The American Car industry.
CAFE standards
Government ownership
Has the government ever run anything (other than into the ground)?
i understand the need to push automakers to make more fuel efficient cars, but right now? Seriously? Chrysler (almost gone), GM (slightly better, but still sinking - fast) and Ford (not in terrible shape, but hurting) have enough on their plates trying to come up with a car that doesn't suck.
Right now, with current automotive technology the only way to get cars that will meet these new CAFE standars is to sacrifice weight for economy. That means cars will be made with thinner and lighter metals and much more plastics and composites. Folks, if 10 years from now you get hit by a '78 Cadillac Brougham while you're riding around in a car lighter than a Prius, the Caddy becomes both the immovable object and the irresistable force. Physics come into play. You will be in a world of shit...
Who knows, maybe the American Auto unions (Primary shareholder of GM and Chrysler) and the Federal Government (same) under the expert engineering tutelage of President Obama and Vice President Biden, will be able to out- design and produce the profit motivated robber barons of the American Car Industry (and the Germans, Japanese, Koreans, and Chinese).
Sure, it could happen, but folks, I think I have a better chance of seeing Mr. Jesus H. Christ and Mr. John Cantius Garand (Peace Be Upon Him) sharing a cup of joe at the local 7-11.
It is apparent WHO is behind all of this:
Auto Mechanics (Technicians)
Used Car Salesmen
and the Spare Parts Industry
I for one will now keep my 165 HP Honda CR-V (gets 25 miles to the gallon) until the wheels fall off, then go buy a used one, in Mexico, for parts.
This is another thing I reserve the "I told you so" right.
19 May 2009
08 May 2009
So, tonight I will see it...
I am looking forward to seeing it. From what I have heard it's a good one.
I have been a fan since a VERY early age...
I reserve the right not to love it, but I have heard that the movie is a hell of a ride...
I'll let you know....
Crazed American
But as far as I'm concerned, the picture at the top is Captain Kirk...
30 April 2009
Swine Flu
My spider-sense is a tickling.
They just closed my daughter's school (and the rest of the district) 'till Monday...
Either it's worse than they are letting on, or...
Let's just say I'd rather pick it being worse than they are letting on. Either way somebody is at the least managing our expectations, or outright lying to us, for some other nefarious purpose. What that is, I keep to myself - in the dark recesses of my fevered mind...
Or Joe Biden (Vice-President) (clueless gas-bag), by saying that he wouldn't be riding planes or trains, has sparked a wee bit of a panic, and it might be that time for him to be fired.
Article on Joe: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0409/21925.html
Mark my words - the powers that be might use this an an excuse to cut him loose from the administration.
"...Engineered Crisis..." Hmmm....
Geo-political experts, talk amongst yourselves. Comments are always welcome, but not expected.
They just closed my daughter's school (and the rest of the district) 'till Monday...
Either it's worse than they are letting on, or...
Let's just say I'd rather pick it being worse than they are letting on. Either way somebody is at the least managing our expectations, or outright lying to us, for some other nefarious purpose. What that is, I keep to myself - in the dark recesses of my fevered mind...
Or Joe Biden (Vice-President) (clueless gas-bag), by saying that he wouldn't be riding planes or trains, has sparked a wee bit of a panic, and it might be that time for him to be fired.
Article on Joe: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0409/21925.html
Mark my words - the powers that be might use this an an excuse to cut him loose from the administration.
"...Engineered Crisis..." Hmmm....
Geo-political experts, talk amongst yourselves. Comments are always welcome, but not expected.
28 April 2009
Because "I have a gift..."
http://wcbstv.com/topstories/air.force.one.2.996457.html
So the Federal government knowingly scared the shit out of a city.
President Obama had authorized this mission
If it was just a VC-25A and not Air Force One, why not tell anyone?
Until the Feds release a verifiable manifest of the personnel on-board (which they won't), I'm assuming it was either Air Force One, or a planeload of political donors for a little joy ride.
Not to mention this spent $328,835. Not to mention the lost wages and productivity of the people who thought they were under attack again, not to mention the counseling that some people are undoubtedly going to require.
All for a fucking photo. Nice job, Mr. President, I'd ask if you slept well, but I already know the answer.
Where's the outcry form the mass media?
Oh, and Arlen Specter is a coward and a complete asshole. Looked like he was going to loose against another Republican. The Democrats promised to run him as thier candidate. Being a Senator is the MOST important thing to him. In the immortal owrds of my Grandfather, "Don't let the door hit you in the ass". I have no money, and I am considering sending money to ALL of his opponents...
Love my first amendment rights.
Crazed American, out.
UPDATE: So, the President is not going to release the "publicity" photos from the flight.
Call the Crazed American cynical, but I now bet there are no photos...
So the Federal government knowingly scared the shit out of a city.
President Obama had authorized this mission
If it was just a VC-25A and not Air Force One, why not tell anyone?
Until the Feds release a verifiable manifest of the personnel on-board (which they won't), I'm assuming it was either Air Force One, or a planeload of political donors for a little joy ride.
Not to mention this spent $328,835. Not to mention the lost wages and productivity of the people who thought they were under attack again, not to mention the counseling that some people are undoubtedly going to require.
All for a fucking photo. Nice job, Mr. President, I'd ask if you slept well, but I already know the answer.
Where's the outcry form the mass media?
Oh, and Arlen Specter is a coward and a complete asshole. Looked like he was going to loose against another Republican. The Democrats promised to run him as thier candidate. Being a Senator is the MOST important thing to him. In the immortal owrds of my Grandfather, "Don't let the door hit you in the ass". I have no money, and I am considering sending money to ALL of his opponents...
Love my first amendment rights.
Crazed American, out.
UPDATE: So, the President is not going to release the "publicity" photos from the flight.
Call the Crazed American cynical, but I now bet there are no photos...
19 April 2009
17 April 2009
Tea Parties
The Crazed American Likes this...
The American system is strongest when the citizenry actively participate. Our problems stem from us not participating nearly enough.
Note to all of those who criticize these people, yet were happy when people protested "the war" (pick one): It's called the Freedom of Speech, look it up. Don't try to deny it to people you don't agree with...
That's un-American
Freedom - that's all I want my congress-critters to do - protect my freedom.
Crazed American, out.
The American system is strongest when the citizenry actively participate. Our problems stem from us not participating nearly enough.
Note to all of those who criticize these people, yet were happy when people protested "the war" (pick one): It's called the Freedom of Speech, look it up. Don't try to deny it to people you don't agree with...
That's un-American
Freedom - that's all I want my congress-critters to do - protect my freedom.
Crazed American, out.
16 April 2009
Counterpoint
My bipolar condition is kicking in right about now.
A little something from the Commentaries of the Maud'Dib (if you don't know who that is - your loss...)
Any road followed precisely to its end leads precisely nowhere. Climb the mountain just a little bit to test that it's a mountain. From the top of the mountain, you cannot see the mountain.
I write this as I look at mountains. I see Iron Mountain, dominating the large window frame. I see the runs of Dreamscape and Dreamcatcher to the right and the runs of PCMR obscured by the diminutive bulk of Quarry Mountain. Bald Mountain is obscured in the clouds...
Snow blankets the earth, outside is filled with the noise of the highway, with the smells of nearby restaurants comingled with that of the highway. Here I sit, before me a picture of serene, stark beauty, cold in its depth, warm in the body and cold in the heart. My solitude is punctuated by little, only the tapping of the keys, and the muttering of voices behind me.
What does this reflection indicate to my soul, what truths from it do I glean?
Yep, that's right - life fucking sucks, (but I'll qualify it with) at times. Then in the next moment you remove yourself from your own self pity and shame and realize that the world doesn't give a shit if you're happy or not. Happiness is like the lands of Elysium. Something we all can attain in death, but we only get fleeting glimpses of it in life. I have determined that happiness is what you make. It's not a state that we wretches naturally dwell in. The gossamer sheen it places on moments in life are what make us pick ourselves up and in the immortal words of the Chairman of the Board "...get back in the race. That's Life. And as funny as it may seem, some people get their kicks stomping on a dream..."
To again hold her hands and look into her eyes on the shores of the sea.
Crazed American, out.
A little something from the Commentaries of the Maud'Dib (if you don't know who that is - your loss...)
Any road followed precisely to its end leads precisely nowhere. Climb the mountain just a little bit to test that it's a mountain. From the top of the mountain, you cannot see the mountain.
I write this as I look at mountains. I see Iron Mountain, dominating the large window frame. I see the runs of Dreamscape and Dreamcatcher to the right and the runs of PCMR obscured by the diminutive bulk of Quarry Mountain. Bald Mountain is obscured in the clouds...
Snow blankets the earth, outside is filled with the noise of the highway, with the smells of nearby restaurants comingled with that of the highway. Here I sit, before me a picture of serene, stark beauty, cold in its depth, warm in the body and cold in the heart. My solitude is punctuated by little, only the tapping of the keys, and the muttering of voices behind me.
What does this reflection indicate to my soul, what truths from it do I glean?
Yep, that's right - life fucking sucks, (but I'll qualify it with) at times. Then in the next moment you remove yourself from your own self pity and shame and realize that the world doesn't give a shit if you're happy or not. Happiness is like the lands of Elysium. Something we all can attain in death, but we only get fleeting glimpses of it in life. I have determined that happiness is what you make. It's not a state that we wretches naturally dwell in. The gossamer sheen it places on moments in life are what make us pick ourselves up and in the immortal words of the Chairman of the Board "...get back in the race. That's Life. And as funny as it may seem, some people get their kicks stomping on a dream..."
To again hold her hands and look into her eyes on the shores of the sea.
Crazed American, out.
On Life
The Crazed American opines:
Life - sometimes it fucking sucks.
That is all.
Crazed American, out.
Life - sometimes it fucking sucks.
That is all.
Crazed American, out.
15 April 2009
More on the NorK launch
via Drudgereport.com:
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/apr/15/us-failed-to-use-best-radar-for-n-korea-missile/
So, according to the story Defense Secretary Robert Gates denied Northern Command from using the SBX, a very expensive, highly capable, and extremely advanced anti-missile radar. Our best radar system out there.
"Why that dirty rascal! He's endangering us!" Some people would say.
Some people would say that, and some people would be wrong...
I agree with Secretary Gates. Why not use our best, most advanced, most capable radar system?
Easy, probably because the Russians and the Chinese wanted us to use it, so they could analyze the response a signals and energies that it generated. The more knowledge that they have about the SBX system, the more likely they are to be able to generate an effective deterrent or countermeasure, that would allow them to at least reduce it's effectiveness, should the big balloon go up and the "powers that be" decide it's time for us to live in the Stone Age again.
Also, I agree that Secretary Gates said that we didn't need to use it. The NorK Missile was very primitve, so using the SBX to track it would be like using a high powered searchlight of 500 billion candle power to look for an elephant in a room with you. A small flashlight would be just as effective. I'm quite positive the US Air Force and the US Navy kept a very close eye on things, with pre-existing systems. Not to mention, the pre-exisiting systems were on Anti-Satelite SM-3 armed Aegis Cruisers.
Good call. No reason to give the Chinese and the Russians a look at an "operational test".
Shrewd. Kudos.
I still think we should bomb the launch facility, especially now that the NorKs have promised to continue missile testing and have vowed to restart their nuclear research.
Interesting times,
Crazed American
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/apr/15/us-failed-to-use-best-radar-for-n-korea-missile/
So, according to the story Defense Secretary Robert Gates denied Northern Command from using the SBX, a very expensive, highly capable, and extremely advanced anti-missile radar. Our best radar system out there.
"Why that dirty rascal! He's endangering us!" Some people would say.
Some people would say that, and some people would be wrong...
I agree with Secretary Gates. Why not use our best, most advanced, most capable radar system?
Easy, probably because the Russians and the Chinese wanted us to use it, so they could analyze the response a signals and energies that it generated. The more knowledge that they have about the SBX system, the more likely they are to be able to generate an effective deterrent or countermeasure, that would allow them to at least reduce it's effectiveness, should the big balloon go up and the "powers that be" decide it's time for us to live in the Stone Age again.
Also, I agree that Secretary Gates said that we didn't need to use it. The NorK Missile was very primitve, so using the SBX to track it would be like using a high powered searchlight of 500 billion candle power to look for an elephant in a room with you. A small flashlight would be just as effective. I'm quite positive the US Air Force and the US Navy kept a very close eye on things, with pre-existing systems. Not to mention, the pre-exisiting systems were on Anti-Satelite SM-3 armed Aegis Cruisers.
Good call. No reason to give the Chinese and the Russians a look at an "operational test".
Shrewd. Kudos.
I still think we should bomb the launch facility, especially now that the NorKs have promised to continue missile testing and have vowed to restart their nuclear research.
Interesting times,
Crazed American
04 April 2009
Here we go...
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/as_nkorea_missile
The NorKs launched their bird. Looks like nobody did nuthin'.
Diplomacy in action. The chess game begins, now. NorK's start exporting medium range ballistic missiles, now. The Iranians get to use some of this tech, now.
Iran can now hit London, folks...
I ask anyone - the NorK's said this was for a communications satellite launch - not a test of MRBM's. Let me guess no satellite?
F-ckers.
And we did nothing. Now, let's scold them some more.
Crazed American Quote of the Year:
People - individuals, they can get together with other individuals and build great and terrible things, like babies, moon rockets, symphonies, atom bombs. Countries and nations, act either like petty children or like base animals. The larger the group of people, the lower their behavior.
F-ck it. I spent two days of skiing in some of the best powder conditions that I've seen in a while. I spent quality time with my child.
My country is being run by amateurs and the corrupt (no favors, I mean the absolute lot of them). The Crazed American is thinking about running for elected office, or heading for the hills, haven't quite figured out which. Let y'all know real soon, like.
That is all,
the Crazed American
The NorKs launched their bird. Looks like nobody did nuthin'.
Diplomacy in action. The chess game begins, now. NorK's start exporting medium range ballistic missiles, now. The Iranians get to use some of this tech, now.
Iran can now hit London, folks...
I ask anyone - the NorK's said this was for a communications satellite launch - not a test of MRBM's. Let me guess no satellite?
F-ckers.
And we did nothing. Now, let's scold them some more.
Crazed American Quote of the Year:
People - individuals, they can get together with other individuals and build great and terrible things, like babies, moon rockets, symphonies, atom bombs. Countries and nations, act either like petty children or like base animals. The larger the group of people, the lower their behavior.
F-ck it. I spent two days of skiing in some of the best powder conditions that I've seen in a while. I spent quality time with my child.
My country is being run by amateurs and the corrupt (no favors, I mean the absolute lot of them). The Crazed American is thinking about running for elected office, or heading for the hills, haven't quite figured out which. Let y'all know real soon, like.
That is all,
the Crazed American
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