Johnny Oxygen

The Death of the U.S. Consumer

Oh my God! Someone drank the kool-aid.
Yeah guys stop being negative. If you just stay positive everything will be OK...even with a $700 trillion dollar debt...and no production...and a falling dollar...and 500,000 jobs lost each month...and...


On Nov 28 01:43 PM romorris wrote:

> All this negativity !! The time to buy is when equities are unpopular,
> not when the masses give you the ok to run with the pack.
>
> When I get a herd of people shouting to take shelter in the safety
> of their numbers, it gets extremely tempting to head the opposing
> direction. Don't let the herd do your thinking for you. When things
> really stink the opportunities for improvement are tremendous. When
> you see the sun shining, it is *way* too late.
>
> Consider the massive influx of cheap investment American companies
> are receiving right now. They can pay their workers much less for
> the time being and these frightened workers are looking for anyway
> to contribute they can - any way to stand out. They need an edge.
> I'm seeing people work themselves day and night to keep their jobs
> trying to out maneuver the competition. Per hour worked, these companies
> are getting twice the return they once did and labor costs are everything
> to most companies. Productivity is through the roof. Good things
> are getting done that these companies never dreamed of just a few
> short years ago. New, more productive way of doing business are popping
> up all over the place. We're not just working harder, we are working
> smarter as well. We've never been so focused at any time since right
> after perl harbor. These aspects alone are providing a hurricane
> force tail wind to just about each and every company and much of
> that money will be reinvested right here at home.
>
> Tremendous positive feedback loop getting going here. That force
> is America you see buckling down and getting the job done - working
> outselves out of the issues caused by past excesses.
>
> If you're saying America is down and won't be getting back up, you
> are tragically mistaken. We'll work ourselves out of this funk soon
> enough and the market is going to reflect that.
>
> The pendulum has swung way to far on the pessimistic side. Recognize
> it and profit. Maybe not tomorrow, but right quick.
>
>
>
>
>

Artificial Economy? Yes. Artificial Inflation? No

John.
You wrote:
"When the common good of a society is regarded as something apart from and superior to the individual good of its members, it means that the good of some men takes precedence over the good of others, with those others consigned to the status of sacrificial animals."

This is academic nonsense. You propose an "If not this, then this" argument. Claiming it has to be one or the other. That one wins and the other loses. I don't propose that this vague 'common good' you talk about should supersede the equally vague 'good of others'.
Saying "..Consigned to the status of sacrificial animals." Is unnecessarily dramatic. I made a simple point about being a human being. I understand that some people cannot take care of themselves through no fault of their own. In fact this is true, at some point for every single person on the planet and that includes you. From birth to old age there will be somepoint where we need the help of others. In those times we may or may not have the almighty cash to pay for the help we need. Wouldn't it be barbaric to say to some one who is elderly and unable to work "No free rides grandma. Hit the street. This is America. No free lunch!" The same can be said about children, the mentally ill, debilitating injuries from a work related accident...the list is endless. Is your allegiance to your brand of capitalism so cruel and myopic as to adhere to this type of rigid dogma?

Your comments on tribes are your words not mine. "Central planner?" I implied no such thing. Your entire response is based on this falsehood.

"I would argue that too many people Vote." Good call comrade. Maybe the only ones that should vote are the ones you deem qualified.

"So you aren't a socialist" John. Have you every used or needed the police, fire department, roads, city sewage or water? Do you like the idea of a strong military? Congratulations! You participate and benefit from a socialist endeavor.

You had better pray that hard times never fall on you. You may have to depend on the help of others with no way to pay for it.

The Death of the U.S. Consumer

Hey Romorris.

I clicked on 'follow' for you.

I want to read some of your posts after things fall apart in the near future here. It will be very entertaining to see your responses.


On Nov 26 01:34 PM romorris wrote:

> There was no depression and the recession is over. The US economy
> is on the mend and shoppers are out in force. The massive rise of
> the stock market reflect reality. Not hardly a day goes by where
> new data confirms the uptrend.
>
> Those that really took a hit and didn't recover will insist on being
> negative and congregrate with like-minded people. The negativity
> will keep them down and out a lot longer than if they just put on
> a smile and were willing to see the sun shining through the clouds.
>
>
> Sh*t happens, the recent episode is over, get used to it.
>
> All is well and its the holidays. For those that didn't head over
> the cliff with the other lemmings, its truly a time to rejoice as
> they have never been wealthier.
>
> The recent down turn was the biggest opportunity in your lifetime.
> I'm sorry if you missed it, but those who were paying attention generally
> didn't.

Artificial Economy? Yes. Artificial Inflation? No

Hi John

I agree, the manner in which the government has gotten involved has created a whole host of problems and made things worse.

You wrote:
"Why do all of the socialists always throw out the argument that an "advanced society" should.... What is an advanced society? One in which people can't take care of themselves? Is it an advanced society to live like a giant tribe? Is it advanced to make the government think for you?"

Your statement is less of an argument and more rhetorical. You assume that all people are capable of taking care of themselves. What about those that through no fault of their own lack the physical or mental capacity to take care of themselves? What would you have them do scrooge?:)

This also presumes that everyone be able to 'pay' for health, safety, security and that those who cannot pay do without. It is advanced to understand that all of us have a responsibility to look out for each other. I'm not talking about a free ride but rather that each person should have access to the very basic of human needs.

Yes. You do live in a giant tribe if you didn't then you would be self sufficient and not need a grocery store, gas station, someone to build your hut for you, health insurance and so on. Tribes break activities into groups not because they are socialist but because its much more efficient than everyone running around looking out for number one. See: The Social Contract.

Back to what I originally wrote:
"Its such a cop out to say that the government is all bad, or for that matter all good. Without sounding too sappy and patriotic I have to say that most people forget that 'we' are the government as in 'We the people...' Or at least that is how it is supposed to be. If you want to point the finger at someone point it at 'the people' for not demanding results, for voting partisanship over country, or for not voting at all."

We are the government. We can collectively decide how funds should be allocated but too many people opt out of this involvement. So in regards to the government thinking for us...we are the government.

I'm not a socialist. I simply made the argument that there are socialistic things within our society that are good. Unbridled capitalism were everyone is just in it for themselves invariably leads to feudalism. I think we should keep in mind that people matter more than money.


On Nov 24 04:26 PM John Galt wrote:

> Martino,
>
> I know you think you got your health care for NOTHING, FREE. NOT
> ONE EURO, but nothing is free. Maybe you should think outside the
> box how you got something for nothing next time tax time comes.<br/>
>
> Johnny,
>
> Why do all of the socialists always throw out the argument that an
> "advanced society" should.... What is an advanced society? One in
> which people can't take care of themselves? Is it an advanced society
> to live like a giant tribe? Is it advanced to make the government
> think for you?
>
> Before you argue that people don't argue socialism, I think YOU should
> look up Paul A. Samuelson and what a public good is.
>
> We have a ree Market in Health care? Really? You are joking right?
>
> Free Market in Education? How about the 300 programs the government
> created to make education "affordable". Yeah, how'd that work out?
> Education is about the one thing that has had more inflation than
> Health Care.
>
> People like you thought a country like America would never work.

Gold Bears Stop Sector from Overheating

User 516836

You do know that paper stocks in gold aren't going to be worth any more than paper money right?


On Nov 24 02:27 PM User 516836 wrote:

> Long term, the outlook for gold/silver is favorable.
>
> Short term, we should see "some" correction. My concern is that a
> number of gold/silver stocks are starting to "rollover" even though
> gold moves higher. This divergence (gold/silver price higher, PM
> stocks stagnant/topping) indicates to me the feds and banksters are
> trying their best to stop the rise in PM prices vs $US. If this happens,
> I will buy the dips.
>
> So, just "hunkering down" with my "core" PM stock positions and waiting
> to buy "trading" positions if a dip in PM prices occurs.

Artificial Economy? Yes. Artificial Inflation? No

Hi Martino

I agree with your points.

I think any advanced culture should provide education and healthcare for their people. It truly is in the country's best interest to have its population well educated and healthy.

There is a lot of talk about socialism. Unfortunately I think few people even know the definition. Police departments, fire departments, public works and the military are all socialist endeavors by definition.

You frequently hear people talking about privatizing these institutions. I think what they fail to grasp is that these institutions (with maybe the exception of the military) don't make money they lose money. When you hear the word 'privitization' you should substitute it with 'you-are-on-your-own'. What would happen if I couldn't afford the police or the fire department? And don't give me that free market crap about keeping the costs down. Has the free market worked for healthcare, insurance, or education. No the costs are sky high.

Its such a cop out to say that the government is all bad, or for that matter all good. Without sounding too sappy and patriotic I have to say that most people forget that 'we' are the government as in 'We the people...' Or at least that is how it is supposed to be. If you want to point the finger at someone point it at 'the people' for not demanding results, for voting partisanship over country, or for not voting at all.

I want a fire department and a police department, military and public works and I'll gladly pay for it with taxes. The question is how much government is needed, when and to what degree. There is a public responsibility to be involved in this discourse.


On Nov 24 12:41 PM MartinoCorre wrote:

> Hi everybody,
>
> I'm from Italy, Milan , so excuse me for my english language. And
> I like the articles from Paco. Also this one.
> But I'm really surprised about the ideas American people has about
> the health care system. Here in Europe health care is public and
> it works really well, even in northern Italy, maybe not the most
> civilized place in the world actually.
> Five years ago my father had a really bad heartstroke, the ambulance
> arrived, in a couple of days he had coronaric surgeon with 3 by-pass,
> then he stayed some days in the hospital and from there an ambulance
> bring him to a rehabilitation clinic, a very good structure with
> a great staff, he stayed there three weeks and then he went back
> home, he was really Ok.
> Now he is still in a very good shape and for all these Cares and
> Surgeons and so on, we spent NOTHING, not one Euro, Zero.
> So, it's not true 100% that:
> "The last point Europeans cling to is " we have a better health care
> system". If that's the case, then why do you guys come here for health
> care?"
> Maybe only for some ultra-specialized treatment, I dont' know, but
> for all the rest...no way.
> Public is not always the "evil" or the "communism", in some sectors
> probably Public is the best way. Think about it, "Public" is also
> for You.
> Martino

Artificial Economy? Yes. Artificial Inflation? No

Paco

Why the ethnic smears about Leprechauns? You constantly refer to them in the negative.

Some of my best friends are Leprechauns, and yes it should be capitalized!

I would think you would have more affinity for an ethnic group that are the ultimate gold bugs.

Gold Bears Stop Sector from Overheating

OK. Admittedly I have a lizard brain but I don't understand this.

"Nadler has worked for Kitco (a precious metals web-site) during a decade in which gold has quadrupled in price – and yet Nadler never states that “now” is a good time to buy gold."

If Nadler is in the precious metals business why would he want to play-down the value of PM's? Wouldn't he be saying "Buy! Buy!"

I don't get it.

Structural Unemployment: The Only Cure

@ ArizonaGlen

"The people who are going to be worst hit are all these people who spend $20,000 to get a drafting degree from ITT Tech and find that now all drafting is done by licensed architects and other experienced professionals since they will now work 80 hours a week for 30k a year. "

I don't know. I think most architects see themselves as being above that. Its more likely that they will move on to careers outside of architecture that pay better.

The ITT tech guys will most likely be easier to work with since they don't have a sense of entitlement and haven't been indoctrinated to think they are something special.


On Nov 18 01:03 PM ArizonaGlen wrote:

> I work in the architecture profession in Arizona as a project manager.
> (I have a degree in architecture from UVA but have not yet finished
> my licensing requirements). One thing I have noticed about architecture
> more than other professions is how cutthroat pricing gets in rough
> economic times. There are alot of sole proprietor architects who
> are much older and got their license when it was much easier and
> do projects for a small percentage of what a firm will charge. Not
> only are more than 50% of architectural professionals unemployed
> here but the ones that are employed are being forced to settle for
> fees less than half of what is recommended by the AIA just to get
> a project.
>
> When you combine a steep drop in available work and the steep drop
> in fees I imagine total revenue for architectural firms (at least
> in Arizona) is down more than 75%. I don't see this changing anytime
> soon, in fact I see it getting worse as more and more unemployed
> architects decide to compete as sole proprietors. The people who
> are going to be worst hit are all these people who spend $20,000
> to get a drafting degree from ITT Tech and find that now all drafting
> is done by licensed architects and other experienced professionals
> since they will now work 80 hours a week for 30k a year.

Structural Unemployment: The Only Cure

Here here Yellowhoard.

As long as we can get 39hrs and 50 min. of overtime pay.


On Nov 18 11:24 AM yellowhoard wrote:

> I vote that we all agree to work 10 minutes per week.
>
> Somebody make sure China gets the memo.

Structural Unemployment: The Only Cure

@ Chris Coonan.

As a fellow architect I can tell you that architecture on a local level is done for. More and more contractors are using programs like Revit or other 'drop down menu' types of construction CAD programs.

Sure there will always be a handful of starcitects and local firms that help them out but as the economy worsens people will find that they can build without using an architect. Most contractors already have an engineer on board that can sign off on projects.

The problem? The AIA has been a horrible steward of the profession. To much infighting as to who is an architect and who isn't. Academia is a complete joke and so disconnected from reality that it only cranks out prima donnas and incompetents.

When we come out of the other side of this depression architecture as a practice will be significantly changed.


On Nov 18 05:49 AM chris coonan wrote:

> The Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS (or BS for short) published last
> month that the unemployment rate among Architects (those that design
> buildings) was at 9%....now that puts the field actually lower than
> the average unemployment rate nationwide! Wow, not possible.
>
> Last week, the President of the AIA (American Insitute of Architects)
> sent a letter to members explaining an AIA HQ layoff, and talked
> about the 15% unemployment rate among Architects.
> The Las Vegas Business Journal published a report of 65% unemployment
> in Las Vegas, and 50% unemployment in Reno in the construction industry,
> and predicted it moving higher once the massive CityCenter project
> opens next month. On the ARCHITECT blog site, annecdotal reports
> from members report 50% unemployment among Architects in California
> and 50% unemployment in Boston.
>
> With eyes on the street reporting that half of the collegues they
> know are unemployed, and the others are hanging on with reduced workweeks
> and looming doom....how can the BLS report 9% in this field? Because
> nobody has challenged the data, most people don't know what it is,
> because it is not published anywhere, and the BLS website is a mess!
>
>
> When I posted the 9% figure on the ARCHITECT network site on linked
> in, it became the most responded to post on the site immediately.
> Generally there is outrage about the statistic. I would like to see
> it make national media attention, as this is just another fantasy
> number put out by the government, and it is intentionally misleading
> citizens and representatives about the state of our economy.
>
> If any broadcast journalists read this post, I challenge you to spend
> an hour, and confirm these numbers, just as I did. Then interview
> the AIA President, and you will have at least confirmed that 15%
> and 9% are a huge statistical error. Dig into the State by State
> AIA leadership, and you will find that the 15% pales in comparison
> to the reality. Then, you have a story which can run side by side
> with the White House claiming ficticious citizens in unknown congressional
> districts.

Silver Upholstery the Newest Source of Demand

lol @ Yellowhoard

Remember that only takes care of bacteria.


On Nov 16 05:51 PM yellowhoard wrote:

> Just the demand from strip club upholsterers
should propel silver
> to brand new highs.

Silver 'Misbehaves' in Recent Rally: Time to Buy

Jimbo your response was kinda rambling. What was your point?

There's No Bubble in China

GreatWhite. Nickelman, Gold Loving Puppy....

It's gettin' old brother.

Get off the meth.

There's No Bubble in China

@ GreatWhite

Yawn