pockets each week, but then after a few years they realize that the creep in fees, local taxes, increases in cable bills and cell phone plans, end up costing much more.
Then the retirement plans get cut, the roads get worse and it costs even more to get an education. Eventually, people realize it was a stupid idea, and make steps to fix it.
Just when it is starting to work, people get greedy again and are sold anotehr bill of goods.
Then the cycle starts again....
At first there are a lot of happy people who have maybe $20.00 more dollars in their pockets each week, but then after a few years they realize that the creep in fees, local taxes, increases in cable bills and cell phone plans, end up costing much more.
Then the retirement plans get cut, the roads get worse and it costs even more to get an education. Eventually, people realize it was a stupid idea, and make steps to fix it.
Just when it is starting to work, people get greedy again and are sold anotehr bill of goods.
Then the cycle starts again....
Saturday, December 09, 2017
All we have to fear is fear itself
What drives people? I am proposing that people are all driven by two opposite emotions: Pride and Fear.
Pride, or Ego, does not allow us to be wrong - it does not allow us to be objective. It makes us deny evidence. It gives us privilege, defined by us.
Fear is the opposite, but with the same effect - it shapes our beliefs and does not allow us to accept things that force us to change - we are afraid of change because it means we have to have put an effort into meeting this change - at our core, we do not like change.
The true response is humility, the desire to search for truth, even it it does not fit with our preconceived notions. This means changing your beliefs when presented with evidence to the contrary.
We will never be able to completely take emotion out of our actions, nor be able to understand everything put before us. We are capable of making informed decisions, and the more people who make informed decisions, the more possible the the group decision will be correct.
Pride, or Ego, does not allow us to be wrong - it does not allow us to be objective. It makes us deny evidence. It gives us privilege, defined by us.
Fear is the opposite, but with the same effect - it shapes our beliefs and does not allow us to accept things that force us to change - we are afraid of change because it means we have to have put an effort into meeting this change - at our core, we do not like change.
The true response is humility, the desire to search for truth, even it it does not fit with our preconceived notions. This means changing your beliefs when presented with evidence to the contrary.
We will never be able to completely take emotion out of our actions, nor be able to understand everything put before us. We are capable of making informed decisions, and the more people who make informed decisions, the more possible the the group decision will be correct.
Friday, November 03, 2017
What a 180 - Makes my head spin....
Today President Beamed on how he was right and the election was rigged.
Except - he was not referring to the Democratic Primary - he was referring to the General Election:
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/oct/21/donald-trump-fact-check-rigged-election-voter
‘Rigged election’
“The election is absolutely being rigged by the dishonest and distorted media pushing Crooked Hillary – but also at many polling places – SAD.” – 16 October, Twitter
“Of course there is large scale voter fraud happening on and before election day. Why do Republican leaders deny what is going on? So naïve!” – 17 October, Twitter
“So many cities are corrupt and voter fraud is very, very common.” – 17 October, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Do people have such short memories that they are this easily fooled?
Except - he was not referring to the Democratic Primary - he was referring to the General Election:
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/oct/21/donald-trump-fact-check-rigged-election-voter
‘Rigged election’
“The election is absolutely being rigged by the dishonest and distorted media pushing Crooked Hillary – but also at many polling places – SAD.” – 16 October, Twitter
“Of course there is large scale voter fraud happening on and before election day. Why do Republican leaders deny what is going on? So naïve!” – 17 October, Twitter
“So many cities are corrupt and voter fraud is very, very common.” – 17 October, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Do people have such short memories that they are this easily fooled?
Saturday, October 14, 2017
The most $%$#@ I have heard - today
Steve Forbes was on a panel show on Fox. the panel was of 4 men and 2 women - all but one of the panel (a man) was solidly in the Trump camp.
A the end of the segment, and at a point where no one could respond - Steve Forbes let out with this winner "I should not have to buy an insurance policy that covers pregnancy." I am surprised that the women on the panel did not jump out of their seats and attack him. What a %^%$# statement. Does he not understand how insurance works? Did he not have children himself? Does he not have a mother? Should the women not have to pay into a policy that covers prostate exams? Should middle age people not have to pay into a policy that covers Alzheimers?
The ACA tried to level the playing field but stating the minimum coverage that treats us all like individual human beings. We band together as a society to provide health care for everyone. The ambulance driver does not ask for your insurance card in an accident. The emergency room doctor does not ask if his services are covered by your plan. Do you want to get to the point where the police do not come to your house because you opted out of burglar protection on your taxes?
When we think about what these people are saying, we realize that we are being sold down the river by people who just wish to line their pockets.
Chris
A the end of the segment, and at a point where no one could respond - Steve Forbes let out with this winner "I should not have to buy an insurance policy that covers pregnancy." I am surprised that the women on the panel did not jump out of their seats and attack him. What a %^%$# statement. Does he not understand how insurance works? Did he not have children himself? Does he not have a mother? Should the women not have to pay into a policy that covers prostate exams? Should middle age people not have to pay into a policy that covers Alzheimers?
The ACA tried to level the playing field but stating the minimum coverage that treats us all like individual human beings. We band together as a society to provide health care for everyone. The ambulance driver does not ask for your insurance card in an accident. The emergency room doctor does not ask if his services are covered by your plan. Do you want to get to the point where the police do not come to your house because you opted out of burglar protection on your taxes?
When we think about what these people are saying, we realize that we are being sold down the river by people who just wish to line their pockets.
Chris
Sunday, October 01, 2017
Tom Price resigns from post - mirrors requested
I don't need to write - just to report:
Under pressure from Trump, Price resigns as health secretary over private plane uproar.
"I certainly don't like the optics," Trump told reporters as he headed for the presidential helicopter Marine One, en route to a weekend stay at his golf club in New Jersey. "I'm not happy, I can tell you that. I'm not happy."
Can someone please buy the President a mirror?
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=20322092#editor/target=post;postID=738009036454706782
Under pressure from Trump, Price resigns as health secretary over private plane uproar.
"I certainly don't like the optics," Trump told reporters as he headed for the presidential helicopter Marine One, en route to a weekend stay at his golf club in New Jersey. "I'm not happy, I can tell you that. I'm not happy."
Can someone please buy the President a mirror?
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=20322092#editor/target=post;postID=738009036454706782
Sunday, September 24, 2017
The Next Great Bubble
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Chris's Words of Wisdom (WOW)
“This country will collapse economically, when the government cannot pay for the seemingly reasonable demands of the people .”
ChrisZ
I wrote this over 8 years ago - the next bubble will be the government bubble - what we are seeing this year in CT, IL and many other states.
My claim is that the state budgets are not allowed to expand and CONTRACT, like they do in normal business. This is why government jobs always have to lag behind jobs in private industry. For example:
Geno Auriemma is a great coach, but he should not be making 2 million dollars a year at UCONN. His salary should have been capped at around $500,000. "Then he would have left UCONN!" Right, and someone would have taken his place. "But we would have not won all those championships!" Maybe, maybe not; but winning championships just led to more spending and increased taxes.
Teachers salaries and pensions should be phased out and moved to IRA's. Current teachers with pensions should have them adjusted to current economic conditions. No one group should be guaranteed isolation from the ups and downs of the economy and still be paid more than the average worker with the same skills.
Companies who lay off people because it is cheaper to deploy robots and pay unemployment, should be taxed extra for replacing people in the first place. Technology is driving the economy and making a small group of people wealthier, with out any concern for the collateral damage in their wake. You cannot claim protection against third world competitors while making record profits....
I give these as examples - not to pick on any person or group - every person is looking out for their own good. Nothing wrong with that unless they look at the world as a unlimited salad bar. The world is closer to a zero sum game, than an win/win or infinite sum game.
ChrisZ
Chris's Words of Wisdom (WOW)
“This country will collapse economically, when the government cannot pay for the seemingly reasonable demands of the people .”
ChrisZ
I wrote this over 8 years ago - the next bubble will be the government bubble - what we are seeing this year in CT, IL and many other states.
My claim is that the state budgets are not allowed to expand and CONTRACT, like they do in normal business. This is why government jobs always have to lag behind jobs in private industry. For example:
Geno Auriemma is a great coach, but he should not be making 2 million dollars a year at UCONN. His salary should have been capped at around $500,000. "Then he would have left UCONN!" Right, and someone would have taken his place. "But we would have not won all those championships!" Maybe, maybe not; but winning championships just led to more spending and increased taxes.
Teachers salaries and pensions should be phased out and moved to IRA's. Current teachers with pensions should have them adjusted to current economic conditions. No one group should be guaranteed isolation from the ups and downs of the economy and still be paid more than the average worker with the same skills.
Companies who lay off people because it is cheaper to deploy robots and pay unemployment, should be taxed extra for replacing people in the first place. Technology is driving the economy and making a small group of people wealthier, with out any concern for the collateral damage in their wake. You cannot claim protection against third world competitors while making record profits....
I give these as examples - not to pick on any person or group - every person is looking out for their own good. Nothing wrong with that unless they look at the world as a unlimited salad bar. The world is closer to a zero sum game, than an win/win or infinite sum game.
ChrisZ
Wednesday, August 16, 2017
Ego or not Ego
To be a president you have to have an ego. What motivates it is another story. Here are the presidents I remember in my lifetime:
Kennedy: Altruistic - driven by family pressure to be great
Johnson: Driven by fate - did not like Kennedy but felt he had to continue his work
Nixon: Driven by losses and a bit narcissistic - will hang on til last second
Ford: Not enough ego - fate put him there
Carter: A nice guy who really thought niceness could win
Reagan: Another altruistic guy who I believe really thought he knew best
Bush 1: His turn - not egotistical enough
Clinton: A wheeler dealer - narcissistic but practical (knew when to fold them)
Bush 2: a bit of a puppet of Cheney and the GOP - toward the end was finding his swagger.
Obama: the chosen one - altruistic - the professor
Before we come to Trump
H Clinton: My turn -I worked and slaved my but off- put up with crap and should be rewarded. Being first woman she would want to leave a legacy though.
Donald Trump - I am the best - but unlike Mohammed Ali -more talk than results - golden boy with opportunistic tendencies - everything revolves around me - willing to throw anyone under the bus if it makes him look good. Not sure he really cares about America - just that he is best for America no matter what. a Realty TV show in the White House.
That is why I did not vote for him - not that Hillary was much better - but being the first woman would have forced her to be a better president.
Trump does not care - except about himself.
Kennedy: Altruistic - driven by family pressure to be great
Johnson: Driven by fate - did not like Kennedy but felt he had to continue his work
Nixon: Driven by losses and a bit narcissistic - will hang on til last second
Ford: Not enough ego - fate put him there
Carter: A nice guy who really thought niceness could win
Reagan: Another altruistic guy who I believe really thought he knew best
Bush 1: His turn - not egotistical enough
Clinton: A wheeler dealer - narcissistic but practical (knew when to fold them)
Bush 2: a bit of a puppet of Cheney and the GOP - toward the end was finding his swagger.
Obama: the chosen one - altruistic - the professor
Before we come to Trump
H Clinton: My turn -I worked and slaved my but off- put up with crap and should be rewarded. Being first woman she would want to leave a legacy though.
Donald Trump - I am the best - but unlike Mohammed Ali -more talk than results - golden boy with opportunistic tendencies - everything revolves around me - willing to throw anyone under the bus if it makes him look good. Not sure he really cares about America - just that he is best for America no matter what. a Realty TV show in the White House.
That is why I did not vote for him - not that Hillary was much better - but being the first woman would have forced her to be a better president.
Trump does not care - except about himself.
Monday, July 24, 2017
Scoutworthy
President Trump
A Scout is:
Trustworthy, 20%
Loyal, 20%
Helpful, 40%
Friendly, 30%
Courteous, 20%
Kind, 20%
Obedient, 10%
Cheerful, 20%
Thrifty, 15%
Brave, 10%
Clean, 10%
and Reverent. 20%
Not much of a Scout
A Scout is:
Trustworthy, 20%
Loyal, 20%
Helpful, 40%
Friendly, 30%
Courteous, 20%
Kind, 20%
Obedient, 10%
Cheerful, 20%
Thrifty, 15%
Brave, 10%
Clean, 10%
and Reverent. 20%
Not much of a Scout
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