It's nice to see an article inspire such lively discussion, though too bad some people are just flipping out and unsubscribing. Nevertheless, the national economy always ties in to our personal economy. I'd like to add a few points.
First, those who equate socialism with a loss of freedom are confusing an economic concept with a political one. It's an easy mistake to make in an environment where socialism is waved around as the boogeyman of totalitarianism. In reality, political and economic systems are mixed in many ways -- totalitarianism and capitalism (parts of China), socialism and democracy (Sweden).
Second, if you really believe in absolute free-market economies, stop using the interstate -- your government built that to facilitate trade. Cancel all your insurance -- that's a pooled fund to manage risk. If socialism is anything other than an absolute free-market economy, then we've been socialist ever since Ben Franklin started the first subscription fire department. So if your house is on fire, put it out yourself.
Third, government regulation and oversight of industry protects the average worker and consumer if implemented correctly. Don't like government interfering with business? Read Upton Sinclair's The Jungle for a lovely picture of how unregulated free markets squeeze every last bit of humanity out of an economy.
Nice photo and good post. I also use the oven trick mentioned above, as well as most of your other tips. No toddlers in my house anymore, but my house faces south so all of those blinds get opened every morning. Makes a big difference. I also use ceiling fans to push back down the warm air and move it around.
The seductive nature of socialism is easy to like. And you make some good points about how this country is already headed in that general direction.
The downside though is a government big enough to give you everything you need or want is also big enough to take away everything you have. When they're paying the bill they get to make the rules. We surrender more and more of our liberty each year in exchange for ever increasing reliance on a hopefully benevolent bureaucracy.
What will we do if we wake up one day and find that we have become de facto slaves of the government?
How in the world is advocating a political position that results in the government taking *more* of your money -- and then selectively returning it to politically-connected interest groups and propping up the power of politicians -- "wise"?
If this reflects the depth of your thinking about saving money, I'll save myself the time.
BTW, your 'point' that "Many of our allies are MUCH more socialist than we are" was good for a laugh. If that fallacy held, then what if someone on the right said "Many countries are much more repressive than we are"? Hey, China blocks websites and jails dissidents... therefore, we should support a Patriot Act on steroids! Did you even stop to think about whether you were making sense when you hit "post"?
Sorry to say I'll join the exodus. Thanks for making it clear that your other advice is probably just as flawed.
Look at our government and honestly tell me that we need more of that... We really suck at most of the social programs that we have. Thinking of having more really terrifies me. Socialism as a concept is not evil, but if improperly implemented it will be a disaster. And I doubt our government can do anything right.
Think of Soviet Union - they wanted to reach true communism by being socialist first. They got stuck at a socialist stage and it was VERY ugly. And I know first-hand of what I am talking about.
Anyway, I hope wisebread will refrain from articles like this in the future. I fought off my instinct to immediately unsubscribe this time, but next time you will definitely loose another reader
The other thing I do, similar to number 8's comment, is that I bake more. Kind of fits in with your crock pot idea, Linsey. Toasty treats and such, and extra heat from the oven. Great tips!
Interesting post. I'm not sure it was the best argument I've heard, but certainly a decent one. Some of the wealthiest and most healthful countries are more socialist in government. Just check UN's best places to live.
We're just really excited at the prospect of an administration willing to take responsibility and throw off the blame, ignorance and cowardice of the last 8 years.
Whether I agree with you or not is not important. The top of the web page outlines what you purport to be
* Personal Finance
* Frugal Living
* Career and Income
* Life Hacks
* Deals and Coupons
I don't see political or economical opinion in there. I come here to get tips and ideas on how to save money. It's absolutely your right to post what you want on your blog, but I just wanted to let you know why I'm unsubscribing. Also, I can't help but notice this article is not linked on your main page. Maybe you're learning a lesson: post what you claim in your outline to post.
Although I can't do it unless my daughter is sequestered in her high chair, when I take dinner out of the oven, I leave the door open for a few minutes to let the heat into the room. It's just wasted if it's left in the oven to cool off, and feels so good rolling out around the kitchen.
The dog is smart enough to stay away. :)
Also, a few years ago we lived in Europe and fell in love with German Hausschuss (sp?) Wool clogs with cork bottoms. They really keep our feet toasty, and can go out to run the garbage out for a second. Since our place is on a concrete slab, floors can be chilly. Plus, they are actually more comfortable than bare feet, once you've broken them in. We even have summer house flip flops to replace them when it's warm.
I would like to share with everybody that the "black tape" trick works on Brother DCP-130C. The ink cartridges used are LC57 type of cartridges. LC57 is for use with the following models: DCP-330C, DCP-350C, DCP-540CN, DCP-560CN, FAX-2480C, MFC-240C, MFC-440CN, MFC-465CN, MFC-665CW, MFC-685CW, MFC-885CW, MFC-3360C, MFC-5460CN, MFC-5860CN.
There are may comments on this list stating that more socialism will lead to less personal freedom or lack of opportunity. How is that true? A more socialist state would provide a higher education for all that desire it. Using Obama as the example, he received his excellent education largely through grants and scholarship. Personally we need more socialism in the form of public health care and higher education. Also more regulation on important social institutions. As to the comment about socialism make a person a slave to the system, I have news... unless you are living an internet-connected shack in the woods, you already are that slave. Now excuse me, but I need to flush another copy of Atlas Shrugged down the toilet and then leave for work. Personal freedom is a great thing.
I got one years ago, and love to throw it at the foot of the bed right before I go to sleep. I'm going to make a few more as Christmas gifts, because warm feet can't be beat!
...and I also hope that all those U.S. citizens who are commenting, for or against this issue, will exercise their civic rights and vote this November.
On a personal level, it's funny to see the title "three reasons to stop freaking out" and then to read several comments where folks appear to be freaking out. Priceless!
Sorry, I have to disagree. Everyone of your "reasons" is a cop-out. Socialism is antagonistic to freedom, period. This country was founded on the basis of freedom and liberty above all else, and socialism is the polar opposite.
Yes, we already "spread the wealth," but that is part of our current problems. We need to get the government less involved than it currently is... not hold the line or grow government.
Socialism is the slavery of the people to the system. And I don't judge myself in relative terms.... I care not about how socialist we are compared to other countries.... I care how socialist we are compared to not being socialist at all.
Ive been playing like all this week with 10 stamps aday and the only thing ive won was a hr of wifi. some one need to address this issue so count me in contact me at my email address
Hot water bottles, with a cutesy cover (some look like stuffed animals, some are knitted, some are fuzzy) filled with not quite boiling water, are amazing when it gets cold outside, but it's not cold enough to justify the heater. They're cuddly, safe for kids (so long as the water isn't boiling), great toe warmers, what have you. A cheap, must have for late-fall/winter!
I bet everybody seems a bit lost because of the worldwide financial crisis. A lot of people are just wondering what will be the impact on their personal finance.
I believe that the Wealth Manager of our website might be of interest to see his own personal finance situation in a graphical form as well as the state of his finances in the future according to investment and spending choices.
I know that poverty is an unbearable situation, to prevent it from growing and to help people to make the right choices concerning their investments we have created a new tool that everybody can use. It is rather easy and entertaining.
I believe that the Wealth Manager of our website might be of interest to see his own personal finance situation in a graphical form as well as the state of his finances in the future according to investment and spending choices.
There was nothing true in anything you wrote though it was well written. Socialism is bad it wont work and it gives even fewer people the real power than have it now. Your naive and live in a dream world people are corrupt and Obama will screw us the first chance he gets just like Mccain. So with that welcome to earth please leave your bullshit elsewhere.
I bet everybody seems a bit lost because of the worldwide financial crisis. A lot of people are just wondering what will be the impact on their personal finance.
I believe that the Wealth Manager of our website might be of interest to see his own personal finance situation in a graphical form as well as the state of his finances in the future according to investment and spending choices.
OOHHHH! Please don't trade your clothesline for your dryer -
visit http://www.laundrylist.org for all the reasons why...
Nuthatch
To whomever posted #51.... Those are not the words of Abraham Lincoln. Those are the words of William J. H. Boetcker, a Presbyterian minister.
It's nice to see an article inspire such lively discussion, though too bad some people are just flipping out and unsubscribing. Nevertheless, the national economy always ties in to our personal economy. I'd like to add a few points.
First, those who equate socialism with a loss of freedom are confusing an economic concept with a political one. It's an easy mistake to make in an environment where socialism is waved around as the boogeyman of totalitarianism. In reality, political and economic systems are mixed in many ways -- totalitarianism and capitalism (parts of China), socialism and democracy (Sweden).
Second, if you really believe in absolute free-market economies, stop using the interstate -- your government built that to facilitate trade. Cancel all your insurance -- that's a pooled fund to manage risk. If socialism is anything other than an absolute free-market economy, then we've been socialist ever since Ben Franklin started the first subscription fire department. So if your house is on fire, put it out yourself.
Third, government regulation and oversight of industry protects the average worker and consumer if implemented correctly. Don't like government interfering with business? Read Upton Sinclair's The Jungle for a lovely picture of how unregulated free markets squeeze every last bit of humanity out of an economy.
Nice photo and good post. I also use the oven trick mentioned above, as well as most of your other tips. No toddlers in my house anymore, but my house faces south so all of those blinds get opened every morning. Makes a big difference. I also use ceiling fans to push back down the warm air and move it around.
The seductive nature of socialism is easy to like. And you make some good points about how this country is already headed in that general direction.
The downside though is a government big enough to give you everything you need or want is also big enough to take away everything you have. When they're paying the bill they get to make the rules. We surrender more and more of our liberty each year in exchange for ever increasing reliance on a hopefully benevolent bureaucracy.
What will we do if we wake up one day and find that we have become de facto slaves of the government?
How in the world is advocating a political position that results in the government taking *more* of your money -- and then selectively returning it to politically-connected interest groups and propping up the power of politicians -- "wise"?
If this reflects the depth of your thinking about saving money, I'll save myself the time.
BTW, your 'point' that "Many of our allies are MUCH more socialist than we are" was good for a laugh. If that fallacy held, then what if someone on the right said "Many countries are much more repressive than we are"? Hey, China blocks websites and jails dissidents... therefore, we should support a Patriot Act on steroids! Did you even stop to think about whether you were making sense when you hit "post"?
Sorry to say I'll join the exodus. Thanks for making it clear that your other advice is probably just as flawed.
Look at our government and honestly tell me that we need more of that... We really suck at most of the social programs that we have. Thinking of having more really terrifies me. Socialism as a concept is not evil, but if improperly implemented it will be a disaster. And I doubt our government can do anything right.
Think of Soviet Union - they wanted to reach true communism by being socialist first. They got stuck at a socialist stage and it was VERY ugly. And I know first-hand of what I am talking about.
Anyway, I hope wisebread will refrain from articles like this in the future. I fought off my instinct to immediately unsubscribe this time, but next time you will definitely loose another reader
Nice post, Paul. I'm thinking these would be nifty for student film projects as well.
The other thing I do, similar to number 8's comment, is that I bake more. Kind of fits in with your crock pot idea, Linsey. Toasty treats and such, and extra heat from the oven. Great tips!
Interesting post. I'm not sure it was the best argument I've heard, but certainly a decent one. Some of the wealthiest and most healthful countries are more socialist in government. Just check UN's best places to live.
We're just really excited at the prospect of an administration willing to take responsibility and throw off the blame, ignorance and cowardice of the last 8 years.
Speaking of cowardice... How about a name, Guest?
If Obama wins, I'm going to quit working and let the rest of you all support me.
http://www.americanthinker.com/2008/10/the_repugnance_of_socialism.html
Whether I agree with you or not is not important. The top of the web page outlines what you purport to be
* Personal Finance
* Frugal Living
* Career and Income
* Life Hacks
* Deals and Coupons
I don't see political or economical opinion in there. I come here to get tips and ideas on how to save money. It's absolutely your right to post what you want on your blog, but I just wanted to let you know why I'm unsubscribing. Also, I can't help but notice this article is not linked on your main page. Maybe you're learning a lesson: post what you claim in your outline to post.
Although I can't do it unless my daughter is sequestered in her high chair, when I take dinner out of the oven, I leave the door open for a few minutes to let the heat into the room. It's just wasted if it's left in the oven to cool off, and feels so good rolling out around the kitchen.
The dog is smart enough to stay away. :)
Also, a few years ago we lived in Europe and fell in love with German Hausschuss (sp?) Wool clogs with cork bottoms. They really keep our feet toasty, and can go out to run the garbage out for a second. Since our place is on a concrete slab, floors can be chilly. Plus, they are actually more comfortable than bare feet, once you've broken them in. We even have summer house flip flops to replace them when it's warm.
I would like to share with everybody that the "black tape" trick works on Brother DCP-130C. The ink cartridges used are LC57 type of cartridges. LC57 is for use with the following models: DCP-330C, DCP-350C, DCP-540CN, DCP-560CN, FAX-2480C, MFC-240C, MFC-440CN, MFC-465CN, MFC-665CW, MFC-685CW, MFC-885CW, MFC-3360C, MFC-5460CN, MFC-5860CN.
There are may comments on this list stating that more socialism will lead to less personal freedom or lack of opportunity. How is that true? A more socialist state would provide a higher education for all that desire it. Using Obama as the example, he received his excellent education largely through grants and scholarship. Personally we need more socialism in the form of public health care and higher education. Also more regulation on important social institutions. As to the comment about socialism make a person a slave to the system, I have news... unless you are living an internet-connected shack in the woods, you already are that slave. Now excuse me, but I need to flush another copy of Atlas Shrugged down the toilet and then leave for work. Personal freedom is a great thing.
I got one years ago, and love to throw it at the foot of the bed right before I go to sleep. I'm going to make a few more as Christmas gifts, because warm feet can't be beat!
...and I also hope that all those U.S. citizens who are commenting, for or against this issue, will exercise their civic rights and vote this November.
On a personal level, it's funny to see the title "three reasons to stop freaking out" and then to read several comments where folks appear to be freaking out. Priceless!
Sorry, I have to disagree. Everyone of your "reasons" is a cop-out. Socialism is antagonistic to freedom, period. This country was founded on the basis of freedom and liberty above all else, and socialism is the polar opposite.
Yes, we already "spread the wealth," but that is part of our current problems. We need to get the government less involved than it currently is... not hold the line or grow government.
Socialism is the slavery of the people to the system. And I don't judge myself in relative terms.... I care not about how socialist we are compared to other countries.... I care how socialist we are compared to not being socialist at all.
This post was not very wise.
Ive been playing like all this week with 10 stamps aday and the only thing ive won was a hr of wifi. some one need to address this issue so count me in contact me at my email address
Hot water bottles, with a cutesy cover (some look like stuffed animals, some are knitted, some are fuzzy) filled with not quite boiling water, are amazing when it gets cold outside, but it's not cold enough to justify the heater. They're cuddly, safe for kids (so long as the water isn't boiling), great toe warmers, what have you. A cheap, must have for late-fall/winter!
I bet everybody seems a bit lost because of the worldwide financial crisis. A lot of people are just wondering what will be the impact on their personal finance.
I believe that the Wealth Manager of our website might be of interest to see his own personal finance situation in a graphical form as well as the state of his finances in the future according to investment and spending choices.
You can find the tool on www.prosperitypersonal.com under the “Wealth Manager” section (http://www.prosperitypersonal.com/WealthManager.html)
I know that poverty is an unbearable situation, to prevent it from growing and to help people to make the right choices concerning their investments we have created a new tool that everybody can use. It is rather easy and entertaining.
I believe that the Wealth Manager of our website might be of interest to see his own personal finance situation in a graphical form as well as the state of his finances in the future according to investment and spending choices.
You can find the tool on www.prosperitypersonal.com under the “Wealth Manager” section (http://www.prosperitypersonal.com/WealthManager.html)
+1 billion so either you are wrong or he is a blatant liar either way your wrong.
There was nothing true in anything you wrote though it was well written. Socialism is bad it wont work and it gives even fewer people the real power than have it now. Your naive and live in a dream world people are corrupt and Obama will screw us the first chance he gets just like Mccain. So with that welcome to earth please leave your bullshit elsewhere.
I bet everybody seems a bit lost because of the worldwide financial crisis. A lot of people are just wondering what will be the impact on their personal finance.
I believe that the Wealth Manager of our website might be of interest to see his own personal finance situation in a graphical form as well as the state of his finances in the future according to investment and spending choices.
You can find the tool on www.prosperitypersonal.com under the “Wealth Manager” section (http://www.prosperitypersonal.com/WealthManager.html)