a. palmer jr.

Copper: The New Precious Metal?

Nobody's forcing us to buy or sell to China. They undercut the other countries like Wal Mart undercut their competition, by not making as much profit and by using cheap labor. China has a game plan in place, unlike the United States, who just tries to react to what others do and by going further into debt. It's still not too late to bring back manufacturing to our country but we like cheap stuff too much to buy from our own.

Why Economists Didn't Anticipate the Financial Crisis

People don't see disaster coming because they don't want to see it. You'd think that people would have learned from just one short year ago to be more prudent, but I don't see it anywhere around here. I'd have to say that if the same thing happens again, we'll probably just get on the merry-go-round again. I remember growing up in the fifties when we didn't have so much because we usually saved up for the niceties. We wouldn't dream, back then, of borrowing money for something as frivolous as a fancier car or television. We generally did with what we had until it wore out then if we had the money we'd consider it. Most of the people around here that I know have good jobs but instead of maybe setting some money aside, they keep buying nicer things on credit. Some people don't realize that these jobs, or our health, is not guaranteed.

Why I'm Not Worried About Higher Interest Rates

I agree completely...more people would benefit from higher interest rates, myself included. People who don't like to invest in stocks are being forced into them if they want any return on their money, at the risk of losing the return of their money. Don't count on any department of government to do the right thing though. Look at what's been done already; gutting medicare, forcing us on the new health plan or pay fines, raising taxes, it looks like the only thing to do is clean house in Washington. Maybe the next bunch will have some understanding of what's going on.

The Changing Landscape of the TV Business

If we had a real free enterprise system, the customer could choose which television shows be included in his package and which ones left out. Right now, even though we have a choice of two or three different carriers, they all do the same thing to us...make us pay for programs we don't want! In my package I have at least 2 horse racing channels, which I can't stand and at least 2 Spanish only channels which is probably the network catering to our immense illegal immigration population. We also have probably 12 or so shopping channels which I never watch. Anyway, the package I get has probably 10 channels or less that I would even consider watching, so why pay for 75?

2010: Time to Arrest the Oil Extortionists?

They best enjoy the gasoline profits while they have them. We're working right now on ways to eventually do away with gasoline altogether. I understand these gas guzzlers will be around for some time but in a few short years won't be used much. Electric is probably the way to go, and I don't mean hybrid. If we use hybrid gas-electric the extortionists will just double the price of gasoline and we'll be right back where we started. If we do hybrids, it will have to be electric-ethanol or something made with other than oil. With GM dragging their feet for 2 years or more on their electric car, which uses a gas engine to charge the battery, maybe someone else will step up to the plate who means business.

What (If Anything) Has Tiger Woods Actually Cost Shareholders?

I don't know why Nike and other companies pay these sports people enormous amounts of money to wear their products. I know when I watch a golf match with Tiger Woods playing in it, it doesn't make me want to run out and buy Nike. When I buy a golf shirt I go to the store that sells them and pick out the best looking one, compare prices, and buy what suits me. If it's Nike, ok, if it's something else, ok.

Why Credit Card Interest Rates Won't Be Capped

Anyone stupid enough to pay 16% interest rate shouldn't have credit.

Zero Interest Rates Don't Promote Saving

Edward, thanks for writing this article...most people don't even consider elderly people when it comes to financial matters, glad someone does. I'm getting close to elderly myself and understand all too well what it means to work all your life, save a little money, and hope interest rates will help you keep it so you won't need financial assistance from others. I assumed while I was working that interest rates would be at least 5% and kinda figured that into my retirement money. I never dreamed rates would be where they are today. There are a lot of seniors worse off than I am and it's scary to think of what's going to happen to them in just a few short years. Wonder how much it'll cost the government to give all the baby boomers a bailout!

More Bailout Money? GMAC in Line for Another $3.5 Billion

I wonder if all these companies that pay huge salaries and bonuses would still come crying to the President for money if the first ones had been turned down and left crashing. I'm thinking that these companies would be run more efficiently if they knew they HAD to succeed or go under. True, we would have more unemployment but I'll bet the ones left with a job would be doing it a lot better!

eBay Is William Smead's Highest Conviction Holding - Here's Why

Pay Pal needs competition...rather, online sellers and buyers need for Pal Pal to have competition. Not good to have a monopoly on anything. Ebay tries to discourage payment other than Pay Pal for their purchases but they do allow other methods. I like the arrangement they have except the fees are too high for the sellers of Ebay. Everywhere you turn there is a fee attached to your sales and I can't for the life of me figure out how some of the sellers are making any profit. Maybe they're doing it as a hobby or something. I sold several items on ebay that were given to me and I barely came out ahead after fees and postage.

The Times vs. the Death Tax

I was referring to the reason for all the money borrowing...pork projects that really benefit no one except to get the politicians re-elected plus pay raises and extra staffers for politicians, etc.
Government has grown so much just in the last ten years that, with just the salaries of gov't employees it greatly inflates the borrowing.
Instead of making decisions, they appoint committees and hire extras when really not needed.
Of course they pay interest on their loans, as they should, but sometimes the loans aren't really necessary in the first place.

40 Things to Expect in 2010

You forgot: Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid will be confined to mental institutions after massive taxpayer riots.

The Times vs. the Death Tax

If the government would stop it's outlandish spending spree they wouldn't have to do either.

Four Holiday Dividend Increases

It depends on what you buy a stock for, growth or income. At my age I prefer income so I agree with notsosmart.

Time for Another Gas Crisis in Europe

What's wrong with Europe? Shouldn't they come up with some energy solution other than relying on Russia? I feel the same way about America importing oil from the middle east. Surely we can come up with something other than dealing with people that "don't like us much".