In the long run, truth is aided by nothing so much as by opposition, and by the opposition of those who can give the full strength of the argument on the side of error. In an age of authority and spiritual bondage, the opinions of an individual are often important, -- sometimes decisive. One voice may determine the judgment of a country. But in an age of free discussion, little is to be feared from great names, on whatever side arrayed. When I hear a man complaining that some cause which he has at heart will be put back for years by a speech of a book, I suspect that his attachment to it is prejudice, that he has no consciousness of standing on a rock. The more discussion the better, if passion and personality be eschewed; and discussion, even if stormy, often winnows truth from error, a good never to be expected in an uninquiring age. -- William Ellery Channing, American preacher and religious reformer, 1780-1842, on the slavery question
The proposed bailout will not work because it does not address the problem. In fact, it makes the problem worse.
The problem is trust. It doesn't exist. It has been actively, purposely eroded by people in all positions of power, whether in Congress, the White House, or the panelled boardrooms of corporate America. Greedy, powerful people erased trust by refusing to deal with the American people in good faith. Republicans did it, and Democrats did it, and corporations did it. And we have been well aware of that for many years. But as it turns out, they don't deal with each other in good faith, either. Whoever could have predicted such a thing?!?!?!?!
Now 'suddenly', 'without warning', 'surprising them no end', 'we' have a 'crisis'. Oh boo hoo hoo they cry. Give us lots of money so we can have more confidence.
No. These are junkies and dealers, addicted to money and power. It's time to go to detox and rehab.
Poor planning on your part does not make a crisis on my part.
Ill fares the land, to hastening ills a prey, Where wealth accumulates and men decay: Princes and lords may flourish or may fade; A breath can make them, as a breath has made; But a bold peasantry, their country's pride, When once destroyed can never be supplied. -- Oliver Goldsmith, Irish poet, dramatist and novelist, 1728-1774, from The Deserted Village
The proposed bailout will not work because it does not address the problem. In fact, it makes the problem worse.
The problem is trust. It doesn't exist. It has been actively, purposely eroded by people in all positions of power, whether in Congress, the White House, or the panelled boardrooms of corporate America. Greedy, powerful people erased trust by refusing to deal with the American people in good faith. Republicans did it, and Democrats did it, and corporations did it. And we have been well aware of that for many years. But as it turns out, they don't deal with each other in good faith, either. Whoever could have predicted such a thing?!?!?!?!
Now 'suddenly', 'without warning', 'surprising them no end', 'we' have a 'crisis'. Oh boo hoo hoo they cry. Give us lots of money so we can have more confidence.
No. These are junkies and dealers, addicted to money and power. It's time to go to detox and rehab.
Poor planning on your part does not make a crisis on my part.
Ill fares the land, to hastening ills a prey, Where wealth accumulates and men decay: Princes and lords may flourish or may fade; A breath can make them, as a breath has made; But a bold peasantry, their country's pride, When once destroyed can never be supplied. -- Oliver Goldsmith, Irish poet, dramatist and novelist, 1728-1774, from The Deserted Village
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