Am I the only one worried?

[Binky]

A year ago, I wasn't as bothered by all I heard that was going on. But as each day passes and the more things that are revealed, I'm finding myself more apprehensive and "sweaty", so to speak, over the direction our country has chosen to take. I'm having unsettling thoughts about where this is all going to lead within the next few years. Since everything seems to be escalating at a more rapid speed what with all the corruption and types of leaders we have in various roles, etc., it is beginning to frighten me a bit. I'm having trouble sleeping now that I never used to experience. As I go through my day, thoughts of all the crapola creeps into my head.

And I'm wondering, just what do the rest of you think? Are you feeling tense as I am? Is your mind filled with thoughts of all this stuff that's been going on? Do I have company? Or am I just a doom sayer?

[Jesse Hemingway]

All the right wing has is fear to work off of so why worry it to late now, just help every right winger in their errors in thinking and move forward. We have no chance as a divided country we have heard lower taxes, lower taxes for years which mean nothing with out an increase in wages they are two different animals. Lower taxes only helps the very wealthy and to have a wage earner repeating that, only indicates the success of the brain washing by the corporation run media.

[Smurf-Herder]

Binky, it's been bothering me for quite a while.

Western civilization is collapsing, at an ever-increasing rate. And all we can do, for the most part, is watch it crumble before our eyes.

[Binky]

All the right wing has is fear to work off of so why worry it to late now just help every right winger their errors in thinking and move foward. We have no chance as a divided country.


Yeah, it seems people have forgotten that adage. That divided we fall and together we stand. So far, I'm still standing. ;)

[Binky]

Binky, it's been bothering me for quite a while.

Western civilization is collapsing, at an ever-increasing rate. And all we can do, for the most part, is watch it crumble before our eyes.


Yeah, I know. And we're watching and hearing about it everyday. It's very unsettling to sit by and watch one's country crumble bit by bit.:banghead:

[Mr, gone]

Binky,

Ambien works great to mitigate those otherwise sleepness nights. Just remember to wear clothes to bed as black out amnesia seems to be a sometimes embarassing side effect.:D

[Moby]

I came to terms with it years ago. I have always believed that the election in 2000 was the worst thing that would happen to America in my life time. With the economy the way that it is, interest rates already at rock bottom, deficits already through the roof and Americans wanting war and refusing to pay for it, I think I was right.

We'll just have to see how the next few years plays out. Maybe a Keynesian style government can get us back on track or maybe it can't. We've never been faced with this situation before.

It's what Americans wanted and now it's here. Why worry about it now when we should have been worried about it years ago.

[Smurf-Herder]

Sometimes I YouTube crazy music videos from the early 80s (Split Enz, Lene Lovich, etc.) and just get lost in the memories of how simple and easy life was back then.

[Cat slave]

Binky,

Ambien works great to mitigate those otherwise sleepness nights. Just remember to wear clothes to bed as black out amnesia seems to be a sometimes embarassing side effect.:D

Hell, I love the stuff. Been on it for years....or is it months...decades?....
I forget!

[Cat slave]

A year ago, I wasn't as bothered by all I heard that was going on. But as each day passes and the more things that are revealed, I'm finding myself more apprehensive and "sweaty", so to speak, over the direction our country has chosen to take. I'm having unsettling thoughts about where this is all going to lead within the next few years. Since everything seems to be escalating at a more rapid speed what with all the corruption and types of leaders we have in various roles, etc., it is beginning to frighten me a bit. I'm having trouble sleeping now that I never used to experience. As I go through my day, thoughts of all the crapola creeps into my head.

And I'm wondering, just what do the rest of you think? Are you feeling tense as I am? Is your mind filled with thoughts of all this stuff that's been going on? Do I have company? Or am I just a doom sayer?

Yes, Binky, I have been very concerned way before the auto thing...that
just ramps it up several notches!

Honesty has been cast to the wind in favor of power and wealth and
"public service" is out of the picture anymore. The corruption is so deep
it will require a total melt down of everything and we can hope something
decent rises out of the ashes. I hope that is not a literal description of what
we face but who would know. We can expect anything at any time.
Economic, cultural, race and system of government. These were the good
old days. At least our house is paid for, our wheels and we are so far out
it will take some time to spread to us. Fortunately there is enough fire
power all around me coming in here wont be easy for anyone. I figure
my daughter and grandson can live here...we will pool our talents, energy
and survive..Hmmm....maybe its time to check out survival sites. Im
serious.

[Binky]

Yes, Binky, I have been very concerned way before the auto thing...that
just ramps it up several notches!

Honesty has been cast to the wind in favor of power and wealth and
"public service" is out of the picture anymore. The corruption is so deep
it will require a total melt down of everything and we can hope something
decent rises out of the ashes. I hope that is not a literal description of what
we face but who would know. We can expect anything at any time.
Economic, cultural, race and system of government. These were the good
old days. At least our house is paid for, our wheels and we are so far out
it will take some time to spread to us. Fortunately there is enough fire
power all around me coming in here wont be easy for anyone. I figure
my daughter and grandson can live here...we will pool our talents, energy
and survive..Hmmm....maybe its time to check out survival sites. Im
serious.


I understand what you're saying. We're in mid Mi., but hubby has place and job downstate and comes home on weekends when he can. So he's in the city. I've told him that if and when the shit hits the fan to get to just leave and head straigtht for here. (hopefully that won't happen but at least he'll be able to get out of the city before the traffic and people go nuts). This is deer country so I'm sure there are lots of us around loaded with firepower to stave off intruders as well.

And we've discussed combining resources as well to survive, since trying to make it seprately is becoming more difficult each day.

[Binky]

Binky,

Ambien works great to mitigate those otherwise sleepness nights. Just remember to wear clothes to bed as black out amnesia seems to be a sometimes embarassing side effect.:D


Most nights I now take a sleeping pill. Never used to have to do that. Even then, I still wake up during the night to use the bathroom and unsettling thoughts manage to sneak in quickly before I can drop off to sleep again. UGH! :(

[Mr, gone]

Anyone know who makes Ambien? Sounds like a safe investment. Should pay back a healthy dividend.:D

[Cat slave]

Sounds like a plan to me.:D

[Cat slave]

Most nights I now take a sleeping pill. Never used to have to do that. Even then, I still wake up during the night to use the bathroom and unsettling thoughts manage to sneak in quickly before I can drop off to sleep again. UGH! :(


I know, its always there, like a dull ache that never goes away.

[Cat slave]

I understand what you're saying. We're in mid Mi., but hubby has place and job downstate and comes home on weekends when he can. So he's in the city. I've told him that if and when the shit hits the fan to get to just leave and head straigtht for here. (hopefully that won't happen but at least he'll be able to get out of the city before the traffic and people go nuts). This is deer country so I'm sure there are lots of us around loaded with firepower to stave off intruders as well.

And we've discussed combining resources as well to survive, since trying to make it seprately is becoming more difficult each day.

Consolidation would definitely help the bottom line. This too is deer country,
also cattle and goats! And near a lake! My daughter and grandson know as
we have already discussed it, when it starts, everybody get here as fast as
possible. I dont eat meat but who knows what Ill have to adjust to just to
survive? Dont know if it will be "terrist" related or civil breakdown...or both.
But something bad is coming.

[Cat slave]

Anyone know who makes Ambien? Sounds like a safe investment. Should pay back a healthy dividend.:D

My neighbor can make some really good wine...peach etc., maybe that should
be added to my evening ritual...ya think? Bet people around here know how to
make a lot more than that!

[Smurf-Herder]

I roll a doobie ... when I can find it.

It helps to step back and take a brain vacation.

[Binky]

Consolidation would definitely help the bottom line. This too is deer country,
also cattle and goats! And near a lake! My daughter and grandson know as
we have already discussed it, when it starts, everybody get here as fast as
possible. I dont eat meat but who knows what Ill have to adjust to just to
survive? Dont know if it will be "terrist" related or civil breakdown...or both.
But something bad is coming.


Yep, same goes for here. We live two miles from a lake in one direction and another mile in the other is a huge pond. And woods everywhere around us. We're two miles from the edge of town. And we have and extra well with an a pump handle that we can attach to it and use if need be. We believe something bad is going to happen and are trying to get prepared for whatever it is. Whatever it is ain't gonna be pretty.

[Binky]

I roll a doobie ... when I can find it.

It helps to step back and take a brain vacation.


Now there ya go......and the worst that will happen is you'll end up with a serious case of the munchies and want to eat everything in the house and then fall asleep like a big tuna.

[Mr, gone]

Cat,

I was born and raised in Michigan. Once one travels north past the slobbering masses - it is beautiful country. At least your in a great location when the shit hits. Just stock up on plenty of rifles and ammo (and get used to the taste of meat).:D

[doctordog]

I came to terms with it years ago. I have always believed that the election in 2000 was the worst thing that would happen to America in my life time. With the economy the way that it is, interest rates already at rock bottom, deficits already through the roof and Americans wanting war and refusing to pay for it, I think I was right.

We'll just have to see how the next few years plays out. Maybe a Keynesian style government can get us back on track or maybe it can't. We've never been faced with this situation before.

It's what Americans wanted and now it's here. Why worry about it now when we should have been worried about it years ago.

It started with Carter, bad economy, 20%+ interest on loans, the fat got fatter druing those years and the thin got thinner

[Moby]

It started with Carter, bad economy, 20%+ interest on loans, the fat got fatter druing those years and the thin got thinner
Have you ever bothered to compare the economic trends between Carter and W. Bush? Or between W. Bush and anyone? Carter started with 7.5% unemployment and ended with the same levels.

Bush is in line to create higher unemployment then even Richard M. Nixon which is an amazing feat. I don't think anyone thought another President could over see such massive job losses as we saw under Nixon but here it is.

In doing all of this we also used up every defensive item in our economic arsenal. We already cut taxes to the point that we're boring. We've already lowered interest rates to almost nothing. We've already dropped the value of the dollar trying to boost exports. We've already over printed money.

Now we're facing a massive recession and we've burned up everything that could help us. We knew that Bush was going to fuck the American people in a big way but most of us thought it was going to be in the $Billion. $450 - $800 billion at most. I don't know anyone that predicted it would be the $trillions that Americans lost this year.

[doctordog]

Have you ever bothered to compare the economic trends between Carter and W. Bush? Or between W. Bush and anyone? Carter started with 7.5% unemployment and ended with the same levels.

Bush is in line to create higher unemployment then even Richard M. Nixon which is an amazing feat. I don't think anyone thought another President could over see such massive job losses as we saw under Nixon but here it is.

In doing all of this we also used up every defensive item in our economic arsenal. We already cut taxes to the point that we're boring. We've already lowered interest rates to almost nothing. We've already dropped the value of the dollar trying to boost exports. We've already over printed money.

Now we're facing a massive recession and we've burned up everything that could help us. We knew that Bush was going to fuck the American people in a big way but most of us thought it was going to be in the $Billion. $450 - $800 billion at most. I don't know anyone that predicted it would be the $trillions that Americans lost this year.

The price of freedom isn't cheap, but that is to be expected when the previous liberal President cut miliatry spending in 1/2 to make his P&L look outstanding. At least now interest is low, in the Carter years even if you had a job you couldn't get ahead paying 20% interest.

[Bill]

No reason to be afraid - FOX news is on the case!

Soon Evil Carter and his singlehanded plot to impose 20% interest on republicans will be a thing of the past!

Pity the poor bankers, back in the day, forced by Evil Carter to charge high interest - oh boo hoo, so sad, the bankers had to make all that money!

[doctordog]

No reason to be afraid - FOX news is on the case!

Soon Evil Carter and his singlehanded plot to impose 20% interest on republicans will be a thing of the past!

Pity the poor bankers, back in the day, forced by Evil Carter to charge high interest - oh boo hoo, so sad, the bankers had to make all that money!

And Democrats had to pay it too, that was the last time anyone I was related to voted for a democrat as he turned on his own party.

[Smurf-Herder]

Now there ya go......and the worst that will happen is you'll end up with a serious case of the munchies and want to eat everything in the house and then fall asleep like a big tuna.

It helps to look at all the news a bit more dispassionately too.

And an altered baseline, to ponder everything :cool:

[Cat slave]

I roll a doobie ... when I can find it.

It helps to step back and take a brain vacation.


Uh, I dont know what that is!:confused:

[Cat slave]

Cat,

I was born and raised in Michigan. Once one travels north past the slobbering masses - it is beautiful country. At least your in a great location when the shit hits. Just stock up on plenty of rifles and ammo (and get used to the taste of meat).:D

I am fully aware of that...yuck! Wont be easy.:(

[Cat slave]

Hey...dont diss the south as we dont all slobber or have fridges and sofas on
the front porch.:taunt:

[Moby]

The price of freedom isn't cheap, but that is to be expected when the previous liberal President cut miliatry spending in 1/2 to make his P&L look outstanding. At least now interest is low, in the Carter years even if you had a job you couldn't get ahead paying 20% interest.
What exactly does the President do to get the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates?

You're funny. You won't give up on a point even if the economic data is totally against what you're saying. At least you repeat what you're told really well.

[Mr. Blue]

Binky, all I can say is that history is marked with many empires, dynasties, world powers, etc, etc, etc. It's just the natural way of rise and fall of empires and I think America has entered it's decline period. Not saying it's good or bad...it's just the way it is...a cycle that pretty much will continue to repeat itself.

If you look at the fall of the Roman Empire carefully you can see some similarities in America's decline.

[doctordog]

What exactly does the President do to get the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates?

You're funny. You won't give up on a point even if the economic data is totally against what you're saying. At least you repeat what you're told really well.

Administration policies influence interest rates and unemployment rates based on laws and congressional bills passed or vetoed. Unemployment figures now take into account jobs lost by green card workers (there are many more now), seasonal jobs, and part time employment. You are very good at the liberal talking points as well, do you still have that poster of Randi Rhodes?:lmao2:

[Moby]

Administration policies influence interest rates and unemployment rates based on laws and congressional bills passed or vetoed. Unemployment figures now take into account jobs lost by green card workers (there are many more now), seasonal jobs, and part time employment. You are very good at the liberal talking points as well, do you still have that poster of Randi Rhodes?:lmao2:
I don't think I'd recognize Randi Rhodes is I saw her or heard her. I've only heard her mentioned in Neoconservative talking points.

The data exists and you might want to look at it. We spend money on government agencies to create these reports. You really should read them.

[doctordog]

I don't think I'd recognize Randi Rhodes is I saw her or heard her. I've only heard her mentioned in Neoconservative talking points.

The data exists and you might want to look at it. We spend money on government agencies to create these reports. You really should read them.

Are they more dependable than the report on WMD:lmao2: s?

[Mr, gone]

I highly recommend reading the book 'Crossing the Rubicon', for anyone wanting to understand why and how the american empire is heading towards failure.

[Binky]

Binky, all I can say is that history is marked with many empires, dynasties, world powers, etc, etc, etc. It's just the natural way of rise and fall of empires and I think America has entered it's decline period. Not saying it's good or bad...it's just the way it is...a cycle that pretty much will continue to repeat itself.

If you look at the fall of the Roman Empire carefully you can see some similarities in America's decline.


Yeah, I know. And I think we are our own worst enemy as well. I'm beginning to believe that America has had her hey day. She may not end up faring well in the fight to stay numero uno on the block.

[Moby]

Are they more dependable than the report on WMD:lmao2: s?
That's almost as clueless as your previous statements.

[Mr. Blue]

Yeah, I know. And I think we are our own worst enemy as well. I'm beginning to believe that America has had her hey day. She may not end up faring well in the fight to stay numero uno on the block.

Well, I don't think America is going to fall easily...

I think America has followed this rather absurd idea of empire building based on ideology. Whether it's through agreements or using our military, this idea of spreading "democracy" is a biggie with the U.S., but what happens when America starts to fall, but we still have a military and military spending, that far outstrips that of our neighbors?

Also geographically we have a good foot hold...much better than say a country in Europe.

So what happens when we do start to fall? Do we use our military to just do empire building, the old fashioned style, where we conquer and take? I think that's also a possibility in the future and then it extends America's dominance for awhile longer, but it'll be a different America, one that you and I won't recognize.

[doctordog]

That's almost as clueless as your previous statements.

And your as well, or at the very least brainwashed.

[SeedyROM]

The Clinton and Bush administrations set us on a collison course with our own worst enemies.....ourselves and our politicians and our capitalist structure of see no evil. Neither administration did enough to assure the people that thier policies and repeals would protect us from greed, fraud, ignorance and endless loopholes. If the people were more interested in politics and were willing to fight for what we want then we'd all be better off.

As is the 2 party system is a party for them while the media discuss only the positives for new policy, the naysayers are ridculed with BS. You can't say the mistakes of the last 8 years are soley on Bush when many laws were added and changed by Clinton that unleashed the demons of wallstreet to mastermind $4.00 gas and loan profits banks and brokerages. Risk free living has a way of catching up to us!!

Until we regulate and control the wicked we'll see more scandals. World events are tied into how we operate as a nation. Rebuilding image is not enough, we need change that actually works for us, not them.