Beautifully done, very well said.
'shinglejim':
"We’ve been treated to a great deal of angst in the past week as some on our side have questioned Romney’s work at Bain capital. It’s been described as an assault on capitalism, one of the foundations of conservatism. If you listen to the arguments made from those complaining, you’d believe that leveraged buyouts and layoffs are the cornerstone of capitalism and to question them is to question one’s conservative bona fides.
Capitalism is more than leveraged buyouts and private equity investments. Capitalism is the free exchange of goods for a profit, the ability to accumulate capital and private property rights. Its entrepreneurship and competition and all they do to create a healthy economy. A few companies are changing the way people view capitalism and its happening in that laboratory of innovation known as Texas. The leaders of these companies believe capitalism doesn’t have to be a zero sum game with one winner and one loser. This belief that capitalism maximizes the value for all stakeholders rather than a select few is catching Texas by store. Its this view that should be compared to Romney’s record at Bain and I believe that is exactly what Perry is trying to do.
I’ve spent my entire fifteen year career in business. I’ve participated in mergers, acquisitions, reorganizations and refinancing transactions. My view has always been that the shareholders and investors of a company are the ones putting their money at risk; therefore they rightfully deserve the rewards. That is the beauty of capitalism and thats what makes America great. I still agree with that premise, but today I approach it from a different perspective. The reason for the change you ask? A few months ago, I was treated to the most vigorous defense of capitalism I’ve ever heard. Surprisingly, it didn’t come from Limbaugh or Kudlow or anybody from the Republican Party. In fact it came from noted Libertarian John Mackey, founder of Whole Foods in Austin, Texas.
I grew up a Rush baby, but I’ve never heard Rush defend capitalism as eloquently as Mackey did that day.
He spoke of competition, entrepreneurship and private property rights. He aimed both barrels at unionization and over-regulation and blew them away. He spoke of capitalism as one of the factors key to ending Communism, how it has improved the life of everyday Americans and spoke of what it can bring in the future as it creates wealth for those around the world. He had both conservatives and liberals eating it up. It was truly amazing.
Mackey defines capitalism as creating value for all stakeholders...."
(Read more? You should, it's a great piece. Click title. Comment to discuss)
January 16, 2012
SandBox Comments: Eagle County Times "Dirty Politics – DNC Style"
'by No fan of Cindi Lauper':
"Why has the “Unaffiliated” voter become the largest Registered block of Eagle County, Colorado voters over the past few years?
The ECT will show you this short (60 second) video – that helps explain why.
The DNC (Democratic National Committee) took membership money and just produced this 2012 TV AD about candidate Mitt Romney’s position on today’s issues in the 2012 Presidential race.
All of Romney’s comments were taken out of context. Cindi Lauper obviously had to give her permission for her song to be used in this wildly misleading AD.
Keep in mind this is just the beginning of misleading advertising by the DNC. With over $1 Billion dollars available to run a 2012 Presidential campaign, you can bet the DNC is just warming up with these kinds of Ads.
The “Unaffiliated” voter rolls in Eagle County, Colorado (suggest?) a large block (actually the largest block) of Voters don’t care for this type of campaigning either.
Good. The ECT reader is left to decide for themselves if the ‘true colors’ of today’s DNC leadership ‘come shining through’ in this Ad...."
(Watch the video? Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"Why has the “Unaffiliated” voter become the largest Registered block of Eagle County, Colorado voters over the past few years?
The ECT will show you this short (60 second) video – that helps explain why.
The DNC (Democratic National Committee) took membership money and just produced this 2012 TV AD about candidate Mitt Romney’s position on today’s issues in the 2012 Presidential race.
All of Romney’s comments were taken out of context. Cindi Lauper obviously had to give her permission for her song to be used in this wildly misleading AD.
Keep in mind this is just the beginning of misleading advertising by the DNC. With over $1 Billion dollars available to run a 2012 Presidential campaign, you can bet the DNC is just warming up with these kinds of Ads.
The “Unaffiliated” voter rolls in Eagle County, Colorado (suggest?) a large block (actually the largest block) of Voters don’t care for this type of campaigning either.
Good. The ECT reader is left to decide for themselves if the ‘true colors’ of today’s DNC leadership ‘come shining through’ in this Ad...."
(Watch the video? Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Craig Daily Press "State treasurer to appear at Lincoln Day Dinner"
"Although there are rumors about potential candidacies, Hume said he’s unaware of any additional candidates planning to announce Saturday.
The Lincoln Day Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. with a cash bar followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets cost $50 and may be purchased at T&H Parts, 400 Taylor St., and at Pam’s Designs, 512 Yampa.
As with the precinct caucuses scheduled for next month, Hume said all are welcome to attend.
“In keeping with the spirit of transparency, we welcome all Republicans, Democrats and Independents to attend the Lincoln Day Dinner,” Hume said. “Ultimately by buying a ticket, they’ll be supporting the Republican Party, but it’s a good way for people to meet and get to know the candidates....”
(Craig Daily Press)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
The Lincoln Day Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. with a cash bar followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets cost $50 and may be purchased at T&H Parts, 400 Taylor St., and at Pam’s Designs, 512 Yampa.
As with the precinct caucuses scheduled for next month, Hume said all are welcome to attend.
“In keeping with the spirit of transparency, we welcome all Republicans, Democrats and Independents to attend the Lincoln Day Dinner,” Hume said. “Ultimately by buying a ticket, they’ll be supporting the Republican Party, but it’s a good way for people to meet and get to know the candidates....”
(Craig Daily Press)
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "GOP caucuses scheduled for Feb. 7"
Of course we disagree.
Let's just say that maybe there was a real high-profile candidate that wanted to hit Colorado for a presence at our caucus time.
Where should that candidate pick to land?
Rifle, of course. With lots of press releasing all over the state because Rifle is enough of a central location that he could easily pick up folks coming over from Vail and Eagle County, down from Pitkin County, over and down from Routt, Moffat and Rio Blanco counties, over from Mesa County and up and over from Montrose and Delta counties.
How would he get here and be in and out easily?
Why, fly into Garfield County airport which handles any size plane and he would be right there in Rifle, Colorado!
Piece of cake.
And, since Colorado is the premier battleground state for November 2012, it would be a very, very smart move for a high-profile Republican candidate.
just sayin...
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Let's just say that maybe there was a real high-profile candidate that wanted to hit Colorado for a presence at our caucus time.
Where should that candidate pick to land?
Rifle, of course. With lots of press releasing all over the state because Rifle is enough of a central location that he could easily pick up folks coming over from Vail and Eagle County, down from Pitkin County, over and down from Routt, Moffat and Rio Blanco counties, over from Mesa County and up and over from Montrose and Delta counties.
How would he get here and be in and out easily?
Why, fly into Garfield County airport which handles any size plane and he would be right there in Rifle, Colorado!
Piece of cake.
And, since Colorado is the premier battleground state for November 2012, it would be a very, very smart move for a high-profile Republican candidate.
just sayin...
(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Eagle County Times "Understanding Eagle County’s Public School Funding Process"
Great information from the ECT guys, they do know their way around the public education system here in Colorado.
"by the local Truant Officer, pay attention Ms. Funk":
"You really should understand this Public School Funding process.
How does the State of Colorado (Eagle County) Fund Public Schools?
Each year the Colorado State Legislature sets a (per public school student) rate at which Colorado Public Schools get their Funding.
That money comes from 2 Primary Funding Sources.
First, In Eagle County’s case your Eagle County Property Tax Bill – item – “RE50J School Dist, 015 -” and it’s associated Property Tax Levy that’s printed on your annual Property Tax bill.
Second, the State of Colorado.
Eagle County’s Treasurer’s Office is (statutorily) required to U.S. Mail you, your Property Tax bill – and collect that money. Some of us pay our annual Property Taxes by writing the check, others have their home Mortgage company write that check on your behalf.
KNOW THIS: Every single penny of the Property Taxes collected in Eagle County by the County Treasurer (under the RE50J School Dist, 015) heading is handed over by the County Treasurer 100% to the Eagle County School District. Our Eagle County School District harvests MILLIONS in Property Taxes each year – and does NOT give one dime of that money, back to the State of Colorado! What Property Taxes for Education that are collected in each State School District – stays in that School District.
Here is where Public School Funding in the Colorado gets a bit tricky because of the State Funding laws on the books….Example..."
(Read more? Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"by the local Truant Officer, pay attention Ms. Funk":
"You really should understand this Public School Funding process.
How does the State of Colorado (Eagle County) Fund Public Schools?
Each year the Colorado State Legislature sets a (per public school student) rate at which Colorado Public Schools get their Funding.
That money comes from 2 Primary Funding Sources.
First, In Eagle County’s case your Eagle County Property Tax Bill – item – “RE50J School Dist, 015 -” and it’s associated Property Tax Levy that’s printed on your annual Property Tax bill.
Second, the State of Colorado.
Eagle County’s Treasurer’s Office is (statutorily) required to U.S. Mail you, your Property Tax bill – and collect that money. Some of us pay our annual Property Taxes by writing the check, others have their home Mortgage company write that check on your behalf.
KNOW THIS: Every single penny of the Property Taxes collected in Eagle County by the County Treasurer (under the RE50J School Dist, 015) heading is handed over by the County Treasurer 100% to the Eagle County School District. Our Eagle County School District harvests MILLIONS in Property Taxes each year – and does NOT give one dime of that money, back to the State of Colorado! What Property Taxes for Education that are collected in each State School District – stays in that School District.
Here is where Public School Funding in the Colorado gets a bit tricky because of the State Funding laws on the books….Example..."
(Read more? Learn more? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Public in Paonia say privacy doesn’t justify Bear Ranch land swap"
(See related stories and commentary here and here)
Pity poor Bill Koch.
(sigh....rolls eyes....)
Let's try a new approach to his problem up on Bear Creek Ranch, shall we?
Riddle me this:
If you owned aprx. 4,500 acres of heaven on earth in the form of a ranch in the high country of Colorado.
And there was one little strip of publically owned land that went smack down (almost, we are stretching it a bit) the middle of it, that was used once in a Harvest Moon by a mountain biker or two and some cows being moved back and forth to other land (which, BTW also has other routes that could be taken) wouldn't you try to purchase that strip of land?
And if the price was ratcheted up by a whipped into a frenzy mob (the mountain bikers started it) that required you to "give them something more"....would you do that?
Poor Bill Koch said: "Well, OK." And then went out and bought a lot more land to give 'The Mob' than they wanted in the first place.
The riddle is:
"Are the hordes of angry mobsters in the Paonia area going to dislike poor Bill Koch any less if he simply goes to the Feds and asks for help?"
Probably not.
So, our vote here on SandBox is to stick with the Feds (and) you've done all you can with the mob in Paonia so let them just simmer until some kind of decision is made. Oh, yes. That guardrail up on Castle Creek that will save lives? Keep going, Mr. Koch. Surely someone up in Aspen can help pay for it besides you.
(Read this article in the continuing trials/tribulations of poor Bill Koch? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Pity poor Bill Koch.
(sigh....rolls eyes....)
Let's try a new approach to his problem up on Bear Creek Ranch, shall we?
Riddle me this:
If you owned aprx. 4,500 acres of heaven on earth in the form of a ranch in the high country of Colorado.
And there was one little strip of publically owned land that went smack down (almost, we are stretching it a bit) the middle of it, that was used once in a Harvest Moon by a mountain biker or two and some cows being moved back and forth to other land (which, BTW also has other routes that could be taken) wouldn't you try to purchase that strip of land?
And if the price was ratcheted up by a whipped into a frenzy mob (the mountain bikers started it) that required you to "give them something more"....would you do that?
Poor Bill Koch said: "Well, OK." And then went out and bought a lot more land to give 'The Mob' than they wanted in the first place.
The riddle is:
"Are the hordes of angry mobsters in the Paonia area going to dislike poor Bill Koch any less if he simply goes to the Feds and asks for help?"
Probably not.
So, our vote here on SandBox is to stick with the Feds (and) you've done all you can with the mob in Paonia so let them just simmer until some kind of decision is made. Oh, yes. That guardrail up on Castle Creek that will save lives? Keep going, Mr. Koch. Surely someone up in Aspen can help pay for it besides you.
(Read this article in the continuing trials/tribulations of poor Bill Koch? Click title. Comment to discuss)
"Truth goes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."
SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "North Fork BLM gas leases concern ranchers, Paonia farmers"
(See related story and commentary here)
This one has to be to best of the lot.
Compile all the histrionics over oil and gas leases in the Thompson Divide and North Fork area and this one has to be the best of the lot:
"“It would be absolutely devastating to our food supply. ... It’s a parasite that comes in and sucks life off of the land and leaves disaster in its wake,” she said. “Along with the obvious problem of mucking up the water, we are concerned about air and noise and light pollution....”
(Andrew Travers)
Just say YES to environmentally sound and responsible oil and gas leasing and drilling in all areas of Colorado. If you are a nay-sayer, maybe educating yourself on all aspects of the industry would be a responsible thing to do before attempting to whip up mass hysteria.
(Read the article? Click title. Comment to discuss)
This one has to be to best of the lot.
Compile all the histrionics over oil and gas leases in the Thompson Divide and North Fork area and this one has to be the best of the lot:
"“It would be absolutely devastating to our food supply. ... It’s a parasite that comes in and sucks life off of the land and leaves disaster in its wake,” she said. “Along with the obvious problem of mucking up the water, we are concerned about air and noise and light pollution....”
(Andrew Travers)
Just say YES to environmentally sound and responsible oil and gas leasing and drilling in all areas of Colorado. If you are a nay-sayer, maybe educating yourself on all aspects of the industry would be a responsible thing to do before attempting to whip up mass hysteria.
(Read the article? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Aspen Times/Letter to the Editor "Victimized because of his success"
"Obviously I am biased about the proposed project and the process by which it is being handled — Nikos Hecht is my son — but Mr. Ireland's divisiveness and disdain for working with those he clearly has a vendetta against is disheartening to say the least. Characterizing a project as “extortionist” is beyond the pale. Perhaps it might occur to the mayor that: (1) developers are not the enemy in any city, much less a tourist-oriented town, (2) it is not a sin to have worked damn hard, to have been successful and then to have chosen to put those rewards back into the city where one was raised, (3) turning local developers away (particularly extraordinarily generous developers who continually and charitably give back to locals) is a precarious, slippery slope, and (4) it should be obvious that a developer has the right to make money on his or her investment — in other words, buying a property in the city of Aspen should not be expected to be a gift to the city.
One can only hope that the waters for negotiation have not been so muddied by this kind of unseemly, nasty rhetoric that neither side benefits..."
(Brooke Newman, Aspen)
(Read the rest of this terrific letter? Click title. Comment to discuss)
One can only hope that the waters for negotiation have not been so muddied by this kind of unseemly, nasty rhetoric that neither side benefits..."
(Brooke Newman, Aspen)
(Read the rest of this terrific letter? Click title. Comment to discuss)
SandBox Comments: Summit County Citizens Voice "New surveys find plenty of planets in Milky Way"
sigh....sips her tea....sighs again....
....wonder if any of these are capable of sustaining human life and if so, how does one get there?
"SUMMIT COUNTY — The Milky Way likely has a huge number of planets that may be similar to Earth in some ways, according to one of the latest surveys of the galaxy.
“We used to think that the Earth might be unique in our galaxy. But now it seems that there are literally billions of planets with masses similar to Earth orbiting stars in the Milky Way,” said Daniel Kubas, one of the author of the research paper published last week in Nature.
The data from six years of research suggests that one in six of the stars studied hosts a planet of similar mass to Jupiter, half have Neptune-mass planets and two thirds have super-Earths...."
(Read the article? Click title. Comment to discuss)
....wonder if any of these are capable of sustaining human life and if so, how does one get there?
"SUMMIT COUNTY — The Milky Way likely has a huge number of planets that may be similar to Earth in some ways, according to one of the latest surveys of the galaxy.
“We used to think that the Earth might be unique in our galaxy. But now it seems that there are literally billions of planets with masses similar to Earth orbiting stars in the Milky Way,” said Daniel Kubas, one of the author of the research paper published last week in Nature.
The data from six years of research suggests that one in six of the stars studied hosts a planet of similar mass to Jupiter, half have Neptune-mass planets and two thirds have super-Earths...."
(Read the article? Click title. Comment to discuss)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)