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10th November 2011, 21:16
BDunnell

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuck34

If I do not want what the big chain stores offer, I simply do not buy it. It seems that many people do want what the chain stores offer, otherwise they wouldn't exist.

The triumph of the bland, lowest-common-denominator majority. What a splendid thing to aim for.

You may deny it, but this is what you are advocating — the natural conclusion of your arguments.
10th November 2011, 21:17
chuck34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Malbec

You're too old-fashioned.

Ever met a trader? The guy on the floor who actually buys and sells shares and makes a handsome commission? These guys are hardly educated. The banks specifically go for guys who haven't been to university as they are cheaper and don't need to think, they just need to have a knack for good timing.

Most are highly unpleasant yobs high on cocaine looking for the next rush.

These guys get bonuses of hundreds of thousands for essentially clicking at a screen and calling up all day.

Meanwhile people in 'normal' trades and businesses slave away for pay packages that are gradually declining in value.

Yet its the latter that are perceived to be bailing out the former, keeping them in a job. See where there might be some resentment building up?

It doesn't surprise me that the main protests are in NY and London, the two cities where the financial sector have completely skewed the property market to make it unaffordable for those with normal jobs.

These protests aren't just about layabouts wanting more for nothing, its a legitimate protest against a financial sector that is causing damage to the livelihoods of the rest of the society and economy, yet behaves as if it didn't have any constraints at all, buying politicians at whim.

I am by no means badly off but my sympathy lies with those on the streets.

Oh boo hoo some jerk "just clicks a screen all day, and makes more than me". It's just not fair, sombody give me what he's got. What is stopping you from doing exactly what that guy is doing? And yes I do know a couple of traders, one in Chicago and two in Toronto.

Sorry to be harsh. But I just happen to believe in personal responsibilty, not jealous wailings of "fairness".
10th November 2011, 21:19
Bob Riebe

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuck34

So you don't call it confiscation of wealth you call it "paying their fair share". Ok I'll play along. How much more would you like "the rich" to pay. Earlier I linked to an article that spelled out how even if you tax "the rich" at over 100%, you will still not come anywhere close to balancing the budget. So what exactly is "their fair share"?

I'm fine with elimiating loop holes, if needed to "get" those evil companies. But you do realize that corporations don't actually pay taxes, they pass them on to consumers.

Chuck- you are arguing with people who responses are the equivalent of little kids going-- Yeah but what if-- well what it-- OK but what if-- Yeah but what if-if-if-if- if-if-if....

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They want to cry about the wealthy but ignore facts about the wealthy who supposedly support greater taxes.
Tax the rich! Buffett beclowns himself again | Washington Times Communities
10th November 2011, 21:20
chuck34

Quote:

Originally Posted by BDunnell

The triumph of the bland, lowest-common-denominator majority. What a splendid thing to aim for.

You may deny it, but this is what you are advocating — the natural conclusion of your arguments.

Wow we're stuck in a time warp here. Didn't we already discuss this?

How am I arguing for the "bland, lowest-common-denominatior". Sure you may not be able to find exactly what you want on the high street, but that doesn't mean that it doesn't exist off the high street, in the back alleys, on the internet, etc.

Why are you dead set on imposing you ideas of non-blandness on people. Obviously many people have made a consious decision to shop at those stores. What gives you the right to tell those people they are wrong?
10th November 2011, 21:21
BDunnell

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuck34

Ok how do you address corporate greed and abuse? A government program that will be full of greed and abuse so fast that it'll make your head spin?

Why does freedom scare you?

A quick note, Chuck. No right-wing American will ever convince a liberal-minded European — or indeed many intelligent Europeans who lean somewhat to the right — by deploying as an argument the trite sense of the word 'freedom' so beloved of you and your ilk. We recognise it for what it is — a vacuous slogan parroted by those arrogant enough to believe that the conservative American way is the only true definition of freedom, and who believe that those who are even mildly critical of the free market are in some way dangerous saboteurs hell-bent on introducing revolutionary socialism.
10th November 2011, 21:22
chuck34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Riebe

Chuck- you are arguing with people who responses are the equivalent of little kids going-- Yeah but what if-- well what it-- OK but what if-- Yeah but what if-if-if-if- if-if-if....

I understand that. Call me crazy but I actually like debating especially since for the most part this has been kept fairly civil. I find it fun, and it helps to re-inforce and strenthen my ideas/standards/philosophy. If we only talk about things with people of like mind, our arguments get weak. And I get bored. ;)
10th November 2011, 21:24
BDunnell

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuck34

Wow we're stuck in a time warp here. Didn't we already discuss this?

Yes, but we seem to have come round to it again.

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuck34

Why are you dead set on imposing you ideas of non-blandness on people. Obviously many people have made a consious decision to shop at those stores. What gives you the right to tell those people they are wrong?

Who said anything about imposing? I believe that not following the herd is a positive trait and should be encouraged, but if you wish for everything to be subsumed into a soulless corporate morass, so be it. Don't be surprised if not everyone is over-enthusiastic, and if it results in some protest.
10th November 2011, 21:24
chuck34

Quote:

Originally Posted by BDunnell

A quick note, Chuck. No right-wing American will ever convince a liberal-minded European — or indeed many intelligent Europeans who lean somewhat to the right — by deploying as an argument the trite sense of the word 'freedom' so beloved of you and your ilk. We recognise it for what it is — a vacuous slogan parroted by those arrogant enough to believe that the conservative American way is the only true definition of freedom, and who believe that those who are even mildly critical of the free market are in some way dangerous saboteurs hell-bent on introducing revolutionary socialism.

Forgive me for addressing Arrows, and asking him why giving corporations freedom scares him. I didn't realise that was "off limits".
10th November 2011, 21:26
BDunnell

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Riebe

Chuck- you are arguing with people who responses are the equivalent of little kids going-- Yeah but what if-- well what it-- OK but what if-- Yeah but what if-if-if-if- if-if-if....

Says the man who once memorably posted the contribution: 'Go bunky-troll on! Drink chug-a-lug-drink-chug-a-lug...'
10th November 2011, 21:27
Bob Riebe

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuck34

I understand that. Call me crazy but I actually like debating especially since for the most part this has been kept fairly civil. I find it fun, and it helps to re-inforce and strenthen my ideas/standards/philosophy. If we only talk about things with people of like mind, our arguments get weak. And I get bored. ;)

OH YEAH, well the IRS always like you best!

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