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Archive By Author - Patrick Durusau
Consumers and recovery
A recent article in the Wall Street Journal said that consumers were delaying a recovery by not spending enough money. There is plenty of blame to go around for the current economic crisis. The spend and cut taxes policies of the Republicans played a role. As did the American dream home for everyone plans of the Democrats. Not to mention the industry players who were quick to take advantage of both. Just to refresh your ...
Between you and your doctor
I have been puzzled by the insurance company claim that government mandated health insurance will put a bureaucrat between me and my doctor. At least in the sense that represents any change in our relationship now. Granted I have private insurance now, but that doesn't mean there isn't anyone between me and my doctor. If you are guessing my insurance company stands between me and my doctor, as well as between me and my pharmacy, ...
Personal biases
Republicans in the U.S. Senate have framed the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor as a choice between judges as "neutral arbiters" versus those who bring their "personal biases and viewpoints" to cases they decide. Interesting that they have developed such an interest in principled decision making after using slavish opposition to Roe v. Wade as an internal litmus test for any Republican nominee. The notion of a "neutral arbiter" is a complete and utter fiction. ...
Transparency
The expense records of our U.S. Representatives and Senators are soon going to be online. It should be interesting to see if transparency makes any difference. I am mindful of the story of the police station that installed TV cameras to "prove" that allegations of routine police brutality were false. It worked until the officers forgot their own cameras were there and started beating up suspects at the booking desk.
Path to bipartisanship
There is a decided lack of bipartisanship in Washington. Perhaps it would be easier to agree on what should be done rather than the reasons for doing it. Everyone is then free to invent whatever explanations will excite their "base" supporters.
Education ROI
I was talking to a very conservative friend recently about the concern of some Newton County commissioners over the possibility of raising taxes. He pointed out that his children and grandchildren had all attended private school so where was his return on all the taxes that went for education? I think that is a fair question and one that deserves a fair answer.
Patients should be the focus
From all accounts, reform of the medical care "system" is on the way. As one of the chronically ill, I am a type 1 diabetic, there is one thing that I think any reform needs to address, and that affects everyone - not just me. All patients should be the "customer" or "consumer,"whatever term is necessary, for medical care. That means that you and your doctor decide what treatment is best for your individual case. ...
The more things change
I admit I was hopeful that the candidate Barack Obama was going to change Washington. At the100-day mark, well, I am not so sure.
Orders are orders, American style
 I don't often hope that any wish of former Vice-President Cheney is granted. But I do hope that his wish for the release of more memos on the results of Bush-Cheney-authorized torture is granted.
When does right to life end?
 President Obama has reversed a number of Bush administration policies on abortion and access to abortions. His actions rekindled debate, or rather shouting, about when does life, and the right to it begin?
Risk free capitalism
I love going to church on Easter for several reasons. First, you get to see people that you won't see for the rest of the year.
Irrelevant Rand
Sales of "Atlas Shrugged," Ayn Rand's vision of a utopia based on "rational self-interest" have been brisk during the recent economic downturn. The fictional nature of that vision was conceded by Alan Greenspan, the former chair of the Federal Reserve, when he testified before Congress that he was mistaken in thinking that "rational self-interest" would protect the markets. That had to be a hard admission after 40 years as a disciple who touted faith in ...
The Legislative Responsibility Act
Senator Christopher Dodd inserted an amendment in legislation that enabled the now infamous AIG bonuses. When asked about it on national TV, he simply lied about it. He denied having anything to do with it. The very next day he admitted to the same reporter that he had inserted the language.
The bailout game
With all the talk of bailouts, there has been a popular demand for a home edition of the bailout game. You will need $110,030 in play money, a pizza and four players. One person acts as the bank. The bank player starts off with $10,000 and there is $100,000 in "bailout" money. The other three players have $10 each.
Good neighbors
 One of my favorite British comedies is "Good Neighbors." The basic story line concerns a couple where the husband had resigned his job so they could live the "simple" life in a suburban area. He had no experience with livestock, gardening, etc., so you can imagine the situations. Their next door
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