tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617209358263472725.post236966011932760803..comments2023-07-05T16:11:30.012-07:00Comments on <Insert title here>: Just... hold on a secondJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820590356364863913noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617209358263472725.post-87266747821355733622010-11-24T09:38:39.011-08:002010-11-24T09:38:39.011-08:00OH, and for those who "support" the TSA,...OH, and for those who "support" the TSA, nothing the TSA does has been deemed effective at actually preventing terrorism by any reputable security analysts. They all say the same thing - chemical sniffers and Israeli style profiling at airports (which would save hundreds of millions, if not billions of dollars) and spend the differnce on intelligence gathering.teflaimehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12858992182120624497noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617209358263472725.post-59251659271877681882010-11-24T09:34:58.177-08:002010-11-24T09:34:58.177-08:00Okay, let's make a correction here - Obama is ...Okay, let's make a correction here - Obama is not adding to the deficit (the amount government spends beyond what it takes in), he's adding to the debt (the amount the government owes in debt obligations). The actual deficit has come down under Obama. I grant, it hasn't been by much ($100B over the last 2 years), but the highest deficit was funded under Bush. <br /><br />Now, as far as eliminating the deficit, it will REQUIRE a combination of these 4 things: tax increases, cuts to military spending, cuts to Social Security, and cuts to Medicaid/Medicare. Or it will require one thing - all of the states to opt out of Medicaid and end the program. In fact, some economists argue that Medicaid is where over 70% of the ballooning of the deficit will come from.<br /><br />The 5th leg of all this is that we have to get the economy growing, and growing at a pretty substantial rate - it needs to grow at almost 4.5% just to outpace productivity gains and spark job creation. But we really need it to grow at closer to 6%, while keeping the deficits (that is, while keeping the level at which government spends more than it takes in) either level in terms of number of dollars, or having deficits shrink. If we can do that, the national debt as a percentage of GDP will shrink to a managable level - and due to the way our monetary system works, there will ALWAYS be a national debt because we offer treasury notes for investors - and because, even now, treasury notes are considered a very safe investment. <br /><br />In truth, though I am loath to admit it, Dick Cheney was right, to a certain point, when he said deficits don't matter anymore. What really matters is the national debt as a ratio to GDP. If GDP growth can be sparked to a significant degree, then the debt becomes significantly less important. <br /><br />Still, I agree with your basic sentiments. Although, I wish congress had had the ball to support a real single payer health system, like Sweden's (BTW, the US spends 18% or maybe a little more, of GDP on health care. Sweden and all the other single payer nations (SINGLE PAYER, NOT SINGLE PROVIDER) spend between 7 and 10% of GDP on health care, and are generally more satisfied with their health care and have better health care delivery systems.teflaimehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12858992182120624497noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617209358263472725.post-59422792790343996652010-11-17T10:05:39.860-08:002010-11-17T10:05:39.860-08:00These Guys and Gals busting your chops for not get...These Guys and Gals busting your chops for not getting scanned and not letting people touch your junk are in denial. How long before the statement “if you don't want a scan take the bus or train” is no longer true? Subway systems, trains or buses will be next. We cannot continue to let the government erode our rights in the name of fear and security. Let us look at just 2 quotes from Founding Father Thomas Jefferson to bring home my point.<br /><br />“Government big enough to supply everything you need is big enough to take everything you have. The course of history shows us that as a government grows, liberty decreases.”<br />“Experience hath shown, that even under the best forms of government those entrusted with power have, in time, and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny.”Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617209358263472725.post-48722331865410259542010-11-17T03:12:37.662-08:002010-11-17T03:12:37.662-08:00Hmmm. So civility includes calls for shipping out...Hmmm. So civility includes calls for shipping out all Muslims? Either you don't read reader responses or your standards of civility are pretty low.Benjamin Nachuminoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617209358263472725.post-79755496795947288602010-11-16T22:25:53.498-08:002010-11-16T22:25:53.498-08:00This comment has been removed by the author.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08011751504044771931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617209358263472725.post-49628807287224224422010-11-16T22:21:07.247-08:002010-11-16T22:21:07.247-08:00Thanks for your brave outing of this one incident ...Thanks for your brave outing of this one incident out of so many. Forget those comments from people who are still asleep to this huge issue of rights being removed from Americans. <br />I am an American who has been living outside of the USA (in a couple of places)for almost 20 yrs (not by choice) so I have had to watch the erosion of our constitution by so-called elected government from the sidelines. I am also privy to what the outside world sees and thinks of our once-great country.<br />I have had the luxury of not being subjected to all the awful things my countrymen have had to undergo and put up with. The list is so long it boggles the mind really. <br />Next summer I will be travelling to the States for the first time since 1996. I am very happy to be able to go "home" after so long as I love my country and have missed it terribly. Sadly, I am also worried because my passport will show my long absence and that I am coming from a Middle Eastern country. I am afraid I will be detained and, though I have done nothing to be worried about, this does not protect me from all forms of harassment as we know. <br />I am now an old woman and my nerves are not what they once were. Travel is stressful enough for me these days without reasonably anticipated anxiety from customs and TSA procedures. When I read your post on reddit the other day day I had an idea.<br />I would like to run it past you and would appreciate your comment. <br />I will be flying Dubai to San Francisco direct if possible or if not, then via Chicago. My idea would be to "opt out" and then, before they touch me, start to disrobe so that they could see that I am not carrying "an incendiary device". As I am old now, it would not be a pleasant experience for anyone within view of me doing this, therefore I would want to do this where as many people as possible could see me. The idea would of course be to create a scene publicly. It would only be meant to be my personal protest. <br />As I am in a unique position, being old, an American citizen, yet living outside the country, I might be able to help in some small way to bring more attention to this issue. <br />I would appreciate your thoughts on this and if you have any insight into the legal ramifications of my potential actions. If you feel like it of course. <br />Sorry I haven't been very brief. I don't want to put my email address here so will watch this blog. Thanks.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08011751504044771931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617209358263472725.post-15722716132865347272010-11-16T20:47:44.379-08:002010-11-16T20:47:44.379-08:00For all those who keep on saying, take a train or ...For all those who keep on saying, take a train or a bus, how do you know that the same groping would not eventually happen there if this is not stopped now. <br />I find it ironic that those who reference the consitution and liberty are in favor of violating the freedoms allowed by it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617209358263472725.post-53214662635667932362010-11-16T19:43:54.618-08:002010-11-16T19:43:54.618-08:00Moron.Moron.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617209358263472725.post-39974231081792781502010-11-16T19:39:15.924-08:002010-11-16T19:39:15.924-08:00I agree with above anonymous 11/16 @ 5:44pm... ye...I agree with above anonymous 11/16 @ 5:44pm... yes, what an asshole and a tool this boy is!<br /><br />>: / <br /><br />As a baby boomer I am sad that this self centered, self entitled, pathetic generation may someday be determining my outcome (benefits,taxes,medical) as a US citizen. <br /><br />The reason you have it "so good" in your life now is because of OUR sacrifices to this great USA. Without those sacrifices, YOU would be nothing.<br /><br />OMG so someone accidentally brushes up against your precious balls (JUNK) while protecting OUR country! Quick call the presses, except wait... WHO CARES.<br /><br />Grow Up.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617209358263472725.post-83624910398944358522010-11-16T17:44:54.766-08:002010-11-16T17:44:54.766-08:00You are such an ass. You and people like you are ...You are such an ass. You and people like you are only looking to make a name for yourself and increase hits. If you don't like the screening process at the airport, take a fucking train. With millions of people flying, and the current threat from terrorist we as a society have to adjust. So if your family was on a flight that was bombed by a terrorist (because he was able to get around security) you would support that? You and your actions are just as bad as the terrorists because you give them hope. You are the vocal minority.<br /><br />Go live in Russia or Mexico there you have many more rights... what a toolAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617209358263472725.post-44932924398869716372010-11-16T17:10:00.752-08:002010-11-16T17:10:00.752-08:00TYLER FOR PRESIDENT 2012 he has the courage to be ...TYLER FOR PRESIDENT 2012 he has the courage to be an American and he knows the government doesnt belong in our underpants.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617209358263472725.post-52178862535422833422010-11-16T15:50:42.565-08:002010-11-16T15:50:42.565-08:00You bring up a good point sir. You are correct th...You bring up a good point sir. You are correct that OBummer is not entirely responsible for the deficit. Neither was his predecessor. And despite what so many love to say, Clinton *did not* have a surplus. A surplus was achieved by the accounting gimmick of borrowing from SS and Medicare. California is playing a similar game, only doing it across time, borrowing from the year x+1 in order to balance the budget for year x.<br /><br />Clinton's predecessor didn't even TRY to stop the federal deficit. And before him - the deficit grew alarmingly on Reagan's watch - Reagan was no fiscal genius though I will readily concede that he talked real tough and sounded like John Wayne. <br /><br />When Carter left office the deficit was starting to be annoying. He and Ford had major inflation to contend with.<br /><br />Nixon probably was the one who took us with him making that turn on the final road to economic hell. For one year of his administration, there was a surplus, and then it was all downhill from there, when he removed what remained of any hard currency backing, instituted wage and price freezes, etc.<br /><br />And Keynes is probably rolling over in his grave right now seeing how his ideas have been abused.sb10https://www.blogger.com/profile/01391069316427376726noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617209358263472725.post-49477374658250985732010-11-16T11:44:40.931-08:002010-11-16T11:44:40.931-08:00America, more particularly, our leaders have lost ...America, more particularly, our leaders have lost all common sense. The agencies that protect us didn't do their job pre 9/11 and then we went and gave them all that money after 9/11 to do the job they should of been doing already. I do not want to take away from the the horrible tradegy but in a free society you cannot remain free by removing civil liberties at will. It's like saying we know people will get killed in car crashes........ so let's stop everyone from driving.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617209358263472725.post-32043724803057169032010-11-16T11:21:06.626-08:002010-11-16T11:21:06.626-08:00Just an ever increasing attempt to strip our right...Just an ever increasing attempt to strip our rights away.....Get Body Scanned or dont fly.....get fingerprinted or dont get your drivers license. Anyone see a communist pattern developing in the USA? The only way to stop this developing tyranny is to refuse compliance. Stand up for your liberties or accept a system of control and slavery...you decide.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617209358263472725.post-60858235522308942852010-11-16T06:40:12.848-08:002010-11-16T06:40:12.848-08:00I believe that some security personnel abuse their...I believe that some security personnel abuse their power of position and torture people, because they enjoy doing that. My recent experience with security staff at the Munich airport, which claims to be the best European airport, was typical example of violation of the passenger rights. Namely, after harassment they confiscated mini bottles of perfumes I bought on the plane as a gift for my 12 years old daughter and evidently enjoyed doing that in front of her standing beside me. The arrogant “security” man said that 5 x 5 ml mini bottles (i.e. 25 ml in total) exceed the capacity of 1000 ml security bag and that Air Canada is not selling items on the plane in accordance to the security regulations! My assumption is that they did this because I had a typical Niagara Falls tourist T-shirt, which was, for some reasons, too provocative for these guys. Complains to several instances, even to the Bavarian authorities, were without success. So how could we resist the terror of such malfunctioning security when such “security people” are protected by political and bureaucratic authorities?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617209358263472725.post-19268230330787558422010-11-16T05:47:08.791-08:002010-11-16T05:47:08.791-08:00Hmm. I'm no lawyer, but isn't your audio/v...Hmm. I'm no lawyer, but isn't your audio/video inadmissible in a court of law because you failed to tell or ask those that were in your presence that you were recording them using an electronic recording device. Their decision to say yes or no (if properly asked, which it seems you failed to do here) is also one of THEIR civil rights.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617209358263472725.post-30071372564159147572010-11-16T05:24:54.236-08:002010-11-16T05:24:54.236-08:00THANK GOD FOR TIGHT SECURITY!THANK GOD FOR TIGHT SECURITY!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617209358263472725.post-61678897093240629492010-11-16T05:20:52.314-08:002010-11-16T05:20:52.314-08:00I`m an American born and raised in US. 60 years ol...I`m an American born and raised in US. 60 years old. Overweight, white, and harmless. Polite to a T. But I live overseas. I live overseas because I like living overseas. I like eating overseas food. I like speaking, reading, and writing overseas words. I like walking around in overseas neighborhoods. And it`s _nobody`s_ business but mine. I especially like living overseas because I don`t have to put up with the jackass, Orwellian, stinking stupidity that has become the U.S. And will only get worse. Much, much worse and gold will be $5000 an ounce and monitoring chip implants will be the "law". Sometimes, however, when I run out stuff I travel to the U.S. to replenish my supplies. A few months ago I transited through Portland. I`d always thought that Portland was kind of laid back and hippie-ish But I was real wrong. As soon as my traveling companions (two Asian ladies one (80+), tiny and frail and her daughter) and I arrived at PDX and tried to process through immigration and customs the Immigration/TSA/Customs uberNazis put on their "you must be a terrorist scum because you live overseas" faces and started grilling us. <br />- Why are you living abroad?<br />- Why have you been abroad so long?<br />- Who are your traveling companions?<br />- We need to know where you live overseas.<br />- What do you do overseas?<br />- What`s the name of your company?<br />- What kind of company is that?<br />(what is it you don`t understand about "import/export"...stupid)<br />- What`s your address overseas?<br />- What did you move overseas?<br />- I need more information about your company. <br />- I don`t need you to interpret for me (neither of my companions could speak enough English to make themselves clearly understood) the foreigners with you should speak English.<br />- Get out of line and go over there for a special inspection. <br />- Open your suitcase.<br />- What`s this? <br />- Open this bag? <br />- Where are going in the U.S.?<br />- Why are you traveling in the U.S.<br />and on and on and one with their intrusive, stupid, arrogant, abusive line of white trash questioning. <br /><br />All of this because I asked these Nazi bastards why my living overseas was cause for such alarm. Fortunately, I returned overseas and look forward to never traveling back to the U.S. In fact, exchanging my U.S. passport for my adopted country`s passport sounds like the smart thing to do.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617209358263472725.post-31740070496556527612010-11-15T19:16:21.585-08:002010-11-15T19:16:21.585-08:00I am wondering, as an old perverted male that I am...I am wondering, as an old perverted male that I am, is it possible to have the pat down done by a good looking female? I am not comfortable being touched by another male.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617209358263472725.post-27845111618483199412010-11-15T17:30:54.852-08:002010-11-15T17:30:54.852-08:00Someone great said once, < If you sacrifice Lib...Someone great said once, < If you sacrifice Liberty for Security, you don't deserve any of them, You lose both of them>. What was the beginning of all the dictatorships and authoritarian regimes? The dictators became popular because they promised security and stability. We all know what happened afterwards. Every body was screwed up. The people should not be led like sheep. BOYCOTT FLYING For A Week.Takisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617209358263472725.post-84988173372941927082010-11-15T16:32:16.016-08:002010-11-15T16:32:16.016-08:00John Tyner... No offense intended, but you seem to...John Tyner... No offense intended, but you seem to me to be an attention whore. I hope you get hit with the full punishment available.... $10,000 fine and the maximum jail time for your offense. That will do wonders to stretch your 15-minutes... which I believe is your real motive. Enjoy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617209358263472725.post-23483449810115112472010-11-15T15:47:21.054-08:002010-11-15T15:47:21.054-08:00Bottom line is that terrorists have crated this si...Bottom line is that terrorists have crated this situation and now they have to do things like this for everyones safety. You say that you didn't set this whole thing up however that is a big joke. If you don't like the screening process, DON'T FLY. Flying is not a right, it's a choice. And if that means they have to do these things to ensure the safety of my family and others then so be it. I hope you'll feel better about yourself if they stop theses screenings and someone gets past and something terrible happens. Will you sleep tight then if it's any of your loved ones..!!!????Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617209358263472725.post-16324592470757903062010-11-15T14:25:32.860-08:002010-11-15T14:25:32.860-08:00"'Health care reform, in spite of great e..."'Health care reform, in spite of great efforts at pretending, is not a “government takeover” of health care—it institutionalizes, in law, the presence of the health insurance industry, and gives that industry millions of new clients.'<br />Whoa! Stop right there! Did you catch that? The government, under Democratic control, via the coercion of law, just delivered millions of customers to the health insurance industry. It's not just the Republicans that are in bed with big business."<br /><br />I continue to be baffled at what passes for health care reform there in the US (I'm in Canada, and pay nothing but taxes to go to the hospital should need arise)-- I don't see how saying "You've all got to go get insurance" makes doing so any more possible than the previous "We don't really care" policy, and I certainly don't get how the former is 'Socialist' while the latter is seen as the stance of the party of the common man.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617209358263472725.post-20209134405314005132010-11-15T14:19:54.312-08:002010-11-15T14:19:54.312-08:00What's next? Do I get screened before I go int...What's next? Do I get screened before I go into church, the mall, or a store?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617209358263472725.post-43428474754619196092010-11-15T14:15:21.882-08:002010-11-15T14:15:21.882-08:00About time someone stood up to the government!! Ma...About time someone stood up to the government!! Maybe this will lead to other revolts against big brother!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com