READ ABOUT DETROIT AND SOLUTIONS TO ITS PROBLEMS. CLICK HERE.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Education Or Just Another Spending Program

SEARCH BLOG: EDUCATION

Most of us take for granted that money spent on education is well spent money.  Unfortunately, the data doesn't support that generalization.  Many studies have come to that conclusion.  I'd urge you to take a look at a very good analysis done by The Heritage Foundation [full analysis] that looks at spending and results and then makes some recommendations. [click image for larger view]


There are a variety of factors affecting school district performance.  Other charts are available in that analysis begin to address those factors.  Here in Michigan, it was obvious long before this study was published that the Detroit Public Schools system is without peer when it comes to failure.  Is it the money? No.  Is it the teachers? Somewhat.  Is it the system?  Definitely.

I'll include the students and families of those students as part of the definition of "the system."  You get the leaders for whom you vote.  Detroiters kept voting for leaders that make Detroit #1... in failure.  Will it change soon.  Not if Detroit's City Council has its way.

2012 IS GETTING CLOSER

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Monday, August 16, 2010

From America's Beginnings

SEARCH BLOG: ISLAM

Yes, definitely part of the American heritage... as envisioned by some.

2012 IS GETTING CLOSER

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Private Or Public

SEARCH BLOG: ECONOMY and GOVERNMENT

There are those who fear big government and see it as inefficient and riddled with special interests.  There are those who fear big business and see it as ruthless, unethical, and inhumane.  Some are hard pressed to find a legitimate role for government; others are hard pressed to find a legitimate role for business.  Most of  us would like to have a system that respects the individual and protects the societal framework; a system that unleashes the creativity of the individual while respecting the benefits that come from cooperation and altruism.

Here in the U.S. and elsewhere, we carry the burden of our history and the countless decisions that comprise those histories.  A zig here and a zag there and our present is a shade different.  But we are what we are because of those decisions and despite our fondest wishes to the contrary.

Language has bearing here.  Anarchy, licentiousness, and liberty are shades... colors... of a philosophy or orientation that places the individual above all else.  Cooperation, social responsibility and communism are shades... colors... of a philosophy or orientation that places the group above all else.  The different words... the shadings... represent the degree to which one or the other is given preference.

Most individuals want some degree of order in their lives.  They want to be able to rely on a system and structure that does not force them to consider every variable as they go about their activities... anarchy.  On the other hand, they don't want to be constrained by a system that so limits choices and possibilities that the choices and possibilities become mundane and joyless... North Korean style communism.

When it comes to the political spectrum, most people seek a pleasant balance... not all, of course.  Most people want a system that allows personal choice for personal matters, but collective choices for collective matters.  That is what, historically, has made the U.S. system so dynamic and so desirable that millions have left the systems into which they were born to become part of this one.  But this system is being assaulted by both extremes.

On the one side are those who want a system to guarantee welfare and security and are willing to forgo choices for those guarantees.  On the other side are those who want a system that demands little and gives little in return.  It's not just a matter of followers versus leaders.  It is a matter of what seems to be important... seems to be.

Here's a few choices from the extreme:

  • Which is better, a society run by big corporations or big government?
  • Which is better, a society with no rules or a society with no protections?
  • Which is better, a society that rewards only the strong or a society that supports only the unproductive?
  • Which is better, a society based on profits or a society based on guilt?
Having a hard time here?  You should be.  None of those societies were envisioned by those that came to this country to realize their hopes and dreams.  None of those societies were envisioned by those who risked everything for that one great new start.  There may not be a perfect representation of the balance envisioned by those who founded this nation.  Even they could not perfectly agree... although enough were willing to sign their names to a document expressing many of the tenets to which they could mostly agree.

From that point on we, as the citizens of the United States, have struggled to find that perfect representation of what we believe to be the vision of those who founded this nation.  Was it the sense of community and cooperation of the pilgrims and the Quakers or was it the individualism and self-reliance of those that carved their places in the wilderness?  Most people will answer yes to both.  Most people will struggle with how that should best be accomplished.

Do I want private armies in charge of national security?  Do I want government selecting where I can work, what I can eat, and with whom I can associate?  Do I trust the robber barons or do I trust the corrupt government and union officials?

Most of us don't need experts to tell us that something is amiss.  We know it when we hear the wrong questions... and the wrong answers.

UPDATE:  Check this somewhat long article at NRO.

2012 IS GETTING CLOSER

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Sunday, August 15, 2010

This Is Not About Swedish Meatballs

SEARCH BLOG: IMMIGRATION

From Sweden [click the title below and let Google translate it]:

Oro i Karlskrona

Invasion av fredliga Malmöbor väntas till Karlskrona den 12 juni nästa år då EM-kvalmatchen i handboll mot Israel ska spelas. Men idrottsförvaltningen i kommunen avråder bestämt med tanke på vad som hände i Malmö när Sverige mötte Israel i Davis Cup där förra året.

Karlskronas kommunalråd Karl-Gösta Svenson (M) tycker inte man ska blanda ihop idrott och politik. - Jag har inte sagt nej till matchen, säger han.

"Ramadankriget" kallar araberna kriget mot Israel år 1973. Så det gäller att vara på sin vakt denna månad, när "ungdomar" fastar på dagarna och festar på kvällarna. Men för att återgå till sportnyheterna:

Caroline Glick är en amerikansk-israelisk journalist som bland annat medverkade i "We Con the World", en satirisk video om Gaza-flottiljens försök att bryta den israeliska blockaden. Hon skrev förra året:

"Trots upprepade önskemål från Israel vägrade svenska myndigheter att flytta matchen från Malmö till Stockholm. Med sin enorma muslimsk befolkning är Malmö platsen där några av de värsta islamistiska våldshändelserna mot icke-muslimer - och i synnerhet judar, kvinnor och flickor - i västvärlden har ägt rum.

De protesterande hävdade att deras önskan att mörda Israeliska tennisspelare berodde på "Operation Cast Lead". Men detta är ren propaganda. Deras önskan att mörda Ram och Haddad härstammar inte från Israels militära åtgärder för att försvara sin medborgare, utan från deras hat mot den judiska staten. Och detta hat kommer från samma källa som deras kvinnofientlighet, deras hat mot USA och därför stöder de till exempel Osama bin Laden och Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

En rapport från svenska regeringen visade att under 2004 ökade antalet våldtäkter med 50 procent i hela landet.
I en rapport från Malmöpolisen konstateras att 68 procent av våldtäktsmännen var minoriteter.
Den islamiska experten Robert Spencer har konstaterat att islamisk undervisning anser att våldtäkt är en legitim akt gentemot kvinnor och flickor, som beter sig på ett "icke-islamiskt" sätt.
På flera ställen i Skandinavien samt i muslimska områden i Frankrike, har kvinnor börjat bära slöjor för att skydda sig mot ambulerande gäng av muslimska unga män." länk


Även i år har antalet våldtäkter ökat med 50 procent. Den blå kurvan kommer från BRÅ och den röda från Migrationsverket, via Snaphanen.

Related:
  • European Backlash - Step 1 Taken
  • European Backlash - Step 2
  • European Backlash - Step 3
  • European Backlash - Step 4
  • European Backlash - Step 5
  • European Backlash - Step 6
  • European Backlash - Step 7
  • European Backlash - Step 8
It's coming there and it's coming here.

2012 IS GETTING CLOSER

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Saturday, August 14, 2010

The Mosque In Manhattan

SEARCH BLOG: ISLAM

President Obama on Friday forcefully joined the national debate over construction of an Islamic complex near New York's Ground Zero, telling guests at a White House dinner marking the holy month of Ramadan that opposing the project is at odds with American values. [source]
These restrictions are for reasons of aesthetics. Others are for more profound reasons of common decency and respect for the sacred. No commercial tower over Gettysburg, no convent at Auschwitz — and no mosque at Ground Zero. [source]
What's the big deal?  Already there are plans to build 15-story memorials to U.S. soldiers who were killed in current Middle Eastern wars.  One will be built next to a mosque in Sayedebad, Afghanistan... a Taliban stronghold... and the other will be built next to a mosque in Mosel, Iraq which was the "last stand" of al Qaeda in Iraq.  Each will fly a 50 ft. American flag [one foot for each U.S. state].  Each will have pictures of the slain soldiers on the exterior walls which will be lit during the night.  Inside of each memorial, as well as at the 10th floor on the exterior walls, videos of the U.S. war efforts against the terrorists will be shown.  Each will have chapels for the major religions, except for Islam because of the adjacent mosques.

It is expected that there will be no opposition to these memorials and religious facilities.  Local politicians have already agreed that these memorials are appropriate and would "bridge the gap" between the Western tradition and these countries.  Some undercurrents of displeasure have been noted, but these are considered irrelevant.

2012 IS GETTING CLOSER

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Misleading Headline Of The Day

SEARCH BLOG: DETROIT

Detroit Goes From Gloom to Economic Bright Spot.


Upon further investigation, this has little to do with the city of Detroit.  It is all about the automotive industry headquartered near Detroit... GM, Chrysler, and Ford.

Ford made more money in the first six months of this year than in the previous five years combined. G.M. is profitable and preparing for one of the biggest public stock offerings in American history. Even Chrysler, the automaker thought least likely to survive the recession, is hiring new workers.
Many of the excesses of the past — overproduction, bloated vehicle lineups, expensive rebates — are gone. All three carmakers have shed workers, plants and brands. And a new breed of top management — the three chief executives are outsiders to Detroit, as is the newly named G.M. chief executive — says it is determined to keep the Big Three lean, agile and focused on building better cars that earn a profit. [full story]
Meanwhile, the city of Detroit continues its good old self-destructive ways.
Detroit Police officials say they are investigating allegations the department covered up an alleged hit-and-run crash involving Lt. Monique Patterson in 2008 that resulted in a $40,000 settlement.
Eren Stephens, a spokeswoman for the Detroit Police Department, said she cannot comment any further because televised reports said that Willie Harper, 87, of Detroit alleged a cover-up. Official police reports of the accident conflict with Harper's own recollection, according to police.
"Because of possible litigation and allegations, we have no comment," Stephens said.
Patterson, who is the girlfriend of former Police Chief Warren Evans, is embroiled in a developing text-message scandal involving the Interim Police Chief Ralph Godbee.

2012 IS GETTING CLOSER

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Friday, August 13, 2010

Stopping Bullies

SEARCH BLOG: IRAN

From Medline Plus:

Bullying is when a person or group repeatedly tries to harm someone who is weaker. Sometimes it involves direct attacks such as hitting, name calling, teasing or taunting. Sometimes it is indirect, such as spreading rumors or trying to make others reject someone.
Often people dismiss bullying among kids as a normal part of growing up. But bullying is harmful. It can lead children and teenagers to feel tense and afraid. It may lead them to avoid school. In severe cases, teens who are bullied may feel they need to take drastic measures or react violently. Others even consider suicide. For some, the effects of bullying last a lifetime.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Attacks on Israel started early in its existence when it was nothing more than a desert wasteland.  It was the new kid on the block.  The bullies surrounding it saw easy pickings.  It didn't work out that way.  Israel fought back and won.  That infuriated the bullies.  They were afraid of Israel, but they couldn't change their bullying behavior.  Every chance they got, they took a swipe at Israel.

The Israeli government used force when necessary, but also realized that these bullying neighbors like to bully each other when the opportunity arose.  So, they played their neighbor's fears against each other.  At various times, they worked with Turkey and Iran to keep the balance of power and fear focused away from Israel.  As long as Iran and Iraq were occupied with each other, they couldn't be focused on bullying Israel.  "The enemy of my enemy is my friend" until the enemies stop being enemies.  A political reality for a small nation.

Now Iran, a nation of vast oil reserves and a population ten times that of Israel, is led by those who constantly preach the annihilation of Israel.  Pundits will point out that Israel is capable of defending itself against that bully. Pundits will say it is all talk by Ahmadinejad to prop up a failing government. Pundits will say that there is no real threat to Israel if Iran, led by Ahmadinejad‎, builds nuclear weapons. Pundits will say that the real threat to Israel is U.S. support of Israel's policies which include keeping land acquired when Israel is attacked and the attackers are defeated. Pundits will say that Israel simply has to go back to its original borders and its neighbors will become their friends. Pundits will say that it is Israel's aggression against their neighbors... neighbors who attack Israel with rockets to which Israel responds... that is the problem. Pundits will say a lot of things that have no basis in reality.  Pundits know that if you repeat something often enough, some people will believe what you say regardless of the facts.

Israel's Muslim neighbors simply don't like Israel... to the point of irrational hate. It represents everything they can't be and want to be. At the same time Palestinian and Lebanese and Syrian and Iranian "leaders" are attempting to destroy Israel, Israel still allows people from those areas to come in and live and work in Israel. Pundits will say it is Israel's intransigence that causes problems in the area. Those pundits should explain why Israel's neighbors don't welcome Israelis to come in and live and work in their nations.  Those pundits should read about bullies.

2012 IS GETTING CLOSER

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Actions Matter; Intentions Are Irrelevant

SEARCH BLOG: WAR

To some, there is no apparent difference between actions of the U.S. around the world and those of China [which engulfed Tibet] and North Korea [that constantly snipes at its southern brethren] or Iran [which is run by pious individuals who seek nuclear fuel because they lack fossil fuels for energy].

These apologists for unethical and violent regimes and Islamists who terrorize not only their own people but those around the world who have allowed them access to open-society nations... these apologists refuse to see any difference between those nations and organizations and the U.S. which spends its money and risks its people defending others against the goals of those nations and organizations.

If the U.S. engages militarily and does so in a manner that is restrained and puts its own forces in greater danger in order to minimize casualties among non-combatants, these apologists will argue that the military is the basically doing the same thing as ... say the Taliban or the North Koreans.  It only matters that the U.S. is using force... not the reasons behind the use of the force.  These apologists will say "see, no weapons of mass destruction found in Iraq" despite the fact that when actions began there was evidence presented by the United Nations that such weapons existed and that the United Nations itself sanctioned military action and that other countries worked with the United States.  They will say, "it was all a lie just to get Iraqi oil" forgetting conveniently that the U.S. paid for its own efforts and got no oil as payment or tribute.

The reality is that the United States has and continues to be the defender and advocate of liberty around the world... a world filled with despots and terrorists... a world that would be a far more dangerous world if the likes of North Korea were simply allowed to invade South Korea without opposition.  These apologists say, "let these depots and terrorists alone and they will simply go away."  It is better to let your neighbor be enslaved than become involved.  After all, intentions don't matter... only actions.  And if your actions include military violence, then there is no difference between what you do and what they do.

Of course, the U.S. actions are not perfect.  Sometimes efforts fail or one despot is replaced by another.  The U.S. can't fix everything so it should not fix anything.  Stay out of the way of what is happening elsewhere.  If the world becomes engulfed in war or terror, forget it... as long as it is outside of U.S. boundaries.  Everything will work out in the end.  It can be fixed by trading goods and raw materials.  That will be the win-win that the world has been seeking.  Then all of the bad actions and bad leaders will disappear.

Perhaps these apologists are right.  Perhaps the U.S. should stand by and see their friends and neighbors subjected to the whims of despots and terrorists. If the U.S. does nothing, then the apologists can say that we are not to blame if an effort is not perfect.  If we do nothing, we are blameless... and without honor.

And they all lived... happily ever after.

2012 IS GETTING CLOSER

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What Do You Mean He Is Not A Jew?

SEARCH BLOG: CRIME

Going out of our way to shade the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth....

Evidence places Flint suspect in each city of attacks
Doug Guthrie and Santiago Esparza / The Detroit News
Flint -- The 33-year-old Israeli man who police believe is the serial stabber was tracked across the country to the Atlanta airport where he was arrested on Wednesday -- and his fingerprints taken there connect him to crimes in both Flint and Leesburg, Va., the Genessee County prosecutor said this afternoon.
Not too often that you hear about Jewish serial killers.  What?  Are you sure?  Oh, well, we can't say that can we?  Won't the PC police have fits?
Abuelazam, who was born in Israel and is of Arab descent, was living in the U.S. legally and has been linked to cities across the country. Police believe he came to Michigan in May, just days before the attacks began. [source]
It would be sooo much better if we could say he was Jewish.  No one is afraid of the Jews in their neighborhoods.  This just continues the stereotype of violent Arabs.  Maybe he is not really... forget it.

2012 IS GETTING CLOSER

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Thursday, August 12, 2010

The Order Of Things: Cheaters Win

SEARCH BLOG: ETHICS

In the news:

  • But lawmakers believe securing the border first will allow a broader debate on comprehensive immigration reform that includes a path to citizenship for the estimated 11 million people here illegally. [source]
  • Even when a lender forces a borrower to settle through legal action, it can rarely extract more than 10 cents on the dollar. “People got 90 cents for free,” Mr. Combs said. “It rewards immorality, to some extent.” [source]
  • The safest political gambit in honoring the beleaguered Rangel was to lavishly praise his prior record and conspicuously ignore the current unpleasantness. Kirsten Gillibrand, appointed to Hillary Clinton's Senate seat last year and facing her first statewide election in November, took this route as she gushed, "Thank you, Charlie, for your service to the country and your service to our wonderful state." [source]
  • An EU report says 64% of fake or pirated goods seized in the 27-nation bloc last year came from China - a 10% increase on 2008. [source]

2012 IS GETTING CLOSER

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Chinese Mercantilism

SEARCH BLOG: CHINA and ECONOMY

Despite some who feel that concerns about China's economic policies and military goals are unfounded, there are some well-informed people who express concern.  Recently, Peter Morici, professor at the Smith School of Business, University of Maryland School, and former chief economist at the U.S. International Trade Commission, had this to say:

In the second quarter overall, imports grew so much more rapidly than exports that the growing trade gap subtracted 2.8 percent from growth.
But for the increase in the trade gap, GDP would have grown 5.2 percent instead of 2.4 percent. At that pace, unemployment would fall by 2013 to less than 5 percent, the level accomplished the two years prior to the Great Recession. ...
China recognizes Obama isn't likely to counter Chinese mercantilism with strong, effective actions; hence, it offers token gestures and cultivates political support among U.S. businesses like General Motors profiting from investments in China. [full story]
That's a "twofer" for China: U.S. weakens economically and becomes more in debt to China while China becomes more economically and militarily powerful.  Sure, China has its problems, but

Related:

2012 IS GETTING CLOSER

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Wednesday, August 11, 2010

U.S. Military Trends

SEARCH BLOG: MILITARY

Over the past week, a couple of items regarding the military.

There is little doubt that military spending has escalated significantly over the past decade.  You cannot fight two wars [or two fronts of one war] without that happening.  But while that is troubling, there are issues beyond money.

The military has become an arm of the State Department.  Soldiers are used for "nation building."  Many in government believe that is the appropriate way to handle conflict.  The old style of "nation destruction" and then look into nation building [e.g., Germany and Japan] has no favor with government thinkers [is that an oxymoron?] these days.  Consequently, even small military campaigns become budget-busters in the era of trying to make everyone our "friends."  That is a consequence of these other nations not being able to control forces within their borders... or being unwilling to do so.  Military response is unfocused, protracted, and expensive.  More effective measures are considered inappropriate.

Internally, the military has its own problems with inertia.  If you go through all of the time, expense, and manpower to create a program and weapon system, you tend to hold on to it regardless of military needs.  As systems become more complex, the real expense lies in the support area not the operational area.  Elaborate support and logistics become essential to keep things going.  And then something comes along like the new Chinese anti-ship missiles [see link above] that threatens to make your investment worth much less.

The U.S. needs to consider whether the role of the military is to protect the U.S. through application of force or whether it is to be part of the State Department.  And, furthermore, the U.S. government needs to rethink its position regarding being the policeman of the world.  By that, I do not mean withdrawing into isolationism as some would advocate.  But rather, the U.S., if it is to provide military protection services, should also provide a bill for services.  Europe can afford it.  Japan can afford it.  South Korea can afford it.  Otherwise the position should be "call us if you need us and we'll see what we can do."

There would be some benefits to our economy other than the direct reduction of the U.S. government budget.  As other countries were forced to deal with the realities of their own security, they could choose to stay within the U.S. group of "friends" or simply act in ways that are in their own best interest.  Oh, they do that already?  Well, in terms of national security, these nations are capable of paying for what they need.  That might raise taxes in those countries or simply create a lot of Switzerlands which seems to be the darling of Libertarians.

Of course, the U.S. would have to be prepared for changes in the world order.
  • Russia will become more influential in Europe.  
  • China will become dominant in Asia and Africa.  South America will become increasingly a source of problems and markets for the U.S.  
  • And, finally, trade will become more difficult as our Russian and Chinese competitors pressure potential markets to give them preferential treatment versus the U.S.
Meanwhile, the military will have to become more serious about three areas:
  • securing our borders.
  • ensuring that outer space does not become a threat [no, not from extraterrestrial aliens... aliens from earth].  China and Iran recognize the importance of militarizing high orbit positions and are in the process of developing systems for that purpose.  Obviously, China represents the greatest present potential threat in that area.  Controlling the high ground is a primary goal for all military forces.
  • creating more autonomous [self-sustaining and survivable] systems that can deliver lethal blows on both small and large scale conflicts.
This is not to say that the U.S. military is less than the world's most formidable military force.  This is to caution that the present spending and deployment trends are not sustainable due to the economic realities of this nation.
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Separation Of Church And State

SEARCH BLOG: ISLAM

"Church"... maybe, mosques... not so much.  From the National Review Online:

Americans also may be surprised to learn that the United States has been an active participant in mosque construction projects overseas. In April, U.S. Ambassador to Tanzania Alfonso E. Lenhardt helped cut the ribbon at the 12th-century Kizimkazi Mosque, which was refurbished with assistance from the United States under a program to preserve culturally significant buildings. The U.S. government also helped save the Amr Ebn El Aas Mosque in Cairo, which dates back to 642. The mosque’s namesake was the Muslim conqueror of Christian Egypt, who built the structure on the site where he had pitched his tent before doing battle with the country’s Byzantine rulers. For those who think the Ground Zero Mosque is an example of “Muslim triumphalism” glorifying conquest, the Amr Ebn El Aas Mosque is an example of such a monument – and one paid for with U.S. taxpayer funds.
Don't you find it just a bit odd that the oil-rich Saudis aren't spearheading these efforts?  Doesn't the U.S. government have enough monetary issues within our borders to address?  And does someone really imagine that spending all of that money in those Muslim countries will buy us friends... or that anyone will even notice?

Money down a sink hole....

2012 IS GETTING CLOSER

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Go Figure

SEARCH BLOG: EDUCATION

When reading this, remember that the high school graduation rate in many areas is hovering around 50%.  Sorry if you read this before, but I found it saddeningly amusing.

1. Teaching Math In 1950s

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit ?
2. Teaching Math In 1960s
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price, or $80. What is his profit?
3. Teaching Math In 1970s
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?
4. Teaching Math In 1980s
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80 and his profit is $20. Your assignment: Underline the number 20.
5. Teaching Math In 1990s
A logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he is selfish and inconsiderate and cares nothing for the habitat of animals or the preservation of our woodlands. He does this so he can make a profit of $20. What do you think of this way of making a living? Topic for class participation after answering the question: How did the birds and squirrels feel as the logger cut down their homes? (There are no wrong answers, and if you feel like crying, it's OK. )
6. Teaching Math In 2010
Un hachero vende una carretada de madera para $100. El costo de las producciones es $80. Cuanto dinero ha hecho?
h/t Richard B 

2012 IS GETTING CLOSER

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Tuesday, August 10, 2010

The Outlier View

SEARCH BLOG: POLITICS

This is for Vange.

The libertarian view that peace and freedom go together may be the outlier in current public opinion. But it is a consistent view, the only one compatible with a true concern for human rights, and for social and global well-being. [source]
In a perfect world of rational people, I agree.  The only problem is... well, read the article.  There is a presumption that big government and military forays are a reinforcing pair... and that we would be, and the world would be, a more peaceful place if we simply focused on trade.  I think I have to go with "idealistic" and "simplistic."
Commerce is the great mechanism that permits cooperation amidst radical diversity. It is also the basis for the working out of the brotherhood of man. Trade is the key to peace. It allows us to think and act both locally and globally.
Uh, we have trade with Venezuela and, gee, they really love us.  Haven't heard of the marines doing anything there lately.  But dear Hugo seems intent on causing us as much trouble as possible.  Trade was supposed to cure that.

We have trade with Mexico [ever hear of NAFTA], but they allow their poor to freely cross our borders to be a burden on our country [while preventing Central Americans from freely crossing into Mexico].  Trade was supposed to cure that.  The only war that seems to be going on are from Mexicans trying to establish a drug empire in the U.S. to augment their drug empire in Mexico.  Oh wait, I get it.  We trade our welfare system, schools and hospitals, for Mexico's drug problems.  Sounds fair. It's the fault of the U.S. for having a military [and maybe not using it?].

Sometimes, it is not just about trade or getting along... as much as we would like it to be.  Let's face it, the world has a plethora of semi-barbaric cultures and people.  As much as most of us would like to ignore them, sometimes for the sake of trade, we have to cross paths with them.  Then the conflicts start.


Related:

Pentagon to slash jobs, streamline operations


Related:
August 09, 2010|By Molly Hennessy-Fiske, Los Angeles Times
An Afghan girl featured on the Aug. 9 cover of Time magazine after her nose was cut off arrived in the Southland Friday for treatment by local doctors.
The 18-year-old, identified only as Bibi Aisha (Miss Aisha), told Time that her nose and ears were cut off by her abusive husband — with Taliban approval — to punish her for running away. The controversial photo appeared with the headline, "What Happens if We Leave Afghanistan."


2012 IS GETTING CLOSER

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Monday, August 09, 2010

The Illusion Of Economic Recovery

SEARCH BLOG: ECONOMY

The economy is not responding according to the optimistic predictions of economists.  Some are even getting a little worried.

Last week's new economics data were a mixed bag. But on balance I'd have to say I'm more discouraged than when the week began. ...
The most recent inference of that series, however, can be heavily influenced by the latest data, and it would be a mistake to make too much out of the most very recent values. ...
But it would also be a mistake to say that everything is going just fine.  Dr. James Hamilton - Econbrowser
The economy was supposed to be in full recovery mode by now. Joe Biden said so. Okay, that's unfair. There are signs of an economy that is no longer falling. Actually, I would venture to say that there are signs of an economy that has adjusted to functioning at a lower level based on building an increasing debt base versus GDP. Of course, that is untenable for a longer period of time, but it provides temporary stability.

Just put these two posts together and you'll get some idea why Dr. Hamilton might be concerned.
Dr. Hamilton refers to the economy as "sputtering."  I'd call it foundering.

2012 IS GETTING CLOSER

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Sunday, August 08, 2010

Unjust Wars Or Unjust Pacifism

SEARCH BLOG: WAR

Most people would do anything to avoid war.  War is the result of the failure of leadership.  War is always avoidable.  War is never justified.  War exacerbates problems; war does not solve them.  War is the tool of the ruling elite to keep the masses in line.


There are those who would argue that, for example, the U.S. was the cause of WWI and WWII and the conflicts associated with those titles would have been far smaller and shorter if the U.S. had simply allowed Germany, Russia, and Japan to wage their wars and let the chips fall where they might.  They would argue that pacifism, outside of the borders of the U.S., is always the best policy.  There is no justification for U.S. military action outside of U.S. borders.

For example, if the U.S., under President Wilson, had not sent 12,000 troops into Russia to support the Czar, Lenin and Stalin would not have risen to power.  Of course, the fact that the foray was short-lived and the general leading the expedition concluded that the White army was far worse than the Red army and that the best course of action... which was taken... was to leave, is conveniently ignored in the speculation that Lenin and Stalin would not have risen to power.

Likewise, the U.S. reaction to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor was simply the wrong strategy according to the pacifists-isolationists who conclude that the Japanese Empire would have simply disintegrated if the U.S. had not become involved.

These, and similar speculations and fantasies, are used to argue that the U.S. involvement in any conflict overseas is unjustified.

That fact is that war is the most unjustified but necessary of human endeavors is disputed at every turn.  Better to let an aggressor take whatever action they will and let the consequences occur than to become involved.  If a nation that is friendly to us and a strong partner in trade and tradition is attacked, it is better to let that nation fall to the aggressor than get involved.

That is because war is never justified unless you are directly attacked.  That is because all humans are open to rational argument and war is never seen as a tool of some regimes.  That is because dictators will never arise if the U.S. simply keeps its troops within its borders.  After all, there is no moral difference between U.S. actions and those of the dictators... dictators who were just misunderstood and who would not have been such evil leaders if the U.S. military had simply stayed home and played checkers.  History would have been different and better if these men had simply been allowed to do what they wanted to do.




Okay, Mao and Pol Pot were simply allowed to do what they wanted to do.  See how well that worked out?

2012 IS GETTING CLOSER

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Saturday, August 07, 2010

Afghanistan Rules Of Engagement

SEARCH BLOG: ISLAM

Sure, they don't represent Islam... they represent Islam gone amok... they represent the violent, dogmatic, intolerant aspects of Islam at its "finest."

KABUL, Afghanistan — Ten members of a foreign medical team — including six Americans and three women, all doctors and technicians — were shot to death on Thursday in a remote corner of the Hindu Kush in northern Afghanistan, officials confirmed Saturday.
Their aid group, the International Assistance Mission, said they were eye doctors, nurses and technicians, hiking into one of the toughest areas of the country to provide services. But the Taliban, who claimed responsibility, accused them of being spies and Christian missionaries. [source]
Meanwhile, villages that provide shelter to the Taliban are off limits to U.S. troops... who suffer courts martial or rebuking if they ignore those limitations... as long as the Taliban don't attack directly from the village.  From my comments on another post:
One might go out and kill all rats and remove their habitat if an infestation of plague was found and the rats were spreading it by random forays and then returning to the safety of their underground nests.
It's fine to feel noble and ethical and better than your adversary; just recognize with whom and what you are dealing.  Don't be fooled by the argument that the rats are simply victims of fleas and fleas are simple victims of the bacteria.  The rats are the carriers of the disease and they don't care who gets hurt... or killed.

2012 IS GETTING CLOSER

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Adrian Of al-Qaida?

SEARCH BLOG: TERRORISM

Adrian spent 15 years in the U.S. and now...

[The Detroit News - click for larger image]

And you wonder why people are suspicious of anyone associated with Islam.

If these were one-off stories, you would put it in the Timothy McVeigh category.  But it's everyday and not just in the U.S.  It's time for Muslims to publicly repudiate their extreme brethren... in Arabic as well as English... at the mosques as well as the press conferences.  Otherwise, relationships can only become grim between the Muslim community and the rest of the 300 million in the U.S.

That would be unfortunate because, by and large, the Muslim community simply wants to live decent, productive lives.  But a drop of ink can stain a lot of water.  Standing by silently in hopes of avoiding conflict is not an option in the long run.

2012 IS GETTING CLOSER

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Friday, August 06, 2010

Conventional Naval Power Era Closing

SEARCH BLOG: CHINA

It may be incumbent upon President Obama to rethink this nation's naval structure.

[from The Detroit News subscriber edition]

This is the next step in China's strategy to wrestle economic and military supremacy from the United States.

The first step, economic supremacy, is a foregone conclusion.  The U.S. government and corporations have been complicit, in the name of free trade, to allow Chinese mercantilism to undermine U.S. manufacturers and markets bringing trillions of dollars to the Chinese economy and creating unemployment, closing businesses, and ever-increasing national debt to the United States.

The second step was discussed here with this conclusion.


It is more than the U.S. naval power that is threatened.  Our present economic situation is the first symptom of this long-term shift of power.

2012 IS GETTING CLOSER

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There is always an easy solution to every human problem—neat, plausible, and wrong.
Henry Louis Mencken (1880–1956)
“The Divine Afflatus,” A Mencken Chrestomathy, chapter 25, p. 443 (1949)
... and one could add "not all human problems really are."
It was beautiful and simple, as truly great swindles are.
- O. Henry
... The Government is on course for an embarrassing showdown with the European Union, business groups and environmental charities after refusing to guarantee that billions of pounds of revenue it stands to earn from carbon-permit trading will be spent on combating climate change.
The Independent (UK)

Tracking Interest Rates

Tracking Interest Rates

FEDERAL RESERVE & HOUSING

SEARCH BLOG: FEDERAL RESERVE for full versions... or use the Blog Archive pulldown menu.

February 3, 2006
Go back to 1999-2000 and see what the Fed did. They are following the same pattern for 2005-06. If it ain't broke, the Fed will fix it... and good!
August 29, 2006 The Federal Reserve always acts on old information... and is the only cause of U.S. recessions.
December 5, 2006 Last spring I wrote about what I saw to be a sharp downturn in the economy in the "rustbelt" states, particularly Michigan.
March 28, 2007
The Federal Reserve sees no need to cut interest rates in the light of adverse recent economic data, Ben Bernanke said on Wednesday.
The Fed chairman said ”to date, the incoming data have supported the view that the current stance of policy is likely to foster sustainable economic growth and a gradual ebbing in core inflation”.

July 21, 2007 My guess is that if there is an interest rate change, a cut is more likely than an increase. The key variables to be watching at this point are real estate prices and the inventory of unsold homes.
August 11, 2007 I suspect that within 6 months the Federal Reserve will be forced to lower interest rates before housing becomes a black hole.
September 11, 2007 It only means that the overall process has flaws guaranteeing it will be slow in responding to changes in the economy... and tend to over-react as a result.
September 18, 2007 I think a 4% rate is really what is needed to turn the economy back on the right course. The rate may not get there, but more cuts will be needed with employment rates down and foreclosure rates up.
October 25, 2007 How long will it be before I will be able to write: "The Federal Reserve lowered its lending rate to 4% in response to the collapse of the U.S. housing market and massive numbers of foreclosures that threaten the banking and mortgage sectors."
November 28, 2007 FED VICE CHAIRMAN DONALD KOHN
"Should the elevated turbulence persist, it would increase the possibility of further tightening in financial conditions for households and businesses," he said.

"Uncertainties about the economic outlook are unusually high right now," he said. "These uncertainties require flexible and pragmatic policymaking -- nimble is the adjective I used a few weeks ago."
http://www.reuters.com/

December 11, 2007 Somehow the Fed misses the obvious.
fed_rate_moves_425_small.gif
[Image from: CNNMoney.com]
December 13, 2007 [from The Christian Science Monitor]
"The odds of a recession are now above 50 percent," says Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Economy.com. "We are right on the edge of a recession in part because of the Fed's reluctance to reduce interest rates more aggressively." [see my comments of September 11]
January 7, 2008 The real problem now is that consumers can't rescue the economy and manufacturing, which is already weakening, will continue to weaken. We've gutted the forces that could avoid a downturn. The question is not whether there will be a recession, but can it be dampened sufficiently so that it is very short.
January 11, 2008 This is death by a thousand cuts.
January 13, 2008 [N.Y. Times]
“The question is not whether we will have a recession, but how deep and prolonged it will be,” said David Rosenberg, the chief North American economist at Merrill Lynch. “Even if the Fed’s moves are going to work, it will not show up until the later part of 2008 or 2009.
January 17, 2008 A few days ago, Anna Schwartz, nonagenarian economist, implicated the Federal Reserve as the cause of the present lending crisis [from the Telegraph - UK]:
The high priestess of US monetarism - a revered figure at the Fed - says the central bank is itself the chief cause of the credit bubble, and now seems stunned as the consequences of its own actions engulf the financial system. "The new group at the Fed is not equal to the problem that faces it," she says, daring to utter a thought that fellow critics mostly utter sotto voce.
January 22, 2008 The cut has become infected and a limb is in danger. Ben Bernanke is panicking and the Fed has its emergency triage team cutting rates... this time by 3/4%. ...

What should the Federal Reserve do now? Step back... and don't be so anxious to raise rates at the first sign of economic improvement.
Individuals and businesses need stability in their financial cost structures so that they can plan effectively and keep their ships afloat. Wildly fluctuating rates... regardless of what the absolute levels are... create problems. Either too much spending or too much fear. It's just not that difficult to comprehend. Why has it been so difficult for the Fed?

About Me

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Michigan, United States
Air Force (SAC) captain 1968-72. Retired after 35 years of business and logistical planning, including running a small business. Two sons with advanced degrees; one with a business and pre-law degree. Beautiful wife who has put up with me for 4 decades. Education: B.A. (Sociology major; minors in philosopy, English literature, and German) M.S. Operations Management (like a mixture of an MBA with logistical planning)