Dean's Circle: Whats next?

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Whats next?

It takes half a billion BTU's to build a new car.But you're current one has already been built.

103 comments:

mat said...: For those of you that don't know what that means, it figures.The energy used to build a new car far exceeds what you would consume driving your current vehicle for at least ten years.Suckers.I'm actually being kinder and gentler to the environment driving the Monte Carlo than you would be buying a brand new Prius. Oh yea what do you do with those batteries after three years. Well turn them in to the state recycling agency of course.And then what?How much energy will be consumed breaking them down and separating the various components and well you know the rest.I told you it was gonna get interesting folks.Wait for it.; May 21, 2009 at 2:05 PM
mat said...: And what does everybody drive anyway.We know about rac's Jeep.What do you drive Doug?Cindy,Pat?Come on Joanna you can tell us.Why are your cars better than mine?Where do you have your maintenance done?Autozone?Napa?Checker?Walmart?Do you babysit your car and see where all the fluids go?Juliet, where do you live?Whats your country du jour's environmental philosophy?Hahahahaha.Whatever guys.It's cool.; May 21, 2009 at 2:43 PM
DRL said...: Yea Mat, it is funny to look at "enviromentally" kind mandates. Look how may men and women have lost their jobs because Bill Clinton mandated no more cutting timber on federal land. It cost the U.S. money to ship in lumber now. That is a good example.
What kind of homes, furniture etc. doe people have. Most people live in mostly wooden homes. So, it is okay to use enough wood for them, but no one else.; May 21, 2009 at 6:34 PM
juliet said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; May 21, 2009 at 6:36 PM
juliet said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; May 21, 2009 at 6:39 PM
DRL said...: Yea Juliet, I agree. As long as it gets me to where I wanna go, I am happy. In Idaho I worry more about heat than defrost. One of our cars has the water pump going out, so when it stops at a traffic light, it blows out cold air, I will change it someday. Sooner than later I think, it is the one my older daughter is taking.
Oh, the Jeep is the only one without freon, but if it is too hot, I go topless. Oh, yea :); May 21, 2009 at 6:43 PM
DRL said...: Yea Mat, it is funny to look at "enviromentally" kind mandates. Look how may men and women have lost their jobs because Bill Clinton mandated no more cutting timber on federal land. It cost the U.S. money to ship in lumber now. That is a good example.
What kind of homes, furniture etc. doe people have. Most people live in mostly wooden homes. So, it is okay to use enough wood for them, but no one else.; May 21, 2009 at 6:52 PM
DRL said...: One of the saddest things I ever saw was someone showing me how desperate people are. We were in a car outside of Dhaka, Bangladesh and this person threw out a "used" kleenex. Why couldn't it have been unused, I asked. If it was to prove a point, it wouldn't have mattered. Anyway, a group a kids gathered over it. The first one there held it up like a trophy. I asked, why would they do the. It was going to be used to light a fire or something.; May 21, 2009 at 6:56 PM
Cindy said...: I drive a 2007 Honda Civic. It's great on gas and that was a factor when I bought it. It also is very dependable and has a good safety rating. When Dad was alive I didn't worry about having an older, less reliable car because I could always count on him to rescue me if I broke down some where.; May 21, 2009 at 7:50 PM
Pat said...: Matt, I drive a 1995 ford F150 truck. Still only 67000 miles on her. only use redneck AC (all windows open). Not great on gas but last week she saved a neighbors ass, pulling him out of a ditch, now that's priceless.; May 21, 2009 at 9:51 PM
Cindy said...: DRL, My house is made from Concrete block as are most houses in Florida because of termites and hurricanes.; May 21, 2009 at 9:53 PM
DRL said...: So Cindy, you probably don't care much about the thousand of American jobs lost. I am.; May 21, 2009 at 10:10 PM
Pat said...: PS. She was my dads truck and I doubt he called her a she, but I do. He treated her well. Usually, I just run around town with her. kids baseball, shopping etc., but once the cat and I drove up to venice to see Rod. I'm not sure, but I think it took about 25.00 there and back. cat didn't care though. He just wanted out.; May 21, 2009 at 10:18 PM
rac said...: DRL, do you shop at WAL-MART? Are all your cars American made? Do you have anything in your house that says made in China? Your TV, stereo, microwave? I'm guessing you probably don't give a shit about the millions of American manufacturing jobs you cost this country with your anti-American shopping habits. How do you sleep at night?; May 21, 2009 at 10:32 PM
Pat said...: Drl, are you outta your freakin mind?? Every single soul cares about people losing jobs, homes, etc. unless they're morons. (oops sorry) I don't have to defend Cindy but unless you know what people have gone through keep your mouth shut.; May 21, 2009 at 10:38 PM
juliet said...: "How do you sleep at night" probably like the rest of us do, on a mattress made of imported fibers. lol; May 21, 2009 at 10:53 PM
DRL said...: Fist of all, I don't sleep at night, ha. You already knew that. I am waiting for my pills to kick in.
I do not have but Fords, a Jeep and GMC.
I do unfortunately have close, home stuff imported, but it is the liberals fault. Two things, one the unions have forced prices so high, that it is cheaper to outsource them. Second, Liberals environmentalists have chased companies across the borders and over seas. Do you know that we do not have one heavy metal smelter left active in America? We mine allot of gold and silver in Idaho and have to ship the ore overseas. All because of the environmentalists. Same with the logging, coal, and oh yes, how about patrolium refineries. We have not built an oil refinery since 1978 (if memory serves). It is not Wal-Marts fault that they have to buy overseas. It is liberals fault. I say bring the jobs back. Build smelters, refineries, nuke power, and textile.
What do you say to that? I don't sleep well knowing that our government has sent jobs abroad.
It is a cop out to blame me, funny though.; May 22, 2009 at 1:10 AM
Doug said...: Matt,
I never said or even implied that my car was better than yours, or anyone else's for that matter. For the record I drive an 05 Tacoma 2.5 Liter. On a good day it might get 24 Highway.; May 22, 2009 at 1:41 AM
rac said...: That's a cop out DRL. What you are saying is you're too cheap to be a good American. Instead of buying products that support a living wage for Americans you would rather corporations use offshore child and slave labor to save you a buck. That's the problem with a lot of conservatives, it's always someone else's fault. Man up DRL and admit you're part of the problem. Unless of course you just don't understand basic economics.; May 22, 2009 at 5:05 AM
Paul said...: I used to drive a Taurus but now a Tacoma so I can park on the beach without getting stuck.

I had 3 Fords prior but, Ford service really sucks here. I once took the Taurus in to fix the ignition switch, it talk 3 days and when I got it back the steering wheel was upside down.; May 22, 2009 at 7:40 AM
mat said...: That was good everyone.It Just proved my point that everyone drives what they do for a reason.The mileage,the reliability, the color etc. I'm sure nobody wants anyone telling you what to drive.Nobody here has a car that can even come close to what the Government is mandating for new car mileage.But you like your cars and for the most part, they're not bad.Thats the way it should be.If you don't like it you'll buy another one.Also every car listed here is pretty good environmentally so why change? Thanks for participating in the study folks.We now return you to your regularly scheduled blog.; May 22, 2009 at 9:32 AM
mat said...: Myself I don't have a problem with overseas manufacturing as long as it's fair for us.the labor unions did ruin that.When a company can't afford to manufacture in house theres a problem.It wasn't only the unions it was the cost of raw materials and energy costs and the costs of companies having to conform to govt.mandated environmental regs.and so on and so on.; May 22, 2009 at 9:49 AM
rac said...: Unions are so yesterday. They make up only a small percentage of the manufacturing workforce today. Conservatives going after unions are like Don Quixote chasing windmills. But then watching conservatives live in the past should come as no surprise.; May 22, 2009 at 10:15 AM
mat said...: Labor unions ARE so yesterday.There's no use for them. That was my point rac,Thanks for agreeing with me.And like it or not you can't deny the devastating effect that they've had on the auto industry.There are multiple factors for the lack of US manufacturing.I adressed some of them. I had an original thought.You sadly copped out and focused on one part of my answer.Maybe it's time for another camping "trip" eh?; May 22, 2009 at 11:18 AM
Ric Larson said...: Good deal! RAC finally agreed with Mat!; May 22, 2009 at 11:24 AM
rac said...: Gee mat, I wasn't even addressing you. My comments were directed at DRL (just follow the bouncing ball).

But I wholeheartedly agree about the union thing. That's why I would never work in a union facility. The only place I think unions still serve a purpose is in the skilled construction trades. I don't know about you but I don't want some $4 an hour illegal alien welding my silane gas lines. In these cases unions do provide a governing body. The only other alternative is government intervention and we all know how popular that is.; May 22, 2009 at 11:40 AM
mat said...: I know you weren't talking to me but I had to respond. And the unions have no place in the trades either.Nobody makes four dollars an hour.Even the illegals(drywall,paint,formsetting and framing)make a decent wage.Here's what usually happens.When a big build comes before the local planning commission the city planners or council(politicians)ask the developers to make assurances that the job will be properly staffed based on the local labor pool.Of course there's no way they can know so they parade in the leaders of the"Locals". The union leaders.(The electricians are the IBEW international brotherhood of electrical workers).They have their membership rolls and guarantee coverage.Then they post it on their websites.Union workers all over the country check out the website and line up at the hall next morning and sign on for the work.The compensation package includes per diem which covers modest meals three times a day and a room at the Motel 6.Heres the problem.The small local companies can't compete with that so they lose out on the work. The out of state companies get the jobs and the workers all send their money home to their families and the only real infusion to the local economy is what the workers spend at Mcdonalds for meals and the liquor store after work.Then there starts to be excessive cost overruns due to the way the unions run the job(two men to carry anything over eight feet in length)what a coincidence a stick of conduit is ten feet long and weighs maybe a pound.So two guys to carry a piece of pipe or a ten foot ladder.Way back when the blog got started you asked me if I knew what a fab was. Yea. Intel went like gangbusters here and bought the old Rockwell plant.Underwent a half billion dollar upgrade to make flash chips for cell phones.Knowhat?Never built a single chip. Now the plants up for sale.Hired all kinds of tech workers here and cut them loose.They had so many mechanics liens filed against them it was pathetic.On behalf of the unions. I worked there as a controls electrician for HVAC.I got payed no doubt.The unions played a major roll in the failure.The job could have been bid much lower if the local nonunion shops had a level playing field.They didn't.It got so expensive Intel said fuck it. They cut their losses and shut down. Oh and I worked for a small non union company out of Castle Rock. The union fucks would come and fuck up your work(turn off breakers to your outlets where your drills were charging so when you came in the morning you couldn't work right away)or remove a run of conduit you spent 4 hours putting up the day before so they could put up their drop ceiling even though the conduit in no way impeded their progress.All that just because you were non union.Don't even try to talk to me about unions rac.And I sobered up long enough to post that.; May 22, 2009 at 2:08 PM
rac said...: Intel didn't abandon that fab because of the union. They abandoned it because the demand for that particular product changed. A new fab today cost ~4 billion dollars. The majority of that cost is in capital equipment. A single piece of photo equipment alone can run over $100 million. The construction cost is almost irrelevant. Intel is famous for starting fabs and then abandoning them when market conditions change (they did it at the last Intel company I worked at). It's just the nature of the beast. As for who builds them - I would much rather have my fab built by a national company with fab experience rather than some locals at their first rodeo. If you knew the potential dangers associated with a fab you would understand my concern. Have you ever seen what happens when a thimble full of silane gas is exposed to atmosphere... I have.; May 22, 2009 at 2:32 PM
rac said...: BTW - that overly expensive fab equipment is built by non-union companies. Most of it overseas. And as far as I'm aware no American semiconductor manufacturer is union. As is true for most high tech industry.; May 22, 2009 at 2:45 PM
mat said...: Boy are you ignorant when it comes to construction rac.Locals at their first rodeo? Now whos the redneck?Stick to I.T.Boy you are an arrogant SOB.Intel is still in court here trying to settle their liens.Their equipment is made offshore but assembled here on site stupid.So if your worried about four dollar an hour labor it's too late.All we can do is put the "shit" together that is built somewhere else.Stay focused rac.Stay on point.Yea I worked in clean rooms with the booties and overalls installing the "crac"units and instaling all the thermostats and other peripherals. You're a tech guy. Have you ever seen a transfer switch close into an energized circuit pulling 400 amps?So we're even right? You said unions are needed for the trades. They're not. Even the owners of the companies can't stand them.But are forced to put up with them.; May 22, 2009 at 3:20 PM
DRL said...: RAC, you are funnnnnnny. See, it is the liberals that like to keep people in poverty. Ha, you crack me up. Hey, everyone I know that works full time make a "living wage". We poor folk do fine. If you have a problem with us little people, stay away form us. We like it up here. We don't need all the stuff you do, and the funny thing is, do you consider $78.00 an hour a "living wage"?; May 22, 2009 at 3:50 PM
DRL said...: Any one else notice how RAC want the children in poverty stricken countries to go without any work at all? Many of the families overseas rely solely on the work the children can do. The strange thing about liberal compassion is it does not exist. See, the small wage earned by the children overseas is enough to feed a family. I watched a program about the "sweat shops" closed down after the Cathy Lee Gifford cloths were no longer made there. Most of the families that depended on the income went hungry. The local government didn't care about them. None of the 'watch groups' that blew the whistle went in to feed the families ether.; May 22, 2009 at 4:01 PM
DRL said...: Paul, that old Taurus has been the most dependable car we have had. I will change the pump my self, or drive down to Mat's so we can dump the antifreeze on the ground.; May 22, 2009 at 4:03 PM
DRL said...: Oh and Mat, the Bush administration came out with the new emissions mandate for 2007. I am here to tell you more money and diesel is burning now than before. See, the ULS or ultra low sulfur diesel cost more per gallon and the trucks that have to run it gets less fuel mileage than those who run low sulfur diesel. The other problem is the "particulate filter". See the filter collects emission particles, then periodicly burns them by running at a high idle for 45 min to an hour. It will do it more often as the truck sits at an idle. So, it hurts the environment more than the low sulfur trucks prior to 2007. It was the government trying to appease the environmental liberals. Look what happened. I believe the market will always dictate where the products will go. When the government steps in to what they know nothing about, no good comes out of it. So now in the winter when it is cold, the trucks will have to idle at a higher RPM than those of old.; May 22, 2009 at 4:15 PM
DRL said...: I agree that unions are not the best. I worked at a place that was union, but I was in the office and was not union. We had 2 unions and they would not even eat lunch together. It is sad that they ran themselves into the ground. Idaho is a "right to work" state, which in simple terms (all I know) is you do not have to join the union to work for a union. The other thing about them there first rodeo folk, is what we call an "inspector" out here. The job has to be done correct. Some things are specialised like RAC said. I too would rather a mechanic that went to school fix my trany rather than the high school kid down the street with a new end wrench set. Yup. So, I think we all agree unions are not the best.; May 22, 2009 at 5:03 PM
DRL said...: Hey Mat, remember "them good old boys were drinking Whiskey and Rye". You know that is like a term only us good old boys would understand.
Rye Whiskey, ha.; May 22, 2009 at 5:56 PM
rac said...: Mat, I've been working with fab contractors longer than you've even lived in this country so you can't tell me shit about that industry. Stick to what you know dude - unplugging toilets and changing light bulbs (see, I can be an asshole too). And why are you ragging on an American giant like Intel? I thought you were the defender of all things corporate. Intel currently has $10.6B in cash and only $1.2B in debt. They made $21B last year in PROFIT. If they haven't paid your local caterer and cleaning company it's not because they couldn't afford it.; May 22, 2009 at 9:53 PM
rac said...: DRL, so now you're an advocate for child labor. I guess that would explain your position on abortion. It's hard to keep a strong work force when they all end up dead from exhaustion by the time they're 8 years old. I will say one thing, at least you're consistent... constantly contradictory. hahaha; May 22, 2009 at 11:48 PM
Doug said...: ..."Any one else notice how RAC want the children in poverty stricken countries to go without any work at all?"...

Unfuckingbelieveable.; May 23, 2009 at 12:43 AM
Pat said...: yea, I say get those babies out there working for 50 cents a week!; May 23, 2009 at 2:42 AM
juliet said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; May 23, 2009 at 2:53 AM
Pat said...: Drl, you're not a "good ole boy". I'm pretty sure the real good ole boys down here would stomp you like an ant under their boot.; May 23, 2009 at 2:55 AM
juliet said...: http://edition.cnn.com/2008/TECH/science/09/28/what.matters.dust/index.html

This documentary was on here a few months ago. One of the more heart breaking stories. If you can find the full version on the web well worth watching. Really watch the 2min clip. It will blow you away.; May 23, 2009 at 3:09 AM
rac said...: You got that right Pat. A trip to Pine Island would be a real eye opening experience for some folks here. Probably couldn't even get them out of the car. ;); May 23, 2009 at 4:14 AM
rac said...: Yes, but remember Juliet, I'm also "stupid" which I think about evens us up. Oh well, at least I'm in good company. ;); May 23, 2009 at 4:20 AM
juliet said...: BTW, did you mention you had a son heading off to college this year! Congrats looks like you and Sara had children graduate from HS.; May 23, 2009 at 4:30 AM
rac said...: Thanks. Actually this was my son's first year. He's majoring in actuary sciences at LSU (Louisiana). It's my oldest daughter who will be starting college next year. Say's she wants to go into environmental law... that's my girl. ;); May 23, 2009 at 4:38 AM
juliet said...: Oh that is tough one out the door and the other on the way behind him. End of the first year, he probably wants to sleep and EAT for the first week home.; May 23, 2009 at 5:18 AM
mat said...: Gee rac, I didn't realize I was from another country. WOW.Someone let the people of Guam know so they can apply for membership in the UN.Stupid.And I never ragged on Intel I ragged on the unions.Stupid again.And I dont change light bulbs or clean toilets I work at Home Depot in Paint sales.Even stupider again.Boy I must have really pissed you off to make you stupid like that. Excellent.Hahaha.Oh sorry I'm late replying I had to log off to go work in the morning. And when I came home I was gonna cut my grass but it was raining.So i did some mower maintenance in the garage instead.You know clean the spark plug and air filter and change the oil.Hey betcha don't know where I put the oil?Hahahahahaa.; May 23, 2009 at 12:54 PM
mat said...: And DRL your Jeep is cool. I had an 84 Toyota four by four.It had the 4 banger and headers and big ol meats all around.It had really tall gears so it was slow but it was like a billy goat. It could go anywhere.; May 23, 2009 at 1:07 PM
rac said...: Stupid? Really mat, is that all you have? My 8 year old could come up with a more clever and creative retort. But while we're on the subject, last time I checked Guam was an island not a country... you know, geographically speaking and all.; May 23, 2009 at 1:24 PM
Ric Larson said...: “Stick to what you know dude - unplugging toilets and changing light bulbs (see, I can be an asshole too)”.

RAC, and you accused me and my brothers of insulting others?

Read you own posts man.; May 23, 2009 at 2:17 PM
rac said...: That was exactly my point Ric. When you guys want to stop being assholes I'll stop too.; May 23, 2009 at 2:25 PM
Ric Larson said...: Me too!

So, I will continue!

"Ric, then maybe you should stop being an ass..." Posted by RAC yesterday.

Please inform me on how I am being an ass an insulting others, and your not!; May 23, 2009 at 2:29 PM
Ric Larson said...: Hypocrite? Come on!; May 23, 2009 at 2:35 PM
rac said...: Of course I'm being an ass and insulting. I told you it was intentional. I tried for a very long time to stick to the subjects and not make it personal. But you guys insist on being demeaning to everyone who doesn't share your views. Look, I could care less what you call me. I've hung around tough crowds all my life (including the Circle). But when you start belittling others I can't help but to step in. I've tried to be diplomatic but it doesn't work. In your simple world that's just a sign of weakness. So now I guess we're left with this. But hey that's OK with me... I've got lots of ammo.

And yes, you are being a hypocrite. Just a day or two ago you bitched because I was using quotes in my posts. I guess maybe I'm starting to rub off on you. ;); May 23, 2009 at 2:44 PM
Ric Larson said...: Belittling others? Tell me how, and blow your ammunition! You seem to be the one belittling others but calling people names, or attempting to degrade people by their occupation.

If my moral or religious beliefs offend others or you, that is not my problem, but those that feel offended. I am sure that this is what you’re referring to.; May 23, 2009 at 2:53 PM
Ric Larson said...: Oh, and hey to everyone, have a grand holiday weekend! I am starting mine like...now! Cheers!; May 23, 2009 at 2:55 PM
Ric Larson said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; May 23, 2009 at 2:56 PM
rac said...: Oh quit trying to play the martyr Ric. Nobody's persecuting you for your beliefs. Do you think you get extra points if the Romans throw you to the lions? You're so blinded by your version of reality you fail to see things objectively. I hit mat's occupation only after he hit mine. I pointed out mat's ignorance only after he called me stupid. See how it works - quid pro quo. I admit it's a little childish but it seems to be the only thing you guys understand. Logic sure as hell doesn't seem to work. Oh yeah, and have a great weekend.; May 23, 2009 at 3:23 PM
mat said...: The bigger the ring(tall)the lower the ratio.You can call it what you want.I don't give a shit.Have a good memorial day weekend.Save it for later gotta work tomorrow.PS rac you stated you worked in fab longer than I had been in the country.Where do you think I lived before.Guam. So I guess you were saying Guam was another country.Boy this blog really has degenerated.Later.; May 23, 2009 at 3:30 PM
Sean said...: Ever hear of the "card check" bill? This is the democrat's grand plan to ignite a resurgence of labor unions acrossed the country. They call it the "free choice act", when in reality they will eliminate the secret ballot that workers have always used to decide whether to unionize or not. Instead the union "leaders" will simply sit workers down one by one and "ask" for their signature.

Did you know that Obama has essentially siezed Chrysler from its owners and creditors in order to award it to the UAW? Interestingly enough, the UAW doesn't even want it - they will sell their shares. That's really putting your money where your mouth is.

I've been running a very informal survey for a couple weeks. I'm taking a tally of Obama bumper stickers and tracking whether they are pasted to domestic or foriegn cars. First, the good news. They are very few and far between these days. I guess people are not so interested in advertising their support for Obama.

But the interesting thing to me is that these stickers appear on foreign cars 80% of the time. Now, Americans absolutely have the right to buy whatever car they choose. However, I find it interesting that Obama's position is that we all sacrifice for the 'common good'. We will soon have a 'new automobile industry' that makes products more appropriate for our new age. Presumably, the Obama supporters would feel the same way. But, they don't seem to put their money where their mouths are in supporting the American automobile industry. Instead, they buy the product they want for whatever reasons they have.

Hear hear! this is capitalism and the free market at work. That's they way it should be (must be) in order to maintain a thriving economy. They problem is not that Obama supporters buy foreign cars, but rather that Obama himself seeks to eliminate the free market where consumers choose what to buy and therefore which companies survive and thrive. In Obama's new america, the federal government makes this determination and will dictate what cars we drive, how much energy we use, what heathly care services we receive and probably what we eat.; May 23, 2009 at 10:22 PM
Cindy said...: Sean, just to let you know..I had an Obama bumper sticker on my car and took it off a couple months ago, not because I'm not still a supporter but because I've moved on to other passions in my life (I'm putting a hand washing bumper sticker on next). Honestly, I never planned on worshiping him as a "god" or a hero and I certainly don't think he is perfect or doing everything right. I really don't follow everything going on in government that closely but there are a couple of issues that I am passionate about like health care so I do try to stay informed about that.
And just to let you know as a woman, I really don't know all that much about cars and I can say I know Ford, Chevy and Chrysler are mostly made in the US but the rest I probably could not tell you ...is Honda Japanese??? I buy a car because I like the looks of it, it's mileage, safety, dependability, sorry I did not think for a minute about where it was made.; May 23, 2009 at 11:24 PM
Cindy said...: I promise that if I ever buy a new car I will consider where it was manufactured as important as what color it is.; May 23, 2009 at 11:28 PM
rac said...: I think the safety net against unionisation is the worker him/her self. I personally don't know a single pro-union worker - at least not in my industry. Believe it or not it was government intervention that ultimately made unions obsolete. Federal labor laws gave workers the rights that unions attempted to fulfill. Companies could be pretty brutal and violent against the worker at the beginning of the industrial revolution. I don't think there's a person on this blog who could have survived early 20th century working conditions... we've all gotten a little soft in our old age.; May 24, 2009 at 2:03 AM
Sean said...: Isn't it ironic, then, that the government labor unions still exist and thrive?

I think you are not paying attention if you think the Democrats aren't under the thumb of the unions - teachers, auto workers, government workers, etc. - they all contribute heavily and demand something in return.

Remember the debates after 911 about the airport security workers? They centered largely over the democrats demand that they be unionized.; May 24, 2009 at 3:30 AM
Sean said...: Cindy - my point is not to "buy American". But, rather that the consumer must dictate the successes and failures in the market. I've been a GM man for the most part (except for a Mitsubishi in my younger days). I know that GM can build a great car. I also know that they are hampered by labor union contracts and government intervention (CAFE).

Doesn't anyone find it ironic that the sales of the villified SUV's are, in fact, subsidizing the development and sales of the hybrid and electric vehicles? Yet, what does Obama want to get rid of...; May 24, 2009 at 3:33 AM
Doug said...: Right after we got married we bought a Pontiac Grand AM. Looked sharp and for the first 15,000 miles it was a great car.
Sorry to say that after that it rather quickly degenerated into a piece of shit.
Power steering, four alternators and finally the transmission. In between there were pain in the ass problems like the drivers side window falling down into the door or say close the door and the rear view mirror would fall off.
If there's to be a market for say, SUV's then someone will make them, regardless of what Obama or anyone else in Washington wants.
I make mention of this only to agree (gulp) with Sean.
This should not be an issue of unions, government intervention or protectionism.
It is time to ask industry to stand or fall on it's own.
Capitalism, like nature can be cruel.
Infusing taxpayer money into flagging and incompetent business serves only to enable mediocrity and punish those that are successful.
Of course that's just my opinion I could be wrong.; May 24, 2009 at 11:27 AM
DRL said...: Sean, try to keep it to small syllable words, in short sentences, kept to one paragraph. For some of those out there.; May 26, 2009 at 5:12 PM
DRL said...: Okay, Sean. Good to see you back.
The card check bill was but forth by the liberals to make happy their supporters. We all know that. Luckily, Idaho is a "right to work" state.

Not only did Obama seize Chrysler, but told the major stock holder to give up there holdings. Now it is the UAW. That too seams to be a conflict of interest?

On the cars that liberals drive. Yep, allot around here are Subaru and Volts wagon. But Sean, see, liberals are not concerned with American companies. It should be the government that is in control. That is socialism, not capitalism. That is why Obama took over and fired a CEO of a publicly traded company. See, CEO's are hired and fired by a "board". Obama did not turn the country around in 60 days, so he should be fired too.

Sean, as I think I showed, America is no longer "free market" when the President of the United States fires a CEO and forces the ownership of a publicly traded company.; May 26, 2009 at 5:27 PM
DRL said...: Sean, remember too, Obama stepped in to the budget process of California. See, they were trying to find places to save money, and asked if the union would consider a reduction in pay. The state workers union called Obama. It looks like we know which side their bread is buttered on.; May 26, 2009 at 5:31 PM
DRL said...: Pat, so what are you calling me?; May 26, 2009 at 5:43 PM
DRL said...: Pat, you should travel a little bit. See, in many pars of the world 50 cents a week is enough to feed a family.

Sean, see, liberals don't care about American companies, nor do they care about the children of other countries eating. That is a sad commentary on liberals.; May 26, 2009 at 5:53 PM
DRL said...: Pat, by the way, I was quoting words from "American pie". The irony of drinking 'whisky and rye'. You probably don't understand, and I don't think I can stoop to your level to explain. Understand what you are responding to, okay?; May 26, 2009 at 6:08 PM
Joanna said...: For the very religious people here,Let Go and Let God. Period.You're embarrassing your own beliefs and you know who I'm talking about. Go back to preaching...talk the talk and walk the walk like Mother Theresa.Period.; May 27, 2009 at 1:00 AM
Joanna said...: RAC,Keep it up and they claimed we bitched too much!!! It is pathetic.Logic doesn't work..what else will? Nothing apparently.; May 27, 2009 at 1:10 AM
DRL said...: Joanna, any time you want a theological discussion, I am here. "Let go and let god" is not scripture. See, it is a bumper sticker, title of something, but not from the Bible. The spirit of the Word is in it, but can you explain it to me?
Go ahead, Joanna, try.
You fallow like a blind sheep, but you have no grounding.; May 27, 2009 at 3:16 PM
DRL said...: Joanna, if you need a hint, I can give you one for what "let go and let God" means.
I am here to help and happy to have you know the true meaning.; May 27, 2009 at 3:33 PM
rac said...: DRL, have you always been this big of a jerk to people? If so it might explain why you live with chronic back pain. If you're not familiar with the concept of karma you may want to look it up. The Lord works in mysterious ways.; May 27, 2009 at 9:31 PM
DRL said...: RAC, she was talking to me, and if she wants a theological discussion, lets have some grounding to it. See, just saying what sounds good, doesn't mean it is correct. I would rather be correct.
And look who is calling who a "jerk". That is 'pot calling the kettle black'. Good one. You have been a jerk for quite a while.; May 27, 2009 at 9:39 PM
DRL said...: RAC, I also remember someone saying something to the effect of 'lets just have fun', yes, I do remember that. With yourself included the vote was, no!
I take my God, Country, friends and family seriously.; May 27, 2009 at 9:41 PM
DRL said...: RAC, I know you meant that karma thing as an insult, but I didn't take it that way. I took it as what you believe. Just letting you know.; May 27, 2009 at 9:52 PM
Joanna said...: Such a bad example of Christianity.If you don't understand what I meant then you're lost.It is simple English.; May 27, 2009 at 10:35 PM
rac said...: You reap what you sow DRL. You think you know God but the only thing you really know are words in a book. It's been my experience that if you pay close attention you can hear the message God wants you to hear. God could have prevented you from falling off the edge of that truck but He didn't. Have you ever wondered why?; May 28, 2009 at 5:27 AM
Cindy said...: Some symptoms of pain medication addiction include irritability, anger, hostility and moodiness.; May 28, 2009 at 9:16 AM
DRL said...: Robert, sure, you don't like me. Thats fine, talk about God doing me harm and making me suffer is fine. But, this karma stuff upsets me. Have you ever visited a pediatric cancer ward? You should. What have these children done to, in your words, desiver it? How can you sit there and say such a thing? You are a cruel person.; May 28, 2009 at 4:12 PM
mat said...: Well put DRL.What a terible thing to say RAC. Benita is Budhist.They believe in cause and effect.If you talk shit about somebody you curse yourself.I am a catholic by birth but I don't practice.If you want to disagree with DRL then disagree but don't belittle yourself or him. If you think he's wrong then tell him so without being an asshole about it.; May 28, 2009 at 5:19 PM
DRL said...: Yes Mat, I don't know why RAC would say that. If he wishes me wrong, that's fine, but to say what he did was wrong. Most of the people on this blog disagree with me on something, but to stoop so low was wrong.
You know what I have found, is a liberal will always strike at a persons most sensitive spot in their life.; May 28, 2009 at 5:36 PM
Joanna said...: RAC,I believe what you mean is it was pre-ordained. Meaning that if you're going to get hit by a semi, then God already knew it.Let me know if I assumed it in a wrong way:); May 28, 2009 at 9:25 PM
DRL said...: No Joanna, he is saying God did this to me because I am a bad person. See, that is what upset some on here about children with cancer, or being raped and murdered. RAC says it is Karma.

Now, who is the mean person on here?; May 28, 2009 at 9:30 PM
juliet said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; May 28, 2009 at 10:03 PM
juliet said...: Any way I think that if god were going to hit drl with a truck he would have done a better job of it. What do you think drl any references in the bible?; May 28, 2009 at 10:09 PM
DRL said...: Juliet, I will find the verse later, but a couple things.
You spelled god with a small 'g'. This is for anything or one that is not the true God. But, if it was, and I am sure it was, a typo. Then, "it rains on the good and the wicked". So, good thing and bad things happen to every one. God is also "all powerful", there for, if he wanted me dead, I would be.; May 28, 2009 at 10:19 PM
DRL said...: I really wish Joanna was a big enough girl to tell me what was "their" side of it???????; May 28, 2009 at 10:19 PM
juliet said...: I am going out on a limb here drl but i (I) think she doesn't want to correspond with you anymore. Calling some one un-American and not a patriot sort of has that effect on people. What could you do to repair this relationship drl?; May 28, 2009 at 10:25 PM
rac said...: There are no accidents in life, everything happens for a reason. And for some reason God has chosen a life of Hell on Earth for DRL. If you ask me it's because he is evil - pure evil.

And DRL, don't try to put yourself in the same category as the innocent child - you blasphemy the will of God when you do. You are not a victim of circumstance, you are a prisoner of your deeds.; May 28, 2009 at 10:28 PM
juliet said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; May 28, 2009 at 10:48 PM
Doug said...: Hey I'm the 100th post!
Pet gerbil.
1 can Fix a Flat.
Skittles.; May 29, 2009 at 11:14 AM
DRL said...: rac, yea you are probably right. I am not a person that deserves anything good. It is by grace alone that I have been saved, not by deeds. I think we all need grace, and not make it on our own merits.; May 29, 2009 at 7:24 PM
DRL said...: Well Doug, that won't get you arrested. I know that the difference in Zoo's down south and up north is, down south they not only describe the animals, but also provide a recipe.; May 29, 2009 at 7:45 PM
Doug said...: Yep, pretty much. That and the cages are there to protect the animals from the people.; May 29, 2009 at 10:38 PM
Ric Larson said...: Grow up RAC! Get a life! Are you off your meds?; June 2, 2009 at 10:44 AM
Ric Larson said...: You know I’m only joking RAC! :) You can take a joke, right!; June 2, 2009 at 11:34 AM

Thursday, May 21, 2009

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