Posted by toddcommish on 4/4/2012 2:31:00 AM (view original):

Posted by stinenavy on 4/3/2012 11:23:00 PM (view original):
Can any of you folks explain to me how in a country where the wealth disparity has already increased exponentially, how lowering the tax rates for the richest Americans and slashing the programs that help the middle and lower class is a novel idea?

Also how do you expect the Republican nominee, who has signed on to the plan, to defeat the current President?

Did it ever occur to you that the wealth disparity is increasing because the work ethic disparity is also increasing?

I grew up in the middle class.  My dad (and mom) worked to EARN money, and didn't expect the government to pay people for not doing anything.

Posted by llad_lu76 on 4/4/2012 2:41:00 PM (view original):
Folks,

I would encourage you to take a look at the psychological literature on the "fundamental attribution error"---It is the tendency (of Westerners at least) to over-attribute outcomes to personal-dispositional factors, and under-emphasize the impact of situational factors.  I strongly suspect that the large disparity in evaluations of both the current and previous presidents are impacted by this effect.....at least to the extent that we seek put a face on the problems of a nation. 

Dependence on foreign oil is a societal-level issue, and the root of many of the problems (domestic and foreign) faced by both Presidents, and it is difficult to imagine the actions of any one individual turning this around in the short term.

Bingo, we have a winner.


Saying things like "The President's job is to address the problems of his people," may be emotionally satisfying. Maybe it allows you to think of yourself as being all about accountabilty. As for serious analysis, it's hopelessly inadequate.

Posted by nickbracco on 4/4/2012 5:49:00 PM (view original):
I thought I was on your blocked list a-hole?

Nope.  You never made the cut.