Facebook
Fark
Digg
Reddit
StumbleLetter to the editor:
Imagine what we can do together
Friday, Jan. 27, 2012 | 2 a.m.
Although Ronald Plamondon, in his letter titled “Recent boom years will never return,” reflects the feelings of many, I prefer to look on the brighter side of our existence.
What if our congressional leaders decided to look out for the economy rather than self-interest? What if billionaires would spend the money to help our economy and stop blowing it on election campaigns?
If we the people of the United States of America decided that we were one nation rather than a politically divided bunch of ideological idiots, we could create a major boom.
With the help of government, we could create millions of jobs through new construction of rapid transit projects along with existing infrastructure repair.
The folks we elect to serve and protect our people create boom years. They are not elected to provide for just a select few.
We have many projects that can create massive growth. What if we devised a plan to put families in every vacant home and to equip every home with solar power or create massive solar systems to provide for every home? This would be an unimaginable economic boom.
We have one party that screams budget control but refuses to actually try to control the budget. Budget control will only come to pass when we force the haves to pay their fair share and every unemployed person has a job so they can contribute their fair share to the economy.
I prefer optimism and try to shun negativity.
Discussion: 15 comments so far…
Comments are moderated by Las Vegas Sun editors. Our goal is not to limit the discussion, but rather to elevate it. Comments should be relevant and contain no abusive language. Comments that are off-topic, vulgar, profane or include personal attacks will be removed. Full comments policy. Additionally, we now display comments from trusted commenters by default. Those wishing to become a trusted commenter need to verify their identity or sign in with Facebook Connect to tie their Facebook account to their Las Vegas Sun account. For more on this change, read our story about how it works and why we did it.
Only trusted comments are displayed on this page. Untrusted comments have expired from this story.
Post a comment
Most Popular
- Viewed
- Discussed
- E-mailed
- Three dreams come true for Flamingo headliner Marie Osmond
- MGM results improve on Las Vegas Strip spending, China growth
- Federal agents join probe into fire at site of future Islamic funeral home
- Strip Scribbles: Shania Twain in town planning Caesars Palace residency
- Judge tosses out suit challenging motorcycle helmet law enforcement
- 15-month-old toddler tests positive for hallucinogenic drug
- Construction project — possibly for a mosque — damaged by fire
- Henderson man pleads guilty to kidnapping 7-year-old girl
- Mother left 3-year-old twins, 5-year-old alone prior to fire, Metro Police charge
- Highs to hit low 70s in Las Vegas
Blogs
The Kats Report
Post it: House of Blues tuning up for a Santana residency
In pursuing a tribute to Frank Sinatra, Robert Davi is no bad actor
High School Sports Scene
High School Basketball State Championship Picks
The Kats Report
Oscar Goodman goes Shecky as Mob Museum opening prompts a mob scene (2 Comments)
Elsewhere
MGM Resorts, Ameristar form marketing alliance to draw visitors
High School Sports Scene
High School Hoops Picks: Updated with Friday's regional finals (3 Comments)
The Kats Report
What a Whitney Houston residency in Las Vegas might have looked like (5 Comments)
The Sun
Locally owned and independent for more than 50 years.
a lot of 'what ifs' and more political rhetoric dont lower higher food and energy costs nor the impasse in congress over a budget. don, you sound like one of those candidates on the stage during last nights GOP debate. sunshine and lollypops for all!
The letter writer nailed it. Optimism, nurtured by virtues like faith, hope and love have made America and its people great through good times and bad. Not bigger and bigger gov't and more and more gov't handouts and giveaways.
Carmine A. DiFazio
"you sound like one of those candidates on the stage during last nights GOP debate. sunshine and lollypops for all!"
The difference between the 4 GOP candidates for president and our president is that the former promises the milk and honey through hard word and individual efforts. The latter wants the gov't to provide it.
I like Obama. He's a nice guy. The First Lady and daughters are darlings. But Obama is a product of the 60's and wrongly believes that big gov't has all the answers to all the problems. He's out of touch with the current and future times. Europe proves he and his thinking are wrong as wrong can be.
We need change, and Obama isn't the name for it.
Carmine A. DiFazio
Don is correct. Like it or not, we are all in this together and we can solve our problems together. But first, we need to give up the idea that our problems are someone else's to solve - that someones else must make sacrifices while we make none.
I would have been happy to see such "togetherness" espoused when George W. was president but, alas, that wasn't the case. During his tenure, it was the norm to bash everything he did and to obstruct everything he wanted to do. Now that the show is on the other foot, the pigs are squealing. Let's see if they write the same letters to the editor after Mitt takes over in January 2013. Don't make book on it!
Don Ellis, a well intended and meaning letter to the editor. However, I cannot bring myself to the positive plateau on where you apparently stand. You stated, "I prefer optimism and try to shun negativity."
Can you really, Don? Read the co-published letter to the editor in today's Las Vegas Sun opinion column entitled, "Maybe We Need To Be More Like China.". Also, read the initial post made that commentates on this letter to the editor. You might be able to understand why I am not together with these type of individuals. It's okay to have political differences of opinion. Our system promotes differing views and ideologies. As a prime example, on the Republican side, I frequently disagree with the political positions of a commentator named, Carmine DiFazio. Sometimes our words get a bit heated. But, is he a loyal American, and are his political positions solely within the best interests of his country, as he personally sees it? Absolutely. On the other side of the moderate political spectrum in this discussion room, there is Dennis Williams (Dipstick). I too, frequently disagree with his political views. However, are his political stances in the best interests of his country, as he sees it? Always!
My point is, there are way too many extremists from both the right and left-wing side of politics in this country. Both political extremists border on, and on occasion crosses into the path of both "fascism" and/or "communism".
Trusted Las Vegas Sun commentator Michael Casler is another prime example. He is the epitome of a moderate. A true Independent. However, extremists from both sides in this discussion room literally, in a disrespectful manner, thrash the reasonable, moderate and gentlemanly ways of this man. Although I mostly agree with Mr. Casler's positions, I greatly differ from him, in that, I'm an aggressive sort, and will contest by most means available to the bitter end with a political opponent in not so graceful of style that Mr. Casler presents.
I just can't do it, Don. Too many "freeze dried hippies" and dictatorial "repressionists" running buck wild around our society.
::::::::
Hey Don ... your retoretical questions are not too bad, but thinking that at some time in the future Congressional leaders will look out more for America's economy than thier own ideology and Party and their own re-election is never going to happen - as long as this Supreme Court's decisions are in place on cash to political contributions and corporations are people and cash is free speech - and I am talking about Repbuplicons about 90% here
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Addingly, look at recent history .. G.W. Bush The Certified War Criminal and how he made his money without regard for ethics, morals and laws and then ended up as President ... the worst in U.S. History
And ... now Mexico Mitt the Poly Wife Guy and his tax loops and off shore banking accounts ... all seemingly legal -
Just these two examples show right here there is no interest in what's best for the U.S. economy as to your philosophical questions on behalf of these so called Republicons since all they have done is look after themselves
::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ola - our future lies in the intellect we elect ... if we wish more wars and depressions and homeless and foreclosures and bankruptcies and a more corrupt Wall St then elect Mexico Mandate PolyWife Mitt or perhaps his close competitor Slick Cuba Monger Lobbyist Child Labor Man Newt. Its up to you. If you want no war and a solid economy and an ethical government who gets the Bin Laden's of our planet then elect once again President Obama.
"If we the people of the United States of America decided that we were one nation rather than a politically divided bunch of ideological idiots, we could create a major boom. . . . . The folks we elect to serve and protect our people create boom years. They are not elected to provide for just a select few."
Ellis -- you're misinformed. You failed to mention who gets to decide what politics and ideology we're supposed to march in lockstep to. This country was founded on dissent and revolution and both those freedoms are enshrined in our organic law. You're also proposing government creates prosperity. Wrong. Only commerce creates prosperity. Government obstructs it.
"Don Ellis . . .stated, "I prefer optimism and try to shun negativity."
BChap -- good reasoning made a good post. Pointing us to that "Maybe We Need To Be More Like China" column made it even more relevant here. See you there.
"Remember that a government big enough to give you everything you want is also big enough to take away everything you have." -- the late Senator Barry Goldwater, 1964 candidate for President
America will remain greatly divided as long as the GOP allows Faux News and Limbaugh to tell them everything they need to know.
Rank and file republicans depend on Hannity and Co. for a nonstop, round the clock flow of poisonous propaganda disguised as 'news'.
Bchap,
Michael Casler's writing theme is doubt, not hope. He repeatedly states "R's don't have it, D's don't have it" which is fine and he has the right to state his doubt and why he doubts a party but everyone else here has the right to disagree with Michael's position and give their take on things as well. I think it's fair to say that not everyone will agree with all of their own party's platform agenda. But there are agenda items we are all passionate about. The other day Michael tried to suggest that tax reform was not a passionate issue on either side and he was dead wrong and so I rebutted. As an independent, you guys can "Monday morning Quarterback" past results of both parties all day long yet, as independents, you don't always have a clear stance on an issue and so I think just casting doubt on the other two party's position leaves you and Michael open for sometimes a heated rebuttal. You're passionate about your doubts concerning either party and most of us are passionate about rebutting your point. This back in forth is fair game here on LVS at least up until now.
The young people of today will create their own economic boom. Through new technological advancements as well as necessity people will create the wealth that they need to pay for the $150 trillion in medical bills are coming due, college costs for their children as well as retirement costs. Every generation for the last several hundred years has had its ups and downs. This current downturn is creating enormous opportunities for young people.
The wealth that people need going forward will come from dramatically higher asset prices and much higher wages. Wages are skyrocketing in China because the Chinese people want the same things Americans and Europeans have.The Chinese want Buicks and BMWs. You can't buy these making a few hundred dollars a month. They bought 18 million cars last year. As wages continue to go up businesses will come back to the United States. The manufacturing base will return and Wealth will increase dramatically over the next 50 years.
Germany and Japan were completely destroyed during World War II. That destruction led to an enormous economic boom that carried those countries for decades. They are still doing quite well today even though their populations are very old.
There have been about 47 recessions in the United States. Recessions caused by demand factors as well as things like wars ending tend to be resolved in a few months. Recessions caused by major financial crisis like the one we're going through now take many years. In the next five years many of these headaches will be over and the younger generations will have their days in the sun.
"We can't work together. People who HATE America like @Carmine and his ilk would rather see the country destroyed than a Black Democrat President."
Thank you for all your attention to me. But I wish you would get your facts straight, especially if I spell them out over and over, and not presume words and deeds to me that more rightly belong to you and others.
I love America and served it proudly for more years than you have probably been alive both in the military and as a civilian. In fact served 6 presidents of both parties, not including the current.
I like the president. I'm smart enough to realize they [America and the President] are not good for each other. Skin color has no bearing, as you like to state for effect, it's political philosophy and beliefs where they/we differ.
Carmine A. DiFazio
Did you just see Obama out bragging on the GDP number for 2011. It came in at a spotty 1.7%
Under Ronald Reagan at this point the GDP was 7%
Following a $ trillion stimulus That is a 5 point under achieving gap by Obama
Reagan had a much younger country to deal with. He didn't have $200 billion a month in medical costs.He didn't have 78 million retiring baby boomers. The technology boom was just beginning. This boom would employ millions of people and add trillions to GDP.
It's all about demographics and technological innovation. Many of today's biggest companies were fledgling startups when Reagan was in office.
"Under Ronald Reagan at this point the GDP was 7%"
United States population under Reagan - 235 million.
United States population in 2012 - 312 million.
Banks under Reagan didn't have to deal with the Euro. Reagan didn't have NAFTA outsourcing American jobs. Political relations with China were poor, no American companies were based in China. United States manufacturing dominated the international market in the 1980's. Reagan had alot less to deal with in his administration.
If you hadn't noticed times and economies have changed.
To follow up to Future's above post, here is the full BEA report that President Obama excerpted.
http://www.bea.gov/newsreleases/national...
I like this kind of stuff despite the bureacratize. There are more caveats, presumptions, predictions, and crystal ball readings in these numbers than a game of monopoly.
Obama is putting a positive spin on the numbers, a risk for any President. He should let his assistants and spokes people do this for him.
What matters is the final 2011 GDP and the GDP numbers for the 2 quarters of 2012 prior to the election.
Too soon to tell what these numbers are/will be. 3 percent is the min for the President to run on for reelection. Anything above 3 is icing on the cake for the President and his Admin.
Have to wait and see. Time will tell.
Carmine A. DiFazio
@ Vernos: I know what NAFTA is but tell me how and who started it and why please.
I am not going to advocate philosopher kings, but I would like to see every candidate for Congress and President have at least a full year of training in formal logic. That could go a long way in helping them work together, maybe.
Even better, I would like to see every voter have such training as part of a well-grounded public education.
Yes, geometry is supposed to teach this to some extent. But that is never pointed out. An actual course in logic and critical thinking should be taught as early as possible, with philosophy thrown in along the way.
Chuck333,
NAFTA was initiated by Bush the Elder and Clinton expanded it's reach.
boftx - "An actual course in logic and critical thinking should be taught as early as possible, with philosophy thrown in along the way."
That would be a great idea. I believe education has been white washed for many years because students haven't been taught abstract thinking, which coincides with your conmment about geometry. I also noticed many of our elected officials are clueless when it comes to American history.
Consider the fact that most of these legislatures who run for office are attorney's and their personalities are specifically designed to argue. Their idea of winning at any cost is one reason why we are in this predicament.
(Flashback) William Bendix - "What a revolting development this is!"
As long as we are playing "what if?", let's imagine what would happen if besides teaching history like they do now, they were to teach logic and philosophy in 9th and 10ths grades and then offer history as applied philosophy in the junior and senior years.
It's not that history isn't taught, but I think that there is a failure to help students understand for themselves just what the significance of the events and their results were in a larger context.
Our politicians, in fact, our electorate, is mired in an ideological morass and are seemingly incapable of looking at facts, forming premises, reaching rational projections, and then deciding if the result is desirable.
"As a prime example, on the Republican side, I frequently disagree with the political positions of a commentator named, Carmine DiFazio. Sometimes our words get a bit heated. But, is he a loyal American, and are his political positions solely within the best interests of his country, as he personally sees it? Absolutely. "
Thank you. One correction to note, I am not a Republican and never have been. As you will see from a post here, or as I stated in the past here, I served 6 consecutive presidents of both parties, never claiming a party preference ever. I have been an independent all my life and I am rather long in the tooth. I don't expect to change.
Carmine A. DiFazio
boftx - "It's not that history isn't taught, but I think that there is a failure to help students understand for themselves just what the significance of the events and their results were in a larger context."
Right on target with that comment. Memorizing dates and times is no substitute for understanding the mechanics of why a historic event occured.
Historically, as far as recoveries go, this one is pretty anemic. Since Wash Dc has become the wealthiest area in the country now (with the highest income inequality), and since it appears as a group that federal employees owe plenty in back taxes, I can't believe more government is the answer.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cg...
But they sure have been promising a lot more.
I see Goper played the race card pretty quick. But it the ONLY card in his deck.
Hey GOPer, good thing Obumma inherited a natural gas boom or we'd really be screwed with the green energy companies going belly-up.
GOPer: Once again, the only card in your deck.
I don't have to root against american industry. Making electricity prices "necessarily skyrocket" does a pretty good job of that already. It's the policy, stupid.