^ I’m with Morgan19. And yes, this was the “more partisan” LEGO creation I referred to in my own post. ;-)
A quick reminder here too: Senator McCain’s eloquent concession speech a moment ago is a good reminder to everyone that we can choose to keep our comments civil.
David
Maybe if McCain kept his running as civil as his bye-bye speech I wouldn’t hate his so much.
There goes the rest of my lego collection and my savings – and that will only pay the first year of new taxes off. (T_T) I never overspent, I always lived on a budget. Most of my legos were gifts. And now I get to be punished even more for it. I just want to be happy.
3!
Unless you have an over 300k income, you won’t be losing money you big baby.
Ummm…. I just want to go on record saying that …. YYYEEEAAAHHHHHH BOYEEEEEEEE!!!!
( to minifigs make things more fun)
Fred
Later Bush!
Peppermint Pig
“Unless you have an over 300k income, you won’t be losing money you big baby.”
Actually, that’s not true. Taking more money away from employers leads to higher priced goods. It’s called the inflation tax. It leads to job loss, increased government intervention, and it’s not pleasant.
If the USD continues to plummet due to all the debt creation under the guise of ‘stimulus’, it will lead to steep Lego price increases as well.
That’s not to say it would have been much different if McCain won. They don’t realistically address the two biggest issues which are constitutional adherence and economic bailouts.
Pluto
‘Mint,
Your economic foresight is truly a gift and likewise is wasted on us. You have solved what many in higher positions and those who are employed in only this task have failed to do. A higher calling beckons you.
Hark! Go forth into the night.
3!
Yes, because taxes are just an arbitrary means for the big bad government to steal money away from people and dump it in a hole in Nebraska or something.
Oh wait, I see. You never actually took an economics course, you’re just a libertarian.
@Pluto & 3! – Your comments serve to illustrate a major problem with politics and politicians. Instead of refuting the points that Peppermint Pig has raised, you attack him personally. If you don’t agree, debate the issue. Keep the sarcasm to yourselves. Obviously, he can articulate his position better than you can yours. EPIC FAIL!
Will
The big problem with the American economy is one neither candidate mentioned. Greed. As a nation we buy extravagant things on insane credit. This has been happening for about 10 years and now we’re wondering why we have no money. Moral of the story: leave your credit card in your wallet when you buy LEGO unless you have the money in the bank
People need to stop spending money they don’t effing have. “Oh gee, I want this new fancy car, I’ll buy it with this imaginary money that doesn’t come out of this plastic card. I must have that new plasma TV. I must have these new clothes, shoes, furniture, I must have this house that I know I won’t be able to afford…”
Stupid people should not be given credit cards. The advice I’m given on dept, “don’t get into it”. The only acceptable (term used very loosely) dept would be a modest home within ones reach, an education to further ones career potentials, and sometimes (emphasis on sometimes) an affordable automobile. Nothing else should ever be purchased on credit unless the money exists within your bank account, not in your next paycheck, but actual tangible money within your own account.
The country is in debt and so are it’s citizens, that is the problem, it’s very simple. Stop buying things with money we don’t actually have, and things will get better.
David
Will, it’s more than 10 years, but you are correct.
However you can’t run for president and go “It’s your damn fault we are in this mess!”, unless you want to lose. :)
Mara Kotobuki
It’s not an accurate minifig of Obama.
I’d trust the smile of a minifig.
I’d believe what a minifig says.
I’d trust a minifig with my paycheck and 401k.
Minifigs don’t support reverse-racism, terrorism, socialism or any other -ism.
Minifigs are capable of having a soul, telling the truth to other minifigs.
“I know minifigs, and you Obama are no minifig.”
Jonathan
to bad mcain didn’t win. And you should have given obuma a ugha warrior head and body. That would have suited him better
Will
I’m not saying the prez hopeful needs to say it’s your own damn fault, but is is worth ackowleding the cause of the problem. Besides, the banks and credit card companies didn’t help.
My other big gripe with this year’s election is how incredibly biased the media was. Admittedly the Republicans were not thew nation’s beloved leaders, but (At least in Illinois) the media always seemed to spin it Obama’s way, even down to showing a clip of Obama reacting to the $$ crisis and a clip of McCain answering what his greatest moral shortcomings in one of the debates.
@Mara Kotobuki- Amen
Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen for 2012!!! :)
Pluto
I was actually complimenting him on an economic grasp that escapes so many, myself included. Any perceived attack is erroneous on the reader’s part.
Bruce
Hey,
Where’s this cash-filled hole in Nebraska? I’ve got relatives there; maybe it’s in their backyard! -Makes plan to visit family with a shovel at Thanksgiving-
I am pleased he won, but McCain made a nice speech at the end. Those people that were booing are a disgrace. It was good that McCain stopped them.
I can’t quite understand why some people hate Obama so much though.
I really don’t like McCain very much, but I don’t go around making false accusations about him, such as being a terrorist. Stuff that that is just ridiculous.
Anyway, just my 2 cents. Don’t hold it against me! :P
Will
Now there’s a close race- Kjeld Kirk Kristian vs. the good Dr. S!
FreshPrince
Comments shoulda been disabled for this one.
Peppermint Pig
Sinister has my vote!!!
“Oh wait, I see. You never actually took an economics course, you’re just a libertarian.”
Do you have an actual argument to make, or did you just want to attack me?
Praxeology is essential in understanding why the market does what it does, because, in a sense, everything is economical in nature and the human actors are a factor. I see many so-called experts trying to explain away the downturn, but if people like Bernanke are so qualified to manage the economy, why is it continuing to fail and the value of the dollar declines still?? Why are irresponsible decisions rewarded, while the general populace is being punished? What logically minded person acting in the marketplace would choose to bail out banks and insurance companies for their failure to operate and create value?
Central control of an economy is not productive, nor can you justify a system of control WHILE explaining what the economy IS. That would be a fascistic ideology on par with religious justifications for ruling over others because ‘god says so’. The level of ignorance on the economy is astounding, but can be explained partly by the confusing way most media pundits discuss it.
Taking an economics course does not make one an economist. It would technically be more correct to say economics courses teach more about finances than economics, and many colleges tend to teach a flawed version of the latter.
Will, greed is a part of life. It’s like gravity, and will never be rid of. That said, spending beyond one’s means and not saving money is a huge problem, with a number of government-based factors contributing to it.
To me, the essential problem is power without accountability, and disregarding The essential problem in my mind is that there are too many people given power, but not held accountable for it. It’s easier to spend money when it’s not yours, and when you set up social programs that encourage abuse, you’re on the way to creating a vicious cycle of wealth destruction. People who earn through voluntary, peaceful means tend to have that power and accountability better matched, and act responsibly.
I consider it disingenuous to solely blame people for not being responsible with their financial situation, but it is a factor. The economy is undermined by fiat currency, government waste, anti-competitive legislation, and make-work programs to grow and expand bureaucracy.
I want to throw myself into this discussion, but I’ll never shut up. Obama’s victory, however, is, well, not in the best interest of the country. Ron Paul 2012!
Yes I did support McCain but even had he won, I would not have been happy with an image like this reversed. It’s literally shameful to the site to promote something so…well, uncivil.
I know this is the internet and thus extremely liberal (and trust me, I’m not a conservative, I vote for whoever I feel will do the best job), but I’m a little surprised that this would be blogged. It’s not something deserving of attention. The mosaic however is quite nice.
I feel it very distressing that even members of the LEGO community have been blinded by Barack Obama’s comely appearance. Go to Worldnetdaily News (http://www.worldnetdaily.com/), it’s a very interesting news site that has some stuff that are very concerning that the ever-blind mainstream media ignores. Obama isn’t even a Us-born citizen, therefore he didn’t ‘win’!
Ahahahaha that is a lot of fucking words. I’m not going to write an essay about Keynesian economics on a blog about Lego brand building bricks, but do you seriously believe that the recent economic downturn is the result of interference on the part of the US Treasury? If you didn’t see the housing crisis from early on then you’re pretty goddamn ignorant about economic theory on a whole, and your casual disregard for over a centurty of established scholastic foundations betrays your abhorrent randian philosphy.
Hey, guess what? I agree with you that the bailout was uneccessary and unrealstic, but it’s also completely absurd to believe that magical market forces from a far away fantasy land will create economic stability any better than government regulation. Here’s a thought experiment: imagine to yourself what would happen if there was not, in fact, a $700 b federal bailout and all the rapidly collapsing banks would have to fend for themselves? Oh, and take away that pesky reserve ratio too, too much gubmint interference there! I get the feeling that what you’re imagining at the moment differs somewhat in content from what I’m imagining since John Galt sweeping in to save everyone seems to contrast total economic collapse.
The free market dug itself into this hole, son, and no amount of pseudological hand-wringing about the big bad government is going to wipe away the fact that centuries of established history have proven that pure market forces cannot sustainably keep a global economy healthy and free of volatility.
But what the fuck do I know, right? I’m just a useless pawn of the FIAT CURRENCY NEW WORLD ORDER
GOLD STANDARD RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL
Jordan
I agree with Starwars4J. I see nothing civil in a picture of someone kicking a rather elderly man, along with an American flag in the background to imply that this act is something we Americans do.
wunztwice
While the image is pretty funny, I’m with S.W.4J. Had McCain won, I would not have supported an image like this, and I am actually a bit surprised it made it on here…
@All: Both of the candidates were civil, respectful, and conciliatory in their acceptance/concession speeches. We could all learn to do the same in our post-election conversations. If we can’t do that, I will exercise my power to lock comments on this post.
SavaTheAggie
I’m sorry the administrators of this blog felt this was a blog-worthy image. The mosaic was a much better choice, it’s a shame something this inappropriate would share the same stage.
I know you weren’t talking to me, but it’s worth noting that I myself was refering to the actual subject of this post.
Anonymous
Xiazeran, Xiazeran, Xiazeran… Obama could be considered more American than John McCain. Obama was born in Honolulu whereas McCain was born on a US military base in Panama.
Yes but Gambort, if an editorial were to post porn all over the place I’d think you’d have it removed immediately. This image is no less crude than that, and really does a disservice to your site. You do have the power to monitor and keep out that which is disgraceful.
Peppermint Pig
“Ahahahaha that is a lot of fucking words.”
It’s called making a coherent argument.
“do you seriously believe that the recent economic downturn is the result of interference on the part of the US Treasury?”
I didn’t mention the US Treasury. It does play a part, yes.
“If you didn’t see the housing crisis from early on then you’re pretty goddamn ignorant about economic theory on a whole, and your casual disregard for over a centurty of established scholastic foundations betrays your abhorrent randian philosphy.”
So that would be all the Democrats who claimed Fanny Mae was a sound institution? I guess all those government officials with economics credentials hanging on the walls of their offices saw it coming as well?
Interesting… I don’t consider myself a Randian, actually… I suppose that’s just another one of your tactics to try and discredit me without completing an argument as to why I’m wrong.
“Hey, guess what? I agree with you that the bailout was uneccessary and unrealstic, but it’s also completely absurd to believe that magical market forces from a far away fantasy land will create economic stability any better than government regulation.”
I’m not asking you to believe in them, nor am I conflating governance of the economy with an explanation of economics as you’ve done. Whether you choose to understand it or not, activity in the marketplace follows along certain principles. Violating such principles will lead to wealth destruction. For a time you may delay a crisis by turning to bailouts and phony economic policy, but eventually trouble comes home to roost by hiding the costs of poor decisions in less apparent ways.
“Here’s a thought experiment: imagine to yourself what would happen if there was not, in fact, a $700 b federal bailout and all the rapidly collapsing banks would have to fend for themselves?”
And conveniently ignore the several decades of bad policy which has built up bubbles in the marketplace? Politicians in positions which matter do not have the incentive to act otherwise because the lure of power and money is too great. They can’t see beyond the election cycle, so they naturally do what preserves their career or the party’s dominance in the political sphere rather than solving these problems. Hard times are coming, but market contraction is not something you see instantaneously.
So you’re actually supporting the bailout then?
“The free market dug itself into this hole, son, and no amount of pseudological hand-wringing about the big bad government is going to wipe away the fact that centuries of established history have proven that pure market forces cannot sustainably keep a global economy healthy and free of volatility.”
So bad businesses shouldn’t fail? Wake up buddy, government has its tentacles all over the place. It’s not a business if you prop it up and suspend it from the consequences of bad decisions, because a business is supposed to create value for its customers. Government parades that they will create good by making the banks give out bad loans, but by doing so they invoke a moral hazard. What have government regulations done? They’re the biggest creators of waste, both economically and environmentally, and prop up monopolies and favortism.
Two people exchanging goods or services profit from the venture, else they wouldn’t do it. In the long term, this is proven to be true, and no amount of financial chicanery can survive the negative and often unseen consequences of deceiving people as to the value of money, services, or goods. But yes, you may continue to advocate for central control, and see where that gets you.
“FIAT CURRENCY NEW WORLD ORDER
GOLD STANDARD RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL”
NWO conspiracies are a fascination of truthers, who masochistically examine politics as a form of celebrity and intrigue, with fruitless ‘researching’ of said conspiracies.
A true gold standard would be superior, but government has a proven track record of corrupting the money system, so I can’t see how it should be supported. They’ve been conducting fractional reserve banking for a long time now. Like any other service or product, the means of exchange someone chooses should also be available, including alternative currency.
We’ve never had a truly free market if you’re looking at this from a nationalistic perspective. So it’s disingenuous to discard economic liberty considering individuals make voluntary exchanges every day which support a free market.
You seem more obsessed with controlling others so they don’t do bad things, rather than promoting incentives for good behavior. People seem to live in a la-la land when it comes to the assumption that Government can do good when it can’t function without leeching from the private marketplace.
Very sad of you to resort to broadbrushing. Ron Paul has some good ideas, but he works within the system trying to promote Constitutional adherence, and it’s by no means a perfect document. But I support anyone who would seek liberty through principled action.
Peppermint Pig
@Starwars4J
I like the fact that people are free to post things like this, though it’s hard not to get political with these comments.
I prefer to address a work by ignoring style and theme and focusing on the skill with which it was made. With that, I think this work is a little simplistic, which might be beneath the standard of work typically posted, which does make one question the pertinence of injecting something with more of a political value.
@Starwars4J: You’re comparing a picture of Obama with porn? Seriously?
@3!: Too long; didn’t read; and not impressed with the profanity in your first sentence.
@Peppermint Pig: Also too long; didn’t read.
@Sava: As I noted in my very first comment on this post, this was not the picture I would have chosen to observe the election of a new president (despite my personal bias, reflected in the comment I left on DDD’s photo on Flickr). However, we each choose what to blog, and I’m not going to delete another contributor’s post — that goes against the editorial freedom I’ve given each contributor. Let’s be honest, though, if a different candidate had won and someone had posted a related LEGO image here, we’d probably be having a different conversation, wouldn’t we?
I won’t exercise the power to delete comments or posts, but I think tempers need to cool, so I’m locking comments on this post for now.
The Brothers Brick is funded by our readers and the community. Articles may include affiliate links, and when you purchase products from those links, TBB may earn a commission that helps support the site.
Yay!! =D
^ I’m with Morgan19. And yes, this was the “more partisan” LEGO creation I referred to in my own post. ;-)
A quick reminder here too: Senator McCain’s eloquent concession speech a moment ago is a good reminder to everyone that we can choose to keep our comments civil.
Maybe if McCain kept his running as civil as his bye-bye speech I wouldn’t hate his so much.
GO OBAMA!
Why are you guys happy that we have a bad President?!
Political or not, Mini-Figs make everything fun.
“Why are you guys happy that we have a bad President?!”
Because he’ll be out of office come January.
There goes the rest of my lego collection and my savings – and that will only pay the first year of new taxes off. (T_T) I never overspent, I always lived on a budget. Most of my legos were gifts. And now I get to be punished even more for it. I just want to be happy.
Unless you have an over 300k income, you won’t be losing money you big baby.
Yippee!
http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/OchreJelly/SarahPalinWink/flamepalinweb.jpg
Ummm…. I just want to go on record saying that …. YYYEEEAAAHHHHHH BOYEEEEEEEE!!!!
( to minifigs make things more fun)
Later Bush!
“Unless you have an over 300k income, you won’t be losing money you big baby.”
Actually, that’s not true. Taking more money away from employers leads to higher priced goods. It’s called the inflation tax. It leads to job loss, increased government intervention, and it’s not pleasant.
If the USD continues to plummet due to all the debt creation under the guise of ‘stimulus’, it will lead to steep Lego price increases as well.
That’s not to say it would have been much different if McCain won. They don’t realistically address the two biggest issues which are constitutional adherence and economic bailouts.
‘Mint,
Your economic foresight is truly a gift and likewise is wasted on us. You have solved what many in higher positions and those who are employed in only this task have failed to do. A higher calling beckons you.
Hark! Go forth into the night.
Yes, because taxes are just an arbitrary means for the big bad government to steal money away from people and dump it in a hole in Nebraska or something.
Oh wait, I see. You never actually took an economics course, you’re just a libertarian.
“This photo is currently unavaliable”
Ditto.
@Pluto & 3! – Your comments serve to illustrate a major problem with politics and politicians. Instead of refuting the points that Peppermint Pig has raised, you attack him personally. If you don’t agree, debate the issue. Keep the sarcasm to yourselves. Obviously, he can articulate his position better than you can yours. EPIC FAIL!
The big problem with the American economy is one neither candidate mentioned. Greed. As a nation we buy extravagant things on insane credit. This has been happening for about 10 years and now we’re wondering why we have no money. Moral of the story: leave your credit card in your wallet when you buy LEGO unless you have the money in the bank
Fact: Will’s point is correct.
People need to stop spending money they don’t effing have. “Oh gee, I want this new fancy car, I’ll buy it with this imaginary money that doesn’t come out of this plastic card. I must have that new plasma TV. I must have these new clothes, shoes, furniture, I must have this house that I know I won’t be able to afford…”
Stupid people should not be given credit cards. The advice I’m given on dept, “don’t get into it”. The only acceptable (term used very loosely) dept would be a modest home within ones reach, an education to further ones career potentials, and sometimes (emphasis on sometimes) an affordable automobile. Nothing else should ever be purchased on credit unless the money exists within your bank account, not in your next paycheck, but actual tangible money within your own account.
The country is in debt and so are it’s citizens, that is the problem, it’s very simple. Stop buying things with money we don’t actually have, and things will get better.
Will, it’s more than 10 years, but you are correct.
However you can’t run for president and go “It’s your damn fault we are in this mess!”, unless you want to lose. :)
It’s not an accurate minifig of Obama.
I’d trust the smile of a minifig.
I’d believe what a minifig says.
I’d trust a minifig with my paycheck and 401k.
Minifigs don’t support reverse-racism, terrorism, socialism or any other -ism.
Minifigs are capable of having a soul, telling the truth to other minifigs.
“I know minifigs, and you Obama are no minifig.”
to bad mcain didn’t win. And you should have given obuma a ugha warrior head and body. That would have suited him better
I’m not saying the prez hopeful needs to say it’s your own damn fault, but is is worth ackowleding the cause of the problem. Besides, the banks and credit card companies didn’t help.
My other big gripe with this year’s election is how incredibly biased the media was. Admittedly the Republicans were not thew nation’s beloved leaders, but (At least in Illinois) the media always seemed to spin it Obama’s way, even down to showing a clip of Obama reacting to the $$ crisis and a clip of McCain answering what his greatest moral shortcomings in one of the debates.
@Mara Kotobuki- Amen
Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen for 2012!!! :)
I was actually complimenting him on an economic grasp that escapes so many, myself included. Any perceived attack is erroneous on the reader’s part.
Hey,
Where’s this cash-filled hole in Nebraska? I’ve got relatives there; maybe it’s in their backyard! -Makes plan to visit family with a shovel at Thanksgiving-
Bah to them both – Vote Sinister! ;-)
Dr. S.
I am pleased he won, but McCain made a nice speech at the end. Those people that were booing are a disgrace. It was good that McCain stopped them.
I can’t quite understand why some people hate Obama so much though.
I really don’t like McCain very much, but I don’t go around making false accusations about him, such as being a terrorist. Stuff that that is just ridiculous.
Anyway, just my 2 cents. Don’t hold it against me! :P
Now there’s a close race- Kjeld Kirk Kristian vs. the good Dr. S!
Comments shoulda been disabled for this one.
Sinister has my vote!!!
“Oh wait, I see. You never actually took an economics course, you’re just a libertarian.”
Do you have an actual argument to make, or did you just want to attack me?
Praxeology is essential in understanding why the market does what it does, because, in a sense, everything is economical in nature and the human actors are a factor. I see many so-called experts trying to explain away the downturn, but if people like Bernanke are so qualified to manage the economy, why is it continuing to fail and the value of the dollar declines still?? Why are irresponsible decisions rewarded, while the general populace is being punished? What logically minded person acting in the marketplace would choose to bail out banks and insurance companies for their failure to operate and create value?
Central control of an economy is not productive, nor can you justify a system of control WHILE explaining what the economy IS. That would be a fascistic ideology on par with religious justifications for ruling over others because ‘god says so’. The level of ignorance on the economy is astounding, but can be explained partly by the confusing way most media pundits discuss it.
Taking an economics course does not make one an economist. It would technically be more correct to say economics courses teach more about finances than economics, and many colleges tend to teach a flawed version of the latter.
Will, greed is a part of life. It’s like gravity, and will never be rid of. That said, spending beyond one’s means and not saving money is a huge problem, with a number of government-based factors contributing to it.
To me, the essential problem is power without accountability, and disregarding The essential problem in my mind is that there are too many people given power, but not held accountable for it. It’s easier to spend money when it’s not yours, and when you set up social programs that encourage abuse, you’re on the way to creating a vicious cycle of wealth destruction. People who earn through voluntary, peaceful means tend to have that power and accountability better matched, and act responsibly.
I consider it disingenuous to solely blame people for not being responsible with their financial situation, but it is a factor. The economy is undermined by fiat currency, government waste, anti-competitive legislation, and make-work programs to grow and expand bureaucracy.
I want to throw myself into this discussion, but I’ll never shut up. Obama’s victory, however, is, well, not in the best interest of the country. Ron Paul 2012!
Yes I did support McCain but even had he won, I would not have been happy with an image like this reversed. It’s literally shameful to the site to promote something so…well, uncivil.
I know this is the internet and thus extremely liberal (and trust me, I’m not a conservative, I vote for whoever I feel will do the best job), but I’m a little surprised that this would be blogged. It’s not something deserving of attention. The mosaic however is quite nice.
I feel it very distressing that even members of the LEGO community have been blinded by Barack Obama’s comely appearance. Go to Worldnetdaily News (http://www.worldnetdaily.com/), it’s a very interesting news site that has some stuff that are very concerning that the ever-blind mainstream media ignores. Obama isn’t even a Us-born citizen, therefore he didn’t ‘win’!
Agree with you 100%, SW4J. Nobody blogged my Barack picture: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sirnadroj/2825496959/
;-)
Dear Peppermint:
Ahahahaha that is a lot of fucking words. I’m not going to write an essay about Keynesian economics on a blog about Lego brand building bricks, but do you seriously believe that the recent economic downturn is the result of interference on the part of the US Treasury? If you didn’t see the housing crisis from early on then you’re pretty goddamn ignorant about economic theory on a whole, and your casual disregard for over a centurty of established scholastic foundations betrays your abhorrent randian philosphy.
Hey, guess what? I agree with you that the bailout was uneccessary and unrealstic, but it’s also completely absurd to believe that magical market forces from a far away fantasy land will create economic stability any better than government regulation. Here’s a thought experiment: imagine to yourself what would happen if there was not, in fact, a $700 b federal bailout and all the rapidly collapsing banks would have to fend for themselves? Oh, and take away that pesky reserve ratio too, too much gubmint interference there! I get the feeling that what you’re imagining at the moment differs somewhat in content from what I’m imagining since John Galt sweeping in to save everyone seems to contrast total economic collapse.
The free market dug itself into this hole, son, and no amount of pseudological hand-wringing about the big bad government is going to wipe away the fact that centuries of established history have proven that pure market forces cannot sustainably keep a global economy healthy and free of volatility.
But what the fuck do I know, right? I’m just a useless pawn of the FIAT CURRENCY NEW WORLD ORDER
GOLD STANDARD RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL
I agree with Starwars4J. I see nothing civil in a picture of someone kicking a rather elderly man, along with an American flag in the background to imply that this act is something we Americans do.
While the image is pretty funny, I’m with S.W.4J. Had McCain won, I would not have supported an image like this, and I am actually a bit surprised it made it on here…
So much for keeping our comments civil. ;-)
^ Indeed.
@All: Both of the candidates were civil, respectful, and conciliatory in their acceptance/concession speeches. We could all learn to do the same in our post-election conversations. If we can’t do that, I will exercise my power to lock comments on this post.
I’m sorry the administrators of this blog felt this was a blog-worthy image. The mosaic was a much better choice, it’s a shame something this inappropriate would share the same stage.
Indeed. I’m rather dissapointed in TBB. :(
Sava> The administrators of TBB don’t have a say on editorial content. It’s up to the individual bloggers to choose what they post.
I know you weren’t talking to me, but it’s worth noting that I myself was refering to the actual subject of this post.
Xiazeran, Xiazeran, Xiazeran… Obama could be considered more American than John McCain. Obama was born in Honolulu whereas McCain was born on a US military base in Panama.
Here’s Senator Obama’s birth certificate:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2008/06/obama-birth.html
Yes but Gambort, if an editorial were to post porn all over the place I’d think you’d have it removed immediately. This image is no less crude than that, and really does a disservice to your site. You do have the power to monitor and keep out that which is disgraceful.
“Ahahahaha that is a lot of fucking words.”
It’s called making a coherent argument.
“do you seriously believe that the recent economic downturn is the result of interference on the part of the US Treasury?”
I didn’t mention the US Treasury. It does play a part, yes.
“If you didn’t see the housing crisis from early on then you’re pretty goddamn ignorant about economic theory on a whole, and your casual disregard for over a centurty of established scholastic foundations betrays your abhorrent randian philosphy.”
So that would be all the Democrats who claimed Fanny Mae was a sound institution? I guess all those government officials with economics credentials hanging on the walls of their offices saw it coming as well?
Interesting… I don’t consider myself a Randian, actually… I suppose that’s just another one of your tactics to try and discredit me without completing an argument as to why I’m wrong.
“Hey, guess what? I agree with you that the bailout was uneccessary and unrealstic, but it’s also completely absurd to believe that magical market forces from a far away fantasy land will create economic stability any better than government regulation.”
I’m not asking you to believe in them, nor am I conflating governance of the economy with an explanation of economics as you’ve done. Whether you choose to understand it or not, activity in the marketplace follows along certain principles. Violating such principles will lead to wealth destruction. For a time you may delay a crisis by turning to bailouts and phony economic policy, but eventually trouble comes home to roost by hiding the costs of poor decisions in less apparent ways.
“Here’s a thought experiment: imagine to yourself what would happen if there was not, in fact, a $700 b federal bailout and all the rapidly collapsing banks would have to fend for themselves?”
And conveniently ignore the several decades of bad policy which has built up bubbles in the marketplace? Politicians in positions which matter do not have the incentive to act otherwise because the lure of power and money is too great. They can’t see beyond the election cycle, so they naturally do what preserves their career or the party’s dominance in the political sphere rather than solving these problems. Hard times are coming, but market contraction is not something you see instantaneously.
So you’re actually supporting the bailout then?
“The free market dug itself into this hole, son, and no amount of pseudological hand-wringing about the big bad government is going to wipe away the fact that centuries of established history have proven that pure market forces cannot sustainably keep a global economy healthy and free of volatility.”
So bad businesses shouldn’t fail? Wake up buddy, government has its tentacles all over the place. It’s not a business if you prop it up and suspend it from the consequences of bad decisions, because a business is supposed to create value for its customers. Government parades that they will create good by making the banks give out bad loans, but by doing so they invoke a moral hazard. What have government regulations done? They’re the biggest creators of waste, both economically and environmentally, and prop up monopolies and favortism.
Two people exchanging goods or services profit from the venture, else they wouldn’t do it. In the long term, this is proven to be true, and no amount of financial chicanery can survive the negative and often unseen consequences of deceiving people as to the value of money, services, or goods. But yes, you may continue to advocate for central control, and see where that gets you.
“FIAT CURRENCY NEW WORLD ORDER
GOLD STANDARD RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL”
NWO conspiracies are a fascination of truthers, who masochistically examine politics as a form of celebrity and intrigue, with fruitless ‘researching’ of said conspiracies.
A true gold standard would be superior, but government has a proven track record of corrupting the money system, so I can’t see how it should be supported. They’ve been conducting fractional reserve banking for a long time now. Like any other service or product, the means of exchange someone chooses should also be available, including alternative currency.
We’ve never had a truly free market if you’re looking at this from a nationalistic perspective. So it’s disingenuous to discard economic liberty considering individuals make voluntary exchanges every day which support a free market.
You seem more obsessed with controlling others so they don’t do bad things, rather than promoting incentives for good behavior. People seem to live in a la-la land when it comes to the assumption that Government can do good when it can’t function without leeching from the private marketplace.
Very sad of you to resort to broadbrushing. Ron Paul has some good ideas, but he works within the system trying to promote Constitutional adherence, and it’s by no means a perfect document. But I support anyone who would seek liberty through principled action.
@Starwars4J
I like the fact that people are free to post things like this, though it’s hard not to get political with these comments.
I prefer to address a work by ignoring style and theme and focusing on the skill with which it was made. With that, I think this work is a little simplistic, which might be beneath the standard of work typically posted, which does make one question the pertinence of injecting something with more of a political value.
@Starwars4J: You’re comparing a picture of Obama with porn? Seriously?
@3!: Too long; didn’t read; and not impressed with the profanity in your first sentence.
@Peppermint Pig: Also too long; didn’t read.
@Sava: As I noted in my very first comment on this post, this was not the picture I would have chosen to observe the election of a new president (despite my personal bias, reflected in the comment I left on DDD’s photo on Flickr). However, we each choose what to blog, and I’m not going to delete another contributor’s post — that goes against the editorial freedom I’ve given each contributor. Let’s be honest, though, if a different candidate had won and someone had posted a related LEGO image here, we’d probably be having a different conversation, wouldn’t we?
I won’t exercise the power to delete comments or posts, but I think tempers need to cool, so I’m locking comments on this post for now.
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