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Montgomery 
"F**k!"
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 Posted - 10/30/2006 : 22:50:28
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He tells it like it is.
And finally, New Rule: America must stop bragging that it's the greatest country on earth and start acting like it. Now, I know � I know this is uncomfortable for the faith-over-facts crowd, but the greatness of a country can, to a large degree, be measured. Here are some numbers: Infant mortality rate, America ranks 48th in the world; overall health, 72nd; freedom of the press, 44; literacy, 55th. Do you realize there are 12-year-old kids in this country who can't spell the name of the teacher they're having sex with?
Now, America, I will admit, has done many great things: making the New World democratic comes to mind, the Marshall Plan, curing polio, beating Hitler, the deep-fried Twinkie. But what have we done for us lately? We're not the freest country. That would be Holland, where you can smoke hash in church, and Janet Jackson's nipple is on their flag.
And, sadly, we're no longer a country that can get things done, either. Not big things, like building a tunnel under Boston or running a war with competence. We had six years to fix the voting machines. Couldn't get that done. The FBI is just now getting email!
Prop 87 out here in California is about lessening our dependence on oil by using alternative fuels, and Bill Clinton comes on at the end of the ad and says, "If Brazil can do it, America can, too." Excuse me, since when did America have to buck itself up by saying we could catch up to Brazil?! We invented the airplane and the lightbulb. They invented the bikini wax, and now they're ahead?!
In most of the industrialized world, nearly everyone has health care. And hardly anyone doubts evolution. And, yes, having to live amid so many superstitious dimwits is also something that affects quality of life. It's why America isn't going to be the country that gets the inevitable patents in stem cell cures, because Jesus thinks it's too close to cloning!
Oh, and did I mention we owe China a trillion dollars? We owe everybody money. America is a debtor nation to Mexico! We're not on a bridge to the 21st century. We're on a bus to Atlantic City with a roll of quarters.
And this is why it bugs me that so many people talk like it's 1955 and we're still number one in everything. We're not. And I take no glee in saying this, because I love my country, and I wish we were. But when you're number 55 in this category and number 92 in that one, you look a little silly waving the big foam "Number One" finger.
As long as we believe being the greatest country in the world is a birthright, we'll keep coasting on the achievements of earlier generations and we'll keep losing the moral high ground. Because we may not be the biggest or the healthiest or the best educated. But we always did have one thing no other place did. We knew soccer was bulls***.
And...and we also had a little thing called the Bill of Rights. A great nation doesn't torture people or make them disappear without a trial. Bush keeps saying the terrorists hate us for our freedom. And he's working damn hard to see that pretty soon that won't be a problem.
So true. Sad, but true.
EM :) |
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turrell 
"Ohhhh Ohhhh Ohhhh Ohhhh "
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Posted - 10/31/2006 : 01:20:32
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What no mention of economic indicators - GDP per capita, income per capita. Coca Cola, Levis, Britney Spears?
I think Bill Maher is a smug self-hating hack. Don't think he is funny or politically insightful.
He raises some good points here but I can find facts show us #1 at some things #90 at other things.
Let's look at the #1 facter - customer satisfaction. What is the ratio of people entering this country versus those leaving it? I don't have the #'s, but I know we have more people coming than going (Baffy and choco included).
Yes I am often embarrased by policy that our country has emanated in recent years, but that doesn't mean I have to agree that its crap country. We aren't #1 in categpories that we don't care about - we are a nation that loves money - no commentary on this from em - this is just fact - so we excel at making money, we work long hours, we have low taxes so we can buy Denali's, but can't fund education the way it should be funded - its a choice - maybe not a smart one but it is a choice.
As for debt - I am sure it would surprise no one with basic knowlege of Economics that while we have large deficits, it is largely due to our trade deficit and it benefits us in that people invest in the US by buying treasury bonds and private equity stock- we are a growing economy that requires capital to fuel that growth - we can't do this forever, but we could retire all the debt in a day simply by inflating the dollar 5 fold - don't want to do that either.
Anyway - thanks for sharing. |
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Sean
"Necrosphenisciform anthropophagist."
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Posted - 10/31/2006 : 03:50:39
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Bill Maher? You mean this guy? 
Irwin Halloween costumes split Americans
1.00pm Tuesday October 31, 2006
LOS ANGELES - Bad taste Steve Irwin costumes, which include a bloody stingray barb attached to a khaki shirt, are among the top Halloween costumes in the US this year.
The macabre outfits have split Americans, with some condemning the costumes while others find them amusing.
At least one US celebrity, comedian Bill Maher, has donned the Crocodile Hunter outfit.
Photos of Maher at a Halloween party in Los Angeles on the weekend dressed in khaki shorts and shirt with a bloody barb hanging out of his chest are circulating the internet. |
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duh 
"catpurrs"
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Posted - 10/31/2006 : 12:55:42
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quote:
Originally posted by Montgomery
He tells it like it is.
But why does he have to look so much like Craig Wasson? |
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Montgomery
"F**k!"
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Posted - 10/31/2006 : 17:07:17
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quote:
Originally posted by duh
quote:
Originally posted by Montgomery
He tells it like it is.
But why does he have to look so much like Craig Wasson?
Craig Wasson looks like him, not the other way around.
I didn't know about the Steve Irwin thing and I think that is very poor taste. But, he used to front a show called Politically Incorrect, so it's not out of the ordinary for him.
I don't agree with EVERYTHING he says. I don't think there's a person on earth I do that with, much to my husband's chagrin. But he does get a lot of things right (at least from my point of view).
And to Turrell's comments. Why wouldn't the U.S. want to be number 1 in Freedom of the Press, literacy!, overall health and a low infant mortality rate? Did we take that vote? Because I vote that I WANT us to be number 1 in those sorts of things.
I don't think he just chose those things at random. It's not like saying the U.S. isn't Number 1 any more because we're ranked low in Saturday Morning Cartoon production or colors of gumballs available in grocery store gumball machines. These are major things that a country that talks and acts like it is the best should be towards the top of the list on.
Anyway, I like Bill, despite his bad choice of Halloween attire.
EM :) |
Edited by - Montgomery on 10/31/2006 17:08:42 |
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Sean
"Necrosphenisciform anthropophagist."
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Posted - 10/31/2006 : 21:42:05
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quote:
Originally posted by Montgomery
Anyway, I like Bill, despite his bad choice of Halloween attire.
I thought it was good taste in Halloween attire.  |
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turrell
"Ohhhh Ohhhh Ohhhh Ohhhh "
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Posted - 10/31/2006 : 22:10:20
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I didn't say that we shouldn't choose those things - they are good goals to shoot for - however we have chosen the Chevy Tahoe, 42" Plasma Screen and McMansions - thats easier for most people to agree to than saying we should pay more taxes - no one ever agrees to that in the US - so we never get there. Bill Maher was fired from ABC largely because he said the 9/11 hijackers were heroic. His point was that the people on the planes and in the towers weren't heroic - well that may be true save for the fire fighters and police officers, but it's in ridiculously poor taste. He also promotes John Kerry as the saviour of the Democratic party - if the guy couldn't beat W, not so sure he's the answer.
Mostly I think he's one of these guys that preaches to the choir - if you are liberal you probably think he is funny enough and you agree with him so thats great. Rush Limbaugh has similar appeal to Conservatives. I'm a middle of the roader so I tend to dislike people with a singular point of view. I think guys like Letterman and John Stewart are better because they make fun of everyone.
Lastly I'll never forgive him for the movie, Pizza Man.
http://perezhilton.com/topics/australiastic/caption_me_interesting_costume_choice_20061029.php |
Edited by - turrell on 10/31/2006 22:14:13 |
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Montgomery
"F**k!"
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Posted - 11/01/2006 : 15:49:26
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quote:
Originally posted by 7urrell
I didn't say that we shouldn't choose those things - they are good goals to shoot for - however we have chosen the Chevy Tahoe, 42" Plasma Screen and McMansions - thats easier for most people to agree to than saying we should pay more taxes - no one ever agrees to that in the US - so we never get there. Bill Maher was fired from ABC largely because he said the 9/11 hijackers were heroic. His point was that the people on the planes and in the towers weren't heroic - well that may be true save for the fire fighters and police officers, but it's in ridiculously poor taste. He also promotes John Kerry as the saviour of the Democratic party - if the guy couldn't beat W, not so sure he's the answer.
Mostly I think he's one of these guys that preaches to the choir - if you are liberal you probably think he is funny enough and you agree with him so thats great. Rush Limbaugh has similar appeal to Conservatives. I'm a middle of the roader so I tend to dislike people with a singular point of view. I think guys like Letterman and John Stewart are better because they make fun of everyone.
Lastly I'll never forgive him for the movie, Pizza Man.
http://perezhilton.com/topics/australiastic/caption_me_interesting_costume_choice_20061029.php
I disagree, Turrell, I don't think U.S. is the top in auto production anymore (Is it?) (I live in the Detroit area and it seems like we're getting our collective butts kicked at the present) and we aren't top at hi-tech production of things like Plasma TVs. Isn't that Japan? Now, McMansions? We may lead the world in those. (I think we're also one of the world's fattest countries. So, hey, we're topping some lists.  ) I understand what you're saying, we've made a choice. But, it is the WRONG choice and I appreciate people like Bill Maher pointing that out. I also love Letterman and Jon Stewart. Rush Limbaugh? Don't get me started on that clown. I may be more middle of the road than I once was. Middle of the road are people who think for themselves and in today's world of everyone not saying anything that gets them in trouble or doesn't toe the party line, I appreciate that more and more. And, I don't think you should count out Bill in that area, either. He may sound very pro-liberal at present, but I think that's because the country has gone so right, that he's trying to right the wrongs the right has done and that makes him sound more left. (Or something like that. Was that confusing?)
I would pay more taxes in order to have better healthcare for our nation, a fair and equal education system for all children, an adequate amount of police and firemen and other support staff and to help our fighting forces.
I don't want to pay more to fund things like bridges to nowhere and other money grabs for millionaires.
EM :)
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Edited by - Montgomery on 11/01/2006 15:50:37 |
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damalc
"last watched: Sausage Party"
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Posted - 11/01/2006 : 17:51:39
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and he is/was dating a woman with the nickname "Superhead."
how cool might that be? not dating a chick with that nickname and rep, that's creepy, but having a girlfriend worthy of that title. |
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Conan The Westy
"Father, Faithful Friend, Fwiffer"
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Posted - 11/01/2006 : 19:50:44
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quote:
Originally posted by Montgomery
He tells it like it is.
Shame he has to spoil it with cheap shots like: quote:
Do you realize there are 12-year-old kids in this country who can't spell the name of the teacher they're having sex with?
As a committed teacher of 11 & 12 year olds over the past 9 years I was ready to stop there but he continues.
quote:
We're not the freest country. That would be Holland, where you can smoke hash in church, and Janet Jackson's nipple is on their flag.
Dutch doctors are also free to involuntarily euthanise people.
quote:
It's why America isn't going to be the country that gets the inevitable patents in stem cell cures, because Jesus thinks it's too close to cloning!
It's a shame he doesn't differentiate between stem cell types because adult stem cell research has already produced a variety of successful treatments without the ethical dilemma he so blithely dismisses.
There seems to be little rational debate, just a slinging of mud. When you only sling mud you inevitably lose ground.
Sorry Em, I found much of his commentary trite or offensive. Perhaps I don't have a sense of humour regarding certain issues but if I want a clever rant I'll stick to Mguyx. |
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Conan The Westy
"Father, Faithful Friend, Fwiffer"
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Posted - 11/01/2006 : 19:53:33
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quote:
Originally posted by Montgomery
I disagree, Turrell, I don't think U.S. is the top in auto production anymore (Is it?) (I live in the Detroit area and it seems like we're getting our collective butts kicked at the present)
I quite enjoyed the point Gore made in "An Inconvenient Truth" about US cars with there low emission standards etc soon not being able to meet Chinese standards.
PS I hope the Zen-like qualities of my posts have been enhanced by my current avatar and username. |
Edited by - Conan The Westy on 11/01/2006 19:58:00 |
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turrell
"Ohhhh Ohhhh Ohhhh Ohhhh "
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Posted - 11/01/2006 : 22:25:21
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Hey EM - no arguments from me on the fact that our priorities are out of whack - but its part of our culture - and though we don't make many cars or plasmas, we buy them and the point I was making is that it is only possible to be a consumer culture with very low taxes and income disparity - not saying this is the best thing, but it is the one we choose time and again - when was the last time someone got elected on the I'll raise taxes platform - (they would get my vote if I thought they could spend it in the right way, but they do not get votes from many).
As for pork barrel spending - a healthy dose of campaign finance reform could help tremendously in this arena. |
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Montgomery
"F**k!"
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Posted - 11/02/2006 : 16:01:50
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quote:
Originally posted by 7urrell
Hey EM - no arguments from me on the fact that our priorities are out of whack - but its part of our culture - and though we don't make many cars or plasmas, we buy them and the point I was making is that it is only possible to be a consumer culture with very low taxes and income disparity - not saying this is the best thing, but it is the one we choose time and again - when was the last time someone got elected on the I'll raise taxes platform - (they would get my vote if I thought they could spend it in the right way, but they do not get votes from many).
As for pork barrel spending - a healthy dose of campaign finance reform could help tremendously in this arena.
I'm all for campaign finance reform. There is way too much scratching each other's backs in both of the parties.
Here's a great link to another person telling it like is.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15519404/
And he didn't dress like Steve Irwin for Halloween, so you can take what he says more seriously.
EM :)
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ChocolateLady
"500 Chocolate Delights"
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Posted - 11/02/2006 : 16:33:55
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quote:
Originally posted by Montgomery
Here's a great link to another person telling it like is.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15519404/
And he didn't dress like Steve Irwin for Halloween, so you can take what he says more seriously.
EM :)
Oh... I want to have his babies!!!
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turrell
"Ohhhh Ohhhh Ohhhh Ohhhh "
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Posted - 11/02/2006 : 16:41:38
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| Olberman is good - he's a former sports guy too, so great range wins him bonus points. He I think does tell it like it is versus trying to promote a specific agenda - you can see his bias, but he is not blinded by it. |
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duh
"catpurrs"
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Posted - 11/02/2006 : 19:31:26
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Wanna read a book that 'tells it like it is?' I recommend this book, 'Fiasco'. I consider it to be a pro-troops book, because the author, a professional military reporter, interviewed soldiers and officers, and one of the points he makes is how the bureaucrats and politicians disregard the advice and experience of their military experts (and also the advice of Middle East experts).
You'll like this EM; there's a video on this FIASCO page of Maher interviewing writer Thomas E. Ricks.
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Why I Love Bill Maher!
