USA & World Economics

[QUOTE=Punter127;439767]What has me most concerned is the Taliban 5 and the terrorist acts they will commit.

When they start killing again we all know who'll have blood on their hands.

Esten this is not a left/right or Republican/Democrat issue, it's an American issue.[/QUOTE]The Taliban are not terrorists, they're just religious nuts who want to establish an Islamic state in Afghanistan. They're cut from the same cloth as the Christian nuts in the USA. Sure, they let Osama set up a training camp in Afghanistan but they weren't really all that good buddies. It was the United States that refused to negotiate with Mullah omar when he offered to expel Osama.

It's an American issue alright. Americans started the war, and I'll be damned if I can figure out what strategic interest that's supposed to serve.

The Taliban ain't doing nothin that anybody else wouldn't do when somebody invades their country. They're not terrorists, they're just fighting to have their country back.

Meanwhile, the real terrorists, Al Queda, seem more concerned with blowing up other Muslims. At any rate, the chaos that the USA has unleashed in Iraq, Libya, you name it just gives them all sorts of opportunities to exploit. Ah well, at least we all know now that some Arabs are Sunnis and some Shiites.

By the way, Saddam Hussein had no great love for Al Queda either. Should have just left him in power. Like George Bush senior did after the Gulf War.

Seems nobody remembers Vietnam. Nobody learned a lesson from that? A lot of blood shed on all sides and money right down the toilet, a war that destablized the whole region (remember Pol Pot? And for what?

Freedom and Democracy, I forgot.

[QUOTE=Rockin Bob;439781]The Taliban are not terrorists, they're just religious nuts who want to establish an Islamic state in Afghanistan. They're cut from the same cloth as the Christian nuts in the USA. Sure, they let Osama set up a training camp in Afghanistan but they weren't really all that good buddies. It was the United States that refused to negotiate with Mullah omar when he offered to expel Osama....The Taliban ain't doing nothin that anybody else wouldn't do when somebody invades their country. They're not terrorists, they're just fighting to have their country back.[/QUOTE]

Bob, The Taliban were a project of the Pakistani intelligence service / army and Saudi money that got out of control. They were supported only by part of the Pashtun population. They fought with and persecuted other ethnic groups, and even other Pashtuns. Characterizing them as freedom fighters fighting off foreigners invading their country doesn't make sense. Comparing them to American Christian fundamentalists is crazy. The Taliban systematically massacred and starved people. They sold women into sex slavery, and beat, suppressed and stoned them.

However, while I usually believe Punter's analysis is spot on, my position on USA involvement in Afghanistan is probably closer to yours than his. We should have done like Bush Senior did in Iraq. Force them to turn over Osama bin Laden and other Al Qaeda leaders, decimate Al Qaeda's bases, and then leave. Instead, Bush Jr. And Obama stayed on and tried to nation build. This has resulted in loss of life, goodwill, and lots of the taxpayers' hard earned money.

What I don't understand is why Democrats with similar views to mine continue to defend Obama on his policies in Afghanistan. Why have we been there for 12 years now? MANY more Americans have died in Afghanistan under Obama's watch than Bush's. Democrats seem to mindlessly support their man, no matter what his positions. While Obama is not as corrupt as Edwin Edwards, the prominent Louisiana Democrat governor who was re-elected even though everyone knew he was crooked, there's an analogy. As long as you buy off people with free money, they're going to vote for you unless you're caught in bed with a live boy or a dead girl. Your abilities, common sense and position on the issues won't matter, as your supporters will brainwash themselves to believe you're always right.

[QUOTE=Punter127;439767]When Esten starts talking about Fox News and quoting Charles Krauthammer without saying anything derogatory you know he's desperate and in panic mold. It's very revealing that he attacked Lieutenant Colonel West, but did not address his message, and he failed to mention that Krauthammer also said "court-martial him to the fullest extent for desertion". [/QUOTE]Panic mold, that sounds scary. Guiliani said Dems were panicking too, and it was just as laughable with him as with you.

There are obviously many elements to this story, but Obama usually has pretty good judgement (not perfect), and he knows far more about this situation than the right wing armchair quarterbackers, so I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. As you may have noticed, I haven't been strongly supporting or condemning the action taken. I agree the military should get the facts and deal with Bergdahl accordingly.

The latest information indicates Bergdahl may have been killed if there was any leak of the deal. Obama probably trusted Feinstein, but he would have had to inform Chambliss as well (or there would have been another controversy), and Obama probably didn't trust the Republican to keep it mum. That's my take.

[QUOTE]What has me most concerned is the Taliban 5 and the terrorist acts they will commit.

When they start killing again we all know who'll have blood on their hands.

Esten this is not a left/right or Republican/Democrat issue, it's an American issue.[/QUOTE]An American issue, riiighhht, that's why you're posting far-right negative articles from Allen West and Newsmax. BTW, Newsmax is not a reliable news source.

There are probably hundreds if not thousands of wannabe terrorists out there, I doubt five more really changes the equation. BTW, another reason I'll trust Obama is there is probably a backstory here, an assessment that some limited agreement with the Taliban, even giving them some limited "win" in the swap, is going to diffuse some tension and create a better environment for peace talks in Afghanistan.

[QUOTE=RevBS;439778]As usual, you are on auto-pilot when it comes to Obama.

The home grown killing rampages around the country have me far more worried.[/QUOTE]Americans are FAR more likely to get killed by an American with a gun, than by the Taliban 5.

Stay safe Punter.

[QUOTE=Esten;439792]Americans are FAR more likely to get killed by an American with a gun, than by the Taliban 5.

Stay safe Punter.[/QUOTE]Perhaps your statement is true if you're talking about the average Joe and you're limiting it to these five, but did you forget that American servicemen are also Americans?

The problem is the message sent out by this swap is far reaching and encourages terrorist groups world wide. Lets not forget terrorist killed nearly 3000 people in one fell swoop on 9-11. What American with a gun compares with that?

Do you or "ol Rev" really want to open the gun debate again? I suspect not and I'm fairly sure the other readers don't want it either, but if you insist I'm available.

BTW as I've told you before I will not be dictated to on what news outlets I watch or read, and that also applies to who I quote. Not that I have to justify anything to you, but I quoted Col. West because of his military experience and I only post his statements that I agreed with or seemed logical. Just for the record I do NOT support any attempt to impeach Obama, at least not at this time.

Oh rest assured, I know very well how to take care of myself, but deals like this swap make it harder and harder to stay safe. Anybody that thinks Americans traveling abroad are not more of a target now is kidding himself or in some cases just blowing smoke. IMHO.

Note to "ol Rev"; I'm not on auto anything, I view Obama just like I view Col. West which is on a issue by issue bases, if I agree with them I say so, if I don't agree I say that as well. You should give it a try it gives one a real sense of freedom and is much better than being an ass sniffing, boot licking lap dog. (that's just an expression...)

[QUOTE=Tiny12;439789]Bob, The Taliban were a project of the Pakistani intelligence service / army and Saudi money that got out of control. They were supported only by part of the Pashtun population. They fought with and persecuted other ethnic groups, and even other Pashtuns. Characterizing them as freedom fighters fighting off foreigners invading their country doesn't make sense. Comparing them to American Christian fundamentalists is crazy. The Taliban systematically massacred and starved people. They sold women into sex slavery, and beat, suppressed and stoned them.[/QUOTE]Wow talk about being spot on, I totally agree. I'm also sure Bobs' remarks about the Taliban and Christians was offensive to both groups. Perhaps he should consider some sensitivity training. You know the goal of sensitivity training is to make people more aware of their own prejudices and more sensitive to others. Maybe ElAlamoPalermo and "ol Rev" could tag along as well, I think we can all agree they need it.

[QUOTE=Tiny12;439789]However, while I usually believe Punter's analysis is spot on, my position on USA involvement in Afghanistan is probably closer to yours than his. We should have done like Bush Senior did in Iraq. Force them to turn over Osama bin Laden and other Al Qaeda leaders, decimate Al Qaeda's bases, and then leave. Instead, Bush Jr. And Obama stayed on and tried to nation build. This has resulted in loss of life, goodwill, and lots of the taxpayers' hard earned money. and for Bob to play down the Al Qaeda[/QUOTE]Thanks Tiny, but I think we're on the same page here. I believe exactly as you do, and the time for us to leave Afghanistan has long since come and gone.

[QUOTE=Tiny12;439789]What I don't understand is why Democrats with similar views to mine continue to defend Obama on his policies in Afghanistan. Why have we been there for 12 years now? MANY more Americans have died in Afghanistan under Obama's watch than Bush's. Democrats seem to mindlessly support their man, no matter what his positions. While Obama is not as corrupt as Edwin Edwards, the prominent Louisiana Democrat governor who was re-elected even though everyone knew he was crooked, there's an analogy. As long as you buy off people with free money, they're going to vote for you unless you're caught in bed with a live boy or a dead girl. Your abilities, common sense and position on the issues won't matter, as your supporters will brainwash themselves to believe you're always right.[/QUOTE]Hear Hear! Well said.

[QUOTE=Punter127;439797] You should give it a try it gives one a real sense of freedom and is much better than being an ass sniffing, boot licking lap dog. (that's just an expression...)[/QUOTE]You have this great gift of such expressive comebacks. Such a great Texan tradition. That is why I enjoy you so much.

[b]LOL[/b]
[QUOTE=RevBS;439799]You have this great gift of such expressive comebacks. Such a great Texan tradition. That is why I enjoy you so much.[/QUOTE]Thanks, it's almost wizard like, isn't it? :rolleyes:

[QUOTE=Tiny12;439789]Bob, The Taliban were a project of the Pakistani intelligence service / army and Saudi money that got out of control. They were supported only by part of the Pashtun population. They fought with and persecuted other ethnic groups, and even other Pashtuns. Characterizing them as freedom fighters fighting off foreigners invading their country doesn't make sense. Comparing them to American Christian fundamentalists is crazy. The Taliban systematically massacred and starved people. They sold women into sex slavery, and beat, suppressed and stoned them.
[/QUOTE]Not good people the Taliban! The airport attack yesterday is just one more example of their tactics.

My real point is that there is all sorts of turmoil in the Middle East and for the United States to get involved in any of it is just plain stupid and counterproductive. Let the Arabs do their thing. Leave them alone and they will work out a solution. Which seems to be being ruled by a ruthless dictator who keeps a lid on everything. I don't know, I don't care, it's their problem.

It's Chinatown, Jake. Do as little as possible because whatever you do just makes things worse.

Afghanistan. How'd that work out for the Soviet Union? And now here the USA is in decade two of this war. Is there some sort of mission to accomplish? I mean, Hitler needed three weeks to do in Poland, and had a good chunk of Europe under control in a year or two. We have the most powerful military in the world. Can somebody define a clear objective, accomplish it, and leave?

As for my comparison of the Taliban with the Christians, today I read that a recent Gallup poll showed 42% of Americans believe "God created humans in their present form 10,000 years ago. " At least as far as idiocy goes, we're right up there with the Taliban.

[URL]http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/29/world/europe/despite-high-unemployment-portugal-looks-far-afield-for-workers.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&version=HpSumSmallMediaHigh&module=s[/URL]

So the Thais, amongst others, are happy to pick up. the slack. Not unlike the migrant farm workers in America. But the pay with overtime is somewhat misleading, grossing around $1,440 a month. Right now, a good maid in Bangkok runs around $1,000-1,200 and even more if they have some nursing skills/speaks English, etc plus free food & lodgings.

[QUOTE=RevBS;440180][URL]http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/29/world/europe/despite-high-unemployment-portugal-looks-far-afield-for-workers.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&version=HpSumSmallMediaHigh&module=s[/URL]

So the Thais, amongst others, are happy to pick up. the slack. Not unlike the migrant farm workers in America. But the pay with overtime is somewhat misleading, grossing around $1,440 a month. Right now, a good maid in Bangkok runs around $1,000-1,200 and even more if they have some nursing skills/speaks English, etc plus free food & lodgings.[/QUOTE]A good maid makes around 12,000 baht, equivalent to about 400 dollars. So yeah, big difference, that $1,440 that they earn in Portugal.

For years, I was kind of hesitant about proclaiming my love of doing nothing to others. Even as a early riser, 3 or 4 am, it seems that the hours could fly by before it is 10 or 11 am. Not exactly nothing, I listen to music or read, do some correspondence, pay some bills, even doze here and there, all in bed. Accompany by coffee and a variety of breakfast stuff. Well, I do have tennis most mornings, so I saddled the horse around 7. 30 and play till 10 and then shoot the breeze and lunch after that. And then more of the same in the afternoon because of my aching muscles, with a massage session here and there. So was happy to receive this validation from Forbes on my proclivity.

[URL]http://www.forbes.com/sites/insead/2014/07/01/the-importance-of-doing-nothing/2/[/URL]

Yes, I know what they are suggesting is not quite the same thing. But I do know that the American frazzled lifestyle is not only unhealthy, it is a killer especially of relationships & family life. The USA did not evolve into the greatest economy in the world with lazy / dreamy people, but today, the endless need of buying and consuming in terms of self-indulgence and status will only end in a trail of self destruction.

Disclaimer: It does not mean that I'm more happy or successful than you are.

[URL]http://dianefrancis.com/new-york-post-chinese-real-estate-invasion/[/URL]

[URL]http://www.nick-folkes.com/2014/04/16/is-the-asian-invasion-real/[/URL]

As China undergoes new political & economic reforms, the miracle Chinese wealth class are rethinking their investment & relocation strategies. Ah so, perhaps now I can eat at the neighborhood noodle & dumpling shop instead of the hamburger joint?

[QUOTE=RevBS;440317]...the endless need of buying and consuming in terms of self-indulgence and status will only end in a trail of self destruction.[/QUOTE]This sounds like something right out of the Communist Manifesto.

However, it is in fact bullshit.

The reality is that humans like to surround themselves with physical things that add to their comfort and otherwise enrich their lives, including houses in which to live comfortably, cars to propel them about the surface of the planet, clothing to protect them from the elements, food to provide nutrition, electronics to communicate with the other humans and to deliver entertainment, etc., etc., etc., the accumulation of which will NOT "[I]end in a trail of self destruction[/I]".

Thanks,

Jackson

[QUOTE=Jackson;440486]This sounds like something right out of the Communist Manifesto.

However, it is in fact bullshit.

The reality is that humans like to surround themselves with physical things that add to their comfort and otherwise enrich their lives, including houses in which to live comfortably, cars to propel them about the surface of the planet, clothing to protect them from the elements, food to provide nutrition, electronics to communicate with the other humans and to deliver entertainment, etc., etc., etc., the accumulation of which will NOT "[I]end in a trail of self destruction[/I]".

Thanks,

Jackson[/QUOTE][URL]http://business.financialpost.com/2013/07/16/why-money-issues-still-ruin-marriages/[/URL]

Everybody wants to live well, everybody wants to provide for their family the best they can. It is call aspiration. This is not what I am at issue with.

But we are seeing the inability to save, the instant gratification promoted by financial & business practices, the irrationality of impulse and status buying, the stress of keeping up socially & financially, and the packed garages that forced the cars out on the driveway. That is what I mean about the frenzy & frazzled American lifestyle today. For the most part, control by mass media. I know of many people & families with good incomes who are saddled with debt. For no other real reason, except they have just drifted along with everybody else and buying into convenience and comfort in their everyday existence. Waste in America is quite revolting.

And for the first time, living better than their parents is wishful thinking for millions of young Americans.

[URL]http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2013/06/12/every-generation-better-than-one-before-gen-x-could-buck-trend/[/URL]

That's all for now, comrade!