mr_genius

NBA 2k9 is fricking amazing

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Dec 31, 2008 -> 03:32 PM) Something a lot of people don't mention in this debate... part of the reason why our costs are so damn high is the prevalence of fully private health insurance AND private health care providers. It introduces all sorts of falsehoods and strange attractors into the economic equations. The usual economic equations are closer to two-sided, or liner in nature, which is also more true in at least some of those European nations (though I don't know them all, or any very well). This privatized triad we have going here is problematic, IMO. I don't really know the answer on this one. Its a huge puzzle. Also keep in mind countries like Germany and Japan have strict guidelines which doctors and hospitals can charge patients. Like a week stay in the hospital is $130 in Japan and like $50,000 here. They actually have large phone book looking manuals which mandate what they can charge patients. For example, the average rates charged in the U.S. and the average rates charged in Germany are WAY different.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Dec 31, 2008 -> 02:39 PM) Well, the other argument I can make is that it'd be dramatically more dangerous to not take on additional debt and just let the economy spiral its way completely down the liquidity trap. These bailouts and giveaways aren't fixing anything. The massive debt we are accumulating could very well end up launching this second great depression. The dollar cannot sustain it's worth if we continue on this reckless spending spree. Right now next years budget is going to be at least a 1 trillion deficit, could end up being 2 trillion. We are getting into very dangerous territory with our current levels of debt within the government and in the general population. The US is setting itself up for an epic disaster if we get anywhere near -30 trillion. Monetary collapse. The United States could likely survive a crash like that, but it would get extremely ugly.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Dec 30, 2008 -> 03:04 PM) While I agree, you also have to consider that holding a special election for that seat would almost certainly require an amendment to the Illinois State Constitution making it allowable. Given the time that would take, combined with the time for primaries, an actual campaign, etc., you'd probably be looking at the seat being vacant for at least a year, in which case you'd almost have to appoint someone as a tentative holder of the position anyway. From what I've heard a special election could realistically take place in conjunction with February primary elections.

QUOTE (lostfan @ Dec 30, 2008 -> 03:12 PM) Well, I wouldn't call them current revelations, since everybody who follows IL politics has known this was going on for about 3 years now but nothing was proven. I suppose the new revelations being that what many of us have known for a while is now on tape. I believe it changes things for much of the states population when there is concrete evidence and national media coverage.

QUOTE (lostfan @ Dec 30, 2008 -> 03:03 PM) All true statements, but I mean a lot of people gave Blagojevich campaign money for various reasons so we can't just look at everyone who did and think "oh, they must be as corrupt as he is." All of us already knew Blagojevich was corrupt, and I can't just look Burris making donations and jump to conclusions. It's a pretty inaccurate gauge of corruption just by itself which is why I put the caveat "in and of itself." I'm sure there were 'non-bribe' fundraisers put on for Blago; but with the current revelations regarding the activities of the office, all fiscal benefits given to the governor are going to be suspect.

QUOTE (lostfan @ Dec 30, 2008 -> 02:45 PM) I don't care about fundraising in and of itself, that's a pretty normal political activity. Blago was selling the senate seat for fundraising money. It's a common bribe scheme in the Blagojevich administration. It's how the money is handed over, through fundraisers. A type of money laundering scheme, as to not seem like a direct bribe. In gerneral, yes fundraising can be considered common, but when dealing with the Blago crew it's not that innocent.

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Dec 30, 2008 -> 02:52 PM) Quinn was blocked out of Blago's work early on, and has been a critic. They are anything but cronies. he knew about this corrupt organization and is a major player in it. there is no excuse for his lack of ethics. he is completely unacceptable to name anyone to the senate.

QUOTE (Athomeboy_2000 @ Dec 30, 2008 -> 02:27 PM) Blogo Appointee Gave Blogo $$$ This is probably a LITTLE over critical, but worth noting. actually it is more like 20k in bribes from what i'm hearing. the plot thickens

I saw the Blago press conference I would like to commend him; political theatre at it's finest. What a great pick, the senate Dems will have to consider the pick now or be accused of denying the only African-American senator (as Burris has been appointed) a senate seat.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Dec 30, 2008 -> 02:27 PM) If the Lt. Gov is also unqualified or corrupt, then it's the Illinois Legislature's job to remove them. The Senate can't just keep that seat vacant forever. A special election is the only reasonable solution to the empty senate seat

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Dec 30, 2008 -> 01:52 PM) won't seat anyone Blagojevich names: Blago's crony Pat Quinn should appoint the senator? just as bad IMO. The senate should refuse to accept any appointment that comes from the Blagojevich crimal orgainzation

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Dec 30, 2008 -> 12:56 PM) Well, the impeachment panel is still out. They may be able to impeach the Governor before he formally makes his nomination, depending on how long things take. If he is impeached, its possible that Illinois law makes the governor legally impotent to make the nomination or do anything else. Its like a race. Even if blagojevich isn't impeached in time to stop a senate nomination, I don't see the senate Democrats taking the selection. It would be a public relations disaster

Oh this is going to be good Blago is the gift that keeps on giving

first down.

haha what was that

shouldve had that td

nice job jumping right past the running back, Alex Brown

pfft

QUOTE (maggsmaggs @ Dec 28, 2008 -> 02:34 PM) He was down, unfortunately. yea. hopefully they'll botch the replay call

Bears need to run back a turnover. only chance. or just get a fumble like that i guess

haha wow 50 yard run

omg that is defensive holding at least

oh nice return. Bears needed that

good spot for Texans challenge the spot lovie