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~ADVERTISING~
Danger lurks from aging of America
By DENNNIS CLAYSON
As I wandered through the College Hill Arts Festival this year there was one constant that could not be ignored. It wasn’t the art, or the weather, or the crowds of people. Almost every artist there had gray hair. Most all the patrons had gray hair
I attended a classical music concert on campus. The only people there without gray hair were the hired ushers. This is at a university in which the average age of students is about 20
Occasionally, I’m invited to talk to various organizations. Almost all the people at these functions are older. The average Rotarian is now about 58. At many veteran organizations, the honor guards and the groups who volunteer to help at funerals are averaging 70 years of age.
I have an older brother who is a good engineer. He tried to retire some time ago, but keeps getting called back to do work because his employer cannot find qualified younger workers with the proper skills. This would be no problem if the work could just be sent off to anther country, but in this case, that is a problem. He works for the Defense Department in a building with no address.
Where are the young people?
The answer to that question is both demographic and sociological and holds tremendous implications for the future of our culture and the world.
There has been a profound demographic shift. Population graphs have always looked like pyramids. There have been lots of young people and fewer and fewer people as age increases.
When government retirement pensions were originally introduced by Kaiser Wilhelm over a hundred years ago, they were offered at age 65 primarily because the average life expectancy was only about 58. In the United States, only 50 percent of children born in 1900 could hope to reach the age of 50.
The population graph now is starting to look like an apartment building (i.e., a rectangle) rather than a pyramid. There are fewer babies being born and people are living longer.
It is estimated, and these figures are very firm because the people have already been born, that within less than 20 years, there will be more than 71 million people in the U.S. over 65. That is larger than the entire population of France. It is equal to the population of Greece, Canada, Australia, and Austria combined.
Western governments have been playing a Ponzo scheme with their welfare programs based on the shape of the population pyramid. They could create all kinds of wealth transfers to people who were not working, as long as there were large numbers of young people who would work. Four or five workers could take care of each retired person, and would be willing to do so because another generation of younger workers could then take care of them if they were fortunate enough to become old.
In future Western societies, the number of workers per person not working will get dangerously close to one. In other words, a worker will have to take care of himself and his family, and a stranger whom the government has already selected. The government has also guaranteed the income of the stranger, but not the income of the worker or the standard of living of the worker&rsquo's family.
Even leftists who can do math realize that this is not going to work.
The solution is to cut programs and/or import workers from countries that still have children. Countries that still have children are those not overwhelmed by current Western culture. In other words, the socialist democracies, including the United States, can cease being socialist, or they can commit cultural suicide.
The Left has associated culture with racism, so they will commit suicide rather than face a reality not held within their parameters of political correctness.
Maybe a society could maintain its culture by enculturating the new workers? No.
A relatively benign socialism is a Western invention. European nations and the United States could not be both a Nanny State and a society in which people have lots of children and older people die in high numbers.
The younger generation, who spend 6 to 10 hours a day isolated in front of one screen or another, may not care as long as they have their phones, circuses, and remain willing to buy into whatever virtual reality is being successfully marketed in any given week.
I attended a classical music concert on campus. The only people there without gray hair were the hired ushers. This is at a university in which the average age of students is about 20
Occasionally, I’m invited to talk to various organizations. Almost all the people at these functions are older. The average Rotarian is now about 58. At many veteran organizations, the honor guards and the groups who volunteer to help at funerals are averaging 70 years of age.
I have an older brother who is a good engineer. He tried to retire some time ago, but keeps getting called back to do work because his employer cannot find qualified younger workers with the proper skills. This would be no problem if the work could just be sent off to anther country, but in this case, that is a problem. He works for the Defense Department in a building with no address.
Where are the young people?
The answer to that question is both demographic and sociological and holds tremendous implications for the future of our culture and the world.
There has been a profound demographic shift. Population graphs have always looked like pyramids. There have been lots of young people and fewer and fewer people as age increases.
When government retirement pensions were originally introduced by Kaiser Wilhelm over a hundred years ago, they were offered at age 65 primarily because the average life expectancy was only about 58. In the United States, only 50 percent of children born in 1900 could hope to reach the age of 50.
The population graph now is starting to look like an apartment building (i.e., a rectangle) rather than a pyramid. There are fewer babies being born and people are living longer.
It is estimated, and these figures are very firm because the people have already been born, that within less than 20 years, there will be more than 71 million people in the U.S. over 65. That is larger than the entire population of France. It is equal to the population of Greece, Canada, Australia, and Austria combined.
Western governments have been playing a Ponzo scheme with their welfare programs based on the shape of the population pyramid. They could create all kinds of wealth transfers to people who were not working, as long as there were large numbers of young people who would work. Four or five workers could take care of each retired person, and would be willing to do so because another generation of younger workers could then take care of them if they were fortunate enough to become old.
In future Western societies, the number of workers per person not working will get dangerously close to one. In other words, a worker will have to take care of himself and his family, and a stranger whom the government has already selected. The government has also guaranteed the income of the stranger, but not the income of the worker or the standard of living of the worker&rsquo's family.
Even leftists who can do math realize that this is not going to work.
The solution is to cut programs and/or import workers from countries that still have children. Countries that still have children are those not overwhelmed by current Western culture. In other words, the socialist democracies, including the United States, can cease being socialist, or they can commit cultural suicide.
The Left has associated culture with racism, so they will commit suicide rather than face a reality not held within their parameters of political correctness.
Maybe a society could maintain its culture by enculturating the new workers? No.
A relatively benign socialism is a Western invention. European nations and the United States could not be both a Nanny State and a society in which people have lots of children and older people die in high numbers.
The younger generation, who spend 6 to 10 hours a day isolated in front of one screen or another, may not care as long as they have their phones, circuses, and remain willing to buy into whatever virtual reality is being successfully marketed in any given week.
More Stories from Columnists » Clayson
Phil wrote on Aug 4, 2008 7:52 AM:
" cross - I believe Mr. Clayson's comment about "associated culture with racism" is clarified by his sentence "Maybe a society could maintain its culture by enculturating the new workers?".
In other words if our society tries to get immigrants to quickly adapt the ways of our culture instead of allowing them to keep some of the culture they came from, the "left" will claim that is being racist. You know, like our English-only laws, which are racist by the way.
In other words the day you arrive in America, you dress like Americans, you talk like Americans (English only), and you act like Americans.
This of course is hogwash and has NEVER been true. Europeans (i.e. white folk) that came over kept their native traditions and cultures for some time after they arrived here. There were schools and churches that used the native tongue of the old country for years until the younger generations adapted to English.
Mr. Clayson, American "culture" as you put it, is now, and always has been, a melting pot of various cultures. It takes a generation, but all the new arrivals will be speaking English very soon.
When you aren't willing to look at the realities of the past it is easy to fix the future - right Mr. Clayson. "
In other words if our society tries to get immigrants to quickly adapt the ways of our culture instead of allowing them to keep some of the culture they came from, the "left" will claim that is being racist. You know, like our English-only laws, which are racist by the way.
In other words the day you arrive in America, you dress like Americans, you talk like Americans (English only), and you act like Americans.
This of course is hogwash and has NEVER been true. Europeans (i.e. white folk) that came over kept their native traditions and cultures for some time after they arrived here. There were schools and churches that used the native tongue of the old country for years until the younger generations adapted to English.
Mr. Clayson, American "culture" as you put it, is now, and always has been, a melting pot of various cultures. It takes a generation, but all the new arrivals will be speaking English very soon.
When you aren't willing to look at the realities of the past it is easy to fix the future - right Mr. Clayson. "
Phil wrote on Aug 4, 2008 7:56 AM:
" By the way - I am sure those who comment each week about how Mr. Clayson is dead on, will be glad to note that he is in favor of:
1. Pushing back their retirement - or
2. Cutting their social security benefits - or
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Increasing immigration.
I am not judging those things Mr. Clayson advocates, and they are points worthy of debate, but they are his talking points to solve this issue. "
1. Pushing back their retirement - or
2. Cutting their social security benefits - or
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Increasing immigration.
I am not judging those things Mr. Clayson advocates, and they are points worthy of debate, but they are his talking points to solve this issue. "
cross1242 wrote on Aug 4, 2008 10:14 AM:
" I have something to relate on a subject that's unrelated to Clayson's column but comes up every week. It's what is true and false information regarding Barack Obama that is flying around the web.
Go to:
http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/obama.asp
or
http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/o/obama-lies.htm
These are neutral sites. They are something of "rumor control" centers for the internet. And, as anyone can see by looking over their listings and responses, almost everything that is circulated from person to person on the web is not true. "
Go to:
http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/obama.asp
or
http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/o/obama-lies.htm
These are neutral sites. They are something of "rumor control" centers for the internet. And, as anyone can see by looking over their listings and responses, almost everything that is circulated from person to person on the web is not true. "
jeroze wrote on Aug 4, 2008 10:44 AM:
" Once again I feel like coming into the room in a middle of the meeting and finding out that a lot of things have been discussed that I have not had the opportunity to process or privy to know.
It is hard for me to imagine a one to one ratio of retired people to one person who works. Perhaps the danger which the Professor senses is true in the crowd he keeps. I am pleased to know that the Professor does go to the University concerts. I do that also but I think the language used to describe the crowd is hype hyperbole.
The snide remarks about leftists remind me that it was Bush that doesn't understand Washington Math. Now that is a danger and a fact for which we grey headed people will be living with for the rest of our lives. For those of us who we didn't vote for Bush, we will just have to endure with regrets the 60,000,000 people that were so dumb in the 2000 and 2004 elections.
I think the Professor would be better teacher if he were explaining stuff instead of giving us all this undocumented obfucasting complaining about lefties. "
It is hard for me to imagine a one to one ratio of retired people to one person who works. Perhaps the danger which the Professor senses is true in the crowd he keeps. I am pleased to know that the Professor does go to the University concerts. I do that also but I think the language used to describe the crowd is hype hyperbole.
The snide remarks about leftists remind me that it was Bush that doesn't understand Washington Math. Now that is a danger and a fact for which we grey headed people will be living with for the rest of our lives. For those of us who we didn't vote for Bush, we will just have to endure with regrets the 60,000,000 people that were so dumb in the 2000 and 2004 elections.
I think the Professor would be better teacher if he were explaining stuff instead of giving us all this undocumented obfucasting complaining about lefties. "
SH71 wrote on Aug 4, 2008 11:14 AM:
" Another thought about why social security is possibly going bankrupt, aside from the fact that our government continually "borrows" from it to keep the deficit down, is the number of babies aborted in this country every year. I know this statement will make alot of people angry, but think about it. We do have a growing elderly population who are living longer. We have fewer children in our schools (notice closings anywhere?) We have less qualified workers for high end jobs - for many reasons. What would have happened if we even cut the abortion rate in half over the last 35 years? Those kids would be getting married, getting jobs, having children, buying homes and cars, and PAYING INTO SOCIAL SECURITY! Maybe some of those kids could have found alternative fuels, and answers to greenhouse gases. Who knows what the world may have been like now? In the meantime people of my generation had better be saving money, because even at the age of 55 I don't plan to see my full social security income, if any, and I haven't thought I would for over 20 years now. The troubles of the system have been well known for a very long time. "
cross1242 wrote on Aug 4, 2008 12:20 PM:
" Phil @ Aug 4, 2008 7:52 AM explained to me what Prof. Clayson meant in one statement I couldn't understand. Thanks to your explanation, I guess I get it now. However, his "logic" almost makes my brain hurt.
One thing I didn't mention before is that Clayson's mention that we can "can cease being socialist" sounds as if he's seriously proposing that Social Security should just be terminated. (Not "reformed" but "terminated.") It's hard to believe that he might be serious. The damage to America if we just unceremoniously cut off the old and the infirm just boggles my mind.
And, it can't be justified by saying that they can just "go back to work" or "depend on their kids." The fact that those don't work was the reason why Social Security was originally created. "
One thing I didn't mention before is that Clayson's mention that we can "can cease being socialist" sounds as if he's seriously proposing that Social Security should just be terminated. (Not "reformed" but "terminated.") It's hard to believe that he might be serious. The damage to America if we just unceremoniously cut off the old and the infirm just boggles my mind.
And, it can't be justified by saying that they can just "go back to work" or "depend on their kids." The fact that those don't work was the reason why Social Security was originally created. "
cross1242 wrote on Aug 4, 2008 1:38 PM:
" SH71 @ Aug 4, 2008 11:14 AM speculates on how if abortion had been outlawed long ago that we wouldn't now be having the problem of too few people paying in to Social Security.
I doubt that abortion makes much difference at all. Where the real difference is made is the ready availability of contraception. Before, people had children largely as an accidental side-effect to having sex. Now, people have babies when they want to have babies. And, what should be to no one's surprise, they want fewer children that the number they had just by accident. "
I doubt that abortion makes much difference at all. Where the real difference is made is the ready availability of contraception. Before, people had children largely as an accidental side-effect to having sex. Now, people have babies when they want to have babies. And, what should be to no one's surprise, they want fewer children that the number they had just by accident. "
Leo46 wrote on Aug 4, 2008 3:34 PM:
" Cross since you brought up snopes, check out http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/airplane.asp "
cross1242 wrote on Aug 4, 2008 4:05 PM:
" Leo46 @ Aug 4, 2008 3:34 PM said, "Cross since you brought up snopes, check out http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/airplane.asp
Challenge accepted.
Guess what?
Obama's regular campaign plane is owned and operated by North American Airlines. As is usual, North American painted its planes in a standard company color scheme. That color scheme included two stylized American flags. The design is trademarked by North American.
As is also usual, when Obama rented the plane for the duration of the campaign, it was repainted. The repainting removed North American's standard color scheme that included the flags. It was replaced with the color scheme and logo of the Obama campaign. It needs to be noted that the Obama campaign logo also includes and American flag and it is on the airplane's tail -- where one of the North American logo flags was located.
So, yeah, technically, they painted out a flag BUT they replaced it with one of the campaign's own.
McCain also has a campaign plane painted in his colors. Not only is there no flag anywhere on it but there's not even anything red, white, and blue on it.
All recent presidential candidates have had their planes painted in campaign colors.
Whoever started the rumor that Snopes was responding to was obviously straining to find something to object to. And, Leo46, by mentioning it here, is also going for the capillary. "
Challenge accepted.
Guess what?
Obama's regular campaign plane is owned and operated by North American Airlines. As is usual, North American painted its planes in a standard company color scheme. That color scheme included two stylized American flags. The design is trademarked by North American.
As is also usual, when Obama rented the plane for the duration of the campaign, it was repainted. The repainting removed North American's standard color scheme that included the flags. It was replaced with the color scheme and logo of the Obama campaign. It needs to be noted that the Obama campaign logo also includes and American flag and it is on the airplane's tail -- where one of the North American logo flags was located.
So, yeah, technically, they painted out a flag BUT they replaced it with one of the campaign's own.
McCain also has a campaign plane painted in his colors. Not only is there no flag anywhere on it but there's not even anything red, white, and blue on it.
All recent presidential candidates have had their planes painted in campaign colors.
Whoever started the rumor that Snopes was responding to was obviously straining to find something to object to. And, Leo46, by mentioning it here, is also going for the capillary. "
hetfield wrote on Aug 4, 2008 5:14 PM:
" Redoing the flag, and or the presidnetial seal is against the law. Of course if Barack Hussein Obama would like to post the flag of Indonesia, where he spent his boyhood days with good ol' dad, may be ok. I'm not sure.
DIdnt Obama just come out and say he wants to drill now, boys? SOunds like he is also stealing my spotlight.
Time to drill and actually mean it, not just say it to pick up votes, boys, time to drill and actually mean it, not just to say it to pick up votes. "
DIdnt Obama just come out and say he wants to drill now, boys? SOunds like he is also stealing my spotlight.
Time to drill and actually mean it, not just say it to pick up votes, boys, time to drill and actually mean it, not just to say it to pick up votes. "
cross1242 wrote on Aug 4, 2008 6:36 PM:
" hetfield @ Aug 4, 2008 5:14 PM, said, "Redoing the flag, and or the presidnetial seal is against the law."
That's horse pucky, hetfield. A PAINTING a flag is not "the flag." If it's a "flag" then there are certain adopted customs for its disposal. But, there is nothing in it that declares a painting of a flag to be "the flag."
Think about it just a little. If if was a crime every time someone painted over a flag painted on a truck, bus, airplane, etc. etc. someone would go to jail. Plus, it's a little difficult to see how a painting of a flag could be "destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning."
More going for a capillary.
And, did you see on the two sites I listed that almost all of the stuff in the web's email system is just false, bogus, myth, and wrong? "
That's horse pucky, hetfield. A PAINTING a flag is not "the flag." If it's a "flag" then there are certain adopted customs for its disposal. But, there is nothing in it that declares a painting of a flag to be "the flag."
Think about it just a little. If if was a crime every time someone painted over a flag painted on a truck, bus, airplane, etc. etc. someone would go to jail. Plus, it's a little difficult to see how a painting of a flag could be "destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning."
More going for a capillary.
And, did you see on the two sites I listed that almost all of the stuff in the web's email system is just false, bogus, myth, and wrong? "
cross1242 wrote on Aug 4, 2008 9:19 PM:
" BTW, hetfield, on the presidential seal, I believe that the law prohibits the use of the seal by anyone other than the president. What Obama was using was NOT the presidential seal but a PARODY of the presidential seal. And that is protected by the 1st Amendment. "
50674 wrote on Aug 4, 2008 9:43 PM:
" save it cross...hetfield has all the answers and I might add only the RIGHT ones. The two sites I suggested by veterans were deemed by him to be "cowards" and "Un-American" I believe his words were. Personally let him ratttle on. Until he takes his agenda into the polical arena he actually practices apathy along with his attempts at internet bullying. Bully for him. "
cross1242 wrote on Aug 4, 2008 11:19 PM:
" From assorted contacts here and there, it's evident that there is a chain-mail campaign going on against Obama. That is, people are receiving email that has been received and passed on by innumerable people before it gets to the current recipient. What's common in all of them is: (1) that a false story about Obama is being passed on; and (2) the recipient believes the story probably because the most recent sender is someone he or she knows.
Before believing any of that, here's an article from a neutral source discussing this phenomena.
http://www.factcheck.org/specialreports/that_chain_e-mail_your_friend_sent_to.html
Anyone who has gotten such email should read that article before passing on the rumor here. "
Before believing any of that, here's an article from a neutral source discussing this phenomena.
http://www.factcheck.org/specialreports/that_chain_e-mail_your_friend_sent_to.html
Anyone who has gotten such email should read that article before passing on the rumor here. "
Independent wrote on Aug 5, 2008 12:26 AM:
" The only thing Clayson has right this week is the title.
The danger for America would be electing a 77 year old president, that would definitaly be dangerous. Would he really be 81 and running the USA? Do any readers know anyone that is 80? Are any of your local gov't officials even close to 80 years old? What nerve the republicans and Clayson have trying to perform this charlaton act.
I hope he doesn't get Alzehiemers, like the actor president we had in the eighties. "
The danger for America would be electing a 77 year old president, that would definitaly be dangerous. Would he really be 81 and running the USA? Do any readers know anyone that is 80? Are any of your local gov't officials even close to 80 years old? What nerve the republicans and Clayson have trying to perform this charlaton act.
I hope he doesn't get Alzehiemers, like the actor president we had in the eighties. "
hetfield wrote on Aug 5, 2008 6:49 AM:
" cross1242
wrote on Aug 4, 2008 9:19 PM:
" BTW, hetfield, on the presidential seal, I believe that the law prohibits the use of the seal by anyone other than the president. What Obama was using was NOT the presidential seal but a PARODY of the presidential seal. And that is protected by the 1st Amendment. "
What a jokester Cross can be. A parody! lol. kind of like the good barack hussein Obama's entire political career. What obama did with the seal shows how arrogant the little dude is. He actually believes he is president.
Well he has about 90 days to keep posing. He will then go down as the typical asterick in the democrap party. "
wrote on Aug 4, 2008 9:19 PM:
" BTW, hetfield, on the presidential seal, I believe that the law prohibits the use of the seal by anyone other than the president. What Obama was using was NOT the presidential seal but a PARODY of the presidential seal. And that is protected by the 1st Amendment. "
What a jokester Cross can be. A parody! lol. kind of like the good barack hussein Obama's entire political career. What obama did with the seal shows how arrogant the little dude is. He actually believes he is president.
Well he has about 90 days to keep posing. He will then go down as the typical asterick in the democrap party. "
cross1242 wrote on Aug 5, 2008 8:10 AM:
" hetfield @ Aug 5, 2008 6:49 AM said, "He will then go down as the typical asterick in the democrap party."
One bit of advice, Hetfield, don't bet the farm on that. "
One bit of advice, Hetfield, don't bet the farm on that. "
cubbies09 wrote on Aug 5, 2008 9:57 AM:
" I always get a kick out of reading the posts to Clayson's columns. Sometimes I agree with the Professor and other times I do not. I am not a liberal or a conservative..somewhere in the middle. I vote under a crazy type of logic..who I think can go the best job and has the right mix of experience and smarts. Do I think Bush Deux has done a good job..that is still in question. One thing I do know is that he probably has done a better job than most of the letters to the editor describe. I have a relative that worked for the Kerry campaign and most recently the Hillary campaign. I have met Obama several times and I can tell you this. Nothing scares the heck out of me more than the thought of him becoming President. "
jeroze wrote on Aug 5, 2008 10:29 AM:
" Professor Clayson is speaking about the aging of America and it is a little scary, such as one senior citizen who took out long term care insurance at age 66 and in 2006 saw the premium increased 33% and in 2008 saw it go up another 20%. That will encourage more people not to take LTC insurance and spend down to qualify for Medicare, and there are lots of ways to spend down so that the money is "pre-inherited" , some legal, some illegal. Though we think of insurance as a capitalistic venture, it is really socialism by individual choice which is freedom.
But to the major issue here, the aging of America, this also is part of improvement of health, which is good, but now has become a nightmare of choices to make. It takes a week of professional training to touch the surface of the vast information that explains all the options we grey haired people have. And we find that we need volunteers to protect us from fraud and poor choices. (Senior Health Insurance Information Program in Iowa {SHIIP 1-800-351-4664 or www.shiip.state.ia.us)
Professor Clayson may think of this as a leftie organization, but in Iowa it is just a compassionate group of leaders training compassionate volunteers to help needy people to make better choices.
As the life we live becomes more complex so do the opportunities to find assistance to make better choices and avoid becoming a victim of fraud. "
But to the major issue here, the aging of America, this also is part of improvement of health, which is good, but now has become a nightmare of choices to make. It takes a week of professional training to touch the surface of the vast information that explains all the options we grey haired people have. And we find that we need volunteers to protect us from fraud and poor choices. (Senior Health Insurance Information Program in Iowa {SHIIP 1-800-351-4664 or www.shiip.state.ia.us)
Professor Clayson may think of this as a leftie organization, but in Iowa it is just a compassionate group of leaders training compassionate volunteers to help needy people to make better choices.
As the life we live becomes more complex so do the opportunities to find assistance to make better choices and avoid becoming a victim of fraud. "
cross1242 wrote on Aug 5, 2008 2:09 PM:
" jeroze @ Aug 5, 2008 10:29 AM said, "It takes a week of professional training to touch the surface of the vast information that explains all the options we grey haired people have."
Amen to that. About a year ago I went through the Medicare elections and I've never been so confused in my life. One thing I figured out for sure. That's don't listen to any of the agents for private insurance. None of them will really help you. I relied on government information but it still took concentrated study. "
Amen to that. About a year ago I went through the Medicare elections and I've never been so confused in my life. One thing I figured out for sure. That's don't listen to any of the agents for private insurance. None of them will really help you. I relied on government information but it still took concentrated study. "
hetfield wrote on Aug 5, 2008 9:10 PM:
" Cross, the only good advice coming from the left these days is 'fill up yer tires.'
But I would like to offer this; let's not drill now, because in 8 years we will be in worse shape than we are, and we can then blame Bush.
Say no to Socialism and barack hussein obama. "
But I would like to offer this; let's not drill now, because in 8 years we will be in worse shape than we are, and we can then blame Bush.
Say no to Socialism and barack hussein obama. "
cross1242 wrote on Aug 6, 2008 12:57 AM:
" hetfield @ Aug 5, 2008 9:10 PM said, "Cross, the only good advice coming from the left these days is 'fill up yer tires.'"
Hetfield, you always seem to be right there with the latest Republican talking point. The proposal that included keeping tire pressure right was but one point in a long list of numerous points that Obama proposed on what can be done about gasoline use and its cost. McCain, and you, likes to pretend it was the only element proposed.
Do you know where that idea came from? It came from NASCAR and, along with keeping a car in tune, can save something like 40% on fuel. And guess who already supports it? It's Charlie Crist, the Republican governor of Florida and Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Republican governor of California. "
Hetfield, you always seem to be right there with the latest Republican talking point. The proposal that included keeping tire pressure right was but one point in a long list of numerous points that Obama proposed on what can be done about gasoline use and its cost. McCain, and you, likes to pretend it was the only element proposed.
Do you know where that idea came from? It came from NASCAR and, along with keeping a car in tune, can save something like 40% on fuel. And guess who already supports it? It's Charlie Crist, the Republican governor of Florida and Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Republican governor of California. "
coalplant wrote on Aug 6, 2008 7:02 AM:
" The only danger we are facing from the aging is the foolish ideas shooting from the keyboards of the slowly degrading minds of the burnouts from the sixties.
Cross in 08
Spreading rumors about Fox News since 2008
Obama in 08
Fill your tires up,,, that there is an original idea,,,perhaps he read his cars owner manual to come up with it "
Cross in 08
Spreading rumors about Fox News since 2008
Obama in 08
Fill your tires up,,, that there is an original idea,,,perhaps he read his cars owner manual to come up with it "
jeroze wrote on Aug 6, 2008 7:45 AM:
" Coalplant--Fortunately your comment about the only danger we are facing from the aging probably eliminates John McCain from those you say are the only danger from the aging, i.e. foolish ideas shooting from the keyboards of slowly degrading inds of the burnouts from the sixties. Isn't he the one who has been proclaimed as being computer challenged? But I am doubting very much that this is the only danger of the aging. And I believe it is a very small danger in comparison to the foolish ideas shoot from the keyboards of minds that are not yet suffering from burnout. "
Phil wrote on Aug 6, 2008 8:14 AM:
" cross - good luck arguing facts with these guys. Facts are immaterial to them, they are right no matter how many times their ideas, when actually implemented, fail. The politicians they support are right, no matter how much they sell out their own constituents -and lie to them - so that their big donors keep supporting them. There is no reality but their own, or actually, the one they are told to believe in from Rush, Sean, etc. "
coalplant wrote on Aug 6, 2008 8:39 AM:
" Jeeryo,
Yeah
Mccain fits,,, Do you have a point or did a haze envelope your mind taking you back to a time of peace and free love?
Phil in 08
Searching for reality in politicians since the sixties
Obama in 08
Phil has apparently found reality somewhere in your rhetoric "
Yeah
Mccain fits,,, Do you have a point or did a haze envelope your mind taking you back to a time of peace and free love?
Phil in 08
Searching for reality in politicians since the sixties
Obama in 08
Phil has apparently found reality somewhere in your rhetoric "
jeroze wrote on Aug 6, 2008 8:43 AM:
" Have you noticed the picture of Professor Clayson which used to adorn the top of this webpage has been replaced by an advertisement? Isn't that destroying evidence of the danger to America, i. e. gray hair "
cross1242 wrote on Aug 6, 2008 10:13 AM:
" Phil @ Aug 6, 2008 8:14 AM said, "cross - good luck arguing facts with these guys. Facts are immaterial to them, they are right no matter how many times their ideas, when actually implemented, fail."
You're right, of course. But, it's one feature of the hard right that I've found hardest to understand. It's not just that they believe one strange thing. It's that they have a universe that isn't shared with the rest of us.
The second thing about them that's hard to understand is that ad hominum arguments is their favorite rebuttal. "
You're right, of course. But, it's one feature of the hard right that I've found hardest to understand. It's not just that they believe one strange thing. It's that they have a universe that isn't shared with the rest of us.
The second thing about them that's hard to understand is that ad hominum arguments is their favorite rebuttal. "
Phil wrote on Aug 6, 2008 11:16 AM:
" cross - I don't think that's hard to understand at all. It is all part of the mentality - "you don't think like me, so something must be wrong or different about you, you must not be patriotic, etc." In other words you and your arguments are not worthy of serious discussion, but your character, now that's another matter.
Now McCain is doing it in his ads, after bringing on some of the same Rovians who smeared him in 2000. It is garbage, but I guess you fight with the weapons you have, and that's all they've got. "
Now McCain is doing it in his ads, after bringing on some of the same Rovians who smeared him in 2000. It is garbage, but I guess you fight with the weapons you have, and that's all they've got. "
hetfield wrote on Aug 6, 2008 11:16 AM:
" Of course filling up our tires to auto recommendations is a good idea. But why it is the answer to our energy problem is ridiculous.
I filled up my tires this week and the price is down. I assume I then am the new messiah and should run for Prez, or at least chicago wink-wink politics.
The good barack hussein obama is making the left very nervous and you can tell by the posts.
Good luck. dont forget to fill up your tires with oil, er, i uh, mean air, or iron. "
I filled up my tires this week and the price is down. I assume I then am the new messiah and should run for Prez, or at least chicago wink-wink politics.
The good barack hussein obama is making the left very nervous and you can tell by the posts.
Good luck. dont forget to fill up your tires with oil, er, i uh, mean air, or iron. "
jeroze wrote on Aug 6, 2008 12:08 PM:
" Hetfield, I know enough about farming in the 60's to know that the tractor tires were filled not only with air but with fluid. I don't think iron, but the wheels without tires were once made with iron and had lugs for traction. When rubber tires were put on tractors one Minnesota farmer's wife said "Now we have heaven on earth". Yes, I do have gray hair too. "
cross1242 wrote on Aug 6, 2008 12:40 PM:
" hetfield @ Aug 6, 2008 11:16 AM said, "Of course filling up our tires to auto recommendations is a good idea. But why it is the answer to our energy problem is ridiculous."
You seem to think that for any problem there is but one solution. In the case of energy, there may be 20 things we must do only one of which is getting people to check tire pressure regularly.
According to NASCAR, making sure that the tire pressure is always right AND that the engine in properly tuned saves something like 40% on fuel costs. And those folks should know because they use fuel in wholesale lots and it cost something like jet fuel too. If we save that much just by inflating tires right and tuning the engine, it's a HUGE start or energy efficiency.
Buy yourself an air gauge. Put it in the glove compartment. And every time you gas-up, check the tire pressure. "
You seem to think that for any problem there is but one solution. In the case of energy, there may be 20 things we must do only one of which is getting people to check tire pressure regularly.
According to NASCAR, making sure that the tire pressure is always right AND that the engine in properly tuned saves something like 40% on fuel costs. And those folks should know because they use fuel in wholesale lots and it cost something like jet fuel too. If we save that much just by inflating tires right and tuning the engine, it's a HUGE start or energy efficiency.
Buy yourself an air gauge. Put it in the glove compartment. And every time you gas-up, check the tire pressure. "
hetfield wrote on Aug 6, 2008 1:34 PM:
" Wow, now we are relying on nascar for our energy savings. Why not just close odwn nascar and save 100% of their fuel usage. then add the thousands of peeps who go see nascar; wow, I wonder if barack hussein obama knows about this yet.
let's all boycott nascar and save our planet!! dont forget to fill up yer tires, but leave them in the garage where they belong.
Only in the current liberal mainstream media can filling up tires be at the top of the agenda in a presidential election. 20 years ago or less, a candidate with ties to terrorists and racists would be dead in the water. not this year. The 'arrogance of hope' is at the forefront of the medias mind. Maybe they can save their papers from bankruptcy. maybe if algore didnt invent the net the papers wouldnt be failing.
barack hussein obama, his minions, and his media are making a mockery of real issues in this country, and it will cost them in November. "
let's all boycott nascar and save our planet!! dont forget to fill up yer tires, but leave them in the garage where they belong.
Only in the current liberal mainstream media can filling up tires be at the top of the agenda in a presidential election. 20 years ago or less, a candidate with ties to terrorists and racists would be dead in the water. not this year. The 'arrogance of hope' is at the forefront of the medias mind. Maybe they can save their papers from bankruptcy. maybe if algore didnt invent the net the papers wouldnt be failing.
barack hussein obama, his minions, and his media are making a mockery of real issues in this country, and it will cost them in November. "
cross1242 wrote on Aug 6, 2008 4:50 PM:
" hetfield, you just won't give up on tire pressure, will you?
Somehow, if shutting down NASCAR were really proposed because our energy situation had become a critical emergency, you'd be first in line to say we shouldn't do that because we're interfering with private property. In any case, all NASCAR is doing is recommending something based on what they know very well: how to operate a car effeciently.
As for "filling up tires" being "at the top of the agenda," that's just not true. Obama has a very broad energy policy of which tire inflation is only a very small part -- despite your fixation to the contrary.
But, I do wonder one thing. To you, does the "arrogance of hope" mean that Obama sounds uppity to you?
I'd suggest that you change the subject. I think your going to keep getting beat up on the tire inflation routine. "
Somehow, if shutting down NASCAR were really proposed because our energy situation had become a critical emergency, you'd be first in line to say we shouldn't do that because we're interfering with private property. In any case, all NASCAR is doing is recommending something based on what they know very well: how to operate a car effeciently.
As for "filling up tires" being "at the top of the agenda," that's just not true. Obama has a very broad energy policy of which tire inflation is only a very small part -- despite your fixation to the contrary.
But, I do wonder one thing. To you, does the "arrogance of hope" mean that Obama sounds uppity to you?
I'd suggest that you change the subject. I think your going to keep getting beat up on the tire inflation routine. "
jeroze wrote on Aug 6, 2008 4:55 PM:
" Hmm!!!and I thought it was the McCain people that were handing out tire guages. "
Leo46 wrote on Aug 6, 2008 5:12 PM:
" Cross, save 40% on fuel by tune-ups and air in tires? To quote you, "I don't believe you. Maybe, 4%. The NASCAR article I read said .4% savings per each PSI. And the tune-up was 2-3 MPG. "
coalplant wrote on Aug 6, 2008 6:15 PM:
" Air in your tires,, I love how Cross and Barry present this as revolutionary new idea. Why, thank heavens the two of them saw this and can finally present to America what we have all known since childhood. A properly maintained vehicle will perform better than a poorly maintained vehicle.
Thats ground breaking stuff there!!!!
Only the libs would sit here and try to pretend that Barry or themselves has ever had an original thought. On second thought it shouldn't surprise anyone that the poser elitists like cross, and obama think the common folk don't know how to maintain their cars. Fill your tires up, get a tune up, and then drive to all 57 states with the gas you save.
Obama in 08
The only thing inflated about Barry is his ego.
Cross in 08
Apparently he's looking for some confirmation to his fears that Obama is uppity. Borderline rascism there Cross better watch it "
Thats ground breaking stuff there!!!!
Only the libs would sit here and try to pretend that Barry or themselves has ever had an original thought. On second thought it shouldn't surprise anyone that the poser elitists like cross, and obama think the common folk don't know how to maintain their cars. Fill your tires up, get a tune up, and then drive to all 57 states with the gas you save.
Obama in 08
The only thing inflated about Barry is his ego.
Cross in 08
Apparently he's looking for some confirmation to his fears that Obama is uppity. Borderline rascism there Cross better watch it "
cross1242 wrote on Aug 6, 2008 6:31 PM:
" Leo46 @ Aug 6, 2008 5:12 PM said, "Cross, save 40% on fuel by tune-ups and air in tires? To quote you, "I don't believe you. Maybe, 4%. The NASCAR article I read said .4% savings per each PSI. And the tune-up was 2-3 MPG."
I checked, and the savings is 40-cents per gallon and not 40% as I mistakingly said.
See: http://www.businessweek.com/autos/autobeat/archives/2008/08/basic_tire_infl.html
Also, the amount of oil saved by tire inflation and engine tuning would save more oil NOW that additional off-shore drilling would produce in 10 OR 20 YEARS.
See: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/8/4/213648/9112/823/562597
Guys, give it up! Tire inflation and engine tuning is a smart idea. To paraphrase Obama on the subject, "it's like they want to celebrate ignorance." "
I checked, and the savings is 40-cents per gallon and not 40% as I mistakingly said.
See: http://www.businessweek.com/autos/autobeat/archives/2008/08/basic_tire_infl.html
Also, the amount of oil saved by tire inflation and engine tuning would save more oil NOW that additional off-shore drilling would produce in 10 OR 20 YEARS.
See: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/8/4/213648/9112/823/562597
Guys, give it up! Tire inflation and engine tuning is a smart idea. To paraphrase Obama on the subject, "it's like they want to celebrate ignorance." "
hetfield wrote on Aug 6, 2008 8:34 PM:
" Minions of the messiah, barack hussein obama; you simply just dont get it. BHO has NO energy plan; he has NO domestic plan; he has NO international plan; the guy is simply talking points upon talking points. He meddles about, ends up saying something stupid, like 'fill up yer tires' and the news boys pick it up and embrace it; the messiah has spoken.
What is absolutely hilarious is that obama is being taken seriously by anyone! No experience, no plans, no respect of anyone, no service record to speak of, no known palatform. Nothing but baggage including terrorists and racists, and yet, he is the lefts candidate for president.
Audicty of arrogance should be his motto, as his mannerisms, his actions, and his speech are filled with 'holier than thou', 'I am the messiah' tones and tenor.
So i say, keep spouting off, keep up with the pop crusade, and keep stepping in doo doo like 'fill up yer tires.' It is comical. "
What is absolutely hilarious is that obama is being taken seriously by anyone! No experience, no plans, no respect of anyone, no service record to speak of, no known palatform. Nothing but baggage including terrorists and racists, and yet, he is the lefts candidate for president.
Audicty of arrogance should be his motto, as his mannerisms, his actions, and his speech are filled with 'holier than thou', 'I am the messiah' tones and tenor.
So i say, keep spouting off, keep up with the pop crusade, and keep stepping in doo doo like 'fill up yer tires.' It is comical. "
cross1242 wrote on Aug 6, 2008 8:40 PM:
" coalplant @ Aug 6, 2008 6:15 PM said, "looking for some confirmation to his fears that Obama is uppity."
I have NO fears in that regard. I'm just trying to find out whether you and hetfield are afraid of Obama because he's "uppity." I suspicion that when it's said that he's "arrogant," that it's a code word for "uppity." "
I have NO fears in that regard. I'm just trying to find out whether you and hetfield are afraid of Obama because he's "uppity." I suspicion that when it's said that he's "arrogant," that it's a code word for "uppity." "
Leo46 wrote on Aug 6, 2008 9:31 PM:
" Cross, are you aware that since 1975 and electronic ignitions, the only thing a tune-up does is replace certain filters and the spark plugs? And some spark plugs now last 100,000 miles. So not sure what a tune-up gets you unless you have a really old car that probably gets 10 mpg or less. "
Leo46 wrote on Aug 6, 2008 9:44 PM:
" Cross, the site you quoted does say $.40 a gallon. But they got their info from http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/maintain.shtml
which states proper tire inflation can save up to $.12 a gallon. The $.40 was replacing a cloged air filter.
You complain about the right giving false data, you need to check your own sources better. "
which states proper tire inflation can save up to $.12 a gallon. The $.40 was replacing a cloged air filter.
You complain about the right giving false data, you need to check your own sources better. "
coalplant wrote on Aug 7, 2008 6:22 AM:
" Newsflash,,
Rumor has it that next week Barry Obama will announce that proper diet and exercise can improve your health ,farmers feed the world, babies cry, dogs bark, and fist bump his wife while proclaiming the ignorance of the American people until he proclaimed these truths to be self evident.
Cross, Phil and Jerryo will swoon properly at the magnificient new ideas presented by Barry.
Leo, Cross giving out false info and spreading rumors,, I have to say it 'I just don't believe it' (sarcasm off)
Obama In 08
If Cross is saying I am uppity, It just speaks to his own fears and ignorance. "
Rumor has it that next week Barry Obama will announce that proper diet and exercise can improve your health ,farmers feed the world, babies cry, dogs bark, and fist bump his wife while proclaiming the ignorance of the American people until he proclaimed these truths to be self evident.
Cross, Phil and Jerryo will swoon properly at the magnificient new ideas presented by Barry.
Leo, Cross giving out false info and spreading rumors,, I have to say it 'I just don't believe it' (sarcasm off)
Obama In 08
If Cross is saying I am uppity, It just speaks to his own fears and ignorance. "
hetfield wrote on Aug 7, 2008 6:52 AM:
" tires are made from petrolium. time to drill for no other reason than we will need to replace all the tires that the messiah insists we overinflate, causing massive blowouts and thousands of deaths on the highways.
consider this when you are not going on vacation this year. I am, BTW.
I wonder if we can sue the messiah from all the deaths on the highways?
barack hussein obama is no laughing matter. "
consider this when you are not going on vacation this year. I am, BTW.
I wonder if we can sue the messiah from all the deaths on the highways?
barack hussein obama is no laughing matter. "
MAC wrote on Aug 7, 2008 7:50 AM:
" Obama may not be a laughing matter....but YOU sure are.
You no longer border on the ridiculous...you're crossed right over. "
You no longer border on the ridiculous...you're crossed right over. "
chief wrote on Aug 7, 2008 8:26 AM:
" My how the minds of the younger generation wonder. I though the article was on the Social Security system. I have a few comments to add but about the Social Security system. Fist of all the system needs to be put back to the way it was when enacted it was a retirement system it did not include disability, collage funds, just retirement. Also if all the young people drawing money from the government rather than working was place in the Social Security system, and these people put to work and paid into the system I think we would have a good paid-up system for all to use at the time they retire. This system was not meant to cover retirement just to help a little. It was also set-up for the common working person at the low end of the pay scale. "
xdfred wrote on Aug 7, 2008 1:40 PM:
" From Phil:
"You know, like our English-only laws, which are racist by the way."
Only a true blue leftwinger would say something as ridiculous as that. Tell us...how we are to do government business in the 100's of different languages and dialects that exist? And how is it racist to declare our language as the official language of the country? If it is, then there are quite a few racist countries in the world, aren't there? "
"You know, like our English-only laws, which are racist by the way."
Only a true blue leftwinger would say something as ridiculous as that. Tell us...how we are to do government business in the 100's of different languages and dialects that exist? And how is it racist to declare our language as the official language of the country? If it is, then there are quite a few racist countries in the world, aren't there? "
xdfred wrote on Aug 7, 2008 1:41 PM:
" MAC
wrote on Aug 7, 2008 9:09 AM:
" Lifting the cap on earnings would solve the whole problem. "
Sure, more wealth redistribution. Privatizing retirement savings would have much better results. "
wrote on Aug 7, 2008 9:09 AM:
" Lifting the cap on earnings would solve the whole problem. "
Sure, more wealth redistribution. Privatizing retirement savings would have much better results. "
jeroze wrote on Aug 7, 2008 2:47 PM:
" What's this English only thing got to do with aging and gray hair? Those who insist on English only should have stayed in England. Better learn Dutch now or you"ll be spending time in heaven so you can speak the heavenly language. "
sublmnal wrote on Aug 7, 2008 10:03 PM:
" Wow, being 22 years old, this article kind of offends me. The reason people my age don't go to arts festivals and classical concerts is because it's not part of our culture, not that were missing out on something. We do rock concerts, grafitti art, websites, digital photography, etc. Look at places like google and microsoft. How many people over 65 are working there being innovative? Prof. Clayson is comparing apples to oranges. He needs to realize that his audiance is more than the old people who buy the paper version of the courier. No worries of John McCain reading the courier online without his wife!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOjUSnHSZ_c&feature=related
Yes, I realize that I may not have social security to bank on when I'm an old man. This is why I'm planning accordingly. It's a broken system that the next few years of politicians should be working to fix.
Vote for the young guy! Vote for Obama! He'll help the old people too! "
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOjUSnHSZ_c&feature=related
Yes, I realize that I may not have social security to bank on when I'm an old man. This is why I'm planning accordingly. It's a broken system that the next few years of politicians should be working to fix.
Vote for the young guy! Vote for Obama! He'll help the old people too! "
Phil wrote on Aug 8, 2008 8:19 AM:
" xdfred - yes there are a number of racist countries, actually cultures, around the world.
Declare English the official language - fine. Make stupid laws that tie the government's hands and limit their ability to do business with the population - racist. You know, like Rep. Steve King - Iowa's #1 racist. "
Declare English the official language - fine. Make stupid laws that tie the government's hands and limit their ability to do business with the population - racist. You know, like Rep. Steve King - Iowa's #1 racist. "
mister t wrote on Aug 9, 2008 8:10 AM:
" The Long View by Helen Steiner Rice
Growing older
is like slowly going up
in an airplane.
The horizon gets wider&wider
as we look down on this earth
and things become smaller&smaller
and of much less importance
in the panoramic view
of our soul. "
Growing older
is like slowly going up
in an airplane.
The horizon gets wider&wider
as we look down on this earth
and things become smaller&smaller
and of much less importance
in the panoramic view
of our soul. "
Independent wrote on Aug 9, 2008 8:55 PM:
" Mugwa said it best in the classic movie "The Last Of The Mohicans".
Basically he said he hates the gray hair.
If we translate that to the present baby boomer generation, because they are actually getting old and turning grey. We can find a reason to hate the gray hair as well. They, as the most powerfull voting generation in American history, have failed America.
Could this be the actual crux of Prof. Clayson's fear? His generations policies have put America three steps back? "
Basically he said he hates the gray hair.
If we translate that to the present baby boomer generation, because they are actually getting old and turning grey. We can find a reason to hate the gray hair as well. They, as the most powerfull voting generation in American history, have failed America.
Could this be the actual crux of Prof. Clayson's fear? His generations policies have put America three steps back? "
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cross wrote on Aug 3, 2008 6:14 PM:
Because the demographics of this country have changed from many people supporting a few retirees to one where people paying into Social Security are about equal to the number of retirees, Prof. Clayson would have anyone who listens to him believe that the world as we know it will come to an end.
But, what he implies this time (but said straight out in earlier columns) is that Social Security is about to go bankrupt. But, that can NOT happen because people are still paying into the Social Security system. And, the amount collected each year is gigantic. The absolute worst that could happen if Congress never gets around to fixing things for future retirees is that the benefits paid out would have to be reduced. One of the best fixes for the system is to remove the cap on yearly contributions. Other fixes are available in addition. And, with the next Congress having a large Democratic majority and a Democratic President committed to fixing the system, it looks as if it will be fixed. (Unlike the Republicans who wanted to “privatize” the system so that investment firms could get their hands on Social Security money.)
Prof. Clayson also says, “the socialist democracies, including the United States, can cease being socialist, or they can commit cultural suicide.”
Calling the United States “socialist” is, at minimum, also factually wrong and, at worst, an attempt to scare people. Back in the 30s, there was a serious threat that there would be a revolution and socialism would be adopted. But, FDR, the best friend the capitalist system ever had, restored people’s faith that our government and economic system worked. And it worked mostly because a big government made it work. Having already faced the possibility of socialism and rejected it, it is now impossible that we are ever going to go that way. Capitalists need not fear that their capital will be confiscated. And a progressive, but not socialist government will make sure that our economic system won’t let people starve to death in the streets.
Prof. Clayson says, “The Left has associated culture with racism, so they will commit suicide rather than face a reality not held within their parameters of political correctness.”
I have no idea what he is talking about.
Prof. Clayson says, “A relatively benign socialism is a Western invention.”
I kinda enjoyed this statement. It’s about as close as Prof. Clayson will ever get to recognizing that what he calls “socialism” isn’t really “socialism” at all.
Prof. Clayson closes his column with this crack: “The younger generation, who spend 6 to 10 hours a day isolated in front of one screen or another, may not care as long as they have their phones, circuses, and remain willing to buy into whatever virtual reality is being successfully marketed in any given week.” That statement returns to the theme of the first half of his column. There, he noted the absence of younger people from all of the cultural opportunities.
In that regard, Prof. Clayson also returns to a regular theme of his columns. That theme is to insult the intelligence of some portion of his readership. In this case, younger people are apparently all clods. And the thing that gets me about that attitude is how does someone with such a dismal view of young people manage to interact with young people on a daily basis by teaching them? "