scattersez Comments - Brought to you by JoeUserhttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/rss/comments© 2006 - 2008 Stardock Corporation. All rights reserved.Righting Wrongs Growth Pains to Democracyen-us2008-07-05T12:28:042008-07-05T12:28:04http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/rss/rss.htmlStardock Rss Generator v1.0, Andrew Powellinfo@stardock.comapowell@stardock.comSkyjackhttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/167615
Another attack from a mosque and what do we do? Walk away, AGAIN. 5 dead Americans (Liberals rejoice!)]]>http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/167615http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/167615Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04Skyjack on An Unconventional StrategyParaTed2khttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/167615Merry Christmas to you and your family, Scatter!

]]>http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/167615http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/167615Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04ParaTed2k on An Unconventional StrategySkyjackhttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/167615
War should be WAR, not "politics with guns."]]>http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/167615http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/167615Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04Skyjack on An Unconventional StrategyParaTed2khttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/167615http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/167615http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/167615Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04ParaTed2k on An Unconventional StrategyJythierhttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/167615http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/167615http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/167615Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04Jythier on An Unconventional StrategyCikomyrhttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/167615
Ever since, I though the USA focused their efforts on a small, highly-trained and highly-equiped army, following the Heinlein ideals?


(We have yet to see the long-term "sucesses" in Iraq, by the way. Many of the people America now call allies in Iraq aren't kitties, and may eventually turn their coat at the opportune moment. The idea is not to ensure a victory there, but to make sure it STAYS a victory, or it's a do-over again)

(and it's long since I heard anything from Iraq's central governement. They are on a strike or what?)]]>http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/167615http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/167615Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04Cikomyr on An Unconventional StrategyParaTed2khttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/167615http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/167615http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/167615Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04ParaTed2k on An Unconventional StrategyParaTed2khttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/167615The only real flaw in your ananlysis here is, the strategy is working.  Attacks are down, not just by a small margin.  The people are out and about more.  The infrastructure in even the most hard hit areas is working, in some cases better than it did during the Hussein regime. 

The biggest indicator that the strategy is working... 40,000 Iraqi refugees returned to Baghdad. 

Now, the fact that the strategy is working doesn't mean all is well, or all will be well.  Those 40,000, and the Iraqis that remained have to do their part.  They have to take the opportunities created for them by our military and make it all work... which they appear to be doing.

I'm glad you didn't just mimic the democrat drumbeat of "we're losing, it's time to get out".  You wrote a very good article that was well worth reading.  The fact that I disagree with your conclusions doesn't mean I didn't think the article wasn't good.

 

 

]]>http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/167615http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/167615Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04ParaTed2k on An Unconventional StrategyPaladin77http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/142847Now since when are tornadoes suppose to hit this area where generations of the populace are rehearsed to prepare for hurricanes ?

I have lived in south and central Florida on and off since 1972, we get a lot of tornadoes here. This last batch hit only 10 miles from my house. We get them in Miami as well. Big deal we have been getting them for as long as humans have been living in Florida. We also have water spouts which are tornadoes over the water on an almost daily basis. But if all you know is learned from the global warming groups then you would be surprised and angry that global warming is the cause of such destruction and stupid Bush should have embraced the accords to prevent this from happening. If you live in Florida then it is no surprise. If you are going to jump on a band wagon to save the planet try doing a little research on your causes it will surprise you what you might learn. We don’t have tornado shelters in our homes because the water table is only a few feet at most below the surface because most of Florida used to be under water. When I lived in south Florida you could not dig more than six inches before you hit coral my house at the time was three miles from the ocean which meant that my house used to be several feet under water at one time. That water is now trapped at the poles and will be returning as soon as it warms up enough to bring the earth back into balance with what it was 25,000 years ago.
Global warming has been happening since the end of the last ice age 13,000 years ago or the earth would still be covered in ice. I will buy a clue for you. This is a cycle that runs on average of 20,000 years between hot and cold earth. At most we have another 10,000 years before the next ice age or as little as 6 months. Who was driving SUV’s and polluting the earth to cause the last ice age or the warming period prior to the last ice age since modern man has only been on this planet as a species since the end of the last ice age? Think about it.
]]>http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/142847http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/142847Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04Paladin77 on Tornadoes Now Hitting Hurricane Country?Gideon MacLeishhttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/142847
WWW Link

If you peruse this page, you'll find that Florida averages 49 tornadoes per year, and had a record 115 in 1995.

Moving on, how about:

WWW Link

If you look closely at this website, which lists all Florida tornadoes by county, you'll notice several in the month of January. In fact, you'll notice they're pretty much a year round occurrence in the sunshine state.

But oh, no, I'm not finished yet. How about:

WWW Link

7 tornadoes on February 22-23, 1998 killed 42 people, injured more than 260 others.

And last but certainly not least, how about this little tidbit:

WWW Link

You'll note that Florida finishes an astonishing FOURTH for most tornadoes, trailing only Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. An anomaly? Hardly.

Oh, but I don't blame you for not finding these obscure stats, scatter. After all, it is extremely difficult to type the words "tornadoes Florida" into Google's search engine whilst dodging falling acorns!]]>http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/142847http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/142847Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04Gideon MacLeish on Tornadoes Now Hitting Hurricane Country?Gideon MacLeishhttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/142847
No really. It IS!]]>http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/142847http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/142847Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04Gideon MacLeish on Tornadoes Now Hitting Hurricane Country?MarcieMoohttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/142847 Yeah...Floridian tornadoes really aren't that much of an anomaly. They happen quite often. And quite often, they spawn from hurricanes.

And quite often, tornadoes spawn from hurricanes in TX, LA, and all along them thar other states you mentioned, too. ]]>http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/142847http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/142847Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04MarcieMoo on Tornadoes Now Hitting Hurricane Country?Dr Guyhttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/142847Now since when are tornadoes suppose to hit this area where generations of the populace are rehearsed to prepare for hurricanes ?

Since the dawn of time. Perhaps you should do some research before proclaiming the sky is falling.]]>http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/142847http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/142847Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04Dr Guy on Tornadoes Now Hitting Hurricane Country?churkaberohttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/128630http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/128630http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/128630Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04churkabero on What If We Just Left ?ParaTed2khttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/134856Strategy is less fluid than tactics, I'll agree.  However, the root of the problem doesn't lie with either Strategy or Tactics.  The root of the problem lies in the rigidity of the politics of the whole thing.  Strategy and Tactics SHOULD change as the needs on the ground change.  After Action Reports should reveal what works and what doesn't, then new tactics should be formed, and new orders cut.  As the overall action is evaluated, strategy should be molded to fit.

But what happens when our press, our "opposition" party, and even a few opportunistic members of the "majority" party get even a whiff of pending change in strategy.  The feeding frenzy begins!  "It Was All Wrong!" comes the empty headed accusations, "The president/generals or (place your leader of choice here) doesn't know what he's doing!" comes the whining cry.

The British "Special Air Services" (SAS) have as their motto, "WHO DARES WINS".  The bacteria have no qualms about making huge changes as they see the need, but because of a president's domestic (political) enemies, any boldness or daring is quickly retooled as "being wrong".

We shouldn't use change against the generals on the ground, the troops or the President.  We should welcome it!  Of coure, that would take courage on the part of the voters to, which sadly, we are all too often more interested in punishing leadership than welcoming it.

 

]]>http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/134856http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/134856Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04ParaTed2k on Correcting The CourseParaTed2khttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/134396
In trying to discredit others, the Gay activists merely become the charicature they try to make others out to be.]]>http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/134396http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/134396Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04ParaTed2k on To Be Gay and Republicanbakerstreethttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/134396Log Cabin Republicans right? Sure the Republicans play to their strengths, Dems do too. No doubt there's a lot of "closeted" Democrats in Congress that are very homophobic. Strange they've not been overwhelmingly supportive of Gay rights issues of late.

Like Kerry in the last election, or Gore before that. They all play to whatever they think will bring the most votes and keep them out of negative headlines. The fact that congressional leaders wanted to keep Foley out of the headlines is a no-brainer, and the Dems would have done the same thing.

But the standard of "child" here has been abused black and blue. Gay rights organizations have been pushing for lower ages of consent all over the world. It was partially due to their efforts that what Foley did wasn't illegal enough to do anything about.

Are you really so naive to think that had the Republicans purged themselves of Foley they wouldn't have made that about homophobia? You can bet the pages wouldn't have been "children" then. They would have been 'young adults' and while Dems would have agreed with punishing the sexual harassment the main point of fire would have been that they just drummed him out for being gay.]]>http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/134396http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/134396Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04bakerstreet on To Be Gay and RepublicanMasonMhttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131971would that not just dismiss the whole thing as a "European conspiracy"?

Sure, why not?]]>http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131971http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131971Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04MasonM on Why Has the US Dropped to 6th As Most Globally Competitive ?Skyjackhttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/132574http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/132574http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/132574Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04Skyjack on Party or Country ?Cikomyrhttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/132574
Republican Vs Democrats would work perfectly, if it wasn't for all the:

- Gun Lobbies
- Pharmaco-lobbies
- Religious-lobbies

And since these lobbies do not only contribute monatery, but some even control the medias (Fox News springs to mind) with a huge biase..

etc... you take my drift? If the political parties were accountable only to the citizen who vote for them, and not the corporation who supported them, there could be a new momentum into U.S.A.'s politic.]]>http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/132574http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/132574Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04Cikomyr on Party or Country ?CharlesCShttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/132574
At one time I believed I had to pick a party, I figured I had to vote for those whos values were mostly insync with mine. Judging by what I read and saw, the Republicans seemed a good choice. This decision was made nearly 3 years ago with very little if no knowledge on politics. After a few years and some learning I came to the conclusion that I am not of any party. I too learned that my vote was not about one party or the other (though I will be honest when I say I have never voted in my life, shame on me I know), I learned that my vote was for my country, my vote was for what I thought was best for my country and that did not always mean a Republican. I was planning on voting in these elections but I wasted to much time submitting my registration and will not have it in time to vote, such a shame. I would have, however, done some research and tried my best to make what I thought was the best decision for my country, whether it be Republican, Democrat or 3rd party. I will do my research and prepare myself for the 2008 elections and hope my vote actually makes a difference, but I should not stop there. I should also make it my job to follow my political representatives and do my best to make sure they hear my voice and the voices of all others who they are suppose to represent. This is something all Americans should do, reguardless of choice of party or candidate.

While some may think Bush and the Republicans are a danger to this country, and others think the Democrats will be our doom, there is a bigger problem we are all facing, which is what has created all of our current separation of party mentalities. I'm talking about the average Americans ignorance towrds politics, I would also add a second worse problem than the Reps and Dems, the average Americans laziness and careless lifestyle. But this is just my opinion. An opinion of a man who loves his country where he was born and raised, a man who himself ignored these problems and is now ready to make ammends.

My words to all candidates in 2008 (since I can't vote this time around), may the best man win my vote. They need me more than I need them.]]>http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/132574http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/132574Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04CharlesCS on Party or Country ?MasonMhttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/132574Reply #9
No offense, Mason, but this country's politics has never been any different than it is now. Frankly, with 24 hour news keeping tabs, they're probably MORE honest, and with a larger, more diverse population they're less single-mindedly partisan now than they were. Go back and look at the hell that was politics in the 1800's and early 1900's.

No offense taken, but I'm not so sure about that Baker. I think that those people actually believed what they fought for at that time, wheher right or wrong. The asshats we have these days seem to just tow the partisan line regardless. But then it could just be a matter of perspective. Maybe politics has always been a toilet. That would explain Shakespeare's sentiments.]]>http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/132574http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/132574Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04MasonM on Party or Country ?bakerstreethttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/132574http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/132574http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/132574Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04bakerstreet on Party or Country ?MasonMhttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/132574
We seriously need a Common Sense party.

Or to just shoot all the bastards and start over.]]>http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/132574http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/132574Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04MasonM on Party or Country ?Cikomyrhttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/132574http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/132574http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/132574Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04Cikomyr on Party or Country ?Cikomyrhttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/132574
I have read a lot of rant about "America will prevail if we keep the leftist like Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Al Gore and the like out of the White House." Saying that the Democrats should never be put in power, 'cause that will cause the Doom (and defeat) of U.S.A. You have to consider how much you like "democracy", when you say that. Would you prefer an election of Republican Vs Republican? A country runned by a single party sounds like China.

And I don't speak against only the Republicans here. After all, many Democrats are alike. And Liberals/Conservative in Canada/Quebec, and I am sure many other country. If you fail to really reconsider your vote every election, you do not uphold the ideal of democracy.]]>http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/132574http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/132574Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04Cikomyr on Party or Country ?bakerstreethttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/132574
Party politics can be nasty, but so far as I know there's no better system. I tend to go even farther than you and sniff at "country" and lean more toward state and local. We lose our regional voice in the name of "country" and the overall needs of national parties more often than not.]]>http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/132574http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/132574Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04bakerstreet on Party or Country ?M-Posthttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/132574 I'm one of those who always put's Country before politics. I do lean a bit more towards Democrat (though some may argue that for some reason) but I really do lean most to those who I think will lead the country in a better way... Keyword being 'I'.

]]>http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/132574http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/132574Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04M-Post on Party or Country ?Dr Guyhttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131971Not necessarily. None of us are experts in international business. The findings could be completely valid given the criteria of the research. But it might not be a very useful study if it thinks the US is a greater investment risk than Denmark.

I am reminded of the quote: Statistics dont lie, but liars use statistics. Yes, one can take a peek at any numbers they want to prove their point. It is all in how you define the claim.]]>http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131971http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131971Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04Dr Guy on Why Has the US Dropped to 6th As Most Globally Competitive ?Draginolhttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131971
Not necessarily. None of us are experts in international business.

Speak for yourself.

]]>http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131971http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131971Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04Draginol on Why Has the US Dropped to 6th As Most Globally Competitive ?Gene Nashhttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131971Unless it's the French, and then they care beyond all rationality. Odd, that.

Just out of curiosity, what makes you believe Americans care what the French think? (Was it perchance the "freedom fries?" )

(My take on American Zeitgeist is that we think the French are a joke -- you know, now that we're all buddy-buddy with the English again. )
]]>http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131971http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131971Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04Gene Nash on Why Has the US Dropped to 6th As Most Globally Competitive ?MasonMhttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131971Unless it's the French, and then they care beyond all rationality. Odd, that.

Who gives a rat's ass what the Frogs think?]]>http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131971http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131971Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04MasonM on Why Has the US Dropped to 6th As Most Globally Competitive ?MasonMhttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131971Not necessarily. None of us are experts in international business. The findings could be completely valid given the criteria of the research. But it might not be a very useful study if it thinks the US is a greater investment risk than Denmark.


Nope. It's a bullshit study.]]>http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131971http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131971Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04MasonM on Why Has the US Dropped to 6th As Most Globally Competitive ?cactoblastahttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131971Americans, generally, really and truly don't care what other countries think about it.

Unless it's the French, and then they care beyond all rationality. Odd, that.

Yep, these about sum it up. It's a bullshit "study".


Not necessarily. None of us are experts in international business. The findings could be completely valid given the criteria of the research. But it might not be a very useful study if it thinks the US is a greater investment risk than Denmark.

To be big in business you have to have business in the US - it's the largest market in the world. It may be easier in Denmark, but you don't make trillions that way. So the study becomes less useful.]]>http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131971http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131971Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04cactoblasta on Why Has the US Dropped to 6th As Most Globally Competitive ?MasonMhttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131971Depends on how competitiveness is measured.

Funny study, methinks it is highly skewed.


That is pretty specious reasoning on their part.


Americans, generally, really and truly don't care what other countries think about it.



Yep, these about sum it up. It's a bullshit "study".]]>http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131971http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131971Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04MasonM on Why Has the US Dropped to 6th As Most Globally Competitive ?Draginolhttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131971I think Europeans who desire to tweak the US vastly underestimate American arrogance. 

Americans, generally, really and truly don't care what other countries think about it.

American ignorance combined with its own self-confidence is sometimes an interesting combination: Oh no, some guy I've never heard of from a country I've never heard of thinks the US isn't as competitive as some tiny little country down there in Europe...

]]>http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131971http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131971Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04Draginol on Why Has the US Dropped to 6th As Most Globally Competitive ?cactoblastahttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131971
I think we'd have to see the figures to really get behind the whys and wherefores of this decision, but I think Bakerstreet was right about one thing - it's probably as much a result of the compiler's desire to tweak the US.]]>http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131971http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131971Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04cactoblasta on Why Has the US Dropped to 6th As Most Globally Competitive ?Draginolhttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131971
"With a low savings rate, record-high current account deficits and a worsening of the U.S. net debtor position, there is a non-negligible risk to both the country's overall competitiveness and, given the relative size of the U.S. economy, the future of the global economy."

That is pretty specious reasoning on their part.

From a PRIDE point of view, I don't like a trade deficit. But it doesn't make the US less competitive (IMO).

The low savings rate I don't see how that affects US competitiveness either.

I don't really understand their metrics.

It seems to me that competitiveness has to do with a country's ability to produce products, goods, and services profitable relative to other countries trying to produce the same thing. And I don't see a scenario where Denmark is at the top of such a list.

I wouldn't put the US at the top of such a list either. But I'd put it way above any European country.

]]>http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131971http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131971Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04Draginol on Why Has the US Dropped to 6th As Most Globally Competitive ?bakerstreethttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131971
Finland had a 2.2% growth rate in 2005. Their GDP is a fraction of California's. Scandinavia in general has a problem with declining population and immigration of their people to other nations.

So, I think to answer your question, the US hasn't become the 6th most competitive, Walter Middy-Knutsen is just having his little fantasy. If you want to look at competitive, look at China, though most people wouldn't be able to stomach what makes them successful.]]>http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131971http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131971Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04bakerstreet on Why Has the US Dropped to 6th As Most Globally Competitive ?cactoblastahttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131971
Maybe it's based on open markets for financial services or prices for financial services?

EDIT: Here's why. From the article:

"With a low savings rate, record-high current account deficits and a worsening of the U.S. net debtor position, there is a non-negligible risk to both the country's overall competitiveness and, given the relative size of the U.S. economy, the future of the global economy." ]]>http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131971http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131971Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04cactoblasta on Why Has the US Dropped to 6th As Most Globally Competitive ?Draginolhttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131971Depends on how competitiveness is measured.

Sounds like competitive in that study is based on how many social programs exist.

If those countries are so competitive, why do they produce so little? Finland has Nokia. Denmark has..what?  Switzerland makes what? Do they even have an industrial base at this point?

]]>http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131971http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131971Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04Draginol on Why Has the US Dropped to 6th As Most Globally Competitive ?Dr Guyhttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131505http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131505http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131505Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04Dr Guy on Right, Blame Bill.SilentPoethttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131084
I don't know...a salad is too nice. Give them some Carl's Jr, or Jack in the box.



Though, my cooking is pretty bad.

I's say, if i had to put them in order.

1. Hugo Chavez (Who I cannot stand. I mean, god the man is flipping bonkers.)

2. President of Iran (While i feel he is more likely to toss a nuke our way, if he had the chance...when it comes to how much i can't stand the two of them. Chavez takes the, erm...barrel. )

~S/P

]]>http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131084http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131084Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04SilentPoet on Would You Serve Amedinajad Spinach ?little-whiphttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131084
Someone ought to put a bullet in his head. Screw the free lunch.]]>http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131084http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/131084Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04little-whip on Would You Serve Amedinajad Spinach ?hdtfw psehldhttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/128630http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/128630http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/128630Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04hdtfw psehld on What If We Just Left ?MasonMhttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/130163Do they use blasting in undersea oil-rigging
No, they use large drilling rigs similar to what you used to drill water wells on people's property, just on a larger scale.

The simple fact is that quakes can happen anywhere in the world at any time. Some areas are simply more prone to them than others due to being on an active fault line.

I delivered a generator in NC a while back that was mounted on springs so as to withstand a quake. It was to a school being built on a known fault line that hasn't been active but they didn't want to take chances.]]>http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/130163http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/130163Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04MasonM on Chevron Mining Causing Quake in Mexican Gulf?Dr Guyhttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/130163Drilling in an area does not in any way destabilize the Earth's crust nearly enough to be able to cause a magnitude 6 earthquake.

Drilling into the earth's crust is less than a pin prick in the grand scheme of things. Do you have 'peoplequakes' everytime you get a paper cut?]]>http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/130163http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/130163Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04Dr Guy on Chevron Mining Causing Quake in Mexican Gulf?Daiwahttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/130163http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/130163http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/130163Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04Daiwa on Chevron Mining Causing Quake in Mexican Gulf?MasonMhttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/130163
Just 32 times less? Do you have any idea of the difference between a magnitude 6 and 7 quake? 32 times is a lot.

And it's simply not likely that any drilling could cause such a quake, especially away from a tectonic plate.

Here is what the real experts have to say (From the Hearld Tribune Article):

The epicenter is an unusual location for earthquake activity, but scientists recorded a magnitude 5.2 temblor in roughly the same location on Feb. 10.

"Technically, it's not Florida, it's out in the Gulf of Mexico," said Don Blakeman, an earthquake analyst with the National Earthquake Information Center. "This kind of occurrence is unusual in that spot, especially for an earthquake of this size."

The quake was unusual because it was not centered on a known fault line. The "midplate" earthquake, deep under the Gulf, was probably the result of stresses generated by the interaction of distant tectonic plates in the earth's crust.

Albert Hine, professor of marine science at the University of South Florida's College of Marine Science, said such a midplate quake can occur at old fractures in the Earth's crust.

"It's probably a reaction of an ancient fault associated with the formation of the Gulf of Mexico," Hine said.

The inland sea was formed just as the Atlantic sea floor continues to form, by spreading apart two plates in mid-ocean.

The Gulf zone probably quit being active millions of years ago, but that doesn't preclude an earthquake from happening there, Hines said.

"If there is weakness there, it could cause a seismic event," he said.


While midplate quakes are more rare, they do happen. Drilling in an area does not in any way destabilize the Earth's crust nearly enough to be able to cause a magnitude 6 earthquake.

WWW Link]]>http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/130163http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/130163Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04MasonM on Chevron Mining Causing Quake in Mexican Gulf?Rightwingerhttp://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/128630Huh?!!? Just what has this comment got to do with our options in this war? It's just unfortunate that my post should come at a time when elections are again nearing, and people reading may probably get tempted to insert something politically partisan instead of trying to study the issues. When people start inserting argumentum ad hominems, we will never get anywhere.
Anyway, all things considered, I think the point of this post has been well ventilated. Thank you all for participating. ---scatter

It was a joke. So very sorry.

]]>http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/128630http://scatter629.joeuser.com/article/128630Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:28:04 -04002008-07-05T12:28:04Rightwinger on What If We Just Left ?