tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19209018.post3778064298694636292..comments2024-03-27T14:07:52.573+00:00Comments on Who Would Have Believed The Singularity Would Be So Stupid?: John McCain Is The ManPastoriushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03169561459129778670noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19209018.post-66168766122677304772008-05-02T14:22:00.000+01:002008-05-02T14:22:00.000+01:00JMJ,You said: We don't plan long term in this coun...JMJ,<BR/>You said: We don't plan long term in this country because self interest is our MO.<BR/><BR/><BR/>I say: Yep, that's definitely true.<BR/><BR/>We're in a pickle right now. Will we get out of it?<BR/><BR/>Yeah, I think we will.Pastoriushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03169561459129778670noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19209018.post-68572498471134614652008-05-02T05:56:00.000+01:002008-05-02T05:56:00.000+01:00Pastorius,Oh I think our differences are pretty mi...Pastorius,<BR/>Oh I think our differences are pretty miniscule.<BR/><BR/>My main thing is getting off Middle Eastern oil. The GREATEST weapon we have against global jihad. We just differ on how to get there.<BR/><BR/>Whether that would be tapping our oil in the US or developing alternative sources of energy, the outcome would be the same.<BR/><BR/>I just see how oil has caused so many of our problems of today and we have seen this thing coming since the mid 70s and have not acted.<BR/><BR/>OPEC has sabotaged the market forces and the democratic congress is sabotaging tapping oil here in the US. A congress that is the result of the poor performance of the majority republican congress of previous years. One that also did not begin tapping the US oil potential. <BR/><BR/>And unfortunately I don't see the democratic congress going away anytime soon.<BR/><BR/>We are being severely burned by oil now and I think going down that road has many proven, negative consequences, including the environment.<BR/><BR/>And no, I do not think the environment is at a critical juncture.<BR/><BR/>But I could also be wrong.<BR/><BR/><BR/>Overall, I am a free market guy too as I am a democracy guy. But both can be easily sabotaged by the "real world". <BR/><BR/>ie - Bear Sterns (free market) and Iran (democracy).<BR/><BR/>I am a 75% capitalist and a 25% socialist. They both need to be there to counterbalance the natural tendencies of the other.<BR/><BR/>And if global warming is real and is really from CO2 emissions made by man, I will at least know that we did make an effort without being in denial.<BR/><BR/>If I am wrong on that, then maybe a few more cities may get a little cleaner a little faster than otherwise would have occurred. Certainly not a bad thing.<BR/><BR/>Re: a threat to the economy. Using the oil we do have now as a transition energy source while we also push for development of other energies would help cushion that threat. <BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/>Ethanol is the perfect example of trial and error. Like FDR said, try it. If it does not work, try something else. <BR/><BR/>But create an environment that promotes the spirit of human ingenuity and entrepreneurship.<BR/><BR/>Let the market work but it will need a hand up initially to make it cost effective for people to explore the possibilities and still feed their kids. <BR/><BR/>We don't plan long term in this country because self interest is our MO.<BR/><BR/>Just my 2 cents worth.JMJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03462489645309134155noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19209018.post-87359079350799395602008-05-01T18:38:00.001+01:002008-05-01T18:38:00.001+01:00JMJ,Everything else you say in those two comments,...JMJ,<BR/><BR/>Everything else you say in those two comments, I agree with.Pastoriushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03169561459129778670noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19209018.post-58451531798444569972008-05-01T18:38:00.000+01:002008-05-01T18:38:00.000+01:00JMJ,You said: No matter our HUGE reserves, it is s...JMJ,<BR/><BR/>You said: No matter our HUGE reserves, it is still limited in its supply. <BR/><BR/>I say: I want to recommend a book to you. It is called The Bottomless Well:<BR/><BR/>http://www.amazon.com/Bottomless-Well-Twilight-Virtue-Energy/dp/0465031161<BR/><BR/>Energy sources all have their prices. As we run out of oil, new forms of energy will be found whose cost will be affordable. As long as oil is plentiful, which it is, it will be considered to be the most affordable, efficient energy source. The only thing that can interfere with that, other than running out of oil (which, again, we are not near about to do) is for government to interfere with the pricing of oil. I am a free market guy. I think the government should stay out of pricing of commodities.Pastoriushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03169561459129778670noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19209018.post-19903631699510986902008-05-01T18:34:00.000+01:002008-05-01T18:34:00.000+01:00JMJ,It is inevitable that you and I will not agree...JMJ,<BR/>It is inevitable that you and I will not agree on everything.<BR/><BR/>About smog. My wife is from a third world country, so I have her testimony as well as evidence that I have read about. The USA is one of the least polluted industrial countries in the world. The lesson to be learned, in my opinion, is that newly industrialized societies are sloppier. Over time more money and more care is given to eliminating pollutants.<BR/><BR/>You are a scientist. You know that there is a byproduct to every energy source, and there is a reaction to every action. An example of this is Al Gore's ethanol inititative. The reaction is that world food prices are going haywire. So, he tried a new idea, and it hasn't worked. There will be a problem with every solution.Pastoriushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03169561459129778670noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19209018.post-64746940434477138212008-05-01T18:29:00.000+01:002008-05-01T18:29:00.000+01:00And McCain is an old codger. He does not need this...And McCain is an old codger. He does not need this. He could easily say "I am too old to put up with this shit". As we all have at one time or another.<BR/><BR/>Yet he persists. Why?<BR/><BR/>I think your article in this post indicates why. He sees a very real need and has the integrity and character to step up and try to fill it.<BR/><BR/>The article shows he does things for the right reasons.<BR/><BR/>NOT out of self interest, the MO of so many in our nation's political elite.<BR/><BR/>He was the "maverick" in politics long before Obama even dreamed of being in politics.JMJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03462489645309134155noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19209018.post-50920790023323389082008-05-01T18:09:00.000+01:002008-05-01T18:09:00.000+01:00Re: McCain. He sure is not perfect but he blew the...Re: McCain. He sure is not perfect but he blew the other Republican candidates out of the water. <BR/><BR/>That leaves Hillary and Obama.<BR/><BR/>I think Hillary will be tough on terrorism but will spend like crazy. And Obama will not be tough on terrorism and will spend like crazy.<BR/><BR/>McCain will be tough on terrorism and understands that tax cuts need to be counterbalanced with cuts in spending. I think he will actually ask people to sacrifice and not just tell them to go shopping.<BR/><BR/>GW should have done this long ago. He never vetoed one spending bill. (Maybe one!) Now whoever the next president will be will have to function while the nation stands on this very dangerous economic cliff.<BR/><BR/>Why anyone would want to be president during this time is beyond me!! :)JMJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03462489645309134155noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19209018.post-14698743623412895352008-05-01T18:00:00.000+01:002008-05-01T18:00:00.000+01:00Pastorius,Ignoring whether global warming is real ...Pastorius,<BR/>Ignoring whether global warming is real or man made, our cities (the world's cities) are still bastions of smog and only getting worse.<BR/><BR/>No matter our HUGE reserves, it is still limited in its supply. IMO, Congress should approve drilling. We should be using this huge supply as a transition away from fossil fuels while we develop and solve this very REAL and DIFFICULT issue for an alternative energy source. <BR/><BR/>Ultimately, its the world's addiction (even if the the US can supply itself) to fossil fuels that will drain that supply of oil faster than can be imagined. Especially with China's and India's recent development.<BR/><BR/>Its not either - or. Its both. Short and long term development. Why can't we be both a supplier of oil like Saudi Arabia as well as the pioneers and entrepreneurs of the next source of energy for the world. Why can't we be capitalists that are also good stewards of our planet.<BR/><BR/>And let the Middle East eat shit. <BR/><BR/>Short and long term.JMJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03462489645309134155noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19209018.post-87839228973500477852008-05-01T13:41:00.000+01:002008-05-01T13:41:00.000+01:00JMJ,I hope McCain is as good as you believe he wil...JMJ,<BR/>I hope McCain is as good as you believe he will be. You are correct, and thanks for reminding me, that compromise is the essence of political wisdom.<BR/><BR/>One thing I want to be clear about, though, is it is wrong to assume that we must wean off fossil fuels.<BR/><BR/>We have larger known reserves than Saudi Arabia. We could be the biggest oil-producing nation in the world, if Congress would only approve the drilling.Pastoriushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03169561459129778670noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19209018.post-9771117324567111142008-05-01T13:39:00.000+01:002008-05-01T13:39:00.000+01:00Anonymous,Ok, I understand.He, like every other po...Anonymous,<BR/>Ok, I understand.<BR/><BR/>He, like every other politician, has betrayed us on the border issue.Pastoriushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03169561459129778670noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19209018.post-43778133609889600112008-05-01T13:15:00.000+01:002008-05-01T13:15:00.000+01:00Why do you think McCain is more concerned with thi...<I>Why do you think McCain is more concerned with this nation's epitaph?-posted by Pastorius</I><BR/><BR/>McCains utter lack of genuine concern regarding national border integrity (north & south), his alliance with "Mexico First" Dr. Juan Hernandez of <I>"We must not only have a free flow of goods and services, but also start working for a free flow of people."</I> should have us all deeply concerned. . .rather than concern about how folks from south of border view us.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19209018.post-5356726059699492862008-05-01T10:19:00.000+01:002008-05-01T10:19:00.000+01:00I have been a McCain fan since I "voted/wrote him ...I have been a McCain fan since I "voted/wrote him in" for president in 2000. I thought he might be too old for this election but I am encouraged with his continued grit.<BR/><BR/>The far right Republicans have blown it and now is the time for a more centrist government.<BR/><BR/>I also think McCain realizes he needs the Hispanic vote to get elected and so he has "compromised" with the immigration issue.<BR/><BR/>No one can be absolutely pure and expect to get elected. <BR/><BR/>Compromise has been and always will be and should be the nature of politics.<BR/><BR/>And most importantly, as he said, "I will be Hamas' worst nightmare". I think this will be McCain's approach to all of the self rightious jihadists. <BR/><BR/>Global jihad was and continues to be the one and only issue for me in this election. Unfortunately, Bush has pushed our country to the edge of a financial cliff and now this is where we must fight this fight. <BR/><BR/>I guarantee you McCain would NEVER have tolerated Rumsfeld for as long as he did. Lincoln fired Generals every 6 months until he got one that was competent.<BR/><BR/>I also think, no matter what McCain says during the election (he needs the far rights votes), that he will wean us MUCH faster off fossil fuels than Bush ever dreamed of.<BR/><BR/>Where is our Manhatten Project to get off fossil fuels? Yes, it is not easy and very complicated. All the more reason to start NOW!!!JMJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03462489645309134155noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19209018.post-91501648426315207612008-05-01T06:05:00.001+01:002008-05-01T06:05:00.001+01:00By the way, I write for a Libertarian blog; Astute...By the way, I write for a Libertarian blog; Astute Bloggers.<BR/><BR/>So, I do not hate Libertarianism.Pastoriushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03169561459129778670noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19209018.post-17152642253195447562008-05-01T06:05:00.000+01:002008-05-01T06:05:00.000+01:00Libertarians do tend to be more in agreement with ...Libertarians do tend to be more in agreement with Democrats on issues of government interference in what we think of as morality issues. No doubt about that.<BR/><BR/>Libertarianism is a systematic philosophy, and as such it lacks common sense.Pastoriushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03169561459129778670noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19209018.post-87363298638772811282008-05-01T05:20:00.000+01:002008-05-01T05:20:00.000+01:00I don't agree with everything the Libertarians sta...I don't agree with everything the Libertarians stand for. It's not perfect. But like I said above, when you start mixing Democratic politics with Republican politics, someone is bound to be pissed off.<BR/><BR/>Independence doesn't really have a party.Christinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10037577654471567704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19209018.post-51938804941424804362008-05-01T05:15:00.000+01:002008-05-01T05:15:00.000+01:00Jeez, I can't type tonight. :/Jeez, I can't type tonight. :/Christinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10037577654471567704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19209018.post-66171792171840702872008-05-01T05:13:00.000+01:002008-05-01T05:13:00.000+01:00I don't look at Libertarians being anymore Republi...I don't look at Libertarians being anymore Republican or Democrat. I have had conversations with many people who call themselves Libertarians. It's more about each individuals desires. Do Republicans want pot to be legalized? No. That is a decidedly Democrat issue. But, I am in agreement with a number of Libertarians I have spoken with. Making pot illegal is a stupid waste of time, lives and money. And that isn't the only issue. There are many.<BR/><BR/>Here is what the Libertarian's say about themselves:<BR/><BR/>Are Libertaians liberal or conservative?<BR/><BR/>Libertarians are neither. Unlike liberals or conservatives, Livertaians advocate a high degree of both personal and economic liberty. For example, Libertaians advocate freedom in economic matters, so we're in favor of lowering taxes, slashing bureaucratic regulation of business, and charitable -- rather than government --welfare. But Libertarians are also socially tolerant. We won't demand laws or restrictions on other people who may not agree because of personal actions or lifestyles.<BR/><BR/>Think of us as a group of people with a "live and let live" mentality and a balanced checkbook.<BR/><BR/>In a sense, Libertarians "borrow" from both sides to come up with a logical and consistent whole -- but without the exceptions and broken promises of Republican and Democratic politicians. That's why we call ourselves the Part of Principle.Christinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10037577654471567704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19209018.post-59704544788648446362008-05-01T04:56:00.000+01:002008-05-01T04:56:00.000+01:00I don't understand your perspective, Christine. Li...I don't understand your perspective, Christine. Libertarians are less like Democrats than they are like Republicans.<BR/><BR/>So, how is it the author of McCain-Feingold, the man who prides himself on "reaching across the aisle" is more a Libertarian than a Republican?Pastoriushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03169561459129778670noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19209018.post-66205494937063718512008-05-01T04:50:00.000+01:002008-05-01T04:50:00.000+01:00Anonymous,Why do you think McCain is more concerne...Anonymous,<BR/>Why do you think McCain is more concerned with this nation's epitaph?Pastoriushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03169561459129778670noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19209018.post-48790748644237683562008-05-01T04:40:00.000+01:002008-05-01T04:40:00.000+01:00I have heard and read many stories like these abou...I have heard and read many stories like these about him. There are many more.<BR/><BR/>He is a man with integrity. And more in line with a Libertarian candidate. Of course, when you start "mixing" Democratic politics with Republican politics, you will always piss someone off. That's the good and bad with regards to Libertarians. Each has his/her own mix. In that case, it comes down to each person looking at there list of what is important, checking each item off and then making a decision on a candidate.<BR/><BR/>I am a Libertarian.<BR/>That is why I have chosen McCain. No, he isn't perfect. But, he is center enough for me at the moment. And I absolutely will not move to the left.Christinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10037577654471567704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19209018.post-56547903598173807512008-05-01T01:24:00.000+01:002008-05-01T01:24:00.000+01:00I don't care about McCain's personal life any more...I don't care about McCain's personal life any more than I cared about JF Kennedy's or WJ Clintons. I do, however, care deeply about their political history as that will have an impact on our lives. <BR/>McCain's temper may prove to be useful when the over-confident enemy strikes at the heart of this sleeping giant the next time. However, his open-borders agenda is not going to be easy to overlook.<BR/><BR/>In the few elections I have applied my privilege to vote, this one stands out as the most repugnant by far.<BR/><BR/>When a candidate is far more concerned with it's nations epitaph than it's future, it is difficult to resign to fate.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com