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myles spicer

minnetonka, MN
Commenter for
5 years 23 weeks

Recent Comments

Posted on 10/24/11 at 11:45 am in response to Vikings stadium: Let's inject fiscal sanity into the debate

Frankly, I am baffled as to why the Vikes have rejected substantial subsidies for the downtown stadium, and/or Marty's generous offer to just GIVE them a valuable asset. I can only conclude that Wilf has a hidden agenda in demanding the Arden Hills site, and state/county subsidies. That is, he is a developer by trade, and the Arden Hills site offers him the land, the infrastructure and the funding to provide substantial ADDED development beyond just the stadium. That is fine, but not at the...

Posted on 10/19/11 at 10:28 am in response to NFL worried about 'alternative plan in another city'

Actually, I live in Palm Desert CA in the winters, and get the LA Times regularily. The new stadium and acquiring a tems in LA is not a slam dunk. They have issues (and resistance) too. Additionally, there are several other teams LA is wooing ahead of the Vikes, and even more likely to seek a new home. San Diego, right down the road and a CA favorite would be #1.

Sure, the Vikes are "nice" to have around (at the right cost). Pro sports has gotten so bent out of shape, they will...

Posted on 10/17/11 at 08:45 am in response to Class divides America -- and conflicts reflect a broader battle

While I agree with Schultz's analysis (actually I wrote an op-ed in the Strib a couple of weeks ago on the same subject), I am frankly confused by his question at the end: "should government and politicians do anything about it?"

Damn right they should...and must...and now. Throughout history, tension between classes (the haves and have nots) has always been greatly exacerbated when the differential between the rich and poor reaches a breaking point. The tipping point in America in...

Posted on 10/17/11 at 11:32 am in response to Class divides America -- and conflicts reflect a broader battle

Thomas
You insult the intelligence and awareness of the American people. First I doubt that these are "stoned college kids", but you are likely correct that these "revolutions" often start with the young. The young, the bold, the gutsy, the rebels. But the history of these movements changes rapidly, and the history of the Wisconsin movement proved this. Soon the "kids" were joined by mainstream types who were just plain fed up. So it will be with this movement, just like the Arab...

Posted on 10/17/11 at 03:09 pm in response to Class divides America -- and conflicts reflect a broader battle

Dennis
You are correct when you say we are all free to pursue wealth. The problem with laissez faire capitalism is that it just does not work. The experiments of the Chicago School of Ecomonmics which introduced it into various countries proved, that in the end, the wealth will literally end up in a few hands. Wealth begets wealth.

To me, some restraints on capitalism (and a fairer distribution of wealth) actually makes the system more robust. If nothing else, it is a consumer-...

Posted on 10/18/11 at 08:17 am in response to Class divides America -- and conflicts reflect a broader battle

OK Dennis, you can believe the distribution of wealth is"none of our business". That is, UNLESS you want to live in ahealthy, tranquil, and "fair" society. Frankly, that is the one I prefer, and to do it, some regulation and restraint of commerce is needed.

Posted on 10/13/11 at 02:05 pm in response to 9-9-9 tax plan: Does it make Herman Cain a Robin Hood for the rich?

For the poor (near the poverty level who now pay little or no Federal Income tax), the effect would be 9% Federal; 9% Sales Tax + any state or local taxes taxes; plus any other taxes or fees outsdie the program. It could easily be 25% of income oce all is considered.

Say a family is earning $30K/year, that would take a bite of $7500 out of the income. Try living or raising a family on $22,500 with housing, car, food, and medical. It is impossible, and the $30K example I offer is not...

Posted on 10/14/11 at 08:35 am in response to Rescuing 'the castle' on Minneapolis' North Side

Wonderful story. In Amrica we have a "tradition" -- but sadly it is a negative one. Build...tear down...build again...and, well you get the idea.

A few years ago I visited Greece. While there, I went to a theater that was 3000 years old. It is still in use!

Posted on 10/12/11 at 08:26 am in response to Five changes that would honor the Occupy phenomenon

Excellent article. To me, the Citizens United decision was the most egreguous, damaging, and distorted, SCOTUS decision in modern times; and will have lasting and profound effects for our democracy going forward. It damages the most vital aspect of a democratic nation: our electoral process.

Posted on 10/12/11 at 02:24 pm in response to Five changes that would honor the Occupy phenomenon

Actually, Thomas is 180 degrees wrong. The Tea Party is already in our rear view mirror. Once the public began to understand their agenda, they rejected it out of hand. Best example is the Ryan medicare idea, which conservatives could not run away from fast enough.

The occupiers, on the other hand are a metaphor for ongoing conflict between the "haves" and "have nots". This has gone on forever historically, and everywhere on the planet. It is here to stay.