[EpShot]

http://www.ritholtz.com/blog/2011/07...-in-5-minutes/

Buffett:

“I could end the deficit in 5 minutes. You just pass a law that says that anytime there is a deficit of more than 3% of GDP all sitting members of congress are ineligible for reelection.”

Of course i have no idea how you would pass such a law. But that would be awesome!

[Kite09]

Originally Posted by EpShot

http://www.ritholtz.com/blog/2011/07...-in-5-minutes/





Of course i have no idea how you would pass such a law. But that would be awesome!

Makes sense.

[mnp8nt]

And here I thought you were going to say magic. Or the reappointment of Levi Woodbury... lol

[Iamamartianchurch]

I solve the debt crisis in one word. Responsibility.

[Seahawk6060]

Originally Posted by Iamamartianchurch

I solve the debt crisis in one word. Responsibility.

A novel idea. Unfortunately, responsibility is a virtue that's been subordinated by the creed of entitlement.

[Volucris]

Originally Posted by Seahawk6060

A novel idea. Unfortunately, responsibility is a virtue that's been subordinated by the creed of entitlement.

Let us not forget that we the people voted and this is what we got. It's more-so an issue of us settling for less and picking people who do not fulfill promises.

[Kite09]

Originally Posted by Volucris

Let us not forget that we the people voted and this is what we got. It's more-so an issue of us settling for less and picking people who do not fulfill promises.

Well, in all reality there is never a politician who can fulfill all of their and sometimes even some of their promises. As voters people need to be more educated on what they are voting on and who they are voting for instead of what party they run for or who their friends are voting for. (yes people do that). One thing though is congress should not be allowed to vote themselves raises and pretty much unending benefits. They get the best free medical in the country and complain that teachers get too much medical. I think in some manner I agree with Plato and his concept of The Republic. Those in power get the least out of any other class. (Just a miniscule bit of the book) But, those in power generally do anything they can to remain in power. So, I doubt much will ever change.

[vantrepes]

Sadly, the only result of that law would be either massive tax increases, a redefining of the word "debt" or a resolution passed to exempt the current politicians from that end result.
They would vote for it, campaign on that vote, then do everything they could to not abide by it.
These are politicians we're talking about.......

[Seahawk6060]

While politicians are the people we ultimately hold responsible, they are simply a reflection of ourselves. Unless we as a people hold ourselves to a higher standard, responsibility in government becomes less an exercise in reality and more an act of wishful thinking.

As individuals, it's up to us to represent the higher nobility of man and influence the people in our own circle of friends and family. I agree with Kite09, it's not about the political party you stand for, but for the values that you represent and voting people into office that represent your core values. If we elect someone that is a blatant liar and political hack simply because he is able to "bring home the bacon" to our district, then it's simply a reflection of us making unprincipled compromises, on our own values, for short-term material gains. If we live our lives as a mirror of an MTV reality show, then it's useless to blame politicians and the "system."

If we fix the kinks and contradictions in ourselves, as individuals, then our political system will follow suit as a matter of course.

[madgoat]

Originally Posted by Seahawk6060

A novel idea. Unfortunately, responsibility is a virtue that's been subordinated by the creed of entitlement.

wow, surprisingly eloquent.

[toolbandfan]

Originally Posted by Seahawk6060

A novel idea. Unfortunately, responsibility is a virtue that's been subordinated by the creed of entitlement.

What are you referring to? Welfare? Education?

[licence_to_kill]

**** the deficit, we need to focus on job growth

[Not2FFU]

Originally Posted by licence_to_kill

**** the deficit, we need to focus on job growth

You are an idiot.

[licence_to_kill]

reported

[EpShot]

Originally Posted by Not2FFU

You are an idiot.

yea.. **** job growth!

[Not2FFU]

Spending more money in a time like this is like using a band-aid for a gun shot wound.


From what I read there are plenty of jobs available but people just don't have the skills or the brains to do the ****ing job.

Hell I just got another job 3 weeks ago and got called last night that I was officially hired on at a rather prestigious financial company.

I've talked to many hiring managers that have lots of jobs to fill but can't find halfway intelligent people to fill them.

[licence_to_kill]

Originally Posted by Not2FFU

From what I read

...which is?

[vantrepes]

Originally Posted by Seahawk6060

While politicians are the people we ultimately hold responsible, they are simply a reflection of ourselves. Unless we as a people hold ourselves to a higher standard, responsibility in government becomes less an exercise in reality and more an act of wishful thinking.

As individuals, it's up to us to represent the higher nobility of man and influence the people in our own circle of friends and family. I agree with Kite09, it's not about the political party you stand for, but for the values that you represent and voting people into office that represent your core values. If we elect someone that is a blatant liar and political hack simply because he is able to "bring home the bacon" to our district, then it's simply a reflection of us making unprincipled compromises, on our own values, for short-term material gains. If we live our lives as a mirror of an MTV reality show, then it's useless to blame politicians and the "system."

If we fix the kinks and contradictions in ourselves, as individuals, then our political system will follow suit as a matter of course.

While I agree, I am not holding my breath waiting for people to have a sudden enlightenment on the end results of the values, and by extension, the policies, they support.
The problem becomes one of what to do when the contradictions, and kinks are supported, and promoted by the values (read policies) that put those politicians in office? A large portion of our countries population no longer sees it as their responsibility to take care of themselves, they see it as the governments. When their value is nothing but "Give me more", there is no compromise to make, they want what they want, and damn the consequences.

[licence_to_kill]

Originally Posted by vantrepes

A large portion of our countries population no longer sees it as their responsibility to take care of themselves, they see it as the governments. When their value is nothing but "Give me more", there is no compromise to make, they want what they want, and damn the consequences.

Lets see some data supporting this.

[Kite09]

Originally Posted by vantrepes

While I agree, I am not holding my breath waiting for people to have a sudden enlightenment on the end results of the values, and by extension, the policies, they support.
The problem becomes one of what to do when the contradictions, and kinks are supported, and promoted by the values (read policies) that put those politicians in office? A large portion of our countries population no longer sees it as their responsibility to take care of themselves, they see it as the governments. When their value is nothing but "Give me more", there is no compromise to make, they want what they want, and damn the consequences.

“Inflamed by greed, incensed by hate, confused by delusion, overcome by them, obsessed by mind, a man chooses for his own affliction, for others' affliction, for the affliction of both and experiences pain and grief” - Buddha

[vantrepes]

Originally Posted by licence_to_kill

Lets see some data supporting this.

Take a trip to a city ER, and see how many people are there on the .gov dime for crap that should be taken care of in a Dr. office, not an ER.
Talk to an EMT, and ask them about "frequent fliers". See how many of those people ever pay a dime for their trips to the ER.
Take a look at the "3rd rail of American Politics", that great Ponzi scheme of Social Security. It was a promise of "We'll take care of you" and suckers fell for it.
Take a look at the rhetoric when anyone talks about cutting any welfare program, no matter how badly they have failed.

Then you tell me there's not a large portion of the population that sees it as someone else's job to take care of them.
Sadly, I don't see it changing any time in the near future.