@DINORightMarie – Negative feedback is okay. Nothing wrong with testing others to defend their ideas, something which hopefully will go on here some more in the future.
OT: (Since I can't quite figure out what the topic is here, and I've been waiting weeks to post this)
A few years ago, I heard of–what I thought was–an awesome plan to deal with the threat of militant Islam. I do believe it would work, not take a lot of time, or expense.
The plan was to send out special forces to assassinate the top 100 most firebrand Islamic clerics. Most of the trouble from the Islamic world comes from these firebrand clerics and their Friday prayers, where they fire up the believers to go out into the street and riot and burn a few Christians and Jews.
Of course, targeted assassinations are abhorrent, but anyone who is serious about fixing this problem would have to acknowledge the strong points of the plan. In the last few years, tens of thousands of Muslims have lost their lives in Muslim-on-Muslim violence. For the cost of 100 radical Islamist lives, the rest of the Imams and clerics would get the message and 'see the light' and tone it down and we could possibly drag the Religion of Peace into the twenty-first century.
I'm sorry that this post is incongruous with a 'Friendly-friendly world' video.
Interesting that people are reading a lot into my posting of the "friendly-friendly world" video. It was purely coincidental, having nothing whatsoever to do with anything that has gone on here lately.
Ever since 1994, I've gotten to know Dick McDonald (former Arthur Anderson CPA who was J. Paul Getty's tax guy for 10 years when he was the richest man in the world). Also produced some movies, and other interesting things along the way. I've seen realms and heard much and want to tear my hair out that more people aren't discussing his plan because it is truly brilliant and I believe you should know about this, Prof. Jacobson.
He spent several years writing this free ebook "Make the Poor Rich and America Wealthier" which is "An Introduction to the Rise Up Theory of Economics" and is "The Way to End Poverty, Fix Social Security and Save Medicare."
Dick McDonald, Managing Director, Ownership Society Institute
"The plan I propose in this book will never allow anyone’s monthly check from Social Security or Medicare to fall below that presently promised by the Federal government. Not now or in the future. That will be the floor on benefits; and the government will guarantee it.
Present Social Security and Medicare Benefits Always Guaranteed.
@lgstarr – I think giving people an ownership interest in their social security contributions — perhaps even the right to pass on unused balances to heirs — may make sense. Under the current system, it's use it or lose it; there is no incentive not to take your check each month. Creating incentives for people to view social security as savings rather than an annuity is something we should look at, and I'd love to see the numbers. But the aspect of that proposal to invest it in stock indexes is a political and practical non-starter.
Do you think that the proposed ban on circumcision in San Francisco, if passed, is discriminatory? I know that Jewish law says a boy is to be circumcised on the 8th day after birth (also often followed by many Christians). Therefore, the law appears to me to be discriminatory against anyone who desires to follow this practice. Your thoughts?
@DINORightMarie – as to O'Donnell, I think this likely was her best shot. As to San Fran and circumcisions, hadn't heard about that, but nothing surprises me.
I'm not going to bring anything on, I guess. What needs to be done now is everyone on the Right needs to focus on moving our representatives toward: 1) Massive spending cuts 2) Massive tax cuts 3) Troops/wall to the border immediately 4) Repeal of Obamacare or defunding of as much as possible immediately 5) Defund the Corporation for Public Broadcasting from the taxpayer (this is a small but big win and could be done easily early on)
There. That is five things we should START with. Then we move on to the next five on the list.
"Of course, targeted assassinations are abhorrent…" Speak for yourself. It might be distasteful to ponder, but the world is full of mad dogs, and some of them worm their way into power. Better to knock them off singly than to let things progress to the point where armies have to get involved (and bloodied). I think its just pride and a false sense of morality that makes us think otherwise–individually and as a nation, because we all recoil from it a bit. Now, I'm not advocating willy nilly hit jobs, but in the whack-a-mole game of life, when a certified bad guy sticks his head up, you smack him down like as if he owed you money. Just my opinion.
I believe, as perhaps you do, that it is important to teach students to think independently and rigorously, rather than parrot tribal slogans (whether of the right or the left).
What readings do you recommend to help students (and others) strengthen their independent thinking? (About anything, not necessarily politics.)
@Bob – A short book I read in college called "How To Lie With Statistics" (written in 1954). I've added it to the Legal Insurrection Store at Amazon, http://is.gd/gZj9j
Perhaps a candidate for your list–Of all the thing I read in college and law school, aside from the Bible, the most brilliant thing I've laid eyes on are The Federalist Papers. Hamilton, Madison, Jay- a man would be hard pressed to find similar example of such concentrated genius.
Getting ready for the MC Birthday Ball in DC tomorrow night. It is such an honor and a privilege to be able to attend the Commandant's Ball. Celebrating 235 years of Honor, Courage, Commitment.
Which can not help but lead me to the query: The role of CIC is so key, and the need for a true Head of State with experience and maturity … none in the current field of potential nominees for 2012 impress me as being able to fulfill either of those roles for the benefit of all Americans.
Perhaps it is time to think further afield, and develop our own list of potential candidates.
I have a short list of quality people who have the depth of military and foreign policy creds, and have the bonus of having left the military for other work before they pinned on their star (and therefore became politicians, not leaders of men).
Anyone else have any fresh ideas outside of the tired cliched candidates being pushed our way?
"What needs to be done now is everyone on the Right needs to focus on moving our representatives toward: "
If Spencer Bachus is elevated to head of the Financial Services Committee and the other Big Spending Republicans get high ranking assignments and the Tea Party gets nothing, IMO, the Republican Party will be a losing political party in 2012.
There is no way Tea Party members are going to accept two more years of big spending Democrats lite and vote to keep them in power in 2012. IMO.
Sorry for being late on this thread, I'm a bit slow and didn't know what it was about. Just for the record though, nothing has changed with me about how I feel about this blog. I think the reaction to Kathleen was over the top and besides, those of us who comment at these blogs are a very, very small minority of the audience who take the time to visit and read.
I doubt many visitors read our comments so I wouldn't make too many assumptions about what a couple of pissed-off commenters opinions reveals about the broad non-commenting audience. When one of us posts a hissy comment declaring that we are "through with this blog", we take with us an audience of one.
This remains one of my very favorite blogs. It's less that I agree with most of what you say than about the information, insights, humor and integrity. Nothing has changed. (And the comment threads here are also among the best. I don't usually comment but I always read them).
I felt, from way over here at this laptop, that your mood was more fun than anything. It's your space here. Do what you want.
I have strong feelings about worshipping false idols, political or otherwise. The more passionate the engager becomes over defending their idol, the more lost I am of their logic and reasoning abilities. Not to mention the failed expectations and fallout when the 'letdown' occurs.
I don't feel Kathleen stirred the pot, so to speak, but that when she put the spoon in, it was just coming to a boil anyway.
Mr. Jacobson – people are approaching the privatization of Social Security, Medicare, etc. from the wrong direction. What is so important is the short-term effect on the economy not the long-term. If we privatize over $1 trillion annually of payroll taxes, place them in individual taxpayer accounts and immediately invest them in the stock market – multiplier effect will explode the annual increase in GDP to over 15% and the DOW to over 20,000. It will create millions of jobs, reverse inflation and put America back on the road to exceptionalism. We should not give China a pass here – we should bury her economically.
Your dismissal of a retirement plan based on stock investment is unwarranted – even though it is universally promoted. Think about it. What is the investment vehicle for over 100 thousand pension plans? Yes many are under water – but my plan revives them. Over three million Federal employees have stock-based personal investment accounts – The Thrift Savings Plan ( individually owned – just like privatization).
Why can Federal employees have a privatized plan invested in stock and the rest of us not? Further why does the only Chilean privatized fund that invested in US Mutual Funds have a 10% annual return for over 30 years?
Your command dismissal of funding retirement in the stock market is a purely a short-term "fear" response to the havoc the NINJA loan fiasco has visited upon us. The truly conservative response is a belief in the LONG-TERM viability of the free market system and the place such values are stored – the stock market (not the fluctuations therein).
It just so happens that in 40-year increments the S&P; 500 has averaged a 9.8% return since 1871. My http://www.riseupamerica.us plan would generate a much better rate in the future. The tables are all on my site.
Of course my plan would also result in the biggest tax cut in history, cut the annual Federal budget by 40%, save the cities, counties and states from pension bankruptcy by establishing one national pension and health care for the elderly…it does so much more including the most important aspect of life – ending endemic poverty.
I'm sure you have a million questions – most should be answered on the above site. There is also a free book – "How to Make the Poor Rich and America Wealthier" you can download.
Start thinking about prosperity and let's all stop thinking about austerity.
I will shortly be introducing the Prosperity Commission into which I invite all Americans to join. It will counter the deleterious effects of our 18-memeber Debt Commission.
Comments
I sense from this post and the Video of the Day (aka your "New Theme Song") that you are getting a lot of negative feedback.
I truly hope not. We need open debate on the Internet. Where better than here?
Have a good weekend, Professor. I will be watching for fireworks. 🙂
@DINORightMarie – Negative feedback is okay. Nothing wrong with testing others to defend their ideas, something which hopefully will go on here some more in the future.
OT: (Since I can't quite figure out what the topic is here, and I've been waiting weeks to post this)
A few years ago, I heard of–what I thought was–an awesome plan to deal with the threat of militant Islam. I do believe it would work, not take a lot of time, or expense.
The plan was to send out special forces to assassinate the top 100 most firebrand Islamic clerics. Most of the trouble from the Islamic world comes from these firebrand clerics and their Friday prayers, where they fire up the believers to go out into the street and riot and burn a few Christians and Jews.
Of course, targeted assassinations are abhorrent, but anyone who is serious about fixing this problem would have to acknowledge the strong points of the plan. In the last few years, tens of thousands of Muslims have lost their lives in Muslim-on-Muslim violence. For the cost of 100 radical Islamist lives, the rest of the Imams and clerics would get the message and 'see the light' and tone it down and we could possibly drag the Religion of Peace into the twenty-first century.
I'm sorry that this post is incongruous with a 'Friendly-friendly world' video.
Interesting that people are reading a lot into my posting of the "friendly-friendly world" video. It was purely coincidental, having nothing whatsoever to do with anything that has gone on here lately.
Bring what on? If it's a picnic, I'll bring the potato salad.
@pubsecrets – That's a good start, also accepting comments, questions, accusations.
OK, I will then…(bring it on, that is).
Ever since 1994, I've gotten to know Dick McDonald (former Arthur Anderson CPA who was J. Paul Getty's tax guy for 10 years when he was the richest man in the world). Also produced some movies, and other interesting things along the way. I've seen realms and heard much and want to tear my hair out that more people aren't discussing his plan because it is truly brilliant and I believe you should know about this, Prof. Jacobson.
He spent several years writing this free ebook "Make the Poor Rich and America Wealthier" which is "An Introduction to the Rise Up Theory of Economics" and is "The Way to End Poverty, Fix Social Security and Save Medicare."
Dick McDonald, Managing Director, Ownership Society Institute
"The plan I propose in this book will never allow anyone’s monthly check from Social Security or Medicare to fall below that presently promised by the Federal government. Not now or in the future. That will be the floor on benefits; and the government will guarantee it.
Present Social Security and Medicare Benefits Always Guaranteed.
Learn more:
http://www.riseupamerica.us
@lgstarr – I think giving people an ownership interest in their social security contributions — perhaps even the right to pass on unused balances to heirs — may make sense. Under the current system, it's use it or lose it; there is no incentive not to take your check each month. Creating incentives for people to view social security as savings rather than an annuity is something we should look at, and I'd love to see the numbers. But the aspect of that proposal to invest it in stock indexes is a political and practical non-starter.
Question –
Do you think Christine O'Donnell has a political future? Love to know your thoughts on that.
Another question –
Do you think that the proposed ban on circumcision in San Francisco, if passed, is discriminatory? I know that Jewish law says a boy is to be circumcised on the 8th day after birth (also often followed by many Christians). Therefore, the law appears to me to be discriminatory against anyone who desires to follow this practice. Your thoughts?
@DINORightMarie – as to O'Donnell, I think this likely was her best shot. As to San Fran and circumcisions, hadn't heard about that, but nothing surprises me.
I'm not going to bring anything on, I guess. What needs to be done now is everyone on the Right needs to focus on moving our representatives toward:
1) Massive spending cuts
2) Massive tax cuts
3) Troops/wall to the border immediately
4) Repeal of Obamacare or defunding of as much as possible immediately
5) Defund the Corporation for Public Broadcasting from the taxpayer (this is a small but big win and could be done easily early on)
There. That is five things we should START with. Then we move on to the next five on the list.
"Of course, targeted assassinations are abhorrent…"
Speak for yourself. It might be distasteful to ponder, but the world is full of mad dogs, and some of them worm their way into power. Better to knock them off singly than to let things progress to the point where armies have to get involved (and bloodied). I think its just pride and a false sense of morality that makes us think otherwise–individually and as a nation, because we all recoil from it a bit.
Now, I'm not advocating willy nilly hit jobs, but in the whack-a-mole game of life, when a certified bad guy sticks his head up, you smack him down like as if he owed you money.
Just my opinion.
Bringing on more random questions:
I believe, as perhaps you do, that it is important to teach students to think independently and rigorously, rather than parrot tribal slogans (whether of the right or the left).
What readings do you recommend to help students (and others) strengthen their independent thinking? (About anything, not necessarily politics.)
@Bob – A short book I read in college called "How To Lie With Statistics" (written in 1954). I've added it to the Legal Insurrection Store at Amazon, http://is.gd/gZj9j
Perhaps a candidate for your list–Of all the thing I read in college and law school, aside from the Bible, the most brilliant thing I've laid eyes on are The Federalist Papers. Hamilton, Madison, Jay- a man would be hard pressed to find similar example of such concentrated genius.
I'm just bringing on praise…I enjoy this blog, keep up the GREAT work!
D.
Getting ready for the MC Birthday Ball in DC tomorrow night. It is such an honor and a privilege to be able to attend the Commandant's Ball. Celebrating 235 years of Honor, Courage, Commitment.
Which can not help but lead me to the query: The role of CIC is so key, and the need for a true Head of State with experience and maturity … none in the current field of potential nominees for 2012 impress me as being able to fulfill either of those roles for the benefit of all Americans.
Perhaps it is time to think further afield, and develop our own list of potential candidates.
I have a short list of quality people who have the depth of military and foreign policy creds, and have the bonus of having left the military for other work before they pinned on their star (and therefore became politicians, not leaders of men).
Anyone else have any fresh ideas outside of the tired cliched candidates being pushed our way?
Teh Fred!
Kill the terrorists,
Secure the border,
Punch the hippies.
Thompson '12
"What needs to be done now is everyone on the Right needs to focus on moving our representatives toward: "
If Spencer Bachus is elevated to head of the Financial Services Committee and the other Big Spending Republicans get high ranking assignments and the Tea Party gets nothing, IMO, the Republican Party will be a losing political party in 2012.
There is no way Tea Party members are going to accept two more years of big spending Democrats lite and vote to keep them in power in 2012. IMO.
Sorry for being late on this thread, I'm a bit slow and didn't know what it was about. Just for the record though, nothing has changed with me about how I feel about this blog. I think the reaction to Kathleen was over the top and besides, those of us who comment at these blogs are a very, very small minority of the audience who take the time to visit and read.
I doubt many visitors read our comments so I wouldn't make too many assumptions about what a couple of pissed-off commenters opinions reveals about the broad non-commenting audience. When one of us posts a hissy comment declaring that we are "through with this blog", we take with us an audience of one.
This remains one of my very favorite blogs. It's less that I agree with most of what you say than about the information, insights, humor and integrity. Nothing has changed. (And the comment threads here are also among the best. I don't usually comment but I always read them).
I'm late too. But..
I found the title and the invitation humorous.
I felt, from way over here at this laptop, that your mood was more fun than anything. It's your space here. Do what you want.
I have strong feelings about worshipping false idols, political or otherwise. The more passionate the engager becomes over defending their idol, the more lost I am of their logic and reasoning abilities. Not to mention the failed expectations and fallout when the 'letdown' occurs.
I don't feel Kathleen stirred the pot, so to speak, but that when she put the spoon in, it was just coming to a boil anyway.
Professor,
I know I might be late with a question, but I'd appreciate your opinion on the following:
http://gatewaypundit.rightnetwork.com/2010/11/obama-white-house-hands-out-111-obamacare-waivers-hides-it-from-public-video/
thanks
"Of course, targeted assassinations are abhorrent, but . . . "
I picture M. Atta using this same line at the strip bar on 9/10.
Let's please leave the evil of "my ends justify any means" to Pol Pot and the immoderate left.
Mr. Jacobson – people are approaching the privatization of Social Security, Medicare, etc. from the wrong direction. What is so important is the short-term effect on the economy not the long-term. If we privatize over $1 trillion annually of payroll taxes, place them in individual taxpayer accounts and immediately invest them in the stock market – multiplier effect will explode the annual increase in GDP to over 15% and the DOW to over 20,000. It will create millions of jobs, reverse inflation and put America back on the road to exceptionalism. We should not give China a pass here – we should bury her economically.
Your dismissal of a retirement plan based on stock investment is unwarranted – even though it is universally promoted. Think about it. What is the investment vehicle for over 100 thousand pension plans? Yes many are under water – but my plan revives them. Over three million Federal employees have stock-based personal investment accounts – The Thrift Savings Plan ( individually owned – just like privatization).
Why can Federal employees have a privatized plan invested in stock and the rest of us not? Further why does the only Chilean privatized fund that invested in US Mutual Funds have a 10% annual return for over 30 years?
Your command dismissal of funding retirement in the stock market is a purely a short-term "fear" response to the havoc the NINJA loan fiasco has visited upon us. The truly conservative response is a belief in the LONG-TERM viability of the free market system and the place such values are stored – the stock market (not the fluctuations therein).
It just so happens that in 40-year increments the S&P; 500 has averaged a 9.8% return since 1871. My http://www.riseupamerica.us plan would generate a much better rate in the future. The tables are all on my site.
Of course my plan would also result in the biggest tax cut in history, cut the annual Federal budget by 40%, save the cities, counties and states from pension bankruptcy by establishing one national pension and health care for the elderly…it does so much more including the most important aspect of life – ending endemic poverty.
I'm sure you have a million questions – most should be answered on the above site. There is also a free book – "How to Make the Poor Rich and America Wealthier" you can download.
Start thinking about prosperity and let's all stop thinking about austerity.
I will shortly be introducing the Prosperity Commission into which I invite all Americans to join. It will counter the deleterious effects of our 18-memeber Debt Commission.
Al Martinez at The Daily News (Los Angeles) just did a story today on Dick's plan–yayyy!!!
"Does one man have The Answer for America?"
http://www.dailynews.com/opinions/ci_17113981