mav

Would you have honestly said that? Man, you are mean.

Is it just me, or does anyone else think she is hot?

This is community organizing. Obama should love it.

Well, has anyone vomited yet? I have taken a beating the last week. I am still up since I got lucky and got out early before the 2008/2009 disaster, but it is still painful to watch.

First off, the only people I know of who are talking about cutting grandma and grandpa off social security and medicare is the left. It is nothing more than a scare tactic used by the left and RINOs any time entitlement reform is suggested. Medicare and social security can be reformed without drastically altering the benefits to those currently on those programs or those about to enter those programs. The Ryan Plan, while very far from perfect, did attempt to do that very thing. What did we hear in response? Nothing but demagogery. In regards to rioting in the street from those government employees who will be downsized out of a job, that is not guaranteed to happen. If the government will start by enacting pro-growth policies, which includes deregulation, tax reduction, immigration reform and enforcement, etc..., the financial picture won't look so hopeless. Instead of strangling businesses, if the government would create a business-friendly environment, jobs will come back. As the economy recovers and the unemployment rate goes down, government employees can be transitioned from the public to the private sector. If they b**ch and riot because the benefits aren't as great in the private sector, well... that is too d**n bad. For too many years, the number of people making their living off the taxpayer's money has been steadily increasing (it seems like an exponential increase under this president). So yes, we will have to have drastic change in this country. However, that change if done correctly, doesn't have to end in a scorched earth/societal breakdown. The sooner we start, which should have been years ago, the less painful it will be.

I disagree with you both. Lester, do you think the socialists will be more mad about, reforms to social security, medicare/medicaid, or defunding NPR? Nicemac, while I do understand your intent, cutting all the small stuff will in no way fix the situation we are in. The big stuff will not take care of itself. Everything has to be on the table. We will have to eliminate some programs entirely. Planned parenthood and NPR amongst others would be on my list to totally defund. If the people want those programs, then let the private sector fund them.

Dadgummit, you have got me started. I am now shopping for a bag. Question. I was looking at one of the Maxpedition Vulture II bags. Is that a satisfactory bag, or does it need to be larger? Have any recommendations?

To be honest with you, I have no idea what I would do. I hear and read so much from pundits and so-called experts that I have no idea who to believe. In regards to ammo and the ability to defend myself, I am okay in that area. I know a lot of people don't really like for religion to be brought into the discussion, but being a person of faith, that is really the only way I know how to respond to such a scenario. If the world economic system collapses and you have a complete societal breakdown, based on my eschatological view, I know I wouldn't have to endure it very long. The only thing I could do is pray and try to help and protect others during this time of crisis.

When I run, I carry my Five Seven and use a fanny pack. You may look like a dork, but who cares.

So, do you think we will get to the point of 1920's Germany when we are burning our money because it is cheaper than wood?

Put on your reading glasses and reread my post. I think I stated "a lot of this mess was brought on by the government." A lot doesn't mean the same thing as totally. No, I do not thnk the government can get us out of this mess entirely. However, the government can balance their budget for starters. That will fix some things right there. Then the government can get out of the way and not hinder businesses by reducing regulations (you do realize that the EPA is wanting to implement regulations that deal with climate change and carbon emissions - do you know how costly that will be) and lowering the corporate tax rate amongst other things. If the government will create an environment that is conducive for growth, then it becomes the job of the american public and businesses to put us back on a firm footing. I won't debate this issue with you because there is no possible way that I could ever cause you to rethink your position, and vice versa. We are at an impasse, so it would be futile to continue.

I understand all of that. What I don't understand is why some many people, including some on this forum, cannot see it or refuse to see it?

Well, it looks like the WH and the statists are already shifting the blame. They are saying the downgrade was the fault of Bush and the Tea Party. While I am not surprised by this in the least, I am somewhat stunned at how many people actually believe it. Question. Why do you think there are so many people who cannot or will not see that a lot of this mess was brought on by the government? Is it because almost half the population is having their life/livelihood subsidized by the government?

Well.. Your son can play.

I decided to take a drive up to Crossville today. The show wasn't bad. If I had been looking for a Kimber or Case knife, I would have hit pay dirt. Unfortunately, I didn't find anything that interested me. I was still glad I went. I enjoy the drive up 68.

The only place I shoot at now is Shooter's Depot. Due to their fantastic hours, I allowed my other memberships expire.

While I do enjoy reading your posts OhShoot, that was rather depressing. If we set aside the argument for an inevitable population reduction, I would be interested to hear your thoughts on what can be or should be done to help fix this mess we have created.

Have you ever thought about a 2011 (double stack 1911)? I have a 9mm Nighthawk Custom 2011 (built on a STI frame). It is a my favorite gun. They are expensive, but STI makes some great 2011s if you are interested. The tactical version has a rail. STI International - The STI I don't know if it is approved for IDPA. Some of the IDPA guys will know.

Guys, I made mistake. I was preoccupied while thinking about a previous post that as I was skimming through this post and I misread the above passage. The words "you are turning your back on your country" is what really stood out to me. I got pissed and took it personally. While I do not agree with some parts of the arguments being made, I was wrong to take it personally, and I apologize for becoming antagonistic. It was totally my fault. BTW, I don't blame the government solely for this mess. There are a bunch of crooked crony-capitalists that are equally to blame.

That was coherent and I agree for the most part. I understand what you are saying, but Iam still iffy on the protectionism. I will have to think about it more.

You're a funny guy. First off, my background is manufacturing. I work as a chemist, and you ought to see how regulated that industry is. It is becoming more and more regulated every year. It is so bad that I read on Yahoo several months ago about how my job may eventually disappear in this country. Most of it will be overseas. I don't know what you mean by I don't want to take any reponsibility for it. Take responsibility for what?

Those Damascus blades are sweet rob. Very nice.

Ya know, I have no idea what your stance is Dave. One minute you are talking protectionism and the next your are talking competition. Which one is it? You pull one line from a post about americans not caring, but you miss the point of the other line which stated, "you can't put Pandora back in the box." I am confused. In regards to increasing american manufacturing, I long for the day in which we make most of our own goods again. The only way I can ever see that happening is by reducing the size of government, removing the onerous regulations that it has placed on businesses, and lowering the tax rate of businesses (we have the highest in the world). Becoming energy independent would help as well. Essentially, we have to make it more cost competitive for companies to do business here. If this doesn't happen, we will go the way of Europe.

I am turning my back on my country? That is 100% total BS. In a previous post I listed a bunch of things the government could do to fix our economic situation. Sheesh, it is almost like you didn't even read it. If we take a protectionist stance, do you think that the other countries are going to wring their hands and do nothing? No, they will become protectionists as well. In the end, nobody will win. In the end, I think we are wanting the same things. However, we have vastly different approaches in getting there.

Step up to the plate. What do you think needs to be done? Nevermind. You stated it in the post before mine.