Tragedy and Heros

[YankeeRose]

Regarding the "Utilities" being able to shut off, I have a query and - I'm a lady! I realize our Governor is a Democrat, but what about the "Majority" of our State's Legislature? Is it Democrat or Republican? I don't have access to the fastest "Internet Connection", so I'm sure one of you could find the answer a lot faster than I could ever hope to. Thanks in advance!

[Bert|Evil]

I usually don't have a lot to say on Rockpage, but I would like to say first that I was sorry to hear about the fire that took 4 innocent lives in Hastings. I would like to say that lets not forget the heros that risked there lives, such as Dave Gunther, fire fighters, rescue personel, and all who helped that tragic day. I'm not from that area but I have good friends in Northern Cambria, and in a close knit community like that it touches everyones heart. Lets also not forget all of the people with bands willing to donate their time to help raise money for people in need. You people are true heros too. Griff and I were talking at work about it last night at work and it angered us that the Governor of our great state signed a bill allowing utilitiy companies to shut off our necessities. With the economy the way it is there is little hope for not just the poor, but the ill stricken and aged, the young looking for work thats not there, and all of us trying to make ends meet. But yet people still find the time and money to donate. You are all my Heros!!!!!!! Not to make it political, but lets all remember that when its time to vote again. We cant blame the rich, only ourselves for our choices of representation.

Yes, there is such a bill that was recently signed that will allow electric companies to shut off one's electricity much faster. Still, consider two things:
1. This isn't as immediate as you may think. It effects those who go months with paying their bill. You could still make arrangements with the electric companies if you've fallen on hard times.
2. Like heating assistance, the state offers electric assistance. The state is very generous (probably too generous).

[f.sciarrillo]

Sinman needs to seek some help, it is obvious he is dillusional ...

[nakedtwister]

I usually don't have a lot to say on Rockpage, but I would like to say first that I was sorry to hear about the fire that took 4 innocent lives in Hastings. I would like to say that lets not forget the heros that risked there lives, such as Dave Gunther, fire fighters, rescue personel, and all who helped that tragic day. I'm not from that area but I have good friends in Northern Cambria, and in a close knit community like that it touches everyones heart. Lets also not forget all of the people with bands willing to donate their time to help raise money for people in need. You people are true heros too. Griff and I were talking at work about it last night at work and it angered us that the Governor of our great state signed a bill allowing utilitiy companies to shut off our necessities. With the economy the way it is there is little hope for not just the poor, but the ill stricken and aged, the young looking for work thats not there, and all of us trying to make ends meet. But yet people still find the time and money to donate. You are all my Heros!!!!!!! Not to make it political, but lets all remember that when its time to vote again. We cant blame the rich, only ourselves for our choices of representation.

Yes, there is such a bill that was recently signed that will allow electric companies to shut off one's electricity much faster. Still, consider two things:
1. This isn't as immediate as you may think. It effects those who go months with paying their bill. You could still make arrangements with the electric companies if you've fallen on hard times.
2. Like heating assistance, the state offers electric assistance. The state is very generous (probably too generous).

Without getting to political about the subject matter the point I was trying to make was, we the people can only blame ourselves for the choices of our representatives in government. They are hard choices and sometimes not the correct choices, but we need to get more involved to make sure the best person is in office to enact policies that suit us. I understand the energy bill was passed to protect the utilitiy co's. losses, but one must sympathize with families that allow there pride to speak for them. Most people prefer to try and dig themselves out of a hole than to ask for help for fear of being labeled as a "charity case". In the case of the family in Hastings, they were probably hard working citizens attempting to pay their own way with no help from anyone. Obviously the landlord knew nothing of their monetary problems, because I feel that his statement to wave rent money for one month was genuine. Twister out

[bassist_25]

I consider myself a libertarian*, but even I recognize that certain socialist structures need to be in place for a number of reasons:

1. As a saftey net (unemployment)
2. To promote personal growth so one can then be an asset to the capitalist system (college grants)
3. To promote economic growth (output increases by an increase in aggregate spending. The government is the second largest spending sector. Also, injections from the government put money in economy that otherwise wouldn't be there, which then can be circulated and multiplied)

*I hate calling myself a libertarian because then people automatically assume I'm living in some Nozickian fantasy world of total deregulation and no taxes. Total libertarianism is as impractical and idealistically utopian as Marxism.

[Bert|Evil]

I consider myself a libertarian*, but even I recognize that certain socialist structures need to be in place for a number of reasons:

1. As a saftey net (unemployment)
2. To promote personal growth so one can then be an asset to the capitalist system (college grants)
3. To promote economic growth (output increases by an increase in aggregate spending. The government is the second largest spending sector. Also, injections from the government put money in economy that otherwise wouldn't be there, which then can be circulated and multiplied)

*I hate calling myself a libertarian because then people automatically assume I'm living in some Nozickian fantasy world of total deregulation and no taxes. Total libertarianism is as impractical and idealistically utopian as Marxism.

Believe it or not, Bassist, I agree with your points to an extent. However, I think our approach to point #1 defeats points 2 and 3. While we do need some sort of safety net, we also need to remind those who partake that it is temporary and to what they need to achieve. I know that this is going to sound uber Conservative, but taking part in a "safety net" program is, or should be, a temporary forfeit of the American dream.

We can see where MANY people abuse these programs. Of course, I'm pointing the finger more at the welfare program more than unemployment, even though they're both flawed. When people stay on too long and forget that they should be seeking employment, simply being too picky about the type of employment they want, or just don't want to work at all, I'd say that it's a problem. The welfare program worked much more efficiently before LBJ's "great society", as the objectives were never forgotten. And then there's is Affirmative Action. DON'T get me started on that!!

Furthermore, there is a declining trend in skilled labor in the U.S. that will probably continue for another 15 years. Many blame this on Generation Y's reluctancy to work. Simply getting your butt to college and working a job at McDonald's will set you ahead of those who will end up in the same resume pile as you.

Bottom line: we already do those things. They just need clear and defined metrics and deliverables, and we need to oust the sympathetic tendencies. There are just too many areas that discourage an achiever.

Like yourself, I am an aficionado of philosophy. However, their theories cannot solve our problems. Many theories, like those of John Maynard Keynes, can only work in theory.

[bassist_25]

Furthermore, there is a declining trend in skilled labor in the U.S. that will probably continue for another 15 years. Many blame this on Generation Y's reluctancy to work. Simply getting your butt to college and working a job at McDonald's will set you ahead of those who will end up in the same resume pile as you.

True dat. That's why I'm there. A lot of my peers are already married and working full-time, but they don't have an education. I know that my sacrifices right now are going to pay off in the long-run.

Like yourself, I am an aficionado of philosophy. However, their theories cannot solve our problems. Many theories, like those of John Maynard Keynes, can only work in theory.

True, but I always found Keynes theories to be more practical than classical economic theories. I always had a huge problem with the "supply will create its own demand" maxim. I'm a big believer in the market, so I'm always an advocate that demand comes before supply, not the other way around.

[lonewolf]

I always had a huge problem with the "supply will create its own demand" maxim. I'm a big believer in the market, so I'm always an advocate that demand comes before supply, not the other way around.

If you are talking about "supply side economics", you are proceeding from a false assumption. It is not based on the supply of goods and services that you would put into a supply/demand curve or formula.

They are talking about the money supply, which is the inverse of goods and services. The thinking is that if you keep the money supply in the hands of the open market rather than government, you will get more consumption and more efficient spending with that money, resulting in economic growth that results in more tax revenues. Cutting taxes is the favorite way to get money out of the government's hands and into the free market. Unfortunately, politicians won't cut spending accordingly. Although its proven that tax revenues increase at a higher rate once the cuts are in place, they generally don't make up for the initial shortfall.

[bassist_25]

If you are talking about "supply side economics", you are proceeding from a false assumption. It is not based on the supply of goods and services that you would put into a supply/demand curve or formula.

They are talking about the money supply, which is the inverse of goods and services. The thinking is that if you keep the money supply in the hands of the open market rather than government, you will get more consumption and more efficient spending with that money, resulting in economic growth that results in more tax revenues. Cutting taxes is the favorite way to get money out of the government's hands and into the free market. Unfortunately, politicians won't cut spending accordingly. Although its proven that tax revenues increase at a higher rate once the cuts are in place, they generally don't make up for the initial shortfall.

But it could also be argued that the government should control money supply through monetary policy to curb inflation and such. Also, there may need to be injections through socialist programs to put more money into circulation (which was my third point).

Then again, I'm not a monetary policy kind of guy; I really don't know how much a pure monetary policy would affect the economy.

One tax needs to be freakin' cut though, and that's capital gains tax. Why the hell did they invent that tax?

[Bert|Evil]

True dat. That's why I'm there. A lot of my peers are already married and working full-time, but they don't have an education. I know that my sacrifices right now are going to pay off in the long-run.

True, but I always found Keynes theories to be more practical than classical economic theories. I always had a huge problem with the "supply will create its own demand" maxim. I'm a big believer in the market, so I'm always an advocate that demand comes before supply, not the other way around.

I don't know what you're studying, but keep your GPA above 3.5, and never pass up a chance for relevant experience. Take it from someone who's been on both sides of the podium, as well as relevant industry experience and certification (blah, blah, blah). I know what you mean about your peers, as well. I'm always hearing stupid excuses out of them about how they can't do things. Keep at it, and keep your overhead low!! One other thing... RELOCATE!!!

I'm an ingenue of economics, but I've always felt that the Keynesian models/ theories are pretentious. Also, I've felt that the European countries invest too much into their existence. If you need an example, look at Keynes' Bancor vs. the Euro. Same thing, really!!

[bassist_25]

Thanks for the support. I'm definatley going to relocate sometime. *LOL* I actually don't plan on going to grad school anywhere around here. I'm also definatley keeping the GPA above 3.5. I'm pissed at myself for getting an A- last semester. I wanted to graduate with a 4.0, but I guess that dream's gone. *LOL*

Edit: Sorry, didn't mean to high jack this thread like I did.