Bush and the myth of limited government

It's true. I have little hope that the Dept. of Homeland Security will prove very effective and the decision to increase federal intrusion in public schools was depressing.

 

Agreed. The Homeland Security Department is big, bad unwieldy idea that's been made real. Many of the complaints about our current security agencies in the wake of 9/11 were that they were slow to react and disseminate information, internally and externally. So how does the White House react? By creating another large bureaucracy. It's insane.

 

This is interesting. The BigSoccer right and left don't like Homeland Security Dept.

I agree on same grounds ... wrong answer to the problem. In hindsight, while I can see the logical steps that eventually created the Dept, I am very surprised that it didn't get reined in. It shows either a true dearth of clear thinking in the Administration and Congress or the power wielded in times of conflict by the intelligence groups that seem to have been spared direct reorganization and more intensive oversight ... or both.

 

It also managed, in one fell swoop, to remove many many federal workers from the right to unionize.

 

Yeah, that part makes sense. Obviously to fight terrorists you need to mistreat your workers, restrict their rights, wield the power to crush anyone who disagrees with the party line, and slash their benefits. I wonder if the workers will perform better when they realize that they basically have the standing and protection of temps.

I'm sure the new department will attract the high quality canidates that it needs to deal with this awesome threat. Workers will certainly feel encouraged to speak out and think creatively in an atmosphere where they can be fired at the drop of a hat.
The ugly face of the pro-business, anti-worker politics will damage our security in ways that we can only begin to imagine. When are we going to learn that people are not cogs to be used and discarded with no thought or concern?

 

Gosh you make it out like Unions are a good thing?

As a labor and employment law attorney, Unions help keep me in business. That being said, if tomorrow there were only a few unions the world would be a better place.

 

FIXED

Much better now.

 

This is, astonishingly and without question, correct.




Hope springs eternal.

 

"In practice, conservatives are for or against government handouts depending on whose hand is out. They want to cut spending on human services and aid to lower-income groups, but vigorously support all sorts of government subsidies and bailouts for large corporate enterprises. Conservatives treat economic recession as just part of a natural cycle. They admonish American workers to work harder for less, and have not a harsh word about the devastateing effects of corporate mergers and buyouts, the capital flight to cheap labor markets abroad, and the increase in economic hardship for working people.
Conservatives are not really advocates of laissez-faire government. They support strong government measures to restrict dissent and regulate our private lives and personal morals. Most of them avidly support the military, large defense budgets, and the global U.S. empire." -Parenti p.33 "Democracy For The Few"

One of the most beautiful summaries of Conservative politics. It should just read... The smartest Republicans are the wealthy, the dumb ones are all the rest...

Is it a suprise that the Bush administration is taking the oppotunity to exploit the tragedy of 9-11 and kick money back to the corporate machine and military??? Are you people that blind???

I always loved what Sam Donaldson would say of Ronald Reagan... "Oh, he'd give you the shirt off his back... and then vote you out of a job"

The middle class was sold a bill of goods in the 80's! And if you're making 150,000 to 50,000 a year, you're not Rich!!!

I can't believe that anyone from the right would be upset at the Bush administration for doing what it had set out to do from day one. I guess if you're conservative and you're pissed, then maybe you ought to reasses why you're conservative.

 

The Homeland security Department was created out of pressing political reasons. The president and for that matter just about everybody in Washington had to a least look like they are doing something to make the country more secure. The fact that there isn't much they can really do is not something you can afford to admit.

This Department is going to look so silly 20 years from now. But do you see any polticians advocating it removal. Their opponent would have a field day.

 

Nothing like painting with a broad brush, eh, Fashion Boy? By the way, you left out 'evil'. That's one of our first requirements. Once you meet that then we look for stupid or rich. Preferably both.

I'm guessing you're the type who doesn't like to make alot of decisions for yourself.

 

I disagree. I thought the original Homeland Security plan was relatively sound (i.e. putting Ridge in charge of a small group whose purpose was to aid cooperation and the flow of information among various federal, state and local agencies). Then, predictably, it spiraled horribly out of control.

 

Can you tell us all about your work within the ABA to deregulate the law industry, and/or to dramatically increase the number of law school graduates every year?

Or can I mark you down as another sickening hypocrite?

 

How else could it have turned out other than become huge and unwielding?

 

Yeah, sometimes you have to use a big brush to paint larger pictures, you know, for those who cannot see past their nose...

You're right Wake, why would I even bother countering if I didn't like to think for myself. I think you misread that. I'll reword it for you.

You voted for a conservative who has vested interests in big business and the military. Why does it suprise you that with the Homeland Security Dept., that he's decided to turn it into a kickback???

Now, you didn't say anything that would contradict what I had to say, nothing, you did say I painted with a big brush, and can't think for myself, but you still didn't say anything that contested the argument. So please, do some thinking for yourself and tell me why you're suprised!

 

How about just painting a picture next time, for us dumb folk? That'd be swell.

Oh, I'm sorry. Did you write the little summary or did Parenti?

Please, no big words.

It doesn't surprise me when any president lets something go out-of-control.

Because it was idiotic and simplistic.

"They admonish American workers to work harder for less..."

"They support strong government measures to restrict dissent..."

Damn! Rush ended an hour ago. Can I get back to you tomorrow?

 

By the way, Parenti also believes the Serbs got a really bad rap. They're not bad, they're just drawn that way.

 

OHHHHHH! No quotes then!

Yeah, ok Wake...

By the Way, I can think for myself, and just by quoting him and agreeing on a particular subject, doesn't mean I agree with others, so um, don't paint with such a big brush eh??? I'll just remember next time that I'm only allowed to play by your rules in here

 

I gave you two big fat stupid quotes. Christ, do you want me to dissect the whole thing? Or do you want me to post some freaking Limbaugh to give you something to do?

 

1. I don't understand your analogy
2. The ABA is a group of attorneys that people have the option of joining if they so desire. The only power I believe that they have is to make recommendations with regards to nominations. They also have the authority, I believe to certify a law school as being "accredited". In Texas, you must graduate from an accredited law school to take the Bar. I don't know if any of this is relevant.
3. The State Bar has been granted the authority to prevent the unauthorized practice of law and set licensing requirements etc. These regulations are just to make sure one is basically competent to do the work. They do not have the authority to collectively bargain on behalf of anyone or make any demands regarding attorney's rights. This is probably most evidenced by several big firms' 2100-2400 billable hours requirements for new associates.
4. Anyone who wants to be an attorney has to do two things. 1. Pass a Bar Exam, 2. Graduate from a law school. Most law schools have been gradually increasing enrollment as it gets them more money.
5. From my understanding the number of law school graduates dwarfs the number of actual practicing attorneys.

I would really like to know why I am a hypocrite. Please explain that one to me.

A union has only one right. The right to collectively bargain working conditions. They generally (1) bargain poorly (2) represent workers poorly and (3) have conflicting interests in a lot of occassions. That being said, there are several employers who need some check on their actions. Not everyone is a saint. But for the most part, Unions are pretty ineffective and useless in my mind.

 

But other than that, they are ineffective and useless.

 

Gringo, I have been in unions for awhile, and saw first-hand the hideousness they promote from workers. Absolutely disgraceful behavior condoned, and in a lot of cases, encouraged by unions.
Plus, they really hurt their own by essentially discouraging anyone from trying to better themselves at the "expense" of the masses.

The abuses put forth by unions is as scandalous as what white collar has been doing with things like Enron, etc.

This is not to say that they haven't had their moments in history.