The professor's library was a shamelessly ostentatious display of books, degrees, and awards. He did not allow himself to value mere appearances, so he did not see a problem with it. The room was orderly; each book neatly situated alphabetically and by subject. He placed his pipe on its stand, arose from his leather chair and walked across the room to enjoy the warmth from his roaring fireplace.
A doctor of physics, he pondered the peculiar way the logs were burning. He crouched and observed the vibrant blue and green flames dancing from the side of the charred wood. "Fascinating" he thought. Glowing magenta smoke escaped into the chimney and the logs crackled sparkling dust against the interior stones. A truly fantastic example of nature, he thought, mesmerized by the display. He pondered the chemicals in the wood that might cause such an effect and worked out some calculus in his head to rationalize his hypothesis. "I'll have to test that in the lab tomorrow."
He ascended and strolled over to the thermodynamics section of his stacks. He held his hand inquisitively in the air, examining the titles. "Ah there it is," he mumbled. Without hesitation, the classic volume naturally floated from its snug position, resting against the palm of his hand. It levitated for a moment before the professor grasped it, nonchalantly, feeling it's weight.
He strolled back to his favorite chair, sat down, and opened the book. He looked up at the storm which raged on the other side of his little window. He did not move for fifteen hours.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Descent
What beautiful, billowing clouds I see, floating harmlessly.
They seem not to mind what's beneath.
My rocky path winds in front of me, disappearing into the white.
I shiver. The cold thin air pushes me down.
I shiver for what lies beneath. But it calls me.
I place a foot in front of the other with care. I must not fail.
To one side a dragon's tail.
To the other, a 737.
I fear the dragon less.
If I lost my balance, it would be in that direction.
The path curves away from it.
>
They seem not to mind what's beneath.
My rocky path winds in front of me, disappearing into the white.
I shiver. The cold thin air pushes me down.
I shiver for what lies beneath. But it calls me.
I place a foot in front of the other with care. I must not fail.
To one side a dragon's tail.
To the other, a 737.
I fear the dragon less.
If I lost my balance, it would be in that direction.
The path curves away from it.
>
Monday, November 26, 2007
Vincent, Borgman, and Lezlie
In the following transcript two veteran congressmen Vincent and Borgman discuss some issues with Lezlie, a rookie who was recently elected.
In Vincent's office.
Vincent
"Where I come from there is a rule. If you have stolen from someone and convinced them it is for their own good, it is not stealing."
Borgman
"I will see you and raise you. Who cares if they believe it's for their own good. If you have stolen from someone and they are unaware of the theft, it is for their own good!"
Vincent
"Know what? Re-raise. If someone permits you to steal from them, that qualifies as voluntary charity; the recipient has no obligation to refuse."
Borgman
"I guess I can't argue with that."
Vincent
"Why are we refusing charity? We have a country to run here."
Lezlie
"Wait. Are you suggesting our budget should be determined by the amount of income we can "steal"? And the people should be relieved of their income by whatever means necessary, even if they are unaware?"
Borgman
"No. Because of the fact they are unaware. We are entitled whatever they don't notice we take."
Vincent
"But it's really not charity at all, it's a mandate for improvement! If the people are releasing their income to us, we have a somber obligation to put it to good use. Everyone knows the larger the order, the more we can get for every dollar. This makes it our obligation to relieve the population of as much unwanted income as possible - to give them more for the dollar."
Borgman
"Exactly. If they contribute 30-50 percent of their income, they must believe we contribute 30-50 percent of their freedom and happiness. Or, they believe it's simply the price of living in a free society. It's tiny compared to the big things we can do with it. "
Lezlie
"Not tiny to them. They wouldn't have any idea what life would be like with twice the income. There's no frame of reference. Most disturbing of all, they have no idea they are even being taxed. We take 22 percent for every retail purchase in hidden taxes passed down to the consumer from corporate taxes. We withdraw directly from their paycheck. Is this an honest way to handle the financing of government?
Borgman
"We've been withholding since 1944. It's more convenient for everyone, but mostly for us. Right from under their noses. Beardsley Ruml's a genius."
Lezlie
"So you think the green light to withhold is also a green light to take as much as you can before the majority of people really take notice?
Vincent
"Sure. It's not our task to judge what motivates the people to bestow upon us this grave obligation. If they give involuntary because they are unaware it is being taken, they haven't earned the right to that money anyway. The facts are available to everyone."
Lezlie
"The facts are not accessible to most people. They are too complicated. They have jobs you know. They don't have time to research the tax code. Few really see what is going on here."
Borgman
"Well, we have our work cut out for us. Always have. Look, if I know people, they want a bargain, and the more income we get, the better bargain they get, get it? If people are dropping coins in the street, why not pick them up and put them to good use."
Lezlie
"But you've cut the holes in their pockets!"
Borgman
"They are too careless to notice. It's called a needle and thread. They'll use it if/when they're ready. If we volunteered some of that money back to them, we couldn't do nearly as much good - the law of diminishing returns. Besides, it's pennies for them, millions for us."
Lezlie
"But how do you know what make and model of "good" they're looking for? All you have is a dollar amount."
Vincent
"We use it for whatever gets us re-elected - that's the best measure. The people will choose if we've done our jobs well."
Lezlie
"So, what got you re-elected?"
Vincent
"They want to hear that we are doing good things and all that warm and fuzzy stuff. They want prosperity and security."
Lezlie
"Can you give them those things?"
Vincent
"Ha. No, no one can, of course. No one but themselves. But we can give them the impression that voting for us will help."
Lezlie
"How do you make such a good impression?"
Vincent
"It's easy once you recognize we are judged on our intentions, not on our results. Relating to the people - that's all that matters. It's all advertising. People love watching TV - it is easy to make a good impression in a 30 second slot. Radio also works well. It's all about being believable and acting like you really know what you are talking about."
Lezlie
"What about all those good things you promise to do with their money.
Vincent
"We give them peace of mind. Of course. Come on, what, were you born yesterday? The people want to hear we are the greatest country in the world. They want to know they have a capable leader and that the economy is strong. They want to hear about how other countries envy us. We have the tools to make all those things appear to be true! They want their big ass American egos stroked, and they are paying top dollar for it. Far be it from us to deny them that. Look, you might think you ran for office to be an honorable public servant. The public doesn't really need or want that anymore. The public only elected you to engage in the giant ideological battle on their behalf. Republican, Democrat, whatever. We are all being paid to engage in this battle, and it will rage on as long as the people want it to. As long as government is seen as the solution. Our mission is to remind the people that the battle must rage on, that government is the solution to their problems. Why else would they allow us to deprive them of half their income. The people buy it. We aren't here to protect the people's rights, we are here to convince them we know what is right. The more money they give us, the easier it is to convince them.
Lezlie
"So, what bargains are you talking about?"
Vincent
"Well, let's see, we get a great deal on military supplies. Remember, it's a two front war - one against the Republicans or Democrats, and one against the Islamo Fascists. You do want the troops to have body armor, right? Thought so. War is our trump card. Now that we have a perpetual war, the public needs us more than ever. The people will pay anything for security. If they are shy about fighting to keep their income they are pathetic whimpering cowards when it comes to terrorism. Why? Because we have terrified them with threat levels, and constant news coverage. It is awesome. The people think the country would collapse if weren't on the offensive against the terrorists (I mean "offense" - people dig the football terminology - it makes our policy seem less like preemptive war). Regardless of whether that is true, it must be perpetuated at every opportunity - your job, and the jobs of your contemporaries, depend on it. Remember, you must be resolute - this is the home of the brave."
Borgman
"Come off it Vincent, enough of the melodrama. There are plenty of good things going on. Things that do help the public. I happen to believe the public is made of a certain percentage of individuals who aren't drooling, brainwashed Neanderthals. Lezlie, you can appeal to whatever constituency you want, but some are growing and some are shrinking. Vincent believes he represents a growing constituency and I believe he might be right.
Vincent
"Oh, get over it. Both of you. We have the public bought and paid for, you too Borgman, whether you think it's right or not. We have every media outlet behind us. We make the news. You're with us or against us. If you really think you're going to do any real good for the country feel free to opt out of the congressional pension plan. Fell free to be mocked and laughed at. If you try to cut out taxes or reveal any of this to your constituency you will be ostracized from both sides of the aisle. Your district will be a laughing stock. You are here to do what's necessary to get your skin elected for another term, and that means passing laws that help you get on the tube before the next election. It means sticking with us. It means proving your worth to the public in 30 second segments and slinging mud at your opponent. It means voting with the hand of your campaign contributers. You are not a public representative. You are a puppet. The corporations own you just like they own every other American citizen. You need the people's tax money to convince them otherwise. That's how you play."
Borgman
"I need another drink."
In Vincent's office.
Vincent
"Where I come from there is a rule. If you have stolen from someone and convinced them it is for their own good, it is not stealing."
Borgman
"I will see you and raise you. Who cares if they believe it's for their own good. If you have stolen from someone and they are unaware of the theft, it is for their own good!"
Vincent
"Know what? Re-raise. If someone permits you to steal from them, that qualifies as voluntary charity; the recipient has no obligation to refuse."
Borgman
"I guess I can't argue with that."
Vincent
"Why are we refusing charity? We have a country to run here."
Lezlie
"Wait. Are you suggesting our budget should be determined by the amount of income we can "steal"? And the people should be relieved of their income by whatever means necessary, even if they are unaware?"
Borgman
"No. Because of the fact they are unaware. We are entitled whatever they don't notice we take."
Vincent
"But it's really not charity at all, it's a mandate for improvement! If the people are releasing their income to us, we have a somber obligation to put it to good use. Everyone knows the larger the order, the more we can get for every dollar. This makes it our obligation to relieve the population of as much unwanted income as possible - to give them more for the dollar."
Borgman
"Exactly. If they contribute 30-50 percent of their income, they must believe we contribute 30-50 percent of their freedom and happiness. Or, they believe it's simply the price of living in a free society. It's tiny compared to the big things we can do with it. "
Lezlie
"Not tiny to them. They wouldn't have any idea what life would be like with twice the income. There's no frame of reference. Most disturbing of all, they have no idea they are even being taxed. We take 22 percent for every retail purchase in hidden taxes passed down to the consumer from corporate taxes. We withdraw directly from their paycheck. Is this an honest way to handle the financing of government?
Borgman
"We've been withholding since 1944. It's more convenient for everyone, but mostly for us. Right from under their noses. Beardsley Ruml's a genius."
Lezlie
"So you think the green light to withhold is also a green light to take as much as you can before the majority of people really take notice?
Vincent
"Sure. It's not our task to judge what motivates the people to bestow upon us this grave obligation. If they give involuntary because they are unaware it is being taken, they haven't earned the right to that money anyway. The facts are available to everyone."
Lezlie
"The facts are not accessible to most people. They are too complicated. They have jobs you know. They don't have time to research the tax code. Few really see what is going on here."
Borgman
"Well, we have our work cut out for us. Always have. Look, if I know people, they want a bargain, and the more income we get, the better bargain they get, get it? If people are dropping coins in the street, why not pick them up and put them to good use."
Lezlie
"But you've cut the holes in their pockets!"
Borgman
"They are too careless to notice. It's called a needle and thread. They'll use it if/when they're ready. If we volunteered some of that money back to them, we couldn't do nearly as much good - the law of diminishing returns. Besides, it's pennies for them, millions for us."
Lezlie
"But how do you know what make and model of "good" they're looking for? All you have is a dollar amount."
Vincent
"We use it for whatever gets us re-elected - that's the best measure. The people will choose if we've done our jobs well."
Lezlie
"So, what got you re-elected?"
Vincent
"They want to hear that we are doing good things and all that warm and fuzzy stuff. They want prosperity and security."
Lezlie
"Can you give them those things?"
Vincent
"Ha. No, no one can, of course. No one but themselves. But we can give them the impression that voting for us will help."
Lezlie
"How do you make such a good impression?"
Vincent
"It's easy once you recognize we are judged on our intentions, not on our results. Relating to the people - that's all that matters. It's all advertising. People love watching TV - it is easy to make a good impression in a 30 second slot. Radio also works well. It's all about being believable and acting like you really know what you are talking about."
Lezlie
"What about all those good things you promise to do with their money.
Vincent
"We give them peace of mind. Of course. Come on, what, were you born yesterday? The people want to hear we are the greatest country in the world. They want to know they have a capable leader and that the economy is strong. They want to hear about how other countries envy us. We have the tools to make all those things appear to be true! They want their big ass American egos stroked, and they are paying top dollar for it. Far be it from us to deny them that. Look, you might think you ran for office to be an honorable public servant. The public doesn't really need or want that anymore. The public only elected you to engage in the giant ideological battle on their behalf. Republican, Democrat, whatever. We are all being paid to engage in this battle, and it will rage on as long as the people want it to. As long as government is seen as the solution. Our mission is to remind the people that the battle must rage on, that government is the solution to their problems. Why else would they allow us to deprive them of half their income. The people buy it. We aren't here to protect the people's rights, we are here to convince them we know what is right. The more money they give us, the easier it is to convince them.
Lezlie
"So, what bargains are you talking about?"
Vincent
"Well, let's see, we get a great deal on military supplies. Remember, it's a two front war - one against the Republicans or Democrats, and one against the Islamo Fascists. You do want the troops to have body armor, right? Thought so. War is our trump card. Now that we have a perpetual war, the public needs us more than ever. The people will pay anything for security. If they are shy about fighting to keep their income they are pathetic whimpering cowards when it comes to terrorism. Why? Because we have terrified them with threat levels, and constant news coverage. It is awesome. The people think the country would collapse if weren't on the offensive against the terrorists (I mean "offense" - people dig the football terminology - it makes our policy seem less like preemptive war). Regardless of whether that is true, it must be perpetuated at every opportunity - your job, and the jobs of your contemporaries, depend on it. Remember, you must be resolute - this is the home of the brave."
Borgman
"Come off it Vincent, enough of the melodrama. There are plenty of good things going on. Things that do help the public. I happen to believe the public is made of a certain percentage of individuals who aren't drooling, brainwashed Neanderthals. Lezlie, you can appeal to whatever constituency you want, but some are growing and some are shrinking. Vincent believes he represents a growing constituency and I believe he might be right.
Vincent
"Oh, get over it. Both of you. We have the public bought and paid for, you too Borgman, whether you think it's right or not. We have every media outlet behind us. We make the news. You're with us or against us. If you really think you're going to do any real good for the country feel free to opt out of the congressional pension plan. Fell free to be mocked and laughed at. If you try to cut out taxes or reveal any of this to your constituency you will be ostracized from both sides of the aisle. Your district will be a laughing stock. You are here to do what's necessary to get your skin elected for another term, and that means passing laws that help you get on the tube before the next election. It means sticking with us. It means proving your worth to the public in 30 second segments and slinging mud at your opponent. It means voting with the hand of your campaign contributers. You are not a public representative. You are a puppet. The corporations own you just like they own every other American citizen. You need the people's tax money to convince them otherwise. That's how you play."
Borgman
"I need another drink."
Sunday, November 25, 2007
William
Mr. William R. McGlover's hobby was collecting money, and he took it very seriously. Every other week he carried his paycheck from his office to the local bank to redeem his prize. There the teller, Rachel, would stand patiently over a pile of bills while William made his picks. He liked one dollar bills and ten dollar bills, and also found fifties and one-hundreds attractive. His favorite, however, was the twenty; the good old double-sawbuck.
His ritual was to walk home, place his briefcase on his desk, and pull each bill from its pouch for examination. William would sit at his desk over a magnifying glass for hours admiring the microtext and tiny intricate designs of each bill. He was particularly fond of Jackson's portrait; his disheveled hair and serious expression. Focusing on his right eyebrow, Jackson almost looks sad, like a severely disciplined but misunderstood puppy. "What could he be thinking?" William would ask himself, head hunched, pressed against the glass.
He began by storing the bills in the drawers of an old card catalog he salvaged from the local library. After examination each was carefully placed, neatly sorted by serial number and year. He took such care of his bills that not one had so much as a fold or blemish. To him, each one was priceless.
Rachel had grown fond of William's visits and knew when to expect him. She would have the bills waiting when he arrived; always two hundreds, four fifties, and twenty twenties, then some fives and ones. Over the years he continued to choose from the same lot, although the number of fives and ones would increase from time to time. William became increasingly discriminating, and over the years his visits grew longer. Eventually the bank reserved a desk for William, who would pour over the bills as Rachel presented them, sometimes for over an hour.
After a decade of saving William was able to afford a more sophisticated filing bureau and invested in a climate control system, which he built himself. He spent weeks walking back and forth to the hardware store purchasing the duct work and other supplies, painstakingly assembling the system. When he was finally done, temperature and humidity were optimized for paper storage. By this time, William's collection had expanded to fill several cabinets.
After one trip to the bank, Rachel asked William if he'd like to get some coffee. Neither the quantity nor quality of William's collection improved after that. And he didn't seem to mind.
His ritual was to walk home, place his briefcase on his desk, and pull each bill from its pouch for examination. William would sit at his desk over a magnifying glass for hours admiring the microtext and tiny intricate designs of each bill. He was particularly fond of Jackson's portrait; his disheveled hair and serious expression. Focusing on his right eyebrow, Jackson almost looks sad, like a severely disciplined but misunderstood puppy. "What could he be thinking?" William would ask himself, head hunched, pressed against the glass.
He began by storing the bills in the drawers of an old card catalog he salvaged from the local library. After examination each was carefully placed, neatly sorted by serial number and year. He took such care of his bills that not one had so much as a fold or blemish. To him, each one was priceless.
Rachel had grown fond of William's visits and knew when to expect him. She would have the bills waiting when he arrived; always two hundreds, four fifties, and twenty twenties, then some fives and ones. Over the years he continued to choose from the same lot, although the number of fives and ones would increase from time to time. William became increasingly discriminating, and over the years his visits grew longer. Eventually the bank reserved a desk for William, who would pour over the bills as Rachel presented them, sometimes for over an hour.
After a decade of saving William was able to afford a more sophisticated filing bureau and invested in a climate control system, which he built himself. He spent weeks walking back and forth to the hardware store purchasing the duct work and other supplies, painstakingly assembling the system. When he was finally done, temperature and humidity were optimized for paper storage. By this time, William's collection had expanded to fill several cabinets.
After one trip to the bank, Rachel asked William if he'd like to get some coffee. Neither the quantity nor quality of William's collection improved after that. And he didn't seem to mind.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Secrets
Ever feel like there is a mysterious universe of intertwined artistic and literary influences all inspired by the same thing? Perhaps some secret so powerful, that in order for it to be communicated with any accuracy requires careful encryption by seemingly innocuous and entertaining distractions - like munchkins or psychedelic rock music.
Maybe the secret is so complicated no one knows it completely. Maybe an artist only requires a small sliver of the secret to frame and inspire a lifetime of work. And in doing so, brings a portion of it within earshot of a small percentage of listeners who's particular situation allows them to stumble upon the artist's true meaning. Perhaps this is how the secret is spread.
Maybe the secret is so devastatingly persuasive that no rational person could possibly refute it. So accurate and influential that only those who seek it can understand it well enough to put it to good use. Something this powerful could not be taught, only learned, and would be easily misunderstood and misdirected. I predict there is realm of truth who's essence can only be communicated through the veil of art. And I think it's around us all the time - we just need to take notice.
Maybe the secret is so complicated no one knows it completely. Maybe an artist only requires a small sliver of the secret to frame and inspire a lifetime of work. And in doing so, brings a portion of it within earshot of a small percentage of listeners who's particular situation allows them to stumble upon the artist's true meaning. Perhaps this is how the secret is spread.
Maybe the secret is so devastatingly persuasive that no rational person could possibly refute it. So accurate and influential that only those who seek it can understand it well enough to put it to good use. Something this powerful could not be taught, only learned, and would be easily misunderstood and misdirected. I predict there is realm of truth who's essence can only be communicated through the veil of art. And I think it's around us all the time - we just need to take notice.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
George Carlin
He puts it so well (some nsfw language).
Here's my disclaimer (but watch the vid first):
First, crappier jobs and hardships on the poor and middle-class is largely caused by the regressive inflation tax, which economists have said is at least partially caused by big business' pull in Washington. As I think I've mentioned, reducing government would be a treatment for that. But, he also mentioned "taking away" Social Security...I don't think that's going to happen, but I think that's unfortunate.
Should we scrap Social Security? I wouldn't suggest shutting out older folks - anyone close to retirement age gets their well deserved income, which they have been paying for a half century or whatever. But, the payouts don't actually come from the trust fund. (That money is long spent.) It comes, surprisingly, directly from our pay checks (scroll down to "trust fund").
Right now this is a transfer of wealth from workers to the elderly. As a person who aspires to be elderly one day, I respectfully request the opportunity to use that portion of my earnings for retirement on my own terms without government intervention. Dissolving Social Security would mean a pay increase (12%) for every American worker. That's 12% of our income that is being redistributed by central planners. That would fund a 401k nicely. Now think about what this means for our retirement. It means earnings will be withdrawn from young people's paychecks to help fund our retirement. I'd rather have the means to take care of my own business and leave the youngsters alone - is that too much to ask?
With returns lower than a savings account, some say Social Security is the most blatant violation of the most basic human right - the right to screw up your own life without taking everyone else's down with you. It's often cited as the reason we installed government in the first place - for protection against such things. Is it really necessary to tax 100% of the people for the small percentage of folks who would encounter hardship during retirement?
I'm all for helping out old folks who need it, but is it really distributed based on need? Obviously not. It's "returned" to us after years of work. So even the multimillionaires are entitled to their share of Social Security income. That's not money for clothes and food (general welfare) - it's an extra round of golf or lobster instead of steak. If you are under 30, working overtime to make ends meet, and are not outraged that older folks are taking money out of your paycheck and using it for lobster, you probably should be. I don't care if it is only a tiny percentage, it's government stealing from Peter to pay Paul and I'm pretty sure the Constitution prohibits that. Of course, it's most troubling because it's not sustainable - what happens when a generation of workers reaches age 65 and there's nothing left. I think a case could be made that the best way to protect the general welfare is to give everyone equal opportunity to take care of themselves.
The effects of Social Security contribute to the problems Carlin is talking about. Because of Social Security we work 12 percent harder to earn a living wage. (A conservative estimate predicts it would take half as much in a private account to achieve the same retirement security). It makes it more difficult for parents to afford things like education, health insurance, beer, sushi, whatever. It's what a free society is all about.
So, when I drive by a crowded day care center playground should I take comfort in the fact that one day, with a bit of financial security, those youngsters could be working their finger to the bone so I can siphon a percentage of their paycheck for an extra round of golf or an order of lobster at my favorite chop house? Will they grow up to appreciate this from the next generation? Why did we take a temporary condition brought on by the Great Depression (caused by the government btw) and solve it with such a permanent scourge on the working population? How did this happen and how do we get out?
Here's my disclaimer (but watch the vid first):
First, crappier jobs and hardships on the poor and middle-class is largely caused by the regressive inflation tax, which economists have said is at least partially caused by big business' pull in Washington. As I think I've mentioned, reducing government would be a treatment for that. But, he also mentioned "taking away" Social Security...I don't think that's going to happen, but I think that's unfortunate.
Should we scrap Social Security? I wouldn't suggest shutting out older folks - anyone close to retirement age gets their well deserved income, which they have been paying for a half century or whatever. But, the payouts don't actually come from the trust fund. (That money is long spent.) It comes, surprisingly, directly from our pay checks (scroll down to "trust fund").
Right now this is a transfer of wealth from workers to the elderly. As a person who aspires to be elderly one day, I respectfully request the opportunity to use that portion of my earnings for retirement on my own terms without government intervention. Dissolving Social Security would mean a pay increase (12%) for every American worker. That's 12% of our income that is being redistributed by central planners. That would fund a 401k nicely. Now think about what this means for our retirement. It means earnings will be withdrawn from young people's paychecks to help fund our retirement. I'd rather have the means to take care of my own business and leave the youngsters alone - is that too much to ask?
With returns lower than a savings account, some say Social Security is the most blatant violation of the most basic human right - the right to screw up your own life without taking everyone else's down with you. It's often cited as the reason we installed government in the first place - for protection against such things. Is it really necessary to tax 100% of the people for the small percentage of folks who would encounter hardship during retirement?
I'm all for helping out old folks who need it, but is it really distributed based on need? Obviously not. It's "returned" to us after years of work. So even the multimillionaires are entitled to their share of Social Security income. That's not money for clothes and food (general welfare) - it's an extra round of golf or lobster instead of steak. If you are under 30, working overtime to make ends meet, and are not outraged that older folks are taking money out of your paycheck and using it for lobster, you probably should be. I don't care if it is only a tiny percentage, it's government stealing from Peter to pay Paul and I'm pretty sure the Constitution prohibits that. Of course, it's most troubling because it's not sustainable - what happens when a generation of workers reaches age 65 and there's nothing left. I think a case could be made that the best way to protect the general welfare is to give everyone equal opportunity to take care of themselves.
The effects of Social Security contribute to the problems Carlin is talking about. Because of Social Security we work 12 percent harder to earn a living wage. (A conservative estimate predicts it would take half as much in a private account to achieve the same retirement security). It makes it more difficult for parents to afford things like education, health insurance, beer, sushi, whatever. It's what a free society is all about.
So, when I drive by a crowded day care center playground should I take comfort in the fact that one day, with a bit of financial security, those youngsters could be working their finger to the bone so I can siphon a percentage of their paycheck for an extra round of golf or an order of lobster at my favorite chop house? Will they grow up to appreciate this from the next generation? Why did we take a temporary condition brought on by the Great Depression (caused by the government btw) and solve it with such a permanent scourge on the working population? How did this happen and how do we get out?
Saturday, November 17, 2007
:o
Wow. Ever have one of those weeks? The kind of week that's total chaos even though it's business at usual? I'm sitting in my cube, editing documentation, and stuff other than documentation is actually happening. A black hole looks pretty boring. It looks like it sounds - it's a hole and it's black. Actually, spiraling matter is being accelerated into a singularity at about the speed of light - some ejected light years away in giant jets at both poles. That which doesn't escape is compressed into a ball so dense not even light can escape its gravitational pull. That was this week.
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