Comments by Gregg Townsend

Comment #272417 by Gregg Townsend on October 27, 2008 at 11:28 am

9265. Comment #272408 by DarwinsPitbull

The private sector does a better job of helping people.

That is a sweeping generalization. There is no endeavor that government handles better than private industry? In my town, privatization of Mental Health Services has been a disaster.

Thats [sic] the difference between me and everyone here.

False, another sweeping generalization. I personally support privatization of some traditional government systems; such as construction, recreation facilities (like golf courses), garbage pick-up and recycling, printing, fleets, building maintenance, etc.

You all don't mind government having more power because you think they are the only ones that can fix things. They never fix anything though, but you still put trust in it.

There is a pattern here, don't you think? Generalizations again. You can't think of a single thing government does better than private industry? How about military?

5) The last thing you do is raise taxes on anyone during a recession. Thats [sic] a good way to get us into a depression.

Who said anything about raising taxes?

6) More importantly, I think he is full of shit.

That's what I thought. It's not that the candidates' plans differ that much or that McCain has a better plan, it's a trust issue. Fair enough.

I dont [sic] say you guys support Biden, I say you support Obama.

Maybe you should. I do support Biden and feel he is a superior running mate than Palin. I would even say that is abjectly manifest.

-edited-

102. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #272384 by Gregg Townsend on October 27, 2008 at 10:31 am

9245. Comment #272382 by Titania

Where the banshees live.
And they live well.

[laugh]

103. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #272379 by Gregg Townsend on October 27, 2008 at 10:24 am

irate's theme song

104. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #272378 by Gregg Townsend on October 27, 2008 at 10:21 am

Here's an interesting op-ed piece from John-the-Carpenter from the local rag in my town.

http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/ci_10815189

Note, he's not someone who hopes to own a construction business, but is a partner in an actual business. He resents his employees being labeled "welfare queens".

105. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #272370 by Gregg Townsend on October 27, 2008 at 9:59 am

9234. Comment #272363 by Frankus1122

Recently I saw Rachael Maddow use the same analogy except it was spagetti not bullshit.

Oh, and just so I'm clear; I realize MSNBC is just a polar opposite of Faux News and should be taken with a tablespoon of salt. I find it funnier to watch and doesn't insult my intelligence quite as much.

106. 'Probably' the best atheist bus campaign ever

Comment #272362 by Gregg Townsend on October 27, 2008 at 9:49 am

438. Comment #272310 by Scot Rafkin

Scot,

I'd prefer, "Don't believe in any gods? You are not alone."

107. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #272357 by Gregg Townsend on October 27, 2008 at 9:37 am

Oh, and about this:

I am really sorry that I said bad things about DP.

I wouldn't feel to bad Frankus; he seems to enjoy it and I suspect has done some intentional 'martyr baiting' just for fun.

:)

edit-Testing the question mark thing for Frankus from Internet Exploder. ??????
edit-Yup, seems ok from here.

108. Children need to be sprinkled with fairy dust

Comment #272355 by Gregg Townsend on October 27, 2008 at 9:33 am

All children imagine. I don't see this as a particular problem.

What interest me are adults who never seem to progress beyond childhood imagination or at the very least compartmentalize enough to say, "Well Santa is one thing, but Jesus is completely different." It amazes me they don't see the similarities and because adults have a great capacity to cause harm, it seems way more serious.

109. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #272348 by Gregg Townsend on October 27, 2008 at 9:17 am

9231. Comment #272330 by Frankus1122

Your link puts the lie to a part of the Republican platform.

This is what frustrates me about the Republican and McCain message. They seem to want us to believe they are running against Lindon Johnson not Barak Obama. Recent history shows, more government, higher taxes (for the middle class), deficit spending under Republican administrations than Democrat. McCain is running around telling anyone who will listen that Obama is a "tax and spend" Liberal which isn't even close to what is proposed. Overall, it's true that Obama proposes less tax cuts but that's not the same as raising taxes. The extra cuts McCain is proposing doesn't appear to help the economy because it would help fewer people. But, then again, I'm no economist.

110. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #272313 by Gregg Townsend on October 27, 2008 at 8:22 am

I must say, it’s difficult to stay up with this thread unless you constantly monitor it. :)

I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s simply not accurate to call DarwinsPitbull greedy. Clearly, he is being generous with his money by voting McCain/Palin since (by his own admission he’s not rich himself) he will personally be paying more federal income tax under their plan. http://chartjunk.karmanaut.com/taxplans/

Instead, he appears to resent his tax dollars being spent on social services and tax credits being given to the extremely poor and is willing pay more money to keep that from happening.

Another factor to consider is the ability of the candidates to enact their policy. I’m not convinced either one could, but it’s likely there will be Democrat majority in the Senate and House that would be motivated to support Obama (should he win) and by an equal amount they would be motivated to thwart McCain’s plan (given the resentment legislators would have for Palin presiding over the Senate).

For me, I would prefer the candidates provide their wish list for Cabinet positions and Supreme Court nominations, but since they don’t, we can only judge by their choices during the campaigns. In my mind, that points to Obama as a superior choice but DP is entitled to his opinion and support for Palin. I think he is fatally mistaken but I’m not willing to call him names or belittle him for it.

111. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #271658 by Gregg Townsend on October 26, 2008 at 9:49 am

8952. Comment #271614 by Frankus1122

Frankus,

In all fairness I got that link to the book on Authoritarianism from a post by Callisesa (spelling?)--the poster with the blue butterfly...

112. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #271655 by Gregg Townsend on October 26, 2008 at 9:41 am

Bonzai,

I know what you're saying, and I largely agree. My experience isn't relevant to large corporations--for obvious reasons--but is from the perspective of a small business in a limited industry with finite clientele. There is a practical limit to how much we can "pass on" because of competition and because it's possible we could destroy our own industry by making it too expensive to buy the machinery required.

I would love to expand our client base, make a smaller margin on each and therefore make more money (and pay higher taxes)... the world needs only so many Dry Cleaners. :)

-Edited for spelling. Again.

113. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #271642 by Gregg Townsend on October 26, 2008 at 8:56 am

8601. Comment #270799 by Sarmatae1

Not quite on the mark Gregg Townsend DarwinsPitbull is closer on that point.

Thanks for the info Sarmatae1. I have no idea where I got the 16% stuck in my head other than that's about what my company pays in Corporate Income tax on roughly the amount of profit we've been discussing (Joe-the-Plumber hypotheticals). Of course (as you pointed out) companies have to pay other taxes--which we tend to pass on to customers in order to still get ours. :)

I really appreciate the correction and I'll be sure to look things up in the future before I throw numbers around.

114. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #270793 by Gregg Townsend on October 24, 2008 at 4:38 pm

Ok, one more thing.

There, I have analyzed it.

You forgot to call him a "poopy-head-toilet-breath".

115. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #270787 by Gregg Townsend on October 24, 2008 at 4:24 pm

8589. Comment #270783 by DarwinsPitbull

*sigh*

Well, my friends, I wish you all the luck in the world. Have a great weekend!

116. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #270778 by Gregg Townsend on October 24, 2008 at 4:07 pm

DP,

Corporate income taxes aren't that high (35%), and are typically closer to 16%. Personal income tax can get that high on taxable income but remember, there are a great deal of deductions available for the wealthy prior to tax liability calculations.

edited

117. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #270766 by Gregg Townsend on October 24, 2008 at 3:24 pm

8572. Comment #270760 by Steve Zara

Perfect.

118. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #270765 by Gregg Townsend on October 24, 2008 at 3:23 pm

Bonzai,

Folks who tell you taxes kill their incentives to invest and expand don't have the business sense to make big money anyway.

Truer words have never been spoken. My accountant once told me never to make investment decisions based on tax liability. He said do what makes the most money and we'll figure out the taxes later.

119. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #270762 by Gregg Townsend on October 24, 2008 at 3:17 pm

Titania,

I'm as Independent as they come... and it used to drive my Dad crazy. It was great fun to listen to his lectures on why Ronald Reagan was worthy of the Presidency. That lecture was almost as funny as the, 'Why it's important to purchase well made and expensive socks.' lecture.

120. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #270754 by Gregg Townsend on October 24, 2008 at 3:10 pm

Steve,

Bill adopts other peoples ideas and makes them worse. That's how he's made his money. :)

-edited for spelling

121. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #270752 by Gregg Townsend on October 24, 2008 at 3:07 pm

8560. Comment #270747 by MaxD

Max,

My impression is he isn't someone who has made money but instead hopes to one day. People who've made a great deal of money generally try to maximize what they keep but at the same time they don't resent taxation and social services like DP does... at least the ones I've known.

One of the last things my Father said to me (about a week before he died) was, the Republican Party he knew and loved, died with Richard Nixon's nomination for president.

I think I agree.

122. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #270741 by Gregg Townsend on October 24, 2008 at 2:48 pm

8552. Comment #270736 by MaxD

Gregg Townsend makes a good point.

I know... but you need to lift my hat to see it, right?

I don't have the intellect or arguing skills of you folks but I can be practical. :)

123. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #270728 by Gregg Townsend on October 24, 2008 at 2:28 pm

DP,

No, people just don't like my opinions. For example, My opinion is that I should be able to keep as much as my money as possible. People find that greedy. I find it amazing that its greedy to keep MY OWN MONEY, but its not greedy to tax people more if they make more or because someone else wants more free money. That hypocrisy boggles my mind but whatever.

Well, I want you to keep as much of your money as possible. The key word for me here is possible. Once you've paid your fair share to keep society--that framework that allows you the opportunity to make money--running, it's all yours my friend.

Don't forget--since you live in New York and probably (unless your in the top 5%) have a lower taxable income than $250,000--to vote Obama in order to keep the maximum of your money.

124. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #270715 by Gregg Townsend on October 24, 2008 at 2:00 pm

Sciros and Mitchell,

I've had no problems with Vista either (even with 2G of ram) but the only advantage I've found to having it over XP (which was stable for me as well) is playing Crysis.

125. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #270022 by Gregg Townsend on October 23, 2008 at 2:41 pm

8273. Comment #270006 by Titania

Your Highness,

My sweety spent some time in her youth in South Carolina. Sometimes, when she's not paying attention, and is addressing a large group she says, "All y'all." As in, "All y'all aren't pulling your weight in keeping the communal areas of the house clean."

My kids crack-up everytime. I usually sigh. ;)

-edit- Sarah Palin (per your Highnesses example)

126. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #269764 by Gregg Townsend on October 23, 2008 at 9:51 am

DP,

You people actually don't read my posts because if you did then you wouldn't be able to keep saying stupid shit.

Communication is a two-way street. The writer must be clear in their unfounded assertions before the reader can understand it.

If I've misunderstood, I sarcastically apologize.

127. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #269753 by Gregg Townsend on October 23, 2008 at 9:39 am

8083. Comment #269749 by Tyler Durden

Tyler,

DP is going to want you to throw out Russia... 1,840,200.

Then he'll want you to throw out Turkey... 1,325,350

128. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #269746 by Gregg Townsend on October 23, 2008 at 9:30 am

Wait a minute...

Those Alaskan freeloaders get DP's money, paid for by his higher gas prices at the pump?

129. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #269725 by Gregg Townsend on October 23, 2008 at 9:09 am

Sciros,

I figured as much... but it was like watching someone talk with salad dressing on their cheek. :)

130. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #269721 by Gregg Townsend on October 23, 2008 at 9:06 am

8051. Comment #269712 by Sciros

Uh Sciros... you need a little edit... "would've"

131. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #269707 by Gregg Townsend on October 23, 2008 at 8:56 am

8043. Comment #269702 by mismos00

Someone has a leaning disability, me thinks.

I lean a bit to the left, but I think DP has completely fallen over to the right.

132. Dare we stand up for Muslim women?

Comment #269680 by Gregg Townsend on October 23, 2008 at 8:18 am

17. Comment #269668 by Mitchell Gilks

Slow down they still can't drive.

*Gasp*, that's sexist!

Uh, Mitchell. I think al meant they aren't allowed to drive.

:)

133. Dare we stand up for Muslim women?

Comment #269632 by Gregg Townsend on October 23, 2008 at 7:43 am

Perhaps if the women are successful enough in their business they can hire bodyguards.

Hell, I don't have the answers but I definitely agree that education and empowerment of women could potentially solve much of these ills.

134. Mapping a clan of mobile selfish genes

Comment #269526 by Gregg Townsend on October 23, 2008 at 5:35 am

Okay, I'm awake and had some coffee now. Did Scooter clear things up?

Hmmm, I guess I'm just too dense to figure out what you're saying Scooter. Yes, I've often helped out others in anticipation of feeling good about it later... that wasn't my sole reasoning at the time but it's a valid point you make.

As far as the incident I told you about, I thought I'd made it clear, I acted on INSTINCT. There was no forethought of self-interest as you imply. I wasn't emotional (until after).

Yes, I love my children but in what way does loving them serve my self interest. Love is a consequence not a destination.

135. Mapping a clan of mobile selfish genes

Comment #269323 by Gregg Townsend on October 22, 2008 at 8:16 pm

55. Comment #269317 by scooternyc

Each feeling/emotion carries with it a self-interest of action taken to get rid of the feeling or to obtain the feeling,

Like I said, your argument doesn't ring true. You've projected some idea of self-interest onto me that I've personally never experienced.

You're just making assertions and arguments from incredulity. My opinion is that you lack imagination, that's all.

I'm off to bed. It's been interesting.

136. Mapping a clan of mobile selfish genes

Comment #269307 by Gregg Townsend on October 22, 2008 at 8:01 pm

It's a long story.

I had to get between my children and harm (from an abusive step-father). It put me in physical danger. It frightened me. I received no good feelings from the encounter. It cost me money I couldn't afford. I've always resented being put in a position to have to be the tough guy (their mother dragged us all down into her mud). I feel sick just typing this. But at the time I was helpless to act in any other way.

The abuse stopped and my children were safe for the remainder of the time they lived in that house.

That's my example of altruism.

-edited for grammar

137. Mapping a clan of mobile selfish genes

Comment #269300 by Gregg Townsend on October 22, 2008 at 7:54 pm

41. Comment #269298 by scooternyc

In times of stress, I've acted on impulse against my best interests and have even resented the action for years afterward.

My children benefitted from the action though. I see this as altruism. At least, that's what I've always thought.

138. Mapping a clan of mobile selfish genes

Comment #269295 by Gregg Townsend on October 22, 2008 at 7:50 pm

Scooternyc,

I think I see what your driving at but it doesn't ring true for me.

If I may ask, do you have children or grandchildren? I assure you, that's not a loaded question, I'm just curious.

139. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #269281 by Gregg Townsend on October 22, 2008 at 7:35 pm

On the subject of witty posts. I think Cartomancer's description of a RD.net musical may go down as the all time wittiest (if that's a word).

-edit- As far as wooter goes, I laugh more at GordonYKWong's responses.

140. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #269141 by Gregg Townsend on October 22, 2008 at 4:39 pm

Mitchell and Diacanu,

I vote for Reverand Shayne Dark (Sorry D) he never fails to make me laugh. Ever.

141. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #268420 by Gregg Townsend on October 21, 2008 at 8:02 pm

Titania,

I finished off my Jameson bottle last week while recovering from a root canal, but Dewar's is keeping my head cozy tonight.

Me and the Missus are recovering from seperately rough days at work by searching for the bottom of bottles.

Have a good night my friends!

142. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #268414 by Gregg Townsend on October 21, 2008 at 7:52 pm

Did I hear someone say Jameson?

143. All aboard the atheist bus campaign

Comment #268312 by Gregg Townsend on October 21, 2008 at 5:03 pm

162. Comment #268311 by phil rimmer

Phil, well said.

144. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #268299 by Gregg Townsend on October 21, 2008 at 4:44 pm

7463. Comment #267655 by Titania

Your new avatar is cool.

Thanks! That photo was taken this past July at the Snake River in Jackson Hole Wyoming. I caught three Cut Throat Trout that evening, gave 'em a little kiss to remember me by, and sent them back on their journey.

Aaaaah... memories. What a wonderful world we've been lucky enough to be born into. I'm determined to enjoy my life and that picture is proof!

-edit- Oh, and Palin. I almost forgot.

145. A 'values' voter speaks her mind on Obama

Comment #267901 by Gregg Townsend on October 21, 2008 at 8:41 am

239. Comment #267899 by J.C. Samuelson

If they chose not to serve, they wouldn't get a vote. In essence, they'd vote themselves out of voting.

Would they also be voting their way off the tax roles?

:)

146. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #267886 by Gregg Townsend on October 21, 2008 at 8:14 am

7489. Comment #267802 by Laurie Fraser

Beats me - unionised workforces are always much better off than non-U ones.

Always?! That's a sweeping generalization that doesn't stack up I'm afraid.

The local trucking industry in my area hired away a majority of Teamsters from union companies by offering better working conditions, pay, and benefits during the late '80's. That is what lowered Teamster membership in my town.

147. A 'values' voter speaks her mind on Obama

Comment #267880 by Gregg Townsend on October 21, 2008 at 8:02 am

J.C. and Al,

I couldn't support taking voting privelages away from tax paying citizens at all... but, I think it may be possible to give extra voting weight to those who show civic competency and public service (like Al's multiple choice).

148. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #267641 by Gregg Townsend on October 20, 2008 at 10:34 pm

Interesting. I was just reading on www.fivethirtyeight.com that McCain has been staging something of a statistical comeback... either that or Obama's support is back sliding a bit.

Still, with 2 weeks to go, McCain has a big hill to climb to get the electoral votes he needs.

-edit- It seems Obama needs Palin to do more interviews. Now I'm back on topic.

149. Bill Heine interviews Richard Dawkins

Comment #267639 by Gregg Townsend on October 20, 2008 at 10:24 pm

I choose the blue pill!

150. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #267633 by Gregg Townsend on October 20, 2008 at 10:09 pm

Do you remember that avatar I used to have that pictured me holding one of my Granddaughters? Can you believe that Epeeist told me someone might take the view that I was some kind of pervert?

*shakes his head*

What a woild!