You're giving the role of President too much power. It's more ceremonial than anything kind of like a spokesman. Congress does the real work. Increasing the strategic supply reserve might increase prices a few pennies but not dollars. If the price of gas sickens you, buy a bicycle.
One thing I would put between neutral and good is that he signed a bill lowering my tax rate.
One thing I would put between neutral and good is that he signed a bill lowering my tax rate.
1. He stopped future HIV-ridden liberals from murdering babies with certain partial-birth abortion "techniques."
2. I agreed with his endorsement of the Ephedra ban.
Other than that? Not a fuking thing.
He has single-handedly destoryed decades of progress.
2. I agreed with his endorsement of the Ephedra ban.
Other than that? Not a fuking thing.
He has single-handedly destoryed decades of progress.
Lander, after all your hard work to come up with a bigg Two items, we kinda hate to quibble, but hey:
1. He stopped future HIV-ridden liberals from murdering babies with certain partial-birth abortion "techniques."
Well such procedures were already illegal in 40 states. And unfortunately the bill Bush signed has so much attached language which also limits early term abortions that it's virtually doomed upon court challenge. But that's a few less, we'll admit. And if that's important to you than it's worthy of mention as something good Bush has done.
2. I agreed with his endorsement of the Ephedra ban.
BAR: Now I'm really baffled by this. Why is it good to ban ephedra? Given the billions of annual doses, it is relatively harmless to most people, though a literal handful have died with it in their system.
Now being found in possession of ephedra can result in a criminal charge, conviction and a permanent criminal record. That sure seems worse than any potential risk using it might create.
1. He stopped future HIV-ridden liberals from murdering babies with certain partial-birth abortion "techniques."
Well such procedures were already illegal in 40 states. And unfortunately the bill Bush signed has so much attached language which also limits early term abortions that it's virtually doomed upon court challenge. But that's a few less, we'll admit. And if that's important to you than it's worthy of mention as something good Bush has done.
2. I agreed with his endorsement of the Ephedra ban.
BAR: Now I'm really baffled by this. Why is it good to ban ephedra? Given the billions of annual doses, it is relatively harmless to most people, though a literal handful have died with it in their system.
Now being found in possession of ephedra can result in a criminal charge, conviction and a permanent criminal record. That sure seems worse than any potential risk using it might create.
Bar,
I was just trying to be fair to the spirit of the thread. I could name countless horendous acts that Bush is either directly or indirectly responsible, so relatively speaking - two pros (IMHO) clearly paint a dismal picture of Bush's ability (or lack of)to lead America.
Thanks for pointing out the fact about the 40 states already baring such procedures - I was aware that the signed Federal bill was a very specific and tiny subset of all abortions, but I had no idea that what little it did achieve had zero affect on 80% of America.
As for Ephedra - I know it's an extremely debatable position from many angles. I'm aware that there is little medical proof of it's dangers, and there is always the debatable ideology of "self-responsibility."
My opinion originates from the fact that I tried Ephedra-rich "Ripped Fuel" for a few weeks while at University and experienced first hand the effects this drug has on one's metabolism. I felt that I was duped by the product, and am 100% in favor of the FDA (or whomever) protecting this from happening to others (perhaps with more lasting results.)
But, honestly, it's of little importance. If I were to rank all of Bush's actions in relation to importance (IMO) this would quite possibly rank dead last.
I was just trying to be fair to the spirit of the thread. I could name countless horendous acts that Bush is either directly or indirectly responsible, so relatively speaking - two pros (IMHO) clearly paint a dismal picture of Bush's ability (or lack of)to lead America.
Thanks for pointing out the fact about the 40 states already baring such procedures - I was aware that the signed Federal bill was a very specific and tiny subset of all abortions, but I had no idea that what little it did achieve had zero affect on 80% of America.
As for Ephedra - I know it's an extremely debatable position from many angles. I'm aware that there is little medical proof of it's dangers, and there is always the debatable ideology of "self-responsibility."
My opinion originates from the fact that I tried Ephedra-rich "Ripped Fuel" for a few weeks while at University and experienced first hand the effects this drug has on one's metabolism. I felt that I was duped by the product, and am 100% in favor of the FDA (or whomever) protecting this from happening to others (perhaps with more lasting results.)
But, honestly, it's of little importance. If I were to rank all of Bush's actions in relation to importance (IMO) this would quite possibly rank dead last.
Good point Wilheim, take away the whole 9/11 situation , where the country was in "rally mode" and what has he done? Fvcking not one thing....I have to snicker at that crack about him lowering taxes....the price of gasoline has more than made up for that small nugget he gave to some of us...
I usually don`t get caught up in politics but the last four years how can anyone not be up in arms? this is an outrage...and of course its not all his fault but what has he really done?
And to think its going to be out of him and Kerry....Kerry isn`t much better. Atleast when Clinton was around the country seemed better off...I am not sure how much of a difference Clinton would make but its obvious that Bush hasn`t done a good job at all...
I have no respect for him...
I usually don`t get caught up in politics but the last four years how can anyone not be up in arms? this is an outrage...and of course its not all his fault but what has he really done?
And to think its going to be out of him and Kerry....Kerry isn`t much better. Atleast when Clinton was around the country seemed better off...I am not sure how much of a difference Clinton would make but its obvious that Bush hasn`t done a good job at all...
I have no respect for him...
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> I have to snicker at that crack about him lowering taxes....the price of gasoline has more than made up for that small nugget he gave to some of us... <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Do you always speak without making sure what you're saying has some merit?
Just me, Joe Blow:
Taxes have decreased by $800.
Gas is up by one-half dollar over a year ago. However, for the sake of argument, we'll say three-quarters.
0.75 x 10 gallons/week average consumption x 52 weeks per year =$390 = $410 net increase in funds.
Again I say if you think gas is high buy a bicycle, move closer to work or get a fuel-efficient vehicle. These things will save you both money and time unless you're living in an undesireable neighborhood in which case your living expenses might increase. You could also car pool. It's inconvenient but if the gas price affects you that much you should consider it.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Atleast when Clinton was around the country seemed better off...I am not sure how much of a difference Clinton would make but its obvious that Bush hasn`t done a good job at all... <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Please crunch the #'s so you don't have to gauge the economy by how it seems (ie CNN, FOX news or NYTimes, etc.) but how it actually is.
Do you always speak without making sure what you're saying has some merit?
Just me, Joe Blow:
Taxes have decreased by $800.
Gas is up by one-half dollar over a year ago. However, for the sake of argument, we'll say three-quarters.
0.75 x 10 gallons/week average consumption x 52 weeks per year =$390 = $410 net increase in funds.
Again I say if you think gas is high buy a bicycle, move closer to work or get a fuel-efficient vehicle. These things will save you both money and time unless you're living in an undesireable neighborhood in which case your living expenses might increase. You could also car pool. It's inconvenient but if the gas price affects you that much you should consider it.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Atleast when Clinton was around the country seemed better off...I am not sure how much of a difference Clinton would make but its obvious that Bush hasn`t done a good job at all... <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Please crunch the #'s so you don't have to gauge the economy by how it seems (ie CNN, FOX news or NYTimes, etc.) but how it actually is.
I tend to agree with UMBags earlier comment that the President is less about what He's done and more about who he has surrounded himself with and what THEY have done.
And it is those folks (Cheney, Ashcroft, Rumsfeld) who are doing the most damage IMHO.
GW Bush is the biggest puppet President in my lifetime, save perhaps Reagan in his 2nd term. But at least Reagan, in full hindsight, can be excused quite a bit due to what we now know was deteriorating mental capacity.
And thus, I don't often think "Bush is a bad President" or such. More accurate to say he is a bad Chief Executive.
And it is those folks (Cheney, Ashcroft, Rumsfeld) who are doing the most damage IMHO.
GW Bush is the biggest puppet President in my lifetime, save perhaps Reagan in his 2nd term. But at least Reagan, in full hindsight, can be excused quite a bit due to what we now know was deteriorating mental capacity.
And thus, I don't often think "Bush is a bad President" or such. More accurate to say he is a bad Chief Executive.
10 gallons a week is a rather conservative estimate...Not everyone drives to a place of employment, many work with their vehicle all day long....Gas prices are killing them, not too mention the trickle down effect on the whole economy...that tax break isn`t sh1t when its all said and done...
BTW I do have a bicycle (for plaesure)
I drive all day long , as do many people who own businesses or travel for their jobs...its not like they can carpool...
BTW I do have a bicycle (for plaesure)
I drive all day long , as do many people who own businesses or travel for their jobs...its not like they can carpool...
Various Bush-driven federal cuts (and yes, UMB that means Congress got the ball rolling for Bush to sign) have left my state in serious trouble for a variety of positive social services.
As for gas, we don't view that as a result of Bush, but a more natural result of oil companies needing to pass their increased costs of doing business to someone, and they've already got every other country bent over a (oil) barrel. So now it's our turn.
But you recall our comments in the other thread last week. We are all for gas going up to European price levels. It will force Americans to finally consider alternatives to a petroleum based economy and infrastructure.
It would be nice to be able and breathe better in my lifetime while living in a major population center.
As for gas, we don't view that as a result of Bush, but a more natural result of oil companies needing to pass their increased costs of doing business to someone, and they've already got every other country bent over a (oil) barrel. So now it's our turn.
But you recall our comments in the other thread last week. We are all for gas going up to European price levels. It will force Americans to finally consider alternatives to a petroleum based economy and infrastructure.
It would be nice to be able and breathe better in my lifetime while living in a major population center.
If gas prices are a concern for anyone and they can't get by on 10 a week then they're driving too much. I have no sympathy for someone who drives 80 miles roundtrip to work and is complaining about gas prices. BTW I merely was telling you my personal experiences, not yours or anyone else's. There are probably people here who got more than $800 back and on the flip side there are those that received less.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>What about the truckers? delivery people? sales people? cab drivers? The Car repair industry is being devastated... <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
No sympathy for the truckers, delivery people, sales people or cab drivers as they will either absorb the cost of fuel (unlikely but some may have to do this to keep market share) or pass it along to the customer. I don't know what to tell you. I've told you about a few basic options, which are widely known, that you could implement to reduce your liability but you balk.
Regardless of what you might think you most likely have a choice on what vehicle you drive, you just don't like your alternatives and that's your problem.
Good Luck with getting Bush or Kerry to lower your gasoline prices because you're going to need it.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>What about the truckers? delivery people? sales people? cab drivers? The Car repair industry is being devastated... <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
No sympathy for the truckers, delivery people, sales people or cab drivers as they will either absorb the cost of fuel (unlikely but some may have to do this to keep market share) or pass it along to the customer. I don't know what to tell you. I've told you about a few basic options, which are widely known, that you could implement to reduce your liability but you balk.
Regardless of what you might think you most likely have a choice on what vehicle you drive, you just don't like your alternatives and that's your problem.
Good Luck with getting Bush or Kerry to lower your gasoline prices because you're going to need it.
Cheap Gas is the key to a ton of cheap stuff that you have in the US, and is a big reason why the same things always seem to cost more abroad.
CHEAP ENERGY underlies cheaper public/private transport, distribution, food production, industrial production and goodness knows how many other dependents.
-------------------------------
Theres an interesting 'cause and effect' in progress.
A major new consumer/user competing for oil in the world market is China, helping to push up prices because the supply side is now starting to struggle a bit.
Much of that demand has been fuelled by an industrial base spawned by Western demand for cheap labour/goods to flog back to the West.
(ie Reeboks made for $1 etc)
We can dodge all sorts of responsibilities with the global corporate system, but not energy costs.
[This message was edited by eek on May 14, 2004 at 05:43 AM.]
CHEAP ENERGY underlies cheaper public/private transport, distribution, food production, industrial production and goodness knows how many other dependents.
-------------------------------
Theres an interesting 'cause and effect' in progress.
A major new consumer/user competing for oil in the world market is China, helping to push up prices because the supply side is now starting to struggle a bit.
Much of that demand has been fuelled by an industrial base spawned by Western demand for cheap labour/goods to flog back to the West.
(ie Reeboks made for $1 etc)
We can dodge all sorts of responsibilities with the global corporate system, but not energy costs.
[This message was edited by eek on May 14, 2004 at 05:43 AM.]
eek,
I already pay more than most people for the goods I purchase. Reason being is that I'm on a personal boycott of places like Wal-mart and I don't care how low the prices are I won't patronize their establishments.
I have no qualms with businesses that raise prices for survival. If I don't like it I can go elsewhere but if other businesses follow suit then I'm out of luck. That's what people just don't understand. They want their yearly 6% raise but they don't want others to raise prices to help offset that raise. I'm trying to figure out what journeyman learned from his Economics 101 class in high school.
If I'm not mistaken, taxes on fuel are much higher in other parts of the world and that's why most places pay more. They can lower their tax rate if they want but probably won't so as not to lose a lucrative income.
I already pay more than most people for the goods I purchase. Reason being is that I'm on a personal boycott of places like Wal-mart and I don't care how low the prices are I won't patronize their establishments.
I have no qualms with businesses that raise prices for survival. If I don't like it I can go elsewhere but if other businesses follow suit then I'm out of luck. That's what people just don't understand. They want their yearly 6% raise but they don't want others to raise prices to help offset that raise. I'm trying to figure out what journeyman learned from his Economics 101 class in high school.
If I'm not mistaken, taxes on fuel are much higher in other parts of the world and that's why most places pay more. They can lower their tax rate if they want but probably won't so as not to lose a lucrative income.
