Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 25, 2008 at 5:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This Kevin, illustrates so well the cycle of history.

The German process for coal to gas was a Nazi process, that was developed in a joint venture with Standard Oil, now known as Exxon; Standard Oil was owned by the Rockefeller family who set up the foundation that created many of the educational programs and methods in use in our schools today. Nazi Germany was supported financially by US corporations like Union Banking, of which Prescott Bush was president- Union Banking's primary business was money laundering for Fritz Thyssen, German industrialist.

Now, with the presidency of Prescott's grandson we have come in common to use the word Homeland to describe our country. Nazis used the word Fatherland. See any similarities so far?

Nazis practiced National Socialism through the institution of fascism, the combining of industry and government, rule of the people by corporations. The Third Reich was a business enterprise primarily. The reason the US government does not give contracts longer than five years is because it creates too cozy a relationship between government and industry which ends up giving industry too much voice in legislation. See any more similarities?

I could go on, but I recognize people don't like to read as much as I like to write. So I will leave it there.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 25, 2008 at 5:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, I can't leave it there, because I left out one of the most important points.

Fascism stands on two legs, socialism and capitalism. The silver lining you are hoping for is being created by the social forces against high fuel prices, created by oil companies in concert with actions by the Federal Reserve, will move legislation to longer term contracts for industry doing business with government. That silver lining you hope for is fascism.

Posted by xenon314 (anonymous) on May 25, 2008 at 7:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

My take on socialism and capitalism:

How was Marxism so popular? While purporting to be for the benefit of the masses, socialism, in reality, concentrated all the power in the hands of a very few – creating Thomas Hobbes’ Leviathan (1651), but of a different sort than Hobbes envisioned. Hobbes assumed that the commonwealth would not take advantage of the citizenry; the commonwealth was sound as long as it cared properly for its people. With the advent of socialism & communism in the Soviet Union and China, the path of societal development forked from that of capitalism, only to be brought back together (in Western society) with the collapse of the Soviet system. Ironically, Marx, in Das Kapital (1857) predicted a societal collapse of this magnitude, except that he predicted that it would be capitalism that would do so. Although China is still officially a Marxist state, it has partially embraced capitalism, creating a hybrid economy that edges closer to pure capitalism as time passes. Socialism does not satisfy Hobbes’ “appetites”. While capitalism produces “haves” and “have-nots”, socialism breeds only across-the-board “have-a-littles”. Marx (1867) wrote, “The essential difference between the various forms of society…lies only in the mode in which…surplus-labour is…extracted from…the labourer” (p. 177). What Marx failed to realize is that the absence of the incentive to increase productivity led directly to the desire to produce as little as possible. Why work hard when one receives the same portion from the state as one who works very poorly, or not at all?

Perhaps it is that society is not yet enlightened enough to execute Marxism properly, but, in any case, history has shown it to be a failure. The Soviet Union, ever the bastion of Marxism, collapsed under the weight of its failed economy. China, as mentioned above, is no longer a purely Marxist state as each year more capitalistic features appear in their society. Perhaps the only true Marxist country left on Earth is Cuba, which is hardly a beacon of success, either economically or socially. Essentially, Marxism substitutes government for the exploitative capitalist. It is ironic that, for all Marx’ theories, the average factory worker in capitalistic societies fared far better economically and socially than their counterparts in Marxist countries.

EnKiKur - I respectfully do not subscribe to your conspiracy theories. All societies create "haves" and "have-nots"; we are not a fascist society nor will we ever be.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 25, 2008 at 8:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Xenon, I am not promoting conspiracy theories. The parallels between the rise of fascism in Germany and the growing public/private relationships in the US are striking and real.

The National Socialist movement in Germany grew out of the National Socialist movement in the US. This is historical fact. That is the reason the boy and girl scout uniforms so closely resemble the uniforms of the Nazi youth movement. People resist seeing the similarities because the focus is on the outcome, the scientific managment of segments of the population in Germany that resulted in treatment of those people as capital assets to be depreciated and disposed of when used up.

You have not rebutted any part of my argument, you have only elucidated several points of my argument and offered a characterization of me as a conspiracy theorist. Rebut any statement I have made, point by point, and I will prove my case with history.

It will be to my benefit if you do attempt a counter argument against my facts, so I invite your participation.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 25, 2008 at 8:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The forgotten roots of fascism in America:

http://rexcurry.net/pledging-allegiance-...

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 25, 2008 at 9:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

An explanation of the use of marginalization against rational argument made with supporting facts:

"The Delphi Technique and consensus building are both founded in the same principle - the Hegelian dialectic of thesis, antithesis, and synthesis, with synthesis becoming the new thesis. The goal is a continual evolution to "oneness of mind" (consensus means solidarity of belief) -the collective mind, the wholistic society, the wholistic earth, etc. In thesis and antithesis, opinions or views are presented on a subject to establish views and opposing views. In synthesis, opposites are brought together to form the new thesis. All participants in the process are then to accept ownership of the new thesis and support it, changing their views to align with the new thesis. Through a continual process of evolution, "oneness of mind" will supposedly occur.
In group settings, the Delphi Technique is an unethical method of achieving consensus on controversial topics. It requires well-trained professionals, known as "facilitators" or "change agents," who deliberately escalate tension among group members, pitting one faction against another to make a preordained viewpoint appear "sensible," while making opposing views appear ridiculous."

Posted by colescreek (anonymous) on May 25, 2008 at 9:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You guys make me tired.

Posted by justinhughes (anonymous) on May 25, 2008 at 9:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Thought Standard oil is present day Chevron, the company maintained its chevron as it's company sign.

Posted by justinhughes (anonymous) on May 25, 2008 at 9:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The country that imports the most oil rules the world.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 25, 2008 at 10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Exxon is the former Esso, which comes from S-O meaning Standard Oil. Standard Oil went through a lot of name changes during the days when American politicians thought monopolies were a bad idea.

Chevron is the former Standard Oil of California. If you look closely at the modern logo you will see that in it's red and blue graphics it is really two squares, one on top of the other forming a cube, a symbol of perfected man. Red is the color of purification and blue is the color of loyalty to one's duty in life. Together they make purple, the color of perfection. The Chevron logo is a symbol of man not yet perfected, but poised to become so.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 25, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

justinhughes, the country that exports the most fiat money rules the world.

Posted by kd (anonymous) on May 25, 2008 at 8:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Mr. Cooper, you keep looking for that silver lining. In the meantime, we little people are going broke filling up our tanks!

EnKiKur, when I first heard the words 'Homeland Security', it made me think of Nazi Germany. Bush and his big business cronies are getting richer while the rest of us get poorer everyday. Soon, there won't be a middle class left in the country.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 25, 2008 at 8:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

kd, same here. And you are right, the middle class is doomed and the taxes on the middle class are paying for the destruction.

Posted by formernatchezian (anonymous) on May 26, 2008 at 9:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 25, 2008 at 8:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The forgotten roots of fascism in America:

http://rexcurry.net/pledging-allegiance-......

You posting links to sites by Rex Curry blows any chance of taking what you say seriously.

Posted by watcher (anonymous) on May 26, 2008 at 9:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Chee! The process was used by Nazis so it MUST be part of a conspiracy. Chee

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 26, 2008 at 10:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Whatever you think of Rex Curry, photographs speak for themselves. Unless of course, you don't believe the evidence of your senses, but believe instead the consensus of the group that best ensures your sense of worth and place in the world. Rex Curry obtained those photographs from historical archives. His information comes from there as well. His interpretation is his own.

watcher, the parallel is that the fuel produced by the Nazis was done for two reasons:

1. To address fuel shortage caused by their war efforts.
2. To fuel their war machine to continue their war efforts.

Kevin proposes longer term contracts with the government to fuel the needs of the military. It doesn't get much clearer than that. No conspiracy.

If you wish to disagree, please respond with argument based on supporting fact and not on contradiction or assassination of character.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 26, 2008 at 10:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

So, formernatchezian, what is your objection to Rex Curry based on? I look forward to your answer. As for me, I have no opinion of him whatsoever. Perhaps you can sway me to your point of view.

watcher, where in what I said do you see evidence of my belief in a conspiracy? Or do you see conspiracy? Please explain. Perhaps I will end in agreement with you as well.

Posted by xenon314 (anonymous) on May 26, 2008 at 12:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

EnKiKur -

I had never hear of this Rex Curry...did some research, and I'm having a hard time taking you seriously, too.

A sample of Rex Curry's rants:

"Child safety seats kill. They not only kill the children who ride in them, they kill their entire families too. Child safety seats cause accidents in three terrifying ways: (1) When children die from heat or exposure after being forgotten in cars and (2) when entire families die after parents leave cars running overnight in garages, filling homes with deadly carbon monoxide (3) Rear-facing seats that are/were incompatible with another "safety" feature: car air bags."

And how, exactly, are we to safely transport children in cars? I notice that all Curry does is criticize without providing alternate solutions.

He follows with this gem:

"This topic is so suppressed that a recent internet search for "child safety seats kill" provided no results with or without quotation marks, other than that of Dr. Rex Curry's report on the topic..."

Ahh, yes. The great Internet conspiracy, whereby Big Brother suppresses the "facts" about child safety seats...

All I can say, EnKiKur, is for you to have other sources than conspiracy theorists like this whose only references in his writings are references to his own writings...a recursive style of argument that proves nothing.

Posted by natchezsouthside (anonymous) on May 26, 2008 at 4:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Bill Clinton cigarettes, or "George Bush" alcohol

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 26, 2008 at 6:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The reason parents are now advised to put children in the rear is because of those airbags, and that is why the disabling feature is now included on cars.

About the advisability of safety seats, I don't know about that, like I said I have no opinion of Rex Curry. I have read several other sources referencing the origin of the pledge and the salute, and the Bellamy brother's writings are freely available.

Still, no one has offered any evidence against any point I have made, only tangents based on character slight. Curry may be correct on the safety seat issue, I don't know, I am not much concerned over it since I ride motorcycles mostly.

I don't see how photographs from the Library of Congress come into question.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 26, 2008 at 8:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

But, if you would Xenon, please send me the link so I can read it.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 26, 2008 at 8:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Somehow, Xenon, you neglected to mention that Curry's source was one of the most highly respected medical journals in the world, the British Medical Journal.

http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/333/...

I wonder if this peer-review publication is in on Curry's Conspiracy? I had a lay minister tell me that the reason dinosaur fossils are found that date back before five thousand years is because Satan put them their to fool Christians into believing Darwins' theories.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 26, 2008 at 8:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

History of the pledge by mainstream historian: " Dr. John Baer taught Economics at Salem College and Anne Arundel Community College. Dr. Baer was an officer in the US Navy and an Intelligence Analyst for the National Security Agency."

http://history.vineyard.net/pledge.htm

History of the flag salute by Shirley Lapkoff Ph.D, UC Berkley, also second source confirmation for pledge history:

http://www.historyofthepledge.com/flagsa...

I didn't call the Department of Homeland Security to verify these two, but Charlotte Iserbyt, Reagan's #2 in the Dept. of Education has referenced the same facts.

Posted by xenon314 (anonymous) on May 26, 2008 at 9:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It seems that the whole pledge of allegiance and putting your hand on your heart is a sore subject...otherwise you would not keep referencing it.

Posted by xenon314 (anonymous) on May 26, 2008 at 9:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

And I followed your link - thanks for the rocket science:

"Young infants should not be left unattended to sleep in standard car safety seats as they may be at risk of hypoxia"

Don't leave children unattended in car seats? To quote the young people these days: "Well, DUH!"

The part with which I take issue is that Curry feels that this information is being suppressed on the Internet, a fact that is highly implausible. Also reference Curry's statement that they "kill whole families, too".

Please. Is America perfect? No. Should give back the land we stole from the Native Americans, and give Texas back to the Mexicans? We cannot change the past, only the future, and America's future is bright.

Last time I checked, America differs from Nazi Germany in more ways than it is similar. We have our problems, but we are the best thing going in the world right now.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 26, 2008 at 9:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The point is Xenon, you didn't attempt to verify his sources, which are above reproach. If he feels the internet is suppressing information he is free to do so.

As to the rest of his assertions you mention above, I am sure that with about half an hours time I can come up with news stories from mainstream sources that verify those assertions as well.

And what of the mainstream historians who verify his informationo on the pledge and flag salute?

I did not say America is exactly like Nazi Germany. I said there are parallels. It may be because of the large number of Nazi scientists, doctors, and psychologists who came to America after the war. If you like, I can show you a picture of Werner von Braun at a NASA facility about 1948 standing under a swastika with American officers.

In looking at history, one must look past the obvious and think about the social currents that led to later events.

People should examine the truth, and not what they would like to believe is true. History should serve as a lesson, not a badge of shame.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 26, 2008 at 9:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"It seems that the whole pledge of allegiance and putting your hand on your heart is a sore subject...otherwise you would not keep referencing it"

Why do you keep on with these thinly veiled attempts to defame my character?

My point about the pledge and the salute is that both would have been foreign to Washington, Jefferson, Adams, and Franklin. To them it was the principles of a more perfect union and not the symbols of that union.

Art appeals to the intuitive side of the brain, the feeling side. In gazing on any art or symbol one is influenced by the colors and shapes and textures in a non-linear, non-rational way. I want to remind people of the of the rationale for the way our country was set up because I believe the constitution, as it was written, was the product of thoughtful men dedicated to providing the country with the best possible system of supreme law. There is no fault here.

Posted by texasranger (anonymous) on May 26, 2008 at 10:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Whoever wrote this article is in dire need of IMMEDIATE medical attention. If fuel prices continue to rise at the present rate, We will finally enter into a depression. CNN said 1/3 or more holiday travelers cancelled flights,motel reservations,fishing trips,etc. The Democrats are always for the giveaway programs and they don,t give a squat how high gas prices go. Neither do the 364 or so people who run our nations goverment. They fill up at the Pentagon or have a expense account card,Which they probably use to fill up their boats at planes at Hynaiss Port or wherever. Bottom line this nation is going to the bottom fast. They better forget about the fish and start drilling off of California shores where one of the hugest oil fields in the world is but they won,t let them drill there. I say let California and Alaska do without gas that comes from the Gulf ..Just let the States on the Gulf coast use our oil . Lower our gas back to 25 cents a gallon and charge California,Alaska whoever 20 dollars a gallon. Enkikkur go back to aback.

Posted by texasranger (anonymous) on May 26, 2008 at 10:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey Kevin go buy a loaf and bread or some beans that have doubled and think about 1 more year of this...You need a brain transplant more than any white man in North America. Truck drivers are losing their homes because they cannot afford to buy diesel. Shipping costs will soon go through. Where is the good thing in that???

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 26, 2008 at 10:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Testimony of Jim Hall, NTSB Chairman to the House Subcommittee on Transportation regarding the danger of air bags to infants and small children, 1996:

http://www.ntsb.gov/speeches/former/hall...

Posted by texasranger (anonymous) on May 26, 2008 at 10:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Enkikur do you work anywhere???

Posted by texasranger (anonymous) on May 26, 2008 at 10:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Like i said soon we,ll be pushing 1 for Spanish 2 for Hispanic 3 for Mexican 4 or India 5 for Pakistan 6 for the soon to be forgotten and never taught again English. Shemolies they might start electing a King over here. Some of these folks doing all that fancy research must be on one of our goverment small business loan buying another hotel so they can buy more of our land and squeeze us out to Guatemala or points North. I say put everybody on welfare except the goverment employees. Which by the way makes up 1/3rd of our working population and let them pay all the taxes.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 26, 2008 at 10:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yes, texasranger, I do. I work on the waterways and am on my days off. I would be working on my days off as well, finishing my house, but don't have the money so I am spending my time researching topics of interest.

Posted by Peace007 (anonymous) on May 26, 2008 at 10:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Don't worry EnKiKur your government stimulus check should be arriving any day now and you can go buy a couple of boards.

Posted by steve_o (anonymous) on May 26, 2008 at 10:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Man am I confused,

"Shemolies they might start electing a King over here. Some of these folks doing all that fancy research must be on one of our goverment small business loan buying another hotel so they can buy more of our land and squeeze us out to Guatemala or points North."

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 26, 2008 at 11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

That stimulus check is one day's pay for me. I need a lot more than that.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 26, 2008 at 11:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey, Peace, I paid over 58,000.00 in payroll deductions, all government last year. I work 12 hour days, 7 day weeks. Few people work as many hours as I do per year. Let me enjoy my time off, and check your email. If you would like to see my statement, just come by my house.

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on May 26, 2008 at 11:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm still looking for the "Silver Lining"! Anybody found it? Maybe PW stole before he leaves office!

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 26, 2008 at 11:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey there rushinghjr, happy memorial day to you too

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on May 26, 2008 at 11:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Merci Beau Coup!

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 26, 2008 at 11:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

how are you going to vote on that occupancy tax?

Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on May 26, 2008 at 11:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

EnKiKur my husband works the same 7 and 7.....Those 7 off are so nice!!!! Enjoy your 7 off:)

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 26, 2008 at 11:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

fire, I work usually 12 to 14 weeks and take 1 to 2 weeks off.

and thanks, I will!

Posted by sandyman7 (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 9:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I WILL VOTE NO ON THE OCCUPANCY TAX....BUT THEN I VOTE NO AN ANY ADDITIONAL TAXES !!

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 11:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I wonder if any of the no voters would vote for the tax on these conditions:

1. The groups represented on the proposed Tourism Council match funds generated by the occupancy tax.

2. If the tax act were amended to allow the tax to be re-voted on every two years so the people could make sure the matching amount was contributed.

The groups represented will gain the largest share of the tourist income, and the tax will take a large amount of money that could be spread throughout other businesses if the tax were not imposed. If the tax raises 400,000.00 a year, that is 400,000.00 less available to smaller entrepreneurs in the area.

Matching funds would give more money for marketing and in this way offset the loss of the 400,000.00 to the general populace. We are all stakeholders. We should ask our elected officials to represent us in obtaining a fair share of the market. After all, it is our labor and our territory that is being marketed. Assume your ownership and ask to be represented fairly.

Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 11:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm voting for the hotel tax

Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 11:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ENKIKUR

your name reminds me of some german title

I take offense to your twisted history lesson

there is nothing similiar between the murderous Hitler Nazi Germany and the USA most of us believe in

We are a country based on Faith, nothing more, nothing less. We are a free country, you can leave if you don't like it. We have to tolerate some extremists, until they slip up and then we can jail them.

The silver lininng is that fewer will be out driving around just to be driving around. Alternative fuel/energy sources will be developed. We can all make money on investing in Rentech stock. We could have already doubled our money over just the last few weeks.

American ingenuity will prevail I have no fear.

Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 12:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

don't forget all the other German tech we have utilized since our capture and destruction of the Nazis

rockets and missiles and jet planes

biological war weapons - mycoplasmas, chemicals of various sorts, nerve gas, etc

we barely beat them to having the first nuclear weapon that could be deployed

but just because we have taken advantage of their tech advances doesn't mean that we have the same goals.

Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 12:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

HEY

ENKIKUR

what are you adding on to your house?

I've been building a patio and grilling/drinking room and having a great time being a novice carpenter

hope you're enjoying being a free man and having the privelidge of adding on to your house.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 12:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Krogers,

Respectfully, I regard market speculation as usury for sound reasons. Only those who have no basic understanding of how our system works would regard it as anything else. When one person gains, another loses in the markets. There is a finite amount of real capital. Two pieces of gold will never become three, but you can print any amount of paper money and it is that artificial creation of money that has us in economic hardship.

And respectfully, Germany after the end of WW I was a country based on faith. The Christian faith. The German people were faced with devastating economic hardship and grasped at anything to save them. National Socialism was their answer. Hatred of the Jews was based on the perception that the Jewish people as a whole engaged not in productive use of their labor to contribute to the German economy, but instead engaged in commerce only, employing usury against Gentiles. But the Jews were not the only people seen to be unproductive. Homosexuals, Coptic Christians, the mentally infirm, the disabled all were seen so. Above the six million Jews lost in the holocaust were twelve million of other groups. During that time anyone capable of working was put to work in concentration camps with their labor going to German industry. Government created the social conditioning and the legislation that allowed industry to profit off this arrangement.

I am not saying we live in a fascist state. I am saying there are many parallels that must be watched to ensure that we don't become one. I don't think Kevin is a fascist either, he is just looking for solutions to immediate problems that are very real. His solution seems reasonable, but the end result of planned economy was known when the constitution was signed.

America was not based on the idea of each grasping for all, but each seeking enough and living a life of religious and political freedom.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 12:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Krogers, I am at the point of needing the doors, windows, and siding.

And I am only free for seven months of the year. The other five I work for the government.

Building a house is not a privilege. It is something I earned with the labor of my body, and that body was given to me by God along with the right to use it and enjoy the fruits of the use of it.

Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 1:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I disagree on your view of the stock market. If I buy then the company wins by having more capital to use for growth, production, etc. If I sell I either loose or win according to whether or not the price is above or below my original purchase price, pretty simple. No one looses, unless you are foolish enough to put at risk money that you need to live on. In that case you were a fool to invest. Only invest money you can do without.

But I do agree on your vigilance and understanding of the need to learn from history

History's villans have informed us of their evil intentions and in the past we have let it fall on deaf ears. We allowed Hitler to roll over Europe with ease. What a waste of art, culture, human life, etc that was allowed as in those days the USA was in an isolationist mode. I hope that these days we listen to our enemies and NOT take it for granted what they say they would do. I am proud of our current preemtive action mode towards global devils. You neglect to mention the methods Nazis used to convince the masses to cooperate, mainly cooperate or die. Too bad the good people of Germany didn't realize the evil of Hitler and prevent his rise to power. Don't forget that there were attempts at Hitler's life by his cronies, probably more than we know about.

Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 1:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We just hung the doors on my new screened in patio

now we're about to lay brick and pick out some siding for the interior

then make the frames for the screens

I'm thinking oak for the inside walls, brick to match the house for the outside, maybe poplar for the screen frames.

we used basic wood door for the screen doors, pretty cheap, but the storm door that has a rolling screen and window feature was pretty expensive

I have some old friends that made a career out of working on the river. I think if I had my life to live over, I would want to be a riverboat captain of some sort, that would be cool.

I appreciate your last statement about, well greed essentially. While we as capitalists should work to earn a living and to provide for our families' welfare, greed should not be part of the equation. I think a lot of people bring actual hardship down on themselves because they are so greedy, they work so hard and long for that extra buck, but the stress of that tears them apart.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 1:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

All true, and glad to hear about your house progress.

About the market issue, I would like to talk more about that later. But for now I will just say that markets would work if they only expanded at the natural rate of growth of the population factored with increased efficiencies in production. Over the long run prices should go down and production up, like in the computer industry and it should be possible to make capital gains without usury in that process.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 2:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh, about history's villains. The word villain comes from the feudal term villein meaning a serf who in return for a strip of land owed the landlord allegiance, part of his crop, and service in the landlords fields. A villein could become free by running away to a town where he could hide for a year and a day. But, once in the town, and divorced from the land he could no longer sustain himself and might have to steal to survive.

The petty crime we see so much of today in cities comes from just that, not having land (or job, a modern derivative of a share of land) to work for sustenance, the villains have too much time and not enough money.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 2:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Krogers, about that bed tax. The reason I oppose it is the wording of the legislation. It allows not only for collection of the tax but creates a mechanism where the most represented, largest players can have access to even more public money to fund events they will profit off of both from the event and from increased patronage to their businesses.

Some of these are global players, and all have had access to special incentives of many kinds most people are not aware of. I think asking they match tax funds is reasonable and just plain good bargaining for the residents. People who don't bargain well are not respected by those they bargain with. It doesn't hurt to go a little slower and a little surer. In the end such an arrangment might even limit the possibiloty of the tourism union in Las Vegas organizing here. No need to put another hand in the pie if all are getting a reasonable share.

Posted by xenon314 (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 3:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

EnKiKur -

usury - The practice of lending money at such rates as are not legal or fair.

You may accuse me of trying to "defame your character", again, but I'm not. It's your broad sweeping statements with which I have a problem, such as:

"Respectfully, I regard market speculation as usury for sound reasons. Only those who have no basic understanding of how our system works would regard it as anything else..."

Wow - that's about as patronizing a statement as I've heard in a long time...

Respectfully, I have a Master's degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance, so I think
I know more than the average bear about "how our system works".

Buying stock in the market, for whatever reason, is not a loan, but a real purchase of stock in a real company.
All such purchases are speculative, and are a gamble, no matter whether it is Rentech or IBM.

You buy the stock betting the price will rise (long position) or fall (short position). There are many other derivative products that are beyond the scope of this post. However, the end is the same: you enter the market of your own free will, and exit the market the same way.

Your statement of "you can print any amount of paper money and it is that artificial creation of money that has us in economic hardship" is an oversimplification of a incredibly complex topic that even Ph.D.'s in
finance and economics cannot agree upon. Certainly, deficit spending can be inflationary, but is not the overall reason that we are headed to recession.

Other variables include:

Value of the dollar - which is weak right now, and sending investors to oil as a hedge

trade deficits

interest rates

housing crisis - people signed sub-prime mortgages that they could not understand and/or could not afford when interest rates rose

construction spending

factory orders

unemployment rate

The list goes on, but our economy is unbelievably complex and cannot be boiled down to a sound bite...

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 4:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It can be boiled down to this simple statement though:

we are using fiat money, the value of which always decreases: usury is negative interest.

usury is built into fiat money.

under UCC rules both a Treasury Note and a Federal Reserve Note are both called money, when they are not lawful money, only legally defined money. When a Federal Reserve Note is traded back in for the Treasury Note that created it, where does the interest come from to pay the exchange fee? It does not exist because it has not been created yet, and can only be created through another loan.

usury involves, always, monopoly and the illusion that money can multiply itself. The Federal Reserve has a monopoly on currency in this country. The money seems to continuously multiply, which it cannot.

We have a 9 trillion dollar debt, with about 40 or more trillion derived from that. The whole of the earth is valued at somewhere between 20 and 50 trillion dollars, depending on whom you believe. The amount of currency being traded far exceeds the actual real commodity value on which the currency is based. Usury always involves commerce in the medium of exchange instead of commerce in actual commodities.

This is exactly why Christ threw the money changers out of the temple. They were trading in the medium of exchange and not in commodities.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 4:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Imagine that it is the first day of business for the Federal Reserve. The Fed loans out one dollar to each of ten people at one percent, each putting up some collateral. The loan is for one year. At the end of the year, all of them collectively owe ten dollars and ten cents. Where does the ten cents come from? Someone will have to come up short in order for the others to pay their interest. So new loans will have to be made or collateral collected. And it grows from there.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 4:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Alan Greenspan, in 'Gold and Economic Freedom' agrees exactly with what I am saying. He ought to know. It is still his private belief, though not his public belief, because if people catch on the monster the Fed has become there would be panic.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 4:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ph.D's may not agree, but farmers do. I you trade a farmer a dozen eggs with twelve eggs in it this week for his pound of butter, next week he will not be happy trading his pound of butter for your dozen eggs with eleven eggs in it.

Posted by texasranger (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 4:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ole Enkinkkur reminds me of one of the guys that worked at the Paper mill in the early 80,s. Always writing big articles in the Inkpad that IP posted on the board,it was just a in house newspaper for the fellow workers to catch up on news, fishing,hunting some things that pertained to the mill and them, Mostly general information. He always wrote all these fancy articles and long,really long articulate words that i don,t think most college professors could even understand. We found out someone else was writing most of the articles which we being copied from previous writings in book and by other authors on all kinds of topics. He was the sorriest releif and didn,t do squat, actually he was worthless as far as being a productive co-worker. He was always too busy writing and tending to other folks business and tellling them how and when to vote and how and when to do this, do that. He was fired after they caught him filling out a timecard when he wasn,t at work one night. He stayed home but filled out a card and answered the phone when they called his house after they couldn,t find him on the job. They thought he had overslept until they found his card was already made out for that night and he was back home,he went back out the gate before it was closed for the incoming shift. Enrikur or whatever he is sounds a lot like that guy, maybe it,s him and he got better ..lol....haha

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 4:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I will use small words for you texasranger. You don't have to read the bigs ones, they were made for people who want to understand how life works.

one dollar is about one ounce of pure silver. that is what a dollar is. what you carry in your pocket is a piece of paper with the words 'one dollar' written on it.

a picture of a cow cannot be milked, a picture of a dollar cannot be spent.

Posted by texasranger (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 4:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Cides we don,t need no barakahs, running the White house,the one we have is okay. We need lower gas prices and jobs. period...too many giveaway programs,small business loans,too many college grants that are not repaid by socalled minorities,most folks are about as happy as they want to be. And most folks don,t need welfare or loans if they want to make money. Let them get a paper route at 11 like some of us older people did, work for the county and in the oilfields cleaning out treaters,clearing roadways with a Kaiser blade all the way to Anna,s bottom. Picking up pecans,cutting grass,clearing fields, hiring out. whatever it took. 46 years of it. And the ones my age are still paying taxes. If you don,t know what a kaiser blade is your probably on some goverment assisted program like half of California or living with your aunt or the projects and thugging and thieving your day away.Most folks earn money and make a living because like my son-in-law,they work 2 or 3 jobs. I did it, he,s doing it. So what,s the problem?
It,s out there. You just have to get off your behind and get it. Quit living off the system and go to WORK.

Posted by texasranger (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 4:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Enrikur i don,t put much stock in what you say. Especially about all the long hours and what your making,nobody cares about how much anyway. I think you might have a little hot air your just blowing out.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 4:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ranger, I work. Have since I was ten. I pay tons of taxes. We would have lower gas prices and more jobs if people took the time to understand what a dollar is and how you get one. To get the silver to make a dollar you have to dig it out of the ground. That is work. That is why the silver dollar has value. It takes a lot longer to dig a dollar out of the ground than to run one off a printing press. That is why the paper dollar is not worth much at all, and why it takes so many of them to buy a gallon of gas.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 4:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ranger, I don't put much stock in what you say either, because it is rarely more than accusing people of this or that when you have no way of knowing what you say is true or not. The reason I say how much I make and how much I pay in taxes is not to brag. It is show that once you do get a decent job in our system, you are instantly a target for other people who want your money. My situation is the same as for everyone. Most all who work end up with nothing but debt, or at most the bare minimum in savings. The way out of this is by learning how things got to be this way and changing them.

Posted by Swapmeet (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 6:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

By the way, our government is also studying alien life forms out in Roswell, and the Illuminatti are forming an alliance with the Skull's Society and Freemasons to form the New NAFTA (North American Fascist's Takeover Alliance). It's in the works, trust me. ;)

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 8:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You've lost me on that one Swapmeet. Are you and ranger sipping some of that good old Franklin County shine down there in Anna's Bottom?

Posted by 2008 (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 9:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Texasranger: If you and your son-in-law have to work 3 jobs to make ends meet, one might assume you haven’t got the education to be employed with one good paying job. If you live in Natchez you would be very limited in what kind of position pays that kind of money, but menial work as you indicated was plentiful. If you have the education and continue to live in Natchez and work 3 jobs well why complain? Your broad sweeping and bigoted accusations and complaints are a part of the social problem in this country. If you seriously care to make a difference why not consider advocating EDUCATION. How much different would your life be if you hadn’t had to “work for the county and in the oilfields cleaning out treaters,clearing roadways with a Kaiser blade all the way to Anna,s bottom. Picking up pecans,cutting grass,clearing fields, hiring out. whatever it took. 46 years of it.” Your grievances are real to you and everyone in this country; if you have any constructive suggestions on how to change (even at local level) any of the problems you mentioned ….please give further details.

Swapmeet: You are witty

Posted by xenon314 (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 9:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

EnKiKur -

Greenspan's article on gold was written in 1966.

The video below shows that he still holds basically the same position, but softened somewhat:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5MVsm2cpc0

However, he became our central banker for many years and worked within a system with no gold standard.

From the quotes you cite, and the words you use, you seem to be a true Libertarian - and there is nothing wrong with that, except for the fact you seem to quote from the most extreme views of that party. I am wary of extremism in most forms.

What I am trying to get you to see - and I don't really know why - is that a gold standard is not the ultimate answer to our nations' economic problems. Your economic views are simplistic and, quite frankly, biased and uninformed.

It seems to me - and I may be mistaken - that you are heavily reliant on the Internet for your information and your sources. I caution you on this approach. It also seems that you don't read the entire articles. For example, the BMJ article you cited about child car safety seats being unsafe BEGINS with this sentence:

"Infant car safety seats are vital to protect young infants from injury and death in motor vehicle accidents..."

Not only that, but the case study was on 9 infants...nine from July 1999 to December 2000 in New Zealand. There were many variables: one child had been born premature, and 5 were in cars with smokers. Half were in their car seat but asleep in them at home. All children survived! So...the seats aren't the death traps Rex Curry thinks.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 10:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Did you read the entire second article though? And did you look for others? And are you saying that a .gov or .org site sponsored by government funds is not reliable because it is on the internet?

My view is about money is not simplistic. It is upheld in the constittution in the coinage act of 1793. The act was intended to serve as a barrier to the ill effects of usury. The complexity you financial guys like to tout serves the interest of the financial services industry, just like conducting masses in Latin served the interests of the Church.

If the people cannot possibly hope to understand the mysterious inner working of money, then they must rely on the advice of the priests who don't understand it either! Hehe! Too funny, by far.

Now, Xenon, if gold has no value as the base of the financial system, then why do the central banks work so hard to get and keep and lease it out? Because they know the truth. Only real commodities are useful in commerce.

Paper money cannot be eaten. It can be used for making fires and attending to toiletry duties, but many other things are just as or more useful.

Please, explain to me why my views are simplistic. Don't just tell me they are. I am sincere in asking for your explanation. Please tell me the advantages of fiat money over commodity money. And please tell me the advantages of fractional reserve banking over true credit, which is the loaning of real commodity.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 10:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh yes, i also have differences with Curry I will be too happy to explain once I hear your explanation about the advantages of imaginary money.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 11:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I will prime the pump a little Xenon. It is known that fiat money does work if it does not exceed the annual gross product of the region where it is used by more than five percent. This made the colonies very prosperous for a short period before the revolution. The primary cause of the revolution was that the King banned the use of this money in the colonies and caused economic devastation by providing less gold coin than was needed for commerce to occur. This is an instance of fiat money working better than commodity money.

Posted by Peace007 (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 11:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This is all I know about money...if you don't know how to manage it, you won't have it very long, and if you don't know how to set priorities for spending it, you won't get your bills paid on time. I also know that if I made over $600 per day, I would have lots of money and wouldn't be broke.

So, here's the big question...why are you broke Enki from the house of Kur?

Are you having fun yet during your time off?

Posted by Peace007 (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 11:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The Enuma Elish, the Babylonian Creation myth, explains how natural phenomena and social institutions on Earth came into being and were regulated. In an earlier Sumerian source, however, the story is different - everything is established by the god Enki, the clever craftsman who presides over the life-giving fresh waters, the patron of crafts and arts, magic and wisdom

http://www.gatewaystobabylon.com/myths/t...

Posted by texasranger (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 12:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I do have a good solution to one thing that worked well. Start giving commodities out again and quit giving food stamps. It worked good in the 50,s for the small farmers.
Commodities were taken from surplus and given to the poor. Most of the time the truly poor and needy get slighted and forgotten,but the people who never intend or want to hold any kind of a job can work the goverment system to a tee. They know every tiny loophole and freebie in the whole USA. Someone is feeding them all the information,so all i,m saying i,ve had to eat commoditie food sometimes. It was good enough for me, why isn,t it good enough for the no-pays and system scammer and the one thieving and thugging all day long,hanging out waiting for their prey to come by and get off with only wrist slapping. You want some ideas, listen to the Willie Nelson song about putting a few more of them in the ground. And they don,t want to be questioned about any of the freebies or even a suggestion that any thing change.

Posted by Peace007 (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 12:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow, I usually like Willie Nelson songs, but I can't remember hearing that one. What's the name of the song? I'm sorry, but I really wouldn't want to become a murderer...it's against my religion. I'd prefer to understand why they became thieves and thugs. God sees the big picture and he knows. Jesus said if they ask for your shirt, give it to them, and your coat as well.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 5:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am broke because half of what I make goes to pay various taxes. Of what is left, I have bills like everyone else; my wife and I support two households.

Also, I built to large a house, like lots of people do, and I attempted to fund a small business out of my own pocket using 401k money. Just after I did this a neighbor thought it would be funny to misrepresent me to those in power, and so make my life a living hell for almost three years now.

I am broke due to taxes, government regulation, professional fees, greedy people seeking what I have earned, and being educated in the public school system. Same reasons everyone else I know is broke. Same reasons the whole damn country is broke.

Posted by xenon314 (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 7:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

EnKiKur -

Here's the reason I cannot take you seriously any more, no matter how glib your arguments may sound. Keep in mind that I had never, ever even heard of Rex Curry before you posted his web site in your post about fascism in America.

Here's why I won't be responding to your posts after this:

http://rexcurry.net/fetishism-fetish-fla...

Any time you refer to a freakshow wacko like Rex Curry, be prepared to be taken less seriously. You claim "you also have differences with Curry". Does this include the smut he has on his web site? Whatever message Curry is touting is lost in the delivery.

Sorry, EnKiKur, you lost me. You partially take responsibility for your situation, but yet, you build too large a house "like lots of people do", you support two households (sell one!), you funded a business out of your 401K (no rocket science here, just business 101...BAD IDEA!!), and you blame neighbors, greedy people, and the public school system.

Hell, you sort of remind me of our ole paranoid pal, Supertrucker.

Goodbye, sir.

Posted by Peace007 (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 9:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Enki, I'm sorry I asked. I wasn't really expecting an answer. I was thinking outloud mostly, that if I had the income that you've claimed above that you do, that I would be able to finish my house. I didn't realize that you had actually built your house. I thought you were remodeling one. Are you doing the work yourself? I drove past your house when I was viewing a house down the street from yours that was for sale. It was on a corner lot. Your house will be really nice when you get it finished. I'm sorry you are going thru a tough time. Good luck for you.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 11:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Peace, thanks for your kind words. Talking about things is good because it is in considering the effects of the world on individuals we broaden our view. Thanks again.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on May 28, 2008 at 11:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Xenon, the "smut" on Curry's site shows how the flag and other symbols become transformed into fetishes in society. A fetish is in reality a symbol thought to transfer magical powers. It is clearly marked adults only so if you feel you are not mature enough to look at it and think about what he is saying, then you should not. His warnings are boldly stated.

For you information, the poster entitled 'What Is It" is a promotion for Arnold Schwarzeneggar's favorite artist. I suggest you find out who that is and see if what you think Arnold finds artistic about images of war torn children in bloody bandages.

As for two houses, the one here is not really livable except for short periods. I am working as hard as I can to honor my committments to the bank and to finish it without borrowing more money. My goal is to have it finished and paid off in two years. And then I will start my business and give two or three people a job. maybe more.

As to using the 401k money, that would have been just fine had I been able to put my bikes in service that year and if local politics had not scared off my investor. Sometimes that happens.

The neighbor who misrepresented me to the city was aware of my financial situtation for the neighbor had prepared my taxes before. At the lowest point of the ordeal this neighbor, after telling the Board of Adjusters how hideous my house is, called and asked what I would sell it for.

Public school: in eleventh grade physics we learned to use a slide rule. That was it. The teacher was gone most of the time. In english we did five chapters the whole year. This was the advanced class. All the other classes were similar.

And I do take responsibilty, for I feel that the art of living is refined through perfecting the technique of being around others.

My problem with Rex Curry is that he sensationalizes issues, as many calling themselves libertarians do. His information is sound though. His presentation is awful.

Posted by texasranger (anonymous) on May 29, 2008 at 12:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The name of the Willie Nelson song is Whiskey for my men,Beer for my Horses. It,s about straightning out the thugs,hologuns,nocounts,nits,killers,and such and whatnot,Texas style.Keep on thinking Peace there peace,but one day one of the thugs might want to stick a icepick in somebody ribs like they did that lady at that redlight on Beltline road a while back,or beat you half to death in the Walmart parking lot like they did a shopper a while back,
Down in Texas they have a good way to eliminate a lot of those kind. They also have the if you trespass at night you get shot law. So you don,t have to have a lot of jury trials if you go on somebody,s property at night doing things you shouldn,t be doing. Give it a ear Peace. It,s good ole Texas horse sense.

Posted by texasranger (anonymous) on May 29, 2008 at 2:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think Kevin just threw this story in here to see how many sparks would fly off the keyboards.