Take out Limbic’s meandering, whimsical, nonsensical bullshit and you have a great thread.
A very interesting discussion that clearly highlights the difference between economic liberals and economic conservatives.
[quote]Cream wrote:
…
A very interesting discussion that clearly highlights the difference between economic liberals and economic conservatives. [/quote]
You know I never actually think, “Is this a conservative or liberal opinion” when I have an opinion, belief, or state a fact.
When it comes to economics, the facts really speak for themselves. We have historical data, which everybody seems to ignore or dismiss because of political beliefs. But it is really not that complex. Unfortunately too many economists do not understand this. That is why you keep getting so many of them disagreeing on the economy.
I actually knew beforehand that the economy was going to tank in the late 90?s. It was so easy to see it coming. I heard that some economists had changed their mind, and most were now agreeing that we actually were in a “new economy” and it could continue up.
When the economists start agreeing, you know they are all wrong. (Yes there were still economists warning about doom and gloom, some for very intelligent reasons, and others just because that is what they do, and still others who do nothing but try to be contrarian.)
What would be nice would be if we could get politics out of some of these areas. It does not matter what you political beliefs are if you are wrong.
If I can quote Marylyn vos Savant (whom many really hate for some reason, most of which are people who want to be seen as smart,) who said that the word opinion is used too often. (Ok, paraphrased.) A fact is not an opinion. Like the flat Earthers who believe the world is flat, but the facts, videos, pictures, and innumerable pilots can prove is not the case.
Now most people have their beliefs because they think it is better for everybody for the most part. That should be understood, and should keep a level of emotion out of these debates. Too often people take things personally. Often when people get upset, it means they are loosing the debate. Some people cannot accept an opinion different then their own, or facts that prove them wrong.
Now while economics is mostly facts, there is definitely play here, as it is a social science, not a physical one, and psychology has to be taken into account. Also different times, and events change the level between capitalism and socialism. The government does play a role, and at times can help prop up the economy, while other times it is best to get out of the way, and believe it or not it can be good for it to actually get in the way. But these are very delicate situations. A wrong step can cause the economy to expand too fast, or slow it down too much.
This whole thread is a discussion about outsourcing, but I keep bringing up insourcing, which nobody wants to talk about, and you cannot ignore this part of the equation. It is nice to bring math into it, but the math does not matter if it does not take into account everything, or the facts are wrong. (Classic computer term GIGO.)
Now one thing, I do have beliefs that I have to admit are not better for society, but I still believe is right. One example is gambling. Legalized gambling has negative implications for society, causes many people to lose everything, and families to break up. Yet I believe in legalized gambling. Why? Because it is my money.
Also I dislike being told I cannot do something because others cannot control themselves. Doughnuts are bad for everybody, and some cannot control themselves when around them, but that does not mean they should be made illegal. So obviously none of this is black and white.
Yeah. I’ll second that. Great thread, fellas.
Limbic: Are you gonna pass that over here, or are you gonna Bogart on me again? Honestly, some people have no f’n class.
http://www.cbc.ca/story/business/national/2005/02/09/walmart-050209.html
http://money.cnn.com/2005/02/09/news/international/walmart_canada/index.htm
This is the first Wal-Mart closing I’m aware of.
[quote]Limbic wrote:
http://www.cbc.ca/story/business/national/2005/02/09/walmart-050209.html
http://money.cnn.com/2005/02/09/news/international/walmart_canada/index.htm
This is the first Wal-Mart closing I’m aware of.[/quote]
Ha. I’m glad to see Wal-Mart take a stand against unions.