Why Do Intellectuals Oppose Capitalism?

[austintorn@aol.com]

Hey, the approved no-holds-barred thread is going again, just in time.

[labelwench]

The economy is likely in for a 'no-holds barred' ride, as the global economic situation continues.

A United States Treasury security is government debt issued by the United States Department of the Treasury through the Bureau of the Public Debt. Treasury securities are the debt financing instruments of the United States Federal government, and they are often referred to simply as Treasuries. There are four types of marketable treasury securities: Treasury bills, Treasury notes, Treasury bonds, and Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (TIPS). There are several types of non-marketable treasury securities including State and Local Government Series (SLGS), Government Account Series debt issued to government-managed trust funds, and savings bonds. All of the marketable Treasury securities are very liquid and are heavily traded on the secondary market. The non-marketable securities (such as savings bonds) are issued to subscribers and cannot be transferred through market sales.

Top Foreign holders of U.S. Treasuries
As of January 2010:

Holder Total
China $889.0 billion
Japan $765.4 billion
Oil Exporters $218.4 billion
United Kingdom $206.0 billion
Brazil $169.1 billion

Source: the United States Treasury.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treasur...#Treasury_bond

Of course, if one is among the unemployed or homeless, the machinations of government in buying it's own bonds to stimulate the economy in the short-term, may offer little benefit.

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/fed...ion-2010-11-01

On the plus side, if one has no money to invest in the stock market, then one's portfolio will suffer no change if the market 'corrects' in the near future as predicted.

[labelwench]

The approaching holiday season is the 'Sacred Cow' of the retail industry in that the consumer spending of the last six weeks of the year determines much of the annual profit for many industries. For those who can afford it, this becomes the season of excess and good will, and for those who cannot, it is excess now and distress when those credit card bills start rolling in.

Such illogic alone is sufficient cause for any intellectual to oppose capitalism, IMO. There is something about this season that makes people do crazy things, spend beyond their means, and even items of gaudy display that add further burden in the utilization of same. Please don't mistake me for a Scrooge, as I greatly appreciate some of the tasteful color and light that our city goes to great effort to brave the cold weather in the making of our annual winter display, greatly enjoyed in this region of long hours of darkness. Many a person adorns their windows and eaves, apartment balcony, fence, trees and shrubbery to make our small city a winter wonderland, and even our grocery store has a display built of the red and green fridgepacks of soda pop in the shape of three evergreen trees, and of course we have poinsettas in red, cream and pink adorning every level surface in sight.

In the dark of the winter night, it is delightful to see some colored light, but please preserve us from crass commercilized displays that have little to do with either of Christmas or Solstice, are my thoughts, and obviously also of some other people.

A Flawed Theory on Holiday Decorating

I notice things. They stick in my brain and they bother me in the wee hours. Sometimes I think I have it figured out, other times I think I’m just not right in the head. I’m not sure about this one, but I’m gathering evidence to make my case.

As the Holidays* approach, people who are so inclined decorate their homes.

*Disclaimer: The word “Holidays” is not intended to promote or discount any particular religious affiliation. The writer does not endorse or dismiss any God, Goddess, Golden Idol, Demon or Flying Spaghetti Monster.


Back to my theory. From my observations, I believe I can make a good case that tastefulness in Holiday decoration is inversely proportional to economic status. I have a limited area of study, so this phenomenon may vary in your area. More input is needed.

Around here, homes are either nice – or not so nice. This may sound judgmental on my part, but take a wrong turn in some areas and you’re in Deliverance. Hold the banjos. And the teeth. (Sorry, I’m judging again.)

While I find the single-candle-in-each-and-every-window to be tasteful and classic, let’s admit that it’s not original. It’s conservative and it works with the old restored farm houses and Cape Cods in the area, and it’s fine – if dated. All the houses in the neighborhood look the same. No sore thumbs.

On the other hand, I have to wonder what drives the inhabitants of Piney Stump Acres, who have surrounded their single-wides with a dizzying assortment of Chinese inflatable caricatures of beloved cartoon icons, candy canes that look like stripper poles, and enough lights to give any onlooker an aneurysm. Also, the lights must be madly flashing – no solids. Even better if they move to music. “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer” and “I Saw Daddy Kissing Santa Claus” always bring a tear to my eye. Ah, the classics.

Some of these poor folks have a blue tarp for a roof, yet spend hundreds on inflatable reindeer and electricity. I appreciate the enthusiasm, but how about a little practicality, people? Sorry kids, no money for toys this year. Daddy needs a new generator to run the snow globes.

There’s a herd mentality at work here – some neighbors look at it as a competition, trying to out-tacky their rivals. The weaker ones admit defeat, lighting one solitary bush in the front lawn in an act of submission.

If this strikes a little too close to home, I’m sorry. It’s a conditioned response. My father was a pragmatist, and one extra light on in the house was cause for a lecture on the cost of electricity. At Christmas, you either had a lamp on, or the Christmas tree lights. Not both. Ever.

Please stop for a moment and consider your decorations: Tacky or Tasteful? What would Flying Spaghetti Monster do? The choice is ultimately yours, but don’t be surprised if the neighbors shun you.