GOP entering 'Dark Ages' as Hillary tops all GOP candidates in Texas

[GiancarloC]

It remains to be seen. Some cultures and economies can copy others but have little ability to innovate. Innovation seems to be a function of economic freedom and a culture of individualism. Newly industrialized economies mostly copy the goods of others but with the advantage of cheaper labor. So long as China has an authoritarian government, I doubt if it will be able to innovate much, while other countries will be able copy cheaper. If America declines, it will because of our clearly declining economic freedom.

Thanks for all the red herrings. And unsupported statements... have anymore to make? And "economic freedom" isn't real freedom. Those western countries with more regulations are the ones making more advancements than those without.

[chrisrobin]

Thanks for all the red herrings. And unsupported statements... have anymore to make? And "economic freedom" isn't real freedom. Those western countries with more regulations are the ones making more advancements than those without.

We might have economic freedom and a culture of individualism, BUT

China Opens Longest High-Speed Rail Line

The Godless Communist red devils have these:



http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/27/bu...hina.html?_r=0

We have psychotic Neocons.

Hey America, welcome to the Third World!

[Benvolio]

Innovation or copy?

[Rolyo85]

You really can't say anything nice about anyone non-American. Do you really hate the rest of the world so much?


Btw, I laughed so hard that this is the only thing you were capable of saying after rareboy wiped the floor with your ignorance.

[GiancarloC]

Innovation or copy?

A copy of what? There is nothing like that in the US.

Maybe they were copying those other "socialist" countries in Europe.



This is what the US has. 25-30 year old trains... that go at a crawl. With some of the worst safety records in the West.

California finally realized it and will start building one like in China. Maybe we're copying China lol. But that's YEARS from completion. The rest of the country hasn't even bothered.

[chrisrobin]

Innovation or copy?

What is the nature of your question?

[Jack Springer]

The media is quite clear.

Gastroenteritis presents many symptoms, among them dehydration and delirium.

Are you saying our media is 'shitty'?

[crimsonpaine]

I'm so tired of the media, especially during an election cycle, just tires me out trying to keep up with who said what and keeping up with the context or hidden context of what was said. The only news I watch regularly anymore is the local morning and evening on WTTG Fox 5, I love just about all the on air people.

[T-Rexx]

California finally realized it and will start building one like in China. Maybe we're copying China lol. But that's YEARS from completion. The rest of the country hasn't even bothered.

We actually started to build a train system in Ohio. But, our new Republican governor killed it.

[maxpowr9]

We actually started to build a train system in Ohio. But, our new Republican governor killed it.

In "progressive" MA, the MBTA has more debt than some entire states. I would say unions are part of the blame but this is what happens when some trains are 35+ years old and are breaking down all over the tracks.

[GiancarloC]

We actually started to build a train system in Ohio. But, our new Republican governor killed it.

What a surprise... a republican killing a program that would create jobs, and help alleviate all sorts of problems. I wonder which company paid him off.

[Jack Springer]

We actually started to build a train system in Ohio. But, our new Republican governor killed it.

Can you afford it? Will it be profitable or even break even?

I'm guessing it will just look pretty.

[GiancarloC]

Can you afford it? Will it be profitable or even break even?

I'm guessing it will just look pretty.

Again, this logic... it'll pay off in the future. It'll alleviate environmental problems, improve transit speed (and this could be beneficial for business travel) and so forth. Sometimes it won't pay off initially, but cutting programs just because they seem "too expensive" is republican logic... meaning not logical at all.

[JockBoy87]

The most depressed states in the country are those with the fewest infrastructure initiatives in the early 20th century.

China's investment now will mean unchallenged superiority over the US by the time I am an old man.

[chrisrobin]

Again, this logic... it'll pay off in the future. It'll alleviate environmental problems, improve transit speed (and this could be beneficial for business travel) and so forth. Sometimes it won't pay off initially, but cutting programs just because they seem "too expensive" is republican logic... meaning not logical at all.

republican logic

Positive results of high-speed transit:

1. fewer cars on the road - easier on the environment.
2. not necessary to fly (NYC - DC, Boston - NYC, etc.) less airport congestion, fewer opportunities to get
groped by TSA.
3. Koch Brothers will have to suck off somebody else other than the automotive industry.

[maxpowr9]

^population density is reason why rail travel in europe is good and only really viable along the east coast of the US.

[JockBoy87]

^population density is reason why rail travel in europe is good and only really viable along the east coast of the US.

It probably has more to do with gas prices. Long road trips are expensive in Europe.

Also, the only really dense region of Europe is called the Blue Banana, which completely excludes France, and yet rail is extensive there.

When gas hits 5, 6, 7 ... 10 dollars a gallon, we will see the public clamoring for rail here in the US, mark my words. By then it will probably be too late to catch up to China, and partisan gridlock will make coordinated infrastructure improvements impossible nationally.

[GiancarloC]

It'll be viable on the west coast too.

[chrisrobin]

It'll be viable on the west coast too.

Definitely. LA to Las Vegas. LA to San Francisco. Both to Seattle or San Diego. Maybe even LA to Phoenix!

[maxpowr9]

Definitely. LA to Las Vegas. LA to San Francisco. Both to Seattle or San Diego. Maybe even LA to Phoenix!

I never understood why Cali didn't develop rails especially in the southern part or along the coast. The market is there especially from SD to Sacramento. It's basically the equivalent of Boston to DC.

[GiancarloC]

I never understood why Cali didn't develop rails especially in the southern part or along the coast. The market is there especially from SD to Sacramento. It's basically the equivalent of Boston to DC.

We are going to... and we do have rail... but it's that Amtrak crap. My brother took it up from LA to Oregon or Washington state... it was slow as hell though... took forever. A bill did pass to get a big project up and going... the payback will exceed any costs. State republicans complained about it, but they aren't relevant and have no say in the direction of this state anymore.

[Benvolio]

What is the nature of your question?

This comes up in the context of a prediction that China will lead in the future. I suggested that newly industrialized countries grow rapidly by copying, but many lack the ability to innovate. Authoritarian economies do not innovate well. That has been the weakness of Communism and Socialism. Will China be an innovator? Remains to be seen, but I doubt it.
Then someone showed the photo of the trains as an example, and I asked the question; innovation or copy. So far as we know, the high speed train is based upon technology from other countries, Japan, and perhaps Europe.

[Jack Springer]

^population density is reason why rail travel in europe is good and only really viable along the east coast of the US.

Good sense. Rail travel will do nothing in my part of the country. If the east coast wants to spend the money to build a rail system -- do it -- but don't use my tax dollars -- use your own.

[JockBoy87]

Good sense. Rail travel will do nothing in my part of the country. If the east coast wants to spend the money to build a rail system -- do it -- but don't use my tax dollars -- use your own.

It's all connected, Jack, no pun intended.

The quality of your life would not be what it is without other regions of the country having efficient transportation.

[Benvolio]

If we build it, the labor bosses will squeeze it dry and ask for endless subsidies. Amtrak all over again. No thanks.

[Jack Springer]

It's all connected, Jack, no pun intended.

The quality of your life would not be what it is without other regions of the country having efficient transportation.

Then build rail systems or better road systems in my part of the country.

[Rolyo85]

If we build it, the labor bosses will squeeze it dry and ask for endless subsidies. Amtrak all over again. No thanks.

Is your position on everything "yes, we COULD do it better than everyone, but we shouldn't, ever, because somebody might abuse it"? Such anti-American views you have

[JockBoy87]

Then build rail systems or better road systems in my part of the country.

Don't tell me, tell your congressman, but you will probably be wasting your time if he/she is a Republican.

[Jack Springer]

Don't tell me, tell your congressman, but you will probably be wasting your time if he/she is a Republican.

McCaskill is my senator ... if there's no money in it for her or her husband ... she has no interest.

[GiancarloC]

This comes up in the context of a prediction that China will lead in the future. I suggested that newly industrialized countries grow rapidly by copying, but many lack the ability to innovate. Authoritarian economies do not innovate well. That has been the weakness of Communism and Socialism. Will China be an innovator? Remains to be seen, but I doubt it.

Except the US doesn't have rail like that. And the rail the US does have is 25-30 years old... if not even older. Authoritarian economies don't innovate well? And nice swipe at socialism, but it's a failed one. At least understand what socialism is before attacking it.

Where is the US with this rail though? Why is the train system in the US so old and antiquated? Perhaps it's because of the republicans who refuse to spend any money.

Then someone showed the photo of the trains as an example, and I asked the question; innovation or copy. So far as we know, the high speed train is based upon technology from other countries, Japan, and perhaps Europe.

All of which are arguably mixed economies and social democratic countries. Keep on failing.

- - - Updated - - -

If we build it, the labor bosses will squeeze it dry and ask for endless subsidies. Amtrak all over again. No thanks.

Yea so the right wingers are in favor of the same old shitty system in place, because they are "afraid of the big bad labor unions". Get a grip.

[chrisrobin]

This comes up in the context of a prediction that China will lead in the future. I suggested that newly industrialized countries grow rapidly by copying, but many lack the ability to innovate. Authoritarian economies do not innovate well. That has been the weakness of Communism and Socialism.

I hate to disrupt this thread with facts. However, Japan has the second largest GNP (next to the U.S.) Their government is "socialist lite". They have had single-payer health insurance for years. Japan had a reputation for producing cheap imitations - during the occupation (early 50s). The Shinkansen (bullet train) was put into service in 1964... around the same time that the Japanese auto market was expanding. Japan was building world-class ships in the early part of the 20th century.

I don't the think Lexus would be considered a cheap imitation.



It is my belief that Japan will survive, even without your approval.

[xbuzzerx]

Is your position on everything "yes, we COULD do it better than everyone, but we shouldn't, ever, because somebody might abuse it"? Such anti-American views you have

"We have no interest in doing it because the fossil fuel individual consumer car-based industry packs gut-busting profits every single quarter while receiving government subsidies for the privilege."

Dat capitalism.

[CowboyBob]

It's not surprising Hillary beats all the theoretical republican opponents. Look what they have to offer.... Jindahl, Christie, another Bush, Rubio.... the dregs of the political spectrum.

[maxpowr9]

It's not surprising Hillary beats all the theoretical republican opponents. Look what they have to offer.... Jindahl, Christie, another Bush, Rubio.... the dregs of the political spectrum.

Christie is the only reputable one of the lot but I would vote for Hillary with the predilection of who her VP would be. If it is any party-line "progressive", I would be very weary.

[chance1]

Christie is the only reputable one of the lot but I would vote for Hillary with the predilection of who her VP would be. If it is any party-line "progressive", I would be very weary.

careful max

the bandwagon has places for people like u

[maxpowr9]

careful max

the bandwagon has places for people like u

I have only voted for Obama once. Just sayin'.

[chance1]

Not sure why Hills, not Michele, wasn't presenting at the Oscars

and max u just sealed ur fate

take cover !!!!

[JockBoy87]

McCaskill is my senator ... if there's no money in it for her or her husband ... she has no interest.

You have two senators, U.S. Const. art. I, § 3, cl. 1.

But I asked you who your Congressman is, and that you only have one, U.S. Const. art. I, § 2, cl. 3.

[maxpowr9]

Not sure why Hills, not Michele, wasn't presenting at the Oscars

and max u just sealed ur fate

take cover !!!!

I didn't vote for Romney either. Both main candidates in 2012 sucked.

[Jack Springer]

You have two senators, U.S. Const. art. I, § 3, cl. 1.

But I asked you who your Congressman is, and that you only have one, U.S. Const. art. I, § 2, cl. 3.

Mr. Emanuel Cleaver, II

He operates under the same principle as McCaskill -- wants everything he can fit into his pocket. He's currently robbing the SBA for $1.1 million on a car wash loan he obviously didn't intend to pay back.

[JockBoy87]

Mr. Emanuel Cleaver, II

He operates under the same principle as McCaskill -- wants everything he can fit into his pocket. He's currently robbing the SBA for $1.1 million on a car wash loan he obviously didn't intend to pay back.

Okay so the 5th district is Kansas City and Democratic, and you don't think such a person would be in favor of spending on infrastructure?

[maxpowr9]

Mr. Emanuel Cleaver, II

He operates under the same principle as McCaskill -- wants everything he can fit into his pocket. He's currently robbing the SBA for $1.1 million on a car wash loan he obviously didn't intend to pay back.

^Mhm, I'd hit it. Still nothing get me harder than a fire crotch like my congressman, Joe Kennedy III.

[Jack Springer]

Okay so the 5th district is Kansas City and Democratic, and you don't think such a person would be in favor of spending on infrastructure?

Cleaver is more interested in saving the polar bears.

While mayor he changed an easy Interstate access road into the city and made it a stop light filled traffic hazard.

[JockBoy87]

Cleaver is more interested in saving the polar bears.

While mayor he changed an easy Interstate access road into the city and made it a stop light filled traffic hazard.

We had our Senator Milkulski, before she was a senator, campaign to stop I-70 from terminating in Baltimore City, but then again we have more interstates per person than any other metropolitan city in the US.