Vladimir Putin is right (1 Viewer)

[timschochet]

From this morning's Orange County Register

Speaking at the Davos world economic conference in Switzerland last month, Putin warned the U.S. against "excessive intervention in economic activity and blind faith in the state's omnipotence." He noted that "In the 20th century, the Soviet Union made the state's role absolute. In the long run, this made the Soviet economy totally uncompetitive. This lesson cost us dearly. I am sure nobody wants to see it repeated."

After watching the U.S. government bail out private companies, Putin said we should not "turn a blind eye to the fact that the spirit of free enterprise, including the principle of personal responsibility of businesspeople, investors and shareholders for their decisions, is being eroded in the last few months. There is no reason to believe that we can achieve better results by shifting responsibility onto the state. … n the longer run, this won't solve the problem but will rather quell it temporarily. What it will do is squeeze huge financial and other resources from the economy instead of finding better and wiser uses for them."

It is shocking to me that this man, who is both a murderer and a dictator, could know more about this subject than our own President. And yet this is the case. We need to listen to Mr. Putin.

 

[Sea Bass]

From this morning's Orange County Register

Speaking at the Davos world economic conference in Switzerland last month, Putin warned the U.S. against "excessive intervention in economic activity and blind faith in the state's omnipotence." He noted that "In the 20th century, the Soviet Union made the state's role absolute. In the long run, this made the Soviet economy totally uncompetitive. This lesson cost us dearly. I am sure nobody wants to see it repeated."

After watching the U.S. government bail out private companies, Putin said we should not "turn a blind eye to the fact that the spirit of free enterprise, including the principle of personal responsibility of businesspeople, investors and shareholders for their decisions, is being eroded in the last few months. There is no reason to believe that we can achieve better results by shifting responsibility onto the state. … n the longer run, this won't solve the problem but will rather quell it temporarily. What it will do is squeeze huge financial and other resources from the economy instead of finding better and wiser uses for them."

It is shocking to me that this man, who is both a murderer and a dictator, could know more about this subject than our own President. And yet this is the case. We need to listen to Mr. Putin.

Or you could go and live in Mr. Putin's if you feel that strongly towards him.

 

[Giantseasonticketholder]

From this morning's Orange County Register

Speaking at the Davos world economic conference in Switzerland last month, Putin warned the U.S. against "excessive intervention in economic activity and blind faith in the state's omnipotence." He noted that "In the 20th century, the Soviet Union made the state's role absolute. In the long run, this made the Soviet economy totally uncompetitive. This lesson cost us dearly. I am sure nobody wants to see it repeated."

After watching the U.S. government bail out private companies, Putin said we should not "turn a blind eye to the fact that the spirit of free enterprise, including the principle of personal responsibility of businesspeople, investors and shareholders for their decisions, is being eroded in the last few months. There is no reason to believe that we can achieve better results by shifting responsibility onto the state. … n the longer run, this won't solve the problem but will rather quell it temporarily. What it will do is squeeze huge financial and other resources from the economy instead of finding better and wiser uses for them."

It is shocking to me that this man, who is both a murderer and a dictator, could know more about this subject than our own President. And yet this is the case. We need to listen to Mr. Putin.

Putin is clearly not a Socialist.

 

[timschochet]

Or you could go and live in Mr. Putin's if you feel that strongly towards him.

Love it or leave it? Constructive criticism is worthy of consideration, no matter what source it derives from, don't you agree?

 

[mex]

*talking*

Oh my god

Becky, look at her butt

Its so big

She looks like one of those rap guys girlfriends

Who understands those rap guys

They only talk to her because she looks like a total prostitute

I mean her butt

It's just so big

I can't believe it's so round

It's just out there

I mean, it's gross

Look, she's just so black

*rap*

I like big butts and I can not lie

You other brothers can't deny

That when a girl walks in with an itty bitty waist

And a round thing in your face

You get sprung

Wanna pull up tough

Cuz you notice that butt was stuffed

Deep in the jeans she's wearing

I'm hooked and I can't stop staring

Oh, baby I wanna get with ya

And take your picture

My homeboys tried to warn me

But that butt you got

Make Me so horney

Ooh, rump of smooth skin

You say you wanna get in my benz

Well use me use me cuz you aint that average groupy

I've seen them dancin'

To hell with romancin'

She's Sweat,Wet, got it goin like a turbo vette

I'm tired of magazines

Saying flat butts are the thing

Take the average black man and ask him that

She gotta pack much back

So Fellas (yeah) Fellas(yeah)

Has your girlfriend got the butt (hell yeah)

Well shake it, shake it, shake it, shake it, shake that healthy butt

Baby got back

(LA face with Oakland booty)

I like'em round and big

And when I'm throwin a gig

I just can't help myself

I'm actin like an animal

Now here's my scandal

I wanna get you home

And UH, double up UH UH

I aint talkin bout playboy

Cuz silicone parts were made for toys

I wannem real thick and juicy

So find that juicy double

Mixalot's in trouble

Beggin for a piece of that bubble

So I'm lookin' at rock videos

Knockin these bimbos walkin like hoes

You can have them bimbos

I'll keep my women like Flo Jo

A word to the thick soul sistas

I wanna get with ya

I won't cus or hit ya

But I gotta be straight when I say I wanna --

Til the break of dawn

Baby Got it goin on

Alot of pimps won't like this song

Cuz them punks lie to hit it and quit it

But I'd rather stay and play

Cuz I'm long and I'm strong

And I'm down to get the friction on

So ladies (yeah), Ladies (yeah)

Do you wanna roll in my Mercedes (yeah)

Then turn around

Stick it out

Even white boys got to shout

Baby got back

(LA face with the Oakland booty)

Yeah baby

When it comes to females

Cosmo ain't got nothin to do with my selection

36-24-36

Only if she's 5'3"

So your girlfriend throws a Honda

Playin workout tapes by Fonda

But Fonda ain't got a motor in the back of her Honda

My anaconda don't want none unless you've got buns hun

You can do side bends or sit-ups, but please don't lose that butt

Some brothers wanna play that hard role

And tell you that the butt ain't gold

So they toss it and leave it

And I pull up quick to retrieve it

So cosmo says you're fat

Well I ain't down with that

Cuz your waste is small and your curves are kickin

And I'm thinkin bout stickin

To the beanpole dames in the magazines

You aint it miss thing

Give me a sista I can't resist her

Red beans and rice did miss her

Some knucklehead tried to dis

Cuz his girls were on my list

He had game but he chose to hit 'em

And pulled up quick to get with 'em

So ladies if the butt is round

And you wanna triple X throw down

Dial 1-900-MIXALOT and kick them nasty thoughts

Baby got back

Baby got back

Little in tha middle but she got much back x4

 

[bueno]

It is amazing that Putin is more of a capitalist than our own President is.

 

[SHIZNITTTT]

Gonna start getting recipes up this piece pretty soon Timmy.

 

[timschochet]

I actually kind of like that song, cheesy as it is. But if you really don't think this subject is worthy of discussion, why bother opening the thread? This is not a Jim11 thread. I'm not lying about Obama, or accusing him of anything. I'm just astonished that Vladimir Putin in a few short sentences seems to have a better idea about what makes an economy thrive and what doesn't. Perhaps it's from bitter experience?

 

[timschochet]

Actually, I was not opposed to the bailout, just to some of the specifics. And I like the fact that, at least so far, Obama seems to be resisting the most strident calls from his own party towards protectionism. His three main economic advisors are all pro-free trade, which is a good sign.

But I don't like Obama's rhetoric so far as President. He gives lip service to the free market, but he's rarely specific. I really wish his rhetoric sounded more like Putin here.

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

I'm too cynical by nature to believe Putin said this without some kind of weird Machiavellian motive.

 

[timschochet]

I'm too cynical by nature to believe Putin said this without some kind of weird Machiavellian motive.

Could be. So what, though? He's right, isn't he?

 

[bueno]

Well if we're going to get lyrical:

We'll be fighting in the streets

With our children at our feet

And the morals that they worship will be gone

And the men who spurred us on

Sit in judgement of all wrong

They decide and the shotgun sings the song

I'll tip my hat to the new constitution

Take a bow for the new revolution

Smile and grin at the change all around

Pick up my guitar and play

Just like yesterday

Then I'll get on my knees and pray

We don't get fooled again

The change, it had to come

We knew it all along

We were liberated from the fold, that's all

And the world looks just the same

And history ain't changed

'Cause the banners, they are flown in the last war

I'll tip my hat to the new constitution

Take a bow for the new revolution

Smile and grin at the change all around

Pick up my guitar and play

Just like yesterday

Then I'll get on my knees and pray

We don't get fooled again

No, no!

I'll move myself and my family aside

If we happen to be left half alive

I'll get all my papers and smile at the sky

Though I know that the hypnotized never lie

Do ya?

There's nothing in the streets

Looks any different to me

And the slogans are replaced, by-the-bye

And the parting on the left

is now parting on the right

And the beards have no grown longer overnight

I'll tip my hat to the new constitution

Take a bow for the new revolution

Smile and grin at the change all around

Pick up my guitar and play

Just like yesterday

Then I'll get on my knees and pray

We don't get fooled again

Don't get fooled again

No, no!

Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

Meet the new boss

Same as the old boss

 

[flysack]

From this morning's Orange County Register

Speaking at the Davos world economic conference in Switzerland last month, Putin warned the U.S. against "excessive intervention in economic activity and blind faith in the state's omnipotence." He noted that "In the 20th century, the Soviet Union made the state's role absolute. In the long run, this made the Soviet economy totally uncompetitive. This lesson cost us dearly. I am sure nobody wants to see it repeated."

After watching the U.S. government bail out private companies, Putin said we should not "turn a blind eye to the fact that the spirit of free enterprise, including the principle of personal responsibility of businesspeople, investors and shareholders for their decisions, is being eroded in the last few months. There is no reason to believe that we can achieve better results by shifting responsibility onto the state. … n the longer run, this won't solve the problem but will rather quell it temporarily. What it will do is squeeze huge financial and other resources from the economy instead of finding better and wiser uses for them."

It is shocking to me that this man, who is both a murderer and a dictator, could know more about this subject than our own President. And yet this is the case. We need to listen to Mr. Putin.

Mobsters always speak highly of unfettered capitalism.

 

[Brutis]

From this morning's Orange County Register

Speaking at the Davos world economic conference in Switzerland last month, Putin warned the U.S. against "excessive intervention in economic activity and blind faith in the state's omnipotence." He noted that "In the 20th century, the Soviet Union made the state's role absolute. In the long run, this made the Soviet economy totally uncompetitive. This lesson cost us dearly. I am sure nobody wants to see it repeated."

After watching the U.S. government bail out private companies, Putin said we should not "turn a blind eye to the fact that the spirit of free enterprise, including the principle of personal responsibility of businesspeople, investors and shareholders for their decisions, is being eroded in the last few months. There is no reason to believe that we can achieve better results by shifting responsibility onto the state. … n the longer run, this won't solve the problem but will rather quell it temporarily. What it will do is squeeze huge financial and other resources from the economy instead of finding better and wiser uses for them."

It is shocking to me that this man, who is both a murderer and a dictator, could know more about this subject than our own President. And yet this is the case. We need to listen to Mr. Putin.

Obama cant be wrong on any issue, dont you know he's the "chosen one" :(

 

[bueno]

From this morning's Orange County Register

Speaking at the Davos world economic conference in Switzerland last month, Putin warned the U.S. against "excessive intervention in economic activity and blind faith in the state's omnipotence." He noted that "In the 20th century, the Soviet Union made the state's role absolute. In the long run, this made the Soviet economy totally uncompetitive. This lesson cost us dearly. I am sure nobody wants to see it repeated."

After watching the U.S. government bail out private companies, Putin said we should not "turn a blind eye to the fact that the spirit of free enterprise, including the principle of personal responsibility of businesspeople, investors and shareholders for their decisions, is being eroded in the last few months. There is no reason to believe that we can achieve better results by shifting responsibility onto the state. … n the longer run, this won't solve the problem but will rather quell it temporarily. What it will do is squeeze huge financial and other resources from the economy instead of finding better and wiser uses for them."

It is shocking to me that this man, who is both a murderer and a dictator, could know more about this subject than our own President. And yet this is the case. We need to listen to Mr. Putin.

Obama cant be wrong on any issue, dont you know he's the "chosen one" :(

He's going to bring balance to the force? Is this how freedom dies? To thunderous applause?

 

[BoneYardDog]

Gee let me guess before reading the thread; Adonis, Ron Mexico, fatlittlegayguy, the Finatic et al will attack the messenger and ignore the message as required by the Obama script...

When you have no defense, always go on the offence, even if it is irrelevant to the subject matter...

Edited to add: Excuse me I forgot one of the most important other options, if there is no defense, ignore the thread to get it off the main page...

 

[bueno]

Gee let me guess before reading the thread; Adonis, Ron Mexico, fatlittlegayguy, the Finatic et al will attack the messenger and ignore the message as required by the Obama script...When you have no defense, always go on the offence, even if it is irrelevant to the subject matter...Edited to add: Excuse me I forgot one of the most important other options, if there is no defense, ignore the thread to get it off the main page...

Patience grasshopper. Those guys haven't shown up yet.

 

[Warehouse Nasty]

Actually, I was not opposed to the bailout, just to some of the specifics. And I like the fact that, at least so far, Obama seems to be resisting the most strident calls from his own party towards protectionism. His three main economic advisors are all pro-free trade, which is a good sign.But I don't like Obama's rhetoric so far as President. He gives lip service to the free market, but he's rarely specific. I really wish his rhetoric sounded more like Putin here.

So you're both for and against his economic policies at the same time? Shocking!

 

[timschochet]

Actually, I was not opposed to the bailout, just to some of the specifics. And I like the fact that, at least so far, Obama seems to be resisting the most strident calls from his own party towards protectionism. His three main economic advisors are all pro-free trade, which is a good sign.But I don't like Obama's rhetoric so far as President. He gives lip service to the free market, but he's rarely specific. I really wish his rhetoric sounded more like Putin here.

So you're both for and against his economic policies at the same time? Shocking!

Winston Churchill said that consistency is the sign of a simplistic mind. There are aspects of his policies that I like, and there are more that I dislike. Being opposed to everything Obama does is just as foolish as being defensive of everything he does. Either position seems irrational to me.

 

[Mr. Know-It-All]

The other day I was reflecting on the end of the Cold War, whenthe Soviet economy collapsed. I now see our economy on the brink of collapse, all it needs is a little push say from Russia increasing defense spending - or maybe just a good old dose of haphazard "stimulus" spending to get the country back on track.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

From this morning's Orange County Register

Speaking at the Davos world economic conference in Switzerland last month, Putin warned the U.S. against "excessive intervention in economic activity and blind faith in the state's omnipotence." He noted that "In the 20th century, the Soviet Union made the state's role absolute. In the long run, this made the Soviet economy totally uncompetitive. This lesson cost us dearly. I am sure nobody wants to see it repeated."

After watching the U.S. government bail out private companies, Putin said we should not "turn a blind eye to the fact that the spirit of free enterprise, including the principle of personal responsibility of businesspeople, investors and shareholders for their decisions, is being eroded in the last few months. There is no reason to believe that we can achieve better results by shifting responsibility onto the state. … n the longer run, this won't solve the problem but will rather quell it temporarily. What it will do is squeeze huge financial and other resources from the economy instead of finding better and wiser uses for them."

It is shocking to me that this man, who is both a murderer and a dictator, could know more about this subject than our own President. And yet this is the case. We need to listen to Mr. Putin.

and you're just willing to take Putin's word for this? really? go visit Russia. then come back and tell me which country is closer to being a free market.

 

[timschochet]

From this morning's Orange County Register

Speaking at the Davos world economic conference in Switzerland last month, Putin warned the U.S. against "excessive intervention in economic activity and blind faith in the state's omnipotence." He noted that "In the 20th century, the Soviet Union made the state's role absolute. In the long run, this made the Soviet economy totally uncompetitive. This lesson cost us dearly. I am sure nobody wants to see it repeated."

After watching the U.S. government bail out private companies, Putin said we should not "turn a blind eye to the fact that the spirit of free enterprise, including the principle of personal responsibility of businesspeople, investors and shareholders for their decisions, is being eroded in the last few months. There is no reason to believe that we can achieve better results by shifting responsibility onto the state. … n the longer run, this won't solve the problem but will rather quell it temporarily. What it will do is squeeze huge financial and other resources from the economy instead of finding better and wiser uses for them."

It is shocking to me that this man, who is both a murderer and a dictator, could know more about this subject than our own President. And yet this is the case. We need to listen to Mr. Putin.

and you're just willing to take Putin's word for this? really? go visit Russia. then come back and tell me which country is closer to being a free market.

Am I willing to take Putin's word about what? Did he say that conditions in Russia were better than the US? If he had, I would have considered that absurd. But that's not what he said. He's not making any comparison. Why don't you read again what he says here, and then if you disagree with it, please explain why?

 

[Otis]

Some posters around here are so boring it's painful.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

From this morning's Orange County Register

Speaking at the Davos world economic conference in Switzerland last month, Putin warned the U.S. against "excessive intervention in economic activity and blind faith in the state's omnipotence." He noted that "In the 20th century, the Soviet Union made the state's role absolute. In the long run, this made the Soviet economy totally uncompetitive. This lesson cost us dearly. I am sure nobody wants to see it repeated."

After watching the U.S. government bail out private companies, Putin said we should not "turn a blind eye to the fact that the spirit of free enterprise, including the principle of personal responsibility of businesspeople, investors and shareholders for their decisions, is being eroded in the last few months. There is no reason to believe that we can achieve better results by shifting responsibility onto the state. … n the longer run, this won't solve the problem but will rather quell it temporarily. What it will do is squeeze huge financial and other resources from the economy instead of finding better and wiser uses for them."

It is shocking to me that this man, who is both a murderer and a dictator, could know more about this subject than our own President. And yet this is the case. We need to listen to Mr. Putin.

and you're just willing to take Putin's word for this? really? go visit Russia. then come back and tell me which country is closer to being a free market.

Am I willing to take Putin's word about what? Did he say that conditions in Russia were better than the US? If he had, I would have considered that absurd. But that's not what he said. He's not making any comparison. Why don't you read again what he says here, and then if you disagree with it, please explain why?

What you write makes no sense. You claim, in your original post, that Putin knows more about this subject than Obama. But, and please try to stick with me tim, if you look at Putin's actions (basically nationalizing the ENTIRE Russian economy or handing it over to his buddies from the KGB) what he has done to Russia is FAR worse. So I don't give two ****s about what Putin SAYS, I care more about what he DOES.

 

[Super King]

*cough* Yukos *cough*

 

[Woozy Foozy]

Putin is clearly not a Socialist.

Putin: Socialism? Been there, done that.

 

[NCCommish]

Just so I have this straight. The guy who leads the worlds biggest kleptocracy and has no problem de facto taking over companies if their leadership opposes him is who we turn to for advice on free markets? And there are so called conservatives that back him?



You guys are ####### insane.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

Just so I have this straight. The guy who leads the worlds biggest kleptocracy and has no problem de facto taking over companies if their leadership opposes him is who we turn to for advice on free markets? And there are so called conservatives that back him? You guys are ####### insane.

Exactly.

 

[NCCommish]

Just so I have this straight. The guy who leads the worlds biggest kleptocracy and has no problem de facto taking over companies if their leadership opposes him is who we turn to for advice on free markets? And there are so called conservatives that back him? You guys are ####### insane.

Exactly.

We are through the looking glass here.

 

[flysack]

Just so I have this straight. The guy who leads the worlds biggest kleptocracy and has no problem de facto taking over companies if their leadership opposes him is who we turn to for advice on free markets?

 

[Ron_Mexico]

From this morning's Orange County Register

Speaking at the Davos world economic conference in Switzerland last month, Putin warned the U.S. against "excessive intervention in economic activity and blind faith in the state's omnipotence." He noted that "In the 20th century, the Soviet Union made the state's role absolute. In the long run, this made the Soviet economy totally uncompetitive. This lesson cost us dearly. I am sure nobody wants to see it repeated."

After watching the U.S. government bail out private companies, Putin said we should not "turn a blind eye to the fact that the spirit of free enterprise, including the principle of personal responsibility of businesspeople, investors and shareholders for their decisions, is being eroded in the last few months. There is no reason to believe that we can achieve better results by shifting responsibility onto the state. … n the longer run, this won't solve the problem but will rather quell it temporarily. What it will do is squeeze huge financial and other resources from the economy instead of finding better and wiser uses for them."

It is shocking to me that this man, who is both a murderer and a dictator, could know more about this subject than our own President. And yet this is the case. We need to listen to Mr. Putin.

I didn't realize that our government has absolute power over business.

Come on man, this is borderline ridiculous.

 

[Woozy Foozy]

Just so I have this straight. The guy who leads the worlds biggest kleptocracy and has no problem de facto taking over companies if their leadership opposes him is who we turn to for advice on free markets?

I don't think anyone asked him. Putin's just miffed that, given the chance, Castro would rather kiss Obama's feet than his.

 

[NCCommish]

From this morning's Orange County Register

Speaking at the Davos world economic conference in Switzerland last month, Putin warned the U.S. against "excessive intervention in economic activity and blind faith in the state's omnipotence." He noted that "In the 20th century, the Soviet Union made the state's role absolute. In the long run, this made the Soviet economy totally uncompetitive. This lesson cost us dearly. I am sure nobody wants to see it repeated."

After watching the U.S. government bail out private companies, Putin said we should not "turn a blind eye to the fact that the spirit of free enterprise, including the principle of personal responsibility of businesspeople, investors and shareholders for their decisions, is being eroded in the last few months. There is no reason to believe that we can achieve better results by shifting responsibility onto the state. … n the longer run, this won't solve the problem but will rather quell it temporarily. What it will do is squeeze huge financial and other resources from the economy instead of finding better and wiser uses for them."

It is shocking to me that this man, who is both a murderer and a dictator, could know more about this subject than our own President. And yet this is the case. We need to listen to Mr. Putin.

I didn't realize that our government has absolute power over business.

Come on man, this is borderline ridiculous.

Borderline seems overly generous.

 

[Woozy Foozy]

From this morning's Orange County Register

Speaking at the Davos world economic conference in Switzerland last month, Putin warned the U.S. against "excessive intervention in economic activity and blind faith in the state's omnipotence." He noted that "In the 20th century, the Soviet Union made the state's role absolute. In the long run, this made the Soviet economy totally uncompetitive. This lesson cost us dearly. I am sure nobody wants to see it repeated."

After watching the U.S. government bail out private companies, Putin said we should not "turn a blind eye to the fact that the spirit of free enterprise, including the principle of personal responsibility of businesspeople, investors and shareholders for their decisions, is being eroded in the last few months. There is no reason to believe that we can achieve better results by shifting responsibility onto the state. … n the longer run, this won't solve the problem but will rather quell it temporarily. What it will do is squeeze huge financial and other resources from the economy instead of finding better and wiser uses for them."

It is shocking to me that this man, who is both a murderer and a dictator, could know more about this subject than our own President. And yet this is the case. We need to listen to Mr. Putin.

I didn't realize that our government has absolute power over business.

Come on man, this is borderline ridiculous.

You do realize that Obama is our new king?

 

[NCCommish]

Just so I have this straight. The guy who leads the worlds biggest kleptocracy and has no problem de facto taking over companies if their leadership opposes him is who we turn to for advice on free markets?

I don't think anyone asked him.

Why the selective edit? How can any serious person much less any serious conservative sit here and laud anything that Putin says? Especially when it is in direct contrast to what Putin does?

 

[Woozy Foozy]

I more or less agree with what Putin said. (Even if he doesn't walk the walk.)Think if we put $700 Billion into investment in new businesses $1M at a time... That's 7,000 new start-ups. The innovation and growth could be tremendous and would be driven by individual ambition. Funneling that money instead through the state does not have necessarily pay competitive dividends. In fact, it tends to have quite the opposite effect.

Putin's words carry some weight. He's the richest man in Europe.

 

[NCCommish]

I would like to thank all the conservatives, Timmy and OW for the laughs today. Putin?

The fact that you are all holding up as an example this hypocritical, totalitarian as someone we should listen to should give you pause. But it won't because you all have your axes to grind here. Me I am going to go enjoy the early spring like weather with my wife and forget all about the silliness passing as rational thought in this thread. Enjoy all, see you tomorrow.

 

[flysack]

Just so I have this straight. The guy who leads the worlds biggest kleptocracy and has no problem de facto taking over companies if their leadership opposes him is who we turn to for advice on free markets?

I don't think anyone asked him.

Why the selective edit? How can any serious person much less any serious conservative sit here and laud anything that Putin says? Especially when it is in direct contrast to what Putin does?

Oh I'm laughing with you. I think it's ridiculous. I just cut the quote because I was laughing at the part I saved. Calm down, tiger.

 

[Woozy Foozy]

Just so I have this straight. The guy who leads the worlds biggest kleptocracy and has no problem de facto taking over companies if their leadership opposes him is who we turn to for advice on free markets?

I don't think anyone asked him.

Why the selective edit? How can any serious person much less any serious conservative sit here and laud anything that Putin says? Especially when it is in direct contrast to what Putin does?

See my post above. The same reason people ask Warren Buffet for advice.Hold on, Obama's texting me again...

 

[Ozymandias]

It is amazing that Putin is more of a capitalist than our own President is.

I don't have much admiration for Putin. But he does have experience with a failed state. Which is something that most of our academic world has long been unable to recognize; they just think that Communism was a little unlucky. And Obama is a creature of our academic world.

 

[flysack]

It is amazing that Putin is more of a capitalist than our own President is.

I don't have much admiration for Putin. But he does have experience with a failed state. Which is something that most of our academic world has long been unable to recognize; they just think that Communism was a little unlucky. And Obama is a creature of our academic world.

I don't know what academic world you're referring to, but the one I've been involved in thinks the Soviets failed because of two things -1. Inability to match capitalism's economic output in an arms race2. The lure of totalitarianism. If you follow American Neo-Socialist criticism, they believe that socialism's focus on the economic (at the expense of the cultural, racial, etc.) is what doomed Communism in both Russia and Maoist China. They call for a more horizontal way of looking at things, rather than a hierarchical (i.e. economy first, then all other considerations).

 

[Ozymandias]

It is amazing that Putin is more of a capitalist than our own President is.

I don't have much admiration for Putin. But he does have experience with a failed state. Which is something that most of our academic world has long been unable to recognize; they just think that Communism was a little unlucky. And Obama is a creature of our academic world.

I don't know what academic world you're referring to, but the one I've been involved in thinks the Soviets failed because of two things -1. Inability to match capitalism's economic output in an arms race2. The lure of totalitarianism. If you follow American Neo-Socialist criticism, they believe that socialism's focus on the economic (at the expense of the cultural, racial, etc.) is what doomed Communism in both Russia and Maoist China. They call for a more horizontal way of looking at things, rather than a hierarchical (i.e. economy first, then all other considerations).

Like I said, they got a little unlucky. Reagan suckered them into an arms race, and they got Stalin and Mao, instead of a true revolutionary like Pol Pot.(that last was sarcasm, just in case you needed it spelled out).

 

[Death Bytes]

You do realize that Obama is our new king?

He's our Emperor, not our King. A king presides over a kingdom. An Emperor presides over an empire.This is what Obama did in his first 6 weeks in office:"In order to ensure the security and continuing stability of our economy, our country's financial institutions will be reorganized into a socialistic empire, for a safe and secure society."

 

[timschochet]

Well, I'm glad that NC and the other Obama lovers got their chuckles out of deliberately misrepresenting the point of this thread. In the OP, I noted that Mr. Putin was a murderer and a dictator. I did not say that Russia was better off than we are. I did not suggest anywhere that we follow either Russia's example or Mr. Putin's example. I merely pointed out that the words quoted by Putin in this article:

Excessive intervention in economic activity and blind faith in the state's omnipotence.In the 20th century, the Soviet Union made the state's role absolute. In the long run, this made the Soviet economy totally uncompetitive. This lesson cost us dearly. I am sure nobody wants to see it repeated.

We should not "turn a blind eye to the fact that the spirit of free enterprise, including the principle of personal responsibility of businesspeople, investors and shareholders for their decisions, is being eroded in the last few months. There is no reason to believe that we can achieve better results by shifting responsibility onto the state. … n the longer run, this won't solve the problem but will rather quell it temporarily. What it will do is squeeze huge financial and other resources from the economy instead of finding better and wiser uses for them.

These words happen to be TRUE. It's astonishing to me that a man like Putin would say them, and our own President does not. That's what I wrote earlier.

In all of the ridicule that NC and everyone else gave me towards bringing up Putin, not once do they attempt to refute any of the points being made here.

 

[Super King]

Man, I wish we we're sitting on the world's largest oil and natural gas reserves, and also had ~$500 billion in cash reserves. That'd make me a smug lil' ******* too.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

Well, I'm glad that NC and the other Obama lovers got their chuckles out of deliberately misrepresenting the point of this thread. In the OP, I noted that Mr. Putin was a murderer and a dictator. I did not say that Russia was better off than we are. I did not suggest anywhere that we follow either Russia's example or Mr. Putin's example. I merely pointed out that the words quoted by Putin in this article:

Excessive intervention in economic activity and blind faith in the state's omnipotence.In the 20th century, the Soviet Union made the state's role absolute. In the long run, this made the Soviet economy totally uncompetitive. This lesson cost us dearly. I am sure nobody wants to see it repeated.

We should not "turn a blind eye to the fact that the spirit of free enterprise, including the principle of personal responsibility of businesspeople, investors and shareholders for their decisions, is being eroded in the last few months. There is no reason to believe that we can achieve better results by shifting responsibility onto the state. … n the longer run, this won't solve the problem but will rather quell it temporarily. What it will do is squeeze huge financial and other resources from the economy instead of finding better and wiser uses for them.

These words happen to be TRUE. It's astonishing to me that a man like Putin would say them, and our own President does not. That's what I wrote earlier.

In all of the ridicule that NC and everyone else gave me towards bringing up Putin, not once do they attempt to refute any of the points being made here.

Unreal. You have completely missed the point of every response in this thread.Putin SAYS these words, then does the opposite. So what is your point? Obama hasn't said these words, therefore he is a lesser leader than Putin? What is your point? There is nothing for any of us to refute!!! Few in here disagree that pure socialism is a bad thing. Most in here agree that elements of capitalism form the backbone of our historical success.

So again, what is your point?

 

[timschochet]

Unreal. You have completely missed the point of every response in this thread.

Putin SAYS these words, then does the opposite. So what is your point? Obama hasn't said these words, therefore he is a lesser leader than Putin? What is your point? There is nothing for any of us to refute!!! Few in here disagree that pure socialism is a bad thing. Most in here agree that elements of capitalism form the backbone of our historical success.

So again, what is your point?

OK, I'll take you at your word and attempt to explain again. I hope this time it makes sense:1. You wrote, "Putin SAYS these words, then does the opposite." I don't care what Putin does. I'm only interested that the words themselves are true.

2. I do not believe that Obama is a lesser leader than Putin. Putin is a murderer, a bad man. If there was justice on Earth, Putin would be dead or in prison. I know of nothing about Obama that would make me think he is anything other than a civilized, decent, good person.

3. You wrote, "Elements of capitalism form the backbone of our historical success." This is incorrect. Capitalism, not elements of capitalism, form the backbone, frontbone, in fact EVERY bone of our historical success. The extent of problems we have suffered economically both past and present are directly related to the extent that we have strayed from capitalism. THIS is what you and Mr. Obama and all of his other supporters do not seem to understand. I found it incredibly ironic that the truth would be told us by a man such as Putin. We here in America are losing our way. We have forgotten what has made us great. Obama, as our president, needs to be reminded of this. That is why I hope, in this instance, that he listens to Mr. Putin.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

:unsubscribe:

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

OK, I'll take you at your word and attempt to explain again. I hope this time it makes sense:

1. You wrote, "Putin SAYS these words, then does the opposite." I don't care what Putin does. I'm only interested that the words themselves are true.

2. I do not believe that Obama is a lesser leader than Putin. Putin is a murderer, a bad man. If there was justice on Earth, Putin would be dead or in prison. I know of nothing about Obama that would make me think he is anything other than a civilized, decent, good person.

3. You wrote, "Elements of capitalism form the backbone of our historical success." This is incorrect. Capitalism, not elements of capitalism, form the backbone, frontbone, in fact EVERY bone of our historical success. The extent of problems we have suffered economically both past and present are directly related to the extent that we have strayed from capitalism. THIS is what you and Mr. Obama and all of his other supporters do not seem to understand. I found it incredibly ironic that the truth would be told us by a man such as Putin. We here in America are losing our way. We have forgotten what has made us great. Obama, as our president, needs to be reminded of this. That is why I hope, in this instance, that he listens to Mr. Putin.

2. Ok.3. semantics - i don't disagree with you that capitalism (all/most elements) has been responsible for our success. and I'm not an Obama supporter. he has completely botched the "bailout" and seems devoid of coherent thought. It IS ironic that Putin said this -- but it means absolutely nothing. Literally nothing.

1. See #3. You don't care what Putin does, but frankly it makes the entire conversation meaningless. Really, it's fantastic that Putin said this stuff. But WTF does it matter if he then does the exact opposite? He's just taking cheap shots at the US - he clearly doesn't believe what he's saying, or else he would embrace capitalism in act rather than word.

p.s. thank you for patiently explaining your stance again. sincerely, i appreciate it. i still think that the far more interesting discussion is "why does putin say this, then do the opposite?", but we'll have to agree to disagree on that. in other words, i still don't find the premise of this thread compelling. at least it got me to think briefly, which is an accomplishment for a sunday.

 

[timschochet]

OK, I'll take you at your word and attempt to explain again. I hope this time it makes sense:

1. You wrote, "Putin SAYS these words, then does the opposite." I don't care what Putin does. I'm only interested that the words themselves are true.

2. I do not believe that Obama is a lesser leader than Putin. Putin is a murderer, a bad man. If there was justice on Earth, Putin would be dead or in prison. I know of nothing about Obama that would make me think he is anything other than a civilized, decent, good person.

3. You wrote, "Elements of capitalism form the backbone of our historical success." This is incorrect. Capitalism, not elements of capitalism, form the backbone, frontbone, in fact EVERY bone of our historical success. The extent of problems we have suffered economically both past and present are directly related to the extent that we have strayed from capitalism. THIS is what you and Mr. Obama and all of his other supporters do not seem to understand. I found it incredibly ironic that the truth would be told us by a man such as Putin. We here in America are losing our way. We have forgotten what has made us great. Obama, as our president, needs to be reminded of this. That is why I hope, in this instance, that he listens to Mr. Putin.

2. Ok.3. semantics - i don't disagree with you that capitalism (all/most elements) has been responsible for our success. and I'm not an Obama supporter. he has completely botched the "bailout" and seems devoid of coherent thought. It IS ironic that Putin said this -- but it means absolutely nothing. Literally nothing.

1. See #3. You don't care what Putin does, but frankly it makes the entire conversation meaningless. Really, it's fantastic that Putin said this stuff. But WTF does it matter if he then does the exact opposite? He's just taking cheap shots at the US - he clearly doesn't believe what he's saying, or else he would embrace capitalism in act rather than word.

p.s. thank you for patiently explaining your stance again. sincerely, i appreciate it. i still think that the far more interesting discussion is "why does putin say this, then do the opposite?", but we'll have to agree to disagree on that. in other words, i still don't find the premise of this thread compelling. at least it got me to think briefly, which is an accomplishment for a sunday.

Sorry for assuming you were an Obama supporter. NC certainly is, and I thought you were in this instance joining him in criticism. Again, I just found it incredibly ironic that a man like Putin should be explaining basic truths to us, truths that our own current politicians in power seem to ignore. That was the entire point of my thread.