Osler's Razor

Life is a series of paradoxes, conundrums, and contradictions.

As economists and the AATTP (Americans Against the Tea Party) like to point out, for most of us, the record Dow is of little real value in an economy that seems to keep getting harder not better for most working people in America. Mitt Romney was probably right when he said he would succeed under any president; it was the middle class that needed help.
 

That's a great and insightful quote from Romney... is there really an "AATTP?" It's ridiculous to define yourself as "against" something as spongy as the "Tea Party."
 

http://aattp.org/
 

The word "socialist" is a funny thing. At its worst, the word seems tantamount to communism. It is, of course, freighted with all kinds of toxic emotions. In general, I refrain from calling any American politician (who does not so self identify) a socialist. And I tend to dismiss pols and commentators who throw around the label indiscriminately.

"Obama the Socialist" is one of the toxic waste dumps of our political landscape. Call him a Progressive. Call him a big-government liberal. Call him a man of the Left. All true. But don't play the socialist card, if you are looking for a serious conversation.

But, on the other hand, paradoxically, most of us also have a place in our hearts for socialism American style. If we knew more about Eugene Debs and Norman Thomas, viewed through the prism of our modern world, we would probably like them and admire them more than we do.
 

It's mornings like this that are like a 'day camp' adventure - "Do I have to go?"

An unexpected experience that often cleans out some of the 'cob webs' of our mind and introduces one to a thoughtful and provocative topic or point of view.

Thank you Mark and AWF - "socialism American style" has its place.

Off to 'Day Camp' with a whistle and a prayer - to the golf course, praying the rain holds off. . .
 

I want to associate myself with the Farmer and concur with his opinion.

Calling people socialists or fascists or Nazis or communists (other than those who self-identify) is just foolish and not at all persuavise other than to those who already agree with you.
 

IPLG, stop being such a Whig.
 

We need a stiff shot of responsible socialism in Detroit. At this moment, this is our only hope. We need some public ownership of the cities assets. We need to own our internet and cable, our energy, maybe our liquor stores (like Edina Mn.), our transportation system, and research facilities.It will be important to keep the money at home and in circulation.
Make them the best, by using our brightest and most dedicated people, to attract new residents and provide jobs for those already here.
Capitalists would drool to be in a city where government would provide cheap high speed internet, low cost, clean energy, along with trained employees. At the same time the city could make a buck to pay for other services. This would mean that city management would have to eliminate corruption and incompetence. Big change.

I think that community ownership (socialism) works better in municipalities than in federal government. So, maybe I am a small government socialist. I can live with that.
I agree with AWF and IPlawguy that labels aren't helpful.
I disagree with Mark that the Tea Party is "spongy". They are solidly led, funded and directed.
 

Hey! By "spongy," I meant that it was often unclear exactly what they wanted. They did seem to be well-funded... but, are those guys gone now? You don't hear much about them. Or Occupy Wall Street, for that matter.