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myles spicer

minnetonka, MN
Commenter for
5 years 24 weeks

Recent Comments

Posted on 10/06/11 at 10:09 am in response to Friday's 10-year anniversary of Afghan war missing all the hoopla surrounding 9/11 remembrance

War? What war? I do not recall seeing or hearing anything about a war!

This is so pathetic. This war has been totally and entirely carried wby less than 1% of our citizens. In general, virtually all Americans have not been affected, involved, touched,or sacrificed for this atrocious action. Even when it comes to paying for it, Americans have resisted -- unlike any other war in our history.

In WWII, FDR raised the top tax rate to 92%, and few complained (I know, because I was...

Posted on 10/03/11 at 10:05 am in response to If Congress' super-committee wanted to save the day

I wish to second Richard Schulze's comment. Making Medicare available to all (public option) is such a simple, obvious, and semaless way to enhance medical care in our country. The paln is in place. The logistics are done. The administrative costs are small compared to private insurance (and of course there is no drive for "profits". And adding younger insured into the current mix would improve program from an actuary standpoint...for all.

There is only one thing holding this back:...

Posted on 09/26/11 at 03:02 pm in response to Obama plays the George Washington card

It is always fascinating to see those who wrap themselves in the flag of the REvolution, so ignorant of history.

It happens so frequenty, and there are so many misstatements, fictions, and re-writing of history, and often navigating politics in America I feel I am operating in a bizarro world.

Posted on 09/26/11 at 10:16 am in response to Is government bloated? Truth and fiction

David
So do really think a conservative-dominated Supreme Court is allowing the other branches of government to do things "the Constitution says it has no authority to do"? What things?

Actually the three governors DID aggressively seek Federal help; in fact Jondal was highly critical of the slow pace help was coming. Christie was grateful.

Is there waste, fraud, and inefficency in government? You betcha (I am a third generation Minnesotan). Having said that, is there...

Posted on 09/26/11 at 02:21 pm in response to Is government bloated? Truth and fiction

Chuck, sure I would like to do an article as you suggested on the private sector; but I had an major op-ed in yesterday's Strib, and this one here today. Plus I have a full time job, and am 78 years old. Your suggestion on your topic will have to wait if it comes from me.

David, so many questions. Briefly, the helath care bill has not even reached the court, so deeming it "unconstitutional" is highly premature. Abortion HAS been decided -- give it up!

Re other stuff, I...

Posted on 09/27/11 at 09:16 am in response to Is government bloated? Truth and fiction

Real quick Steve.

We got in debt primarily because of two wars not paid for (the first time in American history we did not RAISE taxes to pay for military action -- during WWII the top tax rate was 92% and few complained). Also a large part of our deficits are revenue decisions, not spending ones. The Bush tax cuts were a disaster for the country.

Why is the state budget larger. Simple. More peple and inflation which is modest but adds to the cost of running government and...

Posted on 09/28/11 at 09:54 am in response to Is government bloated? Truth and fiction

Steve,
Your numbers are correct, but need some drilling. In 2000 our debt was $5 Trillion; in 2009 (Obama's first year) they were $12 Trillion. That speaks volumes, and makes a statement about the effect of the Bush tax cuts -- a massive error based totally on ideology, not economics.

Sure, we still should cut the military budget. Very simply, we cannot afford it, especially extraordinarily expensive weapons systems. Some bombs now cost over a million dollars, and poof...it is...

Posted on 09/22/11 at 11:47 am in response to Middle East hawks should welcome U.N. Palestine vote

Ron offers some interesting thoughts...but they will never happen. The concept of a bi-national state would be an anthema to both sides, who are deeply polarized.

He also points out the settlements in the West Bank, where there could be a tiny glimmer of hope for such a plan, but ignores Gaza where the friction is greater.

Saddest of all, is the fact that both side could prosper in such an arrangement. The Isrealies have technology and manufacturing -- but they need labor. But...

Posted on 09/23/11 at 08:41 am in response to Middle East hawks should welcome U.N. Palestine vote

Rolf, the reality is BOTH sides have villified Obama. I guess on this basis there is some sort of equality.

Looking back, every single president and every adminstration (sans a glimmer of hope by Carter which died with Sadat) has failed to bring these parties to peace using every carrot and stick in the book.

Actually, Obama has shown a modicum of "balance"; and it may be too early to make a final judgement on his prospects for success. Am I hopeful? No, but willing to wait a...

Posted on 09/19/11 at 03:38 pm in response to Vikings lose again, defying all odds and logic

We've been there and done that before with older QBs released by other teams. So it is with McNabb. Yes, he has skills and experience -- but he doesn't win. At least not in recent years. Why? That is an intangible, but he certainly does not look motivated, fiery, and aggressive. So far he has played one good quarter out of four. Could be a long season.