how soon before the US in same state as Greece?

[Brian]

Government regulations would absolutely do the things described.

 

Being averse to government regulation of any type is a political philosophy, and is not based in reasoning. It's just lumping all "regulations" into the bad category...not all are bad, except in libertarian type political philosophy.

 

Yes there are a lot of unknown variables, and it's not like there would be no problems for anyone, but the key variables are known and the effects would benefit everyone. Economics is simple, despite what the ones who put us where we are want us to believe.

 

By the way, in terms of American politics I'm all about less government and more freedom. But not when that means our dollar is destroyed and our country with it.

You are aware, I trust, that increasing the minimum wage actually has the effect of pushing more people into poverty and onto government assistance, right? This is, in fact, the intended purpose despite the feel-good rhetoric its political supporters espouse.

 

I am not arguing, and have never argued, for no government or no regulations (despite one Bum's continued statements to the contrary) -- instead, I argue against unlimited government and against the idea that what we need is more cowbell.

 

Ever look at how many of the US's recessions have been caused in part or entirely by attempted government manipulation?

[gendao]

I see no problem. The Greeks are 265 billion dollars in debt. The US is only 18.2 trillion dollars in debt.

Fortunately, America is "too big to fail." So, with a much bigger debt, the far less likely America is to fail!

 

Really though, 50% of young Greeks are unemployed, Socialist taxes are sky-high...but no one pays them anyways, yet everyone retains lavish Government benefits (early retirements, pensions, etc). Most of this entitlement welfare debt state started back in 1981 with the PASOK party. Sooo...what else do you expect that delusionally living beyond your means for 34-odd years could possibly lead to?

 

 

A globally-competitive, successful economy? Especially when you are competing against other, much more motivated people with stronger work ethics, workmanship and voluntary genuine austerity measures? Not just shaving government benefits back to continental norms?

 

Anyhow, apart from inner city ghettos, the US's society as a whole has not slid down the slippery slope nearly as far as the current Greek majority lifestyle. So from that standpoint, similar disaster is not as imminent. Although because its debt is exponentially higher...its ultimate risk and collapse severity/damage is too!!!

Edited July 6, 2015 by gendao

[3bob]

"a fool and his money are soon parted", a foolish country and its money are also soon parted.

[ralis]

How Goldman Sachs helped mask Greece's true debt.

 

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/greek-debt-crisis-how-goldman-sachs-helped-greece-to-mask-its-true-debt-a-676634.html

[ralis]

Fortunately, America is "too big to fail." So, with a much bigger debt, the far less likely America is to fail!

 

Really though, 50% of young Greeks are unemployed, Socialist taxes are sky-high...but no one pays them anyways, yet everyone retains lavish Government benefits (early retirements, pensions, etc). Most of this entitlement welfare debt state started back in 1981 with the PASOK party. Sooo...what else do you expect that delusionally living beyond your means for 34-odd years could possibly lead to?

 

 

A globally-competitive, successful economy? Especially when you are competing against other, much more motivated people with stronger work ethics, workmanship and voluntary genuine austerity measures? Not just shaving government benefits back to continental norms?

 

Anyhow, apart from inner city ghettos, the US's society as a whole has not slid down the slippery slope nearly as far as the current Greek majority lifestyle. So from that standpoint, similar disaster is not as imminent. Although because its debt is exponentially higher...its ultimate risk and collapse severity/damage is too!!!

 

 

You have no understanding of economics. 

[Aetherous]

You are aware, I trust, that increasing the minimum wage actually has the effect of pushing more people into poverty and onto government assistance, right? This is, in fact, the intended purpose despite the feel-good rhetoric its political supporters espouse.

 

I'm not aware of that being true at all.

[Brian]

I'm not aware of that being true at all.

You should research it on your own, then. Pay particular attention to the impact on minority youth and on immigrants.

[ralis]

Until the banks are separated from investment and commercial banking, financial manipulation will continue. Why? After the repeal of Glass-Steagall, banks merged investment houses with commercial banking. This new law gave these banks power to borrow from the Federal Reserve at extremely low interest rates in which to manipulate global financial markets. Prior to the repeal, investment houses had no legal means to borrow from the Federal Reserve and by law could only use investor funds. Currently, these banks are able to use investor, depositor and Federal Reserve funds to gamble and manipulate world financial markets.

 

 

[Aetherous]

You should research it on your own, then. Pay particular attention to the impact on minority youth and on immigrants. 

 

I won't, because it's nonsense. I don't mean to be rude in being blunt...just saying. Keeping the minimum wage at poverty levels is what keeps workers of any class at poverty levels, and if you're earning a living wage of course you won't need any assistance.

Edited July 6, 2015 by Aetherous

[Brian]

I won't, because it's nonsense. I don't mean to be rude in being blunt...just saying. Keeping the minimum wage at poverty levels is what keeps workers of any class at poverty levels, and if you're earning a living wage of course you won't need any assistance.

Nice. Keep that head in the sand.

[Aetherous]

I would say the same to you...

[ralis]

I won't, because it's nonsense. I don't mean to be rude in being blunt...just saying. Keeping the minimum wage at poverty levels is what keeps workers of any class at poverty levels, and if you're earning a living wage of course you won't need any assistance.

 

Well said! Most discussing here have no understanding of system economics, but believe the rhetoric.

[Brian]

I would say the same to you...

The difference being that I research everything (it is an illness, you see) while you openly refuse to research anything that is in conflict with your pre-conceived and emotionally driven notions.

[Brian]

Well said! Most discussing here have no understanding of system economics, but believe the rhetoric.

Yes!!! This is precisely the problem!

[ralis]

Nice. Keep that head in the sand.

 

Your narrative has no standing whatsoever. More libertarian talking points. You have not convinced me that you are not a neoliberal.   

[ralis]

The youtube previously posted talk by Greg Smith is appropriate to this discussion. He thoroughly explains the repeal of Glass-Steagall and the ramifications of neoliberalism.

[Brian]

Your narrative has no standing whatsoever. More libertarian talking points. You have not convinced me that you are not a neoliberal.   

LMFAO

 

 

Your narrative has no standing whatsoever. More progressive talking points. You have not convinced me that you are not a neofeudalist.

[Brian]

Why in the world would you argue in favor of letting Goldman Sachs write thousands of pages of US regulations?

 

You are aware of how many bankers are currently in the Obama administration, right? And you are aware that it was no better with the previous President?

[ralis]

LMFAO

 

 

Your narrative has no standing whatsoever. More progressive talking points. You have not convinced me that you are not a neofeudalist.

 

Neofeudalist? I am speaking against that. Regulating corporations and banks is not neofeudalist.

[ralis]

Why in the world would you argue in favor of letting Goldman Sachs write thousands of pages of US regulations?

 

 

I am not in favor of that whatsoever. 

Edited July 6, 2015 by ralis

[zerostao]

"Ever look at how many of the US's recessions have been caused in part or entirely by attempted government manipulation?"

 

 deregulating banksters led to the 2 biggest. 1929, 2008

[zerostao]

Neofeudalist? I am speaking against that. Regulating corporations and banks is not neofeudalist.

 well kinda ralis. do not forget we the 99% are merely serfs to the feuldals

[ralis]

I hope that some here are listening to the Greg Smith video recently posted. He knows his stuff!

[soaring crane]

Never.  Greece is a product of the failed and ideologically based Eurozone policy.  A single currency for an area which is not a single country - taking away their ability to devalue their own currency and allowing the economic giant of Germany to hide behind an undervalued Euro. The only solution to screw old age pensioners, sick and unemployed people to save the banking sector.  No one with any sense would vote for such a thing.  the USA will never be like this.

 

So the undervalued Euro is the only advantage that Germany has?

 

How about an education system geared toward career-building and industry?

Or a health care system that tends to workers needs?

Or unions that cooperate with companies to find the best compromises for workers and management?

Or steady investment in modernisation of its factories?

Or a work ethic that views quality products as self-evident?

 

Also, if it's so simple as taking advantage of an undervalued currency, why aren't other countries taking advantage of the undervalued Euro and becoming global export giants?

 

And while I'm at it, what's stopping the UK?

[Marblehead]

The problem is that government regulation cannot actually do any of the things you describe. We currently add many pages of new regulations each day --

Apparently they are all BS regulations aimed at the people but never at government.