Re: Whoah There, Nelly
Hi Copernicus,
Something to keep in mind. The last century was the century of capitalism, markets, etc. It was also one of the bloodiest there has ever been. I think there has to be a better way.
That said...
1. "You take claim to wealth as being the enabler of both divorce and longevity of marriage. Sorry, you cant have it both ways."
A. Yes you can. It enables one who wants to leave to not have to worry about the cost to one's life style. On the other hand, if you have $$$, the ladies are less likely to dump you for someone who does!
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2. " The mortgage interest deduction disproportionately favors the middle class, far outweighing all other tax breaks combined."
A: Perhaps as a whole it may favor the middle class. But to any given individual worker bee I doubt it.
Were it not for the number of people who' retirement account is basically thier house, I'd say housing prices *need* to plumet. Having to pay 30 years for a pile of bricks is rediculous. Everyone but the owner makes a ton of money, except for the inflationary effect.
But then that's a numbers game no matter how you slice it. And it still favors the rich (inflation that is). Since the rich own the most assets that inflate on a per person basis (perhaps not collectively... but then again maybe... I keep reading the 1% or whatever hold xx% percent of the total wealth.
Just ask Allen Greenspan... When employment is too high... "Oh that's inflationary... gotta 'cool down' the economy". Read that... when the workers can apply financial pressure to the rich.. THAT'S inflationary.
But when the things the wealthy hold the most of or sell... "That's 'capital appreciation'.
Please learn to see past the word games... please!
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3. "So, who says the status quo isnt the closest thing to "perfect" as is currently feasible? Just because its there doesnt make it wrong."
A: Me and all the other worker bees that are fed up.
4."There are so many incorrect statements and non sequiters above that its not worth responding to each one. The essential problem with all of it is that you incorrectly define "fair price" to suit your incorrect cost/benefit analysis. "Fair price" is what someone is willing to pay for something, period. The excess of that price over the simple cost of inputs, which is your definition of "profit" does not correctly reflect the exchange...it is not 1 1/2 loaves for 1 loaf. When a party is willing to pay more than the cost of inputs it is because they themselves do not have the education, expertise, technology, time or some other resource to produce that product themselves from the same inputs. "Profit" is the compensation for investment, whether it is a surgeons investment in his education, or General Motors investment in robotics. There can never be "unfair" profit unless a monopoly exists for an indispensible product or service, or there is regulation to artificially support prices."
A: Boy I'll tell ya... you really did suck up all that B-School stuff didn't ya! You're just wrong. The loaf of bread illustration is 100% on the money in a reductionist sense.
It's because you and a bazillion other's can't see this fair price illustration (unless of course you're an options trader or insurance actuarial) that we'll eventually burn the planet out because of *your* point of view's dependance on constant "growth".
Sorry guy. The material mass of the world is relatively constant.
5. "If you feel like a mouse in a wheel that is your fault for not finding the way off it. It is a voluntary state of being that can be remedied by prudent investment. "
A: This is just BS. I lived for 10 years in one room. Saved. Invested. Got a high tech degree. The 90's wiped it all out. And I didn't have a dime in the market either.
The megatrends nailed me to a cross essentially. As it did many many others.
And the megatrends are created by our "leaders". Essentially our richie riches.
6. "At some point consumption will outstrip natures ability to replenish the party supplies. At that point cultivation/production becomes necessary, and it is the enterprising and ambitious that will dominate. As they invest their time and resources a market will be established leading to some economic structure. Capitalism has proven to be the most capable and fair structure."
A: You've just accepted one of my tenents. That the earth is a limited pile of matter.
Sound to me like you're a social darwinist.
So given that... If I kill my next door neighbor and say... "This stuff is now mine"... is that OK?
7. "what more? how about facts for rhetoric, and logic instead of whining? "
A: You're just a pompous @ss. Sounds like you were born into some money or perhaps bought off on the status quo. Perhaps you're in sales?
Far as I can see you can't see beyond what you've been schooled to believe. I see no evidence of thinking on your part. Just parroting of rhetoric. And you call yourself "Copernicus"?
How'd that happen?
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Sincerely,
AA
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